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infinitieplus October 2021

Grayce Weaver Passionately rescues man’s best friend

Credit Union invests in smiles A Secure Website Helps Build Trust East Texas Baptist University

receives ETMC grant

VOL. 11 NO.10 LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

And Tyler ISD Foundation names new Executive Director

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Education Editor's Note

rayce Weaver is a to join them in this pet salvation young woman with work since God has created dogs a beautiful soul. for man’s companionship. Indeed, Equally, let us not dogs beautifully and gently demforget Ronnie, the onstrate to us, humans what unhusband behind Grayce’s Godconditional love looks like. given passion. He encourages and Grayce works hard alongside assists her in any way possible. "If Teresa Carroll (founder, Lindale), I told him I wanted to adopt an Heather Davis (founder, San Anelephant he would do whatever it tonio), Susan Gill (Lindale), and took to make that happen. He is Heather Murphy (Flint) in coormy rock." Thanks, Rondinating and executing Lone Star nie, for all you do and Transport Dogs' mission of earthly the Lord’s blessings salvation. unto you always. "If I am not physically On a parentdoing something to help a ing note, it is imdog, I am thinking about perative for loving how to get it accomparents to bring up plished, worrying if their children in I am doing enough, the admonition of coordinating with the Lord. This is exsomeone to help us, actly how Dean and and figuring out how Brenda Waskowiak to make the next one raised their daughter possible," said Weaver. By Grayce Weaver, an exthe same token, her work ceptionally competent, has increased her personal intelligent, amazing, growth. "I have learned Grayce Weaver authentic young leader many things in rescue. and Dora with an excellent spirit. Patience, extended compassion, Moreover, she is following the faith, trust and awareness just to straight and narrow path pursuname a few." ing her passion with the time, talTo make a difference, please ents and treasures she can muster. visit facebook.com/lonestartransImportantly, she is not alone in portdogs and join this phenomher endeavors. Grayce and other enal project-become a foster or kind-hearted ladies are in this donate funds for man’s best friend quest together to rescue man’s best earthly salvation. Thanks for your friend. Best of all, they want you assistance and remain blessed.

Education The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One… Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PhD Photography Joycelyne Fadojutimi Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs Contributing Writers Dr. Michael Guido Sydney McBride Mechele Agbayani Mills Debi Johnston

For advertising: contact Joycelyne Fadojutimi at joy@iplusmag.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 2021. 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.

Tyler ISD Foundation names new Executive Director

yler ISD is pleased to announce the hiring of Suzette Farr as the executive director of the Tyler ISD Foundation. The Tyler ISD Foundation Board of Directors recently approved Farr’s appointment. Farr joins the Tyler ISD Foundation from Mentoring Alliance, where she recently served as Vice President of Marketing & Community Engagement. Farr previously worked as the East Texas Corporate Marketing Director for the American Heart Association and as the Marketing and Business Development Director at Cooperative Teachers Credit Union. She is also a former Tyler ISD Foundation Board member, where she served from 2014-2018.

“Suzette is an experienced leader who will skillfully guide the Foundation in fulfilling its mission,” Tyler ISD Foundation Board President George Faber said. “She is passionate about public education and shares our deep commitment to supporting teachers, students, staff, administrators, and family members associated with Tyler ISD. She brings an array of experience in nonprofit leadership, communications, and fundraising.” “I am so excited and proud to serve as the new Executive Director for the Tyler ISD Foundation and help cultivate community engagement to expand the impact this organization provides to the students and teachers of Tyler ISD,” Farr said. “It’s truly amazing to see the considerable impact the

Suzette Farr

Foundation has had to help maximize student learning and success over the last thirty years. I hope to build on that legacy and inspire our community to continue to participate in transforming students’ lives and inspiring teachers’ innovative ideas that will benefit our entire community for generations to come.”

Think Pink!

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

P. O. Box 12473 Longview, Texas 75602-2473 https://twitter.com/infinitieplus Phone: 903.918.7706

VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 10

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Table of Contents

Chad Pattterson

Grayce Weaver with Black and White Lady

Grayce Weaver and her pets

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

Features 3 Education

From From From the thethe day day day you you you find find find out outout to tothe to thethe day day day you you you deliver, deliver, deliver, there’s there’s there’s nothing nothing nothing more more more important important important to toLongview to Longview Longview Regional Regional Regional Medical Medical Medical Center Center Center than than than your your your and and and your your your baby’s baby’s baby’s health health health and and and well-being. well-being. well-being. This This This isiswhy why is why we wewe provide provide provide extra extra extra amenities amenities amenities such such such as asprivate as private private rooms, rooms, rooms, spacious spacious spacious

7 Inspiration 8

Cover Story

we wewe offer offer offer perinatal perinatal perinatal services services services that that that include include include maternal-fetal maternal-fetal maternal-fetal medicine medicine medicine specialists specialists specialists and and and aaLevel Level a Level IIIIIINICU. NICU. III NICU.

16 Nonprofit Community Connections

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

Business and Finance

Education

birthing birthing birthing suites, suites, suites, childbirth childbirth childbirth classes classes classes and and and breastfeeding breastfeeding breastfeeding support. support. support. And And And ififyou you if you and and and your your your newest newest newest addition addition addition need need need aalittle little a little extra extra extra help, help, help,

Cover photo by Korinna Grace Photography

Exec Dir. Suzette Farr

Fosters waiting to load pets

Grayce Weaver's dog Baxter died in March. He had been her faithful companion at home and work for 5 years. Adjusting to his passing has not been easy. Nonetheless, she has had help in learning to live without him. Grayce and husband Ronnie Weaver have ten other "fur babies." Their lovely dogs: Saber, Birdie, Winston, Daisy, Maggie, Figgy and Darla, plus cats Daphne, Lola and Sullivan share their love and support. Besides her own furry babies, she nurtures foster babies in tandem. "People look at me like I am absolutely crazy when I tell them I have seven dogs and fosters at all times," she says. "We have such a good routine down, and life is so easy with my pack. They are the best babies."

2901 2901 2901 N. N.Fourth N. Fourth Fourth Street Street Street • • Longview, Longview, • Longview, TX TX75605 TX 75605 75605 • • 903-242-3490 903-242-3490 • 903-242-3490 • • LongviewRegional.com LongviewRegional.com • LongviewRegional.com www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine | https://twitter.com/infinitieplus | infinitieplus | October 2021

Inspiration

ARE YOU LISTENING? By DR. MICHAEL GUIDO

family in Calgary, Alberta, Canada purchased a well-trained and very expensive guard dog to protect their home and belongings. It brought them great peace and comfort and reduced their fears of someone invading their home. One evening as the family gathered together to watch their favorite television program, the dog began to bark. “Hush, Sarge,” said the father. But Sarge refused to stop barking and looked anxiously from one family member to another. They refused to be bothered as they watched the show. It was too entertaining. Finally, the program was over,

and the father excused himself and went upstairs to go to bed. As he entered his bedroom, he realized that the dog had been trying to get their attention. A thief had carefully and quietly entered their home, opened their safe and stolen their most valuable possessions. The repeated warnings of the dog could not get their attention to alert them to danger. The value of his warnings went unheeded. “Today,” (or – a more literal translation – “listen to Me now”) warned the Psalmist, “if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts!” Often God tries to “get our attention” to warn us of impending dangers. He does His best to speak to us through His Word or a friend,

a verse of Scripture or a sermon. He reaches out to us in love and compassion – anxious to warn us of the attractiveness of self-destructive behaviors that destroy us. The power of temptation blinds us from seeing destruction that awaits us. But, like the family in Canada, we are so often too involved in the things of this world to hear His warning. Prayer: Lord, open our ears to hear, our eyes to see, and our minds to be alert to the temptations we face constantly. May we listen for Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Scripture for Today: Today, if only you would hear his voice, Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah. Psalm 95:7b-8

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Cover Story Education

Cover Story

Grayce Weaver: Passionately rescues man’s best friend

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

rayce Weaver's dog Baxter died in March. He had been her faithful companion at home and work for 5 years. Adjusting to his passing has not been easy. Nonetheless, she has had help in learning to live without him. Grayce and husband Ronnie Weaver have ten other "fur babies." Their lovely dogs: Saber, Birdie, Winston, Daisy, Maggie, Figgy and Darla, plus cats Daphne, Lola and Sullivan share their love and support. Besides her own furry babies, she nurtures foster babies in tandem. "People look at me like I am absolutely crazy when I tell them I have seven dogs and fosters at all times," she says. "We have such a

good routine down, and life is so easy with my pack. They are the best babies." Grayce and Ronnie married fourteen years ago. He is accepting and supportive of her passion for animals. "If I told him I wanted to adopt an elephant he would do whatever it took to make that happen," she says. "He is my rock." Together, they have overcome every challenge their novel lifestyle has placed before them. They are both spouses and best friends. Both use laughter as a tonic to keep them happy and mutually supportive as they live a lifestyle centered around animals, yoga, and cooking. Besides her husband, Grayce was blessed with parents who steered her down the narrow path to a well-adjusted, joyful lifestyle. "One thing my mom, Brenda

Waskowiak told me many years ago is this: 'We will never know how deep God's mercy is.' That has stuck with me throughout the years and will go down in my book as some of my favorite words." Her father Dean Waskowiak, taught her the absolute necessity of a strong work ethic and solid faith, repeatedly telling her and her brother the Bible verse, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV). Originally from Nebraska, Grayce's parents were newlyweds when they came to Longview in 1979 to attend LeTourneau University. Like many others, they fell in love with their new home, and now regard themselves as natives after forty-two years of marriage and residence.

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Grayce Weaver with her pets

Photo by Korinna Grace

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Cover Story Education

Cover Story "If I told him I wanted to adopt an elephant, he would do whatever it took to make that happen. He is my rock." Grayce Weaver describing her husband’s support for her passion.

Dr. Cynthia Wise

"If I told him I wanted to adopt an elephant, he would do whatever it took to make that happen. He is my rock." Grayce Weaver describing her husband’s support for her passion. Ronnie www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine Weaver with their pets. | https://twitter.com/infinitieplus Photo| by infinitieplus Korinna Grace | October Photography 2021 10 and Grayce

Her younger brother, Jeffrey makes his home in Portland, Oregon where he runs his own business called Kick Rich. He makes custom shoes. They are a guitar- and pianoplaying family that makes beautiful music vocally and instrumentally. On a different note, Grayce's stepdaughter Baylee Weaver, is slated to graduate from Stephen F. Austin and commence a teaching and coaching career in the Dallas metroplex. Grayce attended private school, graduating from East Texas Christian School. She is currently working towards earning her certification as a yoga instructor. She lives and directs her vocation according to the proverb, "Every time you share your dreams with the right people your fears lose their power." These words remind her that jittery nerves can be overcome, especially when one has the right people in their corner. She has practiced yoga intermittently for ten years, and last year began serious pursuit of this discipline at Freedom Yoga. It is now an integral part of her existence, giving her positive growth internally and externally; equally boosting her overall sense of accomplishment. "We set daily affirmations at the start of each practice. I am strong.

I am capable. I am enough," she says. "I speak these truths into my life every day continuously and try to encourage others via social media as much as possible." According to Grayce, no one should forget their self-worth in this world so fixated on comparison, making some lose sight of or forget positive internal truths. This uplifting attitude needs to be applied to home, self, work, relationships, and all aspects of daily existence. A healthy sense of selfworth goes a long way. Grayce does not allow herself to forget that people are faced daily by the decision to evolve or stagnate. Her advice is to speak wisely and kindly because it sends good vibes and radiates out to all around us. Moreover, self-searching time alone is vital to emotional health. Human beings occasionally need to get away from the outside world. Grayce has this down to a T. Freedom Yoga is not her sole outlet, either. She has worked for Encore Multimedia since 2005 and for EDSuite since Encore purchased it in 2017. She handles accounting, human resources and busi-

ness management. Her job is made easier by her love of organizing and working with numbers. "Encore is a family-based company that was started back in 1994 in my family's garage," she says. "Working with my family has given me the opportunity to see my dad on an almost daily basis for the past fifteen-plus years." Encore's success upholds her family's emphasis on hard, honest work and integrity. She streamlines all areas of her job, boosting its efficiency and enabling her to effectively implement her love of organization and customer service. Her dedication to customers makes her very aware of this part of the business– customer service. Hence, she is aware when it is absent in her dealings with other businesses. "I have been in customer service since I was sixteen years old, and I have noticed a major decline in customer service at the businesses that we go to," she says. "I do not want to be part of that decline as an individual, and also as a business that I represent." The Christian education, instilled in Grayce that a spirit of excellence is vital to long-term success. This demanding but essential attitude is encapsulated in Fruits of the Spirit: Joy, Peace, Kindness, Patience, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV). Anyone striving for lifelong well-adjustment and profit need to live by these attributes regardless of one's religion or status. Apart from this, her desire to help others is not limited to assisting humans.

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Cover Story Education Her and Ronnie's devotion to caring for at-need canines requires great effort physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. The demands of this preoccupation keep them hopping as they are meticulous about keeping everything in order and on schedule for their pets. "If I am not physically doing something to help a dog, I am thinking about how to get it accomplished, worrying if I am doing enough, coordinating with someone to help us, and figuring out how to make the next one possible," she says. She works closely with Lone Star Transport Dogs in providing dogs with preventive care, vetting, and placing canines with adoptive

Roxie kisses Grayce Weaver

Cover Story Grayce Weaver in a Yoga pose. She does not allow herself to forget that people are faced daily by the decision to evolve or stagnate. Her advice is to speak wisely and kindly because it sends good vibes and radiates out to all around us.

families. This means she spends a lot of time behind the wheel along with other area women who, like her, are infected with irresistible compassion. They stay in contact with local animal shelters to get dogs entered into their program, watch Facebook to learn of dogs that need help, and keep endless paperwork organized. Despite her (and their) expertise in these labors of love...they are still, endlessly learning. "I try to soak in as much knowledge as possible during this process," she says. "I have learned so much about dogs, ways to help them at home, how to handle situations, etc." Her love of animals is not

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something she has learned. It has been with her since birth. She connects with her furry friends, she says, sometimes better than she does with people. While growing up she would always be there for cats and dogs in distress. She just loves helping animals and spending quality time with them and her husband. Her furry friends are as much a blessing to her as she is to them. "My first two dogs, Zoey and Nilla, opened a window in my heart that I did not know existed. The unconditional love from these two fur babies brought me through some very tough times," she says. "After losing Zoey back in 2012

and Nilla in 2016, I needed to fill the void in my heart. I started by volunteering at the animal shelter." Apart from being emotionally fulfilling, she describes her work with unfortunate animals as a "character building" experience. The unconditional love her furry friends provide, is something she (and most everyone else) craves and needs. But that is not all. This rescue work has opened the door to many friendships she now cherishes with other big-hearted people she has met in her calling. Her increasing desire to be a savior for needy pets and pets-tobe, led her to Lone Star Transport Dogs founded in 2018. This non-

profit animal assistance organization transported thousands of dogs from East Texas and San Antonio to their new-found homes. Dogs slated for euthanasia, abandoned and stray dogs including dogs being offered free online have found loving homes through this initiative. Due to lack of neutering, there is a large population of stray, feral dogs, and cats in East Texas. Grayce lends an eager hand in taking in these animals and providing them with neutering, shots, monthly preventatives, and other treatments typically recommended by veterinarians. This makes the pets much more attractive to potentially adoptive persons. They are then shipped to 11th Hour Rescue in New Jersey for adoption by persons carefully screened via applications, vets, and personal references. New Jersey is an attractive destination for these pets-to-be because of certain state laws requiring the type of medical treatments that Lone Star Transport Dogs provides. This means people in New Jersey know they are receiving the safest, healthiest, and most desirable adoptive pets. In other words, these are the easiest and best to pets to adopt. As a matter of fact, these dogs are going to the best possible and most loving adoptive families. It is important to note, the pet laws in New Jersey are similar to how cars are registered in Texas. Grayce hopes such animal-friendly regulations are eventually passed in Texas, considering its serious overpopulation of homeless cats and dogs. Teresa Carroll (founder, Lindale), Heather Davis (founder, San Antonio), Susan Gill (Lindale), and

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Cover Story Education

Cover Story

Grayce Weaver and Penny Lady Rose dearest to Grayce’s heart

Heather Murphy (Flint) work hard alongside Grayce in coordinating and executing Lone Star Transport Dogs' mission of earthly salvation. The program is entirely donationsupported and will accept any dog or kind of dog as long as it is dogand people-friendly. It is an expensive campaign, and its leading lad ies must trust that adequate funding will be delivered, especially considering many of the animals they take in, need surgery or other costly medical treatments. Furthermore, this is a 100% donation initiative. They use fundraisers on their Facebook page (facebook.com/lonestartransportdogs) and individual Facebook pages to bring in the funding for procedures such as amputations, heart surgery and heartworm treatment. Then, there are the essential foster families.

"We would not be able to help as many as we do without fosters who open up their homes for usually three to four weeks to our dogs," she says. "They give them love, show them that they are safe and get them ready for their new homes in New Jersey." Every Thursday, Grayce and her colleagues compile a list of dogs that have been pre-adopted and are ready for the two-day trip to New Jersey. The fosters meet with the Lone Star Transport Dogs ladies in Lindale. They assist in loading dogs onto transport vans amid the fosters' bittersweet tears at their temporary family members' departure as they head for their new, "furever" homes. In addition, the mission's rescue partner, 11th Hour Rescue, provides Grayce and her sister guardian angels with adoption day photographs. Once again,

Grayce Weaver and Lil Tudy

Grayce Weaver’s current foster, 12 years old Cheech had 4 teeth pulled after raising money for his surgery.

"We would not be able to help as many as we do without fosters who open up their homes for usually three to four weeks to our dogs. They give them love, show them that they are safe and get them ready for their new homes in New Jersey." Grayce Weaver. for those involved it is a blessed learning experience. "I have learned many things in rescue," she says. "Patience, extended compassion, faith, trust and awareness just to name a few." She believes the Almighty created dogs specifically as companionship for the human race. Through their unconditional love dogs remind us that we are stewards of this Creation. She is downright thankful and humbled to be a

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part of Lone Star Rescue Dogs. She encourages all who read this article to consider becoming involved as a foster or a financial supporter. Their nonprofit organization can help only as many dogs as there are places for them to go. "Even sharing a post on Facebook can help spread the word and open doors," she says." Finally, check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/ lonestartransportdogs. They look forward to hearing from you.

Transport Van ready to take pets to their “Furrever” homes in New Jersey

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Assisted Living and Memory Care Community

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Nonprofit Community Connections

Credit Union invests in smiles

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

he director and administrators of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Pines have long been dedicated to making children smile, but now they are more literal about it than ever. Chief Executive Officer Chad Patterson makes it clear how dedicated he and his colleagues are in this mission. "We spend a lot of time fundraising because we aren't willing to imagine life for these kids without the Boys and Girls Clubs," he says. "Kids need positive environments, safe places, emotional support and fun. We all need fun! Our mission is to provide these opportunities and exceed their expectations, so they always have a smile when they think of their experiences at the Boys and Girls Club." Eastman Credit Union's (ECU) Regional Director Jill Alley shared a leadership program with Patterson and was struck by his dedication and determination to helping children and their families throughout East Texas. "Service-oriented programs like the Boys and Girls Club require hard work and a lot of fundraising. The last year has been particularly challenging, but Chad's passionate spirit and strong leadership are contagious," Alley says. "He

Girls Clubs' objective, ECU has announced a $15,000 donation to the clubs' Big Pines chapter. The credit union will also provide organizational commitments and ongoing partnerships in future years. Because of demands and expenses brought on by the COVID pandemic the ECU commitment comes at the perfect time. Throughout their four-county area the clubs devote hundreds CEO Chad Patterson and Board of hours to fund raising, averagMember Ms. Shalonda Adams with ing more than fifteen Eastman Credit Union Check such events yearly. This dovetails with the "When kids don't feel safe and credit union's commitsupported, they are unable to learn, ment to insuring that grow or develop resiliency skills "your happy future is that will aid them throughout their also ours." "It was a natural fit lives. Boys and Girls Clubs create a for us to support the refuge, a second home and a safe Boys and Girls Clubs place where young people have of the Big Pines bethe freedom to focus on reaching cause, like us, they're future-shapers," said their full potential. The Boys and Eastman Credit Union Girls Clubs of the Big Pines will never stop doing whatever it takes President/CEO Kelly Price. "One of our to protect kids." main goals as an or- Chad Patterson, CEO Boys and ganization is to help shape the positive fuGirls Clubs of the Big Pines tures of our members inspires, and his team doesn't give by providing valuable in. They don't give up. They just financial products and services." work harder. What an amazing exPatterson points out that ample they're setting for these kids the support ECU provides also and the community at large." impacts itself, and on two levels. Responding to the Boys and Firstly, by assisting the clubs in

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fulfilling their prime objective of continued safety responsibility. "When kids don't feel safe and supported, they are unable to learn, grow or develop resiliency skills that will aid them throughout their lives," he says. "Boys and Girls Clubs create a refuge, a second home and a safe place where young people have the freedom to focus on reaching their full potential. Our commitment to the safety of young people is unyielding. The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Pines will never stop doing whatever it takes to protect kids." Secondly, the ECU's support enables the club to start and continue additional vital priorities. This includes academic success and learning recovery, workforce/career preparations, social and emotional well-being, and nutritional security. "The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Pines is an exemplary organization," says Price. "Chad and his team share a vision for success, and this compelling leadership is charting the course and

making positive changes in the lives of children." Patterson went yet further in expounding on the crucial nature of the Boys and Girls Clubs' objectives, and the priceless support they receive. "By investing in our Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Pines mission you are helping us help children reach their fullest potential. Our hope is for every child to develop and become a caring, responsible, productive citizen," he says. "We're doing that one child and one smile at a time, but community support is required for us to do what we love. We greatly appreciate our new partnership with ECU." The Big Pines Boys and Girls Clubs serve almost 1000 children from seventeen counties by providing save environments overseen by well-trained and compassionate adults. Community support is invaluable as the clubs seek to supply programs and experiences proven to enhance children’s' learning experience as they grow and learn the path to successful futures.

"The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Pines is an exemplary organization. Chad and his team share a vision for success, and this compelling leadership is charting the course and making positive changes in the lives of children." Eastman Credit Union President/CEO Kelly Price. Anyone wishing to donate to this wonderful cause should visit www.begreateasttexas. com.

"Every donation we receive means we can spend more time helping the kids," says Patterson.

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Business and Finance

Business and Finance Your customers fall victim to scammers.

Trust is lost with established clientele.

You’re vulnerable to hackers.

Shoppers do business with competitors instead.

An expired TLS certificate puts your customers at risk for fraud and identity theft. The certificate does more than keep your website free of warning messages, it also helps ward off some of the biggest digital threats – hackers and impostors. They do this by verifying the identity of your website and encrypting sensitive information.

A Secure Website Helps Build Trust By MECHELE MILLS

he risks of doing business online have never been greater for businesses and their customers. Online purchase scams and frequent data leaks put consumers' financial security and privacy at risk. To

When a TLS certificate expires, user data is at risk of exposure, and you’re more vulnerable to scammers who may use your business identity to steal from customers. Shoppers who access and use impostor websites could have their identity stolen, their financial information compromised and even lose money to scammers. If an impostor uses your business's identity, customers will associate that negative experience with your company.

Your business reputation suffers. convert website visitors into paying customers, you need to show customers your website is secure from hackers. A valid Transport Layer Security (TLS) (formerly Security Socket Layer, or SSL) certificate is the easiest way to do that, and it’s one of the components Better Business Bureau® consistently recommends consumers look for.

Consider the following reasons an unsecured website is bad for business:

Internet browsers identify your website as a security threat.

A valid TLS/SSL certificate tells internet browsers your website meets standard security protocols. Without it, website visitors are

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greeted not with a perfectly curated homepage, but with a warning message advising users they could be susceptible to phishing. Customers won’t risk losing money or having their identity stolen to use your website, so this warning is enough to drive potential customers away from your website for good.

If the first thing a customer sees when visiting your website is a warning, they will immediately identify your business as untrustworthy. Even if you quickly take action to correct the lapse in security, trust with that customer is likely lost for good. A study by Ponemon Institute estimates that one third of visitors refuse to ever revisit any website where security has lapsed.

Customers are quick to trust businesses they’ve patronized in the past, and scammers know it. An existing customer who falls victim to identity theft through your business is likely to take their business (and their referrals) elsewhere, jeopardizing the 25% sales boost that customer loyalty provides to your business.

Ultimately, the result of allowing your TLS certificate to lapse even momentarily could be significant damage to your reputation, sales and customer loyalty. Every customer you lose due to an expired certificate is one customer your competition could gain. To set your business up for longterm success, you need to take data security seriously and stay ahead of any potential risks. In our digital world, customers must trust you with their personal information before they’ll decide to buy from you. Be a leader in customer privacy by only collecting information you need, safeguarding your data from thieves and being transparent about what you do with customer data. To learn more about how to protect customer data, read Data Privacy for Small Businesses. Also refer to BBB's resources for cybersecurity. For more tips on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, please call BBB at 903-581-5704 or use BBB ScamTracker.

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Community Connections

Get personal with GE Café Kitchen Appliances Distinct by Design

We are known for Stone, but we do much more!

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Education

East Texas Baptist University

receives ETMC grant

he East Texas Medical Center (ETMC) Foundation recently awarded East Texas Baptist University a $100,000 grant to help meet the growing need for mental health care in Smith County and greater East Texas region. ETBU opened the Community Counseling Center in 2020 at the ETBU-Tyler site located at 1301 S. Broadway in Tyler and launched a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in January of 2021. Both the counseling center and classes for the MA program are designed with flexibility and working professionals in mind, and features evening and online courses. This is the second year in a row that the ETMC Foundation has provided support to ETBU’s Community Counseling Center and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. “The ETMC Foundation’s support last year was critical in

helping us launch the ETBU-Tyler site, and we are grateful for the additional support that demonstrates their belief in our work to help meet the mental health needs of the people of Smith County,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “Both the Community Counseling Center and the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are off to a great start at our ETBU-Tyler location. Our counselors are helping clients, and students are making progress toward becoming Licensed Professional Counselors. We are extremely grateful for The East Texas Medical Center (ETMC) Foundation recently awarded East Texas Baptist University a $100,000 the East Texas Medical grant to help meet the growing need for mental health care in Smith County and greater East Texas region. Center Foundation and their partnership over the last two years.” healthcare while providing for the the mental health field. Enrollment The University’s two-pronged growing demand for additional for the University’s Clinical Mental approach enables ETBU to qualified and trained Licensed Health Counseling program has address current needs for mental Professional Counselors (LPC) in grown 191% since its inception in

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2012, with a 60% growth rate just over the last three years. “Our program is unique because we provide the combination of providing professional counseling skills education and helping our counselor trainees understand how to integrate their faith in the counseling process to provide for the client’s needs in a more holistic approach,” Director of ETBU’s Counseling Care Center Terrie Howe said. “So far, we have had the opportunity to meet with clients for individual counseling sessions and attend events that other organizations have hosted to provide mental health resources to the Tyler area. These counseling sessions have already helped people who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford counseling.” All clinical hours required by the program can be completed through the onsite clinic in Tyler. These skilled mental health

care professionals are trained to comprehensively understand counseling practice management and emerging counseling treatment and methodology trends. The program, designed with academic rigor and holistic attention to the intellectual, mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical development of the person, produces graduates who are educated, equipped, and empowered to provide professional counseling services in a variety of settings. “Mental well-being is important for all East Texans,” Executive Director of the ETMC Foundation Dawn Franks said. “By training additional counselors, the ETBU Clinical Counseling program is increasing access to needed services throughout our region. The ETMC Foundation is pleased to support this expansion as East Texas continues to grow.” The ETMC Foundation is a private foundation created by the sale of the East Texas Medical Regional Healthcare system to Ardent Health Services in 2018.

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Second Chance

Second

marriage guide

aking a chance on love and marriage for the second (or third) time is certainly worthy of celebration. The Pew Research Center reports that at least four in 10 new marriages now include at least one partner who has been married before, a trend that is on the rise. Planning a second wedding can be challenging, as individuals may be worried about proper etiquette, superstitions or meeting the expectations of others. But there are no hard rules governing second weddings. Now that couples are older and a bit more experienced, wedding planning may be met with greater enthusiasm and patience.

Don’t feel beholden to intimate affairs. Second weddings tend to be more intimate, as guest lists tend to be smaller and couples tying the knot again may prefer more intimacy and less hustle and bustle. But couples should not avoid inviting people simply because second weddings are typically small affairs. Invite as many friends and family as you want and as your budget allows. Set up a registry. Established couples may have the household basics already in place, but registries can include fun or entertaining gifts that speak to couples’ interests. These may include home theater systems, fancy cookware, athletic equipment, or even funds for travel.

These tips can help the process along.

Involve the children. Couples who have children can make them a special part of their second wedding Dress it up. Brides need not eschew white celebrations. Kids can play any role in the ceremony, if they prefer to wear it for their second weddings. depending on their age. If the second marriage comes White, cream, ivory, or other shades are perfectly after an amicable divorce, couples can invite their acceptable. Also, brides can make their gowns as former spouses to provide support to their children lavish or as simplistic as they desire. The length so they can feel comfortable in the wedding. and style of the dress should reflect the formality and scope of the event. Be prepared. The marriage application process is similar the second time around, but additional Make it unique. Couples who have been documents, such as a divorce decree or death cermarried before may want to set this new occasion tificate, may be necessary. These legal documents apart from their previous weddings. Brides’ maga- also will be needed for men and women who intend zine experts suggest discussing previous celebrations to change their last names after getting married. A and what can be done differently this time around. second marriage deserves as much celebration as the Couples can use this opportunity to get to know first and gives couples an opportunity to express their each other more intimately by personalizing their love for each other and their appreciation to their festivities. friends and families.

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I Do

Get schooled on

wedding terminology

ouples about to embark on their wedding journeys will likely learn a thing or two about party planning once their engagements are over and they are newly married. Wedding planning can seem overwhelming and a tad confusing at times, but a crash course in wedding terminology can help couples make more informed choices along the way. Blusher: A short, single-layer veil that covers the bride’s face before the ceremony. Boutonniere: A single flower bud worn by the men in the bridal party. Canaps: Bite-sized appetizers served during the cocktail hour of a reception. Civil ceremony: A marriage ceremony conducted by a council official or justice of the peace at a municipal location rather than in a house of worship. Cocktail hour: Typically, an hour-long interlude between the wedding ceremony and the main dinner of the reception. Guests have time to arrive and mingle before being seated. Corkage fee: A fee some establishments charge to

allow guests to bring their own wine.

various components of the wedding reception.

Dais: A podium or platform raised from the floor where the bride and groom are seated.

Nosegay: A small bouquet or flower arrangement typically given to the mothers of the bride and groom before the ceremony.

Deposit: A percentage of the total cost of service given to a vendor to secure a date for their services.

Processional/Recessional: Musical pieces that mark the entrance and exit from the wedding ceremony.

Receiving line: A line of the key people in the wedding who welcome and greet guests. Stationery: All of the paper products used at the wedding, including invitations, programs and enclosures. Tablescape: A word that describes the multiple components of centerpiece designs. Learning some basic wedding terminology can simplify wedding planning.

Drages: Round, small edible balls of sugar that appear on wedding cakes. Escort (seating) cards: Printed cards that direct reception guests to their seats. Fondant: A sweet, plyable product used to decoratively cover layered cakes. It can be used in lieu of straight buttercream. Handle wrap: Ribbon or fabric that wraps around the stems of a bouquet the bride and wedding party carries. Maid/matron of honor: The title given to the woman who assists the bride and stands closest to her at the altar. Maids are those who are unmarried, while matrons are women who are. Master of ceremonies: An individual who will work with the DJ or band to announce the

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Wedding flowers becoming larger

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

Floral chandeliers

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

Welcome wreaths

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

Fairy-tale flowers

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

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than life

Dance floor blooms

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

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What to consider when

shopping for rings

ngagements precede wedding dresses, flower arrangements, limousines, and even a couple’s wedding vows. And no proposal is complete without a ring. A recent survey in the United States found that people spend an average, of $5,978 on engagement rings. Recognizing the potential cost of engagement rings can help ring shoppers prepare for their purchases. Couples can employ the following tips to shop with confidence. Know your settings. How the diamond is framed can affect how big it looks and even how much it sparkles. A skilled jeweler knows how to properly cut a stone to bring out its best radiance. Know ring metals. Platinum and gold are some of the most popular ring setting metals. Platinum

costs considerably more than gold or silver, but is long-lasting. Investigate personal style. Men should pay attention to the jewelry their girlfriends wear so the engagement rings complement their style. Some women love modern jewelry, while others gravitate toward vintage pieces. Think about trading up. Some couples like to replace engagement rings with a more elaborate ring for a big anniversary. Jewelry stores are in the business of developing relationships with their customers. When purchasing engagement rings, couples can discuss their desires in regard to a ring, as well as their budgets.

Evolution of wedding favors

Experience gifts Instead of a candle or a monogrammed cake server, think of experiences to offer guests. A coupon for free drinks at a nearby brewery, a tour of a local attraction while guests are in town or a group excursion for guests attending a destination wedding can be fun and will help guests create lasting memories.

edding favors have changed and in many cases for the better. Today’s couples are interested in customizing their weddings and offering guests something meaningful, or at the very least, edible, so that favors don’t immediately get relegated to the trash can. Wedding planners from across the country offer these wedding favor trends that couples may want to incorporate into their Like many other elements of the own celebrations. favors are evolving to help

Charitable donations Some couples feel that favors are wasteful and would rather set aside a portion of their wedding budgets toward giving back.

Late-night snacks After a night of celebrating, some guests may want the festivities to continue, but may need some extra sustenance to make it through a few more hours. Some couples are eschewing traditional favors in lieu of making room for extra food or beverage expenses that can include after-party treats.

wedding, give weddings a custom feel.

Welcome bags Rather than take-home bags, welcome bags have replaced the traditional favor trinket at some weddings. Many weddings have become multi-day events that ask guests traveling from out of town to attend a wedding weekend.

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October 2021

Second

marriage guide Get schooled on wedding terminology

What to consider when

shopping for rings Evolution of

wedding favors

Wedding flowers becoming

larger than life FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

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