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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 dog- and 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/lonestartrans-

portdogs) 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 Penny 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.

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

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 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.

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Nonprofit Community Connections

Nonprofit Community Connections Credit Union invests in smiles

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

The 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

CEO Chad Patterson and Board Member Ms. Shalonda Adams with Eastman Credit Union Check

inspires, and his team doesn't give in. They don't give up. They just work harder. What an amazing example they're setting for these kids and the community at large."

Responding to the Boys and

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 of hours to fund raising, averaging more than fifteen such events yearly. "When kids don't feel safe and This dovetails with the supported, they are unable to learn, credit union's commitment to insuring that grow or develop resiliency skills "your happy future is that will aid them throughout their also ours." lives. Boys and Girls Clubs create a "It was a natural fit refuge, a second home and a safe place where young people have for us to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Pines bethe freedom to focus on reaching cause, like us, they're their full potential. The Boys and future-shapers," said Girls Clubs of the Big Pines will Eastman Credit Union never stop doing whatever it takes to protect kids." President/CEO Kelly Price. "One of our main goals as an or- Chad Patterson, CEO Boys and ganization is to help

Girls Clubs of the Big Pines shape the positive futures of our members by providing valuable financial products and services." Patterson points out that the support ECU provides also impacts itself, and on two levels. Firstly, by assisting the clubs in 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.

A Secure Website Helps Build Trust

By MECHELE MILLS

The 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 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 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. Your customers fall victim to scammers. 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.

You’re vulnerable to hackers. 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. 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. Trust is lost with established clientele. 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.

Shoppers do business with competitors instead. 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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East Texas Baptist University receives ETMC grant

The 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 Foundation and their partnership over the last two years.”

The University’s two-pronged approach enables ETBU to address current needs for mental healthcare while providing for the growing demand for additional qualified and trained Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in the mental health field. Enrollment for the University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has grown 191% since its inception in 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.

The 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.

Secondmarriage guide

Taking 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.

These tips can help the process along.

Dress it up. Brides need not eschew white if they prefer to wear it for their second weddings. White, cream, ivory, or other shades are perfectly acceptable. Also, brides can make their gowns as lavish or as simplistic as they desire. The length and style of the dress should reflect the formality and scope of the event.

Make it unique. Couples who have been married before may want to set this new occasion apart from their previous weddings. Brides’ magazine experts suggest discussing previous celebrations and what can be done differently this time around. Couples can use this opportunity to get to know each other more intimately by personalizing their festivities. 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.

Involve the children. Couples who have children can make them a special part of their second wedding celebrations. Kids can play any role in the ceremony, depending on their age. If the second marriage comes after an amicable divorce, couples can invite their former spouses to provide support to their children so they can feel comfortable in the wedding.

Be prepared. The marriage application process is similar the second time around, but additional documents, such as a divorce decree or death certificate, may be necessary. These legal documents also will be needed for men and women who intend to change their last names after getting married. A second marriage deserves as much celebration as the first and gives couples an opportunity to express their love for each other and their appreciation to their friends and families.

Get schooled on wedding terminology

Couples 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.

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

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

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 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.

various components of the wedding reception.

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

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

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SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS

Wedding flowers becoming larger than life

Move 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. 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.