June edition of infinitieplus magazine

infinitieplus JUNE. 2019

VOL. 9 NO. 6 Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

LONGVIEW ROCKS WITH Arboretum Pop-up Party LRMC Appreciation Wine Festival PTISD Education Foundation

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

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 a.m.

From From From the the the day day day you you you find find find out out to11:30 tothe 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

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 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 Ticket Information birthing birthing birthing suites, suites, suites, childbirth childbirth childbirth classes classes classes and and and breastfeeding breastfeeding breastfeeding 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, Maude Cobb Activity Center Individual Tickets $30.00 • $240 for Table ofsupport.

8support. we we we 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 a aLevel aLevel Level IIIIIINICU. IIINICU. NICU. Tickets will be available for purchase beginningmedicine 100 Grand Blvd.

•that Longview

November 1, 2017. To purchase, call Longview Regional For For For 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, TXTX75605 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.net

editor’s note

table of contents

infinitieplus

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Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

6

5 Ways to change the future

Cover Story

Kimberly Fish

Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Marketing / PR

14 STONE WORKS Jimmy and Heidi Hitt

Dionne Whaley-Lott

Photography

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Graphic Designer Sho Labaco

Contributing Writers Kimberly Fish

18 WINE FESTIVAL Laney and Patricia Newman

Kimberly Fish

19

Lynn Bryson

WINE FESTIVAL Nelda Strong and Carolyn Ann Walgren

Longview Arboretum and Nature Board (LANC) came up with a novel venue for a get-together to recognize its supporters--the organizers did not tell attendees the event's location. Total secrecy was the watchword in the lead-up to the party as those who were invited were told simply to come to VeraBank in downtown Longview. Nobody who received an invitation even knew what to expect at the extravaganza, much less the location, and were expecting it to be outside the inner city. When they arrived at VeraBank, organizers issued each one a wrist band for alcohol, making the evening even more cryptic.

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28 MOVING FOR A CAUSE Brynn Woods

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.

FOR PUBLICITY AND ADVERTISING CONTACT Dionne Whaley-Lott dionne@iplusmag.com 517 Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75602 www.iplusmag.com www.facebook.com/ InfinitePlus magazine

L

ongview is changing for better. There are more things to do than when most people first moved here. Downtown is often teeming with activities as long as the weather permits. The Farmers Market with fresh and homegrown produce has opened. Quality of life is improving and other cities around Longview are partaking of all that it has to offer. For example, last week, 3 school buses packed with students from the Marshall ISD made its way to World of Wonder on Tyler Street. That is not all.

Longview’s first Pop-Up Party is still the talk of the town. Longview Arboretum and Nature Board (LANC) came up with a novel venue for a get-together to recognize its supporters--the organizers did not tell attendees the event's location. Total secrecy was the watchword in the lead-up to the party as those who were invited were told simply to come to VeraBank. The story is from page 6. There is more Some activities that have kept us hopping and given citizens something to do include the annual Wine Festival, the fund raiser for East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance. Nearly 70 vendors and 17 wineries came from all parts of East Texas to participate in this fun event. From book sellers, food trucks, clothing, woodwork, custom hats to Hope for all Parties and their friendly farm animals for the young at heart, the Longview Green was teeming with people. Please see story from page 18. But wait, that is not all.

Pine Tree ISD Education Foundation recently used the Summit Club as venue for its annual Honors Awards Dinner. It was an evening for pointing out and honoring educators who have gone above and beyond in the quest to share knowledge with East Texas students and preparing them for their careers. Please see story from page 21.

Then, there is Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) Chief Executive Officer Casey Robertson and his management team who went far in their expression of appreciation as they put on an extravaganza that left no doubt as to how grateful they and all of East Texas are for health providers' services. The event lasted from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., giving staff plenty of time to partake of the delicious grilled hamburger meal and all its trimmings. See story from page 26.

We hope that you will read the whole magazine because there is much more. We look forward to serving you again in July.

30 FATHER’S DAY RECIPE

VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 6 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.

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Rooftop Party Honors Local Benefactors B y J o y cel y ne F adojutimi

Cheryl Upchurch and Micki Maley

Crowd waiting at VeraBank

L

ongview Arboretum and Nature Board (LANC) came up with a novel venue for a gettogether to recognize its supporters--the organizers did not tell attendees the event's location. Total secrecy was the watchword in the lead-up to the party as those who were invited were told simply to come to VeraBank in downtown Longview. Nobody who received an invitation even knew what to expect

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Christi and Jason Stone

at the extravaganza, much less the location, and were expecting it to be outside the inner city. When they arrived at VeraBank, organizers issued each one a wrist band for alcohol, making the evening even more cryptic.

It was called a Pop-Up Party, and the guests were elevatored to the roof, where they found white leather couches, tables decked out in the manner of high-class Paris, France restaurants and an ambience that was second-to-none. It was a truly, elegant classy event in the wilds of Deep East Texas. Think of an evening spent at the second or third floors of Tours d’Eiffel (Eiffel Tower) on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France - not quite but somewhat for east Texas. The |

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Jim and Renee Tachias

fact remains that Longview has never experienced anything like this Pop-Up Party.

Kimberly Fish described the Pop-Up Party as a novel means of increasing awareness of and support for the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center.

This first-time get-together brought in more than $110,000 to finance Phase One of the Arboretum's master plan while simultaneously entertaining 300 guests who "popped up" in this unlikely venue. This 2019 Pop-Up Party was on the top (fourth) floor of the privately-owned parking garage at the intersection of Green and Tyler streets. VeraBank provided the location to the event planners and improved the property for future use.

Those invited were blessed by perfect spring weather and delighted by jazz musicians from

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Judge Scott and Leslie Novy

Chicago. The main musical attraction was Marqueal Jordan, whose recent album, Intents and Purpose, is presently for sale on iTunes. Stageworks provided lighting effects while Perfect Catering supplied catering and servers. Tyler Tents and events delivered rentals.

Instead of a live or silent auction, organizers offered up for adoption trees growing in the park, to be provided with a year's worth of upkeep and feeding. Artist Carol Manley painted portraits of the five trees adopted this year, with images and further adoption opportunities available at LongviewArboretum.org. Board members and LANC Volunteer Guild members put on

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Todd and Tara Storch from Dallas Lori Danielson, Melanie Northcutt Crocker, Darla Cherry and Angela Burke Randy and Gai Bennett

Joe Bob and LouAnn Joyce

Karen and Ken Moser Latricia Nichols

Marqueal Jordan and his Jazz Band from Chicago Illinois

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this event through their energy, creativity and flawless execution in this inaugural production.

Attendees had many expressions to describe their delight with this non-pareil event--"elegant, unique venue of a parking garage, complete surprise, perfect weather, can't wait for another one of these, right group, best party ever, romantic, the best band to play in Longview, lover's night, felt like Austin, cannot wait for another one of these, wonder what they will do next, cannot wait, bring it on, am ready."

Longview Arboretum and Nature Center is a public/private collaboration between the board of |

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Judy Johnson

Chuck and Babette Tomberlain

directors for the non-profit--Longview Arboretum and Nature Center--and the city of Longview, which owns the grounds of the 26-acre park. The LANC board created and maintains the park's gardens, trails and various attractions while employing fundraising goals to transform the parcel of land into a delightful workshop for learning about native East Texas trees, shrubs and sundry plants in an outdoor classroom in a beautiful natural setting. There will be programming, exhibits and special events. Because of this year's www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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extremely rainy spring the park is not expected to open before late summer or early autumn.

To keep abreast of impending events, construction and precise opening dates for Phase One of the Longview Arboretum please visit LongviewArboretum.com to leave your email for the newsletters. Photos and news briefs are also available on the LANC Facebook page.

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Business and Finance

3 ways to use your lawn to

improve curb appeal

R

eturns on home improvement projects vary. In its annual Cost vs. Value Report, Remodeling magazine notes the projects that yield the best returns on investment in a given year. But a host of factors, including the type of market (buyers or sellers) and the region where the home is being sold, ultimately combine to determine if homeowners’ investments in home improvement projects will provide the returns they were hoping for.

Though there’s no way of guaranteeing a home improvement project will yield a great return, real estate professionals often cite improving curb appeal as an excellent way to attract prospective buyers and potentially get the asking price or more when selling the home.

Improving curb appeal makes even more sense in today’s real estate market, when many people do their own searching via real estate websites such as Trulia or Zillow. When using such sites, buyers will likely be less inclined to click on a listing if exterior photos of the property are not eye-catching.

Various projects, including tending to lawns and gardens,

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can improve curb appeal. An added benefit to focusing on landscaping to improve curb appeal is it promotes spending time outdoors in spring and summer. In addition, many lawn- and garden-related home improvement projects need not require professional expertise.

1. Maintain a lush green lawn.

Lawns that fall into disrepair may not give buyers a correct impression about how homeowners maintained their

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Business and Finance or evening so as little water is lost to evaporation as possible.

2. Address brown patch.

Even well-maintained lawns can fall victims to brown spots.

According to the lawn care professionals at TruGreen, lawns in regions with hot temperatures and high humidity can be infected with brown patch, a common lawn disease that is caused by fungus, which can produce circular areas of brown, dead grass surrounded by narrow, dark rings. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences notes that removing dew that collects on

grass leaves each morning, which can be accomplished by mowing or dragging a water hose across affected areas, can be an effective way to reduce brown patch.

Homeowners without much lawn care experience can consult professional landscapers to address the issue. But those looking to sell their properties should note that buyers often walk the grounds of homes they are considering buying. So, addressing any issues on the lawn should be a priority for sellers.

3. Confine dogs to certain areas.

Dog owners may want to let

their pets roam free in their yards.

But homeowners about to put their properties up for sale may want to confine their four-legged friends to certain areas. That’s because dog urine can be high in nitrogen.

Nitrogen itself is not harmful to lawns, but in high concentrations it can contribute to yellow or brown spots. Also, highly acidic dog urine may even adversely affect pH levels in the soil.

Curb appeal can go a long way toward helping homeowners sell their homes, and a lush lawn can be used to catch the eye of prospective buyers.

homes. Lawns with multiple dead spots and grass that appears more brown than green may lead many buyers to assume that the home’s interior was equally illcared for. Maintaining lush green lawns is not as difficult as it may seem. Applying fertilizer and aerating at the appropriate times of year (this varies by region) can promote strong roots and healthy soil, making it easier for grass to survive harsh conditions like drought. When watering in summer, do so in early morning

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INSPIRATIONAL

Ways To Change

The Future

B y K imberl y F is h

C

onversations among friends often turn to the state of our culture and either the despair or joy we feel in any moment. Many offer clichés to change the outcomes, if only this or that would happen. By the time you finish reading this essay, you’ll know the simplest steps to change the way you feel about the future.

The first thing that has to happen is folks care enough to seek true information. It’s not enough for the newspaper or a social media to blast the headlines, people have to climb from the rut of ignorance and use their God-given curiosity to find out what’s really going on around them. That means asking questions. Reading more than skimming is key too. We’ve numbed ourselves to where if a thing is not tweeted or posted, we don’t know what is happening.

Second, we have to think.

Hearing someone tells us a thing is not enough. And those social media posts are invented by people trained in the art of manipulation.

Spoiler alert: people lie.

Marketing experts spin facts.

Experts designed “fake news” for a reason. The way to understand what is going on around you will require putting your brain to work and thinking through facts and expecting proof.

Third, please investigate.

Someone created the iPhone to

Author and Speaker Kimberly Fish

be a convenience tool not an appendage to the hand. Put that device down and use your senses to figure out why a thing works the way it does, that getting lost is the best way to discover where you are, and knowing a person involves an actual interaction not absorbing the images propped up by an app.

Fourth, get involved. As one who recently enjoyed the expertise of 18 women who volunteered alongside me to produce the Pop-Up Party for the Longview Arboretum, I can vouch that we change outcomes when we give and work together. Volunteerism invigorates your heart, your outlook, and is bedrock to any organization or cause that wants to improve the community.

The fifth secret to changing your future is so simple I feel stupid even mentioning it, but look up. Slow down, walk a bit, breathe deeply, see what is around you, ahead of you, and the beauty of the changing winds above. This day is not the end. As long as God allows, there will be a tomorrow.

Put your life, the to-do list, the chaos of our culture in perspective and realize that seeing the world from an angle away from self is the best indicator you can carry on. With a genuine interest in the world around you, you can change the future by being aware and present. You can do this, I promise.

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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Business and Finance

Business and Finance

STONE WORKS IS MORE THAN STONE Leslie and Tim Turner

Susan Young and Connie Taylor

S

Harold Stone

Mika Eden and Patti Brody

Jason and Christi Morse-Stone

tone Works believes in service and satisfaction making the business the go to place for building materials. A member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce Jason Stone of Stone Works held a business after hours to showcase all that the business has to offer.

As is continuously the case, there was much delectable to eat. From fresh pizza baked in the outside kitchen to stuffed jalapeno peppers plus assortment of mouth-watering munchies. But that is not all.

Jimmy Stinson of Stone Works

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Spring Hill State Bank Officers Paula Loden, Carol Lee, Tammy Gibbons, Kerry Wilburn and Courtney Maynard

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Business and Finance

CELEBRATION

Unique ways to honor Dad this Gina and Daniel Nicholson

Jeremy Kelly and Joe Garner of Stone Works

Connie Taylor and Connie Rich

F

ather’s Day is a day many families look forward to. Though its history might not go back as far as many religious or government-designated holidays, Father’s Day is rife with tradition in many households.

Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June in both the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and across the globe.

Fathers often receive gifts from their spouses and children on Father’s Day. What to give the dad who seemingly has it all leaves many people scratching their heads in the weeks preceding Father’s Day. People who find themselves in such situations can think outside the box and look for ways to honor their fathers this year. The following are some unique ways to honor Dad this Father’s Day.

The Caddo Katz

The evening was very upbeat as Sheila and the Caddo Kats belted out some familiar sounds which kept attendees humming. In addition, the constant drawings for those who brought their business cards was another attraction and of interest to attendees.

Stone Works stocks almost any item needed for building a new home, remodeling one, adding a swimming pool, outside kitchen, iron gates and more.

Hence their offerings include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Travel

Dad may be pleasantly surprised by a stroll down Memory Lane. Plan a day trip or weekend excursion to Dad’s hometown, visiting all his old haunts, including the house he grew up in, and allow him to serve as tour guide.

Flooring Lighting Appliances Granite Quartz Marble Mattresses Outdoor Kitchens BBQ Grills Pools Spas Firepits Iron Doors Plumbing Fixtures Hardware Bathtubs Cabinets and much more! www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

Highlight reel

In the months preceding Father’s Day, do some covert digging through family photo albums to create a “This Is Your Life” highlight reel for Dad. Go back as far as possible, even looking through Dad’s baby photos if you can find them. This might require a collaborative effort, requiring the whole family to work together, but that can make for an enjoyable way for families to spend time together and see how Dad became the man he is today.

Present the finished product at a family dinner on Father’s Day.

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Make a list

Another unique way to honor Dad is to compile a list of the many ways you are and will always be grateful for having him as a father. Adults honoring their fathers can cite specific examples they recall from childhood and young adulthood when Dad went above and beyond or served as a sounding board or shoulder to cry on. This is a great way to honor Dad and let him know all those sacrifices and special moments are still appreciated and will never be forgotten. Father’s Day is a chance to honor Dad, and the way you choose to do so can be as unique as the man himself.

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Fruit of the vine for the mind By

J o y cel y ne

F adojutimi

There was something for everyone at the Wine Festival.

Haley Bullard bought a fairy tale book.

T

he East Texas Alzheimer's Alliance (ETXALZ) recently held its second annual wine festival to raise awareness of and funds for fighting this debilitating, heartbreaking affliction- Alzheimer’s disease. The event was a great success as 17 wineries and almost 70 vendors came together from all over eastern Texas for the occasion. There were book sellers, food trucks, clothing sales, woodwork, custom hats to Hope for all Parties and a petting zoo of docile farm animals who took kindly to attending children and the young at heart. The venue was the Longview Green, and it was teeming with enthusiastic supporters of the cause.

A favorite attraction was the Wine Pull, in which partakers donated $25 apiece for the Alliance, and then selected a number for the bottle of wine to be pulled. It was a luck-of-the-draw-type attraction, but all who participated got a bottle. Everyone knew what was at stake.

Alzheimer's Disease is a still-irreversible, progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and thinking abilities leading to sufferers being unable to carry out even the simplest tasks. For most patients, these symptoms first appear in their mid-sixties, but ages vary. Experts estimate that there are more than 5.5 million Americans with this affliction. Presently it is the sixth-ranked cause of death in America, but some studies suggest it may be as high as third, exceeded only by heart disease and cancer as the cause of death in the elderly.

Alzheimer's is the leading cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to loss of cognitive functioning-

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Harper Bullard and Dylan Green enjoy a horse back ride at the Wine Festival Nelda Strong and Carolyn Ann Walgren

-thinking, memory and reasoning--and behavioral capability to the point it disrupts patients' daily lives and activities. Still, there are other causes of dementia.

Additional such disorders are Lewy Body Dementia, frontotemporal disorders, and vascular dementia. It is not unusual for victims to develop multiple such conditions. For example, some people may suffer from both Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

Alzheimer's is named for Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who in 1906 noted irregularities in the brain of an elderly female patient who had died from an as-yetunidentified mental illness. She had suffered from memory loss, speech problems, and irregular behavior.

After she died, he dissected her brain and noted it contained strange-looking clumps (now known as amyloid plaques) and tangled bunches of fibers (now called neuro fibrillary, or tau, tangles.) This was the |

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genesis of Alzheimer's Disease research.

The East Texas Alzheimer's Alliance is the brainchild of Nelda Strong, whose husband, Jack died of the illness. Both refused to allow Alzheimer's to ruin their lives even if it did take his. Her face beaming, she described her delight with the success of this year's event.

"I get really emotional when I talk about this disease," she said. "I knew the need was there for advocates whose loved ones have the disease, but what makes this a great cause, is the people of Longview who donate funds, food and their time for others."

Another attendee was Linda Voyles. She, too, was widowed by Alzheimer's. She felt the same way about the event and the people of Longview.

"This is a fantastic group that was formed at the right time," she said. "They will offer so much to people so they will not have to go on this journey alone.

Krista Morris and Susan Gary

Audrey Nerrie and Hel Bing

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

EDUCATION

Teaching Bash

Pine Tree ISD celebrates education, educators By

J o y cel y ne

F adojutimi

Allen McReynolds and Becca Childress Cameron Williams and LaMarcus Allen

Many of them have been there in some shape or fashion and understand the kind of support that families need."

She expounded further on the affliction and its impact on society.

"Alzheimer's is more rampant than people want to think," she said. "Too many people die from the disease, and this group will provide information that will educate our community about Alzheimer's."

Voyles is right. Many are offering to help because their own families have been impacted. ETXALZ is an excellent way to become active in the crusade versus this mind- and soul-killing illness. Much help is needed.

Caring for Alzheimer's patients is very demanding physically, emotionally and financially. The demands required by day-to-day care, necessary changes in family roles, and heart-rending decisions on placement in care/treatment facilities are all very difficult. Still, there are evidence-based approaches and programs already available, and researchers are continually seeking new and better means of treatment and methods of supporting caregivers. Education is key.

Programs that teach family members and caregivers

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Scarlett Koepke

Alex, Mike and Adam Stiles Rhonda Bullard kisses grandbaby Haley while Mother Michelle Bullard looks on

all about the disease are vital to illuminating them about the progression of the illness and how to deal with resultant deteriorating behavior and various caregiving challenges. Adequate coping skills, a strong support network, and respite care also assist caregivers with the demanding task of taking care of loved ones with Alzheimer's. A major asset is staying active and fit.

This helps both physically and emotionally.

Many caregivers benefit from support groups, allowing them respite from their responsibilities, the chance to express various concerns, share experiences and lessons learned, get tips, and offer emotional support to each other. Those interested in partaking of this resource should contact the ETXALZ. Even though the 2019 Longview Wine Festival is over, its wares are still available. Wine tumblers, drinking glasses and t-shirts can be bought online at etxalz.org.

Mark your calendars, next year's festival has already been set for April 25, 2020. |

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Amy and Steve Clugston

P

ine Tree ISD Education Foundation recently used the Summit Club as venue for its annual Honors Awards Dinner.

It was an evening for pointing out and honoring educators who have gone above and beyond in the quest to share knowledge with East Texas students while further preparing them for their lives and careers.

Honorees were selected according to studentwritten Beacon Award Winner essays on how specific Pine Tree ISD teachers, coaches and support staff have made positive, significant contributions to young scholars' lives.

Also, the ISD named the winners of the Regen Stiles Teaching Excellence Award, and the Teacher of the Year. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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Alex, Mike and Adam Stiles

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION

2019-2020 Teachers of the Year:

Beacon Award Winners: • Pine Tree Primary Teacher Lindsay Sinclair recognized by student Emma Kate James • Birch Elementary Bilingual Teacher Javier Sauceda recognized by student Jocelyn Hernandez • Parkway Elementary Teacher Dianne Mula recognized by student Jacqueline Vazquez • Pine Tree Middle School Teacher Beth Eaton recognized by student Emily Willadson • Pine Tree Middle School Counselor Jamie Ladd recognized by student Janiah Ryan • Pine Tree Junior High Coach Jim Manning recognized by student Destiny Reed • Pine Tree High School Director of Choirs Danielle Warren recognized by student Brooke Leath • Pine Tree High School Coach Alton Hawkins recognized by student Evelyn Plunkett • ExCEL High School Custodian Nancy Coleman recognized by student Mason Griffin • ExCEL High School Teacher Brittney Jones recognized by ExCEL Graduate Keegan Thompson

Cleo Wadley and Brittney Jones

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Brooke Leath and Danielle Warren

Dr. Eric Cederstrom and Superintendent Steve Clugston

Beth Eaton and Emily Willadson

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Alton Hawkins and Evelyn Plunkett

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• Primary - Michelle Stroman • Birch Elementary - Laura Rickman • Parkway Elementary - Meredith Clay *District Elementary Teacher of the Year • Middle - Edwin Raudales • Junior High - Linda Nelson *District Secondary Teacher of the Year • High School - Jill Manning • ExCEL High School - Brittney Jones

Dianne Mula and Jocelyn Hernandez

Deborah Wait and Steve Clugston

Jim Manning and Destiny Reed

Stacy James, Emma Kate James and Lindsey Sinclair

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Javier Sauceda and Jacqueline Vazquez

Jamie Ladd and Janiah Ryan

Cleo Wadley and Steve Clugston

Chris Hollis and Steve Clugston

Dr. Valerie Baxter and Chris Hollis

Meredith Clay and Melanie Keoun

Lindsey Sinclair, Emma Kate James and Steve Clugston

David Quinn and Steve Clugston

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION

2018-2019 Teachers of the Year:

Miranda Chism

Shalonda Adams

Brittney Jones and Janiah Ryan

Cristi Parsons and Michelle Stroman

• Primary - Katie Yoder *District Elementary Teacher of the Year • Birch Elementary - Nicole Espinoza • Parkway Elementary - Shannon Fisk • Middle - Deborah Boydstun • Junior High - Michelle Randall *District Secondary Teacher of the Year • High School - Deborah Wait • ExCEL - Cindy Anderson • P.A.C.E – David Quinn

Frank and Iva Holyfield , Christian, Lori and Steven Ball

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Regen Stiles Teaching Excellence Award Winner Alton Hawkins, Judy Stiles and Evelyn Plunkett

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Steve, Amy and Nevaeh Clugston

Nicole Espinoza and Steve Clugston

GRAPHIC ST

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This Graphic Standards section of these O facilitate the use of the Allpoint® Brand Terminals, signs, marketing materials and LLC. must approve in writing any deviation

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ATM National, LLC. is the sole owner of uses, designations or registrations own Allpoint® Brand Mark. ATM National, LLC Allpoint® Brand Mark and shall have all maintenance on all signage applications a

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The Allpoint® Brand Mark consists of th rectangle box. None of these elements m any way.

Approved Color Versions o

The Allpoint® Brand Mark may appear in a

Cleo Wadley, Nancy Coleman, Mason Griffin and Tony Hollins

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Shannon Fish and Steve Clugston

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

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Laura Rickman and Sharon Smith

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12/3/18 11:38 AM

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BODY SOUL AND SPIRIT

BODY SOUL AND SPIRIT

Longview Regional Medical Center

celebrates life and employees By

J o y cel y ne

F adojutimi

LRMC ER Director Brian Hopkins on the grill appreciating employees with supper

Angela and Lauren Eddington

Anna O’Connor

Fran Norrel

Archie Lacy, Charlotte Lee and Janis Lacy.

LRMC CEO Casey Robertson cooks for employees in celebration of National Hospital Week

Mike Bailey and his Sons Xander and Gavin Bailey

N

National Hospital Week 2019 trumpeted the blessings of hope and healing; the hospitals, health systems and medical professionals who make possible the health and high quality of life of their communities.

Their work is a labor of love. Doctors, nurses, therapists, engineers, food service workers, volunteers, administrators all contribute mightily to this cause, and well deserve the recognition this event provides.

For this reason, Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) Chief Executive Officer Casey Robertson and his management team went far in

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Johnny Hightower and Son, David Hardin

their expression of appreciation as they put on an extravaganza that left no doubt as to how grateful they and all of East Texas are for health providers' services. The event lasted from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., giving staff plenty of time to partake of the delicious grilled hamburger meal and all its trimmings. Some employees took food home at their shifts' conclusions, while others headed for picnic tables and savored the evening with loved ones. Attendee Charlotte Lee was delighted with management's show of gratitude and appreciation.

"It is wonderful. This is a great idea that they had," she said. "The family night for National Hospital Week is really good." |

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Ruth Lopez, Isabel Montayo, Elizabeth Rios and Waynette McCowan

Volunteer Johnny Hightower described how much he loves donating his time and efforts.

"I love my job. It is the best job I have ever had," he said. "I like being with people and helping them. For management to cook for us is a great gesture of appreciation." LRMC employee Ruth Lopez agreed totally.

"It is great working here. It is very nice, and we look forward to this every year. Very nice of them, you know," she said. "It is weird to see management in shorts, cooking, no suits. We have always seen them in suits." A parent named Mrs. Montayo felt the same, delighted way about the scene.

"It is so nice of them to treat their employees www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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and families like this," she said. Waynette McCowan couldn’t agree more.

"This is fun, you know," she said. "Funny, too, to see them in their casual clothes with no suits," she said. Elizabeth Rios added that the meal was a blessing. "The food is good, too!"

For employee Fran Norre,l the event was just another delightful aspect of her beloved job. "I love working here," she said. "I work for Dr. Jorge Massare and Dr. Charles Crumpler. They treat me very nice. I love working with them."

The Eddington family attended, touched that families were invited. "They not only appreciate us who work here. They appreciate our families."

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Moving for a Cause B y J o y cel y ne F adojutimi

Elle Woods paints Brynn Woods face

Brynn Woods

Everybody won, but some won more than others.

Scott Ward won the trophy for coming in first in the five-kilometer run male division. Colby Hatchett came in second, and nine-year-old Ryland Roedel was third. In the five-kilometer female division Julie Forrester pulled down first place, Renee Ward came in second, and Pam McKintosh was third.

Grayson Kovacs-Walker has benefitted from the Angel Network. He came to the run with his father, who told the crowd, "The Angel Network is a lifesaver.

They help us pay for many needs that benefit our son.

We just want to say thank-you."

Founder Musician and Entertainer Neal McCoy was unable to attend, but his daughter Miki Dougherty serves as Angel Network administrator.

She made clear the priceless nature of the event and how blessed so many are by those who make it possible.

"We are grateful to Julie Woods and the organizers." she said. "We do not have time to put on another event with all that we already do, so when someone comes along and helps us to do what we do with an event like this we cannot do anything or say much except to be overwhelmed with gratitude. This event is great, and we are very grateful."

The Angel Network thusly describes its mission: "We are committed to the enhancement of the lives of the children of East Texas who are living with terminal or life-threatening disease. We are resolved, through fundraising activities, to provide financial assistance for living expenses and related costs to the children of East Texas and their families in order to enhance the quality of life for children facing the challenge of disease."

Men 5K Winners: Scott Ward, 1st, Colby Hatchett, 2nd and Ryland Roedell, 3rd.

Women 5K Winners: Julie Forrester 1st Renee War, 2nd Pam McKintosh, 3rd.

T

he crowd at Boorman Trail wore "Move for a Cause" t-shirts at the recent event to support Neal McCoy's East Texas Angel Network in its objective of helping East Texas sick children. Participants ran and walked a course to raise money for the cause.

Event organizer Julie Woods of the Julie Woods and Associates Real Estate Firm expressed her gratitude and admiration for runners, walkers, volunteers and sponsors who make possible this annual event possible. She likened the run to French wine, because it improves every year.

"I am so thrilled with the community response supporting these kids," she said while also expressing

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how thankful she was for the ideal weather.

Dr. Quentin Woods, MD opened the event with a prayer of thanksgiving as it commenced at 8:15 a.m. A five-kilometer run preceded a one-mile jaunt.

Both were followed by walkers and their canine family members. There were other activities.

Elle Woods delighted attending children by painting their faces with lovely designs. Many danced to the tunes belted out by a jamming sound box, and most took advantage of the delectable selection of goodies provided by event sponsors. Happy T the Clown was on hand to further entertain children.

There was even a massage booth for runners and walkers who felt the pain of their exertions. |

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Grayson Kovacs-Walker and Miki Dougherty

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GRUBS UP

BRAIN TEASERS

Slow cooked pork

y a D s ’ r e h t a F perfect for

Braised Pork Buns with Quick Pickled Cucumbers & Bean Sprouts Yields 11 servings

For pork:

For cucumbers:

2

1 1/8 3 2

teaspoons expellerpressed grapeseed or canola oil 3.15 pounds Boston butt, cut into 3 pieces along natural muscle separation, trimmed of surface fat 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup vermouth, rice wine or dry sherry 21/2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage 1 small onion, sliced (about 1 cup) 3 tablespoons molasses (or honey) 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons minced ginger 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

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tablespoon honey teaspoon salt tablespoons rice vinegar large cucumbers, peeled, cut in half lengthwise, seeded with a spoon, thinly sliced 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

To assemble:

11 soft whole-wheat hamburger buns 23/4 cups mungbean sprouts

To make the pork:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil.

Season the pork on all sides with salt and pepper. When oil begins to shimmer, add pork and brown on all sides, about 4 minutes per side.

Add browned pork to a slow cooker. Off of the heat, add the vermouth and then place on low heat, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Add contents of the

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skillet to the slow cooker, along with cabbage, onion, molasses, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour; then reduce heat to low and cook for 4 hours (alternatively, cook the pork on low for the entire duration, 6 to 7 hours).

To make the cucumbers:

vOne hour before serving, in a medium bowl, stir and dissolve the honey and salt into the rice vinegar and then add the cucumbers and pepper. Chill.

To assemble: Toast the buns cut side up under a broiler or in a toaster oven. Fill the buns with pork, drained cucumbers and bean sprouts.

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