infintieplus Magazine by infinitieplus magazine

infinitieplus December 2023

VOL. 13 NO. 12 LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Merry Christmas Dr. D. Jayakar 1st. in East Texas

Mayor bids City Farewell

Chinn named Longview Champion

Advantages of Shopping Local

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Cover Story The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One… Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PhD Photography Joycelyne Fadojutimi Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs Contributing Writers Glenn Miller Mechele Agbayani Mills Mary Hunt Robert Goldman Dr. Michael Guido

For advertising Email: joycelyne@easttexasreview.com www.infinitieplusmag.com OUR MISSION

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

OUR VISION

To become an information oracle of functional and constructive reports that serves the needs of businesses and communities. Submission Deadline: The first of every month prior to month of issue. infinitieplus magazine is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes since the publishing of this issue. At the time of publication, to the best of our knowledge, all information was accurate though not guaranteed. The entire contents of infinitieplus magazine is copyrighted 2023. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus magazine reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus magazine or its advertisers.

Longview Regional Medical Center Texas Bank and Trust R&K Distributors Spring Hill State Bank Trina Griffith Real Estate Co. Hon. Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt Arabella of Longview Rumours Spalon

P. O. Box 12473 Longview, Texas 75602-2473 www.infinitieplusmag.com Phone: 903.918.7706

Mayor Andy Mack praises projects, points out decisions, says farewell

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VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 12

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Inspiration

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

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

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LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Becca Childress

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

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Joey Sutton

Laura Hill

Dave Jochum

Delcine and Wayne Johnson

Leslie Paull and Valerie Baxter, Ed.D.

Tara and Rhonda Chinn

Rodney Ellis, Ed.D.

Mandy Parker

Havana Rotondo

Shawna Stewart

Super Steve Clugston and Dep. Sup. Jonathan Eggerman

Keith Lloyd and Prez. Troy Moore

Luis Costanon and Judge Tim Bryan

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Cover Story

MAYOR ANDY MACK:

LAST STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS Praises projects, points out decisions, says farewell

Story and photos By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

ongview Mayor Andy Mack turned his annual state of the city address into a poignant, unforgettable farewell to his beloved office as the city's chief executive. He left nothing out as he chronicled his actions and decisions in almost nine years in office. He cited the public health and structural improvements including

Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy. It’s It’s It’swhat what whatwe we wedeliver. deliver. deliver. From From From the thethe day day day you you you find find find out outout to tothe to thethe day day day you you you deliver, deliver, deliver, there’s there’s there’s nothing nothing nothing more more more important important important to toLongview to Longview Longview Regional Regional Regional Medical Medical Medical Center Center Center than than than your your your and and and your your your baby’s baby’s baby’s health health health and and and well-being. well-being. well-being. This This This isiswhy why is why we wewe provide provide provide extra extra extra amenities amenities amenities such such such as asprivate as private private rooms, rooms, rooms, spacious spacious spacious birthing birthing birthing suites, suites, suites, childbirth childbirth childbirth classes classes classes and and and breastfeeding breastfeeding breastfeeding support. support. support. And And And ififyou you if you and and and your your your newest newest newest addition addition addition need need need aalittle little a little extra extra extra help, help, help, we wewe offer offer offer perinatal perinatal perinatal services services services that that that include include include maternal-fetal maternal-fetal maternal-fetal medicine medicine medicine specialists specialists specialists and and and aaLevel Level a Level IIIIIINICU. NICU. III NICU. For ForFor 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.

new city signs, roads, and smoking restrictions in public places. He pointed out responses to the COVID epidemic, and how local healthcare providers collaborated with the civic government to avoid any widespread contagion. COVID-19 is an issue whose importance cannot be overstated. Many lives doubtless were because of education and preparation organized in response to the epidemic. Timely correct information and education

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were key. "Fear comes from the unknown," he said. "The more we know the better we can prepare." Moreover, he recalled the swift response and repairs when a major water main line broke, and how even without snowplows winter's "snowmaggedon" was contained. "I'm confident we're ready for the next major weather event," he said. Contd. on Page 8

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Cover Story He praised the honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt for his efforts on behalf of the community and described the upgrades made possible by the Go-Giver Gala, Walk of Honor and, especially, the widespread connection with residents that enables the infrastructure and populace to cooperate by the sharing of crucial data. He praised all residents who have, "gone above and beyond for the city of Longview." By electing civic leaders who are competent, industrious, and adaptable, Longview has spent nearly the last decade moving in a positive, profitable direction. The changes have been for the best. "We elected officials who have changed with the times." He observed that LEDCO, the Parks Partnership, and Help for the Homeless have all brought about crucial improvement. LEDCO alone has accounted for the creation of 4000 new jobs during the past decade while also bringing a whopping $157,000,000 into the local economy. Such vital funding has boosted the drive to renovate downtown Longview. Plus, the booming food trucks business that is not after all a competition to local restaurants but rather, a sweet mobile complement to existing food industry "The journey just keeps on going," Mack said. "The next generation of leaders will keep our beloved community moving forward."

Cover Story

So an online scam is

NOT what you ordered? By KIRA KROWN, CONSUMER EDUCATION SPECIALIST/FTC

company’s name along with words like “scam” or “fraud” to see what issues others might have had. Keep records. Keep track of the company’s name and website, any receipts or bank statements showing what you paid, and when they said they’d ship your

Leslie Paull, Dorrie DeLand and Kathryn Pedroza

Among other things, he profusely thanked his family for their unwavering support during his 3084 days in office. It is important to note his attendance record was almost unblemished. "I've missed one meeting in nine years, because I was in the hospital with a brain bleed," he said. "This is not a one-person job." Mack has served as Longview’s mayor for nearly nine years. He

is currently completing his 3rd consecutive 3-year term in May 2024. Prior to his mayorship, Mack served nearly a decade as the council member representing District 4. In conclusion, he advised his audience to "choose wisely" in their future selections of civic leaders, to elect officials who have vested interests in Longview's wellbeing and are fully committed to the community.

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his time of year, you’re probably buying lots of things online. Gifts, decorations, food! But what if something you’ve ordered shows up different than advertised? Or damaged? Or never comes at all? If so, you’re not alone. Scammers often pose as real companies online — or make up fake companies — to try to get your money or personal information. They may post fake ads for things

item. (Sellers have to ship your order by the time they or their ads say they will — or give you the chance to get your money back.) If an online seller hasn’t lived up to its promises, report it to the FTC: ReportFraud. ftc.gov.

on social media or other websites, and even use a real company’s logo to try to seem legit. But then they take your money, and don’t send what you ordered. Here are some ways to protect yourself when shopping online: Pay by credit card. If you’re charged twice, billed for something you never got, or get a wrong or damaged item, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company. Check out the company. Before you buy, search online for the

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Health and Wellness

LRMC CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEON

DAVID JAYAKAR, MD., NAMED 47TH IN THE NATION Heart and Vascular Institute of Longview Regional Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. David Jayakar 47th in the Nation to Receive Prestigious Award for Excellence in Beating Heart Surgeries.

he Cardiovascular Team at the Heart and Vascular Institute at Longview Regional Medical celebrated a phenomenal achievement. Cardiovascular surgeon Dr. David Jayakar was named 47th in the nation to achieve the Diamond Level of the Beating Heart Hall of Fame, completing 1,100+ off-pump coronary artery bypass procedures.

The award was presented by Getinge, which provides hospitals and life science institutions with products and solutions aiming to improve clinical results and optimize workflows. Dr. Jayakar is the first surgeon in East Texas to achieve this honor in the “Beating Heart Hall of Fame.” Beating heart surgery, also known as off-pump surgery, involves performing intricate cardiac

procedures without stopping the heart or putting the patient on a heart-lung machine. This innovative approach reduces the risks associated with traditional surgeries, such as stroke, kidney failure, and bleeding, resulting in shorter recovery times and improved patient outcomes. “This achievement recognizes Dr. Jayakar’s exceptional skill and dedication in performing beating heart surgeries, a technique that has

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Chad Campbell, CHS Region 4 President, Dr. David Jayakar and Steve Gordon, CEO Longview Regional Medical Center

revolutionized the way cardiac procedures are conducted,” said Steve Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Longview Regional Medical Center Dr. Jayakar has been a pioneer in East Texas in the field of off-pump cardiac surgery and his dedication to perfecting this technique and along with his commitment to his patient’s well-being and quality outcomes have earned him this prestigious award. "I am truly honored to receive the Heartbeat Hall of Fame Award," said Dr. Jayakar. "Beating heart surgeries have the potential to transform the lives of patients in need of cardiac intervention. I am grateful for the opportunity to offer beating heart surgery here in East Texas." The "Hall of Fame" is a testament to Dr. Jayakar’s exemplary skills and tireless efforts in advancing the field of cardiac surgery in Longview. About the Heart and

Vascular Institute of Longview Regional: Dedicated to caring for the hearts of the community, the Heart and Vascular Institute of Longview Regional Medical Center is composed of 11 cardiac professionals from diverse backgrounds who aim to improve patients’ hearts and overall health. The team is nationally recognized by IBM Watson (2017-2019) as a Top 50 Heart Hospital and delivers cutting edge cardiac services to East Texas, providing care close to home. The cardiac team offers a full range of services including cardiac diagnostics and intervention, cardiothoracic surgery, electrophysiology treatment, management and treatment of heart failure, cardiac rehabilitation, Holter monitoring, research and more. To learn more about cardiac services, procedures and specialists, visit www. longviewregional.com or call (903) 758-1818.

"I am truly honored to receive the Heartbeat Hall of Fame Award. Beating heart surgeries have the potential to transform the lives of patients in need of cardiac intervention. I am grateful for the opportunity to offer beating heart surgery here in East Texas." – Cardiovascular Surgeon Dr. David Jayakar, Longview Regional Medical Center.

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Community Connections

Chinn named Boys and Girls Club,

Longview Champion “Praise be to God. All we have is from God. Pray for our community and ask that the Lord show you specifically what work He has for you to do”. - William “Bo” Chinn Story and photos By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

oys and Girls Club of the Big Pines in Longview Texas recently recognized the minted Champion William “Bo” Chinn at the Club’s annual Champion luncheon. He is the founder of the East Texas Christian Fellowship, dedicated to Christian principles and advocacy. Chinn is a man of few words but gets very excited about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Anyone who knows Chinn, can safely dub him “The Jesus Man.” Salvation, giving testimonies, walking/ working righteously in the path that his Lord has set before him seems to be his “joie de vivre.” Hence, when he accepted the Champion award, he simply thanked God, the Club, and attendees. “Praise be to God. All we have is from God,” he said. “Pray for our community and ask that the Lord

William “Bo” Chinn accepts Champion award

show you specifically what work He has for you,” he told the audience. “To God be the glory. Thank you. I am grateful.” David Jochum, the keynote speaker explains what it means to be a champion. “It is not about athletes like the Texas Rangers,” who recently won the 2023 world

series. “It is about embracing a higher calling.” According to Jochum, a champion has unwavering faith. A champion exhibits characters such as love because Jesus said to love your neighbor. A champion perseveres. He reminded the audience what James said, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:2, NIV. Champions endure and remain steadfast when facing adversities. Furthermore, champions are known for their service - they serve others. Jochum summed up for the audience who is actually the greatest- it is the one who serves. Jesus said, “The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Greatness is not found in selfpromotion,” Jochum stated. But

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that is not all. There is more about champions. Champions are sons and daughters of encouragement. Jochum brought encouragement into sharper focus when he quoted: “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up…” 1 Thessalonians 5:11; NIV. Most people are struggling and often times do not show it. Encouraging people lifts you their spirit and most importantly gives them hope. Jochum explained

William “Bo” and Faith Ann Chinn

the importance of hope using scripture. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13, NIV. In relation with hope,

Michelle and Linda Gamboa

Jochum illuminated to the audience that hope is the belief that better days are ahead- to persevere. “I am encouraging you to get involved” he said. “Find that person who needs hope and encourage them. Become a hope dealer.”

“I am encouraging you to get involved. Find that person who needs hope and encourage them. Become a hope dealer.” Kati Kennedy, Catherine Parcher and Aaron McFatridge

- Dave Jochum, Keynote Speaker, Boys and Girls Club of the Big Pines, Longview Texas annual Champion award luncheon.

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Business and Finance

ADVANTAGES OF Shopping Local

esidents of a given town or city are often encouraged to support local businesses by looking to these firms to fill their needs. Small businesses are not just integral parts of communities, employing millions across the country, they also are operations that fund the very communities they service. Efforts to promote shopping local appear to be working. According to the Commonwealth Financial Group, over the last several years there has been a shift in consumer purchasing behavior marked by a preference among consumers to support locally

owned shops and stores over big-box retailers and even online shopping. The following are some key reasons why shopping locally not only benefits small business owners, but also the communities they call home and the customers they serve.

More money stays in the community:

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

Job creation:

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

companies. Customers may celebrate when a favorite business succeeds and look to spread the word about that business because they feel like they played a positive role in its success. Shopping locally has gained momentum and is fueled by the many advantages to supporting local businesses.

Diversity of products:

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

Personalized service:

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

Personal connection:

Knowing the people behind a business facilitates a connection not easily achieved with other

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Business and Finance

Fire safety protocols to keep in mind when holiday decorating

History of Christmas colors

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

Many people may not get in the holiday spirit without decorations and all the trimmings. Chances are strong that if you have containers full of items just waiting to see the light of day again this holiday season, those items are red or green or some combination thereof. Red and green have become the traditional colors of Christmas, just as blue and white symbolizes Chanukah. But how did this color palette come to evolve? Just like many traditions of Christmas, the red and green scheme has origins that pre-date the Christian celebration. Christmas has borrowed from many of the customs of winter solstice celebrations of ancient peoples, including the Celts. Ancient Celtic people revered holly plants, believing they brought

beauty and good fortune in the middle of winter, a time when the landscape is normally bleak and holly plants thrive and stand out. Celts would regularly bring in sprigs of holly and decorate their homes with the plants, which feature shiny, serrated leaves and bright, red berries, as a way to guarantee a prosperous new year. Holly also came to be associated with the crown of thorns Jesus Christ was forced to wear during his crucifixion. The custom of using red and green continued into the 14th century. Dr. Spike Bucklow, a research scientist at the University of Cambridge, says red and green also were used to paint medieval rood screens, which were partitions installed in churches to separate the congregation from the priest and altar. Dr. Bucklow notes that Victorians also extended the association

of these colors as a physical boundary to another boundary: the marking of the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one at Christmastime. While red and green had associations with Christmas in early times through holly and other sources, the connection was perhaps best solidified thanks to a man named Haddon Sundblom. Sundblom was an artist commissioned in 1931 by the Coca-Cola company to create an image of Santa Claus for the company’s upcoming holiday ads. Until this point, versions of Santa were rarely consistent, with his clothing vacillating between green, blue and red. He also wasn’t the plump, jolly fellow associated with

Christmas as we know him today, but rather thin and elf-like. Sundblom portrayed him as a chubby man wearing red robes, likely as a nod to Coca-Cola’s own red logo, even though the company denies the connection. Santa was featured in front of a green background. The ads proved popular and Sundblom’s Santa became the preferred depiction. Santa’s red robes perfectly complemented the green background and other green components of the holiday, such as Christmas trees and holly, that already had been solidified as Christmas imagery. Color plays a strong role in creating Christmas nostalgia. Red and green are put on vivid display throughout the season.

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ecorating the interior and exterior of a home is a beloved holiday season tradition in millions of households. Such decor makes it easy to dive into the festive nature of the season. Many people could not imagine a holiday season without decorating their homes, and it’s vital that celebrants do so safely. Fire safety is especially important during a time of year when string lights and potentially dried out trees feature so prominently. These fire safety tips can ensure this holiday season is safe. •

•

Buy the safest lights. It might be tempting to buy the most inexpensive lights, especially given all the extra costs already associated with the holiday season. However, safety should be the utmost priority when buying new lights. Use lights and cords where they’re intended to be used. The packaging on lights will indicate if the product is intended to be used indoors or outdoors. It’s vital that individuals decorating their homes with lights pay attention to these labels. Never decorate the exterior of a home with interior lights,

and vice versa. Extension cords • made for indoors also should not be used outdoors and vice versa. •

•

Be especially careful with candles. Candles should only be burned when adults are in the room and should always be extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed. When burning candles, place them on heat-resistant surfaces that are beyond the reach of curious kids and pets. Never place candles within arm’s length of Christmas trees or houseplants, including poinsettias. Ask an electrician to inspect your exterior outlets and circuits. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to prevent electric shocks and reduce the risk of electrical fires.

•

Do not pinch light cords. Stringing lights can be a hassle, but cords should never be pinched in doors or windows or beneath interior and exterior furniture. Doing so increases the risk of damage to the cord, which in turn increases the likelihood of fire. Avoid overloading circuits. Overloaded circuits pose a significant fire hazard. When plugging in lights, choose outlets that aren’t already occupied by devices and other electronics. If need be, unplug appliances like televisions and devices while lights are on and plugged in. When decorating this holiday season, celebrants are urged to do everything they can to reduce the risk of fire in their homes.

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Community Connections

Simple ways to prolong the life of Poinsettias

oinsettias and their rich red, white, or variegated color schemes are the ideal backdrop for Christmas celebrations. In fact, poinsettias are among the most popular decorative flowers during the holiday season. According to the 2013 USDA Floriculture Statistics report, poinsettias accounted for about one-quarter (23 percent) of all flowering potted plant sales that year. Roughly 34 million poinsettia plants are sold in a given season. Indigenous to Central America, the plant was introduced to North America in the 1820s when Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, brought the red-and-green plant back with him from a trip abroad. While millions of poinsettias will be purchased for the holiday season, many mistakenly think

their utility ends once New year’s Day has come and gone. But with proper care poinsettia plants can continue to thrive and bring warmth and beauty to a home long after the holiday decorations have been tucked away. •

•

Choose a hearty plant. Experts with the University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science say that many people mistake the plant’s leaves for its flowers. The red, white or pink bracts are actually modified leaves. The flowers of the plant are the yellow clustered buds in the center called Cyathia. Choose poinsettia plants that have buds which are, ideally, not yet open.

and 10 degrees cooler at night. Humidity levels between 20 and 50 percent are ideal. Group plants on water-filled trays full of pebbles to help increase humidity levels. ¥ Place near sunlight. The United Kingdom-based Perry wood floral company advises

Keep the temperature consistent. Poinsettias prefer a room temperature between 60 and 68 F during the day

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The red foliage on poinsettias are actually modified leaves called bracts. The flowers are the small, yellow buds in the center of the plant.

placing poinsettia plants near a bright windowsill but not in direct sunlight. Do not let a poinsettia touch cold window panes. •

Avoid drafts. The plants are sensitive to drafts and changes in temperature. So it’s best to keep poinsettias away from drafty doors, windows, radiators, or fireplaces.

•

Don’t drown the roots. Wait until the surface of the compost dries out before watering the plant anew. Also,

the decorative foil wrapper that covers pots can trap water and lead to root rot. Remove it or poke holes in the bottom to allow for drainage. •

Cut back plants. Come midMarch, cut back the plant by half to encourage new shoots, suggests the University of Illinois Extension. The plants also can be placed outside in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. Bring poinsettias back in around mid-September to early October to force them to bloom again.

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Brain Teaser

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.) 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________

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.

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Grubs Upand Finance Business

Grubs Up Business and Finance

Bake up a sweet holiday

ntertaining is a big part of the holiday season. Calendars are packed this time of year with gatherings with friends, family, and professional colleagues. Entertaining requires keeping plenty of refreshments on hand to ensure guests maintain their holiday spirit. Dessert is no stranger to the season, with office break rooms, dining tables and buffet stations brimming with sweet treats to tempt celebrants palates. Everyone should have a go-to dessert to bring along to a holiday party or to offer guests when hosting their own fetes. Cookies are a standard due to their versatility and portability. Festive Sour Cream Cookies provide all of the holiday feels and can be customized in color to reflect celebrations of Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, or New Years.

Sour Cream Cookies Makes 22 cookies

11/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg, at room temperature 11/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting 1/2

cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 11/2 cups powdered sugar 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Gel food coloring (optional) 1. To make the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt until well combined. Set it aside.

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3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together for 1 to 2 minutes, or until well combined. 4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, making sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. 5. Mix in the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the sour cream. Make sure to mix in each addition until just combined and be careful not to overmix the batter. 6. Using a 11/2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave a little room between each one. 7. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are set and spring back when touched lightly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. 8. To make the vanilla buttercream frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter for 1 to 2 minutes, or until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, 1Ú2 cup at a time, mixing in each addition until well combined. 9. Add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and gel food coloring (if using), and continue mixing until fully combined. 10. Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread the frosting on top of the cookies. 11. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

If the Shoe Fits,

Beware It

By R O B E R T G O L D M A N

f you're looking for a discussion of the people running for president in the Republican primary, this is not the place to find it. If you are looking for an opinion on the shoes being worn by the people who are running for president in the Republican primary, pull up a footstool. You've come to the right place. "Why GOP Candidates are Fighting About Shoes," a recent article by Lora Kelley in The Atlantic, reminds us of the importance of your footwear choices when it comes to sending the right message — to voters and to management. "In conservative circles with relatively circumscribed dress norms," Kelley explains, "footwear is a place where taste and personality can shine through." "Shoes can change your height, your posture and how you move through space," adds writer Amanda Mull, "which are all things that engender social

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responses from people around you." (If you doubt the importance of what you wear to your career plans, consider the reaction if you arrived at the office or, if you work from home, at a Zoom meeting wearing a Microkini or a Speedo? Would management applaud your ability to think — and dress — out of the box? Or would they put you in a box and ship you off to Human Resources for reprogramming?) All of which brings us back to the one place where you can safely and effectively express your "taste and personality": your feet. Here are five footwear secrets your podiatrist won't tell you.

No. 1: Stilettos

With comfy, no-heel shoes from Nike and Allbirds the universally accepted workplace footwear choice, towering three, four or five inches above your coworkers in stilettos says that you see yourself as a superior person, destined to rule the office (if not

the world). All it takes is a little chutzpah and a whole lot of balance. For men, the decision to wear stilettos to work sends a somewhat different message. I'm not exactly sure what that message is, but it will get attention. If you do want to elevate yourself and have neither the chutzpah nor the balance to replace your Johnston & Murphy's with Louboutins, simply put lifts inside your shoes. No one will ever notice, I guarantee it.

No. 2: Cowboy boots

It used to be that a resume of snooty prep schools and posh Ivy League colleges was a requisite for success. No longer. "Wearing cowboy boots," says Mull, "sends the message that you're not really some kind of desk-job dweeb, but a man's man who chafes under coastal formality." Since rustic signaling can spark accusations of inauthenticity, start calling meetings "campfires," your

DECEMBER 2023

HEALTH & WELLNESS

lunchtime quiche "grub," and refer to your co-workers as your "little dogies." If this isn't sufficient to demonstrate your inner cowpuncher, bring a few steers to the office. Keep them in the parking lot, tied to your Tesla, or herd them into your cubicle and let them graze at the salad bar in the company cafeteria. (Texas longhorns are available at a reasonable price on Amazon, where they can be returned at no cost, though wrapping can be a problem. Better to show your ruthless executive nature and, at the next company meeting, deliver a bad performance review and turn them into burgers.)

No. 3: Flip-flops

Show you'd rather be on a surfboard than on the board of directors. With companies whittling down the workforce, this kind of insouciance will unnerve the hiring — and firing — committee, who will think that to express this kind of confidence, you must know potentially embarrassing company secrets. You don't, of course, but they will never get past your dirty ankles and mucky toes to find out.

No. 4: Barefoot

Barefooting up the org chart is a risky strategy, and not recommended to the faint of heart — or foot. Not wearing shoes could send a message that you are so underpaid you can no longer afford to buy shoes. It could also send the message that you are so involved in the business that you forget to put on your shoes in the

DECEMBER 2023

morning. If this is the case, crank it up and "forget" your pants as well.

No. 5: Fuzzy-Wuzzy Bunny Slippers

Want to join Flopsy and Mopsy in the C-suite? Hopping into the office in bunny slippers could make it happen. Adding rabbit ears and a fluffy tail will make you so adorable that no one could deny you a promotion. Just check the footwear of other team members. If your co-workers are wearing

scary stilettos or super-macho cowboy boots, you could end up rabbit stew. Bob Goldman was an advertising executive at a Fortune 500 company. He offers a virtual shoulder to cry on at bob@ bgplanning.com. To find out more about Bob Goldman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

WOMEN TODAY

MONEY TALKS

Gift Cards Are Not Gifts W By MARY HUNT

hat to give for Christmas when you don't have time to shop, don't want to put much thought into it and just need to check someone off your list? A gift card, of course. At this point, I will resist the urge to list all the reasons that gift cards are not really gifts, why they are so problematic for both the giver and the recipient, or ask if you're going to give money, why not just give the money? The truth is consumers racked up more than $162 billion in gift card sales in 2022. I can't stop the insanity, but I can shed a little light on how these things work and how to avoid the pitfalls.

Understand that no gift card is the same as cash.

It's not. It's the same as store credit. That's what you are giving as a gift. The store gets to write the rules for how it will handle your recipient and its store credit. And should that store fall into financial trouble, that gift

6 WOMEN TODAY

card will instantly become worthless even if it has no expiration date. Did I mention that a gift card is not the same as cash?

Retailers are crazy about them.

There's a reason that retailers are so in love with gift cards: They get the money up front. And they know that lots of gift cards get lost, and some get forgotten and sit around for months or years. Americans have a collective $21 billion in unspent gift cards floating around out there. The average household sits on $300 in unused gift cards. Do you even know where yours are? Unused gift cards represent free money for stores. Consumer Reports has estimated that a quarter of all gift cards go unredeemed for a year after purchase, and about 7% never get used at all. Bankrate reports 47% of U.S. adults have at least one unused gift card. It all adds up to an estimated $8 billion windfall annually for the retail industry.

DECEMBER 2023

Get smart.

Buyers of gift cards and recipients should know that not all gift cards are created equal. Like to shop both at the store and online? Not all gift cards allow customers to buy and redeem gift cards in the store and online. Some retailers charge the buyer of a gift card a shipping fee to send a gift card to a recipient. Many gift cards come with ridiculous restrictions should you need to make a return or exchange — like you must have the used gift card in your hand for the store to credit back any refund. Oh, you threw it away because it was empty. Too bad, sucker. Some cards have inactivity fees (now regulated by state laws and, again, not all state laws are created equal). Some retailers accept gift card redemptions at all locations, others at only select locations. Expiration dates are less of a problem these days. Few major retailers have them anymore. Sell or exchange. If you have a gift card you just know you aren't going to use, sites like Raise, Gift Card Granny and

Card Cash may take it and give you cash back, credit your PayPal account or give you an Amazon gift card a percentage of the original gift card's value. Yes, you'll be "losing" money by selling it at a discount, but if you weren't going to use that gift card anyway (or you were going to use it on something you didn't really want), it's probably still a better deal. Get a discount. You can buy gift cards on Raise from about 5% to 35%, depending on the store. Not bad if you compare that to leaving your card lying in a drawer someplace for your heirs to discover someday. I can no longer resist the urge to ask: If you're going to give money this holiday season, why not just give the money? Your recipient will get every single penny of that $20 bill to spend wherever he or she desires. Chances of that money getting lost or forgotten are slim-to-none, and you won't be feeding that completely out of control retail monster known as the Gift Card Retail Industry. There, I said it, and I feel so much better.

WOMEN TODAY

COVER STORY

Reynaldo Myles and his company DJ Hollywood at the recent Newgate Mission fun run/walk

Shrona Carter dancing to DJ Hollywood jams

Wobble Gobble through the years have become one of the biggest run/walk events in Longview. From Texana bank, Ancor Health Center, PA; Kindle Dental, Tutu Turkeys, families, friends, and well-wishers; the trail saw its share of people in one day. Just in case you missed it this year, stay tuned for 2024 to join others in making a positive difference in our city. Merry Christmas everyone from our staff at infinitieplus magazine.

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TUTU TURKEYS (In no particular order): Ann Kroyer, Lori Cox, Lisa Hughes, Sherri Herring, Rusty Page, David Mayfield Sandy Jenkins, and Kaylon Moore

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COVER STORY

Community Partners run, walk for a good cause

Newgate Mission annual event a hit with large crowd, music, snacks, and fun

Story and photos By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

OMATSU knows what it means to be a community partner in Longview, Texas. Hence their presence at the recent annual Wobble Gobble Run/ Walk for Newgate Mission that feeds the homeless population or anyone in the city who needs food.

In addition, Shrona Carter, who volunteers for Newgate Mission was in high spirits, dancing to the smooth and alluring beats of DJ Hollywood. By the way, if you ever need a DJ for any event, reach out Reynaldo Myles, better known as DJ Hollywood at 903.371.9780. He will certainly get you what you want, and this is exactly what he did for this annual Run/walk event.

Whitney Schubarth at the recent Newgate Mission annual fun run/walk

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Arabella of Longview supporting community event-Newgate Mission

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WomenToday December 2023

And Happy New Year COMMUNITY PARTNERS RUN, WALK FOR A GOOD CAUSE

GIFT CARDS ARE NOT GIFTS

IF THE SHOE FITS, BEWARE IT

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