infinitieplus magazine

Kilgore Chamber hosts BizConnect

indy Lewellen, CEO of Starfish Ad Age presented a tech workshop for the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce members. This monthly business session is called BizConnect. Attendees had the opportunity to grab lunch - whatever their hearts desired - at the Kilgore College Cafeteria. The KC cafeteria serves

Mcooked and cold foods – many choices to pick from. Better yet, attendees enjoyed fresh baked chocolate chip cookies right from the oven.

Mindy Lewellen taught attending businesses how to grow their businesses on Google. Her whole team was on hand to answer various questions. Besides learning from the presentation, it gave businesses the opportunity to mix

and mingle with other business owners.

Chamber President Jill McCarthy was very pleased with the session. “It is always good to see our small businesses come out and learn how to grow their businesses from technology experts such as Starfish Ad Age,” she said. “Kilgore College was the right location for this presentation because attendees enjoyed both their lunch and the presentation.” .

Bundles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ashley Salgado and Jessica Holmes attend BizConnect

Welcome to the month of October everyone.

infinitieplus magazine team is rooting for you and hope you are doing well. What a year it has been! We greatly appreciate your support. You advertised, read infinitieplus magazine online, hard copy and then pass it on. Thank you very much for your support.

We cannot believe it ourselves that Thanksgiving is next month, then Christmas. Is it just me or anyone else feeling 2023 is flying by. We thank the Lord who has kept us alive and well till this day.

In this infinitieplus magazine edition, we brought you the story about Longview Regional Medical Center opening a FREE-standing ER to serve our area. The best thing about this ER is they take all forms of insurance including Medicare. You no longer have to worry about shelling out a lot of cash for yourself or grandma/grandpa. Best of all it is a cuttingedge, state-of-the-art facility.

Joycelyne

Publisher

Secondly, they also opened inhouse rehab facility on their first floor to better serve their patients. Longview is moving right along with good medicine.

Then, there is the 6th annual Broadway at the View, benefiting ArtsView Children’s Theatre-it was a showstopperfeatured 40 performers as well as a live band in a full 2 act Broadway Revue centered around the theme of “In Love.” It was quite a show because we like everything about love even though sometimes it does not work out the way we wanted.

Car and Home insurance - how to lower the premiums is all in this edition.

Do not forget the inspiration page. Everyone needs inspiration from above so check it out for the journey of life.

We have many more stories you can use for your finances, health, and love life.

Thanks for reading and we look forward to serving you again by His grace.

Fadojutimi PhD

Proud member of:

The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One…

Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PhD

Photography

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Graphic Designer

Kuneho Designs

Contributing Writers

Glenn Miller

Mechele Agbayani Mills

Mary Hunt

Robert Goldman

For advertising Email: joy@infinitieplusmag.com www.infinitieplusmag.com

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 2023. 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

Dr. Michael Guido VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 10

Features In Every Issue

Women Today

Inspiration

Business and Finance

Puzzle

Grubs Up

Community Connections

Spotlight

About the Cover

Community Health System (CHS) Longview Regional Medical Center parent company executives; Longview Regional Board of Trustees, Longview Regional management team, Longview Regional Medical staff, the Honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt; Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano; several elected officials; Longview Fire Chief JP Steelman and staff; Longview Fire Department EMS Section Chief Amy Hooten, Longview Chamber of Commerce, Longview City Manager and Assistant City Manager, Rolin McPhee, PE. and MaryAnn Hagenbucher respectively and Longview City Council members attended the recent ribbon cutting and open house for the Longview Regional Medical Center new and innovative FREE-standing ER, Emergency Center.

Christy and Brian Wilkinson attend Broadway at the View

Nathaniel Olsen and Connor Love attend Broadway at the View

Lacy Barron performs at Broadway at the View

NaTusha Howard and Micah Howard perform at Broadway at the View

Steven Collins and Donna Blalock perform at the Broadway at the View Bill Irvine attend Broadway at the View

BACK-TO-BACK HERCULEAN VICTORIES

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI / WWW.INFINITIEPLUSMAG.COM

Longview Regional Medical Center, opens cutting edge, state-of-the- art Emergency Center and new Inpatient Rehabilitation Center

the recent ribbon cutting and open house for the Longview Regional Medical Center new and innovative FREE-standing ER, Emergency Center. Longview Regional Emergency Center, offers:

• Quick, convenient access to 24hour emergency care.

• 24/7 imaging services, including digital X-ray and CT.

• 24/7 lab services.

• Access to Longview Regional Medical Center’s full spectrum

of care.

• Located at 120 E. Loop 281. Provides emergency care 24/7/365.

• This facility accepts the same insurance plans as the hospital, including: Medicare

TRICARE

Commercial plans. For more information visit: https://www.emergencyroomnow. com/longview/

NEW INPATIENT REHABILITATION CENTER

The second Herculean victory is the new Inpatient Rehabilitation Center, located within the main hospital on the first floor. The Center for Inpatient Rehabilitation will provide comprehensive services to assist patients in the recovery process following an acute hospitalization.

company

Longview Regional Board of

Trustees, Longview Regional management team, Longview Regional Medical staff, the Honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt; Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano; several elected officials; Longview Fire Chief JP Steelman and staff; Longview

Fire Department EMS Section Chief Amy Hooten, Longview Chamber of Commerce, Longview City Manager and Assistant City Manager, Rolin McPhee, PE. and MaryAnn Hagenbucher respectively and Longview City Council members attended

LRMC cuts ribbon for new free standing ER

The 10-bed Inpatient Rehabilitation Center is equipped with:

• Private rooms and bathrooms

• Gym

• 24/7 access to nursing and physician care.

Longview Regional Inpatient Rehabilitation Center’s commitment to rebuilding independent lives is accomplished through a goaloriented philosophy of treatment built upon our dedication to positive results, custom-designed treatment plans for each patient,

family and patient education and counseling to help build a bridge from hospital to home.

LRMC will provide care for people who need intensive inpatient therapy definedas a minimum of three hours of daily therapy for at least five days a week. In addition, LRMC will provide complex inpatient care with close medical supervision and 24-hour rehab nursing. Patients increase their independence under the direction of licensed therapists through a variety of interventions and modalities with access to a specialized therapy gym to maximize their progress. LRMC

offers private rooms and care for adults 18 years and older.

The new Inpatient Rehabilitation Center will serve patients with a variety of diagnoses from post-surgical recovery to chronic medical conditions that can benefit from comprehensive rehabilitation programs. They include conditions such as:

• Amputation

• Brain Injury

• Cardiac and Pulmonary Issues

• Guillain-Barre

• Hip Fractures

• Joint Replacements

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Multiple Trauma

• Polyneuropathy

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Stroke

Moreover, any patient with decreased physical functioning resulting in a decrease in their safety and ability to perform daily tasks may also be considered for admission.

“With the continued growth in East Texas, there is an increased need for local access to inpatient rehabilitation services,” said LRMC Chief Executive Officer Steve Gordon. “Adding this service line will help patients, especially for patients who have suffered a traumatic illness and injury,”

Dr Todd Stewart and his staff are ready to shower you with love in the new state of the art emergency center

And there was food and beverage galore

Emergency center

Je Ne Sais Quoi

By GLENN MILLER

BROADWAY AT THE VIEW PACKS VENUE

By IP STAFF REPORT

he 6th annual Broadway at the View, benefiting ArtsView Children’s Theatre, was quite a hit. The performance took place at The Reserve in Longview. Texas. The production featured 40 performers as well as a live band in a full 2 act Broadway Revue centered around the theme of “In Love” (and the various emotions and issues that come with love.)

In addition, the Dinner Show included a catered dinner that Chance’s Kitchen catered. There were beverages galore and

TRaffle tickets to diverse events.

Broadway at the View was directed by Sarah Medin, But that is not all.

Sandi Smith Taylor, founder of ArtsView was on hand to see the show. “I am so proud,” she said. She reminisced of ArtsView humble beginnings. “Look at what it has turned out to be- bigger and better.”

Vickie Echols concurred. “I am so proud of what ArtsView has done,” she said. “Children learn that they can do it, they learn to collaborate and ArtsView gives them the chance to be creative.”

For more information on ArtsView, please visit www. artsviewchildrenstheatre.com

"Je ne sais quoi” is a captivating and elusive French expression that adds a touch of mystery and charm to the spoken language. Literally translated as “I don’t know what,” this phrase embodies an ineffable quality or characteristic that is difficult to pinpoint or describe. Used to describe someone or something that possesses an indescribable charm or appeal, “je ne sais quoi” encapsulates the notion that certain qualities are beyond words, leaving an air of intrigue and fascination in their

wake. (Source: French Iceberg)

Maybe you’ve used this phrase before about someone else or maybe someone else has used this to describe you. Nonetheless, there’s something different about this phrase that doesn’t convey egotism, haughtiness or pride; it’s a worthy confidence and boldness that is based upon the surety of someone knowing who they are; feeling comfortable and validated in their own skin. It’s different from what some today would call “swagger” because part of the attractiveness for those who exhibit a je ne sais quoi is HUMILITY.

Jesus has je ne sais quoi and

so should all who follow Him. We have been emboldened, empowered and deputized with the same authority to go boldly into each dark night.

So when the enemy tries to tell you you’re not smart enough, talented enough, experienced enough, show Him your Jesusendowed je ne said quoi! You are made in His image with a purpose and a destiny; adorned with the robe of righteousness and covered by the blood of Jesus; sprinkled with humility, grace, mercy, truth and love.

Walk it out, my friend, walk it out!

Tyler Lohr and his dancers take center stage

Director Sarah Medin

Losing my mind - Follies performed by Deb Gilbert

GOD’S WORD: “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.” – 1 John 4:17

UT Tyler Collaborates with Leadership School in Macedonia

not only from Macedonia but also from around the world with an opportunity to acquire new skills that would empower them to become leaders in their respective fields,” said Ivanov. “I am thrilled that we have formalized our cooperation through the signing of this memorandum, and I eagerly anticipate the enrollment of the inaugural group of students from UT Tyler in our program.”

be prepared to participate in both the online and in-person portions of the school to be held Oct. 7 – 19. They will be accompanied by Guderjan, Dr. Colin Snider, UT Tyler associate professor and history department chair, and Dr. Robert “Bob” Sterken, UT Tyler professor of political science. The three faculty will also present at the school. The school’s aim is to stimulate positive

values of future political, cultural, and economic leaders in Macedonia and around the world. The program is intended for young people with accomplished higher education who wish, through their leadership skills, to contribute to the positive development of the society and the environment in which they live and work.

Programming includes management

simulations and practical exercises as well as leadership and management lectures by prominent lecturers and guests from the area and abroad. With a mission to improve educational and health care outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 10,000 students. Through its alignment with UT

Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health

East Texas, UT Tyler has unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine, and Houston.

he University of Texas at Tyler formalized a partnership with the International Center Alliance of Civilizations that allows a cohort of UT Tyler students to attend the President Ivanov School for Young Leaders in Macedonia every year.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our

Tstudents, and we are excited to partner with the International Center Alliance of Civilizations,” said UT Tyler social sciences department chair Dr. Thomas Guderjan, lead coordinator from the university. “This long-term relationship will enable five UT Tyler students and three faculty members to annually participate in the two-week school at no cost.”

UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP, and school founder Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, former president of the Republic of Macedonia (20092019) and president of the center’s advisory board, signed the agreement on Sept. 15, and the inaugural cohort of UT Tyler student scholars was also announced.

“My intention was to provide young people

The inaugural UT Tyler student cohort includes senior social sciences major Kirk Rosenbalm of Tyler; senior psychology major Catherine Kimball of Bullard; sophomore psychology major Preston Cammack of Longview; graduate political science major Kathryn Chamberlain of The Woodlands; and senior political science major Brittany Sehion of Trinidad. Jacob Groninga of Keller, a senior political science major, serves as an alternate.

To be considered for school admission, students must major in a field within the arts and sciences, write an essay describing their career goals and aspirations, and

UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP, at left, and school founder Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, former president of the Republic of Macedonia (20092019) and president of the International Center Alliance of Civilizations advisory board, sign the agreement that allows UT Tyler students to attend the President Ivanov School for Young Leaders.

School founder Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, former president of the Republic of Macedonia (2009-2019) and UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP.

8 surprising benefits of blueberries

Small, yet bursting with big flavor, blueberries are a favorite of so many people. While blueberries may be coveted for their appeal in recipes that run the gamut from breakfast foods to desserts, the nutrients within them provide many benefits as well. After all, blueberries are not called Superfoods for nothing. Here’s a deeper look at some of the health benefits of blueberries.

1. Blueberries are a lowcalorie food. Healthline notes that blueberries contain only 84 calories per cup. Plus, they are 85 percent water. Blueberries can be a filling snack that doesn’t compromise lowcalorie diets.

2. Blueberries may improve exercise recovery rates.

Research published in the Iranian Journal of Public Health in 2018 has shown that eating blueberries can increase muscle strength recovery. That means that blueberries may help thwart a condition called exercise-induced muscle damage, which results in soreness, reduced muscle strength and impaired athletic performance.

3. Blueberries help fight urinary tract infections. Cranberries are often touted as the go-to for treating and preventing UTIs. According to a 1998 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, specific compounds found in blueberries known as proanthocyanidins can prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. Furthermore, the high amounts of vitamin C in blueberries also can inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause UTIs.

4. Blueberries may thwart cancer.

Phytochemicals in blueberries decrease the risk of several cancers by protecting cells from chronic inflammation, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. In addition, the fiber in blueberries helps protect the intestinal lining from colorectal cancer.

5. Blueberries help build stronger bones.

Blueberries are rich in phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamin K. These nutrients, together with strengthtraining exercise, can contribute to bone health.

6. Blueberries lower bad cholesterol.

The fiber in blueberries may help dissolve LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, in the bloodstream. A study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics determined daily consumption of blueberries helped to improve blood pressure and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women.

7. Blueberries improve immune function.

The blue in blueberries comes from anthocyanin, an antioxidant that increases immune function. The Mayo Clinic also says research indicates compounds in blueberries may delay the effects of vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

8. Blueberries may be an anti-aging treatment.

Oxidative DNA damage occurs in every cell in the body each day, according to Healthline. DNA damage is one reason why people grow older. High antioxidants in blueberries can neutralize some free radicals that are implicated in DNA damage. Blueberries get their superfood status from the number of health benefits they offer.

4 Tips to help with increasing car insurance rates

“There is little we can do control the rising costs of vehicle repairs or medical costs. But there may be some actions you can take which could help you lower your insurance premiums.”

By MECHELE AGBAYANI MILLS

Do you get a pit in your stomach every time you open your car insurance renewal notice?

You're not alone. The cost of car insurance has increased by 19% in the last year - the biggest increase since 1976 - according to August’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). The surge in car insurance rates over the past year is a culmination of various factors, ranging from the cost of vehicle repairs to the increase in vehicle theft incidents.

Escalating vehicle repair costs is one of the main reasons for the increase. Newer vehicles come equipped with a multitude of advanced technologies and require parts and professionals which are significantly more expensive. Car repair costs are up nearly 17% according to the (CPI)

Rising medical costs also contribute to the spike in car insurance premiums. Hospital and hospital related services showed an increase of 3.5%. As healthcare costs increase, insurers must likewise adjust their rates to meet

BBB to Host “Secure Your ID” Day Shredding Event

By MECHELE AGBAYANI MILLS

their financial obligations. Near record levels of vehicle theft are also a reason for rising insurance costs. Last year, over 1 million vehicle theft incidents were reported. The number of vehicle thefts surpassed one million instances last year for the first time since 2008, and Texas is one of the states with the highest percentage of theft increase.

1. Make sure you have a clean driving record.

Insurance companies typically reward safe drivers with lower insurance premiums. A record which is free of accidents, traffic violations, and insurance claims may put you in a “low-risk” category and may earn you a lower rate.

2. Ask about discounts.

Your insurance company may offer discounts if your vehicle has an anti-theft device such as an alarm or tracking system or if they have other safety features like an immobilizer system or other theftprevention equipment.

3. Bundle several policies.

If you maintain other types of insurance, you may be able to save money by having one company manage all of them.

4. Shop around.

Not all companies have the same pricing models, so it is worth it to compare quotes from several insurance providers to find the most competitive rate for your situation. Remember that insurance rates can vary significantly depending on factors such as your location, the type of vehicle you drive, and other personal circumstances. Review and update your policy on a regular basis, shop around for competitive quotes, and go to bbb.org to find businesses you can trust.

More resources

For more tips to help you manage expenses for your vehicle, check out our Consumer Headquarters. Visit BBB's auto HQ for more auto resources and tips.

Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas (BBB) will be hosting three “Secure Your ID” shredding events in October and November to help consumers and businesses securely destroy documents and help prevent identity theft. These services are provided for FREE, and attendees are encouraged to bring paper documents which contain personal and/or financial information to be destroyed. The events will take place in Longview, Lindale, and Jacksonville. Locations, times, and dates are as follows: Longview: Saturday, October 25, 8:00 AM - Noon Drug Emporium - 2321 W Loop 281 Lindale: Wednesday, October 12, 9:00 AM - Noon Lindale Chamber of Commerce - 205 S. Main Jacksonville: Saturday, November 4, 9:00 AM - Noon UT Health Olympic Center - 501 S. Ragsdale St.

PLEASE NOTE: NO BOXES WILL BE TAKEN. PLEASE BRING YOUR DOCUMENTS IN A PLASTIC BIN, PLASTIC BAG, OR IN A BOX YOU CAN KEEP.

“We want to give businesses and the community the opportunity to safely discard any documents which contain personal information,” Rachelle Ewart, Community Outreach Coordinator for BBB in Central East Texas said. “This is a quick and easy way to make sure your information is not compromised, and we are so happy to offer the services to consumers and businesses across East Texas.”

BBB held their annual “Secure Your ID” day in April at the Tyler offices, in which more than 33,000 pounds of documents were securely destroyed along with three thousand pounds of electronics.

Shredding trucks and volunteers will be on hand to

assist participants and hand out information on identity theft protection. All attendees must remain in their vehicles during the event. BBB has partnered with ArkLa-Tex Shredding, Shred-It, Drug Emporium, The City of Jacksonville, and The Lindale Chamber of Commerce to bring these events to the public, FREE of charge.

BBB Serving Central East Texas is part of an expansive network of BBBs across North America that collaborate to produce Secure Your ID Day events. The program is a BBBbranded identity theft, fraud prevention and educational initiative that features on-site document destruction and distribution of.

Four ways to avoid solar scams

Solar Panels: Finding Honest Installation Company

By MICHELLE AGBAYANI MILLS

"claiming he could get me a new roof plus solar equipment, with a government rebate for 26% off cost, essentially paying for the new roof."

After doing their research, the homeowner found that while a government rebate program existed, the salesperson was misrepresenting it to make a sale.

It was completely unprofessional."

BBB recommends the following when looking for solar panel installation companies. Do your research. Genuine incentive programs and reputable solar energy contractors do exist. Before you accept an unsolicited offer, do some research on solar companies in your area. Investigate each company's reputation and business practices before you consider signing a contract for services. And

remember, in Texas, solar installation companies are required to have a license. Go to bbb.org to find a licensed company you can trust.

Watch out for highpressure sales tactics.

Con artists want to provoke an emotional reaction that would cause you to give in to their requests without thinking it through. Take your time and know that a legitimate company won't pressure you to act. If someone is using aggressive sales

tactics on you, it's best to cut off communication immediately.

Get competing bids. Contact several solar installers if you plan on going solar and get bids from each company. If someone is pulling a con, they will be much easier to spot this way.

Ask plenty of questions and consider the answers. Ask questions about any aspect of a contract or proposal you don't

understand. If the company gets upset about your questions, refuses to answer them, or is vague with their answers, consider it a red flag. Need help with your home improvement project? Visit our Home Improvement HQ or our Roofing HQ, and always look for the BBB seal; it’s the Sign of a Better BusinessSM.

If you’re in the market for solar panels, you’re not alone. According to Energy.gov, a record 9.5 million solar products were sold in 2022. Unfortunately, this also means it’s important to be on the lookout for misleading companies who try to trick homeowners into providing financial and personal information. If you've received an offer for "free solar panels," it’s important to be vigilant in researching the company, as many scams have been reported. BBB provides the following

information when looking for a solar panel installation company.

RED FLAGS

Someone contacts you through email, phone, social media, or even in person, as in cases reported to BBB Scam Tracker pretending to be a solar company salesperson.

The "representative" has a special offer: they can install solar panels on your home for a price which seems too good to be true. This amazing deal is only available for a limited time, so you must act now!

From here, the scam can take several turns. In some versions, the scammer is after your personal information. They ask you to fill out forms with your banking details "to see if you qualify." Other times, the "solar representative" claims you need to pay upfront costs, which they promise will be reimbursed by a (nonexistent) government program.

BBB Scam Tracker has seen numerous reports of this kind of scam. One homeowner was approached by a door-to-door salesperson

In another case, a homeowner spoke on the phone to a "solar engineer" after being approached in person. "The engineer claimed they could make it cost-free for us. He said they had finished their installations in our neighborhood and met their quota but would try to squeeze us in." However, the conversation took a strange turn when the "solar engineer" started asking for personal information. When the homeowner declined to answer, the conversation got heated. "We ended the conversation, and I received a nasty text…

Dr. Amy Schwartz: Dr. Amy Schwartz, UT Tyler Fisch College of Pharmacy dean, shares with guests the importance of arts and creativity in medicine.

Quick and filling meal served up in a snap

After the lazy days of summer, fall often arrives with packed schedules and everyone getting back on track, whether for work or school. Busy families may not have much time to spend in the kitchen these days, but they don’t need to devote hours to cooking. Even quick meals can serve up significant flavor.

In the time it takes

to boil rice, this recipe for Creamy Rice With Roasted Shrimp and Tomatoes, courtesy of Real Simple Dinner Tonight: Done (Time Home Entertainment) from the editors of Real Simple, can be put on the table. Arborio rice makes this dish creamy, but if it’s unavailable, longgrain rice also can be used just follow the package directions for cooking.

Creamy Rice With Roasted Shrimp and Tomatoes

Serves 4

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup Arborio rice

• 1 cup dry white wine

• Kosher salt and black pepper

• 1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp

• 2 pints grape tomatoes

• 8 sprigs fresh thyme

• 2 cloves garlic

Heat oven to 400 F.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the rice and wine and cook, stirring, until the wine is absorbed, 1 to 2 minutes.

Add 2 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper to the saucepan. Simmer, covered, until

the water is absorbed, and the rice is tender, 18 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, on a rimmed baking sheet, toss the shrimp, tomatoes, thyme, and garlic with the remaining tablespoon of oil and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Roast until the shrimp are opaque throughout, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve over the rice.

7 danger signs of debt trap

By MARY HUNT

Debt. It's a four-letter word and certainly not ideal under any circumstances. Being debt-free is always better than being in debt. But not all debt is created equal. Generally, debt comes in two flavors: secured and unsecured. Secured debts are collateralized. That means the borrower pledges something of value to the lender that acts like a security deposit. If the borrower defaults, the lender gets ownership of that valuable asset. A home mortgage is probably the best example of reasonably safe, secured debt. In a mortgage, the property becomes the collateral. The lender can take it if the borrower doesn't perform as required.

Unsecured debts, on the other hand, are wild and crazy because there is no security. Even worse, invariably, this kind of debt comes with double-digit interest rates. All it takes is the borrower's signature and the deed is done. This kind of debt is not safe, in fact it is toxic.

Unsecured debt can ruin a

life. Credit card debt is the best example of toxic debt. It looks so harmless. It offers so much convenience and flexibility. And nothing could be further from the truth. Unsecured consumer debt is like a steel trap armed with attractive bait to lure you in. Then, once you're in, it slams shut. Now you are its prisoner. I've been in the debt trap. It's a horrible place to be. It took me 13 years to gnaw my way out of a six-figure load of unsecured,

toxic debt. My husband (a man of both of both long-suffering and integrity) and I didn't file for bankruptcy. We repaid every dime including interest, penalties, and fees. I didn't get into the debt trap against my will. I did it to myself, naively and stupidly. I nibbled at that delicious bait. I chose to ignore the signs warning that I was heading for trouble if I didn't change my ways. I paid a terrible price for acting so foolishly.

These are the warning signs I ignored: No. 1: Living on credit instead of cash. I regularly used credit to pay for things because I didn't have enough money. And I couldn't pay the statements in full every month because, as I said, I didn't have enough money! I didn't see my lifestyle as the problem. My problem was that I didn't have enough money to support the lifestyle I wanted. Credit was the bridge

between what I had and the lifestyle I so richly deserved.

No. 2: Unable to pay the balance in full. While this is a huge warning sign for you, it's "mission accomplished" for your credit card issuer. Once you cross the line where you opt to pay the required minimum monthly payment, the company goes into full-on party mode. They did it! They got you over the line into "permadebt," and chances are pretty good you'll remain there until you die -- always owing, never able to pay the ever-growing balance in full.

No. 3: Delaying payment or paying late. Juggling was my way of life. I'd count on next month's income to pay this month's bills. I was always behind and often paid late.

No. 4: Unable to give or save. This is the first sign that you're overspending. I never had enough to save or to share with others, and I didn't see that as a problem. I didn't have enough money to help myself, so how could I possibly plan for the future or help others?

No. 5: Unable to pay taxes. Don't ask how I know about this. It's a painful memory.

No. 6: Living an extravagant lifestyle. Guilty, guilty, guilty. At the darkest moment in my financial past, I was driving a new Cadillac complete with 47 more enormous lease payments. Need I say more? I cared more about what others might think of me than what I thought of myself. I cared more about the Joneses than I cared about my husband and children, which led me to make some of the most ridiculous choices.

No. 7: Looking for get-richquick ideas. I was just certain that becoming the world's next triplediamond director in the latest multilevel marketing organization would make me filthy rich by next week. I had to learn the hard way (five times!) that there are no getrich-quick ideas that work, at least not legally.

Do you see any of these danger signs in your life? If so, pay attention! Change your course; get some help; do whatever you must avoid the debt trap. There is no place in your life for toxic debt.

If you're already trapped, run, don't walk, to NFCC.org (or call 1-888-388-2227), an organization of trustworthy, nonprofit, certified credit counselors with offices in every area across the country. You can make contact online or by phone. Do it today.

Confessions of an Office Ten

By ROBERT GOLDMAN

Are you the best-looking person in your office?

Let's find out. Do your coworkers make goo-goo eyes when they pass you in the hallway?

Do new employees snuggle their trays next to yours in the company cafeteria, even when it's Meatloaf Monday? Do the IT people rush to fix computer problems when you report them, sometimes even in the same month?

If you answered. "Oh, my gosh, that happens to me all the time," you could be an Office Ten.

As writer Danielle Cohen explains in a recent issue of New York magazine, an Office Ten is "a person who falls somewhere between average to mildly good-looking in the world at large but skyrockets to wildly attractive within the confines of an open-concept desk plan."

It's the transformative nature of the Office Ten that makes it so exciting and so dangerous -- both to the Office Ten and to the co-workers who drool over them. You need a smart threepoint strategy to help you deal, and here it is.

No. 1: If you want to stay an Office Ten, stay in the office.

Like the elegant Count Dracula, who transforms into a blood-sucking monster the moment he steps out of his castle, the moment an Office Ten steps out of their office, they turn into an Out-of-the-Office Five (or Four, or Two.)

This is why an Office Ten will want to spend as much time in the office as possible, enjoying the adulation of their co-workers. Be the first to arrive in the morning. (It's perfectly OK to show up to work in your PJs. On an Office Ten, everything looks good.) Though you will receive endless invitations, never ever go out to lunch. Seeing the face on your lunchmate turn from adoration to repulsion as they watch you cruising the buffet table at the Smorgy Bob's will be disheartening -- almost as disheartening as the Ham & Bananas Hollandaise.

You will also need to think up excuses to stay late at work. You could explain that you want to go over your report one more time, because your high standards demand nothing less than total perfection, but coming from you, no one will believe it. A better reason to stay late is because your home is overrun with rabid

chinchillas and you're waiting for the pest-control company to round them up.

Coming from an Office Ten, it's an excuse everyone will believe.

No. 2: Recognize your role as a fantasy creature.

In fantasy sports, players recruit real athletes to be on their imaginary teams. As an Office

Ten, you have been recruited by your co-workers to be part of their fantasy team at the office. And considering how awful your office is, who can blame them?

Office Tens represent "desires we fabricate to make our work lives more interesting," writes Danielle Cohen." What else could make dragging your bleary body into a half-vacated zombie of an office sound remotely appealing?" Your responsibility to fulfill

day before your 10-cents-off coupon expired. Depending on how desperate your co-workers are for excitement, it could work, but I wouldn't push your luck.

No. 3: Resist. Resist. Resist. With everyone at work going moo-moo-goo-goo over you, you could be tempted to indulge in a little co-worker canoodling. You must resist.

the fantasy life of your coworkers could include telling tall tales of vacation adventures, like climbing K2 in your house slippers, or using a can opener to fight off a pirate attack while single-handing your yacht across the Strait of Malacca.

Just don't get so carried away that you slip into truelife adventures, like the time you nabbed the last container of nonfat cottage cheese the

You don't need me to tell you the risks of any office relationship that goes behind sharing a box of paper clips. For the Office Ten, the consequences can be much more serious, since even an illicit snuggle, when conducted outside the office, can lead to something truly disastrous, like your former admirer, shaking their head as if waking from a dream, screaming with horror as they see your transformation. Worse, they could go running back to the office to explain that everyone has been bamboozled -- the Office Ten is really an Outof-Office Five (or Four or Two.)

The bottom line: If you want to keep enjoying your Office Ten fantasy, don't let it get real. You owe it to yourself, and to all the people who are crushing on you, and hoping against hope that someday you will ask to share their box of paper clips.

What Kids Need to Know About Giving

By MARY HUNT

If you are committed to teaching your kids how the world operates, and you should be, teach them about money.

You can use financial principles to teach everything from math problems to social issues. That's because money is about values, relationships, choices, and self-worth.

And while teaching your kids important values to guide their lives is of the utmost importance, when all is said and done those values are more likely to be caught than taught. You have to live what you teach.

If there is one thing that will ruin your kids' lives, it's greed. Teach them while they're young how to pull the drain

Honey, Let's Talk

By MARY HUNT

plug on greed, and you will have prepared them in a very important way to not only survive, but to also thrive in the real world.

Lesson for Kids: When you give, you defeat your enemy greed.

You know that twinge of envy you felt when your best friend showed you her cool new phone? Or when another friend said really loud at lunch how her dad is buying her a brandnew car for her 16th birthday?

Multiply that feeling by 10 and you'll have a good idea what full-blown greed feels like. It's not good.

The problem with greed is that it drives us to do things that are hazardous to our futures. Greed says it's OK to have everything we want now and to figure out how to pay for it later. Greed is something everyone has to deal with at one time or the other, and the sooner you can learn how to defeat that enemy, the better off and happier you will be.

The antidote

for greed is giving away part of the three T's -- your time, your talent, and your treasure. Everyone, no matter how young or poor, possesses all three. Time. You get 24 hours every day, 10,080 minutes, or 604,800 seconds every week. Talent. This is what you can do. Everyone has special talents, things they are good at doing. Treasure. This is what you have, your possessions. It's your money, and also your toys, clothes, collections -- everything that you own.

Are you bewildered? If you have never been a "giver" it may seem quite odd for me to suggest you should just give away any of your time or your stuff. But that is exactly what I mean.

If you want to make sure you are never defeated by greed, learn to be a giver.

When you give to others it helps you to be grateful for what you have. Giving is the way to stop feeling sorry for yourself. Instead of misery, you feel joy. In place of dissatisfaction, you find contentment.

Become a giver. It will greatly improve your life.

Emotional intimacy is the key to a healthy marriage and necessary for developing financial harmony. The secret to creating emotional intimacy is for each of you to meet the needs that are most important to the other. Emotional intimacy is key because it produces authentic trust and respect.

Studies show that married people who behave as true financial partners tend to do better financially and emotionally. So, if you haven't already, you and your spouse need to make a commitment to each other to become equal financial partners in your marriage. This can be a verbal or written commitment, whichever suits you best. For some spouses, this step of commitment will mean giving up control. For others, it will require them to get involved. Begin thinking of the financial aspects of your marriage as a business rather than an extension of your relationship. As business partners you:

No. 1: Have trust in and respect for each other's unique abilities, knowledge, and skills.

No. 2: Bring individual strengths and abilities to the partnership.

No. 3: Have no secrets. Each of you is fully aware of the other's activities and of the state of their business.

No. 4: Do not make independent decisions, and when there is a disagreement or conflict, you negotiate and compromise until you reach a solution that both of you can agree to enthusiastically.

No. 5: Make decisions with the best interest of the partnership in mind and are fully committed to the success of the partnership.

Think of all the different hats you wear in your daily life; even the different hats you wear in your marriage. You need to know when to put on your financial partner hat, which signals that it's time to shift into money management mode.

I suggest that in the beginning you schedule weekly business meetings, at which time you wear your non-emotional moneymanagement hats. I know that the idea of one-on-one meaningful conversations with all electronic devices turned off and the door closed can be threatening for some couples.

And it can be particularly difficult if money issues have turned into barriers that are repelling rather than attracting

the spouses. Some are reluctant to converse on an emotional level. That may be part personality trait, but more likely it's wrapped up in fear -- fear of being known, fear of opening up, fear of being found out.

These days there seem to be studies relating to just about any topic you can possibly imagine. And sure enough, there's a study that says about 70% of all conflicts in marriage resolve themselves by simply talking about them. Communication is the secret, and time spent together cannot help but affect your relationship in ways you never dreamed possible. By opening the door to the most private place in your heart and soul and taking the risk of letting your spouse in, you will be taking a huge step toward the kind of intimacy that promotes financial harmony.

how as a toddler Neema taught herself how to do backflips.

"Realizing her athletic abilities, I put her in gymnastics, and she has excelled tremendously," Lateefah says. "She loves to sing and perform. Several local churches routinely invite her to sing in their services and programs."

Lateefah understands the value of a magnificent education. For this reason, in 1997, she enrolled in Texas Southern University in Houston on a full academic scholarship she earned from the university's Frederick Douglass Honor Program. Despite her natural talent in multiple fields, she took nothing for granted and worked her hands raw as an academic. Apart from her studies, she toiled for the Gallup Foundation, as a PBX instructor for J.C. Penney and as an instructor in the university's Youth Enrichment Program (YEP,) teaching modeling and self-esteem. This last position taught her how much she loves children.

"This inspired me to organize the Future CEOs Business Seminar which later became the Power Legacy PEP Youth Program," she says. "It teaches financial literacy and business skills to our youth and introduces them to business opportunities and financial responsibility."

There is more. She even found time to work as an intern

with Music World Entertainment where she collaborated with such entertainment giants as Destiny's Child, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and Solange. Following her graduation, Music World Entertainment hired her fulltime. In 2003, she moved on to Georgia State University to advance her talent for film, working with Will Packer, Tyler Perry, and others on films for HBO. Still, she felt drawn to Longview.

First and mainly, she is a real estate broker. She loves helping her clients when they buy and sell homes. Guiding them as they strive to become bona fide homeowners is a labor of love for her. She encourages her clients to be more than mere homeowners, but to learn about real estate investing. The seminars she hosts and her book, Complete Guide to Buying a Home point the way.

"I believe that our communities are better when we own real estate assets," she says. "I have educated Longview and surrounding area citizens about the process of home ownership and how it creates generational wealth."

Time management is essential in keeping to her hectic schedule. She rises at 4:00 a.m. and commences each day with a personal devotional and prayer. After she has spent time with her Savior, she

writes out a list of that day's objectives while studying the appointment schedule. After rousing, feeding, and sending her girls off to school she makes a beeline for the office.

"I like to get to the office before we open so I can do the things that are pressing," she says. "Once office hours start you never know what may come up."

Like Boy Scouts and canned apples, she is always prepared. This is crucial because she manages more than 100 properties, and also sells homes. She has literally hundreds of tenants along with clients who own these properties. She loves the fast pace of her career, and when it does slow down, she has no trouble finding and seeing to other tasks and preparing for those on the horizon. She cannot get enough of a career she has literally always followed.

"I grew up in real estate," she says. "I've been licensed for seventeen years, but I tell people real estate has been my whole life, because my mother was pregnant with me when she became a realtor."

Although she took a pleasurable detour into entertainment, her passion for East Texas and its people drew her back to Longview. After Anaya's birth she came home and sprouted deep roots. 2023 has been a good year. Her expert work and

devotion to her clients and their well-being brings with it a great sense of accomplishment as she leads so many to their dream of home ownership. She notes with gratitude and satisfaction how the media are covering the successes of the Pruitt legacy both in Longview and throughout this area. She loves offering her talents and work ethic to neighborhood grassroots economic empowerment. She is touched to hear longtime friends and clients relate how both she and her parents through the years have assisted so many in both real estate and in a long list of additional matters in which help was needed. Better yet, she is guided by her compassionate, charitable, and empathic heart. She is always keen to share her knowledge on how to achieve self-improvement. Her advice is to be imaginative and persistent. When a procedure or method does not work, discard it immediately and adjust so as to accomplish goals. Never give up on passionate, benevolent objectives. This mindset makes is clear to others who are the best leaders.

"You have to have a sense of self and continue to be you and always remember why you are doing something," she says. "The world will bring trials that will try to divert you from your purpose but remain focused."

Lateefah’s desire to make Longview a better place has moved her to seek public office.

Lateefah Pruitt is running for LISD Board of Trustee Place 5.

Again, it is her love for youth and education that motivates her actions. She plans to collaborate with the district's board members, teachers, parents, students, and the community as a whole to establish close ties and communication to make LISD Place 5 a sterling example of educational success. Her goal of identifying, grasping, and accomplishing academic objectives promises to further enhance the LISD's already sparkling reputation.

By recognizing teacher successes and involving the

community in the educational process she intends to ensure a better future for the city and encircling region. Everything she has on her plate is geared to this.

Everything she owns and does revolves around her determination to continuously move Longview forward. Hence, Lateefah advocates problem solving rather than just complaining about them.

”We reflect our neighborhood. Let us get more involved with the upkeep of our communities,” she said. Instead of complaining about your neighbor’s yard, contribute to assisting them. You never know what a person is going through...”

"I grew up in real estate. I've been licensed for seventeen years, but I tell people real estate has been my whole life, because my mother was pregnant with me when she became a realtor."

– LATEEFAH PRUITT

Lateefa Pruitt:

AUTHENTIC LEADER WITH A MISSION

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI www.infinitieplusmag.com

ateefah Pruitt was born into a family business. Real estate to be exact. Her parents have been running State Realty since 1980. And she joined

Lher parents in the real estate business. Moreover, she is coowner of Area Wide Appraisal Services and Family First Insurance, both of which have been humming for more than thirty years. Her business savvy and industrious nature are family traits. Her family is no stranger to the protestant work-ethic.

knit clan of three brothers and a sister. She was very close to her siblings in the closed confines of a three-bedroom, one-bath home where she accumulated blissful memories until her parents were laid off from their jobs in the oilfields. They started completely over and dived into real estate... the whole family took off with the

903.663.0061

Realty. But wait, there was more to it than office work.

"We would get up early Saturday mornings and clean houses and mow yards," she says. "When I would get out of school I'd go straight to the office and start preparing reports and answering phones. I could type, balance check books and work on taxes by the third grade."

Lateefah is a mother of

2 industrious and beautiful girls who are following in her successful footsteps. A senior at Longview High School, Anaya is making a savory trek as a vegetarian, learning to create delectable, healthy dishes in the school's culinary arts programs while also treading the stage as a theater student. A former homeschool student, Neema attended South Ward, and is recognized as a gifted young

lady. Her entrance test rated her as Gifted and Talented (GT,) earning her a placement in the GT program at Hudson PEP as a fourth grader.

Like most successful people, she places great emphasis on education. Her daughters are not only receiving excellent schooling but are both highly gifted. She describes how Anaya could talk before she could crawl, and

Lateefah and her daughters: Neema and Anaya