infinitieplus
UTT LUC alum lauds degree
LRMC plugs advanced stroke training Brad Tidwell bags honor Innovation hub debuts in Tyler
VeraBank promotes Moores
FLIP THIS
How to avoid TSA PreCheck scams
By EUNICE KIM
No one likes waiting in airport security lines. To speed things up, some people opt to get TSA PreCheck. Scammers know this and send emails that look like they're from TSA PreCheck — but they’re not. The emails want you to click a link that takes you to a scam website that only looks like the official site — but it’s not. If you pay to “enroll” or “renew” your TSA PreCheck, you may not even realize you’ve paid a scammer until you get to the airport for your next trip. But there are ways to spot these scams.
If you’re applying for TSA PreCheck for the first time, you don’t pay the application fee online.
To get PreCheck, you complete the application and pay in person at a TSA enrollment center. Again: you don’t pay online. Only a scammer will ask you to pay online to enroll.
If you already have TSA PreCheck, you can renew and pay in person or take care of both online. The real TSA even sends renewal reminder emails out. But to avoid a scam, start your renewal at tsa. gov/precheck instead of clicking a link. A scammer’s link will take you to a scam site that looks real, but if you pay and give your information, the scammer will steal it.
To avoid scammers impersonating TSA PreCheck: Don't click links in unexpected emails or text messages, no
matter how real they look. Don’t be rushed. If someone insists that you to pay right away, chances are that’s a scammer. Start at tsa.gov/precheck. Typing in that URL yourself is the best way to avoid the scam. And remember that all TSA PreCheck sites are .gov sites, not a .com.
Tell the FTC at ReportFraud. ftc.gov if you think you spotted this scam. And learn how to recognize phishing scams to keep scammers from stealing your money or identity.
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VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 11
Cover Story
Editors Page
Business and Finance
Money Matters
Education
Community Connections
Health and Wellness
Women Today
Women Wellness
Inspiration
The University of Texas at Tyler (UTT) and Tyler Junior College (TJC) academics recently got together at UTT for a Signing Day Celebration. The main topic of discussion was the state of affairs for both schools as they strive together to further East Texans' higher education. And VeraBank President/Chief Executive Officer Brad Tidwell's efforts on behalf of his city and profession have not gone unnoticed by those he serves and have earned him a Distinguished Citizen Good Turn Award.
Patricia Glass and Michelle Kenyon
Lou Ann and Joe Bob Joyce
Cheryl Dawson
By PAULA JIMENEZ AND PEACE FLORIS
The University of Texas at Tyler (UTT) and Tyler Junior College (TJC) academics recently got together at UTT for a Signing Day Celebration. The main
topic of discussion was the state of affairs for both schools as they strive together to further East Texans' higher education. UTT Provost Dr. Amir Mirmiran led off.
He spoke clearly and optimistically on the advances in
establishing a truly studentcentered collaboration between Tyler's two main educational institutions as they seek to advance higher education in the Great State of Texas while simultaneously providing smooth transitions
via co-enrollments enabling students to achieve easy transfer between the colleges and thus attain degrees without excess credit and while guided expertly by counsellors throughout their college experience.
"This partnership also helps improve [the] college going rate in East Texas in
alignment with [the] Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board model of building a talented, strong Texas," he said.
UTT President Dr. Julie Philley spoke next and emphasized the crucial nature of the two schools' partnership in that it insures the success of succeeding generations of
East Texans whose work in various fields will keep the area not only beautiful but prosperous and stable.
"I just love days like today because we get to put in writing our commitment and put some meat behind the words we say," she said. "We get to do it with partners we love, and above all that we trust."
"I just love days like today because we get to put in writing our commitment and put some meat behind the words we say. We get to do it with partners we love, and above all that we trust.”
- Dr. Julie Philley, University of Texas at Tyler President.
"TJC President Dr. Juan Mejia came next and praised Philley for her meticulous and clear description of the TJC/UTT collaboration and pointed out her recent recognition as a TJC Distinguished Alumnus. He next observed that educators' success is measured by what they do for others, and in this respect Philley's accomplishments are monumental.
"She is at the top of the list for all she has done in our communities, throughout East Texas and, really, the [whole] state of Texas," he said.
He also gave a memorable and creative outline of the methods and objectives of the two-school cooperative effort.
"They say that if you want to go fast you go alone, but if you want to go further and with more success you take your tribe with you," he said. "By taking the Apache Na-
tion, we can go further."
Mejia also credited assistants Sarah Boudian and David Baron for their invaluable assistance in setting up and executing the event. He also cited the audience for attending and thus giving credibility and support to the cause of furthering education in East Texas. He made it clear that he considered every person there as part of a team.
"The more we can do together the more our students and communities will be successful," he said. "Our students will be recruited and retained here in beautiful East Texas."
There was no question that this new partnership between TJC and UTT was the main focus. Its implications for the future are significant and promising, and it is the ideal moment to get started.
"It is our time to take both of these institutions and
this unique partnership further," said Mejia.
He described this joint effort as a case of students standing profitably on the shoulders of giants and being able to see and go farther in quests to realize dreams. It is a new concept in Texas, and although still unproven its promising nature leaves little doubt of its coming great success. in the lives of what he calls "Apache Patriots."
Mirmiran chimed in with a new mission statement: "Two schools. One goal. Your success."
After Mejia concluded with the ringing statement , "It's a great day to be an Apache. It's a great day to be a Patriot," he handed the podium over to UTT Provost/ Vice-President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Deana Sheppard, who quickly pointed out that it was indeed a special day as well as a lot of fun. Speaking at UTT, she observed it was a special treat for her and her family.
"My daughter went to school here, got two degrees here, she's now an employee here and a lot of people in the room here get to work with her," she said. "I am very proud to be an Apache and to have a Patriot daughter."
"The more we can do together the more our students and communities will be successful. Our students will be recruited and retained here in beautiful East Texas."
- Dr. Juan Mejia. Tyler Junior College President.
Sheppard described how the new co-op will make it easier for junior college students to transition to such institutions of higher learning as UTT, shortening the time between enrollment and graduation, thus enabling new, succeeding generations of highly competent employees to enter the workforce faster and improve the quality of life for all East Tex -
ans. She concluded the event with the all-encompassing, explanatory statement:
"They are our students," she said. "We want them to stay in our community, want them to get their degrees, come to work here and then to contribute back to the Tyler and East Texas area."
The future looks rosy for all residents of the Pineywoods.
UTT and TJC: Two Schools, One Goal, Your Success
Brad Tidwell: VeraBank boss grabs acclaim
By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI www.infinitieplusmag.com
VeraBank President/Chief Executive Officer
Brad Tidwell's efforts on behalf of his city and profession have not gone unnoticed by those he serves and have earned him a Distinguished Citizen Good Turn Award. The Boy Scouts of America reserve this recognition as their highest honor for those whose lives and endeavors make the most positive impact on the well-being of their communities and fellow citizens. Tidwell's fellow banker and competitor Texas Bank & Trust Vice-Chair and Executive Officer Rogers Pope, Jr. spoke clearly and unselfishly about his colleague's objectives and accomplishments.
"Brad represents all that is good about Longview and like me he knows how lucky he is with the Longview home," he said. "Brad credits the influence of many friends, neighbors, teachers and mentors he
encountered during his formative years in Longview for setting him onto the path of the enormous success he has enjoyed in his adult life."
Smiling, Pope said his friend Tidwell "strayed a little bit" by attending Texas A&M because "nobody's perfect." He described their banking competition as tough, but also a privilege and that it makes Longview better and more economically stable for its residents.
Pope furthermore cited Tidwell's leadership role in the Independent Members Association of Texas and the Independent Community Members of America as examples of his dedication to assisting profitable commerce not only in the banking industry, but for businesses nationwide.
Richard Manly followed Pope on the speaker's podium. An ex-Marine, Alabama native Manley matriculated at Vanderbilt University in preparation for a career in the manufacture of medical
devices and business leadership. He started by outlining Tidwell's positive impact on East Texas by describing three tenants for leadership success:
1. Work hard but have fun.
2. Do the right thing for your customers and your co-workers.
3. Don't be a jerk.
He explained that Tidwell's devotion to both his vocational calling and his family are expressed in how, "He's led the bank from $500 million to $1.2 billion, but he's most proud of his family." He also pointed out how Brad does not do his best simply to make himself look good.
"It may seem illogical, but I measure the sincerity of a person's commitment by how well they serve [even] when they are not in the lead," Manley said. "Brad Tidwell is someone this Marine Corps officer would be proud to work with because he's always focused on the goal and the team, and not himself."
Manley continued by telling how, in 2017, he was serving as president of Pinecrest Country Club, which was "in a tough spot."
Tidwell’s executive team worked with Pinecrest and returned it to solvency.
L-r: Jessica Tidwell Bellant with her children, Dr. Claire Renzetti and Brad Tidwell
Business and Finance
Pinecrest Country Club was able to raise $1.2M from its membership to pay off outstanding loans without having to borrow yet more money.
"I'm convinced that we saved Pinecrest Country Club, and that would not have happened without Brad's calm and professional leadership throughout the process," he said.
After praising Tidwell for his unselfish, expert leadership in various community matters and programs, Manley yielded to the next speaker, local architect Ann Hugman, who recounted mostly humorous episodes from Tidwell's past, highlighted by his "gift of gab," plus his parents, Henry and Barbara great examples that paved way to a great upbringing.
For example, during a parent/teacher conference, his teacher told his mother Barbara that her overachieving son was finishing his assignments too quickly. She wanted him to "sit quietly and color," but he was instead helping the other pupils with their work. Hugman quoted Barbara's response:
"If you want him to behave, give him some more worksheets, and give him worksheets above his grade level," she said. "That will keep him busy."
Hugman pointed out that Tidwell is not one-dimensional, having interests wandering far from banking and civic service.
You should know that Brad's reputation as an outstanding community member has been recognized not just locally, ... both at the state and national levels. He is past chairman of our state community banking trade association, the Independent Members Association of Texas, is on the legislative affairs committee for our national association, the Independent Community Members of America. He is an engaged and active advocate, not just for the banking industry, but also for small businesses across the country.”
- Rogers Pope, Jr. Texas Bank & Trust Vice-Chair and Executive Officer
She cited his love of guitar music, baseball, the Longview Lobos and "all things Aggie." She also praised his devotion to his life partner Dr. Claire Renzetti, his two daughters, Jessica, and Shelby: his grandchildren, and sons-in-law, Chris, and Sean.
In addition, Hugman read a quote from his daughter Shelby in which the grateful young woman gushed over how, when she was growing up, her father packed thousands of lunches, showed up for all her school events, her swim meets and, later, drove round-trip to Austin in one day to check out her new condo.
"Brad is a good guy. He has a compassionate heart. He has a selfless heart. Brad is a giver and a patriot," said Hugman. "We love you. We honor you. We celebrate you. We applaud you."
The Good Turn Award was inspired through the foundations of Scouting. The Scouts slogan is, do a good turn daily. Mr. Daniel Anderson, CEO East Texas Boys Scouts, called upon past recipients to come forward and join in the presentation of the Good Turn Award to Tidwell.
Finally, it was time for the obviously moved guest of honor to speak
Community Connections
Simple Bare Necessities touts expansion
By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI www.infinitieplusmag.com
Simple Bare Necessities, (SBN) a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hygiene products to under-resourced Longview ISD students, reports that it has successfully raised more than $85,000 in 4 years. More than that, SBN recently hosted its 4th annual “Race for Dignity” 5K fun run at The Green, drawing approximately 100 enthusiastic attendees.
In the past 4 years, the race has raised funds and distributed more than 13,000 full-sized hygiene kits to Longview ISD under-resourced students. That is not all
Longview ISD graduates and siblings Arya and Alec Germanwala founded the organization in 2020. They currently attend Vanderbilt University where Arya is a junior, and her brother Alec, is a freshman. Nonetheless, SBN doggedly remains committed to enriching the lives of the district’s under-resourced and under-served students.
For example, this year, Longview High School students
teamed up with Arya and Alec, to ensure the legacy of Simple Bare Necessities. “Making a difference for under-resourced and under-served youth in LISD is more than just providing essentials—it’s about building confidence and fostering selfworth,” said Alec Germanwala, co-founder of Simple Bare Necessities. “Together, we are committed to leaving a strong and long-lasting impact on our district’s youth.”
But wait, there is more.
SBN has expanded into the Metro Nashville Public Schools thereby making a substantial impact in the Nashville school
system. Moreover, Simple Bare Necessities is partnering with the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC) thus extending support to under-resourced and under-served communities in the greater Nashville area. Arya couldn’t be more thrilled.
“Bringing Simple Bare Necessities to Nashville is an exciting achievement for us,” said Arya Germanwala, co-founder of Simple Bare Necessities. “It allows us to continue our mission of supporting under-resourced youth, removing barriers to their education and well-being, just as we’ve done in Longview, Texas.”
Importantly, Simple Barre Necessities is extremely thankful to various supporters who make their mission of serving under-resourced and underserved youth possible.
For more information about Simple Bare Necessities or to support their mission, visit https://www.simplebarenecessities.org/
Arya and Alec Germanwala, Founders of Simple Bare Necessities
“ Race for Dignity” runners
"It may seem illogical, but I measure the sincerity of a person's commitment by how well they serve [even] when they are not in the lead. Brad Tidwell is someone this Marine Corps officer would be proud to work with because he's always focused on the goal and the team, and not himself."
- Real Estate Developer Richard Manley
"I can't say thank you enough to the Boy Scouts. I want you to be part of the community," he said. "I want you to be able to be part of our community. Thank you."
He expressed his gratitude to the event organizers and his blessed family – his parents. He continued by expounding on how his seventeen years of community service have been a joy rather than a burden and that his fellow banking employees are a delight. He also expressed his love for Longview.
"Communities are not infrastructure. Communities are not demographics. Communities are not
buildings. Communities are people, and this community is a quality community," he said. "It's a great community because of the people here. It's because of the people who give back so much."
Moreover, Tidwell outlined how leadership is not the domain of single individuals but depends on the efforts of groups of highly qualified individuals. He pointed out how he believed many of the people at that event were deserving of the same recognition being given him. He spoke of his love for Longview because it is, "such a great place
for me and my family. I can't imagine wanting to be anywhere else other than Longview."
Refusing to take personal credit for his accomplishments, Tidwell described how he inherited his positive traits from parents Henry and Barbara, thanked Lucy Lester and several others who contributed to his banking success; in the audience, Mayor Kristen Ishihara who Emceed the event and his minister, Reverend Dr. Debbie Tipps of First United Methodist Church who gave the invocation. But wait, there is more.
Contd. on Page 16
Wayne Mansfield
Rogers Pope Jr. and wife Kellie
Les Mendicello Carolyn and Mike Northcutt
Kimberly Fish Diane and Keith Honey
Dan Droege
Business and Finance
“Brad
is a good guy. He has a compassionate heart. He has a selfless heart and servant's heart. Brad is a giver and a patriot. Most of all, we love you, we honor you, we celebrate you, we applaud you, and we appreciate your dedication to your family and our community. Thank you for everything you do.”
- Ann Hugman, HLH Design
Build
energy are a huge part of why we've been successful. I'd also like to thank Diane Bucklew, Melissa Miller, and Ann Hug man for helping with today's event.”
"When you hear all these nice things about yourself, you wonder who they're talking about," he said.
Everyone in attendance, ex cept maybe for him, was clear on this.
BACHELOR’S
DEGREES IN NURSING & INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
Education
Oscar Ramirez, Process Engineer: UT Tyler alum lauds college degree
By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI www.infinitieplusmag.com
“Don’t burn any bridges, you’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.”
Oscar Ramirez from Gilmer, Texas immigrated to the United States in 2009. He graduated high school in 2013 as the Valedictorian of his class.
Ramirez knows the importance of education. Hence, he kept his focus on a degree of the future such as the University of Texas at Tyler Industrial Technology program.
For him to achieve his academic goal, he took dual credit classes at Northeast Texas Community College, (NTCC) in Mount Pleasant. After NTCC, he moved on to Texas State Technical College, (TSTC) in Marshall and bagged his associate’s degree in applied science in Computer Aided Drafting with honors.
Then, he got into the workforce. Ramirez, worked as a fulltime draftsman for a cabinet manufacturer and attended University
of Texas at Tyler, (UTT) in tandem. He successfully pulled down a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology with a minor in business.
According to Ramirez, he worked hard and was promoted to manufacturing engineer.
He credits a number of wonderful people on his journey to success. “I met several good people and one of them offered me a job as a Process Engineer. I ended up taking his offer.” But wait, that is not all.
Ramirez views his UTT education as the lynchpin that catapulted him to his current professional position. “I believe the UT Tyler Industrial Tech program helped me to get exposed to different areas - from the business side to the manufacturing side. I genuinely enjoyed the hands-on learning experience,” he stated.
came from a sage coworker who counseled Ramirez to treat everyone with respect. “Don’t burn any bridges, you’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.” He crossed that same river again, in a short time.
“Thanks to always treating everyone with respect, I was able to receive an offer from a previous coworker,” confirmed Ramirez.
Currently, Ramirez’s professional and personal goals include career growth and “continue contributing to the people around me.”
Oscar Ramirez
VeraBank promotes Michael Moores to president
bank well into the future under his direction.
Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, a graduate of the American Bankers Association National Commercial Lending Graduate School, and the Graduate School of Bank Investments and Financial Management at the University of South Carolina.
LRMC plugs advanced stroke training
VeraBank is pleased to announce the promotion of Executive Vice PresidentChief Lending Officer, Michael Moores, to President of VeraBank. Moores will oversee lending, mortgage banking, loan operations and servicing, and wealth management
.“This promotion has been three decades in the making and Michael is a natural fit,” said VeraBank CEO Brad Tidwell. “As Michael steps into the role of president, I’m confident his leadership, strategic vision and unwavering commitment to nurturing relationships will pave the way for the bank’s continued stability and success. His solid foundation and keen understanding of all facets of banking, and role as a mentor and friend to many, position VeraBank to continue thriving as a cornerstone community
A 31-year banker at VeraBank, Moores joined the former Citizens National Bank, in the fall of 1993. A lifelong Henderson resident, Michael has held key leadership positions both within the bank and throughout the East Texas community. He currently serves as president of the Henderson Independent School District Foundation and actively participates as a member of First Baptist Church, Henderson. He has been a 30year member and past president of the Henderson Lions Club. Additionally, he has held terms on the board of the Henderson Economic Development Corporation and is a former City of Henderson Council member. Moores has been happily married to his wife Lori for 26 years, and they take pride in being parents to three collegeaged children.
“Michael is a highly regarded leader in the community banking profession and personifies VeraBank’s commitment to delivering a true, genuine banking experience,” said Tidwell. Michael is a Certified Public Account (CPA) and holds a BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. He is also a graduate of Southwestern
L“As I embark on this new journey, I’m truly thankful for the pillars in our community who laid the foundation for a thriving community bank and the visionary leadership of past bank presidents. Together, their efforts continue to inspire us as we build on the guiding principles and hard work that have led to VeraBank’s success for more than 90 years,” said Moores.
About VeraBank
VeraBank is a privately owned community bank that serves 19 counties in East, Central and Southeast Texas with 550+ employees, a network of 39 conveniently located branches, $4.3 billion in assets, and trust assets under management of approximately $1.2 billion. Since 1930, VeraBank has remained committed to genuine banking, providing excellent personal service with the latest in banking technology. Visit us online at verabank. com. Member FDIC.
Regional Medical Center First in East Texas Region to Offer Advanced Stroke Training to Healthcare Professionals
Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds on average, according to the American Stroke Association. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and a leading cause of death throughout the world.
To help healthcare providers properly recognize and treat individuals with stroke in the community, Longview Regional Medical Center is now offering advanced stroke training to healthcare providers. To celebrate the hospital’s new Advanced Stroke Training Announcement, Longview Regional Medical Center is recognizing National Stroke Awareness Day this October 29th. The goal is to provide resources, education and create awareness for all employees, visitors, and patients.
Known as the Advanced Stroke Life Support® (ASLS) Blended Learning Course, this training helps healthcare providers identify, evaluate, and manage treatment for individuals with stroke. The course was co-developed by the American Heart Association (AHA) and The University of Miami’s Gordon Center for Simulation and Innovation in Medical Education.
“Longview Regional Medical Center is proud to offer this important training to help further develop the skills of healthcare providers
so they will have the tools and knowledge to diagnose and manage stroke patients at a higher level,” said Keith Ellison, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Longview Regional Medical Center. “This advanced training is available to our local providers and aims to improve outcomes for patients in our community.” The ASLS Blended Learning Course is open to both prehospital and inhospital healthcare providers who care for individuals with stroke or work in settings with individuals who are at risk for stroke.
Michael Moores
Fully Giving Thanks
By DR. MICHAEL GUIDO
"Iwill thank You Lord, with all my heart.” The thanksgiving he describes is total and consumes all of his beinghis entire self. The word he used for heart would include his consciousness of God’s presence, his memory of God’s goodness and his awareness of God’s grace. He worshiped God with excitement, enthusiasm, and expectation.
“I will tell all of the marvelous things You have done.” Marvelous comes from a word that means “extraordinary, not to be surpassed by anyone and wonderful!” He is so overwhelmed by God’s blessings on his life that he wants everyone to hear about it.
“I will be filled with joy!” Joy is the natural state of the one who trusts in the Lord. Knowing that “all things work
together for our good” should cause His joy to radiate from our hearts into our heads and out through our hands. Everything we do should be done with a smile on our face and gladness in our eyes.
“I will sing praises to Your Name, O Most High.” Notice that there is only one letter
different between the word “sin” and “sing” - the letter “g” - that stands for God. When we give up sin for the Savior, God gives us a new song to sing. It is a song about the Savior who loves us, gave Himself for us, is present in us and cares for us.
For more like this, please visit SowerMinistries.org
Sparklight hosts business after hours mixer
Sparklight’s recent business after hours was a hit. The Chamber of Commerce venue was fit for the event because the crowd had enough space to mix and mingle, strengthen old and build new business relationships. In addition, it was the ideal venue to display Chacuterie boards, various food items and assorted beverages with door prizes. According to Sparklight® webpage, the company is “a leading broadband commu
nications provider and part of the Cable One family of brands, which serves with a wide array of connectivity and entertainment services, high-speed internet and advanced Wi-Fi solutions, cable television and phone service. Sparklight Business provides scalable and costeffective products for businesses ranging in size from small to mid-market.
Lifestyle Options and Senior Care Services
Independent Living | Longview, Texas You always heard the retirement years would be relaxing, and we’re here to make sure that Independent Living is a vacation. We take care of the tasks – big and small – so our seniors can enjoy our clubhouse, swimming pools, and fitness center in style.
Rest easy that your loved one is in caring hands in our Memory Care program. Our professional staff undergoes the most current dementia and Alzheimer’s care training, so your loved one receives the knowledgeable, attentive care they need.
Live with the Best Arabella of Longview stands apart by showcasing the best Longview has to offer in Senior Living. We’ve been awarded the “Best of East Texas” award for Senior Living communities for the last five years for a reason.
We are Nationally Recognized Certified Dementia Practitioners 1155 E Hawkins Pkwy, Longview, TX 75605 | (903) 708-6083. https://www.civitasseniorliving.com/arabella-of-longview
INFINITIEPLUS MAGAZINE STAFF REPORT
Michael Spurrier and William McWhorter Toyia Urbaniak and Mandy Parker Catalina Lopez and Angela Hanley
Tips to simplify your Thanksgiving dinner menu
Thanksgiving is a much anticipated and beloved holiday. Thanksgiving offers families and friends an opportunity to gather and break bread together. Food is indeed a focus of Thanksgiving and that can be a little overwhelming if not intimidating for those tasked with hosting the celebration. Guests might come to expect certain Thanksgiving staples, including turkey and mashed potatoes. Sticking to Turkey Day standard bearers is not the only way to simplify meal planning on this beloved holiday.
Accept help, but keep it limited. Hosts can keep things simple by asking only a small handful of guests to prepare a side dish. Once the quota is filled, politely decline any additional offers to bring food. It can be hard to find space on the table if too many guests bring dishes from home, and that can lead to hurt feelings if certain sides are ignored or left on the kitchen counter due to a lack of real estate.
Explain your desire to reduce food waste. Another way to simplify the meal is to avoid succumbing to the temptation to cook too much food. Guests may expect to go home with full bellies. Indeed, the Calorie Control Council notes that Americans consume between 3,000 and 4,500 calories during Thanksgiving celebrations. Such consumption is not only unhealthy for humans.
Keep table settings simple. Unless you're planning to post photos of the family meal on Instagram this Thanksgiving, you can skip the more elaborate formal table settings in favor of a simple setup you might use on most nights when dining at home. Keep it simple with less formal settings, which will allow guests to direct their focus to the task at hand: eating a delicious, homecooked holiday meal.
Purchase a premade dessert. It might be tempting to try your hand at a homemade dessert, but it's far easier to purchase pies and ice cream from a local farmer's market in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. This approach ensures hosts have it a little easier once the main course has been served and consumed.
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is no small task. However, hosts can take various steps to simplify Thanksgiving meal planning this year.
How to master early holidays shopping
The early bird gets the worm is a well-known English proverb that historians trace all the way back to the 1600s. Though the words might first have been popularized hundreds of years ago, they remain as true today as they were then, particularly in regard to holiday shopping.
Savvy shoppers have long touted the importance of starting early when looking for holiday gifts for loved ones. Seasoned procrastinators may never embrace early shopping, but others who want to have a less hectic holiday shopping season can consider these tips.
Begin with a plan.
Holiday shopping excursions, whether they take place in town, at the mall or online, can take longer than expected when shoppers have no idea what
they’re looking for. Prior to your first holiday shopping trip, jot down gift ideas for each person on your list. Then scour stores or websites for those items.
Starting early affords shoppers time to bargain hunt and ensures supply shortages or other issues won’t get in the way of a happy loved one come the holiday season.
Recognize the notion of early has changed.
Early holiday shopping used to be synonymous with the retail holiday Black Friday, which occurs the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. However, many holiday shoppers now begin buying gifts long before they’ve purchased a Thanksgiving turkey. In its 2022 Consumer Pulse Survey, McKinsey & Company found that 56 percent of consumers started their holiday shopping in October.
A host of variables may have influenced that shift, but supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic have lingered, which undoubtedly compelled consumers to get an especially early start on holiday shopping.
Shoppers who want to ensure everything arrives on time for the holiday season must recognize that early shopping now involves beginning around Halloween, if not earlier.
Take the (local) road less traveled.
Shopping local merchants in person is a strategy savvy shoppers have long since embraced, but it’s one that’s especially beneficial in an era marked by supply chain issues and inflation. Local merchants don’t have the overhead or
sizable staff of big box or chain stores, which enables them to keep costs low.
And since local merchants produce many of their own products, it’s likely there’s something in store that shoppers will love and less likely that they will have issues filling orders. A late fall afternoon in a local shopping district can yield an
array of treasures and help holiday shoppers find the right gift for many a person on their list.
When in doubt, go gift card.
If the right gift is proving elusive even when shopping early, shoppers should not hesitate to go the gift card route. Shoppers need not
feel as though a gift card is a nonstarter, as a 2022 survey from the National Retail Federation found that 54 percent of survey respondents indicated gift cards were the most desirable gift of the holiday season.
Shopping early is a great way to enjoy a less hectic holiday season.
about stress
Stress can be paradoxical. A certain amount of stress can motivate people to get things done. But having too much can cause a person to resist doing anything at all. The Cleveland Clinic says stress is the body’s response to daily events that occur in life. When stress becomes chronic, it can be negative and destructive, making it hard to adapt and cope.
Chronic stress is a concern for many women. The Office on Women’s Health says women are more likely than men to report symptoms of stress, including headaches and upset stomach. They’re also more likely to have mental health conditions that are exacerbated by stress, including anxiety and depression. Learning the facts about stress can help women care for their mental well-being. Here are
eight things to know.
1. Stress can manifest emotional, cognitive or physical symptoms. Notable physical symptoms include muscle
stress, says the American Heart Association.
3. Common causes of longterm stress include poverty and financial worries. Women in poverty who care for children or other family members may develop more severe stress, says the Office of Assistant Secretary for Health.
physical and mental disorders. Men tend to be better at disassociating from stress.
6. Women are more likely to cancel plans due to stress than men; despite realizing they could use more social support.
tension and headaches as well as fatigue and low energy. Emotional symptoms may include increased worry, mood swings or irritability.
2. Stress can lead to unhealthy habits. Women have higher risk of overeating due to stress and may become inactive or smoke to cope with
4. Women respond to stress differently. Healthline indicates women have a higher percentage of perception of stress than men, and also are more apt to realize they must manage it. Seventy percent of women have tried to reduce stress over the past five years.
5. Research reported on by the American Psychological Association says women are more likely to internalize stress, leading more readily to both
7. Stress can disrupt hormonal balance in women, leading to menstrual irregularities.
8. Stress can trigger increased pain sensitivity, making women more prone to tension headaches and migraine attacks.
Stress can take its toll on anyone, including women. Recognizing help is needed, setting measurable targets and being realistic about managing stress can help women feel better.
Innovative business hub debuts in Rose City
"We are excited to open our doors and significantly impact the community. This [grand opening] is just the beginning of what we hope will be a strong and supportive network."
– Patricia Glass, Founder of Flourish
By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI www.infinitieplusmag.com
Anew business boosting initiative recently opened its operations in Tyler, Texas. It is named Flourish because it will empower non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and prosper. Flourish recently celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at 415 South Broadway.
According to its founder Patricia Glass, this operation is an innovative hub offering training, conference facilities and far-ranging consulting services in a working environment devised specifically for this purpose.
Along with husband Joshua, Glass looks upon herself mainly as a coach/consultant/instructor not only for their children Liam and Ellinore, but for potential entrepreneurs seeking careers in small but growing businesses. Following the examples of her highly competent parents, she has pulled down certifications in nonprofit management and advanced nonprofit management and is putting them to good use.
"As founder of Flourish I lead our mission to empower nonprofits and small businesses with strategic guidance and support," she says. "Flourish is more than a consulting firm. It's a catalyst for community impact, helping organizations grow and sustain their missions."
Her calling is one without routine. No two days are alike, and none are predictable. She busies herself with workshops and networking events but refuses to neglect her parenting responsibilities.
"I cherish every school dropoff, pickup and the precious moments at school functions and extracurricular activities," she says.
Along with her role as a mother, she finds a great sense of accomplishment in seeing her clients succeed because of her efforts. Her passion is watching her nonprofit clients thrive by improving the quality of life, second to none in their communities. Ensuring she is constructing a better world for her children is her greatest
objective. Glass is forever searching for means of doing this.
"The cornerstone of success in any field is to cultivate authentic relationships and deeply understand the unique challenges and opportunities within our communities," she says.
Despite her devotion to Flourish, Glass seeks to also work through other avenues to achieve a first-rate life for East Texans. Hence, she collaborates
with the ARC of Smith County, Discovery Science Place, and the Association for Fundraising Professionals-East Texas Chapter. She spends what free time she has with her family, "exploring the great outdoors and participating in local events,"
Her quests to overcome all adversity in accomplishing her goals embodies Glass commitment to catalyzing and using community essence and
resources to create a thriving lifestyle for East Texas.
"We are excited to open our doors and significantly impact the community," she says. "This [grand opening] event is just the beginning of what we hope will be a strong and supportive network."
For more information, please contact patricia@ flourishnonprofits.com or call 903-805-9953.
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