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infinitieplus LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE September 2022 FLIP THIS MAGAZINE Dr. WilcoxJames Student andEnhanceTechnologyLRMCTexasitsKomatsuisforgivenessloanhere.expandsLongview,facilityUsesNewtoMaternalFetalSafety LISD receives “A” rating, disburses $1.8M to teachers

2901 N. Fourth Street • Longview, TX 75605 • 903-242-3490 • LongviewRegional.com

OUR VISION 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 2022. 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. P. O. Box 12473 Longview, Texas 75602-2473 www.iplusmag.com Phone: 903.918.7706

OUR MISSION

Hello WelcomeEveryone,tothemonth of September. We are only 2 months away from Thanksgiving and 3 months from Christmas. The kids have gone back to school with no masks. We hope it stays that way, but we know that nothing stays the same. Life is constantly changing beyond what some of us can handle. But again, life is always evolving. New things work up our fancy while old things just bore us. Please check out the stories in this edition, Longview Independent School District (LISD) started this school year with exceptionally high notes. The consecutive award winning Big Green Marching Machine bellowed out its wolf pack notes while Viewettes kicked them up to a back-to school exhilaration at the Lobo coliseum back to school convocation. However, the most important notes came from the current Longview Incentive for Teachers (LIFT). Dr. James Wilcox put the naysayers in their place with this designation. “Regardless of the naysayers, we can be a quality district in all of east Texas. Anyone who looks at the data will be impressed. We are the only large school district that made an A with the diversity that we have - 84% low socioeconomic students, and we still provide quality education for all students. The data speaks for itself.” Another story we brought you is about college loan scams. As student loan holders navigate the new forgiveness program, con artists will undoubtedly be there to take advantage of any confusion. It happens with any big government initiative, including the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, eviction moratorium and pandemic relief programs. Always be sure to do your research before sharing any personal information. There is more and we hope that you will read all of the magazine. We look forward to serving you again in October by God’s grace. Have a safe and happy Labor Day.

For more information about our labor and delivery services, visit LongviewRegional.com/baby.

From the day you find out to the day you deliver, there’s nothing more important to Longview Regional Medical Center than your and your baby’s health and well-being. This is why we provide extra amenities such as private rooms, spacious birthing suites, childbirth classes and breastfeeding support. And if you and your newest addition need a little extra help, we offer perinatal services that include maternal-fetal medicine specialists and a Level III NICU.

For more information about our labor and delivery services, visit LongviewRegional.com/baby. 2901 N. Fourth Street • Longview, TX 75605 • 903-242-3490 • LongviewRegional.com

The Magazine for LivingLife Beyond, Plus One…

For more information about our labor and delivery services, visit LongviewRegional.com/baby. 2901 N. Fourth Street • Longview, TX 75605 • 903-242-3490 • LongviewRegional.com

Contributing Writers Glenn Miller Mechele Agbayani Mills For advertising Email: joy@infinitieplusmag.com www.infinitieplusmag.com

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Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PhD Photography Joycelyne Fadojutimi Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs

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

To become an information oracle of functional and constructive reports that serves the needs of businesses and communities.

VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 9

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Cover Story8 Business and Finance16 Health and Wellness14 Puzzle23 Education3 Inspiration7 In Every Issue About the SpotlightCover Teacher success.students,aboutAcademyElementaryfromAntommarchiandNikitaOkereke,VivianPrincipalMumphreyTeacherAleliBramletteSTEAMtalkschool,and Contents www.texasbankandtrust.com MEMBER FDIC EQUAL HOUSING LENDER INSTANTISSUE!

Texas Bank and Trust will donate $4.00 to your school for every new card issued! he University of Texas at Dr.appointmentannouncedTylertheofRodneyEl lis as director of the UT Tyler Longview Univer sity ForCenter.28 years, El lis has worked in higher education in the states of Georgia and Louisiana. Most recently, he served for nearly nine years as professor of education and chancellor on the Shreveport, Louisiana, campus for the only historically black college and university system in the world and chancel lor of the technical and community college with the largest geographic service area in Louisiana. “Dr. Rodney Ellis brings extensive knowledge and experience in higher education lead ership and community engagement to his role as director and is devoted to working closely with faculty, staff, students and the community to expand the resource opportunities the Longview University Center offers to the greater Longview community,’’ said UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP. Ellis was chancellor of Southern University at Shreveport, chancellor of Central Louisiana Tech nical and Community College and provost/ex ecutive vice president for academic and student af fairs at Atlanta Technical College. In those roles, he led all operations including academic affairs, workforce shipandstitutionalanddentnessinstitutionaldevelopment,effectiveandresearch,stuaffairs,financialfacilityservices,inadvancement,communitypartner-development.

LRMC CEO Steve Gordon talks new tech, maternal/fetal safety Head Coach John King and LHS Head of School James Brewer at convocation LISD earned TEA’s “A” rating with 53 distinctions. “The distinction money goes to everyone on the campuses. I am very happy first of all for our students and their level of achievement. I am proud of our classroom teachers and principals who lead the campuses. Regardless of the naysayers, we can be a quality district in all of east Texas. Anyone who looks at the data will be impressed. We are the only large school district that made an A with the diversity that we have - 84% low socioeconomic students, and we still provide quality education for all students.” Wilcox concluded, “The data speaks for itself.”

UT Tyler Names Dr. Rodney Ellis as Longview University Center Director Contd. on Page 20

Michael Tubb and Ginnia Northcutt attend convocation

STUDY THE SCRIPTURES 4523 Judson Rd. Longview, Texas 75605 903-663-3344 | www.stone-works.netWeareknownforStone,butwedomuchmore! Distinct by Design Get personal with GE Café Kitchen Appliances

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It's often been said that God's Word is the moral compass we need to live ethically, honestly, and lovingly. As believers, when we're studying and applying God's Truth in the scriptures, when can see what is right from wrong, what is truth from fiction, what is loving from that which is cruel, what is profitable for us from that which is foolish, and that which is noble from that which is cowardly.Having developed a habit of purposefully reading and reflecting on God's Word each morning has made a real difference in the course of my day. It is, however, still my choice as to whether I choose to digest God's Word each day and, quite frankly, some mornings find me without the time to do so. But what I've found on those days I miss is that throughout the rest of the day, I feel something is missing; a feeling like I forgot to put on my pants. As a small child, I remember waking up each morning to find my Dad reading his Bible on the edge of his bed before going downstairs to breakfast. I'd watch him as he’d open his Bible to where he had left off the day before, read a few pages, and then close his eyes in silent prayer. (I now find myself wondering how many thousands of days he was praying for me!) This was about a 15-minute ritual every morning and it was as much a part of my own morning ritual as his. In fact, it wasn't until I went away to college and lived in a dorm did I begin to see that all men didn't start their day the same way. For me, it was something I thought all men did as regular as shaving and brushing theirDadteeth.never thrust a Bible in my face nor told me to read so many pages before I could go out and play. Dad never presented me with a lectionary of daily Bible verses to ponder. Dad simply showed me the importance of The Living Word by displaying his own love for it. As I grew older, he and I would share thoughts and reflections about scripture. Up until the time of his death over 20 years ago, he and I loved the times we'd get together and talk about the Word. His knowledge of scripture was applicable, revealing, encouraging, and more often than not, thought-provoking. But above all, I marveled (and still do today) at his love for the Word and the way he wove it throughout his life. Just before he died, I gave me his set of The Interpreter’s Bible that have his notes of teaching decades of Sunday school embedded throughout.

By GLENN MILLER GOD’S WORD: "Let the Word of Christ dwell within you rich ly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." – Colossians 3:16

By studying and being still enough to hear God's Word speaking to us and giving us comfort, direction and strength to persevere, we stand to grow in experiential knowledge of God. We stand to grow in strength, wisdom, character and conviction. Francis Bacon perhaps said it best. "Some books are to be read slowly and thought upon while others are to be chewed and digested!"BonAppetit, my friend!

BACK TO SCHOOL KICKS OFF ON HIGH NOTES

Longview Independent School District receives “A” rating, disburses $1.8 million to teachers

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JL Everhart Principal Dr. Crystal Locke and her teachers at Convocation Contd. on Page 10 Bramlette ES STEAM Academy teachers show off their LIFT checks, Principal Nikita Mumphrey looks on

STORY AND PHOTOS

Longview Independent School District (LISD) started this school year with exceptionally high notes. The consecutive award winning Big Green Marching Machine bellowed out its wolf pack notes while Viewettes kicked them up to a back-to school exhilaration at the Lobo coliseum back to school convocation. However, the most important notes came from the current Longview Incentive for TeachersLongview(LIFT).ISD Superintendent, Dr. James Wilcox without much ado thanked all staff members for their painstaking efforts saving the best news for last. In addition, he told his audience about Zig Ziglar’s famous quote. Ziglar an author and motivation guru was a member of First Baptist in Dallas. Ziglar at one time was the highest tither in his church. He once told the congregation, “Money isn’t everything, but it ranks right up there with oxygen.” LISD handing out a total of $1.8 million to passionate, innovative, and inspiring teacher leaders is bound to breathe some change into their families, City of Longview, and Gregg County announcedFurthermore,economy.Wilcoxthebiggestnews of the school year - LISD received an “A” rating from Texas Education Agency, (TEA). TEA recently released the 2022 A–F accountability ratings for districts and campuses. This is the first to be issued since 2019 as a result of two years of COVID-related pauses. According to TEA, 18% of high-poverty campuses in Texas were rated an A, proving that demographics do not equal destiny. BY JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

• Received an “A” rating on its financial rating with a score of 96 according to Financial Integrity rating System of Texas.

• Remains the only school district in east Texas to close the gap with Spanish speaking population.

• Maintaining ameveryonedistinctionearnedMoreonBaccalaureateInternationalcertificationallcampuses.importantly,LISD53distinctions.“Themoneygoestoonthecampuses.Iveryhappyfirstofallfor our students and their level of achievement. I am proud of our classroom teachers and principals who lead the campuses,” Wilcox said. “Regardless of the naysayers, we can be a quality district in all of east Texas. Anyone who looks at the data will be impressed. We are the only large school district that made an A with the diversity that we have - 84% low socioeconomic students, and we still provide quality education for all students.” Wilcox concluded, “The data speaks for itself.”

Judson STEAM Academy Cheerleaders at Convocation Forest Park Magnet School Principal Ryan Carroll with a thumb up at Convocation Cross section of teachers at Convocation

• Going above and beyond for students and parents.

• Has the largest free Montessori campus in the nation.

• Having advanced and state of the art programs for a diverse student population.

• The only district in the region with a state-of-the-art meat lab, and several other innovative programs to mention a few.

Dr. James Wilcox speaking at LISD Convocation

The 2022 accountability system used 3 domains: Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gap to evaluate districts’ performance. Districts and campuses received A, B, C or not rated for scoring less thanWilcox70. is thrilled for the designation. He discussed several reasons why LISD received TEA’s “A” designation. They •include:Hiring the right teachers, principals, and pioneering leaders.

• Offering IB program at no cost to all students.

• Starting young students very early on the right path in LISD East Texas Montessori Prep Academy.

• Paying teacher and staff more than other districts.

Some other accomplishmentsLISD include:

• Adopted dual language, STEAM, and Montessori programs on their campuses at no cost to parents.

• Has the #1 high school in east Texas according to US News and World Report.

• Longview High School scored 7 out of 7 distinctions designation.

“Regardless of the naysayers, we can be a quality district in all of east Texas. Anyone who looks at the data will be impressed. We are the only large school district that made an "A" with the diversity that we have - 84% low socioeconomic students, and we still provide quality education for all students.” “The data speaks for itself.” -Dr. James Wilcox, Longview SuperintendentISD

Nikita Mumphrey

Aleli Antommarchi

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Nikita Mumphrey is the principal at Bramlette Elementary STEAM Academy. She attributes the secret of her campus success to the staff. She describes them as “great people with the same goals -work collaboratively for student achievement.” “They are my dream catcher, they feel my passion, they focus on students success,” she said. “The teachers on this campus are very innovative. I could not do what I do without them.” Moreover, Mumphrey says no contribution is too small and insists that everyone is important. Hence, their collaboration yields a synergy that carries into their work/teaching that results in student success. Leading by example is one of her strengths. She views Bramlette Elementary STEAM Academy as a learning community with high expectations for students. “It is exciting to be on our campus because it is all about the kids.” In addition, she plays a big role in assisting teachers and staff sharpen their skills, perfect their craft and became accomplished teachers. Her enthusiasm is extremely obvious and contagious in tandem. Mumphrey pours herself into her campus. “When students win, teachers win. When teachers win, the principal wins,” said Mumphrey who believes everyone is destined for perpetual greatness.

Stacey Gaskin

Stacey Gaskin, a recipient of the LIFT check was born into a family of teachers. “I used to play school as a little girl,” she said. “I absolutely love teaching.” She does indeed. She is in her 29th year and currently teaches Pre-K and Kindergarten at the East Texas Montessori Prep Academy. “I love to lay that strong foundation my students need to be successful in other grades,” said Gaskin. Gaskin was not expecting any LIFT check because this is the first year her school was included. She is very happy about the inclusion. “I feel blessed, honored and appreciated because I was not anticipating getting any check,” she said. She plans to use her LIFT check to pay part of her daughter’s upcoming master’s degree program. Gaskin praised her fellow teachers saying, “Most teachers go out of their way to make sure that their students are successful.”

Longview ISD educators talk LIFT big bucks

STORY AND PHOTOS BY

Aleli Antommarchi teaches 4th grade at Bramlette Elementary STEAM Academy. She was one of the teachers who received a LIFT check at the convocation. She is thrilled with this financial recognition. “This is a way to say to exceptional teachers, we see your hard work and we value it,” said Antommarchi. “This last year had been very hard and trying so when we are recognized financially, it makes it all better and worthwhile.” She has plans for her check- take her family on vacation. JOYCELYNE

Vivian Okereke

Another Bramlette Elementary STEAM Academy LIFT recipient, Vivian Okereke loves teaching. She did not want to go into a profession just to make money hence, she chose education. Okereke collaborates with her teammates for best student educational outcomes. Besides working in partnership with other teachers, she collects data to understand what she needs to do for her students to reach their fullest potential. Teaching has its financial rewards after all. According to Okereke, she will use her LIFT check to pay down debts and take a vacation.

Principal Nikita Mumphrey giving out LIFT checks at convocation

ernmenttheannouncedrecentlythatfederalgovwillcan cel up to $20,000 of Federal student loans per person. Millions of Americans will be recipients of the student loan debt relief; unfortu nately, this creates an excel lent opportunity for scam mers. See the recent warning about student loan forgive nessAsscams.student loan holders navigate the new forgiveness program, con artists will un doubtedly be there to take advantage of any confusion. It happens with any big gov ernment initiative, including the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, eviction moratorium and pandemic relief programs. Always be sure to do your research before sharing any personal information.

• Be wary of out-of-theblue calls, emails or text messages claiming to be from the government. In general, the government will not contact you using these methods unless you grant permission.

“By investing in this technology, Longview Regional Medical Center is making labor and delivery safer for mothers and babies,” said Steve Gordon, Chief Executive Office of Longview Regional Medical Center. “Our physicians and nurses are highly skilled medical professionals and excellent caregivers, and they appreciate the use of technology to support their work, especially when it helps keep our patients safe.”

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Education

LRMC CEO STEVE GORDON CHARLES NEWLIN MD FACOG

T he Biden Admin istration

• Think something seems suspicious? Reach out to the agency directly. If you have any concerns about an alleged government representative's legitimacy, hang up the phone or stop emailing/ texting. Then, report the suspicious calls or messag es. Then, find the official contact information (look on ED.gov and studen taid.gov or other official sites) and call to verify.

• Be careful, even if the information comes from a friend. Even if a close friend or family member you trust sent you the information regarding student loan relief, make sure the claims are real first. During the CO VID-19 pandemic, BBB received many reports of hacked social media accounts being used to spread government impostor scams. Read more on BBB. org about scams targeting recent college graduates and government impostors. Get further insight by read ing BBB’s tips on loans and credit repair services. If you’ve spotted a student loan forgiveness scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB. org/ScamTracker. Your re port can help others avoid falling victim to scams.

Here’s how to avoid scams

Student loan forgiveness is here.

To learn more about Longview Regional Medical Center childbirth services or to find a physician, visit www. longviewregional.com or call 903758-1818.Longview Regional offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox from a trusted medical source. www. longviewregional.com for sign-up page on hospital website. About Longview Regional Longview Regional Medical Center is your community healthcare provider; a 224-bed facility. We believe in the power of people to create great care. We're 180 physicians and healthcare professionals strong, and qualitydriven, nationally recognized for chest pain and stroke care, and dedicated to great patient service, with multi-specialty clinical expertise. And we work hard every day to be a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in the community we call home.

• Watch out for phony government agencies or programs. If you speak to someone claiming to be a government rep resentative who is offering you stu dent loan relief, do some research before you agree to anything. Scam mers often make up look-alike gov ernment websites that sound similar

• Get to know the terms of your student loan and the relief program before acting. Always do your research before shar ing personal information. Be sure to understand the ins and outs of your spe cific loan, as well as how student loan relief impacts you. Go straight to official government websites, such as ED.gov and studentaid. gov, for information.

Longview Regional Medical Center Uses New Technology to Enhance Maternal and Fetal Safety

By MICHELLE AGBAYANI MILLS

Assisted Living and Memory Careheartis.comLongview1408903.291.0020CommunityLagoTrail to legitimate agencies or programs.

Tips to avoid student loan forgiveness scams:

Health and Wellness

www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine he childbirth team at Longview Regional Medical Center is now using an overallpinpointthecomplications.”prevent,helpthroughoutaddsofsomewithout“WhileduringmomthehealthresourcenewRegionalOBGYN,year.moreintervention.developmentsquicklyprogressionrate,maternalsystemduringtosystemmaternal-fetalintelligence-basedartificialearlywarningcalledPeriWatchVigilanceenhancepatientsafetylaboranddelivery.Thecontinuouslymonitorsvitalsigns,fetalheartcontractions,andlabortohelpcliniciansidentifyanyconcerningforfasterLongviewRegionaldeliversthan2,000babieseachDr.CharlesNewlin,MD,chiefofLongviewOB/GYN,indicatesthistechnologyisanimportanttosupportmaternal/fetalandsafedeliveries.“Everydeliveryisuniquesohealthandwell-beingofeveryandbabyisourprioritychildbirth,”saysNewlin.mostbirthshappencomplication,thereareinherentrisksinthedeliveryanewborn.Thisnewtechnologyanotherlayerofprotectionthelaborprocesstoourmaternityteamrecognize,andrespondtoavoidableThroughpatternrecognition,technologycanalsoopportunitiesforimprovementbasedon consolidated data from multiple births. As the maternity team reviews trends and identifies areas where improvement is possible, the hospital can use that information to develop protocols that further increase safety and may lead to better outcomes for mothers and babies.

• Never pay money for a free government pro gram. Scammers often trick victims into paying for free government pro grams – or they claim you can get additional ben efits, faster benefits, etc., for a fee. A real govern ment agency will not ask for an advanced process ing fee. These are all red flags of a scam.

Komatsu expands

its Longview, Texas facility 56,000-sq. ft. building to house office, employee center and customer experience center

About Komatsu Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. For a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests and create consumer products. The company's global service and distributor networks support customer operations to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance. To learn more, visit www. komatsu.com

Designated a “mother plant” within the network of Komatsu’s global facilities, the Longview facility has research and development, design and manufacturing capability on one campus. Mother plants are tasked with strengthening the production competitive edge of their plants as well as those of their “child plants” that manufacture the same models.

The Longview facility’s new fabrication building, which was completed in 2021, was recently awarded first place in this year’s TEXO Distinguished Building Awards competition. The award was for the category General Contractor – Industrial / Warehouse Over $5M. Komatsu’s Longview operation is currently hiring for a number of positions. Interested applicants should visit komatsu.jobs to learn more and apply.

Business and Finance Business and Finance 16 www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine | https://twitter.com/infinitieplus | infinitieplus | September 2022 17www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine | https://twitter.com/infinitieplus | infinitieplus | September 2022 T o upgrade significantlyislocation,intomultipleconsolidateandfunctionsasingleKomatsubuildinga expanded office and administration building on its manufacturing campus in Longview, Texas, U.S. Last month the company broke ground for the new 56,000-squarefoot building at 2400 S. MacArthur St. and is targeting a move-in date of December 2023. “We value our partnership with the city of Longview and this investment is a reflection of Komatsu’s commitment to the southside of the city,” said Jesse Dubberly, general manager of Longview operations for Komatsu. “With new investments in this campus of close to $100 million, our goal is to continue to demonstrate that we are a solid community partner that offers good, family-sustaining jobs. By taking functions that were spread across six buildings and consolidating them into one new energy-efficient facility, we are constructing a building that is designed to not only better serve our existing workforce, but is also sized for our future growth,” concluded Dubberly. In addition to office facilities for up to 230 people, the new building will house an employee center which includes a café, marketplace, indoor and outdoor seating, multipurpose room and Komatsu store; and a facility care center maintained by the Environmental Health and Safety department that will provide an audiometric booth, first aid room, mother’s room and direct access for emergency vehicles in the event of an emergency. There will also be a Komatsu Customer Experience Center showcasing both Komatsu’s legacy and ingenuity. Both the general contractor, Transet Co., and the engineering firm, Johnson & Pace, are local Longview firms. The architectural design team for the project is Arkansas-based Polk Stanley Wilcox. With design and manufacturing responsibility for Komatsu’s electrical drive and SR (Switch Reluctance) hybrid drive systems for the company’s electric drive wheel loaders, the Longview campus also supports Komatsu’s global mining business through manufacturing assembly of other key parts and modules for electric rope shovels, rotary and track drills, trucks for surface mining, and underground hard rock mining trucks and wheel loaders. Komatsu will also soon begin a project to expand the facility’s motor shop.

Choose fresh ground beef that has a decent percentage of fat. The fat-to-lean meat ratio should be around 20 percent fat to 80 percent meat. Spend a little more to get freshly ground meat that has not been previously frozen.

Don’t overwork the burgers with a lot of handling. This will warm up the fat in the burger, which causes it to emulsify and could make the meat rubbery.

Reconsider adding a lot of herbs, spices or add-ins to the burgers, as such items can detract from the flavor of the meat. Extra herbs and spices also may require extra mixing, which can lead overhandling.



Tips for grilling the perfect burger



amburgers are a staple at backyard barbecues. Though burgers are a relatively simple food, mastering the technique to grill burgers is no small feat, as there is more to great grilled burgers than simply firing up the grill and dropping down a patty.

Push a dimple into the top of the whichburger,will help prevent the burger from expanding upward and out while cooking and rounding out in the process. The dimple will keep the top of the burger flat, which facilitates easy topping.Make sure the grill is hot. Burgers do well with high heat and will cook relatively quickly.  Resist the urge to push down on the patty with your spatula. This will cause the juices to spill out and may result in a dry, tough burger.  Let burgers rest before serving. This lets the juices redistribute throughout and makes for a moist and tasty first bite.

Grubs Up www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine | https://twitter.com/infinitieplus | infinitieplus | September 2022 19

Ellis earned a Doctor of Education in higher education administra tion from the University of Georgia, Master of Science in judicial/legal administration from Auburn University at Montgomery and Bach elor of Arts in political science from The Uni versity of Alabama. He is also, a certified economic developer trainer by the Technical College System of Georgia and certified nonprofit manager by The Advancement Ex ecutive Network and the Technical College Sys tem of TheGeorgia.Longview Uni versity Center offers the entire Bachelor of Science in Nursing curricu lum, allowing Longviewarea students to experi ence reduced travel ex penses and greater flex ibility in class scheduling while earning their UT Tyler degree. Longview University Center also works in partnership with Kilgore College to provide seamless path ways for students with dual credit and associate degrees to earn UT Tyler baccalaureate and postbaccalaureate degrees. For more information, visitWithuttyler.edu/luc.amission to improve educational and healthcare outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT Tyler offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs to 10,000 students. UT Ty ler recently merged with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (now known as UT Tyler Health Science Center). Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center (HSC) and UT Health East Texas, UT Tyler has unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.

Education 20 www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine | https://twitter.com/infinitieplus | infinitieplus | September 2022

Ellis was appointed to the White House Board of Advisors on Histori cally Black Colleges and Universities in 2018 and as civilian aide to the secretary of the army for North Louisiana in 2019.

Dr. Rodney Ellis Contd.

Over his career, he has secured nearly $50 million in federal grant funding and nearly $20 million in private sector/nonstate funding and resources to support programs and services.

from Page 4

PETS IN WEDDINGS

Some venues do not allow pets that are not documented assistance animals on the premises. Confirm a venue’s pet policy before purchasing any wedding day attire for your dog. Couples who are intent on including their pets in their wedding ceremonies should only consider pet-friendly facilities, which may be hard to find. Couples who plan to take a limousine to and from their wedding also should confirm that the cars allow pets before booking.

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Personality No two dogs are the same. Some dogs might love people and attention, while others might prefer one-on-one time with their owners. Dogs that are sociable and unaggressive may make perfect additions to wedding ceremonies, while animals that exhibit anxiety around strangers or seem uncomfortable in noisy settings should be kept out of the ceremony. Health Dog owners also must consider their pets’ health when deciding whether or not to include them in the wedding ceremony. Couples who bonded over a love of their dog may really hope to include their furry friend in the festivities but should not do so at the expense of the animal’s health. Outdoor wedding ceremonies under sunny skies may produce potentially unhealthy conditions for certain breeds or older dogs. Dogs that have difficulty getting around may need a red wagon (and attendant) to make the rounds at the wedding. Assistance Couples will be busy on their wedding days, so they may need to arrange for a caretaker to look after their dog during and after the ceremony. Asking a guest or guests to play this role may be asking too much, as guests will no doubt want to celebrate without having to take care of a dog. A professional pet sitter might work, but that can be costly, as couples must pay for the sitter and will likely need to pay for the sitter to have a seat and a meal during the reception. Dogs can make great additions to weddings, but couples must consider a host of factors before deciding to have Fido join them as they tie the knot.

ets play important roles in their owner’s lives and are increasingly included in more activities, such as vacations, dining out and even weddings. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters says more couples are customizing their wedding celebrations and bridal parties to include pets. Dogs and cats are turning up in wedding photos as well as trips down the aisle. Some pets even serve as ring bearers. Before giving your pet a job for the wedding, consider his personality and temperament. How does the pet react around crowds? A dog or cat accustomed to a quiet home may behave differently when placed in a room full of excited people. In addition, confirm that pets are allowed inside your ceremony space. Certain venues may not allow animals that are not service dogs. Make sure to inform guests that an animal will be present, so those with allergies can take precautions. If it isn’t practical to have animals in the ceremony, give them a primary spot in wedding or engagement photos. Factors to consider before including Fido in your wedding Pets are full-fledged members of many families and even, apparently, families-tobe. In its 2016 American Wedding Study, Brides magazine found that 8 percent of wedding ceremonies included pets. While the couples of yester-year might have left Fido at home, many of today’s couples want their four-legged friends to be there on their big day. Though no studies to date have examined which animals are most likely to make an appearance at couples’ nuptials, it’s fair to assume that dogs, which tend to get out of the house more than most other types of pets, are the most common furry bridesmaids, groomsmen or ring bearers. Before including dogs in their wedding plans, couples may want to consider a few factors to ensure asking Fido to be there come the big day is what’s best for couples, their guests and, of course, their beloved pooches.

Eligibility

Let guests know the wedding will be casual. Perhaps the most important thing couples can do when hosting a casual wedding is inform their guests that the ceremony and reception will not be formal affairs. Be as specific as possible regarding the dress code so guests don’t feel embarrassed if they overdress. Don’t abandon tradition entirely. Couples hosting casual weddings may not feel beholden to all the traditions associated with more formal affairs, but that does not mean tradition should be abandoned entirely. For example, fathers-of-thebride may still hope to share a spotlight dance with their daughters, while siblings or friends may still hope to serve as bridesmaids or groomsmen. Just because a wedding is less formal does not mean it has to be completely void of tradition, especially those traditions that can let couples closest loved ones know how much they are loved and appreciated.

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eddings tend to be formal affairs, but there are no laws affairs.morefromhappyprohibitingcoupleshostingcasualInfact, many couples confronted with the rising costs of tying the knot are doing just that.

Something simple like a backyard barbecue or a catered meal at home fits nicely with a casual setting.

Create your own traditions. Embracing some tradition does not mean couples cannot simultaneously create their own wedding traditions. Guests at casual weddings will likely be expecting something different than they’re used to, so couples should not hesitate to provide that.

Don’t overlook logistics. Small details, like transportation, parking and lodging will still need to be arranged. If hosting guests at home after the ceremony, make sure guests will have ample places to park their vehicles. In addition, make the same efforts regarding lodging for guests that you would if planning a formal wedding, as out-of-town guests will still need a place to sleep.

According to The Knot 2016 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in 2016 exceeded $35,000, and that price tag does not even include couples’ honeymoons. Some couples may not have the means to finance such lavish affairs, while others may want to save for larger expenses, such as a house, while still being able to celebrate their nuptials with family and friends. Casual weddings can provide that opportunity. However, while casual weddings are less formal, couples will still need to keep some things in mind to make their ceremonies and receptions both fun and memorable.

Couples should strive to keep things tasteful but not shy away from unique ideas that fit into the casual theme. Plan to feed guests. While couples having casual weddings may choose to have their receptions somewhere other than banquet halls, they should still plan to feed their guests. Some guests may be traveling and staying in hotels to attend the wedding, and it’s a nice gesture to show appreciation for their efforts by providing them with a meal. A meal also offers a great chance for guests to mingle with the married couple and fellow guests.

How to host a weddingcasual

Couples will remember the proposal for the rest of their lives. So choose a proposal location that has sentimental connections. Think about where the first ÒI love you was uttered or where a first date occurred. These can be prime locations to pop the question.

Take your partner jewelry shopping and see which types of jewelry he or she is most drawn to. Certain preferences can serve as a jumping off point for ring designs.

An old Irish tradition known as The Lady’s Privilege was established in the fifth century by a nun named St. Brigid. She decided to create an opportunity for women to propose marriage. This day fell on every leap year, February 29. Centuries later, women can still use this tradition as the impetus to take the marriage reigns into their own hands. But women need not wait for the next leap year to propose. Many women view proposing as an empowering action that is tied to the evolving view of independent women. Couples are negotiating more in the marriage process, and the dissolution of commonly held practices is occurring more often.

’s blessing

Though we live in an age when every moment of people’s lives is documented with videos and photographs posted to social media, proposals still stand out as extra special moments. Hire a professional photographer to discreetly capture the proposal and your partner’s reaction so it can be cherished for years to come.

Choose a sentimental location

Men no longer need to ask their girlfriends’ fathers for permission to wed their daughters. However, asking your partner’s family for their blessing is a sign of respect and can add a romantic and heartfelt touch to the proposal.

Turn the tides

A marriage proposals is a couple’s first official step toward the altar. Tradition dictates that men pop the question, with their surprised and ultimatelysoon-to-be-fiances’hopefullydecidingif wedding bells will be on the horizon. Proposing marriage can be nerve wracking. However, if the time seems right and love is in the air, popping the question can be exciting. Regardless of who is proposing marriage, the following strategies can help make proposals memorable and successful.

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Make proposals special and successful

Capture the moment

Note her styleEngagement rings play a big role in many couple’s proposals. One person’s style is not necessarily what his partner will like. Bigger isn’t always better. Rather, choose a ring that reflects your partner’s preferences and personality.

Ask for the family

A wedding proposal is a special moment in couples lives together. It can be made even more special by following some guidelines.

Wedding flowers

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Why should wreaths only be reserved for front doors and holiday decor? A welcome floral wreath can be placed by the entryway to a chapel or reception hall with a heartfelt sentiment that shows guests how much they’re appreciated.

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larger than lifebecoming

Dancefloorblooms

Who says flowers have to be overhead or on a table? With a plexiglass dance floor, or one made from some other transparent material, flowers can be underfoot, creating a magical floral carpet. Floral necklaces Brides needn’t carry their bouquets, they can wear ethereal and whimsical floral pieces around their necks or on their waists instead. Couples are urged to speak with their florists about the innovative ways they can make flowers an even more awe-inspiring component of their weddings. 663-3344

A floral curtain of hanging flowers can line a chuppah or drape the altar in beautiful blooms. Couples who would like a fairy-tale entrance also can make their debut as a couple by coming through a flower curtain at the reception.

Welcomewreaths

Floralchandeliers

There’s no need to worry about seeing over table centerpieces or flowers getting in the way of photo moments. Florists can hang flowers from beams over tabletops to increase visual impact, whether as individual baskets, single stems, or floral swags. Think about a large installation that forces guests to look up into a sea of greenery and flowers. The smell and the sight can be breathtaking.

Fairy-taleflowers

M ove over bouquets and centerpieces. Flowers are taking over weddings in a big way. While wedding trends come and go, flowers will always have a place at the wedding table. Many modern couples are opting for statement pieces with their flowers to rival the big and bold ideas they’re incorporating elsewhere into their occasions, such as in cakes and clothing.

Couples generally are advised to stick with what feels right to them regarding the length of their engagements ach year, millions of couples around the world tie the knot. But before couples walk down the aisle, the proposal to get married must take place. There is no perfect answer, and engagement length typically depends on personal preference and the needs of the couple. A number of factors affect the length of a couple’s engagement, and couples should not feel as if they need to hurry down the aisle. For example, couples who will be financing their own weddings may need a longer engagement than those whose parents will be chipping in. Others may prefer a shorter engagement if they are financially stable and prepared to tie the knot.

Engagement photo shoots give couples a chance to connect with their photographers. Spending time with the photographer gives the couple an opportunity to develop a rapport with their pho tographer. If couples and their photographer don’t click, it gives couples a chance to find someone else to take their photos. An engagement photo shoot gives couples time to spend together. An engagement photo shoot is an ideal time to spend an afternoon in a special location focusing on each other without wedding

Some couples may have little choice in the matter, as the length of their engagements may be dictated by the availability of their favorite venues. Military deployment, work commitments, medical issues, or travel responsibilities also may affect the length of an engagement.

Factors that can affect the length of your engagement

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Couples in their late 30s may feel the tug of a biological clock and want to ensure there is ample time to get married and have children. A shorter engagement can facilitate that.

Five great reasons to take engagement photos

Anplanningengagement shoot also can be a great time for couples to speak with their photographers about angles or styles they prefer or dislike. 4.5.

The bride and groom have save-the-date or social media photos. Engagement photographs can be used for save-the-date cards or social media post ings (check with the photographer for licensing Engagementagreements).photography gives couples plenty of op portunities to experiment with different locales, which may not be possible come the wedding day.

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September 2022 THE JOURNEY OF LOVE MARRIAGE FAMILY FLIP THIS MAGAZINE Pets in Weddings reasonsgreat to take photosengagement 5 Wedding flowers larger than life becoming How to host a weddingcasual Make proposals special and successful