December 2023-ALT Magazine

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DECEMBER 2023 ALT-MAG.COM

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Wishing Everyone A Very Happy Holiday Season!

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From the Publisher...

The “season of giving” is here. It’s time to withdraw your funds and shower your loved one with gifts. It also means donating both money and time to others in need. What is the actual meaning and purpose of the holidays and this “season” if not to help others? So, what can we do to help others? There are so many ways to help. Here are a few ideas.

“Giving” is more than just giving.

Buying gifts for someone is a wonderful way to show you care.

However, remember that love and kindness are ways to show people you care. Spend time with your loved ones, especially the elderly. The only thing needed is compassion and time. You can make someone’s season so much better by allotting a small portion of your time to someone who needs your support. Use this time to make that happen.

Be aware of others’ situations.

Do you have a friend or family member who is struggling right now? Maybe they lost a loved one or are having financial difficulties. Whatever their circumstances, be sensitive to others and offer your help however you can. You could invite them over for a meal or run an errand. How many ways can you think of to help? I’ll bet there are many.

It will come back to you.

I have heard all my life that giving is better than receiving. That is especially true this time of year. People are hurting right now.

With the economy in a rut, many who would typically give their family a wonderful Christmas may only be able to do a little.

Those with small children are especially hit hard at this time.

When you see the look of delight on anyone’s face after giving them help, your own heart will grow by leaps and bounds. You will have not only helped the other person but helped yourself as well. Hopefully, when they can, they will pay it forward and help someone like you helped them. There is no better way to achieve optimism than to produce it yourself.

Whatever your circumstances, sharing your time and funds to bring others joy this season is important. I hope you enjoy reading about the worthy non-profit organizations we have highlighted this month. Whether you give of your time or your funds, you are helping others throughout our area. It all starts with you.

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RUNNIN’ WJ RANCH THERAPEUTIC CENTER, INC. 010

Scott Burks A LT M a g a z i n e | D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

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Runnin’ WJ Ranch Therapeutic Center, Inc., a Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, opened its doors for therapeutic riding classes in September 2001. It all started when the founder, Patricia Weldon, lost her husband in May 2000. In the wake of her loss, she struggled with what to do with her 23-acre, 100-year-old farmhouse, horses, and goats. “She began to pray and cry out to God for a vision of what to do. It wasn’t long before a family friend showed up to her house with information about a Therapeutic Riding Center in Longview that he and his daughter had been attending,” Brittany Rogers, current Executive Director, says. “Inspired, Patricia held a meeting in her home in September 2000. During that meeting, she presented her vision for what would eventually become Runnin’ WJ Ranch (RWJ). At that meeting, the first official board of RWJ was made. It was a sign of healing that was to come for many years.”

One year later, in September 2001, RWJ opened its doors to clients with this mission statement: “Runnin’ WJ Ranch Therapeutic Center, Inc., exists to enhance the quality of life for those who are challenged with physical, emotional, cognitive, or social disabilities and/or situations in their lives, which may be debilitating, through equine assisted interventions, education and training, social interaction, increased community awareness of the benefits of equine assisted services and develop a sound base of financial support.” Since that time, Rogers says that the organization has been witness to God’s “everyday miracles.”

Rogers has been involved with RWJ since the beginning, and she says the organization was placed in her heart many years ago. Her father helped with the initial construction of the property, and her mother was one of the first school teachers who brought her students out to the ranch to ride. “I was only 13 when we started the groundwork for the ranch. Mrs. Patricia was also my Sunday School teacher at that

time. Little did I know how much of an influence she would be to me,” Rogers says. “God placed Mrs. Patricia in my life to plant that seed of what was to come. I think the story goes that she told me I would be the RWJ director one day, and I laughed at her, but here I sit today.”

From its inception, God’s hand in RWJ has been visible through the work of local volunteers and their time and resources. “Everything that it took to build this place in the beginning was donated, from materials to labor, every single thing!”

Rogers says. “This place is nothing short of amazing!

I say it a lot, but it’s the everyday little bitty miracles that happen that make this place so special. It’s the kiddo who is scared to ride but is so strong and brave and conquers that fear. It’s the kiddo who hasn’t talked and says his first words on the horse.

Or it’s the kiddo that it took six weeks to get on the horse, and they are finally riding! All those things happen, and it’s something I never get tired of. God’s children are loved by our volunteers, instructors, and horses. Also, believe it or not, the horses know they are carrying the most precious cargo in the world.

They take each step so precisely!”

When it was time for Mrs. Patricia to retire, she felt that God put it on her heart to leave Mr. Sam Clem in charge of the ranch, and in 2008, he became the executive director. When Mr. Sam took over, he approached Rogers about becoming an instructor at the ranch. After prayer and consideration, Rogers finished school and came to teach in the arena.

“Over and over again, I’ve been here to see God’s people show up and show out. As we experienced growing pains, the Enon builders came and camped out in our arena for weeks and built a new office building.

Our previous office was a single-wide trailer, which we added to our barn. The only thing we purchased at that time was the front door because we wanted to ensure we had the perfect door for our place—warm

Brittany Rogers, Executive Director A LT M a g a z i n e | D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

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and welcoming!” Rogers says. “While Mr. Sam was director, RWJ was able to certify four instructors, two of whom are still working today.”

In 2020, Mr. Sam expressed it was time for him to start slowing down and for Rogers to step up. So, after serving many years as the Program Director, Rogers took on the role of Executive Director. “This is a very stressful job at times, but it’s also the most rewarding. The people we meet and kiddos we serve are the greatest blessings,” Rogers says. “We are blessed with the opportunity to love children who may have been mistreated in their young lives and show them the love that only comes from Christ. We hope they can come to the ranch and find a safe and loving place to heal. Our goal/mission is to protect their tender souls and enable growth in who they may become.”

Susan Whitten, current Board President and volunteer, has been involved with RWJ for about five years. Her original association with the organization started as a parent. “The difference the ranch and the people there have made in my son, Scott, is amazing. This place has been such a gift for and to him,” Whitten says. “ It inspired me to want to pay part of that back and to

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make a difference where I could and, particularly, to ensure that this nonprofit continued and had a future.”

Whitten volunteers as a sidewalker at RWJ. A sidewalker is just one of the types of volunteer positions at RWJ. A sidewalker is simply a volunteer who walks alongside the child riding the horse, sometimes in the arena and sometimes out along the property. Their purpose is to provide safety, love, and education because each class has an instructor who provides learning objectives while each rider is riding. In addition, there are horse leaders who guide the horse from the front. All these volunteer positions are necessary for the children to have a safe and comfortable riding experience. “I got involved because everything about Runnin’ WJ is inspiring. This nonprofit makes such a difference to many - not just the children but to all of the volunteers and in all the outreach the ranch does,” Susan says. “It’s definitely a place of ‘everyday miracles.’”

RWJ does not just help the children who come and ride; they are also invested in our local community.

“First and foremost, we love and support our children, their families, and schools. We uplift and work with several local churches and nonprofits around town,

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such as Tough Cookies, Haven Homes, Texarkana Resources, Randy Sams, Mission Texarkana, HandsOn Texarkana, and Down Syndrome Group.

We work daily with our local school districts,” Rogers says. “We have also started a new job ministry to hire our special needs adults. We have hired 15 adults in the past 36 months. One of the biggest new starts is our mental health pilot ministry/program with our school partners. We will be loving children in a 90-mile radius of Texarkana. We love our community.”

Scott Burks first became associated with RWJ when he was in school and went on a field trip to the ranch. The class visits made a lasting impact on Scott, who 20 years later served as a volunteer, worker, sidewalker, Redemption Ranch, and member of the board of directors. “I always loved the people and the horses and learning to ride and learning about people and horses. I love being a sidewalker during the school year because someone used to do that for me, and I can help,” Scott says. “The ranch is about helping children/people like me. Some have special needs, some have other disabilities, some can talk, and some can’t really. I love the ranch and the people. I like how the ranch makes people feel.

Love is a verb; I see it in action daily at the ranch.

It’s a safe place to grow and to be somebody. I like places that help people and that love people.”

Rogers has been very inspired by the growth in all the programs at RWJ. “The adults have so much JOY, having a job and self-worth. The partnership with Texarkana Resources and their faithfulness to the special needs adults here in Texarkana is amazing,” Rogers says. “It’s also been great to see a new group of volunteers and board members wanting to make a difference where they live.”

However, even with an influx, RWJ always needs both volunteers. “We need new blood at the ranch, and it would be great to have some younger volunteers, such as students in high school or college. We also love seeing older volunteers return to the ranch because they need loving themselves,” Rogers says. “If you don’t know us, come see us.

Our website has an awesome video that shows the true joy of this place.”

RWJ hosts several events throughout the year, which are great opportunities for potential donors A LT M a g a z i n e | D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

and volunteers to get to know the mission and faces of the ranch. In June, they host their biggest fundraiser, RWJ Barrel Race. In February, they have Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine Prom, and in July, they host the iCan Shine Swim Camp. “I would love to do a bike or dance camp in correlation with iCan Shine, but we do need additional funds for adding some of the ideas we want to bring to these events,” Rogers says. “This has been an amazing year. It’s been one of the largest donation years ever, but most of our donations have been non-cash items. Right now, we need cash donations.”

Not only would cash help with their overhead costs, but Rogers says they have $500,000 in matching grants, and RWJ needs to match them to move forward. “With that money, God’s work can multiply,” Rogers says. Other uses for donations include hiring more special needs adults, a mental health building, concrete and steel for buildings, a new tractor, and gravel for new drives. “We are growing, which is great, but we also need to undergird that growth to secure the future of the ranch,” Rogers says.

Donors can give through their website or mail donations to their address at 4802 S. Kings Hwy, Texarkana, Texas, 75501. Donations can be made in honor or memory of anyone. Horse sponsors are $1200 a year, and sponsors receive pictures of their horse throughout the year and a nameplate on the stall. Sponsors can also come to visit their horses. Interested donors can also buy products from Redemption Ranch. “No donation is too small.

Everyone this year is having trouble making ends meet,” Sam Clem, previous Executive Director and current Fundraising and Awareness Director, says.

“Small donations add up.”

Rogers and all the other staff and volunteers and Runnin’ WJ Ranch share the same passion for the work that they are doing, and they are excited to share that story with the community. “The Runnin’ WJ ranch is the only place where I personally have seen God move every single day,” Rogers says. “God dwells at the ranch. His love is so strong here, and it comes from the children’s hearts.”

For more information, visit www.runninwjranch.com and http://www.redemptionfire.com

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Merry Christmas from the doctors and staff at Family Eye Care Clinic!!

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FRIENDS FOR A CAUSE : ANY FRIEND. ANY CAUSE. IT ALL MATTERS.

In 2014, a group of friends banded together to start a new nonprofit organization: Friends for a Cause. Suki O’Neal works at CHRISTUS Health System as a Senior Marketing Specialist and is the President and Co-Founder of Friends for a Cause. She says they incorporated in July 2014 and received their 501(c)(3) status in June 2018. Their mission is to raise funds, create awareness, and partner with other organizations in the community. “My friends and I wanted to create an organization that would pay it forward in the community and allow anyone who wanted to dedicate their time, talent, resources, or money to the needs of our community,” O’Neal says. “Established by friends for friends, this is an organization that has touched the needs of our own and those we love. Our mission is ANY friend. ANY cause. It ALL matters. Which means that if it’s important to you, it’s important to us.”

At first, the organization was primarily set up to help cancer patients offset costs that insurance would not cover, such as gas to and from treatments, hotel stays, or any other need that may arise. “Our goal is to give a hand up and not a handout,” O’Neal says. “ Over time, we were approached with other needs in the community and have rallied to help out all those that we could. We then decided to advocate for seven causes: cancer, community nonprofits, education, geriatrics, pediatrics, military/law enforcement, and pet and animal rescue.”

Friends for a Cause has grown from a group of 10 people ten years ago to over 50 active members, and a board of 23 members, and the organization is always looking to add new members. The membership fee is $25 per year, and they ask that members commit to volunteering for at least one event per year. “Find what drives you and dig in!”

O’Neal says. “Friends for a Cause supports other nonprofits and causes through monetary support, resources, and volunteers.”

Friends for a Cause holds two major events per calendar year. Each September, they host a kickball tournament that benefits the nonprofits in the community. Teams sign up to play for the charity of their choice. “This past year, we were able to pay out $6,000 to three local nonprofits,

and over five years, we have raised almost $15,000 for the community,” O’Neal says. “Next year, we plan to pay out $10,000 to the top three teams. Each year, the tournament gets bigger and bigger. We started with eight teams the first year and had 25 this year.”

In November each year, Friends for a Cause holds a concert dedicated to cancer fighters and survivors of any type in the community. They recruit local Texarkana bands to headline the entertainment and select one or several recipients to support with the concert proceeds. “We’ve done the concert for the past five years and have raised almost $40,000 to help a total of 10 recipients in our community,” O’Neal says.

In addition to these more prominent fundraisers, the board members host bunco tournaments each quarter to raise a few thousand dollars for the cause or charity they want to support. “We have raised money for educational scholarships, our geriatric population, and pediatric needs such as CASA’s Rainbow Room,” O’Neal says. “We also gave money toward the NICView cameras Fearfully and Wonderfully Made donated to CHRISTUS St. Michael.”

O’Neal is excited about recent changes at Friends for a Cause that could make 2024 their best year yet. “We are officially ten years old, and after nine years of part-time volunteering and juggling life with fundraising, it has been a super slow process to grow the nonprofit. However, we just recruited our very first Executive Director, Wilma Dunn.

She will be assisted by her Executive Manager, Patti Terrell,” O’Neal says. “Wilma and Patti will bring years of nonprofit experience, business sense, and an HR background that might benefit recruiting and sustaining new and current members. Our next dream goal is to find a brickand-mortar for our organization to expand our reach and have a place for people to find us.”

If you want to donate to Friends for a Cause, they accept monetary donations at any time via cash, check, credit card, or Paypal to ffacfoundation2014@gmail.com. Find them on Facebook at Friends For a Cause.

Suki O'Neal, President & Co-Founder

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KLIPSCH MUSEUM OF AUDIO HISTORY

In 1946, Paul W. Klipsch designed and built the Klipschorn© speaker in a tiny shed in Hope, Arkansas. When Klipsch's design became popular, it changed the audio world forever.

According to the museum's website, Paul Klipsch went on to work with "industry giants, famous pop stars, and some of the smartest people in the world–always in search of a better sound."

Jim Hunter, the current Curator of the Klipsch Museum of Audio History in Hope, Arkansas, says that Paul Klipsch was a “key pioneer in the world of ‘HiFi,” and his company, Klipsch and Associates, was one of the oldest loudspeaker’s companies in the United States.

However, loudspeakers were actually Paul Klipsch’s fifth career. “He had multiple patents in oil prospecting and ballistics before delving seriously into audio during his stint at the Southwest Proving Ground in Hope during WWII. He was second in command,” Jim says.

“His first loudspeaker, designed in his officers’ quarters, is still in production.”

Though the headquarters of the Klipsch’s company moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, the museum to honor his accomplishments was established in Hope, Arkansas. Since its inception in 2016, the museum’s vision is to “foster interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through the examples of Paul W. Klipsch.” The museum’s mission is to “restore, preserve, maintain and display Klipsch and Klipsch-related artifacts and archival materials for historical purposes, as well as to conduct historical research and to host educational activities and events.”

Jim Hunter was the established curator and historian of the speaker company, a position he held since 1979. Upon retirement, Jim wanted to save the corporate history, including Paul Klipsch’s archives. “Our archives touch the entire industry, with early correspondence with McIntosh, Marantz, Fisher, Armstrong (the inventor of FM), Arthur Fiedler, Bell Telephone, all of the organ companies, and more,” Jim

Jim Hunter, Curator

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says. “Klipsch even graded Hewlett and Packard’s engineering papers at Stanford!

No other museum we know covers audio like we do.”

The museum’s first Executive Director recently retired, and in their current financial position, Jim says they are hesitant to hire another. “But, we are feverishly working to correct that. We have an educational event coming up that is a $300/seat ‘peek under the sheets’ at Klipsch products being released next year. This will be led by the Klipsch Chief Engineer, as well as myself,” Jim says. “This should be a clue as to the ‘audio zealots’ we attract. Further events that we are discussing involve concerts at our auditorium, where Elvis Presley once played.”

The volunteers at the museum are mainly former Klipsch employees. “They all share the inspiration that Paul elicited and are essentially ‘gluttons for punishment’ in spreading the word and restoring the Visitors Center,” Jim says.

“We operate in four locations, including the 1926 auditorium that is on the second floor of Hope’s City Hall. For the past three years, we have been renovating one of the last historic homes in Hope (4500 SF, 1921) and are using it as our visitors’ center. It just happens to be next door to the Bill Clinton birthplace home visitors’ center.”

The best way for community members to support the museum is to visit and sign up to be a supporting member at www.klipschmuseum. org. “Also, our visitors center restoration efforts are carried out monthly, where members from Mississippi, northern Arkansas, and locals gather for 3-4 days at a time,” Jim says. “By the way, our Vice Chairman is Darren Anderson from Texarkana!”

Recently, museum staff have begun reaching out to local schools. They have also hosted several events, including concerts for the Hope community. Jim hopes to attract even more interest from visitors in the community. “Come see us. We can demonstrate the quality of audio achievable in the mid-1950s,” Jim says.

“Your jaw will drop. We have audio artifacts back to at least 1919.”

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January 20, 2024 | 6pm Sullivan Performing Arts Center (at Texas High)

The

Legacy

Continues...

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MISS TEXARKANA / TWIN RIVERS 2023 024

An official preliminary to the Miss Texas America Scholarship Competition, the Miss Texarkana-Twin Rivers Scholarship Organization has a rich history of empowering young women to achieve their dreams and goals. Larger than the young women who have held the titles is the volunteer team and family who have dedicated their lives to ensure these young women have every opportunity available to them through this transformational pageant system.

Miss Texarkana has been wearing the crown for 91 years, originating in 1932, and this year, the legacy continues on January 20, 2024, when four young women will be crowned at the Sullivan Performing Arts Center in Texarkana. This will be an exciting year as the pageant will be led by new co-directors, Amy Vaughn and Ali Burrow, and a new board of directors: Mark Graves, President; Lisa Tullis, Vice President; Gayle Burrow, Treasurer; Jasmine Bruce, Secretary; Debbie Brower, Marketing and PR; Stacy James Mayo, Production; Susan Whitten; and Melinda Carlow. “We are still here, and we are here to make a difference,” Pageant Producer and Former Miss Texas Stacy Mayo says. “It is and always has been MORE than a competition.”

Participation in this program provides young women with the opportunity to promote initiatives regarding community service and share their talents, intelligence, and positive values while serving as role models in our communities, all with the support of dedicated volunteers assisting them in their pursuit of academic excellence, service, and lifelong success. The Miss Texarkana organization is also one of the largest providers of scholarship dollars to young women throughout our area. “I am still involved today with the Miss America system because it changed my life. It gave me confidence, speaking skills, and a platform to sing and promote Alzheimer’s awareness. It opened doors and created a network of people and businesses that still help me today. Also, the scholarship money I won as Miss Texas paid for my entire law school education,” Stacy Mayo says. “And guess what??

It’s fun! The girls I competed with were some of my best friends and were in my wedding. The Miss Texarkana organization started my path to Miss America, and I will forever be grateful and give back.”

On January 20, 2024, the Texarkana community can expect to see a tribute to the legacy of the Miss Texarkana pageant. “There will be a production in addition to the competition, which means live, exciting dance numbers! We will also honor former Miss Texarkanas and have some in the building,”

Co-Director Ali Burrow says. “At the end of the event, we will crown four contestants that will compete in the summer at Miss Texas and Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen!”

Ali Burrow is excited to join the pageant team this year as co-director. She currently works as a co-director at All Stars Dance Center, and the Texarkana native grew up as a spectator of the Miss Texarkana pageant. “I spent many years watching the pageant, inspired by the contestants that would grace the stage. I learned a lot from being in the audience and used that knowledge when I eventually competed on the Miss Texas stage,” Ali says. “I am excited to continue that tradition by serving as a co-director of the Miss Texarkana pageant this year.”

Ali says that she is a living example of the longlasting effects that this organization can have on young women. Not only did she learn the value of community service and volunteerism, but she also learned more about poise and public speaking.

“Most often, the contestants are able to take something away from the experience and use these discoveries to better themselves in the future,” Ali says. “Since competing, I’ve always walked into every business interview feeling I could tackle any question. I am 100% certain that this confidence was built from my pageant training, and I have a lifetime of gratitude for it.”

The other co-director of the pageant is Amy Vaughn, who got involved with the Miss Texarkana program with her daughter, Katie Jo Vaughn. Three years ago, when Amy unexpectedly and tragically lost Katie Jo in a car wreck, she says that Bowie County rallied around both her family and the other two families who were affected by the tragedy.

“Serving as co-director of the Miss Texarkana Program gave me the perfect avenue to give back to a community that gave so much to me and my daughter. Pageants, including Miss Texarkana, gave my daughter controlled confidence, great speaking and communication skills, poise, built character, promoted goal setting, and provided an extensive network of friends and mentors,” Amy says. “I want to guide and empower young ladies to be the best version of themselves and to develop into strong leaders that give back to their community.”

To Amy, one of the most beneficial characteristics of the pageant is the sportsmanship skills that are practiced, just like they would be on a sports field.

“Pageants don’t require you to ‘win’ to reap the benefits. Success is achieved when a young lady A LT M a g a z i n e | D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

Texarkana,” Ali says. The Miss Twin Rivers pageant is open to anyone residing in Texas. “We are so excited to announce the wonderful news of the impending pageant, and we hope the community will join us in this excitement!” becomes the best individual she can be,” Amy says. “But, the biggest thing the pageant gave me and my daughter were memories and special time together. I want to help other families build and gain those traits and give them opportunities to make special memories together.”

For more information, please visit misstxktr.org or the Miss Texarkana Organization - Texas Facebook page.

The Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers Scholarship Organization operates within the guidelines of the Miss America Organization, which is built upon the four points of the crown: service, scholarship, style, and success.

“Together, these four aspects benefit our young women, not only now but forever,” Ali says. “We define success not only by crowning a winner but also by nurturing each young woman’s personal growth and leadership potential.”

I wanted to be involved because it helps young women throughout the rest of their lives. The interview, poise, and speaking training changes the way they present themselves. In turn, they become more successful in every endeavor they participate in.

This year, the pageant board is also excited to offer the new Legacy Society, a group of royal alumni who want to keep the Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers legacy alive and support future pageant contestants. The board is asking for potential Legacy Society members to join by donating $100 to support scholarships and opportunities for young women in our community; however, they also hope that Legacy members will help the pageant with their time, skills, and resources while mentoring future titleholders and connecting with past alumni. More information about the Legacy Society can be found on their Miss Texarkana Organization - Texas Facebook page.

Previous title holder Jasmine Bruce, joined the Miss Texarkana board this year because she believes in the mission and values of this pageant and organization.

“It’s truly wonderful to see how this pageant celebrates diversity, empowers individuals, and promotes inclusivity,” Jasmine says. “Being involved allows me to contribute to a positive change and support the incredible contestants on their journey to self-confidence and personal growth just like it did when I was a title holder.”

If you or someone you know is interested in competing in the Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers Pageant, they can visit the website at misstxktr.org. Early registration ends December 31st, and standard registration ends January 12th. This year, the Miss Texarkana pageant will only be open to young women residing in Bowie County. “We want the Miss Texarkana Pageant to honor Texarkana.

We feel that the title of Miss Texarkana and Miss Texarkana’s Teen should be just that - representative of

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Debbie Brower:

Mark Graves:

I chose to be a part of the Miss Texarkana Board of Directors because I have witnessed firsthand, through my daughter, the benefits and blessings the Miss America Opportunity affords young women. The professional development is unmatched! I’ve also been a part of the legacy of Miss Texarkana for many years and am excited to lead and help ensure the organization’s success for generations to come.

Susan Whitten

My love of helping young women learn how to take care of themselves, how to understand wellness as well as beauty, and how to empower them to be healthier adults, is the reason I chose to be involved in this organization.

Whether it is learning to eat clean, take care of their skin, or have stronger mental health and esteem, I love this opportunity.

Gayle Burrow

Becoming a Board Member for the Miss Texarkana/ Twin Rivers Scholarship Pageant allows me to contribute directly to empowering young women through education.

As a former Miss Texarkana, I was able to use my scholarship to achieve a Masters Degree. I believe being in this program, young women can also foster positive change and may also shape the future by breaking the barriers to academic opportunities.

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BEAUTY & WELLNESS CENTER

When Harvard graduate, scientist, and cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Whitten was introduced to suture suspension lift (SSL) using Serdev-Reynolds techniques, he began considering opening a body sculpting practice. It was 2010, and Dr. Whitten was attending a national meeting of physicians in Las Vegas when he was introduced to Dr. Dwight Reynolds, a surgeon from Florida. Dr. Reynold’s exhibit showed before and after photos of his patients who had benefited from the suture suspension technique. “I was very intrigued by SSL,” Dr. Whitten says.

Dr. Whitten also learned about Dr. Nicolai Serdev, a famous European plastic surgeon who originated the technique initially used to prolong the careers of the Eastern European supermodels.

“I discovered that for certain areas of the body, a very attractive lift can be accomplished in a couple of hours in an outpatient setting utilizing a simple and minimally invasive technique,” Dr. Whitten says.

Soon after, Dr. Whitten decided to travel to Florida and study the technique with Dr. Reynolds, who had studied directly under Dr. Serdev. “As it turns out, for face-lifts, buttock lifts, breast lifts, brow lifts, and thigh lifts, the SSL technique offers an inexpensive way to achieve results that rival and even improve upon results that normally require extensive and expensive plastic surgery,” Dr. Whitten says. “This was such a revelation that I decided to found my

practice centered on the SSL technique.”

With his wife, Susan Whitten, as his partner, the couple has expanded their practice dramatically to include much more than just the suture suspension lift. Yet, SSL was the impetus for the formation of the Beauty and Wellness Center in Texarkana, where today, patients can find both cosmetic surgical and non-surgical options that enhance confidence, health, and beauty. “I was on a search, and I felt at home at the Beauty and Wellness Center. Dr. Whitten is a kind soul, a sweet spirit, and I knew that I could trust my face with him,” Beauty and Wellness patient Dr. Mary Adele Philips says. “Dr. Whitten, Susan, and their entire team really care about who I am. I am so grateful that I didn’t have to leave Texarkana to have something done.”

Dr. Mary Adele Phillips decided to have a mid and lower face suture suspension lift to age gracefully, and she says she would do it again. “Having the lift motivated me,” Phillips says. "My beauty being restored has given me the courage to pursue my dreams.”

Though the Beauty and Wellness Center is not a traditional plastic surgery practice, SSL offers a direct competition with traditional plastic surgery lifts for tissues that are amenable to the technique. “SSL allows for a very comparable result that can be achieved in a morning or afternoon office procedure with minimal downtime and rapid, scarless recovery,” Dr. Whitten says.

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The most popular lifts at Beauty and Wellness are face lifts, particularly the midface and the lower face lift. With these lifts, Dr. Whitten says that patients will see a marked and long-term improvement in sagging of the midface, the cheeks, the lips, the jowls, the nasolabial folds, the “smile lines,” the marionette lines, and the sagging neck. A combination midface and lower face-lift can improve all these features in a 2-3 hour surgery with mild sedation and local anesthesia. “Most of our patients choose to get a lift because they want to refresh their facial appearance to reverse some of the inevitable tissue sagging that occurs with age. While aging continues, our patients typically feel as if their lift survives for at least ten years, and the lift can be repeated, if desired, to take care of additional sagging due to the influence of gravity and tissue effects of growing older,” Dr. Whitten says.

“Technically, the SSL provides a ‘permanent’ effect in that the specific lifted tissue will not sag again — the procedure stabilizes the lifted tissue permanently.”

for buttocks. An SSL butt lift can produce a much more rounded and perky bottom with elongation of the thigh and generally a much more youthful appearance. A similar technique can be applied to sagging thighs in many cases, as well as to the eyebrows.”

At Beauty and Wellness, patients can reap the benefits of the SSL lifts for the midface, lower face, neck, brow, breast, buttocks, and thighs.

Breast and buttock lifts can also be combined with fat transfer for augmentation. However, not all patients will qualify for these lifts. Men and women most suitable for a suture suspension procedure are between the ages of 25 and 60 and have adequate but not excessive subcutaneous fat. “We have performed SSL on patients older than 60, but people with too much or too little adipose tissue can be problematic.

Therefore, we need to see the patient ‘in the flesh’ before we can say with certainty that they will benefit from the procedure,” Dr. Whitten says.

Dr. Whitten says SSL can also achieve excellent results in breast and buttock lifts. “If breasts are overly dependent and sagging, we can restore the more youthful and perky appearance that allows a woman to feel ever so much more beautiful, again, without scarring or dramatic incisions,” Dr. Whitten says. “The same is true

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“We can generally simulate the effect in the mirror so the patient can see approximately what the final result of the lift may be.”

procedure with them. Their only goal is for their patients to feel comfortable and confident about their choice to have a lift.

Throughout the years, Debbie Brower, a Beauty and Wellness patient, debated having a face-lift, but she remained torn on her decision. However, after meeting Dr. Whitten, she felt she had the answer to her dilemma. “I chose to have suture suspension done both on my face and breasts.

This lift has been amazing! It is minimally invasive and allowed me to return to work in just a couple of days looking so much better!” Brower says. “I would absolutely do it again because I love the way it made me look. I no longer have deep lines on my ‘jowls,’ as I call them, and my neck looks amazing! The neck, face, and breast lift gave me the boost of confidence I needed!”

Sharon, a Beauty and Wellness patient, says that she researched all kinds of surgeries and ways to look younger but was just scared of a traditional face-lift. She was looking for something that would not be so drastic. “I wanted to look natural, but I wanted a fresher look,” Sharon says. “I got a mid and lower face two-point lift at Beauty and Wellness, and I highly recommend Dr. Whitten and his staff. I appreciate the way I was treated, and I love the way I look. I would definitely do it again.”

For potential patients, the staff at Beauty and Wellness will walk through every step of the

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As previous patients have attested, the need for downtime after the procedure is minimal. Dr. Whitten says there may be moderate swelling, but there rarely is significant bruising or bleeding.

Some temporary wrinkling of the skin behind the

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lifted tissue may persist for 2-3 weeks, but this wrinkling is temporary and is easily masked by a patient’s hairstyle.

Debra, a Beauty and Wellness patient, was very nervous and afraid to have surgery, but she loved that the SSL midface lift was much less invasive than a traditional lift. “Dr. Whitten made me feel very comfortable, and I loved that my surgery was a family affair with Dr. Whitten, his wife, Susan, and her son Parker,” Debra says.

“I would do it again and may purchase another Venus Package just because I liked coming so often. The treatments were very effective and felt amazing.”

For a person interested in achieving a more youthful and vibrant appearance without engaging in expensive classic plastic surgery, Dr. Whitten asks that they telephone to schedule a consultation in person. “They will get all questions answered and be given a professional opinion on what they can achieve with a suture suspension lift. It’s essential to know what the desired outcome may be

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because the answer to their hopes may lie with SSL or some other procedure we perform, including possible liposuction, fat transfer, or other procedures,” Dr. Whitten says. “We will look at the tissues in question, simulate the appearance of the lift in the mirror, and discuss the best ways to achieve their desired result, ultimately giving them a quote as to the cost of the procedure or procedures they desire.”

Vanessa, a Beauty and Wellness patient, says that SSL on her mid and lower face made her feel like a new person. “Dr. Whitten, Susan, and the staff at Beauty and Wellness always make you feel so good about yourself. You can go into their office on a bad day, and by the time you walk out, you will have a smile on your face,” Vanessa says. “The Beauty and Wellness Center loves all of their patients, and it shows. They really care about you. I highly recommend the Suture Suspension Surgery and anything else that they do. All of your beauty and wellness needs are in one office.”

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2023 Texarkana's Top Distinguished Lawyer

Winonia Griffin Roberts Corcoran Law Firm

Education

• • •

B.S., Oklahoma State University, 1971 M.Ed., Oklahoma State University, 1974 J.D., University of Oklahoma, 1981

Licenses and Certifications

• • • • • • • • • •

1982, Texas 1996, Arkansas Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Arkansas Western District Court Oklahoma Eastern District Court US Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit, 1987 Arkansas Supreme Court, 1996 US District Court, Eastern District of Texas, 1982 US District Court, Western District of Oklahoma, 1985 Oklahoma Supreme Court, 1981

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• • •

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Phi Delta Phi, Briefing Attorney, 1981 Staff Attorney 1982-84 Assistant District Attorney 1984-1992

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2023 Texarkana’s Top Lawyer

Jason Horton

Jason Horton Law Firm Education • •

B.A., Texas Lutheran University, 2000 (cum laude) J.D., Texas Tech University School of Law, 2003 (cum laude)

Licenses and Certifications • • • • • •

State Bar of Texas, 2003 Arkansas Bar Association, 2004 US District Court, Eastern District of Texas 2003 US District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, 2004 US District Court, Southern District of Texas, 2005 Supreme Court of the United States, 2014

Memberships • • • • • •

Past President of the Texarkana Bar Association Past Panel Chair of the State Bar of Texas District 1 Grievance Committee Texas Bar Foundation Fellow National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Awards • • • • • •

AV Preeminent Rated (highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards) Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer, Criminal Law, 2020-2023 Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2016-2017 Arkansas Bar Association Leadership Academy Graduate, 2011 Top 100, Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers Association, 2013-2023 Bob Black Bar Leaders Award, Texas Tech School of Law Alumni Association, 2015

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2023 Texarkana’s Top Young Lawyer

Jacob s.

Potter Potter & Marks

Education • B.S.B.A., University of Arkansas, 2007 • J.D., University of Arkansas School of Law, 2010 • Clinton School of Public Service, 2nd Public Service Academy 2022 Licenses and Certifications • Arkansas State Courts, 2011 • Texas State Courts, 2021 • 8th Circuit Court of Appeals • US District Court Western District of Arkansas • US District Court Eastern District of Arkansas Memberships • Arkansas Bar Association • Texarkana Bar Association • Southwest Arkansas Bar Association • Texas Bar Association Awards • Eagle Scout • YLS Award of Excellence 2018 • AY Magazine, Arkansas’ Best Lawyers 2020

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TEXARKANA'S TOP LAWYER WINNERS 2023 TEXARKANA'S TOP DISTINGUISHED Kyle Davis John Delk LAWYER

WINNER: Winonia Griffin Roberts The Corcoran Law Firm FIRST RUNNER - UP: Karlton Kemp Kemp Law Firm NOMINEES: James B. Cranford, Jr. David James Paul Miller Cary Patterson Winford Dunn David Potter

TEXARKANA'S TOP LAWYER

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FIRST RUNNER - UP: Darren Anderson Anderson Law Firm NOMINEES: Amy Bowers Eric Marks Ralph Burgess 040

Mark Elliott Peter Corcoran Brent Langdon Mark Burgess David Ruff John K. Ross, IV Robert T. Veon

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FIRST RUNNER - UP: Fred Norton Norton & Wood NOMINEES: Darby Doan Bruce Flint Cary Rochelle Josh Potter Matthew Golden Jacob Potter

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FIRST RUNNER - UP: Peter Corcoran The Corcoran Law Firm

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JAMES B. CRANFORD, JR. Attorney at Law

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Murry Law Office Specializing in Auto, Truck & Motorcycle Accidents

Voted Texarkana’s 2023 Best Personal InjuryPlaintiffs Lawyer

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Monty G. Murry, Murry Law Office 3918 Texas Blvd. | Texarkana, TX 75503 903.823.3000 | Fax 903.823.3002 mgmurry@murrylaw.com 049

NOMINEES: Cade Mayo Felicia Cienfuegos Kyle Davis David Glass Mark Elliot

TAX LAW

WINNER: John K. Ross, IV Ross & Shoalmire PLLC FIRST RUNNER - UP: Nick Newton Langdon Davis LLP NOMINEES: Fred Norton

TRUSTS AND ESTATES

WINNER: Lisa Shoalmire Ross & Shoalmire LLP

WORKERS COMP – CLAIMANTS

WINNER: Greg Giles Moore, Giles & Matteson LLP FIRST RUNNER - UP: Fred Norton Norton & Wood NOMINEES: Mike Unger

WORKERS COMP – EMPLOYERS

WINNER: Gregg Giles Moore, Giles & Matteson LLP FIRST RUNNER - UP: Fred Norton Norton & Wood NOMINEES: Jeff Elliott

FIRST RUNNER - UP: Peter Corcoran The Corcoran Law Firm NOMINEES: Jacob Potter Karlton Kemp Mark Elliott Cade Mayo John K. Ross, IV

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Greg Giles

Moore, Giles, Matteson, LLP

Thank You For voting me

Best Workers Comp – Claimants and Best Workers Comp - Employers

Lawyer in Texarkana!

Greg Giles is a top-rated attorney selected to Super Lawyers for 2019 - 2020. He works at Moore, Giles & Matteson, LLP, located in Texarkana, Arkansas, and provides legal services for issues involving Social Security Disability and Workers' Compensation: Claimant to the surrounding community.

Only a few attorneys from each state are selected to Super Lawyers designation for any given year. The multifactor selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and evaluations, as well as professional achievement in legal practice.

(870) 774-5191 1206 N State Line Ave, Texarkana, AR 71854 A LT M a g a z i n e | D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

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STEVE WIGGS

2010 MOORES LANE

OFFICE SPACE

FOUR OFFICE SPACES AVAILABLE

SWIGGS1213@GMAIL.COM

COME JOIN OUR BUILDING! ABOUT PROPERTY:

• Electric and Water Paid • Lobby Space • Kitchen

Stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator

• Parking Space • Janitorial Service • Trash Service

CURRENT BUSINESSES IN BUILDING: Cranford Law Firm ALT Magazine Anderson Law Firm Mayo Insurance Group, INC. Adorn Salon Beauty & Wellness Center STEVE WIGGS | SWIGG1213@GMAIL.COM

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903.330.6638 | 903.705.2075

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The Angel Tree program provides Christmas for Low-income children 0-13 and senior citizens 65 up. Last year we served around 650 people.

Tags for purchasing gifts can be found at the Salvation Army Tree in Central Mall, First Baptist Moores Lane, Slim Chicken, and Robbin’s Toyota.

Raffle for Ceramic Christmas Bell Ornaments Set of 4 created and donated by Local Artist Merilynn Johnson

Hope – Peace – Love - Joy

Tickets can be purchased from Salvation Board members or calling the office. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Mistletoe Market and the Christmas Market at the TRAHC building. Drawing will be held December 18, 2023.

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Red Kettle Fund Raiser Sponsors Alexander’s Jewelers - BWI - Commercial National Bank Davis Lumber - Flanagan | Andrus Wealth Advisors Gregg Orr Auto Collection - Red River Lumber Schimming Real Estate - Texarkana Door & Window C & A Detail - Cadence Bank - Coleman Chevrolet - Cranford Land Management Crocker’s Jewelers - Deep Roots Ranch : Whitt Family - Derrick McGary : State Farm Insurance Farmers Bank & Trust - First Baptist Church Moores Lane - Four States Living Magazine Goodyear Tire - Guaranty Bank & Trust - Hardy Memorial Global Methodist Church Higginbotham Insurance - Julie’s Deli & Market - Lara & Chris Court - Ledwell & Sons Lonoke Baptist Church - Magness Financial - Milway Federal Credit Union Offenhauser & Co. Insurance - Red River Coatings - Red River Credit Union - River Valley Tractor Rosemary & James Henry Russell - Rush Truck Center - TEXAR Federal Credit Union Texarkana Magazine - Tri State Iron & Metal Co. - Wholesale Electric

Advisory Board Members

Chris Garvin - Matt Fry - Diane Martin - Alan Schimming Scott Bruner - Kirk Patton - David Alexander - Robert Jones Billy Whitt - Caroline Craven - Jannell Ingram Justin Swecker - James Keeton - Vashil Fernandez

Looking for group and individuals to ring the bell.

To sign up go to www.registertoring.com.

Volunteers can sign up now and the last day to ring the bell is December 23rd.

DOING THE MOST GOOD

870.774.2701 SOUTHERNUSA.SALVATIONARMY.ORG/TEXARKANA/ 4TH A L T M400 a g a zE ine | D e STREET c e m b e r 2 0 2| 3TEXARKANA, AR 71854

SERVING GREATER TEXARKANA: MILLER. BOWIE. LITTLE RIVER. SEVIER. LAFAYETTE. HOWARD. & HEMPSTEAD COUNTY 053

Welcome New Partners Welcome our newest #ChamberPartners .

Please be sure to like and follow their pages. Most importantly, go visit, shop, and support them!

Tell them the Chamber sent you!

Nothing Bundt Cakes A1-Led : http://www.a1led.net Ash Grove Cement 7 Brew Coffee First Southern Bank @firstsouthern.bank M3 services @mouton3services RBT Roofing Salty Boutique & Books Carl Culwell - Shelter Insurance Toddler Town TXK

For more information about the Chamber or Ribbon Cuttings, Contact Amber Adams at aadams@texarkana.org

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17 OAKRIDGE DRIVE TEXARKANA, TX 75503

NEW PRICE $599,000

French Country on 2 acres with 4 bedrooms, office, 2 living and extra garage/shop with full bath - 2nd story has bedroom/game room with full bath - High vaulted ceilings with split master suite. Enormous island kitchen open to both living areas with amazing full view windows overlooking the 2 acres.

Well water, Aerobic septic, and Survey provided.

Flood insurance $1911.74 per year.

OLD SCHOOL Customer Service is STILL ALIVE! connienations626@gmail.com | Cell: 903-277-0100 | Connie.nations@remax.net

THE GIFT OF

Homeownership It’s not too late to give yourself the gift of homeownership this holiday season. I can help you assess your financial situation and guide you on the next steps towards getting into the home of your dreams.

JASON CREE Cell: 903.277.2726 Office: 903.223.5632

Branch Manager | Sr. Loan Officer NMLS #209270

jcree@swbc.com | www.jasoncree.com 3101 Kennedy Lane, Suite 200 Texarkana, TX 75503 © 2021 SWBC. All rights reserved. Loans are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and conditions may apply. Programs and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Rates are subject to change daily. Corporate office located at 9311 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78216. SWBC Mortgage Corporation, NMLS #9741 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). 1060-A4314 01/21

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financial focus

STRINGER WEALTH MANAGEMENT RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL STRINGERWEALTHMANAGEMENT.NET

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MAKE YOUR FINAL TAX SAVING MOVES BEFORE DEC 31

TAX PLANNING

Proactive investors know that the months before year-end can be an ideal time to make strategic adjustments.

While keeping in mind your long-term investment goals, meet with your advisor and coordinate with your tax professional to examine nuances and changes that could impact your typical year-end planning.

Mind your RMDs

Be thoughtful about required minimum distributions (RMDs) to ensure that you comply with the rules – especially as some of those rules have shifted throughout the pandemic.

Investors who reach a certain age are required to take RMDs from their IRAs. You’ll face a hefty 25% tax penalty on amounts not withdrawn from your IRA to meet the RMD, so be sure to speak with your advisor to ensure you’ve met your obligations.

A few reminders for future distribution planning: • RMDs can be automated with your advisor to help ensure you don’t miss applicable deadlines.

• Your first RMD can be delayed until April 1 of the year after you reach 70 1/2, 72 or 73 (depending on your year of birth). If you delay, however, you must also take your second RMD in the same tax year. This can inflate your income, which may affect your tax bracket. Check with your advisor to determine what is applicable and best for you.

• Subsequent RMDs must be taken no later than December 31 of each calendar year.

• Qualified charitable distributions allow traditional IRA owners who are 70 1/2 and older to gift up to $100,000 from their IRA to a qualified charity. This is a non-taxable distribution from their IRA and can be used to satisfy an RMD. • Be mindful of how taking a distribution will impact your taxable income or tax bracket. If you are in a low tax bracket, discuss with your financial advisor and tax professional about taking an additional strategic distribution at that lower rate.

To harvest or not to harvest Evaluate whether you could benefit from tax-loss harvesting – selling a losing investment to offset gains. If your capital losses exceed your capital gains, your excess losses up to $3,000 (single or married filing jointly) can be used to offset ordinary income. Any additional losses can be carried forward to future years. With your advisor, examine the following subtleties when aiming to decrease your tax bill: • Short-term gains are taxed at a higher marginal rate; aim to reduce those first.

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• Don’t disrupt your long-term investment strategy when harvesting losses.

• Be aware of “wash sale” rules that affect new purchases before and after the sale of a security. If you sell a security at a loss but purchase another “substantially identical” security – within 30 days before or after the sale date – the IRS likely will consider that a wash sale and disallow the loss deduction. The IRS will look at all your accounts – 401(k), IRA, taxable, etc. – when determining if a wash sale occurred.

Manage your income and deductions Those at or near the next tax bracket should pay close attention to anything that might bump them up and plan to reduce taxable income before the end of the year.

• Determine if it makes sense to accelerate deductions or defer income, potentially allowing you to minimize your current tax liability. Some companies may give you an opportunity to defer bonuses and so forth into a future year as well.

• Certain retirement plans also can help you defer taxes. Contributing to a traditional 401(k) allows you to pay income tax only when you withdraw money from the plan in the future, at which point your income and tax rate may be lower or you may have more deductions available to offset the income.* • Evaluate your income sources – earned income, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, qualified dividends, etc. – to help reduce the overall tax impact.

Evaluate life changes From welcoming a new family member to moving to a new state, any number of life changes may have impacted your circumstances over the past year. Bring your financial advisor up to speed on major life changes and ask how they could affect your year-end planning.

• Moving can significantly impact tax and estate planning, especially if you’ve relocated from a high income tax state to a low income tax state, from a state with a state income tax to one without (or vice versa), or if you’ve moved to a state with increased asset protection. Note that moving expenses themselves are no longer deductible for most taxpayers.

• Give thought to your family members’ life changes as well as your own – job changes, births, deaths, weddings and divorces, for example, can all necessitate changes – and consider updating your estate documents accordingly.

Next steps Consider these to-do’s as you prepare to make the most of year-end financial moves, and discuss with your financial advisor and tax professional: • Manage your income and deductions, paying close attention to your marginal tax bracket.

• Evaluate your investments, keeping in mind whether you could benefit from tax-loss harvesting.

• Make a list of the life changes you and your family have experienced during the year. *Withdrawals from qualified accounts, such as an IRA, prior to age 59 1/2 may also be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax. RMDs are generally subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state taxes. Consult your tax advisor to assess your situation. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. © 2023 Raymond James Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange / SIPC, and Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC, are subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc. Raymond James® and Raymond James Financial® are registered trademarks of Raymond James Financial, Inc. A LT M a g a z i n e | D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3

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Get back to life fastER! DR. ERIK JACOBSEN

DR. BO KELLEY

DR. MATT YOUNG

DR. DEAN BOWMAN

DR. KYLE GROOM

• OPEN 24/7/365 • BOARD CERTIFIED DOCTORS • CARDIAC MONITORING • ULTRASOUND • MRI • CT SCAN • DIGITAL RADIOLOGY • OUTPATIENT IMAGING • NO WAIT • TRAUMA / INJURY CARE • PEDIATRIC FRIENDLY • ON-SITE LAB • PHARMACY • LOCAL DOCTORS & LOCAL OWNERSHIP

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903.838.8000 | TexarkanaEmergencyCenter.com 4646 Cowhorn Creek | Texarkana, TX 75503

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Suzie TK Snippets

By: Suzie Tyler

Where Did The Time Go? It’s been just a few hours, but it’s December again. It seems like we just welcomed 2023, and now it’s about to be 2024! A new year, new schedules, new calendars, and new rules.

I think we are all ready for a new beginning. Hopefully, in 2024, we can begin with a new clean slate and start making fresh memories.

November was an eventful month for me! I recovered from Carotid surgery, released a new episode in the Adventures of Beau Max, celebrated my birthday, and flew to the Big Apple, the town that never sleeps. It was also Veterans Day, and may we always remember what our veterans have done for our country. Some paid for it with their lives, and others with their bodies.

I arrived back in T-Town just in time to get ready for Christmas. When you reach your eighties, you realize that what goes up must come down, so decorations are quick and easy!

We will wake up Christmas morning, run to the Christmas tree, and if you still believe in the fat man in a red suit, you’ll receive gifts according to how good you’ve been all year. If you don’t believe, you’ll find a bag of switches under the tree or possibly a lump of coal!

However, we really should remember why we celebrate the birthday of the baby who came into the world, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and placed in a manger. At 33 years of age, He became our road to salvation.

Merry Christmas, and I wish you and yours a prosperous New Year, both materially and spiritually, from SuzieTK Snippets.

Remember the reason for the season and put Christ back in Christmas! It’s not about the gift but the giver of eternal life!

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, aka as X, and Amazon Authors.

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Fish Tales with Mike Brower The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Now that water temps are cooling down, we are coming into what is the best time of year to bass fish. Now is the time to pitch that jig around and catch some nice fish.

Bass still target shad, bream, and even crappie this time of year, but the crawfish is still the king of cold water. From now until around midApril, the crawfish is a preferred prey item of smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass. Crawfish and bream are preferred during the winter partly because bass don’t want to expend a lot of energy to eat, and they contain iodine, which is needed for bass to spawn.

Crawfish move slowly across the bottom and bass like that.

Tasty Donuts Donut • Croissant • Kolache • Fruit Sticks • Burrito Biscuit • Muffin • Coffee

This time of year, colors need to be dark or at least muted but can have a small patch of brightness to distinguish it from the bottom as craws live under and around the dead vegetation on the bottom. So black/blue, green pumpkin/orange, and watermelon are excellent colors to drag or short-hop across the bottom semi-slowly.

This is also the time of year to catch some massive bass on that craw, and then you can crow about it.

NOW OPEN IN TWO LOCATIONS!!

1443 N. Kings Hwy. 903. 838. 0422

K-Mart Shopping Center 903. 223. 0149

Donuts are ALWAYS the Answer!

SANTA DOESN’T STOP,

24/7 access

WHY SHOULD YOU? (903) 796-5438 | 108 N Loop 59 | Atlanta, TX 75551 (870) 772-4328 | 2229 Trinity Blvd. | Texarkana, AR 71854 (870) 898-5700 | 1420 Constitution Ave. | Ashdown, AR 71822 (903) 832-5438 | 600 North Kings Hwy | Wake Village, TX 75501 (903) 628-0035 | 980 James Bowie Drive | New Boston, TX 75570

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DECEMBER Zach Williams Christmas Concert @ FBC Texarkana

2023 Texarkana Christmas Parade

Celebrate Texarkana @ The Perot Theatre

(downtown TXK)

Christmas @ The Perot Theatre

LONESTAR Christmas & Hits Tour @ The Perot Theatre

Miller-Bowie Parkinsons Support Group @ Texarkana Public Library Texarkana Coin Club @ Texarkana Public Library

NJ Barrel Race I am a Hero @ Four States Jingle Jog Fairgrounds 5K @ Spring Lake Park

Second Annual Yule Ball @ HandsOn Texarkana

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

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FOSTERS NEEDED!

Local Rescues

CONTACT LOCAL RESCUES TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION! BOXER RESCUE OF TEXARKANA Facebook.com/BoxerRescueOfTexarkana MUTTLEY CREW GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE Facebook.com/MuttleyCrewRescue PASSION FOR POOCHES (mostly small dogs) Facebook.com/passionforpooches TEXARKANA ANIMAL LEAGUE Facebook.com/TexarkanaAnimalLeague

INDIGO

Passion For Pooches

GHOST

Passion For Pooches

LILLY

Muttley Crew

JENNY

Muttley Crew

JACK FROST

Texarkana Animal League

BUGSY

Texarkana Animal League

TEXARKANA HUMANE SOCIETY TexarkanaHumaneSociety.org Facebook.com/ TexarkanaHumaneSocietyInc For more info call 903-824-8117

WILLOW

Texarkana Humane Society

There are moments in life when you know something is a perfect fit. From the moment I picked you up at the shelter, you and I both knew. You chose me.

I know you are not hurting, and you are running and playing. I know I will see you again one day. I know all of that in my head, but my heart hurts.

I miss you asking me to fill up your special water glass. I miss you trying to get in the bathtub with me. I miss your muddy face when it rains and you decide to dig. I miss your smile and your mischievousness. I miss your hugs. I miss cuddling with you on my shoulder all night. I just miss you.

Of all the dogs I’ve loved, you were my special baby. Run free baby. I will see you again and our reunion will be glorious.

Gianni 2012 - 2023

Pets are family, too. Hug yours tight tonight.

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Bill Spradlin Realtor 903-748-3186

Tracy Spradlin Broker 903-748-2477

New Subdivision lake lots Available Eagles way North and South

Jan Williams Realtor 903-277-5771

Pam Hollingsworth Realtor 903-277-1222

John Trubia Realtor 817-701-8402

Ronnie Olson Realtor 903-280-6831

What a place to be...waking up in the mornings, overlooking the lake on SW Arkansas best kept secret, Beautiful Lake Erling. Privacy, seclusion, and serenity, all while watching the deer, turkey, and other wildlife in your own back yard. You are steps away from some of the South’s best fishing. These beautiful lots with lake frontage are limited and are beginning to sell quickly.

This is a gated subdivision with limited access. Lakefront property is extremely hard to find and availability is very limited on this lake. B.A.S.S. ranked Lake Erling the top 100 lakes in the United States.

Now Servicing the Dallas Fort Worth Area!

Amber McCormack Administrative Assistant 903-223-0710

Candace Henry Property Manager Assistant 903-276-0971

Ashley Gross Property Manager Assistant 903-223-0712

Brooke Feasel Office Assistant 903-223-0712

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903.223.0710 1356 N. Kings Hwy. | Nash, TX 75569 billsprad@aol.com | spradlintd@aol.com www.ImpactRealtyOnline.com 063