infinitieplus magazine February Edition

Living life beyond plus one

infinitieplus February 2020

Kelly Kinsey Overby: A Luminous Luminary Star Power Go-Giver Gala And

YPL President Tyler Hudson St. Mary’s A Knight to Remember Plus Inspiration And Romantic Recipes

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

VOL. 10 NO.2 Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Table of Contents

infinitieplus

Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Cover Story COVER STORY

6

Kelly Kinsey Overby never forgets how she got to her present position.

She uses her life experiences to help people, period. "During my first two marriages, I suffered years of physical and mental abuse," she says.

"Once I broke out, I found a desire to help other young women in bad situations." She started out by opening her home to young ladies who sought refuge from domestic violence or any other kind of unfortunate circumstances. She provided them with both sanctuary and instruction on life skills, self-sufficiency and the need for education and its resultant independence. She is not walking alone, either. High school football brought her and husband Bill Overby together. Read this remarkable story of hard work and resilience from page 6.

10

12

Libby Bryson and Brandon Maxwell

Hayley and Tucker Dudley of Trina Griffith & Co

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

11

UT Health Tyler CEO Vicki Briggs

11

Jessica Lightley and Christiina Cavazos

14

Flecia Woods and President Dan Droege

14

PTISD Super. Steve and Amy Clugston

|

www.iplusmag.com

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

3

Editor's note Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Photography

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs

Contributing Writers Kimberly Fish Zig Ziglar Shea Vogel

Submission Deadline

Go Giver-Gala: Kelly and Mayor Andy Mack

Go Giver-Gala: Christi Morse-Stone and Michael Morse

T

he year has started off with great things happening in our city. For example, Stars over Longview was a hit with 1,200 attendees. People are still talking about the keynote speaker, Brandon Maxwell and Libby Bryson’s sit-down conversation. See story from page 10. Then, came the Go-Giver Gala that raised more funds than anticipated. Way to Go Longview. See story from page 14. St. Mary’s “Knight to Remember” is coming soon. Get information on page 18. But wait, Young Professionals of Longview installed a new president, Tyler Hudson.

Read what he said on page 19, plus many more stories in this edition.

We look forward to serving you again in March.

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 2

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. 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.

Stars over Longview: Dr. Samir Germanwala

4

Stars over Longview: LRMC Travis Sisson and Brad Diggins

Go Giver-Gala: Dr. Andrew Hansen and Dr. Spencer Mack

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 www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.iplusmag.com

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

Cover Story

Kelly Kinsey Overby:

Cover Story

A Luminous Star

CEO Casey Robertson awards Kelly Kinsey Overby Star over Longview- overwhelmed with mixed emotions, Ms. Overby wipes off tears

By Joycelyne Fadojutimi/iplusmag.com

A

her. She did her best but kept reaching for more.

"I landed a job at Haverty's Furniture store and began learning data entry and how to use a computer," she says. "From there I continued learning more and more, and a few years later went to work at LeTourneau University where I was able to attend college for free."

The credentials she earned there led to her admission to the Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO) in 2007, where she worked her way up to her present position as director of Industry

t age 24, Kelly Kinsey Overby found herself a widow with three small daughters to raise, but she was determined to do a great job of it.

Ashley, Jackie and April were her babies, and her commitment to them was total. Although at this time, Kelly had only a GED she went straight to work, and worked very, very hard. First as a bank teller, which was a job for which her vocational education at Longview High School had prepared

6

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.iplusmag.com

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

Retention and Expansion. She does a fine job of encouraging the growth and proliferation of Longview businesses and assisting them with various workforce needs. Her drive to help others springs from her own unfortunate background.

"During my first two marriages, I suffered years of physical and mental abuse," she says. "Once I broke out, I found a desire to help other young women in bad situations."

She started out by opening her home to young ladies who sought refuge from domestic violence or any other kind of unfortunate circumstances. She provided them with both sanctuary and instruction on life skills, self-sufficiency and the need for education and its resultant independence. She is not walking alone, either.

High school football brought her and husband Bill Overby together. Her grandson and Bill's son were teammates on the Diana team. Her son-in-law introduced them. Bill's wife had died two years earlier, and their shared grief drew them together. Eight months later they were married. For Kelly, domestic bliss was a long-awaited blessing.

When her parents were married, her father was 18, and her mother just 15.

"My brother was born when she was 16, and she had me at 20," she says. "My dad left us when I was almost five, and we did not see him much after that. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

Introducing a new way to save!

PAY IT FORWARD

Small change making a big difference

Texana ad.indd 1 www.iplusmag.com

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

7

12/10/2019 10:46:54 AM

Community Connections My mom did her best to care for us, but she only had an eighth-grade education."

Sometimes Kelly and her brother lived with their grandparents when finances left them destitute. She changed schools 13 times before starting ninth grade.

She credits this nomadic lifestyle with teaching her how to make friends easily. Despite the challenges of her childhood, it did teach her to overcome obstacles, to accept and overcome life's inevitable hard knocks with strength, joy and compassion for others. To this day she draws from the hurdles of her younger days.

"Most of my values were taught to me by my grandmother and grandfather," she says. "They taught me to have faith in God and to be kind to others."

Her grandmother worked hard as an elementary school cafeteria manager. Kelly was touched by how her grandmother was careful to be at work on time every morning so the children under her care would have hot biscuits. She would even purchase clothes for less fortunate pupils and help them clean up in the cafeteria bathroom.

"She died at the early age of 58 with cancer, and that was the worst day of my life," says Kelly.

"She is the reason I want to give back to my community and do more."

It is not just her community she strives to help, either.

"I am blessed with three daughters who care as deeply about others as I do," she says. "They have been my inspiration to always do better whether in my community or for myself and family."

She worked hard to prepare herself for her life of unselfish service, enrolling in college as a thirty-sixyear-old freshman at LeTourneau University. Four years later she pulled down her master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler.

At the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute, she polished her economic development knowledge. From the Community Development Institute, she took her certification as a Professional Certified Economic Developer, (PCED). Her resume` is long and inspiring.

Daughters: April Knight, Jackie Warren and Ashley Dollison with their mother Kelly Kinsey Overby

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

She has held down her current, LEDCO position for 12 1/2 years. Landing this job was something of a coincidence.

"I applied for a job someone told me about," she says. "I had no idea what economic development was.

Now I love it."

Her tireless work ethic has led to her success, building working relationships with existing Longview businesses' HR professionals, plant managers and others in leadership roles. She sniffs out their needs and toils to create collaboration in workforce development to fill talent needs and/or expansion.

"I love that I am making a difference in my community by creating jobs or assisting in creating education pathways to good-paying jobs," she says.

She is so competent at and downright in love with her career she has a hard time thinking of anything she does not like about it. She strives to find and create "jobs that will make it possible for people not to live in poverty. I take that very seriously."

Hers is a labor of true righteous love. Her devotion to Jesus Christ and knowledge of His earthly ministry |

www.iplusmag.com

|

infinitieplus

"I am a Christian and pray daily that what I am doing will make a difference in peoples' lives. I use my experiences to help people and to show others that you can survive and do better."

Kelly Overby stars with CEO Casey Robertson

- Kelly Kinsey Overby

• LeTourneau University • East Texas Baptist University • Good Shepherd Medical Center

• LEDCO Industry Retention and Expansion Director, Talent Recruiter, Lead Generator, Workforce Development Director • Haverty's Furniture administrative assistant • Thacker/Davis Architects

8

Community Connections

|

february 2020

give her the best possible role model. She sees her hard ride to success as a God-given learning experience that she learned from and is determined to remember. She knows her example is one that can inspire others.

"I am a Christian and pray daily that what I am doing will make a difference in peoples' lives," she says.

"I have to use those experiences to help others and to show others that you can survive and do better."

Her volunteer work is another outlet for her thirst to give others a better life. She serves as board president of the Greater Longview United Way, is a member of the ACT State Council, and the Greater Longview Organization of Business and Education (GLOBE). In the past, she has served with Preservation Longview, the Rotary Club, and the Hannah House Maternity Home.

Hers is a life of true fulfillment.

She and her cowboy Bill operate their farm in Diana where they spend time with their blended family of nine children and twelve grandchildren plus their friends. It is a perfect, beautiful setting for Kelly Kinsey Overby, a woman who radiates God's love. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.iplusmag.com

Ad

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

9

Community Connections

Community Connections

Star Power:

Leading Ladies Awarded

By Joycelyne Fadojutimi/iplusmag.com

Bianca Le-Fleur and Brandon Maxwell

L

ongview Regional Medical Center’s Women’s Advisory Council hosted its 20th Anniversary of Stars Over Longview. The annual awards ceremony and luncheon which honors 12 women in the community for their dedication and commitment to various community endeavors was a packed house with 1,200 plus attendees.

Longview’s own Brandon Maxwell, Speaker, American Fashion Designer, Television Personality, Director and Photographer keynoted the event.

And he had the crowd roaring with laughter thanks to Libby Bryson’s questions. The conversation style on the stage with Ms. Bryson added a new flavor to the event. Maxwell was very forthcoming, a realist, credited people in his life who contributed in some

fashion or another to his success.

Maxwell was not pretentious about his success.

He narrated how he was last in his class mentioning Aliceson Howell, his counselor at the time.

“Aliceson held my hand and said,” ‘You are going to college,’ Maxwell told his audience. His career’s journey started from St. Edwards University in Austin to New York and around the globe. It is important to note, Maxwell finished college on the Dean’s list. According to Maxwell, he has worked incessantly for 10 years straight and it eventually paid off for this young 35-year-old who was the least likely to succeed to this magnitude.

Despite his success, Maxwell is a pragmatist who ardently believes in education and very hard work. “I am driven to making people look their

LRMC CEO Casey and Renee Robertson

Drs. Baleigh Trull, Madison and Spencer Mack Nelda Strong and Aliceson Howell

903.291.0020 1408 Lago Trail Longview heartis.com

Assisted Living and Memory Care Community

Texas Bank and Trust Rogers Pope Jr. and wife Kellie

10

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.iplusmag.com

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.iplusmag.com

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

11

Community Connections best,” he said. And some of his clients include First Lady Michelle Obama, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, Megan Markle, Jane Fonda, Blake Lively, Queen Rania of Jordan and Tiffany Haddish.

A few take-aways from his conversation with Bryson are as follows: • He helps people take their futures into their own hands • He works with young people who did not go to the best schools • He loves the women in his life equally-no -one is better than the other

Mica Sterling with CEO Robertson

Carolyn Northcutt

12

Community Connections

• Longview is the best place in the world • Social media is like a reality television show • Hard work really matters • Be yourself. Don’t be a fake • Giving back is always fashionable • Be careful, there are people watching you on social media His advice to young people is on point, “Turn off your social media, hard work really matters,” he said.

“There is this idea that getting a lot of like is success.

Not true. Hard work is what brings success.”

The 2020 Stars over Longview honorees are as:

Mary Greenwaldt stars with CEO Robertson

Suma Jayakar

Breneda Mathis

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

Amber Hobbs stars with CEO Robertson

Melanie Northcutt-Crocker

www.iplusmag.com

|

infinitieplus

Karen Partee

|

february 2020

Erik Rader stars with CEO Robertson

Kelly Overby stars with CEO Robertson

Caryn Pepper stars with CEO Robertson

Gay Kirkland stars with CEO Robertson

Jennifer Teague Jackson stars with CEO Robertson

Mary Lou Stuckey satrs with CEO Robertson

Chandalyn Lewis Jenkins stars with CEO Robertson

Dr. Darla Baggett stars with CEO Robertson

Dr. Melissa Sutton stars with CEO Robertson

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.iplusmag.com

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

13

Leadership

Leadership

Go-Giver Gala 2020:

Bringing Back Teague Park

By Joycelyne Fadojutimi/iplusmag.com

T

he first Go-Giver Gala to benefit Longview’s homeless residents was a sterling success. But wait, the second annual Go-Giver gala was the tops.

However, the third Go-Giver Gala was phenomenal. Those who attended the Maude Cobb Center extravaganza savored a whirlwind of dining, dancing and recognition of the town’s top GoGivers. Those so honored this year are: Horaney’s, Peter’s Chevrolet Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat; and Texas Bank and Trust.

“It was a phenomenal event. Longview is the greatest place to live because of the incredibly kindhearted and generous people who live here.

I never expected such a huge turnout for the first year,” he said. “But Longview never lets me down.”

That was in 2018. His honor also acknowledged the volunteers who gave so much effort to ensure the Go-Givers Gala was such a victory for its cause. In 2018, Mayor Andy Mack said, “Julie Woods, her friends and city staff including Maude Cobb employees hit it out

Go Giver Recipients: Keith, Chris, and Scott Peters with Mayor Andy Mack

Available to All TB&T checkcard Customers!

Access your funds wherever you travel with Surcharge-Free ATMs Worldwide!

GRAPHIC STANDA Introduction

This Graphic Standards section of these Operatin facilitate the use of the Allpoint® Brand Mark Terminals, signs, marketing materials and other c LLC. must approve in writing any deviation from t

Rights and Requirem

ATM National, LLC. is the sole owner of the All uses, designations or registrations owned or Allpoint® Brand Mark. ATM National, LLC. shall Allpoint® Brand Mark and shall have all author maintenance on all signage applications at the Pa

Standards and General G

The Allpoint® Brand Mark consists of the Allp rectangle box. None of these elements may ap any way.

Approved Color Versions of the A

The Allpoint® Brand Mark may appear in any of th

Go-Giver Recipients: TB&T Rogers Pope Jr and Rogers Pope Sr. with Mayor Andy Mack

Go Giver Recipient Al and Betty Horaney with Mayor Andy Mack

14

Color Version A Green (Pantone® 355 C) and Yellow (Pantone® Y

find the nearest allpoint atm location @ www.texasbankandtrust.com

TBT IPM allpoint map.indd 1

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.iplusmag.com

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

12/3/18 11:38 AM

|

www.iplusmag.com

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

15

Leadership

Leadership

of the park,” he said. “It will be hard to top this effort.” In 2019, Julie Woods, her friends and the City of Longview including the donors surprised Mack.

They exceeded expectations in all areas topping 2018 Go-Giver gala whose funds were used for tackling homelessness. The 2019 donations were for improving Highway 80. This is crucial because Highway 80 is a significant and vital thoroughfare that runs right through Longview, providing transportation to the local economy. Also, the highway is lined with numerous motels, restaurants and assorted businesses that are central to the city’s financial health, providing residents with jobs and attracting money-spending visitors. It is important to note, various stretches of Highway 80 see between 15,000 and 30,000 cars per day.

Then, there is Teague Park, the gem of Highway 80. Hence, “Bringing back Teague Park,” was the goal of 2020 Go-Giver Gala. Once more, Longview did not let Mayor Mack Down.

Drs. Spencer, Andy, Luke and Madison Mack

Flecia Woods and President Dan Droege

Monni Sheik and Dr. Madison Mack

Dr. Quentin and wife Go-Giver Gala Chairwoman Julie Woods dancing under disco lights

Dr. Baleigh Trull and Dr. Luke Mack

16

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

According to Julie Woods, the Chair’s event, Go-Giver Gala 2020 exceeded set goals. More people attended – 700 to be exact. There was more fun, and the Gala raised much money than the two previous years. “Our goal was to raise $250K in cash and had over $62,000 of in-kind services donated. All in all, we ended up raising $322K. It was beyond my wildest dreams. Thanks to our generous donors and all who attended. Now, off to planning 2021.”

Mayor Mack said it best, “We overachieved!

We raised over $322,000 of cash and in-kind services. Our goal was to be at $250K. We never thought it would be so much over and above our goal. The residents of Longview continue to give over and over again. This shows they are invested in and care about Hwy 80 and the revitalization of Teague Park. We are a Go-Giver community.

Thank You Longview.”

|

www.iplusmag.com

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

“We overachieved! We raised over $322,000 of cash and inkind services. Our goal was to be at $250K. We never thought it would be so much over and above our goal. The residents of Longview continue to give over and over again. This shows they are invested in and care about Hwy 80 and the revitalization of Teague Park.

We are a Go-Giver community.

Thank You Longview.”

- Mayor Andy Mack www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.iplusmag.com

Jordan and Michelle Miller

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

17

Leadership

Up and Coming Leaders

Young Professionals of Longview welcome New President :

Tyler Hudson Jose Corona and Lauren Wright

Al Horaney and Ron Hefley

Julie Woods and Ken Carter

Shawn Hall, Allyson Bailey and Lynn Maupin

Crowd dancing

Judge Tim Bryan and Shawn Hall

President-Elect Tyler Hudson

Katlyn Scott and Melissa Azzam

Crowd getting Tequila

St Mary’s slates

“A Knight to Remember”

A

Knight to Remember” Gala benefitting St. Mary's Catholic School is slated f April 25.

This fun night includes music from Dagnabbit, silent auction and raffling off a blue 2017 Chevrolet Camaro LT at The Summit Club.

Moreover, following supporters of St. Mary's Catholic School will be honored: Honorary Chairmen: The Honorable David and Mrs. Susan McWhorter St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for Excellence in Catholic Education: Honorary Alumni: Dr. Jon & Mrs. Mitzi Fontenot Outstanding Alumna : Mrs. Linda Robinett

18

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.iplusmag.com

Chris Dowell, Amber Stevens, Sylvia Williams and Judah Mitchell

D

espite the rain and foggy weather, members of Young Professionals of Longview (YPL) came out to welcome new president, Tyler Hudson during the first 2020 Mix and Mingle held at Alibi Eatery and Barcadia in Down- town Longview, Texas. Here is what President Hudson said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be President of this wonderful organization in 2020 and beyond. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me personally about YPL or any aspects that Longview has to offer! I have been an active YPL member since I first moved here to Longview in 2015, after growing up outside of Houston. I attended Texas State University in San Marcos and earned a degree in Business

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

Outgoing President Chelsea Case and President-Elect Tyler Hudson

Rachael Brabham and Brian Tomlinson

Management. My job as a Heavy-Duty Truck Salesman at Pliler International was my motivation for moving to East Texas right after school and I haven’t looked back. Young Professionals of Longview was the first and most successful jumping stone for me to meet like-minded peers in the community of Longview. Initially it was an avenue to meet new friends but as I became more involved and acclimated it became clear how beneficial the networking aspect of YPL is. In 2016, I was inducted onto the Board as Special Events chair and then President Elect in 2019. We have some fun stuff planned this year with mixers, luncheons and special events. Follow us on Facebook or on our new website (dropping soon) and let’s make Longview GREAT!”

www.iplusmag.com

|

infinitieplus

|

february 2020

19

Romantic Recipe

Just for Fun

Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the Graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

Subject: HISTORY (e.g., He led expeditions that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. Answer: Hernan Cortes.)

Makes about 2 quarts 2 cups whole milk 1 cup sweetened condensed milk 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa 14 ounces premium milk chocolate (over 32% cocoa solids), chopped 1 teaspoon pure vanilla essence 11/2 cups whipping or heavy cream, chilled 61/2 ounces white nougat, roughly chopped 1 ice cream maker (optional) 1 freezer-proof tray or container 1 mountain-shaped mold (optional) Put the milk, condensed milk, sugar, and cocoa in a pan, bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in the chocolate and let melt, stirring occasionally. Let cool completely, then add the vanilla essence and refrigerate for about 1 hour.

Stir the cream into the mixture, then churn-freeze in an ice cream maker in two batches. This will take 20 to 30 minutes. It will increase in volume as it thickens and freezes. Stop churning when thick and smooth, add the nougat, and churn to mix, then transfer to a chilled freezer-proof tray, cover, and freeze. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, put the mixture in a freezerproof tray or container and freeze until it is frozen around the edges. Mash well with a fork and return to the freezer. Continue mashing with a fork and freezing the mixture until thick and smooth, about 2 hours.

Stir in the nougat. At this stage, you can pack it into a mold and return to the freezer. Drizzle with White Chocolate Sauce and serve.

PH.D. LEVEL 7. Name the first company to issue stock.

Answer________ 8. This captain sailed 4,000 miles in a small boat to reach safety on the island of Timor.

Answer________ 9. His predecessor was Sun Yat-sen.

Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL 4. Who was the most famous prisoner held at Devil’s Island?

Answer________ 5. When first elected prime minister, whom did Winston Churchill replace?

Answer________ 6. What was the date “... which will live in infamy”?

Answer________

SCORING: 18 points - congratulations, doctor; 15 to 17 points - honors graduate; 10 to 14 points - you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 4 to 9 points - you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 3 points - enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0 points - who reads the questions to you?

Super Quiz is a registered trademark of K. Fisher Enterprises Ltd. © 2017 Ken Fisher North America Syndicate Inc.

ANSWERS: 1. Arizona. 2. Austria. 3. Simon Bolivar. 4. Captain Alfred Dreyfus. 5. Neville Chamberlain.

6. Dec. 7, 1941. 7. Dutch East India Company. 8. Captain William Bligh. 9. Chiang Kai-shek.

M

en and women who want to make this Valentine’s Day extra special can forgo store-bought chocolates in favor of homemade confections. The following recipe for Swiss Mountain Ice Cream is from Maxine Clark’s Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers (Ryland, Peters & Small) is a great way to end a romantic holiday dinner.

FRESHMAN LEVEL 1. Which battleship was not raised after being sunk at Pearl Harbor?

Answer________ 2. Adolf Hitler was born a citizen of _____.

Answer________ 3. He was proclaimed “El Libertador.”

Answer________

White Chocolate Sauce Makes about 21/2 cups 1 cup light or heavy cream 6 tablespoons milk 8 ounces white chocolate (over 25% cocoa butter), chopped Put the cream and milk in a small pan and bring to just below boiling point. Remove from the heat and let cool for 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the white chocolate and stir until completely melted. Serve warm.

february 2020 12 www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding february 2020

13

Inspirational

YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE

Opportunity Dressed as Disaster

F

B y Z ig Z iglar

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

or years, the optimist has maintained that in every difficulty there is an equal or greater opportunity, for every trial there is a reward and for every downbeat there is an upbeat. I happen to belong to that school of thought.

Our movies and TV screens have familiarized us with the fact that sheep-herders and cattletenders are not exactly “bosom buddies.” For years, range wars were fought, and since the cattle barons arrived first, they frequently made life very difficult for sheep-herders.

However, according to The Washington Post’s Tom Kenworthy, an interesting phenomenon has taken place in

our West. A highly destructive, noxious European weed, which is compared to the South’s kudzu, is now running amok on more than 3 million acres. Cattle and horses can’t eat the foliage, and with no natural predator to contain the leafy spurge, the weed is taking over and the ranchers are suffering. Mowing simply doesn’t work. Chemical defoliants cost too much or come under attack from environmentalists. Neither fire not flood will eradicate the milky-sap plant.

Fortunately, the little lamb and the friendly kid have come to big cattle’s rescue. Sheep and goats find the tough leaves of this leafy spurge edible, even nourishing. A flock of sheep started eating the weed on 14,000

acres of a wildlife preserve in Colorado. These gentle creatures found a way to triumph over a yard-high enemy that had roots sunk 15 feet underground.

One land-management official told Kenworthy that 240 goats had been let loose on 2,000 spurge-ridden acres with stunning results. “It was like inviting the high-school football team to a pizza parlor. They just demolished it!”

It’s my conviction that some of those cattle-owners are going to end up being sheep-owners.

There’s something about taking advantage of opportunity that the American businessman cannot resist. See you at the top!

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding february 2020

11

LOVE, ROMANCE SCAMS Don’t Look for Love in the Wrong Places

B y M echele A gba y ani M ills

N

ew year’s resolutions aren’t limited to hitting the gym or getting out of debt. Many also set a goal to find love in the new year. With hundreds of apps and internetbased companies available to help people who are seeking companionship, online dating has become a common part of the dating process. Likewise, scammers are taking advantage of those looking for love by creating tricking them into falling for someone who doesn’t exist.

Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas (BBB) urges consumers to be on the lookout for online dating scams geared at taking money and identities from their victims.

How the scam works: The romance scam, also called “catfishing” is very similar to other types of consumer fraud, however, in this case the scammer’s main tool is affection and eventually love. Targeting single and widowed men and women, love scammers are setting up fake profiles committing anywhere from three to twelve

8

months to woo their victims into emptying their pockets. Often times scammers claim to be in the military or working overseas as a reason to not meet you in person.

“Romance scam artists manipulate the emotions of their victims,” said Mechele Mills, President and CEO of BBB serving Central East Texas. “By using feigned devotion, they are often able to swindle thousands, and sometimes tens of thousands of dollars from their prey.”

BBB warns consumers of the following romance scam operator tactics:  They claim to be from the U.S., but they are overseas for business or family matters.  They profess their love at warp speed, usually within 2448 hours.  They send gifts within the first few weeks of contact both to endear their victims to them as well as to confirm their victim’s address.  Many claim to have lost a spouse or loved one in a tragic accident.  They insist you keep the

relationship a secret.  They always have an excuse for not being able to meet you in person.

BBB offers the following tips to help avoid heartbreak:

 Never send money to

someone you have never met and whom you don’t know well. If you are asked to send funds via wire transfer, prepaid credit card, Green Dot Moneypack, or any unconventional method of payment, discontinue contact immediately. If you refuse to send money to a scam artist, they will move on to someone else.  Don’t click on links or open attachments. Links can download malware onto your computer which are designed to retrieve information and compromise your identity.  Never share personally identifiable information.

Refrain from sharing banking and credit card information, birthday and Social Security number with anyone you

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding february 2020

don’t know.

 Don’t be pressured

to act immediately.

Scammers typically make you think something is scarce. They want to push you into action before you have time to think or to discuss it with a family member, friend or financial advisor.  Be cautious about what you share online. Be sure to use privacy settings on all social media and online accounts.

Imposters often get information about their targets from their online interactions and can make themselves sound like a friend or family member because they know so much about you.

Read more about Romance Scams in BBB’s study “How Scammers Use Impersonation, Blackmail, and Trickery to Steal from Unsuspecting Daters.”

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding february 2020

9

More couples are embracing edgy, adventurous weddings Outside-the-Box Menus

Couples may want to break with tradition by offering a wide selection of foods at their receptions. These foods can include items that fit with their specific ethnic cuisines, gourmet comfort foods (think cocktail franks wellington), or foods that fit with their dietary choices, such as organic or vegan options. Work with a caterer to provide a variety of tasty choices.

Bold Wardrobe Choices

B

rides and grooms once felt compelled to conform to the trappings of traditional weddings. From uberromantic vows to pastel colors to the penultimate white tiered cake, various wedding components were long considered must-haves. But modern couples are increasingly expressing their individuality, and even embracing more edgy and adventurous elements, when planning their weddings.

According to The Knot, a leading bridal resource and information site, today’s weddings are not what they were just a few years ago. Bold

6

colors, exotic cakes and nontraditional foliage, are just some of the elements modern couples are embracing to set their weddings apart.

Adventurous Locales

Vineyards and catering halls can be great places to tie the knot, but couples who like to push the envelope are looking to more adventurous locales to impart their unique spin on their weddings.

Sharing vows atop a mountain crest at the end of a favorite hiking trail or on a roller coaster at a theme park that harkens back to a first date are some adventurous places to tie the knot.

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding february 2020

Brides can put new spins on their gowns by adding color and texture. Sequins, bold embroidery, shorter hemlines, and whatever adventurous fashion style you want to impart can be considered. If white isn’t your thing, that’s okay, too. Yellow and slate gray look great together. Gentlemen can choose to wear a black suit or any combination of color and style they want to make a dramatic impression. Full of flavor Cakes don’t have to be white with white buttercream.

In fact, couples can make things even more tasty by incorporating favorite flavor combinations into their cakes. For example, a chocolate and caramel filling reminiscent of a candy bar might be something to consider. Modern couples are embracing bold, unique and edgy components when planning their weddings. Putting an individualized spin on the ceremony and reception can make couples even more excited to tie the knot.

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding february 2020

7

Proposal

Proposal

Is Valentine’s Day proposal right for you

V

alentine’s Day is a special day when thoughts turn to love and romance. Couples contemplating tying the knot may feel like Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to pop the question and begin their journeys toward marriage. Even though Valentine’s Day is a very popular day to propose, it’s tricky to keep such a proposal from becoming a cliche. By considering some dos and don’ts, Valentine’s Day proposals can be unique.

DO ensure that you’re both on the same page. It’s one thing for couples who have already been talking about marriage to build on the romance of Valentine’s Day with a proposal. But it’s quite another if this is a push to wow him or her and you don’t have the same goals; it may not go according to plan. Couples are urged to have honest conversations about key topics (i.e., children, compatibility, finances, living arrangements) to see if marriage is a desire they both share.

DON’T overlook the element of surprise for the proposal. Sure, it is easy to have a waiter bring the ring after a meal at a favorite restaurant, but it can be even more special to catch your sweetheart off guard. Why not propose before you get to the restaurant, such as in front of where you first met, and then you can enjoy your meal without butterflies?

4

DO consider your sweetheart’s personality before the proposal. A shy person may not like the attention of a crowd. However, someone who loves to be the center of attention may feel that more is merrier.

DO get input from friends and family, but do not feel pressured to do it exactly as they say. A close friend can help select a ring or contribute to the surprise by keeping the special someone unaware of the plans at hand. Having a helper can make the proposal go more smoothly.

DON’T go overboard with the details. One or two big surprises is all it takes. The more details, the more things that can potentially go wrong, which can adversely affect the overall proposal.

DON’T feel pressured to propose on Valentine’s Day or a birthday, Christmas, or other big holiday because it’s what you’re supposed to do. A proposal and a marriage are

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding february 2020

unique to each couple, and individuals should abide by their preferences when making such important decisions. Only propose when it feels completely right.

Valentine’s Day can be a perfect day to propose if the timing and planning is right.

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding february 2020

5

What to consider when shopping for engagement rings

E

ngagements precede wedding dresses, flower arrangements, limousines, and even a couple’s wedding vows. And no proposal is complete without a ring.

Knowledge of rings and stones is essential for those who plan to propose in the near future. A recent survey from the wedding resource The Knot in which 12,000 brides and 1,200 grooms in the United States were asked about their rings, found that people spend an average, of $5,978 on engagement rings.

Recognizing the potential cost of engagement rings can help ring shoppers prepare for their purchases. In addition to considering costs, couples can employ the following tips to shop with confidence.

Cut costs with style.

Engagement rings can be costly, but many couples feel they are worthwhile investments.

Know your settings.

How the diamond is framed can affect how big it looks and even how much it sparkles. Gems framed with a bezel can give the illusion of a larger stone.

Get the desired cut.

A skilled jeweler knows how to properly cut a stone to bring out its best radiance. From round to princess to emerald to marquise cut, cut styles can affect how the stone looks as well as the price.

Know ring metals.

Platinum and gold are some of the most popular ring setting metals. Platinum costs considerably more than gold or silver but is long-lasting.

Investigate personal style.

Men should pay attention to the jewelry their girlfriends wear so the engagement rings complement their style. Some women love modern jewelry, while others gravitate toward vintage pieces.

Think about trading up.

Some couples like to replace engagement rings with a more elaborate ring for a big anniversary.

Some jewelers will accept the purchase of the engagement ring toward the price of a future ring.

Jewelry stores are in the business of developing relationships with their customers.

When purchasing engagement rings, couples can discuss their desires in regard to a ring, as well as their budgets.

JEWELRY

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

2

27

2019

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding february 2020

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding february 2020

3

The journey of love marriage family February 2020

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE