infinitieplus magazine

Living life beyond plus one

infinitieplus NOVEMBER 2019

VOL. 9 NO. 11 Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Real Estate Mogul

Forever After

JulieWoods Says it is

Tapas and Tequila

Education

By Design Longview And

"Too Short to Fail" Plus

Happy Thanksgiving And

Holiday Must Haves

Plus

Brynn Woods And

CHRISTUS Good Shepherd GOLD RUSH

table of contents

Education by Design Board Members: Tyler Hudson, Judge Donna B-Habinc and Cole Tomberlain

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editor’s note

table of contents

T

apas and Tequila! Yes, you read right. Read on. Julie Woods is truly a woman in love. She loves her work, she loves East Texas, and she loves its people. Her passions motivate her to make the world around her a better place. She finds pleasure and joy in her life and career and has no reservations about working hard to realize her big dreams one of them being organizing the Go-Giver Gala 3. "We will have Spanish-infused menus, a Tequila lounge and a live band," Woods says. "It is sure to be a blast."

The event will be on Saturday, January 11 from 7:00pm to midnight at Maude Cobb Convention Center. For tickets and or sponsorship information please contact Woods at julie@juliewoodsandassociates.com.

See story from page 6.

Another good story is about Education by Design Longview, an innovative after-school program and non-pareil non-profit. Board Member and Chair of Special Events Cole Tomberlain and his Co-Chair with their families and friends organized the very first “Too Short to Fail” Race in Longview, Texas. Other Board members, Dr. Valerie Baxter and Municipal Judge Donna B-Habinc were on hand helping make it a great success. All proceeds will benefit Education by Design program.

Education by Design is grateful to all the sponsors listed on the Sponsor Board and on the brochures. See story and photos from page 8.

It is always good when a local hospital is doing everything possible to prevent illness and death. One out of every four deaths in this country comes from cancer. Even more, for women, breast cancer is the worst threat. African Americans are especially prone to this disease. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among, white, black, Native American/Alaska Native women. By the end of this year, about 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are anticipated. Hence, Longview feels blessed to have the Mobile Mammography Bus from CHRISTUS Good Shepherd for the convenience of working women. See the story of Gold Rush that endows the Bus from page 10. But wait, that is not all.

Check out page 14 for Brynn Woods, an up and coming leader. Page 15 is what most people will try to make this Thanksgiving. A no-bake chocolate pie, yum, yum, yum!

There is more. So, please read the whole magazine to get all the information you need or for someone else.

We would like to use this opportunity to thank all our advertisers, well-wishers and readers alike. The infinitieplus team wishes everyone a Very Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at infinitieplus magazine!

Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Photography

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs

Contributing Writers Kimberly Fish Zig Ziglar Shea Vogel

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.

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

Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy.

It’s It’s It’swhat what whatwe we wedeliver. deliver. deliver.

From From From the the the day day day you you you find find find out out out totothe tothe the day day day you you you deliver, deliver, deliver, there’s there’s there’s nothing nothing nothing more more more important important important totoLongview toLongview Longview Regional Regional Regional Medical Medical Medical Center Center Center than than than your your your and and and your your your baby’s baby’s baby’s health health health and and and well-being. well-being. well-being.

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

And And And if ifyou ifyou you and and and your your your newest newest newest addition addition addition need need need a alittle little a little extra extra extra help, help, help, we we we offer offer offer perinatal perinatal perinatal services services services that that that include include include maternal-fetal maternal-fetal maternal-fetal medicine medicine medicine specialists specialists specialists and and and a aLevel aLevel Level IIIIIINICU. IIINICU. NICU.

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 11

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.

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

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

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Local Realtor labors with much love Go-Giver Gala 3: “Tapas and Tequila” to bankroll “Bringing back Teague.”

By

J o y c el y ne

F a d oju t imi

jo y @ i p lusm a g . c om

J

ulie Woods is truly a woman in love. She loves her work, she loves East Texas, and she loves its people. Her passions motivate her to make the world around her a better place. She finds pleasure and joy in her life and career and has no reservations about working hard to realize her big dreams.

"You often think and do things for 'invisible' people living on the margins. Why?," she asks.

"I guess I have never thought about why or how I see those marginalized in our community, but plainly spoken, I do see them and feel compelled to make a difference."

She earns her living in real estate, and her clients are also her friends. She also steers them to each other, spreading her network of beloved acquaintances, and making them into what is essentially a family.

"I love being a 'connector' by combining my desire to make a difference with knowing a lot of different people along a lot of different life walks," she says. "I have gotten to be party to some awesome collaboration." That is not all.

Her selfless devotion to those around her led to Woods hosting the upcoming, annual Go-Giver Gala in January. This will be the event's third year. Woods and other planners are already

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Julie Woods

well along in preparing for this extravaganza to raise funds for improvements to Highway 80. Monies raised this year are earmarked specifically for the area around Teague Park. By bankrolling the purchase of properties in that district that obstruct the view of Teague Park from motorists on Highway 80, the

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november 2019

"We will have Spanish-infused menus, a Tequila lounge and a live band. It is sure to be a blast." " - Julie Woods

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Gala will provide visibility into this beautiful area. Not only will locals be able to savor a scenic overlook, but it might attract new businesses to the neighborhood. The Spanish-oriented theme for the Gala is "Tapas and Tequila."

"We will have Spanish-infused menus, a Tequila lounge and a live band," she says. "It is sure to be a blast."

The event will be on Saturday, January 11 from 7:00pm to midnight at Maude Cobb Convention Center. For tickets and/or sponsorship information please contact Woods at julie@juliewoodsandassociates.com.

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Education by Design Premier Fundraiser:

“Too Short to Fail” race de buts in Longview

E

ducation by Design, {EBD} an innovative local after school program recently held its first fund raiser dubbed “Too Short to Fail.” Cole Tomberlain, Chair of Special Events and his Co-chair Tyler Hudson, their families and friends did a superb job. Several EBD Board Members including Municipal Judge Donna B-Habinc clad in Superwoman costume congratulated the winners. Moreover, Dr. Valerie Baxter was on hand to help with the event.

“Too Short to Fail” is Longview’s first Half K event at the Green benefitting Education by Design.

The race was indeed Too Short to Fail. Thanks to Chuck Tomberlain of Tomberlain Insurance Company and his Friends; DJ Hazbro, The Smoking Aces Mobile Cigar Lounge and Rotolo's Pizzeria

Tyler Hudson

Nishil Patel

Cole Tomberlain and Tommy Balboa

Erik Dunham aka DJ Hazbro

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Valerie Baxter and Donna B-Habinc

Andrew Griffith

Jeff Hunt

Cole Tomberlain

Cole Tomberlain

Conner Walters

Chuck Tomberlain

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David Wise Kevin Hollingsworth

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Blake Baumgardner and Jacob Patterson

Jordan Alford and Jennifer White

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Longview, all of Longview for supporting Education

by Design. By the way, there was mega pouring of beer and wine, plus many other fun things.

At 11am, DJ Hazbro called on the runners to fall in line and see if they have what it takes to survive Longview's very first Half K. At 11:30am teams of 4 runners stationed themselves at each quarter for a relay style race. Each member was required to chug a beer (or Water) before their team member can take off. The last leg "Flipped Cup" their way to the winners’ circle. Cole Tomberlain won 1st place in the relay style race.

Education by Design thanks all the generous Partners in Education listed on the Sponsor Board.

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BODY SOUL AND SPIRIT

body SOUL AND spirit

Gold Rush endows Mobile Mammography Bus By

J o y c el y ne

F a d oju t imi

jo y @ i p lusm a g . c om

Margie and Blake Tucker Aliceson Howell, Nelda Strong and Carolyn Ann Walgren

Nat and Michelle Mann

Laney and Patricia Newman Connie and Ricky Paul

Executive Director of Development, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System Aliceson Howell and husband Corey Howell of Grady Crawford Construction Company Inc.

Jared Graham, Jana and Todd Hancock

Delcine and Wade Johnson

N

othing kills more people than heart disease. Still, it is far from the only mass murderer. One out of every four deaths in this country comes from cancer. Even more, for women, breast cancer is the worst threat. Apart from a few strains of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all persuasions, although some are more vulnerable than others. African Americans are especially prone to this disease. It is the second

leading cause of cancer deaths among, white, black, Native American/Alaska Native women. Statistics from the American Cancer Society are sobering.

By the end of this year, about 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are anticipated. There will be about 62,930 cases of carcinoma in situ. This is a noninvasive strain, and the earliest form of breast cancer.

A whopping 41, 760 women are expected to die from cancer this year. But all is not lost. There is hope.

Early detection is always the most promising

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Williams Tibbs and Brooke Foggy

Shannan and Troy Moore

Wendy and Bryan Baird

start to combating malignancy. Getting state-ofthe-art treatment before cancer has time to spread considerably improves the odds of recovery. The best way to achieve early detection is via regular cancer screenings. The American Cancer Society provides guidelines for women of all risk factors. Although there are frequently lumps that can be felt, cancer can also get started without noticeable symptoms.

Screening can detect malignancies before they are conspicuous. Detection of breast cancers while they are still confined to the breast is vital. The size of www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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breast tumors and the extent to which they have spread at the time of detection are crucial factors in a woman's chances of beating the illness.

These guidelines are for women at average risk for breast cancer. For screening purposes, a woman is considered to be at average risk if she doesn’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as in a BRCA gene), and has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30.

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BODY SOUL AND SPIRIT

body SOUL AND spirit

Ladies aged 40 to 44 have the option for screening (mammograms) every year, while those aged 45 to 54 are recommended for annual mammograms. Women aged 55 and older may cut back to screenings every other year, but under all circumstances regular screenings are a good idea for all ladies who are expected to live at least 10 more years. Those undergoing mammograms should understand what to expect during the procedure.

Breast cancer screenings are a low-dose x-ray of the breast and have a history of success in finding malignancies early. This decreases the chances of needing such aggressive treatments as chemotherapy and mastectomies (removal of the entire breast.) Mammograms are not flawless.

They may miss some cancers, and sometimes additional testing is required to establish whether something showing up on the mammogram is even malignant. Although rare, it is possible for small cancers to form that are non-threatening. This is called "overdiagnosis." All women undergoing mammograms should educate themselves on the procedure in order to understand its benefits and limitations. There is more.

The cost of periodic screening can be a problem, but the Mobile Mammography Bus enables all women to receive screening. The recent Gold Rush financially supported the Mobile Mammography program. The CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center-Longview Guild Gold Rush event gave interested East Texans a chance to look over the Mobile Mammography Bus. Driver, coordinator and registrar of the Mobile Mammography Bus, Molly Burns, loves what she does, and can personally appreciate what a blessing the unit is to working women. As a former school district employee, she knows the time restrictions of a tight schedule make it difficult to find time for a mammogram.

"School employees will literally have to take the whole day off to get a mammogram," she said.

"Today with the Mobile Mammography Bus, mammograms are very accessible and convenient.

Give us 30 minutes, 45 max of your time, and we will come to your school, church or business."

The bus was recently at a community event on Green Street, in South Longview geared to

the Hispanic community. "We have been to Drug Emporium and Ellis Pottery," said Burns. "It is a great privilege to be part of this effort for women. I love being the driver/coordinator and person doing the registration."

For $99 any woman can have a mammography and radiology reading. Private insurance is accepted.

The Longview Guild annually supports needed services and projects referred to them by CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical CenterLongview. The Guild has been deeply involved in development and proliferation of the Heart Center, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Perinatology Clinic

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Molly Burns in the registration office of the Bus Mammography Mobile Bus

Waiting area of the Bus

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Mammography area in the Bus

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Changing Room

and Women’s Center, the Shepherd House, and this year's winner--the Digital Mobile Mammography Service and 3D Mammography Technology.

This year's Gold Rush fundraiser was held at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center. Titled A Night in Old Havana, it featured spectacular food, dancing, silent and live auctions, plus a car raffle. All the while this funded the 3D mammography equipment for the mobile mammography bus.

"Since 1984 the Guild has raised more than $9 million for CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center-Longview, and has directed their www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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philanthropic efforts towards such areas as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Institute for Healthy Living, Mobile Mammography Unit and more throughout the decades," said Christus Good Shepherd Health System Executive Director of Development Aliceson Howell. "In 2010, with this community's support, we were able to purchase the Mobile Mammography Bus, and today we are honored by the efforts of the Guild and by the continued commitment of this community to support CHRISTUS Good Shepherd and our mission in Northeast Texas as we look to build on this wonderful legacy."

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GRUBS UP

UP AND COMING LEADER

Brynn Woods:

A Quick, Delicious

Thanksgiving Dessert

Student Shines at Trinity School of Texas By

J o y c el y ne

H

oliday hosts with a lot on their plates might not have the time to prepare homemade baked goods for their guests. Thankfully, the following recipe for Chocolate-Strawberry Pie from Addie Gundry’s No-Bake Desserts (St. Martins Press) can be prepared in just 15 minutes, all without turning on the oven.

F a d oju t imi

jo y @ i p lusm a g . c om

B

rynn is the daughter of Quentin and Julie Woods. She is a sixth grader who loves school. Brynn is a history buff. “My favorite subject is history,” she said. “I love history because I get the opportunity to learn about all the wars and what happened back then.”

Like every person, Brynn has a favorite food. It is not ice cream, steak, cake and other sweets. Her favorite food is pickles.

Brynn is a contemplative, compassionate civic leader who plans to be a Child Life Specialist.

Chocolate-Strawberry Pie

• Child Life Specialists are pediatric health care professionals.

• They work with children and families in hospitals and other settings.

• Child Life Specialists assists children in coping with the challenges of hospitalization, illness, and disability.

• They provide children with age-appropriate preparation for medical procedures, pain management and coping strategies. For example, they explain medical jargon to children and prepare them for their procedures. There is more.

• Child Life Specialists engage in age-appropriate plays and self-expression activities with children.

• In addition, they provide information, support, and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members of patients.

Brynn has several reasons for her future career.

“I want to be a Child Life Specialist because as a child I spent a lot of time in the hospital and the Child Life Specialists would spend a lot of time with me, played the guitar, made me a tie-dye shirt and really comforted me,” she said. “Since I was helped by a Child Life Specialist, I want to help kids who also have spent a lot of time in the hospital like me.”

At her spare time, Brynn chases bunnies, does some crafts and spends time with friends. It is important to note that this 12-year old Trinity Titan loves unicorns.

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Brynn Woods

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Yields 1 pie 1 Pint fresh strawberries, washed, trimmed and halved 1 store-bought (or homemade) chocolate cookie pie crust 2/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon minced crystallized ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pinch of kosher or sea salt 6 large egg yolks 2 1/2 cups half-and-half 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 1/2 tablespoon rum extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional strawberries for garnish (optional)

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1. Place the strawberry halves in a single layer in the bottom of the pie crust.

2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, ginger, nutmeg, and salt over medium heat.

3. Whisk in the egg yolks to create a thick paste.

Gradually whisk in the half-and-half until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat.

4. Add the chocolate and whisk until combined. Add the rum and vanilla extracts. Cool the mixture for 4 minutes.

5. Pour the filling over the strawberries and up to the top of the crust. Chill the pie for 2 hours or until set.

6. Garnish with additional strawberries, if desired.

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HOLIDAY SPIRIT

P

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Holiday Party Must-Haves 2. Decorations

arties are highly anticipated events come the holiday season. Office parties, gatherings with friends and family celebrations are just some examples of the many soirees that dot the social schedules of millions of people between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Office parties might be governed by certain organizational protocols, but parties with friends and families come with no such rules. That said, holiday hosts might want to keep their guests expectations in mind when planning their gettogethers. While there’s always room to try something new, the following are some must-have items when hosting holiday parties.

Decking the halls is a holiday tradition, and hosts should make an effort to string some holiday decorations before welcoming guests into their homes. A Christmas tree might be the most ubiquitous decorative item come the holidays, so hosts can make their tree the centerpiece of their decor. Hang some mistletoe around the house, which also can be adorned with seasonspecific plants like holly and poinsettias. If kids are attending the party, a kid-friendly decoration station can even be set up to ensure the youngsters have fun and stay busy during the festivities.

3. Music

Christmas music can go a long way toward getting everyone in the holiday spirit. Utilize iTunes or music streaming services such as Amazon Prime Music or Pandora to ensure that the holiday hits keep coming throughout the party.

4. Games

Games can be a great way to keep guests occupied during the party. From a safety perspective, games that engage guests might prevent them from overindulging in alcohol at a time of year when the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration says drunk driving incidents are at their highest. Games in which participants can win holiday-themed prizes might be especially enjoyable for players. Holiday parties are highly anticipated parts of the holiday season. Hosts can take their parties to the next level by incorporating certain must-have items into the festivities.

1. Holiday foods and beverages

It goes without saying that holiday hosts will be expected to provide food for their guests. But certain foods, such as gingerbread cookies, can put everyone in the holiday spirit. And don’t forget that staple of the holiday beverage menu: eggnog. Eggnog can be made with and/or without alcohol so everyone can enjoy this beloved holiday beverage.

903.291.0020 1408 Lago Trail Longview heartis.com

Assisted Living and Memory Care Community

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Lovely Spaces and Places

Longview Arboretum

“Officially Blooming”

Date Set for November 2 B y K imberl y F is h

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

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

ue to unforeseen construction delays, the Board of Directors for the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center announce a new date to welcome guests for an admission-free exploration of the very special park cultivated to highlight the unique East Texas eco-system; Saturday, November 2nd, from 10-4p. This “officially blooming” event will feature a grand opening program at 11:30am with local dignitaries, donors, and the crews responsible for construction, as well as, allowing public access to the trails, water features, meadows, forests, and formal gardens. Special events throughout the day include music, yoga, children’s events, and food trucks at the West Gate. No admission fee will be charged for this special event, but donations would be welcomed.

Located at 706 West Cotton Street, the Visitor and Nature Center welcomes guests at the main entrance to the Longview

Arboretum as well as offering daily parking space for those who wish to enter the Longview Arboretum.

The recently remodeled Visitor

Author and Speaker Kimberly Fish

and Nature Center at 706 West Cotton Street offers space for indoor meetings, children’s events, restrooms, and a gift shop. Due to projected crowds on November 2nd, the parking lot at the Visitor and Nature Center and the overflow parking and West Gate entrance to

the Longview Arboretum at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center will be opened for access to the park.

After the grand opening, the Longview Arboretum will officially open its door on Wednesday, November 6th for visitors and group tours. Regular hours of operation will be Wednesday through Sundays from 9am-6pm.

There will be a small charge for daily admission. Group tours will be welcomed but must be scheduled in advance by calling 903-212-2181. Individual, family, and corporate memberships are available for an annual fee.

For more information, visit longviewarboretum.org.

Due to ongoing construction activity, the Longview Arboretum and the Visitor and Nature Center are closed to visitors until November 2nd.

Kimberly Fish is an awardwinning novelist and entertaining speaker. She can be reached at 903/738-7363: www.kimberlyfish. com: Fish Tales Publishing

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I Do

I Do

Get schooled on

wedding terminology

C

ouples about to embark on their wedding journeys will likely learn a thing or two about party planning once their engagements are over and they are newly married. Wedding planning can seem overwhelming and a tad confusing at times, but a crash course in wedding terminology can help couples make more informed choices along the way.

Blusher: A short, single-layer veil that covers the bride’s face before the ceremony.

Boutonniere: A single flower bud worn by the men in the bridal party.

Canaps: Bite-sized appetizers served during the cocktail hour of a reception.

Civil ceremony: A marriage ceremony conducted by a council official or justice of the peace at a municipal location rather than in a house of worship.

Cocktail hour: Typically, an hour-long interlude between the wedding ceremony and the main dinner of the reception. Guests have time to arrive and mingle before being seated.

Corkage fee: A fee some establishments charge to

allow guests to bring their own wine.

various components of the wedding reception.

Dais: A podium or platform raised from the floor where the bride and groom are seated.

Nosegay: A small bouquet or flower arrangement typically given to the mothers of the bride and groom before the ceremony.

Deposit: A percentage of the total cost of service given to a vendor to secure a date for their services.

Processional/Recessional: Musical pieces that mark the entrance and exit from the wedding ceremony.

Receiving line: A line of the key people in the wedding who welcome and greet guests.

Stationery: All of the paper products used at the wedding, including invitations, programs and enclosures.

Tablescape: A word that describes the multiple components of centerpiece designs.

Learning some basic wedding terminology can simplify wedding planning.

Drages: Round, small edible balls of sugar that appear on wedding cakes.

Escort (seating) cards: Printed cards that direct reception guests to their seats.

Fondant: A sweet, plyable product used to decoratively cover layered cakes. It can be used in lieu of straight buttercream.

Handle wrap: Ribbon or fabric that wraps around the stems of a bouquet the bride and wedding party carries.

Maid/matron of honor: The title given to the woman who assists the bride and stands closest to her at the altar. Maids are those who are unmarried, while matrons are women who are.

Master of ceremonies: An individual who will work with the DJ or band to announce the

november 2019 12 www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding

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With this Ring

With this Ring

How to host

a casual wedding

W

eddings tend to be formal affairs, but there are no laws prohibiting happy couples from hosting more casual affairs. In fact, many couples confronted with the rising costs of tying the knot are doing just that.

According to The Knot 2016 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in 2016 exceeded $35,000, and that price tag does not even include couples’ honeymoons. Some couples may not have the means to finance such lavish affairs, while others may want to save for larger expenses, such as a house, while still being able to celebrate their nuptials with family and friends.

Casual weddings can provide that opportunity.

However, while casual weddings are less formal, couples will still need to keep some things in mind to make their ceremonies and receptions both fun and memorable.

Let guests know the wedding will be casual.

Perhaps the most important thing couples can do when hosting a casual wedding is inform their guests that the ceremony and reception will not be formal affairs. Be as specific as possible regarding the dress code so guests don’t feel embarrassed if they overdress.

Don’t abandon tradition entirely.

Couples hosting casual weddings may not feel beholden to all the traditions associated with more formal affairs, but that does not mean tradition should be abandoned entirely. For example, fathers-of-thebride may still hope to share a spotlight dance with their daughters, while siblings or friends may still hope to serve as bridesmaids or groomsmen. Just because a wedding is less formal does not mean it has to be completely void of tradition, especially those traditions that can let couples closest loved ones know how much they are loved and appreciated.

november 2019 10 www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding

Create your own traditions.

Embracing some tradition does not mean couples cannot simultaneously create their own wedding traditions. Guests at casual weddings will likely be expecting something different than they’re used to, so couples should not hesitate to provide that. Couples should strive to keep things tasteful but not shy away from unique ideas that fit into the casual theme.

Plan to feed guests.

While couples having casual weddings may choose to have their receptions somewhere other than banquet halls, they should still plan to feed their guests. Some guests may be traveling and staying in hotels to attend the wedding, and it’s a nice gesture to show

appreciation for their efforts by providing them with a meal. A meal also offers a great chance for guests to mingle with the married couple and fellow guests.

Something simple like a backyard barbecue or a catered meal at home fits nicely with a casual setting.

Don’t overlook logistics.

Small details, like transportation, parking and lodging will still need to be arranged. If hosting guests at home after the ceremony, make sure guests will have ample places to park their vehicles. In addition, make the same efforts regarding lodging for guests that you would if planning a formal wedding, as out-of-town guests will still need a place to sleep.

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Cover Story

Cover Story

Angela Hanley

Cassie Andrews

Donna Sharp, Jim Bartlett, Kelly Overby and Steve Butler

The food was first rate. The banana pudding was everyone’s favorite. And did I fail to mention Champagne and wine were flowing all through the evening.

Jim Bartlett and his team spent several days decorating the Disco theme for the business mixer.

Bartlett himself was looking very dapper in his Disco outfit as well.

“It is a good turnout and lots of fun,” Bartlett said, “This has been several days of hard -work but it is worth it looking at how people are enjoying themselves.”

Tammy Moyes and Stacey Gray

Scott Combs, Linda Whitehead and Shannon Smith

Linda Fullman, Michael Clark and Jim Bartlett

Grace and Tye Jackson

Jim Bartlett

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Jim Bartlett and Olivia Secord

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Nicole Ewald wins a door prize. Jim Bartlett and Olivia Secord look on

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Cover Story

Cover Story

Champagne and Wine f low at

Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry

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he Longview Chamber of Commerce Business after hours at Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry was a hit. It was a packed house. Even more, there were several door prizes including $50 for GZ restaurant not to mention wine and books that were up for grabs for those who came and stayed. You see, the door prize rule says, you must be present to win.

Jim Bartlett about to open the Champagne

Jim Bartlett

Tammy Moyes and Amy Canton

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Amy Canton, Jim Bartlett, Caitlyn Riley Young, Tammy Moyes and Liz Reynolds

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Second Chance

Second Chance

Make proposals special and successful

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marriage proposals is a couple’s first official step toward the altar. Tradition dictates that men pop the question, with their surprised and hopefully soon-to-be-fiances’ ultimately deciding if wedding bells will be on the horizon.

Proposing marriage can be nerve wracking.

However, if the time seems right and love is in the air, popping the question can be exciting.

Regardless of who is proposing marriage, the following strategies can help make proposals memorable and successful.

Choose a sentimental location

Couples will remember the proposal for the rest of their lives. So choose a proposal location that has sentimental connections. Think about where the first ÒI love you was uttered or where a first date occurred. These can be prime locations to pop the question.

Note her style

Engagement rings play a big role in many couple’s proposals. One person’s style is not necessarily what his partner will like. Bigger isn’t always better. Rather, choose a ring that reflects your partner’s preferences and personality.

Take your partner jewelry shopping and see which types of jewelry he or she is most drawn to. Certain preferences can serve as a jumping off point for ring designs.

Turn the tides

An old Irish tradition known as The Lady’s Privilege was established in the fifth century by a nun named St. Brigid. She decided to create an opportunity for women to propose marriage. This day fell on every leap year, February 29. Centuries later, women can still use this tradition as the impetus to take the marriage reigns into their own hands. But women need not wait for the next leap year to propose.

Many women view proposing as an empowering action that is tied to the evolving view of independent women. Couples are negotiating more in the marriage process, and the dissolution of commonly held practices is occurring more often.

Ask for the family’s blessing

Men no longer need to ask their girlfriends’ fathers for permission to wed their daughters. However, asking your partner’s family for their blessing is a sign of respect and can add a romantic and heartfelt touch to the proposal.

Capture the moment

Though we live in an age when every moment of people’s lives is documented with videos and photographs posted to social media, proposals still stand out as extra special moments. Hire a professional photographer to discreetly capture the proposal and your partner’s reaction so it can be cherished for years to come.

A wedding proposal is a special moment in couples lives together. It can be made even more special by following some guidelines.

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The Rings

Table of Contents

Wedding rings are symbolic gestures of

Commitment

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

No one is exactly sure just when the tradition of exchanging wedding rings originated, but some say it can be traced back to ancient Egypt, when the oldest recorded exchange of wedding rings was made. Reeds growing along the Nile were twisted and braided into rings and given during betrothal ceremonies. The round ring symbolized eternity, and the hole within

the center meant a gateway to things unknown. Since reeds were not very durable, soon ivory, leather and bone were used to create wedding rings.

As new lands were explored and territories expanded, traditions from one culture were adopted and modified by other cultures. The same is true with wedding rings. According to the Diamond Source, wedding rings were adopted by Romans and incorporated into Western wedding ceremonies

Jim Bartlett P. 7 Tammy Moyes and Amy Canton P. 6

JEWELRY

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

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2019

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The journey of love marriage family

INSIDE:

Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry

Love. Marriage. Family.

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