November infinitieplus magazine by infinitieplus magazine

VOL. 7 NO. 11

EAST TEXAS BUSINESS MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2018

Congratulations to the 2019 Stars Over Longview Demetria Anderson Amy Canton Jeanne J. Collins Kara Curfman Kerri Daugbjerg Linda Fullman Delcine Johnson Barbara McDaniel Donna McElroy Gayle Poland Mary Price Donna Sharp

Celebrating 19 Years

We have

Thursday, January 10, 2019 Speaker: Caitlin Crosby

Doors Open at 11:30 a.m. Ceremony and Luncheon begin at noon Maude Cobb Activity Center 100 Grand Blvd. • Longview Complimentary valet parking will be available.

Ticket Information

10857 State Hwy 154 Marshall, TX 75670 800-950-2327 | 903-935-5217 www.bearcreeksmokehouse.com

Individual Tickets $30.00 • $240 for Table of 8 Tickets will be available for purchase beginning November 5, 2018. To purchase, call Longview Regional Medical Center’s Marketing Department at 903-553-7400.

Speaker: Caitlin Crosby

Singer Songwriter, Actress & Founder CEO of The Giving Keys

For additional information on this event visit LongviewRegional.com.

Editor’s note

table of c ontents

Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

EAST TEXAS BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Marketing / PR

COVER STORY

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Photography

Joycelyne Fadojutimi Keisha Roland

His grandparents Rose and Kenneth were strong supporters of Longview. Martin inherited their civic duty personality traits. His parents provided him a positive upbringing while creating community and opportunity for him. His parents are still locals living in the same house where they raised their son. Martin works across the hall from his father, Mike which is a blessing. According Martin his wife Marissa, has made him a better person and daughter, Ruby positively changed his perspective on life.

Graphic Designer Sho Labaco

Contributing Writers Andrew Schloss Mechele 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.

For Advertising Contact

STARS OVER LONGVIEW

SEVEN TIPS FOR LOWERING HEATING BILL

Joycelyne Fadojutimi joy@ipplusmag.com Bear creek Smokehouse Expands

517 Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75602 www.ipplusmag.com www.facebook.com/ InfinitePlus magazine

t is Thanksgiving again. And, we have so much to be thankful for this year. First, we are still alive, in the land of the living.

One of the things we are thankful for is R&K Distributors, a firm founded in 1963. Best of all, it has been a financial fixture in Longview and East Texas ever since. R&K Distributors is three generations strong. The company have buttressed the region since its inception. It is their modus operando to generously support communities where they do business. John Martin, the current president of R&K Distributors is ip’s cover story. Please read all about him and R&K Distributors, from page 6 “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “And making sure homes are secure before cold weather strikes can avert emergencies and financial strain.” Therefore, check out seven tips on lowering energy heating cost this winter from page/// Spring Hill ISD Foundation recognized some trail blazers in their Legacy Awards event. This story is from page/// Best of all, is the savory Thanksgiving turkey recipe. Andrew Schloss talks about this tasty take on Thanksgiving Turkey. By the way, it is supposed to be a secret recipe so add this one to your list and try it out. We hope you enjoy all the articles and we look forward to serving you next month.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at infinitieplus magazine.

Joycelyne Fadojutimi VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 11

16 4

Illustrious Faculty, Alumni Nab Legacy Awards

Local doc long way from home

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A Tasty Take on Thanksgiving Turkey

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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. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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COVER STORY

Company president maintains Corporate Altruism B y J o y c el y ne F a d ojutimi

PRESIDENT, R&K DISTRIBUTORS JOHN MARTIN

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ohn Martin is the third generation of his family to oversee local R&K Distributors. His grandparents founded the firm in 1963, and it has been a financial fixture in Longview and East Texas ever since. For him, leading this company is a responsibility as well as a career. “My grandparents were strong supporters of Longview, and I think I got some of their civic duty personality traits,” he says. “My parents were able to provide me a positive upbringing and created opportunity for me as I got older.” His parents are still locals. They are in the same house where they raised their son. Martin works across the hall from his father, Mike Martin. He finds this a blessing because his dad is a fountain of business knowledge. Dad is right there whenever he’s needed. As the chief executive officer, he is a major factor in R&K Distributors’ ongoing success. Martin’s older sisters are also available for any needed support, as is wife Marissa and eight-year-old daughter Ruby. “Marissa has made me a better person without question, and anyone who has had a child knows how that changes your perspective

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on life in a very positive way,” he says. Martin graduated University of Texas at Austin in 2004. Although he fell in love with his state’s capitol city, he felt the pull of East Texas, returning in 2005. Still, he and Marissa recently took Ruby to her first Longhorn football game. Nevertheless, his heart is in Longview. So is his career. “It was an incredible opportunity to be able to move back to my hometown and work for our family business,” he says. “At this point I couldn’t imagine doing anything else or living anywhere else.” Back in ‘63 his grandparents bought the rights to Anheuser/Busch distribution in East Texas. Martin serves as company president while his father remains as chief executive officer. Currently, R&K Distributors has a distribution footprint in 22 East Texas counties. The company delivers beer to licensed replay accounts including the Anheuser/ Busch brands, St. Arnold Brewing Company, Great Raft Brewing and various additional craft brewers. There are company branches in Longview and Nacogdoches, with Longview being the corporate office. The two branches employ 180

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COVER STORY

workers. Martin’s grasp on success is firm and competent. “We have a team of salesmen who call on retail accounts every day,” he says. “An incredible delivery team that rolls the beer into accounts on a daily basis to make sure accounts have plenty of our product for their customers.” Following his return, Martin spent time at both branches’ departments, learning the

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business so that he would be able to overcome all obstacles and problems when they inevitably arise. It turned out to be a great strategy. “The beer business changes rapidly, so even though I’ve been back for 13 years, something new always seems to come up,” he says. “When you ask people in the beer business why they like it, you typically get a response like:

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‘It never stays the same. Every day you deal with something different.’” The warehouse opens at 5:00 a.m. The sales team and part of the warehouse crew come in between 5:30 and 6:00. After organizing for the day’s assignments, they head out into the market to make deliveries and sales calls. The rest of the warehouse team arrives at

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COVER STORY 11:00 a.m. and commences building loads for the next day’s deliveries. Office personnel work from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It makes for a full work day. “We are not a 24-hour operation, but pretty close,” he says. “The beer business is a fun business, but there is a lot of hard work that goes into it.” The delivery team manhandles heavy loads, making 8 to 14 accounts

COVER STORY daily. The warehouse team may work more than 1000 cases to make load out for the following day. The sales crews cover plenty of ground while working accounts and making sales calls. It is heavy and tedious work. Still, Martin would not have it any other way. He aims to remain in his position for quite a while, and for the company to be larger and more prosperous when he finally does step down.

A member of Trinity Episcopal Church, he attends the same house of worship as his grandparents. He believes doing the right thing is a certain route to longterm fulfillment. He extends this philosophy to his community. Martin is starting his third year on the Longview Economic Development Council Board of Directors. He is also a board member and the treasurer for the Trinity School of Texas. He sits on the Pinecrest Country Club board of directors. His company, too, is a bulwark of community improvement. R&K supports events and organizations throughout East Texas. His grandparents Rose and Kenneth Kirkpatrick were heavily involved in regional development, and this became a company tradition. “They knew that companies had to support their local communities in order to make them better places to live,” he says. “I don’t think there is any doubt that the more people engage in a community, the better off that community will be.” This family committment to helping all those around them has now spanned three generations. Because of the popularity of their product, R&K is a central participant and supporter in various events and causes all year round.

“My Dad says the beer business really gets in your blood, and you never want to leave it,” he says. “I completely agree.” For Martin, his employees are like family. Some have been with R&K for more than 40 years, and 20-year employees are numerous. He loves this situation and does all he can to nurture it. For Martin, his career is essentially an extension of his faith.

John and wife Marissa with daughter Ruby Martin

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Personal Business

COVER STORY

SEVEN TIPS FOR LOWERING HEATING BILL

utumn is here, and many consumers will be looking for ways to save money on home heating during the coming months. BBB advises consumers to check the following before temperatures drop: Heater checkup and cleaning: Have a professional 1 check the heater and ensure the thermostat and other parts are working properly. A computerized thermostat can save energy and money by reducing the temperature at night or when you’re away from home. Consider insulating heating ducts. 2 Get a chimney checkup: Before lighting the first fire of the season, your chimney should be checked for animals, nests, leaves and other debris, as well as for any necessary repairs. 3 Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Homeowners should routinely test these devices to make sure they work and install fresh batteries as needed.

Detector units should be replaced every 10 years. 4 Trim Trees: Winter can mean heavy snow, ice storms and cold, windy days, all of which can contribute to limbs breaking out of trees and potentially causing home and property damage. 5 Clear gutters and ridge vents: Clean gutters to prevent or remove any debris that could cause rainwater to clog, freeze and damage gutters. Ridge vents should be cleared to allow the house to “breathe” properly to eliminate stagnant inside air. 6 Plug holes: Small air leaks have a cumulative effect on home heating costs. Make sure windows close tightly. Check for leaks and use caulking to plug the leaks. Inspect all weather stripping for cracks and peeling 7 Hire a professional: Hiring an expert as to determine the health of your existing HVAC equipment can also help you save money in the long run. Go to bbb. org to find a professional you can trust.

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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

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8/1/18 12:05 PM

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C o mmunit y C o nnecti o ns

Bear creek Smokehouse Expands Invites everyone to grand opening November 1

B y J o y c el y ne F a d ojutimi

ost East Texans were unaware of it when the Shoults family opened Bear Creek Smokehouse. It was October 1943, and like those in the rest of the country, people here were concentrating on the Second World War. After 75 years, this business is expanding into a multipurpose facility with a general store and a destination events center. The new complex is at the same old location as the Bear Creek Smokehouse Processing Plant at 10857 SH 154, between Longview and Marshall. Cannibalizing material from a warehouse dating from the late

november 2018

19th century the Shoults family and their crew are resurrecting an authentic, nostalgic atmosphere- a brand new store and event center. The store and event center will showcase the whole selection of the storied Bear Creek Smokehouse Hickory Smoked Meats and dry goods. The proprietors have scoured the country to find

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unique gifts for such important events as birthdays, weddings and Christmas. As an event venue, the 100-square foot front porch overlooking the scenic vista called “Bear Bottom” is set aside for corporate events and holiday parties. There is even a private meeting room open for renting. The whole building is 10,000

square feet, and soars to a summit 40 feet high. The general store is getting set to open just in time for the holidays. The Shoults family will hold a grand opening on November 1 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. and welcome friends, well-wishers and customers. They will hand out delectable samples of assorted wares as well as low-priced fresh fudge. Hunter Shoults spoke for his whole family when he released an introductory statement. “We are thrilled about the expansion and cannot wait for our

customers and friends to come see what we have been working so hard on,” he said. Apart from being a delicious destination the renovated business is helping the East Texas economy by creating new jobs. Hunter is delighted to be of service. “Being small business owners and a multi-generation-owned family business, we had to think outside the box on all the ways we could diversify this space to make sense for our business and our family,” he said. “Creating a space that allows us to showcase

and sell our products, but also host events and highlight our catering department seemed to be a good fit for us. We have built this new store in honor of my grandfather, Bobby Shoults. We hope that our visitors can get to know him through pictures and anecdotes that can be found throughout the store.”

“We are thrilled about the expansion and cannot wait for our customers and friends to come see what we have been working so hard on.” Hunter Shoults

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EDUCATION

Illustrious Faculty, Alumni Nab Legacy Awards B y J o y c el y ne F a d ojutimi

pring Hill Independent School District (SHISD), their Education Foundation and Alumni Association upped the homecoming celebration with a 6th annual Legacy Awards celebration. SHISD share a strong family bond and community hence, some award recipients have grand children in the district while some are fifth generation to attend SHISD. Even more, these families continue the strong legacy they inherited. SHISD Superintendent Steve Snell was delighted about the awards. “The Education Foundation has turned this event into a showcase of alumni,” he said. “They have done a great job of keeping the tradition that I have come to enjoy.” Six alumni and one faculty received awards. They are as follows:

Gloria Borens and Annette Wolverton

Annette Wolverton and Rita Odom tell audience about fundraising brick

President Leslie Paull and Exec. Dir. Patti Miller

Colby Askew and Becky Montgomery Superintendent Steve Snell

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EDUCATION

Jerry Leon Blalack

SHISD cheer leaders cheer Legacy Award winners.

The Blalack Family: Jerry, Glenda Sue and Kathe Lee

ongview businessman Jerry Blalack has deep local roots. Starting as a kindergartener, he spent thirteen years in the Spring Hill Independent School District, graduating from Spring Hill High School in 1961. His activities as a Panther included football (team captain his senior year,) choir, tennis and manager for the basketball team. He loved shop class, building shop projects under the direction of shop teacher Fred Gray. The Spring Hill ISD was an excellent springboard to higher education as he moved on to East Texas State University and took his Bachelor of Science degree. It continues to serve him well. Commencing his career in engineering at Longview’s Standard Tool, he also worked for Johnston & Lawrence until he went solo, opening a firm he named Jerico Oilfield Services. He expertly guided his company for 20 years before selling it. Still, business is not his sole calling. Jerry and wife Margaret did a great job raising

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children Chris, Terry and Laura, overseeing their education in the Spring Hill ISD. He even found time to serve with the Spring Hill Lion’s Club. The community holds a traditional attraction for this family. In 1942, Jerry’s mother Fanny Lee Phillips was part of the high school’s first graduating class. His siblings also matriculated here, graduating over the course of several decades. This clan’s local legacy is deep and total. Granddaughter Macy Borens will be graduating from the high school next May. Blalack’s philosophy for generational success is clear and proven. “The character and foundation you set for your family years ago is woven deeply within this school, and continues to be ever-present today,” he says. Nominated by daughter Laura, Jerry Blalack is a local Distinguished Alumni recipaient. His pride in his community and in him is unmistakable. He is a source of great pride to Spring Hill. SHISD thanks and honors him for his loyalty and devotion.

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EDUCATION

Doris Stone Martin Dubberly

John Borens

Homecoming and Legacy Awards cheers. Kyle, Ashley Madison McFarland and Kenzie Hill at Spring Hill ISD Homecoming and Legacy Awards.

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oris Stone Martin Dubberly started Spring Hill in 8th grade and graduated in 1953. She was a Miss Gregg County candidate her sophomore year in 1951. She marched in the Spring Hill Band playing the bass drum and timpani under the direction of Mr. Paul Stroud. School and band travels took her many places she would have not otherwise gone. For example, in 1953 she went to Washington D.C. with her class. As a member of Elmira Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church, she attended church with several of her friends and teachers as well. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and played her guitar at junior high church camp, where she was a counselor many years ago. Her passion for playing the guitar led her to play and sing for eight and a half years at Magnolia Manor where her mother was a resident. Doris also shared her talent and taught guitar lessons for a short time to some SH students. She got her start playing guitar and singing at a PTA meeting and Teacher Appreciation Luncheons for Spring Hill at the request and encouragement of Robbye Miller. Doris worked for several years at SH Primary as support in the Custodial Department. She was one of the first female school bus drivers at Spring Hill School and drove the SH Band to away games. Her greatest passion was put into raising three wonderful kids, Chuck Martin (Class of 1974), Allan Martin (Class of 1975) and Kathy Martin (Class of 1980). Her grandchildren, Clint Martin and Nicole Martin also graduated from Spring Hill. She now has two great-grandchildren enrolled at the Primary; Landon Martin and Kayla Martin. That makes four generations of Spring Hill Panthers! Doris continues to keep up with some of her classmates and friends by attending the Spring Hill Lunch Bunch. Nominated by her daughter, Kathy Martin Grayless, Kathy says, “Doris is truly an inspiration to many in her family, in her church, and in her community to be the best person you can be.” The Education Foundation echoes those sentiments, and we acknowledge and celebrate with Doris and her family as she receives the honor as one of our 2018 Spring Hill ISD Distinguished Alumni.

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EDUCATION

Glenda Sue Blalack Hearnsberger

Kathy Lee Blalack to her performing with the Longview Symphonic Orchestra, and as a soloist in many churches and musicals. She stays close to sons Freddy and Brandon and their children Kaitlyn, Kelsey and Ashley. Her great-grandson Taylor is another source of joy. Her niece Laura successfully nominated Kathy as a 2018 Distinguished Alumnus of Spring Hill High. Like her mother Fanny, and Fanny’s siblings and children she is a proud Spring Hill graduate. Like the rest of her family Kathy is a blessing to Spring Hill and East Texas.

Kathy Lee Bl ala

lenda Sue Blalack Hearnsberger is a long success story. She spent 13 years as a Panther. From kindergarten to high school graduation in 1964, she matriculated solely in the Spring Hill Independent School District. She balanced sterling grades with such extracurricular activities as serving as a class officer, choir. library club, cheerleading and sports. As a senior, she was voted “Most Athletic” for her prowess in volleyball and basketball. She even found time to help staff the school newspaper Panther Paw. It was a great dress rehearsal for adult life. She and husband Joe Hearnsberger raised two children even as she volunteered her time and talents to the local Masonic lodge and at school events. Her work with the Masons raised money for the lodge’s worthy causes. A real jack-of-all-trades, she also excels as an artist and floral designer.

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With son Kelly Hearnsberger and daughter Cindy Hearnsberger Wenninger, this wonderful couple recently celebrated 50 years of happily married life. They have five grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren and one on the way. They can hardly wait. Glenda’s niece Laura nominated Glenda as a 2018 Distinguished Alumnus for the treasured heritage she and her family have bestowed on the district and area for generations. Her mother Fanny Lee Phillips; graduated from Spring Hill High School in 1942--the school’s first graduating class. All Fanny’s siblings and Glenda’s brother and sister are Spring Hill High alumni. The Spring Hill ISD Education Foundation thanks Glenda Sue and her beloved family for their loyalty and service to the Spring Hill community. Glenda is truly a Distinguished Alumnus.

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n 1967, Kathy Lee Blalack was Salutatorian of the Spring Hill High School graduating class. She started at ground level as a kindergartener. Throughout her tenure in the Spring Hill Independent School District, she was busy and successful. As a band member she was voted “Best Girl Musician Runner-Up.” Then she was a State Solo contestant, and Solo and Ensemble her sophomore year. As a freshman, she was an AllRegion Band alternate. Then she won district in typing and traveled to state competition to represent her school district. Her junior year saw her take part in the District Science Contest. Her senior year her classmates voted her a representative from Spring Hill to the Daughters of the American Revolution. She wrote her theme on “Americanism.” Her skill at playing the flute and piccolo led

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EDUCATION

Donnie Pitchford

onnie Pitchford is a Spring Hill scholar and caring media mogul. He graduated from Spring Hill High School in 1976, then moved on to Kilgore College, Stephen F. Austin University and the University of Texas at Tyler. Along the way, he earned an Associate degree in commercial art, bachelor’s degree in secondary art education and a Master of Arts in interdisciplinary studies. It was as a student that his personal overall motivation first manifested itself. In high school, he was a Solo and Ensemble State Qualifier, member of the National Honor Society, and worked as a yearbook artist. As a postgraduate, his career really took off. He spent the years 1985 to 2010 as media director at Carthage High School. He then commenced writing and illustrating for Charlton Spotlight magazine. He is now writer/artist of the Lum and Abner comic strip and hammers out sculptures at a Carthage studio. His clients are invariably delighted with his work. His comic strip is unusual in that it is accompanied online with an audio production. This makes it possible for the visually impaired to follow the plot. Recognition for his works is many and varied. While at Carthage High School, Pitchford and his students broadcast The Golden Age of Radio. For 20 consecutive years, his students placed in statewide competitions for video productions, several times earning state championships and “Best of Show” recognition. He has had students go on to careers in broadcasting and motion pictures. Still, there is more to his life than the media. He and wife Laura regularly serve as members of cooking crews for programs aimed at children. Through his membership in the National Cartoonist Society, he volunteers to sketch at children’s hospitals and donates original artwork to charity. Recently, his work was auctioned off to assist last year’s flood victims. He won recognition as a Spring Hill Distinguished Alumnus after being nominated by former teacher Sharon Gathright. There was no way his unselfish work with children would go unnoticed. Starting with its youngest residents, he has worked to make this area a better place for all.

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Roger Askew

s a Spring Hill Panther, Roger Askew gave it all he had both in football and baseball. A 1988 Spring Hill High School graduate, he earned All-District recognition and was a Fellowship of Christian Athletes member. He had mixed feelings about leaving high school and the Spring Hill Independent School District. “I was very anxious to get things started, and at the same time I was hesitant because it was about to end,” he said. Things did indeed get started as he spent his first nine post-high school years riding bulls. Then, he signed on with the Longview Police department, and has spent the past 17 years there. He divides his time between protecting and serving the Longview community and enriching the lives of local students and their families. He serves the Spring Hill Independent School District as the School Resource Officer, seeing to the security of all its campuses, but he does not settle for well enough. He serves yearly overseeing a leadership class of 7th and 8th grade boys, working to develop character and thus insure acceptable behavior is the norm for them as they mature. He considers himself their “Dad” while they are at school, and most of them agree. Some of the schoolboys he started out working with are now in their late twenties and have families of their own yet, they still stay in touch with him. He is their friend and to this day feels a loving responsibility to them. He has earned notice for his caring, compassionate and competent efforts. He has served as a Mounted Officer in the Longview Police Department, was Rookie of the Year for 2001, and Officer of the Year in 2013. He travels statewide as a motivational speaker, sharing his knowledge, insights and the lessons he has learned from his vast experience in his calling. His main interest, however, is taking care of his family. He and wife Stephanie are doing a great job of raising sons Colton and Colby and daughter Emily. Former classmate Lance Pritchett nominated Askew for a Spring Hill Education Foundation Alumni Award for his endless service to those around him.

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EDUCATION

Local doc

Charlotte Bacon Kincy

long way from home D

r. Paul Lin, MD, traces his roots to Taiwan. He came here with his parents when he was 13. That was in 1983. His parents later returned to Taiwan, leaving their children with an aunt. He has been on his own since he was 15. That was when he, his older sister and younger brother got a place of their own. It meant independence and self-reliance came to him early, and he made the most of it. “We learned the value of hard work, selfdiscipline, responsibilities and ‘always do the right thing,’” he says. “We adapted and excelled in school quickly. My parents visited us two or three weeks every year, and we cherished every moment.” In those days before iphones, facetime and skype keeping in touch meant there were lots of handwritten-on-paper letters and long-distance phone calls. The youngsters also had to learn to care for a home, a yard, insurance, how to manage money, school, learning to drive and finding work... all on their own. All three were so good at taking care of themselves and being successful they wound up at the University of Texas at Austin. Sister earned an MBA in business, brother became a radiation oncologist in San Antonio, and Paul pulled down a BA in biology with honors. UT-Austin has already become a tradition for this so-recently arrived family. Lin’s daughter Rachel is now a Longhorn. For her father it was a springboard to success. “I graduated med school at UT Southwestern in Dallas, which is one of the top med schools in the country,” he says. “I did four years of residency in OB-GYN at Parkland Hospital, one of the largest and most rigorous residency training programs in the country.” Lin found more than medical training at Parkland, though. He met future wife Chi Chi, and after a seven-year courtship they were married. She is the mother of Rachel and son Harrison. His time at Parkland was a major factor in developing multiple aspects of his blossoming career.

harlotte Bacon Kincy is a blessed institution in her own rights because she is a well-known figure in the Spring Hill Independent School District. Of her 31 years in teaching, she has spent 26 at Spring Hill ISD. Apart from her unquestioned excellence at teaching, she has created, refined and headed many organizations and activities. She has coordinated homecoming events, worked in the Miss Gregg County contest, with Leader’s Core, the Student Council, TAFE, UIL Academics, and other such vital functions that enrich young minds. Kincy is in love with both her profession and home. Her selfless work never ends as she devotes herself to her students and co-workers. Her record of service stretches way back and continues to this day. Some of her students may not have the kind of family support they need for scholastic success, but with Kincy, they always have someone in their corner. She is the main reason many of them don caps and gowns. As a teacher, alumnus and friend; she has more than earned her recently achieved recognition as a Distinguished Faculty Member and a Distinguished Alumnus. Her involvement with the community and school district is long and deep. In 1982, she was Miss Spring Hill. She was a Pantherette volleyball team member, helping her team win 4th place overall in the state. She also played basketball, tennis and took part in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She performed as a high school cheerleader for four years, jumping, yelling and encouraging on Friday nights. She even managed to make it to National Honor Society. A panel of her fellow teachers nominated her for her Distinguished honors, but there is no doubt that her students and ex-students would have done the same thing. They were all even more pleased than she was at her selection.

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BODY Mind Soul

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GRUBS UP

BODY Mind Soul “I learned and developed skills and surgical techniques from some of the best physicians in the nation,” he says. “I also learned great work ethics and how to work well under tremendous pressure. It was tough, but I loved every minute of it.” Still, his learning experience did not end at Parkland. As a board-certified OBGYN (FACOG) he is required to undergo ongoing education to stay up-to-date with continuously advancing guidelines, developments and equipment. Nineteen years ago, he arrived in Longview and went to work at the Diagnostic Clinic of Longview. He does much more than just treat his patients. “I’ve served on committees in finance, EMR, and participated in the research that led to the development of drug treatments for post-menopausal atrophic vaginitis,” he says. His choice of what medical field to specialize in came naturally. “From the moment I delivered the first baby during residency I knew I wanted to be an OB-GYN,” he says. “I love my job. It’s an amazing experience to be able to bring the miracle of life into this world.” His place of work is perfect for his inclinations and skills. The Diagnostic Clinic of Longview is a multipurpose practice whose doctors specialize in ob-gyn, pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, orthopedics, allergy treatment, and infusions. Lin serves his patients with a

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varied spectrum of treatments. “I attribute much of my success to the wonderful help of my staff,” he says. “Our office understands the importance of providing the highest quality of health care to our patients.” Lin also credits the staff of Longview Regional Hospital and Christus Good Shepherd Hospital for their support. He also thanks his wife for “never-ending support” and the Good Lord for making his career possible. He needs all this help because by its very nature his, is a demanding way to earn a living. “My typical day starts around 7:00 a.m.,” he says. “That’s when I do my rounding of patients in the hospital, and then full office between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.” His office hours are not carved in granite. Babies do not time their

births at convenient moments, and emergencies can call him away any time. Dealing with insurance companies and managed care is about the sole negative aspect he sees in his job. “You are taught and want to provide the highest quality care, but sometimes the insurance companies dictate what is the best treatment for your patients,” he says. “Luckily we have a great staff who are very helpful in navigating through the process.” “When I’m not working I like spending time with my kids, going on trips to Dallas, or at high school football games or tennis tournaments,” he says. “I’m really a simple guy who likes to just chill around the house watching TV and relaxing with our fluffy cat Phoebe.”

Names you know. People you trust.

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A Tasty Take on

Thanksgiving Turkey By ANDREW SCHLOSS

Makes 15 servings 1 1 1 2

fresh turkey, about 15 pounds, preferably free-range tablespoon olive oil quart apple cider teaspoons dried poultry seasoning Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions emove the giblets from the turkey and discard (or save for another use). Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. Rub it all over with salt and pepper. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before you plan to start roasting. Preheat the oven to 450 F. Put the turkey on a rack set in a large, flameproof roasting pan. Drizzle the oil over the top. Roast for 1 hour. Reduce the oven temperature to 175 F. Pour the cider into the roasting pan and sprinkle the poultry seasoning in the liquid. Continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh (but not touching bone) registers to 170 F. Transfer the turkey to a carving board, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for about 15 minutes (see tip). Meanwhile, skim the fat from the surface of the liquid in the pan. Put the roasting pan over two burners and bring the pan drippings to a boil over high heat. Cook until the juices reduce and thicken slightly, enough to coat a spoon, about 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning. Carve the turkey and serve with cider pan juices. Slow-roasted meats need far less resting time (pretty www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

Resting tip: much none) than those that are traditionally roasted. The reason for resting meat that has been roasted at a high temperature is to allow juices that have collected in the cooler center time to migrate back into the dryer (hotter) exterior sections after it comes out of the oven. Because slow-roasted meats are cooked evenly and a temperature that keeps most of the juices in place, a resting period is largely unnecessary. A brief resting time does allow the meat to become a little firmer as it cools, making it easier to carve.

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november 2018

BRAIN TEASERS

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: CLASSIC GAMES (e.g., One corner on the board is Free Parking. Answer: Monopoly.) FRESHMAN LEVEL 1. A simple card game based on Crazy Eights. Answer________ 2. A trivia game from Canada. Answer________ 3. The object is to identify a word from sketched drawings by another player. Answer________ GRADUATE LEVEL 4. Each of the sides of the puzzle is divided into three columns and three rows. Answer________ 5. Tiny plastic tops collide with each other in battle. Answer________ 6. Players give money to other players based on careers and services. Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL 7. The object is to pull out flexible sticks and drop as few marbles as possible. Answer________ 8. It consists of 54 identical wooden blocks. Answer________ 9. The object is to make the opposing robot’s head pop off. Answer________ SCORING: 18 points - congratulations, doctor; 15 to 17 points - honors graduate; 10 to 14 points - you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 4 to 9 points - you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 3 points - enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0 points - who reads the questions to you? Super Quiz is a registered trademark of K. Fisher Enterprises Ltd. © 2017 Ken Fisher North America Syndicate Inc.

Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy. It’s It’s It’swhat what whatwe we wedeliver. deliver. deliver.

ANSWERS: 1. Uno. 2. Trivial Pursuit. 3. Pictionary. 4. Rubik’s Cube. 5. Battling Tops. 6. The Game of Life. 7. KerPlunk. 8. Jenga. 9. Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots.

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 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 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, 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.

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