Living life beyond plus one
infinitieplus DECEMBER 2020
Christmas Message
VOL. 10 NO. 12 LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Leadership Longview
Tequita Dudley
Arts and Culture
FLIP THIS MAGAZINE
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
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What 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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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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Editor's Note
Table of Contents The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One… Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi
THANKS for being here for us The best of wishes and our GRATITUDE too, as we pause to remember excellent ADVERTISERS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS and READERS like you:
Photography Joycelyne Fadojutimi
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LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs Contributing Writers Dr. Michael Guido Mechele Agbayani Mills
Longview Regional Medical Center Texas Bank and Trust R&K Distributors Spring Hill State Bank Stone Works Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry Trina Griffith Real Estate Co. Hon. Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt HEARTIS SENIOR LIVING Simple Bare Necessities
For advertising: contact Joycelyne Fadojutimi at joy@iplusmag.com OUR MISSION
To enrich the local-global community with the “just in time knowledge,” to assure future successes.
OUR VISION
President Kelly Hall and Dr. Valerie Baxter
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Amy Canton and Brandie Simmons
Amy Canton
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Justin Landrum, April Barker and Tracy Vincent
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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 2020. 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.
May the miracle of our Savior’s birth bring you Hope and joy this Christmas and always.
Suzanne Brown, LaDawn Ingram and Linda Martin
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Tiffany Jehorek
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East Texas Homes: L-r: Andy Davidson, The Alstons: Macy, Atley, Kelly, Aaron; Kory and Christie Hill. Seated L-r; Joe and Andy Pinkston with Addison Hill
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911 NW Loop 281 211 Suite 24 Longview, Texas 75604 www.iplusmag.com Phone: 903.236.0406
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VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 12
LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Judy DeBoard
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Darrell DeBoard
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Brittany Pierson, Leslie Turner and Terri Carter
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Cover Story
Business Leadership and Longview Finance Leadership Longview takes Progressive Tour By IP STAFF REPORTS
T
he Leadership Longview Alumni Events Committee took a progressive tour that debut from the new Heartisans Market Place location at 3510 Gilmer Road. Heartisans Market Place CEO/ Founder Julee Rachels explained that even though they are thrilled about this new location because of the space, they are somewhat heart-broken at the same time. “We were saddened to leave downtown but with our trailer, we can still have a downtown presence.,” she said.
L-r: Amy Hollins, Julee Rach
els and Suzanne Flahie
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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.
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2901 2901 2901 N. N.Fourth N. Fourth Fourth Street Street Street • • Longview, Longview, • Longview, TX TX75605 TX 75605 75605 • • 903-242-3490 903-242-3490 • 903-242-3490 • • LongviewRegional.com LongviewRegional.com • LongviewRegional.com www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine | www.iplusmag.com | infinitieplus | December 2020
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Officials and Finance Business
Business and Officials Finance
Appreciating Elected Officials
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he Longview Chamber of Commerce and the Longview Business Advocacy Elected Officials reception was held at the Pinecrest Country Club. The event recognizes elected officials' hard work and support of the initiatives that benefit the federal, state, and local business community.
L-r: President Kelly Hall, Tracy Vincent and Dr. Blake Williams
VP/GM Harry Phillips and US Rep. Louie Gohmert
Dawn North and Michelle Gilley
Judge Bill Stoudt and Dr. Blake Williams
L-r: John Tanner, Judge Bill Stoudt and Mark Robinson
John Nustad and US Rep. Louie Gohmert
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State Sen. Hughes Bryan and Michelle Gamboa
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Tracy Vincent and US Rep. Louie Gohmert
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Cover Story Business and Finance
Leadership Longview
Stone Works hosts annual Builders Business Mixer
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tone Works recently held an annual East Texas Builders’ Business Mixer. Builders in attendance included: Pennywise Construction, East Texas Home Builders, D.J. Johnson Construction; DeBoard Homes and Restoration; Helsey Custom Homes and several other builders and various contractors. Like every Stone Works Business Mixer, there was a live band, so much to eat and drink with many giveaways. The evening rocked and rolled.
Jennifer and Tye Johnson
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“It is so wonderful to have the space we have here at this location. It will enable us to serve more women and people in the community.” From Heartisans LL headed to Simply Stor-It Longview and the new Parkside Apartments both on McCann Road.
mittee tour Parkside Apartments Leadership Longview Alumni Event Com
Joe Turner
Barker, L-r: Suzanne Brown, Donna Vincent, April in, Tracy Mart a Lind y, Baile on Allys Justin Landrum, Pool. Apt. side Park at m Ingra wn LaDa and Vincent
Chris and Jennifer Schroeder
David and Kim Cline; Jason and Christie Stone
“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” – Rosalynn Carter,
Kory Hill, Brian Simons and Jen Wingate
former first lady of the United States
Give the GIFT Everyone Loves! Texas Bank and Trust Visa® Holiday Gift Card Pick up today at any TB&T location!
903.291.0020 1408 Lago Trail Longview heartis.com
Assisted Living and Memory Care Community
Additional Visa gift card designs available.
Purchase fee of $3.00. Monthly inactivity fee of $2.95 after 12 consecutive months of inactivity. Lost/stolen replacement card fee of $5.00. Visa Gift Card is issued by MetaBank® N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Card can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted in the U.S. No cash access. MEMBER FDIC
LeAnn Pickitt and Angela Daughtry
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Leadership Longview
Tequita Dudley
Tequita Dudley
equita Dudley T
Leadership Longview "I feel Longview has great potential to continue to have thriving leaders. We have good schools that educate and send away leaders to thrive in other communities. We need to focus on how we can convince those same leaders to come back to Longview and help build our own community."
stars at Longview Transit
The COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed Tequita and her department's resolve to keep the city's wheels greased and turning.
– Tequita Dudley, Assistant General Manager. Longview Transit Management, Inc.
B y J OYC E LY N E FA D O J U T I M I / I P LU S M A G .C O M
T
equita Dudley learned the value of hard work from her industrious mother Gloria Jackson. Gloria never shrank from the challenges of working two or three jobs to provide for her children. Tequita, the oldest, got an early education on responsibility. She became her younger siblings’ caretaker, (Marlon Hardeman and Shalanda Jackson) because of her mother's hectic schedule. Gloria was a fine example for more than just her dedication and work ethic. "My mother never met a stranger. She is the friendliest person you will ever meet, and once you meet her, you are to her, a friend," says Tequita. "That quality alone helped me to be more of a loving and giving person." Her family's positive influence came from both parents. Her father Charles Dudley taught her that settling for well enough is seldom sufficient for personal success and fulfillment. He saw great things in his daughter. A hard worker himself, he taught her never to be satisfied with being average because the world is filled with unhappy, average people. Above all, her greatest influence is the Holy Spirit. She was just a tot when she started attending church with her grandmother. She fondly remembers Sunday mornings. "We would get up, have breakfast and hurry off to
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morning services, and return to have Sunday dinner with family," she says. "Often we would have guests we invited during morning services." For her, it was an early example of the traditional Christian duty to address the needs of others. Her family always dined at the table together, sharing food, fellowship and love. It was impossible to not communicate and positively engage with loved ones. Hence, she is saddened at how nowadays, most families do not even live under the same roof, and rarely communicate or even see each other. She unwaveringly leans on her faith. "I have often had to rely on my faith by making decisions when I couldn't see the outcome," she says. "Just knowing God has my back and best interests at heart allows me to live unapologetically, radically." Besides family and faith, the greatest influence on her life and career has been education. After pulling down an associate degree from Kilgore College in 2012, she nabbed her Bachelor of Science degree in 2017 from Texas College. She favorably describes how the Texas College faculty influenced her in making the best possible vocational decisions through excellent study habits. Furthermore, she bones up on her position as www.iplusmag.com
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Tequita Dudley
Longview Transit's Drug and Alcohol Program Manager by attending the Federal Transit Association's (FTA) periodic Drug and Alcohol Conferences, held all over the nation. This keeps her abreast of policies, changes, and procedures. Through her, the FTA insures, that Longview Transit complies with all drug and alcohol regulations while simultaneously providing safe, reliable transportation. After eighteen years with Longview Transit she is very experienced and proficient in her job. She started out as a driver, moved up to supervisor, and then to director of operations. Prior to Longview Transit, Tequita worked in social services. There was a twelve-year stint at the Dear Recovery Unit and another three years at the Youth Shelter. From helping clients find jobs and social services after being released from prison or substance abuse facilities to assisting disadvantaged, troubled and at-risk minors, it has been a blessed experience. Her next, helpful step was into public transit, but was somewhat unplanned.
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Leadership Longview
Tequita Dudley
"I fell into transit. No one seeks this career out," she says. "I knew that I would need my CDLs, so I enrolled in truck driving school." After three years on the road, she became a supervisor under General Manager Edward Esparza. He made sure she had all the resources she needed to succeed in her new position hence, he looked over her shoulder until she caught on to her new responsibilities. Since transit is a field with little specialized training, employees have to network and interact with other workers in the field in order to achieve mastery which is constantly evolving. Hers is a demanding calling, resulting in regular, widespread employee turnover. Since assuming her position, she has had five general managers while she remains the only constant management employee. Helping a succession of new general managers learn their jobs has added greatly to her own responsibilities. Despite all the replacing, restructuring, editing and changes, her department continues to grow and be a blessed necessity for Longview. Nonetheless, her competence and work ethic are not limited to transit. For the past three years she has worked as a professional collector for the local Drug and Alcohol Compliance Center. "I took this job to keep myself busy during a rough time, and fell in love with the field," she says. "We provide drug testing for companies nationwide." Still, transit is her main calling, and as is so often the case in public service positions...no two days are the same. She has learned to expect the unexpected. She may be called upon to perform tasks ranging from finding housing for the mentally ill to helping write a million-dollar grant for the purchase of buses. Tequita typically oversees the city's daily transportation needs along with thirty other employees devoted to keeping Longview moving. Not even the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed her and her department's resolve to keep the city's wheels greased and turning.
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Tequita Dudley
Leadership Longview
"Leadership Longview has opened doors that I wouldn't have had without the program. I have made friends who became essential to helping me grow and evolve as a business leader." – Tequita Dudley, Assistant General Manager. Longview Transit Management, Inc.
"I never thought in a million years I would be responsible for not only my staff's lives, but their families as well," she says. "I took this job seriously and immediately started putting in protocols and following the CDC's recommendations." Again, her faith was her strength as her prayers for ability and safety resulted in success. Helping others is what she loves. About the only thing Tequita Dudley does not like about her calling is the misconception by many that transit is dirty and dangerous. She lobbies against this error, and the widespread belief that public transit is exclusively for the poor. Transit is simply an economical means of getting from one place to the other. It spares the environment and jump starts economic expansion. During the last ten years Longview Transit has made great strides with a new Multimodal Transportation Center, new sidewalks, and curb cuts. "The Multimodal Center is a comfortable place to catch all modes of transportation," she says. "In addition, we have a small park and green space for children." Tequita Dudley Courtesy photo / Swanns Photography Tequita is a member of Red Oak Baptist Church.
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She likes to sit unobtrusively in the back pew, listening to sermon after sermon week after week Her Christlike devotion to helping others has led to her partaking in numerous civic-help organizations. Her community involvement includes: • Leadership Longview Class of 2013-2014 • Leadership Longview Events Committee • Kilgore College Advisory Board • Community Health Core Foundation • Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) • Sigma Beta Delta • World Safety Organization • ZONTA of Longview . Leadership Longview gave her access to opportunities that have enriched her abilities, and hence made her even more of a blessing to those around her. "Leadership Longview has opened doors that I wouldn't have had without the program," she says. I have made friends who became essential to helping me grow and evolve as a business leader." But that is not all. Leadership Longview was instrumental in her perception of what was needed to significantly improve Longview Transit despite having little funding. She proposed a plan she had had in mind for years. Under
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her direction, Longview Transit emerged as a vibrant, efficient transportation network whose creation did not empty the city's coffers. She freely admits that Leadership Longview inspired her forward to this great success. Even more, Tequita gushes that Leadership Longview "opened doors in my career that catapulted me to a new level" as she learned what local programs needed help, and how she could be part of the solution. As an alumnus, she now serves on acceptance committees and loves meeting new members and watch them develop as they move into a program that opens networks of business professionals who can be of great value when needed. Students see their skill levels enhanced and become aware of and perceptive to problems affecting the community. Social activities and events provide networking opportunities with fellow classmates and assorted civic leaders. Tequita Dudley is the very personification of Leadership Longview success story. Even when her twentyseven-year marriage ended in divorce in 2017, she kept her focus on her son, Trymaine Dudley, two grandchildren, Chance and T’Liyah Dudley plus how to make Longview, Texas the best it can be.
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Arts and Culture
Arts and Culture
Museum Magic and Mayhem Sparkle at
Jim Bartlette Fine Jewelry Steven and Lois Collins
Wizard Jim Bartlett giving Scarecrow Holley Kotulla a brain
Wizard Jim Bartlett giving Scarecrow Holley Kotulla a brain
Amy Canton and Nicole Casey
L-r: Caitlyn Herndon, Nichole Casey, Amy Canton and Brandie Simmons
Joe Knox
Jim Bartlett
Jose Lonzano
C Brandie Simmons
Caitlyn Herndon
Nichole Casey
ovid-19 has thrown a monkey wrench into everyday life and activities. Longview Museum of Fine Arts Executive Director Tiffany Jehorek explained how the museum is carrying on its business of “enriching lives and igniting passion for the arts. “ in unprecedented times. “We could not do in person events for our fund raisers, so we did host parties,” she said. ”We had a lot of sponsors for our 4 zoom parties. We are thankful to all of them. They are enriching lives.” Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry hosted 1 of the 4 zoom parties on behalf of the museum. Amy Canton, sales manager at Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry is well versed in dance and costumes. With the help of her acolytes in the
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Holley Kotulla and Brandie Simmons
store, she had an award winning ‘Wizard of OZ’ theme for a shindig to raise funds for the museum. “We love supporting our community. Unfortunately, this year, many events we typically sponsor have been cancelled. So, when Longview Museum of Fine Arts asked us to host a location for their Magic and Mayhem event, we jumped at the opportunity,” she said. “We love a good costume party. We chose The Wizard of OZ as the Store’s theme because of the Emerald City, Ruby Slippers, etc. etc.” When 7:00pm rolled around, the store was packed with invitees who came to celebrate and raise funds for the museum. Best of all, guests enjoyed scrumptious food from Scotties Bistro. “It was a great way to usher in the holiday season,” Canton said. www.iplusmag.com
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Judge Rebecca Simpson, Amy Canton and Barbara Husbands
Amy Canton and Caitlyn Herndon
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Business and Finance
Business and Finance
ADVANTAGES OF
R
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.
Personal connection:
Knowing the people behind a business facilitates a connection not easily achieved with other 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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Cover Story
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The school district counselors coordinate distribution of the care packages.
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Business and Finance
History of Christmas colors Red and green have become the traditional colors of Christmas, just as blue and white symbolizes Chanukah.
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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.
P L E A S E M A I L C H E C K S P AYA B L E T O // S I M P L E B A R E N E C E S S I T I E S A D D R E S S // 5 T H O R N T R E E , L O N G V I E W, T X 7 5 6 0 1
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Recipe
Recipe
Orange spiced cake with berries M
Many cakes lend themselves well to the Bundt form, and that includes this Orange Spice Cake With Berries from Classic Stars Desserts (Chronicle Books) by Emily Luchetti.
Serves 10 Cake
Butter for the pan 3 tablespoons fine dried breadcrumbs 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice Grated zest of 2 oranges 3/4 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger 8 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature 11/2 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs
Glaze
1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 11/2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 pint raspberries (about 2 cups) 1 pint blueberries (about 2 cups)
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Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter a 10inch Bundt pan and dust with the bread crumbs, tapping out the excess. Sift together the flour, white pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, baking soda, and baking powder onto a piece of parchment paper or into a bowl. Add the salt and set aside. In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir together the milk, lemon juice, orange zest, and ginger and set aside. Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Reduce the speed to low and add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture in two additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing well after each addition. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the cake until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes. Invert a platter on top of the pan and then invert the plate and pan together. Lift off the pan. To make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice over low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Brush the glaze on the cake. It will seem like a lot of glaze, but the cake will absorb it. Let the cake cool to room temperature. Slice the cake and serve with raspberries, blueberries and cream, if desired. Note: Experiment with other berries for the holiday season, such as sugar-dusted cranberries.
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How to host a
I Do
socially distant
wedding
Stream the wedding online.
YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE
Stream the wedding online for those guests who won’t be in attendance. By the end of 2020, millions of people had already attended weddings via platforms like Zoom, so loved ones may be experienced virtual guests by the time couples walk down the aisle in 2021.
www.stone-works.net
Pare down the in-person guest list.
(903) 663-3344 SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS
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t’s likely that few people heard of social distancing prior to 2020. That changed as the novel coronavirus COVID-19 spread rapidly across the globe and the world found itself in the midst of a deadly pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines social distancing as keeping a safe distance of at least six feet between yourself and other people who are not from your household. Perhaps nowhere was that more evident than at the altar, where many couples still tied the knot, albeit in scaled back ceremonies that adhered to social distancing guidelines in their communities.
Couples who planned large weddings prior to the pandemic can still invite all of their loved ones to witness the festivities online but pare down the in-person guest list to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Plan a party for down the road.
Couples can still celebrate their nuptials with family and friends down the road. Plan a postpandemic reception and let guests know you will fill them in on the details once social distancing restrictions have been lifted.
Spread the socially distant word.
Let guests know what they are in for should they decide to take part in the festivities.
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Alyssa Strange
Alyssa Strange
Alyssa Strange
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L-r: The Campos’: Hilario, Lsabella, Megan and Dominic The Jacksons: Alondre, Alyssa, Grace and Tye.
Alyssa Strange
Sean, Kenny, Melonie Caudle; David, Lori Beth, Kassi, Brad, Grace and Owen Fountain; Cameron and Shana Strange; Vickie and David Owen; Alondre and Alyssa Jackson
L-r: Daniel Martinez, Aidan Smith, Alondre and Alyssa Jackson; Sarah Smith and Kayla Martinez
"We have our families and friends here, and we are flourishing on our jobs, so we are going to stick it out here for a while," she says. "Maybe one day we will move, but for now our roots are planted here." Children are another consideration. She grew up an only child, and now plans a future as mother to multiple children. She and Dre speak of having a big family, and with such parental role models their children are certain to be a blessing to Longview and beyond.
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Allie and Dre Jackson : Local turtledoves tie the knot B y J OYC E LY N E FA D O J U T I M I
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llie started out as Dre’s sisters' friend. He was just the aggravating little brother. That was ten years ago, when they first met as parishioners at Life Bridge Christian Center. It took nine more years before her feelings for Dre Jackson would crystalize. "I realized he was more than my friend or their annoying little brother," she says. "He was my future husband." She came to perceive and appreciate his compassion, patience, humility, and love of music. Even though it was not love at first sight, it was love, nevertheless. "I know now without the shadow of a doubt that he is the love of my life," she says. "I wouldn't want to go a single day without him. He makes me a better woman." Unlike his bride Allie, Dre is not a native East Texan. As a child, he relocated to Longview, Texas from the Virginia/Pennsylvania border region, and immediately hit it off with the locals. His musical ability makes him a favorite as he plays multiple musical instruments, sings, and writes music. Dre and loving wife Allie, have no plans to leave Longview.
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Jessica Cox Cox Photography
Grace Fountain
https://www.facebook.com/coxphotography2015. 936.554.9225
Allie and Dre Jackson
The bride with her parents: Cameron and Shana Strange with daughter Allyssa Jackson
Allie and Dre Jackson
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Allie and Dre Jackson
Allie and Dre Jackson
Allie and Dre Jackson
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Christmas Day is the most popular day to get engaged
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ccording to the 2020 WeddingWire Newlywed Report, more couples who were married in 2019 got engaged on Christmas Day than any other day during the year. Christmas Eve was the second most popular day to pop the question, while the Sunday before Christmas Eve came in fourth (New Year’s Day rounded out the top three). The appeal of Christmastime proposals helped make December the most popular month to get engaged, as more than 19 percent of couples who married in 2019 got engaged in the final month of the year. July proved the second most popular month to pop the question, as 9 percent of couples
who wed in 2019 reported getting engaged in July. Tradition still has a place in wedding proposals, as 84 percent of proposers reported asking on bended knee, while 65 percent acknowledged asking parents’ permission prior to popping the question.
How to find your
wedding florist
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eddings join the lives of two loving individuals so they can share their future with one another. Various elements help make weddings both momentous and magical. Floral arrangements are key components of wedding themes, as they help to establish ambiance at both the ceremony and reception. It is essential for couples to spend time vetting potential florists to find one who will produce their desired vision at a price that fits their budget. These guidelines can make the process go more smoothly.
Establish your theme early on. Floral arrangements will complement and enhance other elements of the wedding, including color scheme and the wedding theme. Bring swatches and photographs to consultations. It is easier to explain color palettes to a florist with
examples in hand.
Create a list of desired items. Florists may sell items a la carte or have packages of common floral pieces for wedding celebrations. Go easy on aroma. Tread lightly when selecting blooms that have strong aromas. They may be beautiful, but many people are sensitive to smells. Explain your budget. Research the average cost of floral arrangements and let the florist know what you can afford. This can help the florist narrow down options or make substitutions that fit your theme and your budget.
From precious stones to brilliant new creations, our exquisite jewelry collections are truly stunning. JEWELRY
BartlettFineJewelry.com The Village Shopping Center 2002 Judson Road, Suite 101 Longview, Texas 75605 (903) 758 . 4367
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2019
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December 2020
Social Distance Weddings Best Wedding Florists Christmas Day:
Popular for engagement
Allie Jackson Ties the knot FLIP THIS MAGAZINE The journey of love marriage family
