infinitieplus magazine

VOL. 7 NO. 10

OCTOBER 2018

EAST TEXAS BUSINESS MAGAZINE

GLUW

JOIN

Takes Flight

Business Matters

Women’s Health

3Ls The

Bob Hallmark In the Movies

Intel l

a Emotion

Editor’s note

Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Marketing / PR

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Photography

Joycelyne Fadojutimi Keisha Roland

Graphic Designer Sho Labaco

Contributing Writers Mike Johnson Mechelle Mills

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.

Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy.

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

From From From the the the day day day you you you find find find out out out totothe tothe the day day day you you you deliver, deliver, deliver, there’s there’s there’s nothing nothing nothing more more more important important important totoLongview toLongview Longview Regional Regional Regional Medical Medical Medical Center Center Center

For Advertising Contact

Joycelyne Fadojutimi jfadr@infinitieplus.com 517 Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75602 www.infinitieplus.com www.facebook.com/ InfinitePlus magazine

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

F

irst, we want to thank our community for their support. To all of you, our readers and advertisers, we say thank you. We express our sincere gratitude to our advertisers who without them, the production of infinitieplus magazine will not be possible every month.

October cover story is Madison Mack, DDS. Madison is the example of the proverbial do what you like, and you will never work for one day in your life. Dr. Mack uses her dentistry expertise to make locals smile big. But that is not all. She demonstrates the love of her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ using that same expertise on missionary trips to Latvia. Please read full story from page 8.

Greater Longview United Way (GLUW), recently held their annual kick-off event. We brought you photos and details of how GLUW is impacting lives in the area. Read full story from page 14. There is more.

Heart disease kills 500,000 women every year in our country.

You can take good care of yourself and friends physically and emotionally thereby, dodge this killer of women. Nonetheless, for the greater good, you can join the Circle of Red and reap tremendous benefits. Find out more information about the number one killer of women and how to join the Circle of Red from page 23.

Heart disease is the reason why we brought you an article on vegetable of the month-Spinach. We gave you a brief history of spinach and three easy ways to effortlessly enjoy it while your heart rejoices for feeding it well. See story on page 28.

Ah, one of my favorite pages is about food. Read how to “Pair food with beer” on page 30. You will never be the same. I promise.

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve. We look forward to serving you again next month.

birthing birthing birthing suites, suites, suites, childbirth childbirth childbirth classes classes classes and and and breastfeeding breastfeeding breastfeeding support. support. support.

And And And if ifyou ifyou you and and and your your your newest newest newest addition addition addition need need need a alittle little a little extra extra extra help, help, help,

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

we we we offer offer offer perinatal perinatal perinatal services services services that that that include include include maternal-fetal maternal-fetal maternal-fetal medicine medicine medicine specialists specialists specialists and and and a aLevel aLevel Level IIIIIINICU. IIINICU. NICU. For For For more more more information information information about about about our our our labor labor labor and and and delivery delivery delivery services, services, services, visit visit visit LongviewRegional.com/baby.

LongviewRegional.com/baby.

LongviewRegional.com/baby.

VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 10

The entire contents of infinitieplus magazine are copyrighted 2018. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus or its advertisers.

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

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

infinitieplus

|

october 2018

5

I NS P I R AT I ON

table of c ontents

“THE SECRET OF LIFE” Look all you like, but the key to the jail is never kept in the cell.

14

T

Emotional Intelligence

16

GREATER UNITED WAY

24

CIRCLE OF RED

29

Bob Hallmark

8 30

GRUBS UP Pairing food with beer

6

october 2018

|

infinitieplus

|

COVER STORY

Local Dentist Creates Miles of Smiles Dr. Madison Mack’s roots are in Longview, Texas. She also looks after other peoples’ roots in her dentist office. www.infinitieplus.com

|

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

his one sentence fully explains why so few people find true ha ppiness in their lives.

They don’t understand that no one can think their way to a happier life. They never realize that their thoughts themselves, build the mental prisons they willingly inhabit.

The secret of life is not to change the outer world, the secret of life is to change our inner world.

As we tear down the walls of our own thoughts, we’re free to leave our own mental prisons. Beyond those illusionary walls, lies the real world - and real happiness.

So where does one start? With a simple equation that explains everything in our lives.

First thoughts, then feelings, then actions, then consequences.

The ancestor of every consequence in your life can be traced back through this equation.

You lost your job (consequence) because you told off the boss (action) because you were enraged (feeling) because he didn’t appreciate your work (thought).

The negative thought led to a negative feeling which led to a negative action which caused a negative consequence. Like the unavoidable consequence of poorly designed blueprints creating a poorly built structure, poorly designed thoughts are just as sure to create poorly designed consequences. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

B y M i k e J o h n so n

The farther one advances in this equation, the more difficult making a change becomes.

Discover an error after the structure is built and you’re sawing up rafters and tearing down walls. But make the change at the beginning - in the blueprints themselves - and the correction is as easy as erasing a line.

Similarly, in our example of losing the job, had we recognized our error at the beginning - failing to erase our negative thoughts of the boss - we would’ve avoided the painful consequences of rebuilding our career.

First a thought. Then a feeling. Then an action. Then a consequence.

Where you mentally “live” in this equation determines the quality of your life.

Those who know nothing of this equation are easy to spot. They constantly battle the consequences they’ve heaped upon themselves, blaming others for the mess they’ve made of their lives. These folks inhabit our underworlds. Our prisons. Our mental institutions.

Then there are those who mentally stand between action and consequence. These are the people desperately trying to hold things together. They tonguelash their spouse, then beg for a second chance. They strike their children one moment, hug them close the next. They’re walking kegs of dynamite unable to find |

www.infinitieplus.com

|

the strength to stop the explosive action, yet somehow always able to find the strength to try weaseling out of the consequence.

Then there are those who mentally stand between their feelings and actions. They hate the job but endure it. They smile “yes, dear” to their spouse but secretly despise him. They feel miserable but keep it inside - taking no outer action to release it. These are the people who suddenly snap without warning. They’ll unexplainably commit suicide. Come down with a serious illness. Or abandon their family without notice.

Those most balanced mentally stand between their thoughts and feelings. They realize that any thought dwelled upon creates feelings to match. The instant a thought appears, they decide whether to embrace it, or let it pass by. These are the people who refuse to argue. Stand calm in the midst of a crisis. Let criticism roll off their back. These folks have discovered that how they feel is determined by how they process the information that comes their way. Because they have no desire to feel bad, they remain constantly aware of just what thoughts they decide to embrace.

Best of all are the enlightened few who inhabit the free mind.

These souls have discovered that refusing to embrace any thoughts, leaves a vacuum that’s soon filled with peace and clarity.

infinitieplus

|

october 2018

7

C O V E R SSTO CO TORY

COVER STORY

Local Dentist Creates Miles of Smiles B y J oycely n e F a dojutimi

D

r. Madison Mack’s roots are in Longview, Texas. She also looks after other peoples’ roots in her dentist office.

As a general dentist at Chris Mack, Comprehensive Dental Care teeth are her specialty, from the roots to the crowns. After matriculating at Longview High School and Texas A&M, she moved on to the Baylor College of Dentistry, graduating in 2016. Oral health is a Mack family tradition. Her father Andy Mack is an oral surgeon. Uncle Chris Mack is also a general dentist (and now her partner.) Uncle Ben Mack is a general surgeon. This clan is a true clinic in healing.

“As I got older I realized I wanted to be in a profession

8

october 2018

|

that enabled me to help others live a healthier and happier life,” Madison Mack said. “Dentistry felt like the right way to do that for me. I love seeing people smile.”

She not only gives her patients a reason to want to smile eagerly but, makes it possible. She and those in her practice strive to keep clients’ overall oral health at its finest, providing dental cleanings, cancer screenings, fillings, crowns, dentures, implants, root canals, extractions and all other comprehensive dental procedures.

Mack is living proof of the old saying that those who do something they love for a living will never work a day in their lives.

Every day brings both challenges and opportunities to serve others

infinitieplus

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

as patients become lifelong friends. The clinic’s stateof-the-art dental lab insures patients enjoy fast, convenient and highquality dental treatment.

“I love putting a smile back on peoples’ faces whether that means getting them out of pain or restoring their confidence through cosmetic dentistry,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade jobs with anyone.”

Her dedication to constant improvement in Dr. Mack’s calling shows in her ongoing education. She is an active member of the Ark-La-Tex Academy of Dentistry, Land O Pines Study Club and East Texas Dental Society.

Kelly and daughter Furthermore, she is Madison Mack, DDS involved with the Pankey Institute in Miami, Academy of Operative Dentistry, Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry, and the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

“I am a Christian and I try to let those values show in every avenue of my life. With what I do I am able to provide help to so many who need it and at the same time share the love of God.” Madison Mack, DDS.

www.infinitieplus.com

|

infinitieplus

|

october 2018

9

COVER STORY

COVER STORY Bob Davis, DDS in the middle flanked by two missionaries, Kelly and Dr. Madison Mack

Madison joins Bob Davis’ missionary work in Latvia

“I had been praying and waiting for the right person, and God sent Madison Mack. She is the perfect fit. She has taken this mission to the next level, and I look forward to, many years of working with her.”

– Bob Davis DDS.

10

october 2018

|

infinitieplus

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

In addition, she works outside the field of oral health in her quest to raise the quality of life for all East Texans. She serves on the Bourbon and Bowties Committee to raise funds for the local World of Wonder Museum.

But that is not all. Dr. Mack sits on the development council at the University of Texas at Tyler Longview University Center.

It is important to note, Mack is not bashful about her faith. “I am a Christian and I try to let those values show in every avenue of my life. With what I do I am able to provide help to so many who need it and at the same time share the love of God.” This is the reason why, fresh out of dental school, she accepted Dr. Bob Davis’ invitation to go on a medical missionary journey to Latvia. Davis is not a novice to medical missionary trips. “I began going to Latvia in the summer of 2006. This was an area of the world www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

that had been under Soviet control until 1992,” he said. “Christianity was just creeping into the area and, I saw an opportunity to carry God’s word by witnessing through my hands. I have been doing the charity by myself since 2011.

Mack is interested in several social issues such as human trafficking and child labor. Hence, going overseas to help others was her natural inclination.

“I was struck with an opportunity to serve a community of people in a place where I knew in my heart really needed my help,” she said. “I jumped at the opportunity and am so glad that I did.”

After organizing all the equipment for their main tasks of inserting fillings and making extractions, they set out on their Latvia missionary trip. Helped by assistants Kelly Mack, Madison mother; Bob’s wife Linda Davis, Arya Reddy and Shelby Rojas, |

www.infinitieplus.com

|

hosts and translators; this dentistry missionary team tirelessly treated patients for eight-hour stretches before heading for the next town, treating about 300 persons per tour.

“It’s an exhausting experience, but it’s my favorite week of the year,” she said. “The care that I am blessed to be able to provide these people truly changes their lives. and shows them love and compassion, but I am the one who walks away with the biggest reward.”

Dr. Madison Mack maintains close ties with her loving parents, Mayor Andy and Kelly Mack; sister Spencer Mack Hansen and brother Luke Mack. Like the rest of her family Dr. Madison Mack is a blessing to all around her.

Their dentistry practice is located at 2948, 3008 H. G. Mosley Parkway. Please feel free to call her for your dentistry needs at 903.236.4050.

infinitieplus

|

october 2018

11

BO D Y SO U L A N D S P I R I T

BO D Y SO U L A N D S P I R I T

Massage therapy is a viable option that can work wonders to improve flexibility and offer relief from pain in different parts of the body.”

Managing pain with

massage therapy ddiction to opiates is a growing problem in the United States and Canada. Pain relief therapies, such as massage therapy, can be viable alternatives to the prescription pain medicines that often serve as a gateway to illegal drugs such as heroin.

Addiction to prescription painkillers is common. The

12

october 2018

|

When prescriptions to oxycodone, hydromorphone and fentanyl run out, many people turn to heroin as a less expensive and more readily available means of pain relief.

NIDA says that up to 7 percent of people who are prescribed opiate or analgesic pain killers will become addicted. To help reduce the overprescribing epidemic and keep people from becoming addicted to pain meds, people can look for other ways to alleviate pain.

Massage therapy is a viable option that can work wonders to improve flexibility and offer relief from pain in different parts of the body. In addition to alleviating pain, massage therapy can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.

Research indicates that massage therapy can reduce the incidence and frequency of back pain, headache and leg pain and can even reduce stress and tension.

Massage therapy can be an asset to those with myalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome and other conditions.

Researchers at McMaster University in Canada found that massage therapy affects the activity of certain genes, which directly reduces inflammation in muscles — the same results that would occur if a person took

National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 4.7 million people in the United States are dependent on painkillers, the sale of which has increased by more than 300 percent since 1999.

Retail pharmacies across Canada dispensed 19 million prescriptions for opioids in 2016, which was up slightly from 18.9 million in 2015, according to the health data company QuintilesIMS.

infinitieplus

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

pain medication. Researchers tested people who exercised and received massages afterward against a control group, discovering that “massage dampened the activity of proteins known as inflammatory cytokines, which cause inflammation and pain. It also increased levels of proteins that signal the muscles to produce more mitochondria, the cell structures that produce energy and help muscles recover from activity.”

A review published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice noted that moderate pressure massage can lead to decreased cortisol levels, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

Massage may help stimulate serotonin products, improving mood and feelings of well-being.

Also, according to AMTA, deeper massage stimulates blood circulation to improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues while helping the lymphatic system to flush away waste products. It also eases tense and knotted muscles and stiff joints, improving mobility and flexibility.

Massage therapy can be a viable alternative for pain sufferers who are reluctant to take potentially addictive prescription pain medications.

infinitieplus

|

october 2018

13

L e a d e r s h ip : H e a r t s a n d R e l a t i o n s h ip s

L e a d e r s h ip : H e a r t s a n d R e l a t i o n s h ip s

Emotional

became one of the maxims in the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Self -awareness enables the leader to understand, recognize their moods and emotions and how it affects others.

Self-Management: Social awareness is a selfmanagement skill-managing yourself including your emotions where it is not pouring onto others and making them miserable. Beware, emotions are infectious.

Self-Regulation: Allows the leader to control and re-direct negative Emotions in any given situation whether in the workplace or at home.

Relationship Management hinges on empathy, building relationships and caring for people in the organization. There is no gainsaying, intelligent quotient and technical skills are needed for leadership. However, the leader will be incomplete without emotional intelligence.

Intelligence Fundamental for Good Leaders B y J oycely n e F a dojutimi

E

motional intelligence is not just for corporate leaders.

It is for anyone n any station of life.

It is important to note Daniel Goleman, the pioneer and head guru of emotional intelligence (EI) says, EI is “Sine qua non of leadership.” Leaders may have analytical and technical skills; intellectual acumen and other abilities but without emotional intelligence, the success will be short-lived. This is the reason

14

october 2018

|

infinitieplus

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

why, leaders who are effective in most contexts are emotionally intelligent. This point is sustained by Goleman’s emotional intelligence research. “Research along with others recent studies, clearly shows that emotional intelligence is the sine qua non of leadership. Without it, a person can have the best training in the world, and incisive, analytical mind, and an endless supply of smart ideas, but he still won’t make a great leader “ Additionally, Goleman postulates, “it takes emotionally intelligent leadership to create resonance in an organization.” For one thing, the leadership of yester-years will not suffice because it lacks emotional intelligence and is impersonal.

What is more, other researchers such as Doe, Ndinguri and Phipps define emotional intelligence as “the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, as well as the ability to effectively manage our feelings as we interact with others.” The components of emotional intelligence are: Self-Awareness: Knowing one-self and others around you. As a matter of fact, Know Thyself was one of the most fundamental teachings in the ancient Egyptian temples. This maxim later made its way to Greece where it

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

infinitieplus

|

october 2018

15

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

United Way campaign

Donna Sharp Executive Director of Greater Longview United Way

takes flight B y J oycely n e F a dojutimi

Maude Cobb Activity C enter resonated with the sound of local band Silver Lining as the annual Greater Longview United Way (GLUW) kick-off luncheon got underway.

T

he members of this bluegrass group are Eastman employees. Michael Salmon, the chief spokesperson, reports that in 1999, Eastman employees in Longview, began bringing musical instruments to work to play during lunch break. An ensemble grew from this practice, and apart from secular venues they perform at their respective churches.

GLUW Executive Director Donna Sharp was delighted with the event. She has been a veteran community activist since her teaching days at Longview’s Trinity School of Texas. She also worked with Longview Community Ministries where she served as director before moving on to GLUW. She became acquainted with the local United Way chapter when it collaborated with Longview Community Ministries.

GLUW currently works for the public good in cooperation with 37 programs and 22 partner agencies.

“Everything we do is a hands-on, and not a hand-out,” she said. “I am

Rolin C. McPhee

Jared Graham

Jeff Gibbons

Tammy Gibbons

Jessica Lightle

Libby Bryson

Travis Sisson

Doris Ramaly and Jessica Sanders

16

october 2018

|

infinitieplus

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

infinitieplus

|

october 2018

17

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS pleased with and love the work we do at GLUW.” Her enthusiasm for the Maude Cobb event was clear.

“The energy and excitement are encouraging,” she said. “Four hundred people were in attendance, and the pacesetters met their goals.”

Last year’s goal was $350,000. This year it was $380,000.

Although Sharp feared this year’s goal was too ambitious, the toils of the pacesetters paid off as a whopping $415,000 was raised.

“We are going to exceed our goal,” said GLUW Board President Steve Butler. “They have exceeded the first one, and it looks very much like they will exceed the goal for the overall campaign.”

The goal is always a ten percent increase over the previous year. Last year saw a total sum of $1.108 million raised, with a goal of $1.128 million for 2018.

The GLUW objective is to further the common good in general with the notion that everyone deserves a chance to have a good life. Adequate education is seen as the most promising route to this end Amanda Hlozek because it generally leads to a stable, productive job and desirable income to insure supporting a family, good health and enough retirement income. With this in mind, the Greater Longview United Way focuses on achieving lasting, positive community change.

Specific visions sought by the GLUW include children being ready for (and hence successful in) primary school, youth gaining

Kari Pickering Christus GSMC

Latoyia Hawkins

Kelly Overby

required knowledge, skills and credentials that lead to familysupporting employment, and for families to improve their socioeconomic status.

In the field of health, the GLUW seeks to give all families access to healthcare to keep them well and productive. This concept about assisting the common good is less concerned with helping one person at a time but more directed towards changing systems in such a way as to help everybody. The GLUW pursues this objective by being connected and independent.

The philosophy is that everyone profits when every child succeeds in school, all families are financially solvent, and when we are all healthy. The GLUW attacks the causes of these problems by

addressing underlying reasons for public problems. It treats causes, not symptoms. The word “united” is key. By living united everyone in a community cooperates in achieving a better future.

Raising and distributing funds to 36 programs is only a fraction of the GLUW’s tactics in significantly, positively impacting Longview.

It also works at developing and implementing initiatives that addresses crucial and critical needs.

By bringing together individuals from local business, government, healthcare and human services, the GLUW makes it possible, through well-orchestrated collaboration, for residents to receive all needed services. Using the right resources, people and ideas in creating an efficient, productive team the

Mike Northcutt

Timika Wesley

Holly Fuller

Lyndell McAllister Brenda Day Beavis

18

october 2018

|

infinitieplus

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

infinitieplus

|

october 2018

19

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Greater United Way of Longview succeeds in its quest for a better community.

One current initiative is FAMILYWIZE. Presently, there are 80,000,000 Americans who are uninsured or underinsured. During the past two years, a tragic 40% of this country’s population was forced to either reduce prescribed dosages of medication or go entirely without because of cost. This adds to the chronic problem of access to healthcare. The GLUW toils to insure finance does not bar residents from needed medicine and medical treatment. Many are financially forced to choose between paying bills, buying food and getting the medicine they need. FAMILYWIZE provides a free prescription discount card program to all of local citizens who need it.

Furthermore, there is INFO LINE of Gregg County. This is a free community information and referral service that connects people needing help with agencies able to assist them.

Another great GLUW resource is INFO LINE that has Englishand Spanish-speaking operators to assist those seeking needed human services. Residents can call from 8:00 to 5:00 Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 to 4:00 on Fridays. INFO LINE has developed a serviceable online data base to locate resources for those in need. It maintains up-to-date information on health and human care services in Gregg County. But that is not all.

There is also the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA.) Working in tandem with the GLUW, the VITA helps lower-income families with free preparation of their income tax

GLUW concentrates on: Adolescents and youth Medical care Child care Mental health Domestic violence Senior citizens' services Families and parenting Services for the disabled Food assistance Substance abuse Housing Support groups Hotline numbers Transportation Legal services and much, much more.

returns. Residents earning less than $60,000 yearly can use this initiative to access credits to which they are entitled, including the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The VITA employs trained income tax specialists in this free service to English- and Spanishspeaking locals. The GLUW has provided this valuable service for almost ten years. In 2017, VITA volunteers assisted 792 taxpayers to prepare and e-file their income tax returns. Only because of this program were many families able to take advantage of such

tax credits as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Education Credit. The total amount of returns this service brought back to the community was $1, 081,706.

As can be seen from this story, without the Greater Longview United Way and its collaborators, Longview would be a much grimmer place.

James and Anne Hugman Jamie Williamson Eloisa Herrero Donna Sharp Kathy Rae

Regina Wayne

LaDelle Kay

Tammy Gibbons Kerry Wilburn Paula Loden

Carol Lee

Dr. Valerie Baxter Mary Whitton

Misty Amaya Donna Pruitt

20

october 2018

|

infinitieplus

|

www.infinitieplus.com

Missy Gonzalez

|

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

infinitieplus

|

october 2018

21

Bu s i n e s s and Fi n a n c e

Business Matters. Get it in Writing

W

B y M ec h elle M ills

hen consumers contact BBB to file a grievance with a company, one of the first items our staff requests is a copy of the contract. All too often, we see one of the parties withdraw or alter an arrangement in which there is no contract; this makes a difficult situation for all parties involved. While oral agreements can be used, a best practice for businesses is to use formal written contracts when engaging in operations. Written contracts provide individuals and businesses with a legal document stating the expectations of both parties and how negative situations will be resolved. Likewise, contracts are legally enforceable in a court of law.

Doing business on a handshake may sound like a nice idea, but it isn’t in either party’s favor, particularly if there are misunderstandings down the road, or if the relationship turns sour.

Written contracts are important in the business/ consumer relationship, however, they should be used in all aspects of business - with employees, for confidentiality and non-disclosure, vendors, property rights, etc. – a

22

october 2018

|

written agreement can be your best defense.

Why contracts are important: Contracts provide a written document that outlines the full understanding of the business relationship and scope of the work, reducing opportunities for confusion.

They specify exactly what rights are being purchased and what rights you are retaining.

They are binding and legally enforceable.

They protect both parties: client/business, employee/ business, etc.

They stipulate how and when you get paid, what needs to trigger that payment, and what recourses you have should the other party back out.

They minimize risk.

Having written, signed agreements makes the terms of your arrangement and each party’s rights and responsibilities crystal clear.

infinitieplus

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

The following are some tips in drafting a contract for your business: Identify each party. It’s important that the parties responsible for performing the obligations in the agreement are clear, so include their correct legal names.

Spell out the details. Don’t leave anything out. The agreement should spell out the rights and obligations of each party in detail. If you discuss something verbally, it should be included in the contract.

Specify payment obligations.

Whether payments are made in installments or after the work is completed to the other party’s satisfaction, make it clear who gets paid, when, and the conditions for making payment. It may be relevant to include the method (cash, check, credit card, etc.) as well.

Specify circumstances which terminate the contract. For protection of both parties, include terms under which the contract may be terminated without inciting breach of contract.

While these tips will help come up with a draft of a contract, it is important to have an attorney review the document before using it; a poorly written agreement can be harmful as well. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

BO D Y SO U L A N D S P I R I T

W

hat kills more American women than anything else? Considering the amount of publicity, it gets most would say breast cancer, but this malignant assassin does not even come close. Heart disease strikes down far more.

The facts are sad and sobering.

According to Close the Gap, Health Equity for Life, cardiovascular disease kills more women in the United States than all cancers, respiratory illnesses and Alzheimer’s combined. For example, in 2008, breast cancer claimed 40,500 women in this country, while heart disease carried away a whopping 420,000. Even worse, almost two-thirds of women taken suddenly by heart trouble (64%) had no previous symptoms. The good news is that awareness of this plague and positive responses to it are spreading.

Realization of the basic threat heart disease poses to women grew from just 30% of U.S. women in 1997 to 58% in 2012. The negative aspect of this is that just 42% of these ladies feel threatened by this menace. This is terribly dangerous for the fairer sex. A full 26% of women aged 45 or older who survive a heart attack will die within a year, compared to just 19% of men. By age 45, the risk for a woman developing a cardiovascular condition is more than 50%.

Even treatment options are less promising for women. Such

Women’s health:

Smoking is widely recognized as being hazardous to everyone’s health, heart health included. Still, 53% of male smokers aged 65 and older are more likely to have quit smoking than women of the same age--only 30.6% of whom will have given up the weed.

Lifestyle is yet another significant female factor.

Only 3% of women aged 20 to 59 take time for the recommended 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily.

Another lifestyle aspect is that heart-threatening high blood pressure (hypertension) is two to three times more likely to occur in women taking oral contraceptives than in women not taking them.

There are, however, wholesome, healthy alternatives.

Despite so many troubling statistics there are simple avenues to insure a healthy heart. It is a good idea for every woman to know her risk factors. Although age and heredity cannot be altered, there are other aspects that can be controlled. The first and most basic step is to talk to a doctor. Make out a list of relevant questions along with a heart health scorecard to help a physician evaluate the odds of developing heart trouble.

The doctor then will be informed as to the factors in specific cases and able to make individual lifestyle changes to reduce the chances of heart problems.

Implementing these adjustments into a woman’s daily routine is an excellent first step.

A matter of heart B y J oycely n e F a dojutimi

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

treatment/prevention procedures as exercise stress tests may be less effective for women than for men.

Ethnicity is another factor.

African-descended and Hispanic women may be more likely to develop risk factors, placing them in greater danger.

They are, however, less liable to recognize these perils. African American and Hispanic women are also more likely to be overweight (78%) than Caucasian women (60%.) |

www.infinitieplus.com

|

infinitieplus

|

october 2018

23

BODY SOUL AND SPIRIT

BODY SOUL AND SPIRIT

Go Red For Women

JOIN CIRCLE OF RED

Delcine Johnson and Carolyn Northcutt

IN IS STA SU NT E!

Suzette Farr and Roxanne Browning

Mary Murdoch and Karen Partee

B

B y J oycely n e F a dojutimi

ack in 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) took on a major task. it noted how that, despite heart illness claiming a half million female lives yearly, most women seemed not to be noticing.

Many regarded it an affliction of little concern to anyone except older men. It was to address this lethal misconception about cardiovascular disease and stroke

24

october 2018

|

infinitieplus

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

that the AHA founded the Go Red for Women program as a passionate, emotional, social initiative to provide women with the knowledge and opportunity for them to take charge of their hearts’ (and their own) well-being.

Go Red for Women spreads awareness of the magnitude of the problem while providing opportunities that save lives.

This movement yokes women together as they combine their energy, passion and power to join www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

Texas Bank and Trust will donate $4.00

to your school for every new card issued!

www.texasbankandtrust.com MEMBER FDIC

EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

TBT IPM FAN 2018.indd 1

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

8/1/18 12:05 PM

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

infinitieplus

|

october 2018

25

BODY SOUL AND SPIRIT

BODY SOUL AND SPIRIT

forces against heart disease while simultaneously challenging them to learn (and react to) their individual degrees of personal risk. Go Red for Women provides women with the tools needed to lead a heart healthy life. In 2010, the AHA set a goal of reducing death and disability from cardiovascular illness and strokes by 20%.

Another 20% improvement is the target aimed for by 2020.

The AHA spends monies raised by local and national Go Red for Women fund raisers to finance awareness, research, education and community programs to benefit women’s health. This funding makes it possible to finance educational programs that teach women the risk of heart disease while also supplying tools and

motivation for women to protect and improve their health.

Go Red for Women pushes an active agenda to keep ladies hale and hearty.

A woman who goes Red:

Follows an exercise routine Eats a healthier diet Visits her doctor for needed tests Influences others by telling them about heart health

Go Red funding also supports research to learn scientific knowledge of heart health. This information goes to healthcare providers and decision makers so that they can determine and provide the best, most state-ofthe-art treatments and equipment

october 2018

Did OW KN

According To AHA

Go Red For Women’s Circle of Red is a powerful, passionate group of people dedicated to making an impact in our community’s fight against heart disease and stroke.

As part of the Circle of Red, members are invited to attend exclusive gatherings to hear first-hand what their dollars are doing to make a difference.

Melanie Northcutt Crocker and Amy Hull

Amanda Hilliard and Melinda Randall

26

for all aspects of women’s health.

Healthcare providers utilize toolkits, pocket publications of guidelines for women, special reports and continuing medical education to insure women receive the best possible healthcare.

The AHA treasures the support it receives from donors, supporters and the public.

Hence, in return AHA, makes certain all expenditures are totally transparent. The Association consistently meets the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance standards for scrupulous spending. This organization specifically monitors the finances of charitable organizations.

|

infinitieplus

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

The Circle of Red is a great place to build professional relationships and gain personal long-lasting friendships.

Circle of Red members have the influence and resources to help rally women to take charge of their heart health.

Circle of Red members donate a minimum personal gift of $500 annually to support the Go Red For

Women movement and serve as ambassadors for the cause.

For a donation of $1,000, members can join the Crimson Society, an elite level of Circle of Red. For more information on joining the Circle of Red Women, please call Suzette Farr at 1.903.330.9812.

Belinda Bennett and Dona Willett

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

infinitieplus

|

october 2018

27

The 3 Ls ve Strong.

Bob Hallmark

Li

g.

Lo ve

Lo n

We

ve

l

Li l.

OC

Attended school at Aldine high school. Attended college classes Chapman California. Associates from

S TOBER I

Popeye was right

W

B y J oycely n e F a dojutimi

e all heard it from our mothers-”Eat your greens.

They’re good for you.” She was right, too. Greens are very healthful--especially spinach.

Its scientific name is Spinacia oleracea, and it is part of the amaranth family, which includes beets and quinoa.

Although its original roots are in Persia, nowadays most spinach grows in the United States and China. Regardless of where it is harvested, spinach is packed with nutrients and antioxidants and is an extremely health-boosting food.

By eating spinach, we help our eye health because its high lutein content strengthens our resistance to macular degeneration. It also

28

october 2018

|

reduces oxidative stress, helps guard against cancer and lowers our blood pressure. Its nutritious content and versatility make it un-commonly beneficial to our well-being. Furthermore, many of us actually like the taste. This delectable veggie even decreases the incidence of heart disease.

infinitieplus

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

All green, leafy vegetables are loaded with beneficial nutrients, but without a doubt spinach is an unbelievably good fare.

No healthy diet is complete without it.

Here are three spiffy ways to get spinach into your diet. You can make a salad like the one on this page or a green vitamin loaded drink.

How about getting a spinach and chicken wrap. Drop the chicken if you happen to be a vegetarian. For more information on spinach, please visit https://www.healthline.com/ nutrition/foods/spinach and health. http://www.ilovespinach.com.

WKG Tech college.

Hometown: Hawkins, Tx KLTV 7 news reporter for the past 21 years.

I

had started writing a screenplay around 5 years ago based on research and experience I had as a reporter. I had become convinced that a decent independent film could be made provided it was an “all – in” effort. At 60, I wasn’t getting any younger… so I figured “why not”.

My inspiration was my wife Norma. At 56, she trained hard and ran a full “iron-man triathlon”, and finished. It showed me that it’s never too late to try.

The film is made in a classic “B” style. Set in a rural location , it’s a sci-fi apocalyptic “what if ” scenario… called “The Flu Shot”. In short, its based on the possibility that the annual flu vaccine contains

Wife: Norma Sons: Jacob & Luke

elements that dramatically change those who take it.

Leaving those who didn’t to band together and fight for survival.

With a cast of about 60 people, there were no professional actors in the film. It was a very diverse cast representing the cross-section of farm and ranch families that are common in rural Texas.

The film poses the question of “how far would you go to survive”. It has conflict and twists , and some humor mixed in.

It has no subliminal message, no political statement. Just a simple story about simple people and what they do to survive.

Showing: October 6th, Mobberly Baptist church at 5pm.

Entered : Reel East Texas Film Festival in Kilgore, November 10-15.

Infinitieplus magazine is excited that you will love well, live strong and live long. Cheers!!! www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

|

www.infinitieplus.com

|

infinitieplus

|

october 2018

29

GRUBS UP

B R A I N TEASE R S BRAIN TEASERS BRAIN TEASERS

G R U BS U P

Pairing food with What’s more American than a burger? This slider version will be an instant hit, and ready in just 13 minutes! The banana split kebabs are a healthy, kid-friendly spin on a classic.

Directions

Ingredients

• 12 miniature buns • Remove some of the fluffy center from or dinner rolls the buns so that they will sit well on top of burgers; set aside. hile wine is often associated with • 3/4 pound lean • Combinefood, sirloinbeer withalso Worcestershire can be enjoyed with ground sirloin • 1 tablespoon and pepper, form into 12 (2-inch) flat patties. many a meal, including certain • Preheat a foods lightlythat oiled grill pan over few would think to enjoy Worcestershire sauce • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper moderate heatwith untilahot notThe smoking.

Sage Veal Medallions coldbut beer. pairing of • Olive oil cooking spray Cook burgers over moderate heat, turning, beer with food is a big part of writer and author John 3 garlic cloves, minced extra-sharp andbook, evenly cheese,Craft about 2 minHoll’s oftop the with American Beer Cookbook, • 2 ounces 11/2 pounds Cheddar cheese, dried spinach fettucine utes per side shares for medium untilbrewpub cheese ischefs (Storey), which recipesorfrom 12 sliced fresh chives, thinly sliced thinly melted.

(Use a meat check across the country.

Thosethermometer who want totopair beer have reached 160°.)

Transfer withthat theburgers following recipe for Sage Veal Medallions • 24 small dill pickle slices the burgers to a plate, and grill the buns, cut Prep Directions Time: 5 minutes can consider the Willimantic Brewing Company’s sides down, 1-2 minutes or which until toasted.

Willimantic Flowers Infusion, includes many Cook Time: 8 minutes Combine the flour with salt and pepper to taste • Sandwich burgers between buns with 6 servings botanical notes perfect for bringing out the flavors ofYield: Makes in a medium 2 pickles perBrewing slider. Company is housed (serving size: 2 sliders)bowl. Dredge the veal in the seathe about dish. Willimantic soned flour, shaking off any excess, and set aside. inside a decommissioned post office in Willimantic, Warm the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the veal Connecticut. and pan-sear for 11/2 minutes; flip and cook for Ingredients • 12 large strawberries, 1 minute the veal to a plate to rest.

Directions chips Transfer • 2 bananas, cut into rinsed, dried and halved • 2 c. chocolatelonger.

• Make Return chopped the skillet to the heat,kebabs: add theThread lemontwo • 1/2 c. peanuts, 1” pieces • 24 1” pieces pineapple pieces each banana, pineapple, juice, and cook, stirring up the browned bits in and the pan. Add the butterstrawberry and stir into theskewer. lemonRepeat juice; onto allow the butter to meltprocess and thicken slightly. to assemble 23Add morethe skewMakes 6 servings pine nuts, the tablespoon of sliced sage, the garlic, ers.

Place all on parchment-lined 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and salt and pepper to baking taste. sheet.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper • In apot microwave-safe bowl, Meanwhile, bring a large of salted water to 21/2 pounds veal medallions, pounded thin a boil. Cook the fettucine to desired doneness melt chocolate in the microwave 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil according to the package Drain the pasta,in 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice in instructions.

30-second intervals, stirring and then spin the fettucine into the sauce with tongs.

4 tablespoons unsalted butter between, until completely smooth.

1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted chocolate fruit Transfer the pasta to a• Drizzle large round plate over and top 6 whole sage leaves plus 1 tablespoon thinly sliced kebabs and top with chopped peawith the veal medallions. Garnish with the whole fresh sage leaves nuts.

Freeze until ready to serve. sage leaves and chives and serve immediately.

Yield: 24 servings

W

1.

Banana Split Kebabs 2.

Sage Veal Medallions 3.

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: PRIZES, MEDALS AND AWARDS In which field is the award given? (e.g., Franz Kafka Prize. Answer: Literature.)

PH.D. LEVEL FRESHMAN LEVEL GRADUATE LEVEL 11. The Ashes 1. Academy Awards 6. Mark Twain Prize

Answer________

Answer________

Answer________

2. Grammy Awards

7. Clio Awards

12. Ryder Cup

3. Tony Awards

8. Davis Cup

4. Emmy Awards

9. America’s Cup

Answer________

13. Man Booker International Prize

5. Stanley Cup

Answer________

10. Vince Lombardi Trophy

14. LEAF Award

Answer________

15. Robert Frost Medal

Answer________ Answer________ Answer________ Answer________

Answer________

Answer________

Answer________ Answer________ Answer________

SCORING 24 to 30 points - Congratulations, doctor.

18 to 23 pts - Honors graduate.

13 to 17 pts - You’re plenty smart, but no grind.

5 to 12 pts - You really should hit the books harder.

1 pt to 4 pts - Enroll in remedial courses immediately.

0 pts - Who reads the questions to you?

Comedian Comedian Billy Billy Crystal Crystal with with aa ‘Mark ‘Mark Twain’ Twain’ trophy trophy Super Quiz is a registered trademark of K. Fisher Enterprises Ltd. © 2017 Ken Fisher North America Syndicate Inc.

ANSWERS 1. Film industry 2. Music industry (recording) 3. Stage and theater 4. Television 5. Hockey 6. Humor 7. Advertising 8. Tennis 9. Yachting.

10. Football American) 11. Cricket 12. Golf 13. Literature 14. Architecture 15. Poetry

beer

Grilled Sirloin Sliders

4.

SOLUTION

5.

30

30

july 2017 october 2018

|

|

infinitieplus infinitieplus |

| www.infinitieplus.com www.infinitieplus.com |

| www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

| www.infinitieplus.com | infinitieplus www.infinitieplus.com | | infinitieplus infinitieplus | | | www.infinitieplus.com

| june 2017 |october july 2018 2018

31

31 31