infinitieplus magazine

infinitieplus

Dr. Marla Sheppard AAON Bailey ES

Tye Jackson

Delcine Johnson

Best practices for protecting your personal information online

No matter how you get online, it’s always a good idea to take some steps to protect your personal information. Start with these.

Protect your online accounts and devices

Create and use strong passwords and turn on

two-factor authentication when it’s available.

If you use a computer to get online, make sure your security software, operating system, and internet browser are up to date. Update your phone’s operating system, too. And turn on automatic updates to keep up with

the latest protections.

Recognize scammers

Scammers pretend to be someone they’re not, like a representative from a well-known company or the government, to rip you off or steal your personal information. They also create fake websites and encrypt them to make you think they’re safe when they’re not. If you visit a scammer’s website, your data may be encrypted on its way to the site, but it won’t be safe from scam.

Yanika Valentine Senior Vice President

Recognizes an employee who embodies a spirit of service and community involvement.

GREETINGS

TOP TALK

Hello infinitieplus magazine Family and Friends,

May was a month to be reckoned with. Longview got a new mayor in Kristen Ishihara. Longview independent School District passed their school bond on a third try. This goes to never, ever give up.

But wait, that is not all. There is more.

Longview Independent School District named Dr. Marla Sheppard superintendent.

They rolled out the Lobo carpet for Sheppard. In addition, personnel had their time slots to visit and welcome her including the media.

In this edition of infinitieplus magazine, we brought you the story of the Chamber of Commerce awarding businesses and graduating the 2024 Leadership Longview class.

Another story is about Rumours Spalon open house at 1515 Judson Road. Flip this magazine to Women Today out all that Rumours Spalon head to toe for the elegant lady.

In addition, check out the recipe page, puzzle and more.

We are always grateful to the advertisers who make this work possible at no cost readers.

Do not forget to visit us at infinitieplusmag.com

We look forward to serving you again in July by God’s grace.

oycelyne Fadojutimi, Ph.D.

Publisher

The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One…

Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PhD

Graphic Designer

Kuneho Designs

Contributing Writers

Glenn Miller

Mechele Agbayani Mills

Dr. Michael Guido

OUR MISSION

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

OUR VISION

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

Submission Deadline: The first of every month prior to month of issue.

infinitieplus magazine is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes since the publishing of this issue. At the time of publication, to the best of our knowledge, all information was accurate though not guaranteed. The entire contents of infinitieplus magazine is copyrighted 2024. 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.infinitieplusmag.com

Phone: 903.918.7706

VOLUME

14 | ISSUE 06

Best practices for protecting your personal information online

Signs a loved one might need assisted living

Chamber of Commerce doles out business awards

WORD IN EDUCATION

Scammers follow the news about student loan forgiveness

Loving Jesus by hating others

Grubs Up

Cantaloupe Vodka drink for a warm summer evening

Business and Finance

Tips for buying a new home

The recent Longview Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Solutions Luncheon, celebrated the outstanding achievements of three remarkable small businesses:

• Pride Metals - Small Business of the Year

• VizCre8ive - Family-Owned Business of the Year

• Kasha Williams State Farm Insurance - Minority Owned Business of the Year And celebrated the accomplishments of Leadership Longview, Class of 2024. John Grubbs, author, speaker, and executive coach keynoted the event.

AAON Jenni Law, Plant Manager Quannah Tushka Ludlow and Jarred Ludlow.

Bailey Elementary School excited about Book Vending Machine

Delcine Johnson

Cover photos by Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Arts and Culture

The new CARS Rule: What you need to know Tommy Castro to Headline July 4 Celebration

The City of Longview will host the 2024 Fireworks and Freedom Celebration on Thursday, July 4, featuring an outdoor, free-to-the-public concert by soul-blues rocker Tommy Castro & the Painkillers. Texas natives Taylor Branch & the Lone Star Ram-

blers will open the concert.

Each year, thousands gather at Longview Convention Complex, 100 Grand Blvd., for the free concert, fireworks, and other activities including a car show, petting zoo, cornhole tournament, hot dog eating contest, trivia contest, princess meet-and-greet, and more.

Tommy Castro formed the first Tommy Castro Band in 1992 and has not stopped touring since.

Since his solo debut in 1994, he’s made 16 albums, each with a unique sound ranging from hornfueled R&B to blues to rock n’ roll.

At the 2023 Blues Music Awards, Tommy Castro was awarded the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year for the second year in a row, while his band won Band of the Year, and

his most recent album, “A Bluesman Comes to Town” took home Album of the Year honors.

Touring out of the central Texas town of Gatesville, Taylor Branch and The Lone Star Ramblers take raw country, mix it with hard-edged Southern Rock, and turn up the heat with their unmatched, high-energy live shows, resulting in their own unique blend of Texas Country Rock and Roll.

Event activities begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, concert starts at 6:30 p.m., and the fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m.

For a full schedule as well as vendor and sponsorship information, please contact the Longview Convention Complex at 903-2371230 or go to [//LongviewTexas. gov/Fireworks]LongviewTexas. gov/Fireworks.

By ALVARO PUIG

Whether you’re excited about buying the car of your dreams or just trying to make your budget stretch to get reliable transportation, the car buying process can be stressful. It can also be costlier than expected, because of misleading ads and hidden fees at the dealer.

The FTC’s new Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule aims to change that by stopping bait-and-switch tactics and hidden fees.

Here’s what the Rule

means for car and truck buyers like you. Pricing and payments

A dealer must tell you the offering price, which is the full price of the vehicle. The offering price must include all costs and fees EXCEPT for required government fees, like taxes and license and registration costs.

If a dealer is quoting monthly payments, they must tell you the total amount you’ll pay for the vehicle. And if they offer you a lower monthly payment, they must tell you if

it will raise the total cost of the vehicle.

Add-on products or services

You have the right to refuse any products or services that increase the price of the vehicle. Like what? Rustproofing, protective paint coatings, extended warranties, guaranteed asset protection (GAP) agreements, and wheel and tire warranties.

A dealer can’t charge you for products or services that have no benefit like

• a duplicative warranty

• a service contract for oil changes on an electric vehicle

• nitrogen-filled tires that contain no more nitrogen than normally exists in the air

• a GAP agreement that doesn’t cover your vehicle or your neighborhood or other parts of your deal

Real consent for all charges

A dealer can’t charge you for any item unless they’ve told you what it is and how much it costs, and you’ve agreed to the charge.

The CARS Rule will make it easier to shop around for a vehicle based on the actual price. And the FTC estimates that car buyers will save $3.4 billion per year.

Stay tuned in the weeks and months to come for more advice about buying a car or truck at a dealership.

Alvaro Puig is FTC Consumer Education Specialist

And Wellness

Signs a loved one might need assisted living

Assisted living facilities provide an invaluable service. When a medical condition, developments associated with aging or another variable affects an individual's ability to live independently, assisted living facilities can ensure such men and women get the help they need to live as fully and actively as possible. It's not always easy to identify when an individual may need to move into an assisted living facility. Some individuals choose to do so on their own, but families often make such decisions together. As families work to determine if a loved one should move into an assisted living

facility, they can look for various signs that suggest the time is right to do so. According to the Elder Care Alliance, signs that an individual may benefit from assisted living include:

• Requiring routine reminders to take medication

• Noticeable changes in weight, including weight loss or gain

• Loss of mobility or increase in falls

• Signs that household maintenance is being neglected

• Difficulty with daily tasks like grooming and meal preparation

• Increased isolation

• Loss of interest in hobbies

Family members are urged to dis-

cuss anything that seems to be affecting a loved one's ability to live independently with that person's health care team before they consider if a person needs to move into an assisted living facility.

Assisted living facilities help millions of individuals every day. Families can work together to decide if a loved one can benefit from moving into such a facility.

Chamber of Commerce doles out business awards

Story by JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI www.infinitieplusmag.com

The recent Longview Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Solutions Luncheon, celebrated the outstanding achievements of three remarkable small businesses:

Pride Metals - Small Business of the Year

VizCre8ive - Family-Owned Business of the Year

Kasha Williams State Farm Insurance - Minority Owned Business of the Year

Pride Metals: Small Business of the Year

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

PRIDE METALS is a certified woman-owned steel service center that provides carbon, alloy, and stainless bars to machine shops, manufacturers, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) across North America. Hence, they collaborate with machine shops, OEMs, and manufacturers within several industries in North America.

In a business where time is of the essence, Pride Metals has a market differentiation- they own their own fleet of trucks. As a result, they provide their clients with the highest quality material, right on time. This time factor enables their customers to do business confidently and effortlessly with them.

According to Pride Metals, their goal is to be a key component in their customers’ supply chain. Consequently, Pride Metals will be assisting them- their customers to reach their maximum potential.

Trista Roel is the chief executive

officer/owner of Pride Metals. This woman of steel is calm and gentle.

It is no wonder others are cheering for her company’s success.

“The men in our industry are rooting for us to succeed,” she said.

“The men who work at Pride Metals have a great attitude and love working here and we strive to be a company that everyone wants to work for.”

On receiving her Chamber

award, she informed the audience of her company’s expansion. “We have bought some land and are ready to expand,’ she said. “We want to saturate other states with steel.”

She was thrilled for the award and recognition. “I love what I do. It is always fun. I enjoy my work,” she said. “And to be recognized for it, is a plus, thank you.”

Steve Gordon, chair of the chamber board presents award to Trista Roel

Photos Courtesy of VizCre8ve Media

VizCre8ive: Family-Owned Business of the Year

“This is extremely sweet in a way because people are paying attention to what we bring to the table. We are incredibly grateful to the Longview Chamber of Commerce for this award.”

- Tye Jackson

Tye and Grace Jackson are a husband-and-wife team. They moved from the east coast and made Longview, Texas their home.

Tye told the audience that they are best know as Tye and Grace. Not every married couple make good business partners. Tye and Grace are one of the few couples who mesh well together in business.

Tye explained how he was a one man show but soon realized that he needed some help. His helper was right there in the house and close to him. So, he lovingly asked his wife, Grace, to help him. And they have been working together since.

Their business entails photography, videography, and filming. Hence, they are often together as a husband-and-wife team. They make a great duo because during a shoot, “Grace is working with the woman and Tye with the man,” explained Tye. “By doing this, we keep our clients comfortable and satisfied with photo shoot, video or film.”

But make no mistakes, there are times when they are not in agreement, and that is when they call a truce, stop, and start again because they are better together.

The Jackson team was very thrilled to receive an award from

the Chamber.

“This is very sweet in a way because people are paying attention to what we bring to the table,” said Tye. “We are very grateful to the Longview Chamber of Commerce for this award.”

According to Tye, the award means so much to them.

This award signifies, “Our community says we are doing something good for them.”

Kasha Williams State Farm Insurance: Minority Owned Business of the Year

Kasha Williams’ name is tantamount to service. She has served in various capacities in Longview. For example, she served on various boards, commissions, and committees.

In addition, she worked for two decades plus years as a pharmaceutical representative and assisted her parents with their home health business. In addition, Williams was a city councilwoman for district 3.

Hence, it is no surprise that she is still in the service indus-

try assisting people in finding the right insurance for their needs.

According to Williams, State Farm sought her out because of the value that she brings to business. She signed on with State Farm because their business philosophy aligns with her values.

It is important to note that Williams has been paying it forward through numerous philanthropic deeds. She donates generously to various organizations and entities in the community.

Since Williams is no stranger to hard work, diligence, and de-

votion to a cause, she has excelled in her insurance business and was handsomely rewarded. For this reason, she has won several awards and accolades from State Farm.

She thanked the Chamber for the award and said, “The best is yet to come.”

Moreover, this Chamber luncheon celebrated the accomplishments of Leadership Longview, Class of 2024.

John Grubbs, author, speaker, and executive coach keynoted the event.

Photos Courtesy of VizCre8ve Media

Photos Courtesy of VizCre8ve Media

Steve Gordon, chair of the chamber board presents award to Tye Jackson

Steve Gordon, chair of the chamber board presents award to Kasha Williams

Reading is Fundamental AAON sponsors book vending machine for Bailey Elementary School

When AAON Plant Manager Quannah Tushka

Ludlow learned about United Way book vending machines, he thought it was crucial for Bailey elementary school to have one.

“I knew right away that the book vending machine is a great program,” he said. “Getting books into the hands of children at an early age is very important.”

The ability to read, especially at a young age for these students, is important to him.

According to educators and researchers, in third grade, students are learning to read. In fourth grade students are reading to learn. For this reason, third grade marks a major milestone for students’ literacy.

Research has shown that under-privileged and underresourced students are prone to have low reading test scores in third grade. Consequently,

they begin to dislike school and are often at-risk of not graduating high school with required reading skills to function successfully in a global economy.

Ludlow understands the importance of literacy at an early age. “These young students are the future,” he said. “It is important to get them the supplies and tools that they need to succeed in school and in life.”

Furthermore, landmark research findings put a sharper focus as to why third grade literacy is not only the foundation for learning but a predictor of future success.

The findings include the following:

1. “One in six children who are not reading proficiently in third grade do not graduate from high school on time, a rate four times greater than that for proficient readers.

2. The rates are highest for the

low, below-basic readers: 23 percent of these children drop out or fail to finish high school on time, compared to 9 percent of children with basic reading skills and 4 percent of proficient readers.

3. Overall, 22 percent of children who have lived in poverty do not graduate from high school, compared to 6 percent of those who have never been poor. This rises to 32 percent for students spending more than half of their childhood in poverty.

4. For children who were poor for at least a year and were not reading proficiently in third grade, the proportion that don’t finish school rose to 26 percent. That’s more than six times the rate for all proficient readers.

5. The rate was highest for poor Black and Hispanic students, at 31 and 33 percent

respectively--or about eight times the rate for all proficient readers.

6. Even among poor children who were proficient readers in third grade, 11 percent still didn’t finish high school. That compares to 9 percent of subpar third grade readers who have never been poor.

7. Among children who never lived in poverty, all but 2 percent of the best third-grade readers graduated from high school on time.

8. Graduation rates for Black and Hispanic students who were not proficient readers in third grade lagged far behind those for White students with the same reading skills.”

There is no gainsaying, AAON is laser focused in closing the achievement gap; not to mention Ludlow, a native Indian did not readily have access to books in his early years. Hence, he wants to change that for Bailey students.

Contd. on Page 14

Story and photos by JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

AAON Plant Manager Quannah Tushka Ludlow shakes hands with Dr. Evan Dolive on Bailey ES Book Vending Machine while AAON Jenni Law, Jarred Ludlow and students clap.

In fact, United Way book vending machines create instant access to books for students. Greater Longview United Way Executive Director Dr. Evan Dolive explained to excited students how the book vending machine works. They do not need any money to purchase the books, nor do they need a card to check out the books. Their school decides how to earn tokens for a trip to the book vending machine. Better yet, the books are theirs to keep. Best

of all, the books are in English and Spanish because Bailey ES is a dual language campus.

Sarah Webb, one of Bailey’s 1st grade teachers explained to students how to earn a trip to the book vending machine. Moreover, she informed students that once they get a book from the vending machine, it is theirs and they can take it home.

“If you get a book out of the vending machine, it is yours and you can keep it forever,” Webb told happy students. “When you come back next year,

this book vending machine will be here for you,” she reassured students since it was 3 days to school closing for the Summer. But that is not all. There is more.

Students learned that they could request for their favorite

AAON: is a leading Commercial and Industrial HVAC solutions manufacturer. AAON provides innovative, energy-efficient products tailored for your needs. Visit them at https://www.aaon.com

books to be put in the vending machine so they can earn them also. And, whatever they do, they should not bring money to buy the books because the machine does not take money, only tokens from their school.

Students in unison thanked

AAON for sponsoring the book vending machine on their campus. This is the 17th book vending machine that United Way and its sponsors have put in local schools. Credits: http://www.aecf.org https://www.ies.ed.gov

AAON Plant Manager Quannah Tushka Ludlow in a cap talks to students

Dr. Evan Dolive explains the Book vending machine to students

Dr. Evan Dolive counts down for Bailey student to cut ribbon on AAON sponsored Book Vending Machine

Longview ISD welcomes Dr. Marla Sheppard, new superintendent WORD IN EDUCATION

Story by SHALYNI GASKIN

Photos by JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

Dr. Marla Sheppard is the newest addition to the Lobo nation after being named the Longview ISD lone finalist for the superintendent position.

Sheppard is the first African American woman to lead Longview ISD. She comes from a line of educators. Her father was a principal and her mother a teacher.

Sheppard received her Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical science from Texas A&M University in College Station. She pulled down her Master’s and Doctor of Education degrees from the University of Houston.

In addition, she is happily married to Dr. Daniel Sheppard. The couple have three children: Ashley,

Jonathan, and Jeremiah. She brings 29 years of notable experience and innovation to Longview.

Dr. Sheppard has been a math and science teacher, assistant principal, middle and high school principal in the Houston ISD.

In addition, as a former Fort Bend ISD assistant superintendent of school leadership, she was responsible for 16 campuses.

She is currently the Chief of Academic Achievement for KIPP Texas Public Schools.

The Knowledge is Power Program, commonly known as KIPP. It is a network of free open-enrollment college-preparatory public charter schools in lowincome communities throughout the United States.

KIPP Texas Public Schools, is the branch of the KIPP charter school network in the U.S. and state of Texas. It

she considers her greatest strength for this new position as LISD superintendent, Sheppard cites her vast and diverse experience as an innovative transformational leader in education.

According to Sheppard, her extensive expertise will enable Longview ISD to continue to excel to greater heights.

“I bring lots of innovation and different ways of doing things that have put schools in a distinguished trajectory,” she said.

“I will work with everyone so we can continue to make this a great district.”

around the schools. I also love the fact that the schools are performing well and doing innovative things in tandem,” she stated. “On top of that, just looking at the entire city itself -if feels good, and when I am here, I feel like I am at home!”

In addition, Dr. Sheppard has had the opportunity to meet and visit with many LISD employees and stakeholders. She is extremely excited to become a citizen of the Lobo nation.

consists of four regional

KIPP Texas is described as a community where students thrive.

It is important to note KIPP schools consistently has high academic

achievement and impact according to research published in ED.gov

When asked what

Moreover, Dr. Sheppard is thrilled to be part of a closeknit community like the city of Longview and the Lobo nation!

“I love how the community wraps

“It has been wonderful. I have had an amazing day- just being able to meet the people and experience this opportunity is fabulous,” she said. “It has been one of the best days of my life”

WWW.INFINITIEPLUSMAG.COM

LISD Board of Trustees President Michael Tubb, Dr. Marla Sheppard and Dr. Daniel Sheppard

offices each in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.

Dr. Marla Sheppard

Business and Finance

Scammers follow the news about student loan forgiveness

By TERRI MILLER

Hearing a lot about federal student loan forgiveness in the news? You’re not alone — scammers are, too. You might get a call from someone saying they’re affiliated with Federal Student Aid (FSA) or the Department of Education. (They’re not.) They’ll say they’re following up on your eligibility for a new loan forgiveness program, and might even know things about your loan, like the balance or your account number. They’ll try to rush you into acting by saying the program is available for a limited time. But this is all a scam. What else do you need to know to spot scams like this?

The only place to get help managing your federal student loans is StudentAid.gov. FSA (and your federal loan servicer) won’t ever pressure you to sign up for anything — but a scammer will. And sometimes, it’s easier to tell what’s real by learning

to spot what’s not. To get you started:

• Don’t rely on government seals or logos. Scammers use official-looking names, seals, and logos to make them seem more legit.

• Don’t buy promises of special access. There’s no special access to repayment plans or loan forgiveness programs. No one can get you into loan forgiveness programs you don’t qualify for or wipe out your loans. Use your FSA account dashboard to see which programs you might be eligible for.

• Never pay an upfront fee. It’s illegal for companies to charge you before they help you reduce or get rid of your student loan debt. And if you have to pay upfront, you might not get any help — or your money back. Get free help managing your federal loans at StudentAid.gov/repay. If your loans are private, go straight to your loan servicer for help.

• Never share your FSA ID login information. Only scammers say they need it to help you. If a scammer gets your FSA ID, they could cut you off from your loan servicer — or even steal your identity.

Check out FSA’s resources for avoiding student loan scams. And if you spot a student loan scam, tell the FTC at: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Terri Miller is Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Outside factors affect home, auto insurance costs

Numerous factors affect the cost of claims that insurance companies pay as their obligation under an insurance policy.

These factors include:

• Inflation can affect the cost of new and used vehicles, car parts, and repairs. It can also increase the cost of building materials and construction labor. Supply chain disruptions can affect the flow of construction materials and car parts from around the world.

• Riskier driving which results in more severe and costly accidents. As companies pay more claims (and higher vehicle repair and replacement costs), they’re more likely to raise rates to make up for those costs.

• Weather events in Texas include freezes, hurricanes, hailstorms, tornadoes, wildfires, major thunderstorms, and more. The frequency and size of these events add to claim costs.

• Reinsurance is a form of insurance for insurance companies. Companies buy reinsurance to spread their risk and be financially stable if a major disaster occurs. Higher reinsurance rates affect what insurance companies charge customers.

Have a question about insurance? Call the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439 or visit www.tdi.texas.gov.

Loving Jesus by hating others

By GLENN MILLER

GOD’S WORD: “The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”

-

1 John 2: 9-11

Sometimes when I read certain posts on social media from those who profess to be Christians, there is something inside of me that causes me angst. It wasn’t until I was lying in bed last night did the Holy Spirit wake me up and cause me to fall on my knees in prayer and study His Word to validate what I am about to write. May the words that I am about to write be pleasing to you, O lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

“I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.” – Psalm 26:5

But Jesus Christ came to bring Israel and mankind into a new covenant. Under the provisions of this covenant, he gave believers a very different commandment regarding those who do evil or are enemies.

“You have heard that

Many Christians feel they have the right to hold grudges or animosity against certain people. They actually HATE those who espouse social and political issues other than theirs, particularly NonChristians. If someone disagrees with them or their spiritual, political or social beliefs, they feel vindicated when they hold feelings of ill will towards that person or persons. Granted, there are scriptures in the Old Testament where King David and others speak of their hatred for the wicked. This hatred for the wicked was expressed under the inspiration of God in the scriptures.

it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the taxgatherers do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what do

you do more than others Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5: 43-48

Often the words that spew from our mouths –even in thinking that our hatred against another is pleasing to Jesus - says more about what’s in our hearts than we know. If you say something long enough, it can become the expression of what you feel in your heart. We must guard our hearts and our words.

A time of great persecution lies ahead for all true believers, and God is calling us to be like His son Jesus. We must love and forgive even those who irritate, harm or act with malice towards us. It only takes small measures of leaven (sin) to cause the lump of dough in our heart to rise with pride and anger. Now is the hour to correct our thoughts, and be careful as to what we think, say and do. If we harbor hatred in our hearts for ANYONE, then we cannot be used

as vessels of peace and love and, in my opinion, cannot receive God’s blessing and favor.

There is a cure for hatred…love and forgiveness. These terms are not just convenient Christian rhetoric, but the very essence of what our life should reflect.

“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.” –

Proverbs 10:11-12

In short, a Christian is NOT allowed to hate other human beings. In fact, God requires us to love others, even our enemies, and those who mistreat us or disagree with us. Jesus is the ultimate model to follow, and in his last moments, as he hung beaten and tortured, he forgave those who were responsible. Perhaps the words to an old praise song are true: “They will know we are Christians by our love.”

Cantaloupe Vodka drink for a warm summer evening

Summer is synonymous with many things.

Vacations, warm weather and al fresco dining are part and parcel of many people's summertime routines. Another beloved routine is enjoying a cold beverage on a warm summer evening. As summer breezes invite scores of people outside to relax on their patios,

Summer

decks or balconies, a cold beverage can be just what's needed to take such relaxing nights one step further. The following recipe for "Summer Cantaloupe" from Andrew Schloss' "Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits" (Storey Publishing) is easily whipped up and can go a long way toward making summer evenings especially sweet.

Cantaloupe:

Makes about 1 quart

• 1 fifth (31/4 cups) 80-100 proof vodka

• 4 cups cantaloupe chunks

• 1 cup Simple Syrup (see below)

• Finely grated zest of 2 lemons

1. Muddle the vodka, cantaloupe and lemon zest with a wooden spoon in a half-gallon jar. Stir to moisten everything.

2. Seal the jar and put it in a cool, dark cabinet until the liquid smells and tastes strongly of melon, four to seven days.

3. Strain the mixture with a mesh strainer into a clean quart jar. Do not push on the solids to extract more liquid.

4. Stir in the Simple Syrup.

5. Seal and store in a cool, dark cabinet. Use within one year.

Simple Syrup: Makes 3 cups

• 21/4 cups water

• 21/4 cups granulated cane sugar

Mix the water and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar is all moistened. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from the heat and let cool. Refrigerate for up to three months.

Business and Finance Business and Finance

Tips for buying a new home

By MECHELE AGBAYANI

Purchasing a new home is more than a financial decision, it’s an investment in your future and a commitment to a place where memories will be made for years to come. Taking care of preliminary items before you begin your search will make the process more enjoyable.

Whether you’re buying your first house or are looking for an upgrade, the process can be complex and intimidating. After all, it’s likely the largest financial decision you will make. BBB has the following tips to help make the home buying process go a lot more smoothly.

Get your finances in order.

Analyze your savings, sources of income, debts, and monthly expenses. If you don’t already have a budget, create one and determine how much money you can allocate towards a down payment and a monthly mortgage payment.

Look at your credit score and ensure it’s in good shape. According to Experian, a credit score of 620 is generally required by mortgage lenders to buy a house with a conventional mortgage. If you’re looking

for credit repair and debt relief services, do your research and know who you can trust.

If you need assistance with the financial planning aspect of buying a house, hire a financial planner. These professionals can help you evaluate your finances, start a budget, and plan for your home purchase.

Get pre-approved. Pre-approval can further help you determine your home budget and give you a competitive advantage when putting in offers. To get pre-approved, find a trusted mortgage lender that fits your needs. Your mortgage lender will go through the available types of mortgages, costs, and interest rate options. Depending on where you live and your current financial situation, grants and programs may be available for first-time home buyers who meet specific eligibility criteria. Ask your mortgage lender about options.

Determine your needs vs. your wants.

Make a checklist to help determine the average cost of a house that meets your needs and can help you narrow down the homes you want to tour. Consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need, whether a dedicated home office space is essential, whether you need a garage, or if your furry friends need extra backyard space. Do you need appliances to be included when purchasing your home? Are you willing to DIY or spend money on renovations, or are you looking for a move-in ready, recently renovated space? Your answers to these questions may change as you start to tour homes, but it’s good to have a starting point in mind.

Location, location, location. Location is one of the most important things to be considered when purchasing a home. Consider how your new home will play a role in your lifestyle, whether you

prefer urban areas, rural living, or somewhere in between. Do you want to live in a walkable location near shops and restaurants? Is it essential that you live near a public transportation system? Are parks and outdoor recreation areas important to you? Consider how far you’re willing to commute to work and how close you need

to be to the nearest highway or interstate. If you have children or plan to start a family soon, looking into school districts, extracurricular activities, and nearby daycare availability is also a good idea.

Get professional assistance.

A good realtor will prioritize your best interests, dedicating

many hours to find you the right home. Once you find the right realtor, loyalty is key. That’s why it’s important to do your homework to find the right trusted realtor or real estate agent before beginning your search. Keep in mind, new legislation will change how agents are compensated beginning in the late summer of 2024.

Johnson considers the new location a blessing and a preparation for greater things to come.

Rumours services includes:

Aesthetics:

Waxing, sugaring, lash extensions, lash lift, lash tint, brow tint, brow lamination, dermaplane, microneedling and chemical peels.

Facials:

Spa facials, specialty facials, HydraFacial, microdermabrasion, glow2facial, infrared facial, kerravive scalp treatment.

Lasering:

Laser hair reduction, LPL, ResurFX, Nuera Tight, scar reduction, spider vein reduction, toe fungus treatment, photofacial and trilift.

Common skincare ingredients

TInjectables:

Botox, xeomin versa, versa lip, radiesse, radiesse sculpting package.

Hormone optimization:

Biote hormone replacement therapy, necessary blood work for optimal results.

Weight Loss:

A variety of choices that cater to our clients individual needs.

Vitashots:

A variety of vitamins, minerals, & amino acids to be administered as injections or IVs.

Hair

Blowouts, cut and style, color, highlights, glaze, perms, specialty treatments.

he skincare industry is thriving. Many products feature prominently in daily self-care routines, and various items particularly those with natural and organic ingredients have surged in popularity. The sales of skincare products in the United States grew by 13 percent in 2018, reaching the $5.6 billion mark, according to The NPD Group, a market research company. New skincare products are introduced each year. Consumers also have more skincare guides, such as social media, at their disposal, which encourages them to become more informed about which ingredients and products to use. The following are some common skincare product ingredients and their purposes.

• Vitamin C: Scientifically known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is found in many different antiaging skincare products. Experts say that it protects skin from free radicals and can help brighten overall complexion. Vitamin C can help combat fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration in the skin that leads to signs of premature aging. A good skincare formula will contain 10 to 20 percent pure vitamin C. Look for a product that does not contain water, as that can deactivate the vitamin C.

• Vitamin E: This antioxidant also protects the skin against damage. It is marginally more effective in the natural form than synthetic.

• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrator. It is a type of sugar molecule that keeps tissues in the body cushioned and lubricated. Hyaluronic acid is found in skin, joints and connective tissue. Serums containing HA may help to plump up the skin by drawing hydration from the air into the skin.

• Benzoyl peroxide: This antibacterial agent is considered highly effective for killing bacteria that may contribute to acne. Benzoyl peroxide addresses bacteria under the skin and helps pores shed dead skin cells and excess sebum.

• Collagen: This fibrous protein acts as a water-binding agent to keep moisture locked into the skin.

• Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids: These are acids that gently unclog pores by removing dead skin cells. They are chemical exfoliators

that, by removing dead skin, can help lead to more even skin pigmentation, improved texture and decreased inflammation. AHAs are derived from fruits, dairy or sugar cane. BHAs are often derived from willow bark and salicylic acid is the most commonly known. BHAs are oil soluble and are able to penetrate more deeply into the skin than AHAs.

• Coenzyme Q10: This fatsoluble ingredient is produced naturally in the body. The substance may have soothing antioxidant effects on the skin when topically applied. As a person ages, he or she makes less CoQ10, potentially leaving the skin more vulnerable to damage, offers WebMD. That’s the reason CoQ10 can be found in skin care products such as toners, gels and creams. Understanding the ingredients in common skincare products can help consumers make more informed decisions.

Paige Gumm, Amy Malone, PA; Delcine Johnson, Karen Applegate, Sheli Kipp, NP; and Debbie Williams

Dr. Lisa Mullins getting manicure from Ms. Lee

Amy Malone, PA; Delcine Johnson and Linda Fullman

Rumours Spalon celebrates new location

Rumours Spalon recently opened house at their new location, 1515 Judson Road. Despite the heavy rainfall and storms, ladies showed up to congratulate owner, Delcine Johnson.

Bubble Bar served mimosas in the afternoon and margaritas in the evening with other snacks. The drinks and snacks kept clients and well-wishers busy. Kay Bowles brought a beautiful plant for the occasion. Linda Fullman, owner of Linda Fullman All State Insurance Agency was on hand to congratulate Ms. Johnson and chat with Paige Gumm who works at Rumours.

“I am very excited that Delcine’s business is growing strong,” said Fullman. “Her hands are in so many things - she is always giving to good causes in this town.”

Fullman also praised

Gumm for her non-profit work assisting cancer patients and their families in various ways. For instance, Gumm financially supports families with travel, lodging and food expenses when they take their loved ones to cancer treatment centers outside Longview.

“We forget that insurance does not cover these things,” Fullman said. “Page is a pearl. She comes alongside these families in their most difficult times and helps to meet dire needs. That is why I say, she is a pearl.”

Rumours is a full Spalon. They treat ladies from head toe. For example, they have a stylist, and of course Ms. Lee Lee is in the house for manicures and pedicures.

Moreover, there is Amy Malone, a physician assistant. Plus, Sheli Kipp who is an experienced Women's Health Nurse Practitioner with a demonstrated history of working in the medical

practice industry.

Ms. Kipp is skilled in menopause treatment and Gynecology. She has more than two decades of nurse practitioner experience. Furthermore, there are many

other beauty practitioners at Rumours. Each practitioner has their own specialty making the experience at Rumours a one stop wellness and beauty Spalon.

In addition, Lily Eddleman with Drippin’ Honey Permanent

Jewelry was in attendance beautifying women with permanent ankle or wrist bracelets.

For these reasons, Ms. Johnson is excited about the new location. “This is a great

location. The area is thriving, and we have gotten positive client reviews,” she said. “It is like being in the hub of the city, centralized and not too far from any direction.”

Story and photos by JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

Kay Bowman gifts a plant to Delcine Johnson for Rumours

Linda Fullman and Paige Gumm

Kay Bowman, Amy Malone, PA; Sheli Kipp, NP; and Debby Williams