infinitieplus Magazine February 2026 vol16 no02 Issue

Tyler economic ouTlook crisTina Hollins: serves THe under-resourced longview coc celebraTes 110 years Hurried cHild syndrome CUE THE LIGHTS. ROLL THE MUSIC. Junior League nabs Lifetime Achievement Award

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Can you spot a fake loan text scam

By BCP STAFF

You get a text message, supposedly following up on a $10,000 loan application. Only, you never applied for a loan. Is this pure luck or a scam? Before you use the callback number in the message to find out, or even reply “NO” to cancel the application, learn to spot a fake loan text scam. Scammers use unexpected text messages to catch you off guard. Maybe the text says you’re preapproved for a large loan amount (not true). Or the company says it needs your Social Security or bank account

number to finish the “application” (also not true!). Scammers hope that, if it seems like the process is already in motion, you’ll reply now and think later. They might say something like “This is the last step” or “Just reply YES to confirm you still want to claim the loan.” But none of that’s true, either. It’s just a phishing scam. If you respond, you might end up giving a scammer exactly what they want — your personal information, which could lead to identity theft.

If you get a text about a loan you didn’t apply for, here’s how to handle it:

• Don’t reply or click links. It could lead to a scam. Delete the text.

• Talk to someone you trust. Taking the time to talk about it with someone you trust could help you spot the scam.

• Delete unwanted texts using your phone’s “report junk” option or forward them to 7726 (SPAM). Then report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you think a scammer already has your personal information, go to IdentityTheft. gov for specific steps to take based on the information you may have lost.

GREETINGS

TOP TALK

There’s also good news for our local business crowd. The Tyler Business After Hours (BAH) cash prize has climbed to an impressive $4,150, and one lucky attendee could walk away with it at the next event. Be sure to check out the details on page 19

Hello Friends and Neighbors, February’s edition is packed with timely stories and community moments we’re excited to share with you.

As a new year begins, the economy remains top of mind for many across East Texas. Renowned economist Dr. Ray Perryman recently brought his insights to Tyler, addressing key issues such as immigration and tariffs. You can see the excerpts of his presentation on page 11.

Despite cold temperatures and icy conditions, the Longview Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Banquet drew a full house. The evening featured keynote speaker Travis Fisher of the Cato Institute, a leadership transition, and a celebration of community achievements. Read the full story beginning on page 12.

In arts and culture news, the spotlight shined brightly on the Junior League of Longview, which was honored with the Arts!Longview 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award for Artistic Excellence. The Broadway-style celebration recognized decades of impact on Longview’s cultural landscape. See the story and photos on page 6

And that’s just a glimpse of what’s inside. We hope you enjoy this month’s edition and thank you for your continued support. We look forward to serving our community again in March, by God’s grace

Joycelyne Fadojutimi, Ph.D. LT Class 22 - The Best Class Ever. “Double Deuce.”

Publisher

Fadojutimi,

Jimenez

Staff Writer

Peace Floris

Contributing Writers

Glenn Miller

Mechele Agbayani Mills

Dr. Michael Guido

Scotts Roberts

Graphic Designer

Kuneho Designs

OUR MISSION

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

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 2026. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus magazine reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus magazine or its advertisers.

P. O. Box 12473

Longview, Texas 75602-2473

www.infinitieplusmag.com

Phone: 903.918.7706

VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 02

Cover Story

Business and Finance

Money Matters

Education

Community Connections

Health and Wellness

Women Today Women Wellness

.

Cue the lights. Roll the music.

This is Longview’s standing ovation moment.

Under the glow of marquee lights and Broadwaystyle flair, the Junior League of Longview took center stage as the recipient of the Arts!Longview 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award for Artistic Excellence—a distinction reserved for legends who don’t just participate in the arts but build the stage itself. The honor was presented during Arts!Longview Honors,

the organization’s annual, redcarpet, note-worthy celebration recognizing individuals and organizations whose vision has shaped the heart of Longview’s Cultural District and its eight arts and culture institutions.

Past honorees include trailblazers such as Pat Mitchell, founder of Longview Ballet Theatre; James Snowdon, founder of the Longview Symphony Orchestra and East Texas Symphonic Band; and Barbara McClennan, whose

Lifestyle Options and Senior Care Services

the most current dementia and Alzheimer’s care training, so your loved one receives the knowledgeable, attentive care they need.

Live with the Best Arabella of Longview stands apart by showcasing the best Longview has to offer in Senior Living. We’ve been awarded the “Best of East

1155 E Hawkins Pkwy, Longview, TX 75605 | (903) 708-6083. https://www.civitasseniorliving.com/arabella-of-longview

lifelong devotion enriched the city’s theater, music, and

Founded in 1940 by just 14 visionary women, the Junior League of Longview has spent more than eight decades proving that service, when paired with imagination, can transform a city. Their most enduring legacy? In 1958, they founded the Longview

presence in downtown Longview.

“The League knew that every great city has a cultural arts program,” said Christina Cavazos, Executive Director of Arts!Longview. “Since its founding, the Longview Museum of Fine Arts has blossomed into a hallmark institution with a remarkable collection for our community and the greater East Texas area.”

Through grants and hands-on leadership, the Junior League supported the Longview Symphony Orchestra and Longview Ballet Theatre, and for four decades operated a beloved children’s theatre program— laying the groundwork for what would later become ArtsView Children’s Theatre. Their fingerprints are everywhere art has taken root in Longview.

Accepting the honor, Bethany Nolan, President of the Junior League of Longview, reflected on the deeper meaning behind the

“The League knew that every great city has a cultural arts program. Since its founding, the Longview Museum of Fine Arts has blossomed into a hallmark institution with a remarkable collection for our community and the greater East Texas area.”

- Christina Cavazos , Executive Director of Arts!Longview.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because the Junior League of Longview has long believed in the power of the arts to strengthen communities and create opportunity. When women come together in service, creativity,

and compassion, we can truly shape the future of our community.”

-

Bethany Nolan,

President

“This recognition is especially meaningful because the Junior League of Longview has long believed in the power of the arts to strengthen communities and create opportunity,” Nolan said. “When women come together in service, creativity, and compassion, we can truly shape the future of our community.”

“Through our mission to empower women and children experiencing poverty, we are proud to have helped spark impactful arts organizations such as LMFA, supported local nonprofits through grants, and created programs like School Supply Train, Girl Talk with Longview ISD, and the Poverty Conference. This award is a reminder that when women together in service,

of the Junior League of Longview creativity, and compassion, we can truly shape the future of our community.”

Arts!Longview Honors serves as the signature fundraiser for Arts!Longview, the nonprofit organization charged with managing Longview’s state-designated Cultural District. And this year, the applause was unmistakable: a tribute not just to artistic excellence, but to the women who dared to imagine a richer cultural life and made it real.

For more information about Arts!Longview, visit artslongview.org.

TAs residents of the United States of America celebrate the nation’s two hundred and fifti-

eth anniversary, some might be curious where the America portion of the country’s name comes from. According to the

Library of Congress, America is named after Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. The LOC contends that Vespucci was the first to suggest that the lands Christopher Columbus sailed to in 1492 were part of a separate continent. German mapmaker Martin WaldseemŸller honored Vespucci’s assertion in 1507, when he created a notable map that was the first to depict the lands as a separate

continent, naming the area America which is a Latinized version of Amerigo That map is now part of the cartographic collections at the LOC, and is sometimes referred to as America’s Birth Certificate

Presidential powers and privileges

HTyler economic outlook: Perryman tackles hot topics

By PAULA JIMENEZ

•

s performance or sporting events due to the extensive secur ty preparat ons that would be necessary

• Similar to dr v ng a car, a president shouldn t take a commercia airl ne flight.

• For security reasons, open ng w ndows in the Wh te House and n the president a vehicle is prohib ted

• A president shou dn’t do spr ng clean ng, l ke idying up an office Under he Presidential Records Act pres dents are mandated to hang on o things that normal y would be discarded by others such as ema ls and paperwork

T56 men signed the Declaration of Independence

he Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and Contact Club hosted its 42nd annual Economic Outlook with over 850 guests. The event featured renowned economist Dr. Ray Perryman, a Nobel Prize nominee with a Ph.D. from Rice University and over 400 academic papers to his name. He covered hot topics such as immigration, oil and gas, and the effects of tariffs.

In fact, key industries like agriculture, construction, hospitality, healthcare, and engineering all rely heavily on immigrant workers.

Dr. Perryman captivated the crowd with predictions and analysis spanning global and local economies. He said in Texas, careers in the financial services have grown by 110% versus New York by 16%. The next two leading workforce careers are advanced manufacturing and healthcare.

Although Texas has lost 12,000 jobs since May, Tyler has managed to outperform the state, neither gaining nor losing jobs, giving credit to its economic diversity and local investments. He wrapped up with a Q&A session. Please, enjoy the full presentation on the TACC’s YouTube channel.

Longview Chamber celebrates leadership, community, and 110 years of impact

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI | www.infinitieplusmag.com

The Longview Chamber of Commerce began the year with its Annual Meeting and Banquet, a red-carpet evening that brought together business leaders, community partners, and civic stakeholders to celebrate achievement, leadership, and the Chamber’s 110th anniversary.

The high-profile event featured keynote speaker Travis Fisher of the Cato Institute; a leadership transition, and an awards ceremony recognizing businesses and individuals whose work continues to strengthen the Longview community and regional economy.

Outgoing Chairman Lori Ivey opened the program with welcoming remarks and reflections on the past year before formally passing the gavel to incoming 2026 Chairman Andy Hill. Hill shared his appreciation for the Chamber’s legacy and emphasized collaboration, growth, and community engagement as priorities for the year ahead.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Chamber’s annual awards, honoring excellence across

business, manufacturing, service, and volunteer leadership. The 2025 award recipients were:

• Manufacturer of the Year: Energy Weldfab

• Large Business of the Year: Joyce Crane

• Community Impact Award:

The Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center

• Chairman’s Award: Michael Clements Jr. and Jack Post

• Reach Team Member of the Year: Kelsey Hopkins

for contributing to economic vitality, workforce development, and community well-being throughout East Texas.

In his keynote address, Fisher spoke about the importance of reliable energy as a foundation for community prosperity and business growth. He emphasized that East Texas industries, particularly manufacturing and energy that rely on consistency and dependability to support jobs, innovation, and long-term investment.

Contd. on Page 14

Business and Finance

His remarks focused on how stability, infrastructure, and thoughtful leadership help communities remain competitive and resilient.

Fisher also highlighted the value of collaboration between business leaders, policymakers, and communities to ensure that economic growth remains sustainable and inclusive. He noted that regions with strong infrastructure and cooperative leadership are better positioned to weather challenges and seize new opportunities.

The evening concluded with a celebration of the Chamber’s 110-year history, recognizing its longstanding role as a champion for business, a connector of community partners, and a driver of regional progress.

Popular foods that compromise

heart health

Attendees reflected on the Chamber’s legacy while looking ahead to continued growth, innovation, and shared success in the years to come.

The Annual Meeting and Banquet reaffirmed the Longview Chamber’s mission to support local business, strengthen community ties, and lead with vision, honoring the past while building momentum for the future.

Some of the most beloved foods in our kitchens—those that sizzle, comfort, and satisfy—may be quietly working against heart health. While enjoying food is an important part of life, research continues to show that certain popular choices can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease when eaten too often. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute emphasizes that food and heart health are deeply connected. Diets rich in heart-healthy foods can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, while regular indulgence in less nutritious options can have lasting consequences.

of daily calories, a threshold that bacon can quickly exceed.

A single slice of uncooked bacon contains about 110 calories, many of them from fat that strains the cardiovascular system.

Red Meat

Red meat is another staple that can challenge heart health. Many cuts are high in saturated fat, though levels vary. Grassfed beef tends to contain less saturated fat than grain-fed options, and lean cuts—such as sirloin or extra-lean ground beef—are better choices than rib-eye steaks, T-bone steaks, or short ribs. Even so, moderation is key.

Here are several widely loved foods that deserve a second look.

Bacon

Few foods are as tempting as bacon, with its savory aroma and crisp texture. Unfortunately, bacon is high in cholesterol and saturated fat—both linked to heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that saturated fat make up less than 6 percent

Baked Goods

Cookies, cakes, and muffins may feel harmless, but regular consumption can negatively affect the heart.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that high triglycerides can lead to hypertriglyceridemia, a condition that damages the heart and blood vessels. Added sugars and refined carbohydrates also contribute to weight gain, another major risk factor for heart disease.

Processed Meats

Deli meats, sausages, and hot dogs are convenient favorites, but they often contain high levels of sodium and saturated fat. A 2021 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating just over five ounces of processed meat per week increased cardiovascular disease risk by 46 percent— an amount equal to about five thin slices of deli meat. While these foods are hard to resist, replacing them with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can go a long way toward protecting heart health. Small, consistent changes today can lead to a stronger heart tomorrow.

HURRIED CHILD SYNDROME

When busy becomes too much: The story of overbooked kids

By

It’s 6:45 p.m. on a Tuesday, and the Johnson family minivan pulls into the driveway. Inside are two exhausted kids, one with a cello case and the other clutching a soccer ball. Dinner will

have to wait — there’s still homework to finish before bedtime. Sound familiar?

In today’s world of endless opportunity, parents want their children to succeed — to thrive now and build a strong foundation for the future. It’s a noble goal. But somewhere

between tutoring sessions, travel teams, music lessons, and volunteer work, family life can start to feel less like a cozy home and more like a revolving door.

Experts have started calling this trend “tiger parenting” or “concerted

cultivation.” These styles, often found in middle-class families, focus on filling every waking hour with structured activities that promise growth, skill, and success. However, research is starting to reveal the hidden price of overpacked schedules which includes: stress, anxiety, and lost opportunities for kids to simply be kids.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children’s free playtime has dropped by about 25% since the early 1980s, while time spent in structured sports and academic programs continues to climb. Moreover, developmental psychologist David Elkind even coined a name for this phenomenon — Hurried Child Syndrome — describing the way kids are being nudged (or shoved) into growing up too fast.

And it’s not just lost play that’s concerning. Studies show that children who spend more time in unstructured play actually get better at setting and achieving their own goals. Meanwhile, kids who are always told what to do and

when to do it can struggle later on with time management and problem-solving.

More troubling still, pressure to achieve good grades remains the number one cause of stress among teens, according to the Pew Research Center. Sixtyone percent say they feel intense pressure to perform academically. When a child’s sense of self-worth becomes tied too tightly to how they perform — in school, on the field, or on stage — failure can feel devastating.

A 2024 data analysis by Solution Health discovered another important clue: children with jam-packed enrichment schedules are more prone to anxiety, anger, and depression than their peers with fewer commitments. It seems that when every minute is scheduled, rest and creativity fall by the wayside — along with sleep and family dinners.

So, what can families do? Experts recommend flipping the focus from quantity to quality. Choose the activities your child loves most, and

protect time for free play, imaginative daydreaming, and quiet connection. Every child has a different threshold for how much is too much, and parents are the best gauges of when their little ones are burning out.

Sometimes, the best opportunity we can give our children isn’t another activity — it’s the gift of time. Time to rest, to play in the backyard, to get bored and invent something new. Since childhood isn’t just a steppingstone to the futureIt’s a chapter meant to be lived

Little Billy Taylor had been sick for a while, and his friend came to see him every day.

This touched Billy’s mother’s heart, so she thanked him for visiting her son so faithfully. “That’s O.K., Mrs. Taylor,” he said. “But if Billy dies, may I have his new bike?”

How like so many of us! We do things to get, not to give. Like an onion, our selfishness has layers: self-seeking, self-pleasing, self-will, and self-glory. We may serve others, but too often we expect something in return—recognition, reward, or personal gain. Jesus, however, modeled pure giving, sacrificing His life for

us without expecting anything back. His example challenges us to examine our motives. Are we serving to give or to get? Do we help others for their sake or for our own? God calls us to peel away the layers of self, seeking His heart instead. True giving reflects Christ’s love—selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial. It’s visiting the sick without ulterior motives, helping a neighbor without expecting favors, or sharing the gospel out of genuine care. Start today by asking God to reveal any selfish motives in your heart. Pray for a spirit of generosity and serve someone without expecting anything in return. It might be a kind word,

a small act of service, or a prayer for another’s need. As we surrender our selfishness to God, He transforms us to live like Jesus—giving freely for His glory.

Prayer:

Lord, forgive my selfish ways. Strip away the layers of self-seeking and fill me with Your selfless love. Help me serve others to give, not to get. Amen.

Scripture For Today:

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

Money Matters

By PAULA JIMENEZ

Despite the chilly January weather, it didn’t keep East Texas’s business crowd away from attending the first Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours of the year, hosted by the Holiday Inn Tyler – Conference Center and catered by Summerfields Grille and Bar. Guests stepped inside a Winter Wonderland theme with large snowflakes dangling from the ceiling. The energy was lively from the moment you arrived. Business cards were exchanged while laughter

echoed off the icy décor. But this wasn’t just any social gathering; you also had an opportunity to win the grand membership drawing. As the night reached a crescendo, Henry Bell, President of TACC, joined by Chairman of the TACC Contact Club, Peter Scheele, Clay Allen, TACC Information Specialist, and Travis Gladhill, Executive Director of Camp V, took the stage to announce the Chamber swag winners. And then came the moment everyone was waiting for. The stakes were high with the membership drive prize now at a whopping $4,150. The rules are simple: if your name is drawn and you’re not in attendance, the prize carries over to the next BAH. This time, the lucky member whose name was selected wasn’t there to claim the winnings—so the jackpot grows! Get ready, because February’s BAH is guaranteed to make one TACC member a little richer.

From the festive theme to the fierce fun of the membership drawing, the TACC kicked off the year with a networking event to remember. “Thank you for joining us to help support our local business community,” said Brandy Wilson, Corporate Sales Manager. As you can see, the Tyler, Texas business community knows how to

Jackpot Grows at Tyler Chamber’s Frosty BAH

turn up the heat, even on the coldest nights!

Fun Fact: With each BAH, TACC adds $50 to the membership drawing pot. Remarkably, it’s been more than six years since anyone has claimed the prize, as the drawn member has never been in attendance!

10 facts about

If asked to name the No. 1 killer of women, many people might be excused for providing an incorrect answer. Various issues affect women’s health, and some issues garner more attention than others. But nothing kills more women each year than cardiovascular

disease, which the American Heart Association notes causes one in three deaths of women each year.

That cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women each year is not the only surprising fact in regard to women and heart health. The following are some additional interesting facts,

women’s heart

�� Awareness among women regarding the threat posed by heart disease has decreased. In 2020, a special report from the AHA indicated that, in 2009, 65 percent of women were aware that heart disease is their leading cause of death. By 2019, that figure had dropped to 44 percent.

are in women. The AHA reports that nearly 52 percent of deaths caused by hypertension (high blood pressure) occur in women.

�� Nearly 58 percent of Black women have hypertension. That’s the highest percentage among women of any race or ethnicity.

higher risk of heart disease.

courtesy of the American Heart Association and other sources.

�� The 2019 Global Burden of Disease study from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimated there are 275 million women around the world with cardiovascular disease.

�� Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms. The AHA notes that could be linked to a host of variables, including obesity. Data from a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that examined pregnancies in 48 states and the District of Columbia found that pre-pregnancy obesity increased by 8 percent between 2011 and 2015. During that same period, severe pre-pregnancy obesity increased by 14 percent. Obesity is considered a significant risk factor for heart disease.

�� The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada reports that the No. 1 cause of premature death in women in Canada is heart disease and stroke.

�� More than half of all high blood pressure deaths

�� Despite the significant percentage of global heart disease deaths affecting women, a 2021 study published in the journal The Lancet found that cardiovascular disease in women is understudied, under-recognized, underdiagnosed, and undertreated.

�� The Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre reports that menopause before the age of 45 is linked to a 50 percent

�� The World Health Organization reports that one-third of all ischaemic heart disease diagnoses across the globe are attributable to high cholesterol. According to the CWHHC, one in two women have elevated cholesterol.

�� A 2017 study of more than 19,000 people who had cardiac events found that only 39 percent of women received CPR from bystanders in public compared to 45 percent of men. Researchers linked that disparity to fears of being accused of inappropriate touching, potential lawsuits and concerns that administering CPR to women could cause physical injury.

When “Just One More” affects the heart

We’re used to thinking of heart health in terms of stress, genetics, or what’s on our plates—but what’s in our glass matters too.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, drinking more alcohol than our bodies can comfortably handle is linked to a higher risk of ischemic heart disease—the world’s leading cause of death, as identified by the World Health Organization. That may sound alarming, but the takeaway isn’t fear—it’s awareness.

7ways to make your Valentine’s Day roses last longer

Valentine’s Day spending shows little sign of waning. Floral arrangements are among the most popular purchases on this special day. According to Rio Roses, customers spent $2.3 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day in 2022. Valentine’s Day tends to be the busiest day for florists as plenty of people want to surprise sweethearts with bouquets and other floral arrangements. Red roses account for 70 percent of all Valentine’s Day flower purchases.

Alcohol affects the heart in subtle ways. Drinking too much can raise blood pressure, and high blood pressure is one of the strongest risk factors for heart disease. It can also increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both of which play a role in clogging arteries and straining the cardiovascular system.

a common type of fat in the body—and while some are normal, higher levels increase heart-disease risk. Triglycerides are also influenced by diet, especially foods high in saturated fats, added sugars, and simple carbohydrates, like sweets, refined breads, and buttery treats.

So, what counts as “too much”? The NHLBI defines excessive drinking as more than one drink per day for women (and more than two for men). Regularly exceeding that amount can quietly tip the scales against heart health over time.

Triglycerides, in particular, deserve attention. They’re

The good news? Small, mindful choices add up. Paying attention to alcohol intake— along with what we eat and how we care for our bodies— can be a powerful form of selfcare. Because protecting your heart isn’t about perfection; it’s about giving yourself the best chance to thrive, now and for years to come.

Early in 2023, Finance Buzz researched the average cost of a dozen roses in each state so shoppers could expect what they would pay to gift their loved ones, and the average price for a dozen roses in the United States was $80.16 at that time. Pennsylvania had the most affordable roses and Hawaii the most expensive. Roses can be costly, and recipients may want to do their bests to ensure the flowers last as long as possible.

Unwrap the bouquet from any plastic as soon as possible to let the flowers breathe. Also, recut the stems with sharp scissors at a 45-degree angle.

Remove any leaves from the stems that would end up sitting in the water when the roses are placed in a vase.

¥Wash the vessel to rid it of dirt, dust and any grime to give the roses the best start possible.

Use lukewarm water to fill the vase. Water that is too hot or too cold may shock the blooms and shorten their life span. Fill the vase to three-quarters full.

Use the flower food that comes with the roses. It is a good mix of nutrients to help prolong the life of the roses. A teaspoon of

sugar dissolved in water also can be used in a pinch if the roses didn’t come with flower food.

Change the water every few days, especially if it is cloudy. This is a good time to re-snip the stems and add more flower food to the lukewarm water.

Keep any cut flowers away from direct sunlight, drafts and radiators or heating vents.

With proper care, cut roses may be able to last seven to 10 days , says Southern Living magazine.

Sleeping with the enemy

By TRACY BECKERMAN

Whenever my husband goes out of town, I cheat. I figure what he doesn't know won't hurt him, and since there's no way for him to find out that I cheated, why not have some fun while he's out of town?

Do I feel guilty about this?

Maybe a bit. But only because I know that my indiscretions may eventually catch up with me in the end. You see, I don't just have one lover. I have two.

Ben AND Jerry.

It's true, I'm supposed to be dairy-free. Wheat-free too. It's not that I'm allergic to wheat and dairy. It's more of an intolerance. And by intolerance, I mean that when I eat anything with wheat or dairy in it ...

I snore. Yes, I snore. And it's loud. Like, rocket-engine loud. Someone once measured it in decibels, and it was somewhere between a heavy metal rock concert and a baby crying on a plane, both of which are annoying but apparently not as annoying as an extremely loud wife snoring in the bed next to you. Or so I've been told.

While my husband is out of town, I don't care if I snore. I don't wake myself up snor-

ing, and I don't keep anyone else awake either. Yeah, sometimes the dog gets annoyed, but then again, sometimes he snores too. When he snores, he gets thrown out of the room. My husband doesn't do that with me because it would make me mad, and he knows which side his bread is buttered on.

Wheat-free bread, that is. It was a tough decision, but for the sake of my marriage, I chose domestic bliss over fresh bread. But when the cat is away, the mouse will play ... and also eat a lot of cheese, pizza and ice cream. I thought I was in the clear, but the problem with wheat and dairy is that they always come back to bite you in the butt, or at least make your butt bigger. After several months, it was becoming clear that I definitely had a little something going down on the side, and I knew I was going to have to come clean.

But then I found a guy who makes really good gluten-free cakes and bread. And my favorite ice cream dudes, bless their hearts, started a line of dairyfree ice cream. Was it possible I could have my wheat-free chocolate lava cake and eat it too?

I made the switch while my

husband was away. And then when he came home, we went to sleep, and I assumed it all went well.

But alas, I was wrong.

"You snored last night," he said accusingly the next day. "Did you eat wheat or dairy yesterday?"

"I did not," I replied honestly.

"Well, you must have had something. What did you have?" he asked.

"The only thing I had that I didn't make was a piece of wheat-free chocolate cake."

"Maybe you are chocolateintolerant now too," he said.

I glared at him. "So you're saying that now you think I should give up chocolate?"

"Maybe. If it makes you snore."

"Actually, I think you should give up something now too," I replied.

"What?" he wondered aloud. I shrugged. "Sleeping in the bedroom."

Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, "Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble," available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www.tracybeckerman.com.

When Cristina told Rosalba, she planned to apply for the Advanced Master of Social Work program, her mother offered a warning spoken with love and truth: “Don’t start something you can’t finish. Life will happen, Mija. Once you’re in, you’re in all the way.” She knew she wouldn’t be there to see it. And she was right. But those words became fuel—fuel Cristina still carries with her today.

Her mother’s strength, sacrifice, and unwavering belief live on in everything Cristina does.

Cristina earned her associate degree from Kilgore College, undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University. It is important to note; her education was never just about credentials—it was about service.

For this reason, she built her career in the nonprofit world, choosing purpose over prestige every step of the way. Her journey began as a:

9 Summer Camp Counselor at Highway 80 Rescue Mission, where she saw how stability and encouragement could change a child’s life.

9 Residential Case Manager at the Women’s Center of East Texas, walking alongside women rebuilding their lives with courage.

9 Mental Health Coordinator at Next Step Community Solutions.

And Cristina’s story continues.

Later, she worked for The Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center. Cristina wore many hats including: Family and Children Advocate, Bilingual Forensic Interviewer, and eventually Therapist. As a matter of fact, she became the organization’s first bilingual therapist. This was more than a milestone; it was a doorway. Indeed, families could finally tell their stories in their own language during their most painful moments. This experience reaffirmed her belief that access, representation, and compassion can be life changing. Though advocacy and healing have always guided her, Cristina felt a pull towards children. She has always believed that school is a child’s second home—a place where joy and hardship quietly coexist.

“YOU were meant to be here! YOUR voice matters. YOUR presence is needed. KEEP showing up—not just for yourself, but for THOSE who will come after you.”

- Cristina Hollins

Cristina

Currently, she serves as the School Counselor at Longview Independent School District’s Clarence W. Bailey Elementary School. From this front-row seat, she witnesses children’s laughter, struggles, resilience, and unspoken burdens. She is there to listen, to advocate, and to remind the students, again and again— that they matter.

For those who hope to follow a similar path, Cristina offers simple but powerful advice: build relationships. Stay open. Along her journey, strangers became mentors, allies, and friends appeared at just the right time. Community, she believes, can carry you further than talent alone ever will.

As a Mexican American, firstgeneration professional, she often finds herself feeling like a non-pareil

Over the past decade, Cristina has walked with individuals and families through some of their darkest moments. No matter the setting, her purpose remains the same: to instill hope. She focuses on strengths, not deficits, and she fights fiercely for more compassion, more resources, and more opportunity—because she believes everyone deserves a good life.

in the room—one of very few who share her background. At times, it feels isolating. But she refuses to let that reality silence her.

All the same, she admits, the path is not easy. There are moments when it feels like swimming against the current, questioning whether you truly belong. In those moments, Cristina holds onto this truth:

9 You were meant to be here.

9 Your voice matters.

9 Your presence is needed.

9 Keep showing up—not just for yourself, but for those who will come after you.

And her journey continues.

CRISTINA HOLLINS Here to serve: Showing up where it matters most

ristina Hollins’ life has always been shaped by love, sacrifice, and an unshakable sense of purpose. She is married to Marcus Hollins, and together they are raising four daughters—four young women who fill her with awe every single day. Watching them grow into themselves, confident and driven, feels almost surreal.

That is not all.

Their determination mirrors everything she once dreamed of becoming, and in many ways, they have already surpassed those dreams. Being their mother is not just her greatest joy; it is her greatest responsibility and her strongest motivation to keep moving forward.

Cristina’s story began long before her own memories. She is a first-generation immigrant who came to the United States from Mexico when she was just two years old, following parents who had arrived earlier to work and prepare a future for their children. She doesn’t remember the crossing, but she remembers the richness of what followed—a childhood lived between two worlds. One was

filled with vibrant Mexican traditions, boisterous family gatherings, and scrumptious food that her mother and aunts lovingly prepared. The other was a neighborhood woven together by many cultures and languages.

Moreover, growing up, she never questioned whether she belonged. That realization— that belonging is not always guaranteed—came much later. She was one of eighteen children. Seventeen siblings, a fact that still makes people pause. In her family, there was always laughter, shared responsibility, and an unspoken understanding that no one faced life alone.

Family meant everything. At the center of it all stood her mother, Rosalba—a woman whose strength shaped Cristina’s very core. Rosalba believed deeply that hard work could open doors. She was intelligent, determined, compassionate, and endlessly giving. In her world, there was always room for one more plate of food, pride in honest labor, and a responsibility to lift others up.

In addition, Cristina watched her mother work two, sometimes three jobs at a time. As a child, she didn’t

understand why. As an adult, she understands all too well. Those long hours were the reason her family never went without. When Cristina once told her mother she wanted to go back to school, Rosalba looked at her with confusion—not because she doubted her, but because higher education was a world she herself had never been allowed to enter. When Cristina explained that she wanted to become a social worker to help others, it was difficult for her mother to fully grasp. That quiet tension—the desire to make your parents proud of something they never had the chance to experience—is one many first-generation children know by heart.

Then, near the end of Cristina’s bachelor’s degree, life shifted in a way she could never have prepared for. Her mother was diagnosed with stage IV rectal cancer. The woman who had always been unbreakable, the family’s superhero, suddenly became fragile. The loss of certainty was devastating.

Cristina and her siblings did everything they could to care for her, leaning heavily on one another. Her sisters became her tribe, her lifeline during a season

filled with grief and exhaustion. Rosalba was too sick to attend Cristina’s graduation.

But wait. There is more.

Cristina went to her mother. She dressed her in the cap and gown, placing it gently on her head, and gave her the moment she deserved. There, on the front porch, her mother sat tall and proud, smiling as though chemotherapy had not taken its toll. That image—her mother glowing with pride despite everything—remains one of Cristina’s most treasured