ALT Magazine September 2012

Traveler in the Past and Present

September 2012 . Vol. 6, Issue 9

Magazine

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September 2012 /contents

81 I Hope You Dance...

Diana Greenlee has had a life full of difficult choices...but she is dancing through it!

F E AT U R E S

EVERY MONTH

10

Kevin Jones - Traveler In The Past and Present

6

Editor ’s Letter

46

Financial Focus

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower

18

Supporting Excellence

23

F i s h Ta l e s

42

Back to School Fun Facts

32

F u r r y Ta l e s

Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson

50

I H o p e Yo u D a n c e

91

Real Estate

70

N e w Ye a r , N e w L u n c h

58

Resource Guide

88

Second Chances

74

True Light

82 Pet Photo Contest Winners

66 Uncorked

EVENTS 24

E a s t Te x a s M a r t i a l A r t s

34

Archonette and Amicette Induction Ceremony

36

Debutante Party

38 Te m p l e M e m o r i a l D r a w Down 40

Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Opening

56

Melt Away SMA

69

To d a y ’ s Yo u t h , To m o r r o w ’ s L e a d e r s

78 Race for the Cure Kick-Off

10

k / FEATURE STORY

Kevin Jones

Kevin Jones lives in the present...but loves to wa,k and talk the past...find out how this is possible from this history buff!

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C U LT U R E 90

Calendar of Events

26

Te x a r k a n a , A R To u r i s m

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 2 / Vo l . 6 , I s s u e 9

Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy Feature Writers / Jane Bouterse, Anne Fruge Contributing Writers / Christine Amos, Mike Brower, Anne Fruge, Vincent Senatore, Dustin Stringer Paintballer / Mike Brower If you have an event you would like to include in our Upcoming Events section, please email us at: info@alt-mag.com.

w w w. a l t - m a g . c o m

info@alt-mag.com 200 Heather Dr., Texarkana, TX 75501 (903) 334-9605

ALT Magazine is published the 1st business day of every month. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of ALT Magazine is strictly prohibited. ALT Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are available for $42.00 per year. Contributions from our readers are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material.

©2012 ALT Magazine

Just months ago, Sonya Smi t h fel t scared, nerv o us, and defeat e d by a breast cancer diagnosis. .

Today She Lives A Life

INFULLBL M

EDITOR’S letter

Education...

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. ~John Dewey

In November, 2011, I was honored to receive the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas A&M University-Texarkana. L-R: Anne Fruge, Jaclyn Gooding; Debbie Brower, Miranda Johnson, Charlie McMurphy, Jane Bouterse. Photographer: Rozana Page

I have always loved school. I love to learn new things. In

fact, I thrive on learning. It is as if it is a challenge to make sure I excel -- that I am good at something. It was no surprise that I made good grades in school. I was a “nerd” of sorts -- the kind of child who loved to read, who learned things easily, who rarely had to study after

Texarkana College that Lauren Heymeyer grabbed my attention

school to achieve excellent grades. Maybe that was part of why I

during a freshman history class. (And she knew it and threatened me

loved school so much. Maybe I had great teachers. Maybe it was a

about time limits with every presentation I made! LOL) I will admit I

little of all of that.

absolutely fell in love with what made our country wonderful. We are

lucky to have teachers, instructors and professors in the Texarkana

I remember when I was in the second grade, I wrecked my

bicycle, and in the process wrecked my foot. (In fact, years later,

area that make their subjects come alive for students. Whether high

I would have a knot rise on my foot to be opened by the doctor,

school or college, we are, indeed, blessed.

revealing a piece of gravel!) Anyway, back to the story. My mom took

me to the doctor to have my foot looked at, cleaned and bandaged.

shares her love for others through many ways, including sponsoring

Then the wait began. After a few days, I was to return to the doctor

foreign exchange students each year. What a wonderful opportunity

for a release to return to school. My mom made my lunch -- ham

she gives young people from all over the world. And what a blessing

sandwich with mayo, Ruffles potato chips, and cookies for dessert.

they are to her.

We then headed to the doctor. Imagine my sorrow when day after

day, the doctor refused to let me go back to school. Sobbing, we

of Texas A&M University-Texarkana’s 2011 Distinguished Alumni last

would return home. After several attempts, I was allowed to go back.

year was definitely a highlight of my life. I love that school! The staff

Joy flooded through my small body just thinking about being back!

and professors changed my outlook, and my life, in so many ways.

Many remain my friends to this day -- not just my professors, but the

Throughout the years, that joy has remained. Although I did

Diana Greenlee’s life has not been the easiest, but she

Blessings come in many different ways. Being named one

not choose to complete my degree following graduation from high

staff that helps with every possible thing that makes going to college

school, I never gave up that dream. So with two children, a husband,

happen. Occasionally, when the staff decides they want a speaker

and two dogs, I decided to return. It took a lot of planning to make

who cries, they ask me to speak! (I can’t talk to anyone about my

sure I was prepared for each class. What once was an easy task,

wonderful experience there without crying.) They don’t care! They

was not quite so easy. My older brain didn’t retain information quite

love that I have a passion for TAMU-T! If you know someone else

like my teenage brain did! With perserverance, I made it through both

who has that same passion, please take a moment to nominate them

my undergraduate degree and my master’s degree! What a relief!

for the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award. You can complete an on-

line form by visiting TAMUT.edu. If you need help, their wonderful

Kevin Jones is an inspiration to me. Not only does he “live”

history, he teaches it. From the classroom, to the great outdoors,

staff is waiting to assist you.

Kevin emerses himself in histiory. Because of that, his love of

May God bless you!

the subject he teaches becomes evident. I will admit that I was never a history fan in high school. It wasn’t until I was attending 8

ALT Magazine

September 2012

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Texarkana • New Boston • Hope • Blevins • Lewisville

by Jane Bouterse

I

mpressive moments come from the strangest places at unpredictable times.

For the last several weeks, one sentence from a television news interview has occurred repeatedly to me. The setting of the interview was a parcel of land where a house once stood in the mountains surrounding Fort Collins, CO. A woman whose hair was kissed with gray stood, occasionally shuffling the smoldering ashes at her feet. Everything around her stood, black and skeleton-like or smoldering in ashen heaps. The interviewer approached her and routinely asked, “Was this your home?”

The woman turned toward him with an unbelieving stare, “Yep,” then her eyes returned to survey the devastation before her. She shook her head and began to explain. “I built this house and lived in it 43 years.”

“Will you come back?” he asked.

Her unwavering look turned toward him and with a determined voice, she replied, “Oh, sure. I have lived on paved roads only twice in my life, once when I went off to college and the second time when I went to graduate school.” After a slight pause, “I guess I’m just a dirt road woman.”

I love roads. All my favorite pictures contain roads, roads going somewhere. Their suggestion of opportunity and surprise is never exhausted. This woman, in the midst of her enormous loss, clarified for me that roads define not just

destinations but who we are and what is important. I can travel many kinds of roads from backroads to complex or confusing mazes, but—at heart—“I’m just a dirt road woman.”

Kevin Jones, Redwater ISD history teacher, has traveled some roads of discovery equally as varied and reached significant destinations. Traveling with him provides an interesting trip.

Kevin began his journey in Murfreesboro, AR. His first 7 years were spent in nearby Glenwood, then to neighboring Dierks for the next 8 years— short moves. The family moved often because his dad coached girls’ basketball and had the happy habit of winning. Their final and longest move took the Jones family to Maud, TX, where Kevin completed his junior and senior years in high school.

Early on, Kevin grew accustomed to traveling on short and long roads. The road he chose to travel after his high school graduation led to East Texas Baptist College in Marshall, TX. A major in English provided him a challenge he appreciated, so he earned his BA Degree with an English major/ Religion minor. His road map took a sudden turn when, after his college graduation, Kevin joined the U. S. Army as an Army Chaplain’s assistant. He identifies his 7-8 Army years as “the best time of my life. The military focused on doing your job— mission first. My added maxim was staying out of trouble. No problem.”

Kevin served at an Army school as a chaplain’s assistant along with the Drill Sergeant who became Kevin’s best friend.

“We hit it off. Not sure why…maybe our mutual enjoyment of history.” From their base in Monmouth, NJ, Tom Corl, Kevin’s friend, was soon assigned to Korea for three years without a lot to do, since his family remained stateside. During his off duty time, Tom was free to explore his personal interest in history. Tom’s roommate was an older Master Sergeant whose hobby was reenacting, so Tom spent lots of his time learning the art of hand making tools for Civil War reenactments (living history) frequently staged in areas like Virginia and Maryland.

When Tom returned to New Jersey, he began to show Kevin the items he had learned how to make during his deployment.

For Kevin, the entire idea of “living history” was a road down which he had never traveled. According to the Civil War Reenactment Headquarters, participation in Civil War Reenactments is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, but those who think they are interested are encouraged to observe a reenactment before investing in supplies, uniforms and weapons. Authenticity is the prime criterion from campgrounds to battle mounts.

Although the Civil War began on April 12, 1861, with the firing on Fort Sumter, South Carolina, and ended with General Robert E. Lee’s surrender April 9, 1865, at Appomattox Courthouse, the last battle was September 2012

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fought at Palmito Ranch, Texas, on May 13, ever assembled up to that time; however, at night sitting around the campfire and 1865. Meanwhile, battles, large and small, this number has been surpassed in recent telling stories based on the letters, books were fought in thousands of places, from years. Reenactors were organized into and journals of [locations like] Gettysburg, southern Pennsylvania to Texas; from the groups similar to those which constituted Chickamauga and Cold Harbor. Talk about Indian Territory (Oklahoma) and New Mexico the original armies. There were 16 union any particular battle could go on all night, to the Florida coast. The majority of the armies, the Civil War Trust documents, and I wanted to share in the experience. fighting took place in the states of Virginia named after rivers such as the Army of The reenactments just made you get thirsty and Tennessee, but there were the Potomac, while 23 confederate also battles in the Atlantic Ocean armies were named after states or off the coast of France, the Gulf of regions, like the Army of Northern Mexico and the Mississippi River.”

Virginia. “One company=50 to 100 Therein lies a practical appeal of men; 10 companies=1 regiment; Civil War reenactments. about 4 regiments= 1 brigade; 2 to

The War was fought 5 brigades=1 division; 2 or more all over the country, so getting divisions= 1 corps and 1 or more to reenactments can be corps=1 army.” accomplished with more limited At the Gettysburg reenactment, travel. Since some 2,128,948 the units got into battle lines of 1,000 soldiers fought for the Union soldiers that moved like waves into and 1,082,119 constituted the battle. Since the outcome of the Confederate forces (acc. to Civil Battle was historical, the goal of the War Facts) family connections reenactment was to re-create what are more easily discovered took place and pay tribute to those who by descendants, although not had fought and died in that Battle.

The “housewife” (black, above) included a sewing kit, wallet, anything necessary to participate in the It was also during the reenactments precious to the soldier, and was carried on his person. The diaries reenactments. are Kevin’s great-great grandmother’s, which were written shortly after that Kevin and Tom were introduced

Kevin and Tom, already the Civil War. His great-great grandfather, a Union Solider, moved to to the Sutlers. During the Civil War Arkansas shortly after the war. The eyeglasses are true period glasses interested in the stories of the these merchants followed the troops that have been outfitted with Kevin’s prescription. battles, became even more to supply their needs. They still do, fascinated with the possibility of although today many of their wares participating in the reenactments. “Anyone are not on wagons but on the Internet. to learn.” who goes,” Kevin explains, “sees weapons, Two words with which the Sutlers and

In 1988, Tom and Kevin went to camp gear, uniforms, like they were during reenactors are familiar are “farby,” a Civil the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, the Civil War. Participants also learn the War reenactment term for anything not where over 51,000 USA and CSA soldiers principles of marching, cooking and eating typical of the period, like digital watches, or were killed. Over 30,000 reenactors just like the soldiers. A plus for me was plastic “anythings.” Kevin has even found gathered for the tribute—the largest number

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wire eyeglass frames (typical of the Civil War era) into which his prescription fits. Tom and Kevin also understood “Threadcounters,” i.e. the people who insist on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. “The derogatory term for this same person is “stitch nazi.”

While Tom busied himself with making various tools and equipment, Kevin reverted to his high school bachelor living course where he learned how to sew. He still knew how to make shirts, for reenactments muslin or linen with buttons of wood or bone. Another item--Brogans were the 100% leather shoes with wooden soles worn by soldiers, if they were lucky.

The leather and wood were driven together by wooden pegs. “Prior to the Civil War,” Kevin explains, “shoes were not made for the right or left foot but broken in and shaped by the wearing.” Pants and jackets were typically made, for both CSA and USA troops, from bright, blue wool. “A unique feature of wool is that even wet it will keep you warm. You get over scratchy.

Reenactors learn to bring ample clothing changes, as they usually stink by the time the reenactments are completed,” Kevin laughs.

Storyteller Kevin remembers clearly his reenacting the Battle of McPherson’s Ridge. The McPherson Farm was one half mile west of Gettysburg and offered hills on which the Union Army positioned itself to prevent a Confederate attack on Gettysburg. The battle was bloody and costly for both sides; many valuable officers as well as soldiers were lost.

Kevin tells his story. “The day I fought units joined and flags unfurled to define boundaries. I looked to the right and to the left, and as far as I could see there was a gray wall. The command was issued for the battle line to begin to move. We hit a low spot overgrown by wait-a-minute vines which made the going tough. At

that point, we looked like what we were, old men dressed up and stumbling forward, attempting to keep our weapons with bayonets fixed pointed skyward while maintaining a viable battle line. We hear the sergeants yelling for us to get back in line.

“When we surged through the thick brush and dressed on our guide-ons and flags, we finally looked forward. What stood before us was McPherson’s Ridge. What was on the Ridge was a line of blue-coated Yanks stretching as far as the eye could see in both directions. This blue, seemingly immovable wall, reflected the sunlight off the thousands of rifle barrels, bayonets and the dozen or so Howitzers and Parrots mixed in the Blue Wall. “‘We have to go into that?’ The whispered question moved down the line. (“One soldier summed it up when he wrote to his wife, ‘Soldiering is 99% boredom and 1% sheer terror.’”)

“The command to ‘Move forward’ came.

Ahead of us, the first row of soldiers had assumed a kneeling position; the second, a standing position, and the men on the third row had taken a half step to the right to shoot between the shoulders of those who stood in front of them. It was possible that 3,000 rifles were aimed at us at the same time.

Cannons were there, and—to our dismay-- the enemy artillery was present, too. At that moment, I remembered hearing about the Sunday shooters. “Sunday shooters” were a nickname given to the new breach loaded rifles the dismounted cavalry carried. Each rifle carried seven rounds as opposed to the one that our muzzleloaders had. It was said these new rifles could load seven rounds at once and fire once a day for seven days then finally reload on Sunday,

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the “Sunday Shooters.” Where they were positioned no one knew.

“Our goal was to move up the hill.

No one was firing real bullets, and most of the reenactors were falling back from exhaustion rather than having been hit.

When they fall, reenactors tend to fall on their backs so they can keep their eyes open and see what happens. If they are hit, they withdraw from their canvas, tar-covered Haversacks (the pouch soldiers used to carry personal possessions and food) a white cloth splotched with something red to resemble the “blood” of their wounds.

Spectators and participants seemed to be in awe of the noise and smoke generated by the reenactment.

“Rifles are the most expensive item of the reenactor’s gear. Springfield and Enfield rifles are the most common.

These black powder rifles are passed among reenactors as battles are planned and fought. Most reenactors have melting pots and molds and create their own bullets so cheaply that participants may give them away by the hundreds to spectators. Pistols/ buckshot, sabers and bayonets are also used as weapons, but normally by Noncoms or officers.”

Like many events, Kevin is quick to point out that if Robert E. Lee had split the union line in half at Gettysburg on that third and last day of the battle, the South could have declared independence. The date would have been July 4.

By the same token had the Union

cut the South in half at Vicksburg on that July 4, 1863, the war would have ended.

From that point on the South could never recover.

The Congressional Research Service has recorded approximately 644,000 deaths, which were a direct result of the Civil War, also called the War Between the States, War of Secession or Second American Revolution. ”Two-thirds of those who died were dead from disease, since the technology of warfare was far ahead of the technology of healthcare’s battle with germs.

Nonetheless, the war took a greater toll on life than any other war in which American soldiers have fought. General Robert E. Lee observed, “It is good that war is so terrible, lest we forget.”

Reenactments, Kevin maintains, give participants opportunities to pay tribute to those who fought, to “experience the events” that have shaped our world—to understand and remember.

“When the sun begins to rise in those early morning hours, and the camp begins to stir, campfires are starting up, and the smoke slowly rises through the morning’s fog, there comes that fleeting moment…that moment in time…when you feel you are actually there, making those choices, taking those chances, living those changes.” Kevin pauses briefly to reflect.

History is comprised of so many roads created by the tramping of thousands of determined feet. For Kevin, oftentraveled roads prove the most desirable,

for along the way, he seems able to look at what many before him have looked at, but few have seen and comprehend the consequences. He has seen and heard the noise of the crowd and the quiet of the morning’s stillness—both reached via. the same road.

Even so, Kevin chose to leave the reenactments to focus on his family and careers. He still believes in the reenactments’ value and appreciates the opportunities to meet interesting people. His life has just changed, and his participation a treasured part of his personal history.

“History is a written record of events, but I like to make history come alive.” Kevin moves toward the edge of his seat. “I am the storyteller, and I love it when we get to the battles. I believe history prepares us for the inevitable, since life moves in cycles. It also provides us with an understanding that can add depth and enrich our lives.”

There is no doubt that Kevin Jones, a veteran of Desert Storm, as well as reenactments speaks with both knowledge and commitment.

“When all is said and done,” author Charles de Lint has written, “all roads lead to the same end. So it’s not so much which road you take as how you take it.”

Worn paths, dirt roads, two-lane or super highways—traveling them--past or present--as Kevin Jones has done with compassion, curiosity and caring continues to make our world a better place.

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I

DEDIC

Committed and passionate. The A&M-Texarkana staff stands dedicated to this universi 135 faculty/instructors and almost 2000 students. With over 1356 collective years of h Texarkana through its tremendous growth. When they say “I AM dedicated,� they not onl

CATED.

ity. With 124 strong, the staff is the backbone that supports the higher education experience, this staff continues to drive A&MTAMUT.EDU ly mean it, they continue to prove it.

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September 2012

by Anne Fruge

Supporting Excellence

W

experiences they had and they want to be jobs because they know how it affects hile many high school graduates that person for the students and everyone everyone here, including the students,” and transfer students from who comes into the building,” Hoover Hoover says. “Everything from cleaning surrounding Community says. “Others may have just come into off the sidewalk to putting available Colleges in the Texarkana four states working for higher education and fallen classes in the computer, everyone here area are anxious to venture off to college, in love with the ability to help students. It is going the extra mile to make sure a great educational opportunity is rising truly takes everyone’s daily dedication to the experience here is a great one. up in their own backyard. Texas A&M keep the school running. If our email is Everything matters to everybody.”

University-Texarkana is offering students a four year university experience where

Hoover, who is chair of the Staff down or a server goes offline, our IT staff respond within minutes and in some students can still meet new faces, cases will work through the night to get plugged into student clubs and insure all networks, campus wi-fi, organizations and benefit from email, etc. are up and running at top talented and passionate staff. speed. Working in higher education

“Our staff is one of the is a true calling because everyone best things about this University,” I love people, and I love seeing here works until they fall over!”

Rhonda Hoover, Coordinator of Now, as the school plans another Financial Aid, Student Loans and the best in people, and that is what our expansion and a record class for the Veterans’ Affairs says. “They are staff brings to the table. next year, the staff is hard at work to 100% dedicated to making this greet students, visitors and alumni campus a great place to learn. I from the moment they pull in the cannot stress enough how hard parking lot to meet their needs. everyone works because they love “We want people to want to the students.”

Counsel, says that visitors on campus

From maintenance and grounds, can ask any staff member questions and come to this University,” Hoover says. that they will receive friendly and helpful “We want them to think, ‘Why would I to secretarial staff and admissions go out of town? I want to stay here.’ We responses. Not only that, the staff takes counselors, there are about 120 well pride in everything from the efficient office want students to come from other places educated and very experienced men and recognize what a great school this and women ready to help students be management to the beautifully manicured successful on a day-to-day basis. grounds. is. We want our alumni to feel welcome

“The staff remembers those great and involved. We want our students to tell

“Our staff are dedicated to their

“

”

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their younger siblings that this is the place they want to go to school. Everyone on campus is devoted to making this THE PLACE TO GO.” This is an exciting time for the University according to Bob Bruggeman, Manager of Communications and Alumni Relations for the University.

“The University itself is somewhat like a business and our customers are our students,” Bruggeman says. “What more can we do to make this the best possible experience for our students? That question is always in the forefront of my mind as we move forward. Research shows that if you don’t offer on-campus housing, most students will commute about 60 miles to attend class, so opening the residence hall vastly widened the range of students who would want to study here.”

The co-ed residence hall offers students a chance to experience the independence of leaving home without ever having to leave the Texarkana area. Plus, the University offers a wide range of campus activities, over 30 student organizations and clubs, and opportunities to get plugged into the community.

“I know people say this a lot, but at A&M-Texarkana, students are more than a number,” Bruggeman says. “Our faculty to student ratio is 1:18, so classes are small and faculty have time to give extra guidance and assist in the students’ education. Another added bonus is that we have opened a brand new campus. We have all new buildings and a new residence hall which provides a great learning environment.”

Besides all the great offerings for students, the University is currently one of the most affordable deals in the state.

With a $1,500 Arnold Scholarship, tuition and fees are less than $4,500 per year. Plus, the staff has streamlined the financial aid application process by combining

the application for admission and scholarships. Because of this, students can very conveniently put themselves in the running for more tuition help.

Students also have the unique opportunity at A&M-Texarkana to apply for the Arnold Scholars Program, thanks to financial investment made by Anita and

Truman Arnold. The program provides scholarships for incoming freshmen, transfer and graduate students.

“The Arnold’s continue to be extremely excited about the opportunity to provide and invest in the young people of this community” said Hoover. “Our goal is to keep making improvements to make it easier for students. The school is such a great value. If you line up the numbers, you are not going to find a better value for such a great university education. This cannot be underestimated in this economy.”

A part of their excellent service, the staff takes pride in making sure that the nation’s veterans receive the full benefit earned by their sacrifice. Veterans can enroll for classes or, in some cases, can transfer qualified hours to a child, stepchild, or spouse. For 2011-2012, the University awarded 4.7 million in grants, over 1 million dollars in scholarships, and certification enrollment for over 100 U.S. Military Veterans and their dependents. This is a large increase over previous years.

“We have a wonderful staff who loves to get to know incoming students,” Hoover says. “This is our way to thank our veterans for their service. We’ve grown 133% in the number of veterans in the last two years, and our goal is make sure we do everything we can do to assist them from the time they enter the door until they have entered a successful career.”

Across the University, from the crew mowing the grounds to the friendly faces that greet visitors in the student center, the dedicated staff is ready to help ALL students find and register for classes, discuss financial aid packages, and make the most of the vast number of opportunities available to them.

“I love people, and I love seeing the best in people, and that is what our staff brings to the table,” Hoover says. “We want to make this a place where people want to come to school. If they do, then we have succeeded.”

The A&M-Texarkana Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the annual Distinguished Alumni and Faculty Awards Celebration that will be held on November 8. To nominate a distinguished alumni or faculty member, visit TAMUT.edu to fill out an online form. Three alumni and one faculty member will be recognized during the celebration and the whole community is invited to the event.

If you would like more information about sponsorship, nominations or tickets, please contact Bob Bruggeman at bob.bruggeman@tamut.edu or 903 223-3153.

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them with no wake. A lot of people think they will slow down and that’s good enough, but sometimes they wind up “plowing” and push up a 2-3 foot wake which can be a real problem for someone fishing or a hunter who has tied their boat up to the bank. A semi large wake

by Mike Brower can knock a person out of the boat or can push a flat bottom up on the bank.

Neither is a good thing. We all have to share the water and there’s no reason to cause someone to be hurt or tear up equipment. So if you go by someone, slow down. And if you don’t, you might find out they will do the same to you. t’s that time of year again when the pleasure craft are going off the water. Now it will be just us fishermen for a Warning, Warning little while until the hunters get fired up and are cruising the rivers and backwaters. From my own experience and Just a reminder, the B.A.S.S. weekend series will be hearing what others say, sometimes the hunters don’t feel having a regional tournament on Wright Patman in the need to slow down while passing a fisherman in the October. There will be lots of boats around here in the river. Now, let me say there are fishermen who share that next couple of months that are from out of town. Be habit. Just a reminder that if you are running and are going sportsmanlike. They will be spending money here and that to pass a boat which is stationary, SLOW down and pass benefits our economy. We want them to come back.

A Thought from the Shallow End of the Gene Pool

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East Texas Martial Arts takes on the 2012 World Taekwondo Alliance National Championships Tournament and Pioneers World Cup Championship Recently, East Texas Martial Arts Instructor Gary wait to test for that degree. Miss Bermea is proud to Jones led a group of his students to Memphis, TN to compete at the 2012 World Taekwondo Alliance National Championships Tournament and Pioneers World Cup Championship. On July 20th, during the National Championships, Nate Brown, 5 years old, placed 3rd in Patterns/Forms and 2nd in Sparring as a Green Belt. Nikolas Bermea, 13 years old, received 1st place in Patterns/Forms and 2nd in Sparring as a 2nd Degree Black Belt.

Gabriella Bermea, 17 years old, received 1st place in Patterns/Forms as a 2nd Degree Black Belt. Craig Murray, 18 years old, received 2nd place in Patterns/Forms and 3rd in Sparring as a 1st Degree Black Belt. Twenty years old, Richard Gentry received a 3rd place in Sparring as a 1st Degree Black Belt. Gary Jones, 54 years old, placed 4th in Patterns/Forms as a 5th Degree Black Belt. Participants are required to qualify throughout the year in order to compete at this annual tournament. Competing at this level is an honor in and of itself. Mr. and Miss Bermea, the brother and sister duo were named National Champs in Patterns/Forms In addition to competing within the tournament, Gabriella Bermea qualified to test for her 3rd Degree Black Belt on July 20, 2012. The judges for the testing consisted of Grand Master McNeely, Grand Master Kong Yong Il, and Great Grand Master Nam Tae Hi. All judges for this testing were 9th Degree Black Belts so the pressure was

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say that after waiting three years, she is now a 3rd Degree Black Belt.

On July 21st and 22nd, a separate tournament took place, the World Taekwondo Alliance Pioneers World Cup Championships. During this tournament, participants receive bronze, silver, and gold awards.

Nate Brown, 5 years old, received a Bronze for Point Sparring and Bronze for Continuous Sparring as a Green Belt. Matthew Brown, 12 years old, received a Silver for Point Sparring and Bronze for Patterns/Forms as a Blue Belt. Nikolas Bermea, 13 years old, received Gold in Patterns/Forms, Bronze for Point Sparring, and Bronze for 3 Man Team Sparring as a 2nd Degree Black Belt. Gabriella Bermea, 17 years old, received Gold in Patterns/ Forms as a 2nd Degree Black Belt. Richard Gentry, 20 years old, received Bronze for Point Sparring and Silver in Continuous Sparring as a 1st Degree Black Belt. Again, the brother and sister team of Bermeas received the title of International Champs in Patterns/Forms.

intense. Miss Bermea not only had to demonstrate Patterns/Forms and technique of a 3rd Degree Black Belt, but she was required to demonstrate various self-defense methods and board breaking techniques. Every degree of the future belt level represents the number of years a student must

East Texas Martial Arts places extreme importance on being competitive but also great sportsmanship.

Students of all ages are enjoying the discipline and structure at their own level and their own pace.

The school is a family and remains very supportive of the team. Everyone looks forward to the next tournament and strives to improve every class.

Spend some time on our side of the Line...

Texarkana www.arkansas.txkusa.org

The Sun is Rising on Crossroads Business Park of

Texarkana, Arkansas Excitement. Convenience. Growth.

A catalyst for new growth, Crossroads Business Park is bringing new business to Texarkana, Arkansas.

Conveniently located north of Interstate 30, between Stateline and Jefferson avenues, this 1,000 acre business park is booming! Two hotels are already serving the area and the announcement of a new Holiday Inn Select and Convention Center will add to the choice selection for visitors to our city.

The newest addition, the Holiday Inn Select and Convention Center, will be a “hub” for the area. From conventions, to weddings, to reunions, visitors will be able to take advantage of all the amenities that Texarkana,

Arkansas has to offer. A water park, connected to the hotel and convention center, will add an additional enticement for young and old!

Naturally, with the increasing presence of new hotels, shops and restaurants are attracted to the business park!

Copeland’s of New Orleans originated in a place with its own unique flavors, fashions and passions. Over 25 years ago, the tradition began that the family is proud to carry on today: to serve an authentic, hometown New Orleans taste and ambiance to guests who enjoy truly exceptional food and hospitality.

A casually festive atmosphere combines New Orleans flavor and comfort with an upscale sensibility. From the Creole favorites that embody the heart and soul of Southern Louisiana, to the flavorful takes on seafood, pasta, salads, steaks and desserts, Copeland’s offers something for everyone.

Aven Williamson, developer of the property, has met the standards set by the city, including underground utilities and upscale landscaping. Harold Boldt, Texarkana city manager, says, “We are trying to carefully find the right partners. With a traffic count between 60,000 and 70,000 cars a day on I-30, which is expecting to double in the next

few years, it is the ideal location.”

With an ideal location full of beauty and modern charm, superior places to stay, and a new convention center and water park, the decision to locate at Crossroads Business Park is an easy one! Boldt hopes to attract additional businesses to build on the base already in place.

A booming metropolitan area conveniently located halfway between Little Rock and Dallas, Texarkana is the perfect spot for travelers to stop and dine, enjoy the outdoor opportunities in the area, shop or just relax! Come see what is going on at Crossroads Business Park!

Gather at the Texarkana Convention Center at the Crossroads...

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Rendering of Texarkana Convention Center at the Crossroads

Texarkana Convention Center SM at the Crossroads Once inside the Convention Center, the movable walls and ceilings of this stateof-the-art facility will allow rooms to be configured for large or small groups.

Large doors can be opened on the side of the building to allow objects from very small--Volkswagens-- to full size SUVs and everything in between to be brought inside the Center for display. This space will prove ideal for flower or bridal shows or arts and craft displays.

The Center’s ballroom can comfortably accommodate 1,000 people at one time or be divided into three meeting rooms providing space for about 300 people at a time, and one smaller room for 100 or fewer.

Conventions, trade shows, weddings, parties and endless other events will come to life in this state-of-the-art facility!

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Exceptional beauty and design combined with ample room for seating and event equipment make the outdoor garden area of the Texarkana SM Convention Center the perfect place to enjoy time to yourself or host a social event!

Careful planning has gone into the design of lush landscaping, elegant outdoor architecture, a tranquil water feature and upscale patio areas to be enjoyed by a small group or a big group!

Whether you are planning a private party, family or school reunion or an intimate or large wedding, the beauty and atmosphere of this outdoor space are simply impossible not to fall in love with!

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Holiday Springs Water Park at the Crossroads...

With attractions for the young and old, including a lazy river, adult thrill rides and leisure pools, kids pool, a splash pad, rides, tube slides, body slides, whirlpools, changing rooms, lockers, concession stands, rest rooms and gift shop, this park will offer a treat for every member of the family.

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by Christine Amos

Dog Lovers Unite!

D

og lovers unite! Come, sit, stay a while! The Kennel Club of Texarkana invites everyone to come and enjoy the entertainment and fun times with their family, friends, neighbors, and dogs on September 22nd, at Spring Lake Park for the 4th Annual Responsible Dog Ownership Day, also known as RDOD! Each year, the American Kennel Club encourages local kennel clubs to work hand in hand with their community in order to educate dog owners on responsible ownership. This creates a fellowship in the community and more well behaved dogs. Our new dog park has become more than a dream, so well behaved dogs are a MUST for JefFURson Park!

Last year, more than 630 dog clubs and other organizations hosted events, reaching millions of dog lovers and potential pet owners through extensive media coverage. Dog lovers also posted thousands of “Acts of Responsible Dog Ownership” on the American Kennel Club’s Facebook and Twitter pages to help celebrate “Virtual AKC RDO Days.” This year, follow the AKC on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest AKC RDO Days updates and participate in our virtual celebration.

The RDOD will include many events, such as a Pet Costume Parade. The donation for each entry will be given to a local rescue group that will benefit from it greatly! Please consider entering your pet in this event. A costume is required and the winners will be announced.

Obedience and agility demonstrations, as well as a dog breed

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parade are always enjoyed by those in attendance. In addition, a vaccination and microchip clinic is an important part of this event!

Come one, come all! Bring your well behaved pet and be a part of this community fun for all!!! Remember an educated pet owner leads to good dog behavior! I am so proud to be part of a community that can pull its resources together for a common goal and get such amazing results!

September 22nd, Spring Lake Park 10-3 See you there!

The Kennel Club of Texarkana is needing volunteers to help with this community effort. If you would like to donate your time to help produce this upcoming event you may contact Briana Webb at briana1285@gmail.com or Christine Amos at 903.278.6575.

If you are a facebook friend with either of us, or with Georgia’s Pet Salon, you may use that as well.

Christine Amos has over 30 years experience grooming pets and an owner of Georgia’s Pet Salon. She is a Certified Groomer, Master Groomer, AKC Canine Good Citizenship Evaluator, and Obedience Trainer. She is also Mom to Georgia (pictured), MoMo, and Annabelle!

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Archonette and Amicette Induction Ceremony

EVENT

WHERE Texarkana Public Library WHEN

8/14/12

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1. (back) Brandi Brown, Mariah Harris, Precious Kendricks, Bryia Lewis, Hallee Nelson, Mrs. Charlotte Wright; (middle) Mrs. Herise Williams, Keyundra Sanders, BreAnna Hill, Alexandreia Nelson, DeAunna Lester, Lashana Mitchell, Madison Holman, Ms. LaRhonda Hamilton; (front) Kasey Duncan, Ashyki Paxton, Jadin Duncan, Caley Burnside, Ashia Green 2. (back) BreAnna Hill, Alexandreia Nelson, Kasey Duncan, Ms. LaRhonda Hamilton, Brandi Brown; (front) Caley Burnside, Jadin Duncan, Ashia Green 3. (back) Brandi Brown, Mariah Harris, Precious Kendricks, Bryia Lewis, Hallee Nelson; (middle) Keyundra Sanders, BreAnna Hill, Alexandreia Nelson, DeAunna Lester, Lashana Mitchell, Madison Holman; (front) Kasey Duncan, Ashyki Paxton, Jadin Duncan, Caley Burnside, Ashia Green

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Debutante Party

A Bunco themed Debutante Party was given in honor of 2012 Debutante Laura Miller.

Stacy James Mayo was the event decorator and hostesses were Diana James, Anna Hornsby, Dottie Miller, Gloria Miller and Sara Weber.

EVENT

WHERE WHEN

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Home of Diana James 7/19/12

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1. Group eating 2. Morgan Nash playing bunco with David Mayo 3. 2012 Debutante’s: Top Row: Olivia Norton, Rachel Burgess, Mallory Greene, Wynden WIlliams, Laura Miler, Morgan Nash, Jordan Tidwell, Erin Keil, Sarah WIlson; Bottom Row: Natalie Fischer, Mariel Forte, Sydny Shepard, Blair Bennett, and Allison Morriss 4. Work station at Diana James home: Stacy James Mayo, Sara Weber, Anna Marie Hornsby

September 2012

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Temple Memorial Draw Down

EVENT

WHERE

Barbara Gleboff Building

WHEN

8/17/12

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1. Frank and Theresa Poff, Beverly and Carlton Jones 2. Jared Carver and Melody Melton 3. Linda Williams, Melody Melton and Lisa Dupree 4. Dyamond Robinson and John Dupree 5. Wendell Hoover, Happy Grace, John Hoy, Linda Grace and Donna Burnett 6. Jimmy “Smitty� Smith, Rozana Page and Frank Poff 7. Katie Cody and Justin Reeves 8. Gay and Derrick Durrant 9. Zach Silva, Deborah Rolfing, Ashley Townsend and Brandon Fields 10. Jeff K. Sandford and Senator Steve Harrelson 11. Greg Giles, Dwight Sperry, Leon Sanderson and Dan Purcell 12. Chesley Hindman, Donna Burnett, Anne Formby, LeAnn Wright and Julie Sanderson 13. Linda Gross and Kellie Morton 14. Rodney and Becky Fellers, Kristin and Cliff Cox 15. Sheriff Ron and Veronica Stovall 16. Ernest Pender, Ann Nicholas and Roy John McNatt 17. - 18. Misc. Draw Down Photos 19. Leon and Julie Sanderson 20. Danny and Judie Rackley 21. Klancy Johnson and Ryan Odens 22. Jana and Brent Haltom 23. Kristie Dempsey and Karen Johnson 24. Alexandra Webb and Becky Melton 25. Frank Poff and Klancy Johnson 26. Anita and Brandon Carver 27. Ashly and Ben King

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Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Reopening

EVENT

WHERE

Cowhorn Creek

WHEN

8/16/12

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1. Cliff Guillot, Charles Russell and Jeff K. Sandford 2. Amy Huddleston, Judge Josh Morris and Kathey Graves 3. Micki Wright and Willie Ray 4. Zach Norment and Matt Caler 5. Joe Strickland, Karen and Steve Nipper 6. Adrienne Brown and Cindy Ford 7. Christal Browning, JoAnn Rice and Olivia Nimanaj 8. Zach Norment, Janelle Williamson and Nolan Smith 9. H.S. Robin Sharp and G.M. Lisa DeVries 10. Charles Russell, Mark Bledsoe, Charles Nickerson and Willie Ray 11. Lori Yates and Kristi Shackelford 12. Bill Thornton, Linda White and Bill Crutchfield 13. Ribbon Cutting 14. Jeff K. Sandford, Mark Bledsoe and Mayor Bob Bruggeman 15. Frank Thomas and Wayne Cranfill 16. Teri Sloan and Elaine Chriestenson 17. Darla Cigainero and Elaine Chriestenson 18. Robin Sharp, Shamecca Deloney, Sharnda “Scooby� James, Micki Wright and Lisa DeVries

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This is an in-store dealer promotion. Offer expires 10/7/12. Void where prohibited.

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September 2012

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Back-to-School Shopping

Students

$7.2 billion

76 million

The amount of money spent at kids clothing stores in August 2009. Only October, November and December -the holiday shopping season -- were sales greater than $5 billion. Similarly, bookstore sales in August 2009 totaled $2.5 billion, an amount not surpassed by any month except January.

The number of U.S. residents enrolled in schools -- from nursery schools to colleges.

56 million The number of students projected to be enrolled in the nation’s elementary and high schools (grades K-12) this fall. That number exceeds the total in 1969 (51.6 million) when the last of the “baby boom” children expanded school enrollments.

1.1 million Number of students who are homeschooled, or 2 percent of all schoolage students ages 5 to 17.

10.9 million The number of school-age children (5 to 17) who speak a language other than English at home. They make up nearly 1-in-5 children in this age

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group. Most of these children (7.1 million) speak Spanish at home.

19.1 million

Technology in the Schools 14.2 million

The projected number of students enrolled in the nation’s colleges and universities this fall. This is up from 12.4 million a quarter-century ago.

Number of computers available for classroom use in the nation’s 114,700 elementary and secondary schools; that comes down to 1 computer for every 4 students.

Teachers

100 Percentage of public schools with Internet access. In 1995, the proportion was 50 percent.

7.2 million The number of practicing teachers in the United States -- from prekindergarten to college.

The Rising Cost of College

$63,640

Average tuition, room and board (for in-state students) at the nation’s fouryear public colleges and universities for an entire academic year, more than double the amount from 1990.

Average annual salary paid to public school teachers in California - the highest of any state in the nation.

Teachers in South Dakota received the lowest -- $35,378. The national average was $50,758.

$14,915

$40,640 Average tuition, room and board at the nation’s four-year private colleges and universities for an entire academic year, more than double the amount from 1990.

Back to School: Fun Facts Fast facts about going back to school from the U.S. Census Bureau.

September 2012

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The Rewards of Staying in School $83,144 Average annual earnings of workers age 18 and older with an advanced degree. This compares with $58,613 a year for those with bachelor’s degrees, $31,283 for those with a high school diploma only and $21,023 for those without a high school diploma. $75,621 Average starting salary offer to bachelor’s degree candidates in petroleum engineering, among the highest of any field of study. At the other end of the spectrum were those majoring in the social science; they were offered an average of $39,476.

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Find us on

by Dustin Stringer Stringer Wealth Management LPL Financial www.stringerwealthmanagement.net

401(k) Fee Rules Changes Coming This Summer Workers will be able to learn how much the fees for their 401(k) plans are draining from their accounts when new disclosure rules go into effect this summer.

Beginning July 1, financial institutions that administer employersponsored defined contribution and pension plans will be required to disclose the fees and administrative costs they charge in a userfriendly format. The rules were initially scheduled to take effect this month but the U.S. Department of Labor delayed implementation from April to July to give providers more time to come into compliance.

The 401(k) fee disclosure rules are intended to help participants

understand the breakdown of fees associated with their plans — and encourage employers who sponsor these plans to shop around for administrators and compare costs.

The hope is that the fees will be reduced and siphon less money out of workers’ retirement plan balances.

“Dave Loeper, author of Stop the Retirement Rip-off, says plan providers have been known to sneak in extras like representative fees, administrative fees, distribution8 fees and expense ratios. When the new disclosure rule takes effect, workers will face some major “retirement plan sticker shock” when they see what they’ve been charged, he told businessinsider.com.

Labor Department officials heightened efforts to make fee disclosures transparent after a series of class-action lawsuits were filed against large employers, alleging they violated their fiduciary duty by allowing employees to be charged excessive, undisclosed fees in their retirement plans. Those lawsuits spurred consumer and investor groups to press for the new regulations.

Scott Holsopple of Smart401k says the new rule will change the way providers lay out retirement plans: *They’ll have to tell participants exactly what services they’re paying for. *They’ll be required to disclosure the direct and indirect compensation they get for promoting certain financial products.

Posted on 04/23/2012 by Carole Fleck | Money and Work |AARP Blog Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC

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by Jane Bouterse

S

he has lived three distinct lives in her 51 years—each populated by its own people, problems and passions. For this attractive, 5’8” blonde with the bluegreen eyes and winning smile, the definition of normal is anything but normal.

Diana Greenlee arrived into the doting and dedicated arms of her mom and dad in Camden, AR, on July 2, 1961, the first of four children. No child could have been more welcomed. For her first seven months—perhaps the only normal time in her life—she thrived, until…

…Fever…When her flulike symptoms and high fever persisted, Diana’s parents rushed her to the hospital where a fast thinking pediatrician saved her life with one shot. Her diagnosis was a severe case of viral encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. The actual cause was never identified, but Diana was in an overnight coma followed by a week’s hospital stay. Her recovery appeared to be complete until she was two years old when she experienced the first seizure.

For Diana, her second year marked the start of two of her unique lives—first, her growing awareness of Pappy’s presence; second, the beginning “of her 33 year trip

through seizure land.”

Pappy reared Diana’s mom and was a part of Diana’s life from the time she was born, but her earliest memories of him begin with the trials of her second year. With a broad smile, she confesses, “I never met anyone as perfect as my Grandpa.” While Diana’s parents were caring and attentive to their children, they were also busy providing for their family.

Pappy had extra time and chose to spend much of it with Diana. The lessons she learned from him repeat themselves almost daily. For one thing, Pappy enjoyed his coffee (and so does Diana and Pappy Diana). As she grew older, he would awaken Diana every morning, for coffee and reading the paper. Pappy enjoyed history and shared his enthusiasm with Diana. Many of his lessons were practical, like the importance of keeping

a flashlight in the bathroom. “When storms come, “ Diana explains, “the first place you run? The bathroom. If the lights go out, you’re still not in the dark.”

Pappy’s enduring influence, however, was his belief in education. One of seven, he had to go to work to help support his family, so he became the head storekeeper at the paper mill in Camden.

While he worked, he always bought bonds, and at age 50, he used the bonds to pay for his GED and college. He wanted the kids to see him act on his beliefs.

In fact, Diana was fortunate, as her grandparents, by their lives as well as their words, significantly affected her life. Pappy was a part of Diana’s life from the beginning until he died holding her hand. Diana was 32. Her maternal grandmother, Mimi showed a kind of strength and determination during her cancer battle that Diana later emulated in her own medical battles. Her paternal grandmother, Mamaw, showed Diana the importance of faith. “Pray about things; don’t worry about things, she would say. Worry is assuming responsibility God never intended you to have,” Diana remembers. “My Mamaw was happier than most people. She let God do the worrying.”

“Pray about it. Laugh about it. Stay in school.” The contact with her grandparents provided Diana not only a firm foundation but September 2012

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an enviable set of skills in the kitchen.

As Diana approached her junior year in high school, her family moved to Texarkana. When she took one look at Texas High School, her heart sank. It was too big and filled with strangers. She chose, instead, to live with her Mamaw and attend Fairview High School in Camden during the week then join her family in Texarkana on weekends. During those high school years, Diana had a steady diet of “faith and food,” as she spent lots of time in the kitchen with her grandmother, an excellent cook. Today, Diana excels in her own kitchen where the treats are tasty, and the coffee stays hot and plentiful. After graduation from Fairview High School, she moved to Texarkana.

The kitchen time with her grandmother was precious to Diana for another reason, as well. It helped her to deal with the strange second life she had been forced to live—a life of seizures.

Her family’s confidence that all was well after her battle with encephalitis was shattered when Diana experienced her first seizure. Early on the seizures were identified as “Petit Mal” or “Absence seizures.” For the two year old, they were marked chiefly by convulsions. According to the Mayo Clinic, Petit Mal Seizures are uncommon, occur without warning, usually last about 15 seconds and may appear several times during the day. Individuals experiencing a seizure may appear to be daydreaming. The person appears instantly alert as soon as the seizure is finished but

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has no memory of its occurrence.

Diana’s early seizures were occasional until she reached 15, puberty.

As her body began to change, so did the seizures. From age 16 or 17 to age 33, she went through seven different medicines, single or in combination, and four seizure monitoring surgeries. “My grades were so poor,” Diana still laments, “because of the seizures. College and graduate school were hard.”

In 1989 the Grand Mal seizures ushered in Diana’s nightmare years. The Grand-Mal or Tonic-Clonic Seizures, as explained by the Mayo Clinic, “can be one of the most frightening seizures to observe.” The seizure usually occurs in two stages: •

“Tonic phase – The person initially stiffens and loses consciousness, causing them to fall to the ground.”

Eyes roll back into the head; leg, arm and chest muscles tighten; breathing becomes labored; lips and face turn blue, and the person may make a gargling noise.

•

“Clonic phase -- …”the clonic phase will start as the muscles begin to spasm and jerk. Spasms of the elbows,

legs and head occur frequently then begin to subside. Usually a person lets out a deep sigh as the spasms decline and normal breathing resumes.

•

“Postictal period--As the person transitions from the clonic phase to this post-seizure period, they’ll likely remain unconscious for a few minutes or more, depending on the severity of the seizure. During this time, the brain is extremely active trying to stop the cells from firing to bring the seizure under control. When the person wakes up, they may have sore muscles and be tired or confused. The observer’s best course of action is to be assuring and supportive.”

A major stressful event in Diana’s life in 1989, precipitated her Grand Mal seizures.

Most of the time she experienced seizures she was alone; each one required an ambulance ride (“I have major respect for paramedics,” Diana acknowledges.)

Stopping the seizures required a 10-17 mg. shot of Valium in the ER and a hospital stay. The first “set” (always 2 or more in a row, 15-20 minutes each) Diana had in her classroom with her students present. “I had not had a seizure for five years,” she declares, “but I experienced a major stressor.”

Another occurred when Diana took a walk as a break from studying for her last two graduate courses. It was near dark.

She had walked two miles along a nearby frontage road bordered by a ditch, then woods. Joggers found her in the ditch where she had fallen into a fire ant mound when the seizure struck. Because of the location and her appearance, she could easily have been mistaken for a drunkard.

The joggers immediately called the police.

“It was a God thing,” Diana comments.

“Those joggers could have pulled me into the woods and done anything they wanted to do.” As she awakened, Diana remembers a dark haired, moustachioed face framed by a policeman’s uniform and his words, “Jane Doe is coming around.” Of course, she had no identification with her, since she was just taking a short walk.

The policeman and joggers rescued her that night. “I still have fire ant scars,” she reports. “I owe some joggers and that other guy thanks. I wish I knew who they were.”

Once the Grand Mal seizures began, they continued. Diana still remembers the details of her three worst seizures.

Something had to be done, so Texarkana Neurologist Dr. Nancy Griffin, M.D., eventually referred Diana to Dr. Henry Raroque, Jr. M. D. in Dallas, described by Diana as “my favorite guy on the planet.”

With methodical and meticulous detail

“I had wanted to hear that for so long…When will you do it [the surgery]?”

“Tomorrow morning. I’m going to remove a portion of the Temporal lobe. It’s gone,” Dr. Bruce told her.

“It was a God thing. I prayed about it before I went in. OK God…You brought me to this point, one of the calmest moments in my life. My parents were basket cases.”

During her six hour surgery, Dr. Bruce had to remove most of the damaged temporal lobe, only a thumbnail-sized piece remained “to cushion the brain stem.” He assured Diana she was lucky to have had the encephalitis when she was seven months old because as she grew the rest of her brain compensated  EEGs (elecfor the damaged lobe. Diana troencephanow had an explanation for logram) a Diana with Dr. Henry Raroque, Jr. M. D. -why she had only about three painless test described by Diana as “my favorite guy on verbal memories of the first which requires the planet.”

20 years of her life but had an that flat, exceptional visual memory, a metal discs function of the neighboring Occipital lobe. (electrodes) be attached to the scalp to

For Diana, every December 28 is detect electrical activity in the brain. a second birthday celebration, as that is the birthday of her seizure-free life. “I celebrate  MRI (magnetic resource imaging) “a technique that uses a magnetic field and every year,” she excitedly reports. “Never radio waves to create detailed images of take anything for granted. No one realizes what a privilege it is to take a bath and have the organs and tissues within the body.” your own car keys. Humiliation is being 35  PET (positron emission tomography) scans employ radioactive material Join us for to reveal how the body’s tissues and organs are functioning.

Dr. Raroque zeroed in on stress as the causative factor and began the search for the focal point of the seizures. Diana was required to keep a seizure journal in which she recorded her medicines, the time of day the seizure occurred and the intensity.

“Every doc should require a seizure journal,” she observes. The journal assisted in determining the damage was in the memory area of the brain.

The process of eliminating the seizures covered years—19891994. During those years, Diana was subjected to repeated tests:

 SPECT scans. An advanced PET. The last three of Diana’s seizures were so massive that no focal point could be located.

“I finally wore ‘em down so I got to watch one,” Diana says. “Really interesting.” Dr. Raroque, on the other hand informed Diana, “You just like to make a diagnosis difficult.”

In March 1993, Diana was forced to endure a seizure monitoring, a procedure to observe an induced seizure (“like lying on a train track, waiting to get hit. Ha!”) This is a surgical procedure involving placement of intracranial electrodes, so before her surgery Diana began to tap her Bucket List and went Sky Diving. “That was the only time Dr. Raroque got mad at me,” she explains. “’You’re like my little sister,’ he told me. ‘You must listen to me.’” This surgery implanted up to 24 electrodes in her brain.

Each electrode had an attached wire which emerged through holes drilled in the sides of her head. Two additional monitorings to observe a seizure proved necessary.

Finally, a seizure monitoring surgery in August 1994 implanted 74 electrodes in five areas of her brain. “Wires were everywhere. I had lots of seizures during this time.” When this test was completed, Neurosurgeon Dr. Bruce from Scotland appeared in Diana’s room, “Well, Diana. It’s a go,” he told her. “We’ve found the spot.”

with the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra Featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart **Dancing shoes optional!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 6:30pm Texarkana Country Club $100 per person Heavy hors d’oeuvres Cash bar available

Reservations required by September 12th at 870-773-3401 OR tso.rsvp@windstream.net

Presented by

AND Introducing this season’s

Celebrity Conductor Candidates

All proceeds to benefit TSO. 421 Hickory Street, Texarkana, AR 71854 September 2012

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like. TASD agreed to accept the students years old and sitting in a room filled with who always are enrolled as juniors in high teen-agers to get your driver’s license, but school. Their school year in the USA is called I was so happy to do just that. You can’t an “experience year” and does not count improve life [that’s] seizure free and with a toward their degrees. So far she has hosted driver’s license.”

2 students from Brazil; 7 from Germany,

“It’s so weird to think that was me,” 1 each from Norway, Czech Republic, she laughs as she celebrates each day— seizure free. Her annual appointment with Dr. Raroque now basically revolves around a hug and the delivery of his favorite—Italian Cream Cake.

Through all of these lives, Diana has managed to “Pray about it. Laugh a lot.

Stay in school.” She has earned both a BA and graduate degree from Texas A & M, Texarkana and teaches Special Education at Kilpatrick Elementary School, in the Texarkana, Arkansas Independent School On her dream trip/birthday weekend, Diana was hosted by 8 of her 11 District. She laughs a European girls who shared with her their countries’ beauty, history and lot with her students to everyday life. whom she is devoted.

Diana is also dedicated to Ecuador, Spain, South Korea and, this year, those Exchange Students who share her France. The girls, their parents and Diana comfortable home during each school year. proceed through a rigid screening process She began with plans for only one year, before any choices are made. These young just to see what the hosting experience was

women, ages 16-17 experience life as American students and have reached similar conclusions:  Take school more seriously than their American classmates  Wonder why teachers tolerate some student speech.  Assume responsibility  Less concerned with ownership of “things”  More experienced with the world  Speak several languages (4-5 years of English before they come)  Amazed at how much Americans eat out  Fascinated by drive-through bank tubes and driving everywhere  Shocked by how little recycling is done and trash everywhere  Choose same 3 favorite foods and stores and enjoy late hours of operation: Chicken spaghetti Olive Garden Chicken enchiladas TaMolly’s Pumpkin bread Walmart  Appalled by how much Americans waste.

The girls participate in volunteer opportunities often not available in their own government controlled countries. Diana encourages the practice of this grandparent lesson, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your presence on this earth.” They have assisted the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, Literacy Council as well as Komen Relay for Life. They attend church, date, travel, and learn how to cook and drink coffee. In addition, they are exposed to three of Diana’s passions: The Dallas Cowboys, (a lifesize Troy Aikman dominates her office), the Arkansas Razorbacks and Humphrey Bogart.

Diana has reversed the travel routes and traveled to Europe four times. On her dream trip/birthday weekend, she was hosted by 8 of her 11 European girls who shared with her their countries’ beauty, history and everyday life.

For Diana Greenlee, life is soaring.

Her Bucket List includes: Sky Diving, Hang gliding and flying with a crop duster. She has lived the wisdom of Pray, Laugh and Learn.

Like Lee Ann Womack’s song says, “…when you get the chance to sit it out or dance./ I hope you dance….I hope you dance.”

Diana’s normal IS dancing.

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REGGIE’S BURGERS, DOGS & FRIES

Monday through Saturday 10:30am - 8:00pm

Classic American Deliciousness!

4284 St. Michael Drive

(directly in front of Bed Bath Beyond) Texarkana, TX September 2012

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Ark-La-Tex Resource Guide Air and Heating Central Air 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212

Attire Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088

Krause Service Company, Inc. 200 Industrial Blvd.

Nash, TX 903.831.3912

Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056

Wells Fargo Bank 3615 E. 9th St. Texarkana, TX 903.838.1187 1301 Arkansas Blvd.

Texarkana, AR 903.223.1545 2900 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.223.3516

Apartments Arista Apartments 3515 Arista Blvd.

Texarkana, TX 903.255.7869

Banks Peoples State Bank 5600 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2300

Cakes Coldstone Creamery 4228 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2653

Legacy at Pleasant Grove 5911 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 888.763.2676

Red River Federal Credit Union 2700A University Ave. Texarkana, TX 75503 903-735-3000 800-822-3317

Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354

Richmond Oaks Apartments 2815 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.6150 Summerhill Woods Apartments 4501 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.7888 Westwood Apartments 101 Redwater Rd. Wake Village, TX 903.832.8446 58

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Texar Federal Credit Union Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.223.5626 Texarkana First Bank 3601 East 9th St. Texarkana, AR 870.772.0222 615 Sam Houston Dr. New Boston, TX 3625 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.6955

Reception Arts Becky Risinger Ashdown, AR 870.898.5273 Caterers/Private Chef Big Jake’s BBQ 2610 New Boston Rd. Texarkana, TX 903-793-1169 1521 Arkansas Blvd.

Texarkana, AR 870-774-0099

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Big Jake’s BBQ (Continued) 603 W. Commerce Hope, AR 870-777-1000 170 N. Constitution Ave. Ashdown, AR 870-898-2227 Culinary Creations Pam Elliott 903.831.4674 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Sugar & Spice Catering Shari Frachiseur 903.276.4389 Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903-792-2700 Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR 60

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124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 Church Highland Park Baptist Church 2401 Hazel St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.6996 Clothing Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088 Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 OMG Lulu 3211 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.8135 116 Polk St. Jefferson, TX 903.665.8855

Dental/Endodontics Texarkana Endodontics, PA Jason Michel, DDS 1826 Galleria Oaks Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.793.7411 Dry Cleaning Holiday Cleaners Locations throughout Texarkana Area 870.773.4072 Electrical Services Mr. Electric 903.838.0161 Entertainment CableOne 855-692-4121 Legendary Shooting Sports 925 Brower Lane Texarkana, TX 903.334.9605 Texarkana Symphony Orchestra 903.792-4992 Tickets 870.773.3401 TRAHC 321 W. 4th Texarkana, Texas 903.792.4992

TEXAS PROUD Thank you for rating us “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Auto Insurers in the Central Region” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Auto Insurance StudySM. Call today for a free 360 Review®.

NEW BOSTON 911 W. US Hwy 82 903.628.3451 TEXARKANA 4413 Morris Ln. 903.838.8707

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies received the highest score among auto insurance providers in the Central Region in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Auto Insurance Study(SM). Study based on 34,828 total responses measuring 14 providers in the Central Region (AR; IA; KS; MN; MO; NE; ND; OK; SD; TX) and measures opinions of consumers with their auto insurance provider. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed March - April 2012. Your experiences may vary. Visit JDPower.com. © 2012 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies.

Event Locations Garrison Gardens Texarkana, AR 71854 870.773.0275 Regional Arts Center Cabe Hall 321 W. 4th Street Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.8681 Silvermoon on Broad West Broad at Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX Texarkana Convention Center Crossroads Busines Park Texarkana, AR 870.216.2000 Estate and Garage Sales Somewhere in Time 903.277.3392 903.278.2259 Financial Planner Dustin Stringer Stringer Wealth Management 1620 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.223.0011

Fitness Centers Anytime Fitness Richmond Road 3415 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.794.5348

Hospitals Christus St. Michael Health System 2600 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.614.1000

Lyfe Fitness 819 N. Kings Highway Wake Village, TX 903.832.0133

Health South Rehabilitation 515 West 12th St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.0088

Florists Ruth’s Flowers 3501 Texas Bllvd.

Texarkana, TX 903.793.6711 www.ruthsflowers.net

Wadley Regional Medical Center 1000 Pine St. Texarkana, TX 903.798.8000

Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903-792-2700 Unique Flowers 4801 Loop 245 Texarkana, AR 870-774.1300 Funeral Home Texarkana Funeral Home 4801 Loop 245 Texarkana, AR 870.774.1200 3515 Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX 903.794.1200 Chapelwood Funeral Home 1015 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.838.5300 Furniture Oak Creek Furniture 8024 West 7th St. Texarkana, TX 903.832.0793 Gifts Dot’s Ace Hardware 3411 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0059 Hair Care A Total Change 930 N. McCoy Blvd., Suite 6 New Boston, Texas 75570 903-628-6135 Serendipity Salon of Texarkana 4308 Texas Boulevard Texarkana, TX 903.255.0554 Style Studio Lisa Harris 3201 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.1719

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Hotels Best Western Texarkana Inn & Suites 5219 Crossroads Parkway Texarkana, AR 870.774.1534 Clarion Lacross Hotel 5100 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.774.3521 www.lacrosse-hotel.com Courtyard by Marriott 5001 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.7400 Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott 4209 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.1000 Hilton Garden Inn and Texarkana Convention Center 2910 S. Cowhorn Creek Loop Texarkana, Texas 903.792.1065 Holiday Inn Express & Suites 4545 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 903.223.0008 TownePlace Suites by Marriott 5020 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.8800 Insurance Farm Bureau Insurance 4413 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.8707 911 W. US Highway 82 New Boston, TX 903.628.3451 Greg Cockerell State Farm Insurance 4807 Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.7502 Ron Morrow State Farm Insurance 3306 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.832.5505

Invitations I Do Wedding Favors Debra Jones 903.826.9879 Jewelers Alexander’s Jewelers 3701 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.832.3557 Micah’s Jewelers 2812 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.735.2336 Make-up Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 Methadone Treatment Arkansas Treatment Services 408 Hazel St. Texarkana, AR 870.774.0421

Photographer Image Forward Photography 200 Heather Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.334.9605 Sage Duke Photography 870.571.0868 Pet Grooming Georgia’s Pet Salon & Boutique 101 Slaton Nash, Texas 903.223.8223 Physicians Advanced Bariatrics 1939 Morres Lane Texarkana, TX 75503 Carmony Oral, Facial and Implant Center 5305 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.8405 Express Care 5483 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.5931 Northfield Accupunture 619 E. 6th St. Texarkana, AR 870.772.8622

Vision Source 4401 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.9063 Plumbing Central Air/Roto Rooter 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212 Real Estate Crown Leasing 6500 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 903.792.6000 Gerald Haire Realty Kaci Bennett 3725 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 870.903.3049 Gerald Haire Realty Janet Willis 3725 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.748.5385 Impact Realty Bill and Tracy Spradlin 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Ste 104 Nash, TX 903.748.3186 903.748.2477

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Impact Realty Cody Sandone 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Ste 104 Nash, TX 903.276.7565 Teresa Liepman Remax 5120 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.276.9464 Refreshments Bolls Distributing 700 E. Broad St. Texarkana, AR 870.774.9283 Vincent’s Fine Wines 6900 N. Stateline Texarkana, AR 870.774.7217 Rentals Dot’s Rentals 814 N. Robison Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.7011 3413 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0551

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Restaurants Big Jake’s BBQ 2610 New Boston Rd. Texarkana, TX 903-793-1169 1521 Arkansas Blvd.

Texarkana, AR 870-774-0099 603 W. Commerce Hope, AR 870-777-1000 170 N. Constitution Ave. Ashdown, AR 870-898-2227 Coldstone Creamery 4228 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2653 Daddy Dougaloo’s 905 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.0172 Dairy Queen Locations throughout Ark-La-Tex Fish Creek 1514 Arkansas Blvd.

Texarkana, AR 870.223.0595

Gusano’s Chicago Style Pizzeria 2820 Richmond Road, Texarkana, Texas 903.792.8646 Hopkins Icehouse Downtown Texarkana, AR Corner of 3rd and Wood 870.774.3333 Ironwood Grill 4312 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.4644 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Shorty’s Donuts 2729 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.6686 Tasty Donuts 1443 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.838.0422 Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR

124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 Retirement/Assisted Living Home Edgewood Manor 4925 Elizabeth St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.4645 Heritage Plaza 600 W. 52nd St. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.6700 The Magnolia 4205 Richmond Meadows Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.7319 Roofing Aqua Roofing Anthony Jewell 3523 Locust Texarkana, AR 903.244.5706

Wedding Favors Pop Pop Shoppe 2011 Mall Drive, Suite B Texarkana, TX 903.793.0209 Wedding Planners Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Locations Ironwood Grill 4312 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.4644 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Silvermoon on Broad West Broad at Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX Weight Loss All About You 4100 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 903.803.2050

Spas/Salons All About You 4100 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 903.803.2050 Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 Ultrasound Services Peanut Gallery Texarkana, AR 870.779.7688 Wedding Attire Bridal Castle 3209 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.3886 Wedding Coordinators Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net Heather Kiser Wedding Coordinator 903.314.1582

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by Vincent Senatore

Digging for Adjectives

T

he biggest problem most people have while tasting wine is the description. Trying to recognize the flavors, tastes and textures of any beverage or food is almost impossible to the average wine consumer. On many occasions, I have tried to explain to a wine class or seminar group that we all taste wine the same way. We drink from the same side of the glass, we get the smells or bouquet from the same inside walls of the glass. We are breathing the same air and swallowing the wine exactly the same way.

So, why do some of us know more than others? “Adjectives.” I know the descriptive terms needed to explain the components of the wine. When I kick-off a new “Beginners Wine Class,” it is so much fun soliciting a response from the new group. Until I give the proper adjective, there is confusion.

My favorite example is the Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. I will ask the class to take a small sip to clear their palate from the day. Then we take a good breath of the bouquet and another small sip.

We hold the wine in our mouth for a while, and swallow.

That’s when the fun starts. I’ll ask the group to describe what they tasted and smelled. I usually get a blank look or a “Prune Face.”

Then I will give the first adjective…

Grapefruit! The group will react to a “Yea.” They got it!

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From then on, we will dig for adjectives throughout the remaining six weeks. Once we get the idea that there are very specific, describable smells and tastes for each grape variety, we then can move on to textures. Many times, I will select a wine for a specific entrée based on the texture of the wine. For example, most merlots are a soft texture, Pinot Noir is velvety in texture and Pinot Grigio will have a crisp, clean texture. When the texture and the bouquet are just right, the meal will be… Fuggetaboudit!

Did you ever hear someone say “that wine was really smooth”?

The correct description is “Soft,” like Charmin! Softness is the product of the grape variety, length of maceration, fermentation, and the ground in which it grew. Also, soft is not going to be recognized until the wine has sufficiently breathed and tasted at the proper temperature. Smooth is a description usually associated with Spirits. Smooth in whiskeys and cognacs refers to the mouth feel, the richness (viscosity), and the throat feel as it goes down. Further, spirits are usually 40% to 45% alcohol. Wine varies between 10%-15% alcohol. The softer varietals will usually exhibit full mouth feel and very little sensation in the finish.

So which varietals are considered soft? Certainly the softest are the wines made from the merlot grape. Depending upon the fermentation style and aging practices, the general character of merlot could be altered. However, the vast majority of merlot, worldwide, is soft in the mouth and the finish. Food that is high in acids (Italian Sauces) and cheeses that are sharp with flavor, loves the merlot match. I almost always recommend very soft merlots to accompany the infamous Spaghetti and Meatballs.

I’m sure you are now aghast that I’m not pushing Chianti. Chianti is usually too light to stand up to a rich tomato sauce (especially with meat.) Unless you are having a big Chianti Classico or a Riserva, you would be better served with a full flavored merlot.

Merlots offer wines with bigger rich tannins. Yet, when the wine breathes properly, their softness really stands out and they become even more supple. Depending on the vinification method, varietal wines usually maintain a similar texture and nose. One can almost always smell cherries and mocha in pinot noir and green apple in chardonnay. These characteristics will almost always be noticeable within a single varietal. The fun really begins with the “Blends.”

However, we will save that for another discussion.

For now, try to utilize your sense of smell and taste to describe the wine while you taste it. Remember, don’t get too crazy. There’s only one way to describe a banana… It’s a Banana!!!

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TEXARKANA’S LOCAL SPORTS LEADER Outstanding Coverage of Local Football by Seasoned Announcers!

Chuck Zach and Tony Kirk have broadcasting Pleasant Grove sports for the past 10 seasons. Chuck, a former history teacher at PG, and Tony, who is currently a government and history teacher at Pleasant Grove, first teamed up in 2002.

Together, they have provided listeners with images of more than 100 PG football games, including 12 playoff games. Chuck and Tony also broadcast the Hawks 3A state record - five consecutive trips to the baseball state semifinals from 2008-2012.

During that time Chuck and Tony were able to call three state title games, including the Hawks state championship wins in 2010 and 2012.

Mike Cook played football for Arkansas High School and graduated in 1991. He has two Sons, Tanner Cook (Junior)and Garrett Cook(seventh grade). Both will play football for the Dragons.

Mike’s wife (Melissa Cook) teaches at Genoa Middle Dchool. Mike has been following the Dragons football team for four years.

Keith McCoy attended Woodlawn High School in Shreveport LA, graduating in 1980. Keith is a huge LSU Fighting Tigers fan - he bleeds purple and gold. He has three children, Johnathon McCoy, a Marine Veteran. Makayla McCoy, who plays basketball and softball, and Kolten McCoy who will play football this year in seventh grade. Has one grandson, James McCoy, six years old. You can tune in in October to listen to the Genoa Dragons.

Bob The “Italian Stallion” DelGiorno has been broadcasting High School Football since 1983. Bob has 29 years of experience and 300 football games under his belt and was the television announcer for the Tulane Green Wave.

Bob has been the voice of the Atlanta Rabbits for the past 12 years. Matt “coon dog” Johnson joined Bob 3 for the past three years as the color commentator.

Coon Dog attended Atlanta and was an outstanding athlete. You can hear the Atlanta Rabbits on KPYN 900 AM, KPYN 95.5 FM, and KPYN.net Starting August 30th.

For schedules or more info, visit our website:

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www.foxsportstexarkana.com

1. Cindy and Derrell Gore 2. Debby Sutton and Tiffany Beck 3. Allene and Dick Stark 4. Rose Lynn Russell, Sarah Stark and Bettie Lynn Stark 5. Denice Floyd, Cynthia Tyous and Debra Goodnight 6. Susan Johnston and Vicki McCorkle 7. Joy Jordan and David Reavis

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It’s that time again!

Back to school means football games, homework and boring/ unhealthy lunches!

Spice them up with some fresh ideas from some of our favorite blogs!

You can even make lunch “cute!”

Leftover taco meat and cheese are stuffed into half a pita to make pita tacos (much easier for small hands than taco shells, the filling stays in better).

There’s leftover pesto pasta in the green silicone cup that makes for a lovely cold pasta salad. Non-leftover items include carrots, grapes and strawberries. And, of course, dessert! That’s cake balls in the upper corner, easily made in a cake ball maker.

These Lunches are packed in Easy Lunchboxes found at www.easylunchboxes.com

Add some fun and whimsy to your child’s lunch by using decorative toothpics for fruit and making friendly shapes and creatures from cheese! You can get creative easily, using cookie-cutters on pre-sliced cheese!

www.easylunchboxes.com

Bento boxes.

Stackable plastic food storage boxes and flexible silicone baking cups. www.meetthedubiens.com

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Put a spin on the traditional sandwich and switch it up with sandwich kebabs!

This one is leftover fluffy roll, ham, and monterey jack cheese.

To go with that, cucumber and carrots, fresh cantaloupe, and a homemade granola bar.

And apparently, yes, these do taste better than regular sandwiches! www.bentolunch.net

(Turkey) octodogs, fruit skewers on swizzle sticks, pretzels and a chunk of leftover chocolate birthday cake with a food pick.

Leftover muffin tin mini quiche(s).

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by Anne Fruge

There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. John 1:9

A

s the holiday season approaches and “Christmas lists” start building, Billy and Carolyn Sparkman will be working on making wishes come true for thousands of kids across the globe. Starting November 12, the Sparkmans and other community volunteers with Operation Christmas Child will be packaging up and loading thousands of shoeboxes filled with gifts to be sent to over 130 countries worldwide. Most of these children have never received a present, and more importantly, most have never heard the Gospel.

The ministry was started by Franklin Graham, the CEO of Samaritan’s Purse. As he visited war-torn and destitute countries, he saw that it was often the children who were most affected by the disasters, and he realized that if compassionate people could only send a simple box filled with necessities and toys to destitute areas, then this could be a means of helping while spreading the Word of God.

“We believe this is such a great cause because not only are we helping children, we are helping share the Gospel in areas who may never have heard of Jesus,” Carolyn says.

When Billy and Carolyn Sparkman retired from their jobs in 2000, they knew they wanted to devote more of their time to “God’s work,” something a forty-hour a week job just wasn’t allowing them to do. Though they attended church at Rose Hill Baptist Church (now Cross View BC) every week and were involved there, they wanted to do more to help. Carolyn retired from Pleasant Grove after thirty years of teaching fifth and sixth graders, and Billy retired from Pameco Corporation.

“We both had excellent jobs and loved what we did,” Carolyn said, “but, we both knew we wanted to devote the next years to really serving God and other people. At the time, we didn’t know exactly what we were going to do, but we knew that God would show us.”

Soon after retirement, their friend, Richard Walker, then Operation Christmas Child Area Director, asked the Sparkmans to go beyond donating some shoeboxes at their church to working on the administrative 74

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side of the ministry.

“Many people have heard of the ‘shoebox’ ministry, but very few realize how effective it can be. When we got involved in this ministry, we realized how easy, simple and yet powerful it is,” Carolyn says. “It’s not just about filling a shoebox with items; it’s about realizing that you are making a difference in a child’s life.”

After two years, Richard asked the Sparkmans to expand their role in the ministry by taking over the collections side of the operation. The Sparkmans were worried at first, but with support from the community and their church, and the regional OCC staff, they made the transition and have since taken on this ministry as a yearlong endeavor. The Sparkmans divide up necessary items by month and ask for those to be donated, and they visit civic groups and churches to help enlist them in the ministry. They are also happy to present programs about Operation Christmas Child to any group free of charge.

“We have story after story about how these boxes have changed lives,” Carolyn says. “This is the easiest way to become a missionary. We are offering people the chance to send materials and the Word of God into countries worldwide without ever leaving their homes.”

Once a group decides to fill boxes, they will receive some materials from Samaritan’s Purse to help them with the process. Boxes are filled for boys and girls ages 2-4, 5-9, and 10-14. Participants are encouraged to include a toothbrush, toothpaste, a wash cloth and soap, toys or accessories for the age group they chose, some hard candy, and a $7 donation to help cover the shipping costs.

“Most of these children don’t have a toothbrush or their own soap, so these are real necessities,” Carolyn says. “We also tell people to put in a stuffed animal. A lot

of these children are orphans and when you see videos of these children opening boxes, they will spend the rest of the day holding that stuffed animal to their chest; it’s just something to love.”

“We have people ask us, ‘Well how do you know that the materials in this box will make it to the right kid?’ Billy says. “We pray over every box, and my answer to that question is that God already knows the child who is going to get that box. He takes care of it.”

The Sparkmans’ church, Cross View Baptist Church, is the OCC Collection Center in this area. However, since, Cross View is currently without a building, they are located in First Baptist Nash until their sanctuary is completed. The church hosts a Countdown Rally at 6:30 p.m., September 22, at First Baptist Nash. Anyone can come whether they have been a participant or not and enjoy music and a testimony from a Tatiana Woods who received a shoebox when she was an orphan in Russia.

“This is just a great way to get inspired and see what your time is going to,” Carolyn says. “We have seen story after story about how these boxes have changed lives. We’ve seen a testimony by Mary Damron, Franklin Graham’s associate, who was delivering boxes in Bosnia, and she and her team were fleeing because of gunfire that had broken out. On the way out, they heard a cry coming from the side of the road that sounded like a wounded animal, but then they realized it was a woman giving birth. They ran over to help, and she delivered twins. Desperate to help the woman, the team looked over their materials and found one filled shoebox. They opened it and it was full of baby items, and there were two of each item in the box. It’s amazing how God works through this.”

As OCC shoebox collection week approaches, the Sparkmans work with a great team of volunteers: Cathy Wagstaff, Area Coordinator; William Waters

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and Beverly Starr, Collection Center Coordinators; Greg Boldebuck, Media Coordinator; Teresa Boldebuck, Community Relations Coordinator; and Gerald Wagstaff, Prayer Coordinator, as well as several other team members.

“You’ll notice that we have several couples involved in the ministry together, and I think that’s because once you get a vision of what this is all about, then you get fired up,” Carolyn says. “All of this is just a means to an end…to share the Gospel.”

The third week in November is always OCC collection week, and this year the date falls on November 12-19. During this important week, anyone who has filled a shoebox will bring it to 7th and Lake Drive in Texarkana, the former Rose Hill Baptist Family Ministries building (now House of Refuge) from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. It is here that the team and other volunteers will pray over boxes and then load them onto trucks. Last year, they sent 31,260 boxes from area donors, and this year their goal is 35,000.

“It really is a team effort,” Carolyn says. “Everyone is so passionate and excited about how many boxes are coming in. However, this is where we could really use some help. The only people off during the day to help with collections are mainly retired people like us. Last year we had the Hooks Gifted and Talented Program and New Boston’s Fellowship of Christian Students come in and volunteer, and they were such a big help! If any other groups

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want to get involved, then we would love to have them!”

From the collections in Texarkana, the boxes will be taken to an OCC Processing Center. The past few years, the Sparkman’s have traveled to Boone, NC, one of seven shoebox processing centers in the US, and have helped thousand of other volunteers pray over boxes, remove the shipping money, and prepare them for final shipping to over 130 countries.

When the children receive their shoebox gifts, they receive a Gospel booklet, “The Most Important Story Ever Told,” which is printed in over 70 different languages.

“The book starts with Creation and then goes through the Resurrection and explains how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” Carolyn says. “We’ve seen videos of the children opening their boxes. They are so excited about the toys and candy, and then you can see them pick up this book. As the camera spans the area, children are sitting down and reading the story of Jesus and of His love for them. It’s so amazing.”

“As we fill each box, I wish I could see them open it,” Billy says. “I want to see that smile on their face, but more than that, the whole point is that they receive the hope and love of Jesus Christ.”

Operation Christmas Child doesn’t just give the children a book and then hope that these children continue in the Christian faith without support. In fact, they have started “The Greatest Journey,” a twelve-step discipleship program for these children. At the end of the program, the children graduate at a local church, receive a discipleship graduation certificate and a Bible.

“It’s not just like, ‘Here is a shoebox filled with something nice.’ This program shows them the gospel and then follows up,” Carolyn says. “Also, research has shown that every shoebox affects not 1 but 10 people. Most of these children live in clans and families, and they share what they receive.”

From the OCC Processing Center, the boxes will be taped up, loaded up and put on ships or planes and then carried by trucks, boats, canoes, camels, horses or on the backs of willing volunteers to remote areas filled with destitute children who have no hope of receiving anything for Christmas this year. Many have never received a gift before in their lives.

“I want to encourage anyone reading this article that filling one shoe box is not going to take you a lot of time or cost you a lot of money, but you WILL change the life of one child and their family,” Carolyn says. “There have been churches started up because of these shoeboxes. We will never know on this side of heaven how many were touched.”

If you would like more information about how you can get involved with this ministry, please contact Billy Sparkman at 903-908-5585 or 903-277-0124.

Race for the Cure Kick Off EVENT

WHERE

Silvermoon on Broad

WHEN

8/14/12

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1. Jenny Blank and Terry Wallace 2. Lynette Miles and Sharisse DePoi 3. Nathan Richardson and Shannon Guess Richardson 4. Jane Elrod, Peggy Duke and Ruth Ann Branin 5. Rita Williams and Cynthia Mullens 6. Dee Kaledo-Marlatt and Melissa Sawyer 7. Tarisha Duson, Jessica Plant and DeAnn Goins 8. Darla Cigainero and Jenny Mitchell 9. DeAnn Goins, Laura LaCroix and Terrie Anold 10. Bonnie Lamb, Linda Scurlock and Allison Payne 11. Kathleen Young, Jana Kennedy and Laura LaCroix 12. Patti Finley and Jeanna McDonald 13. Texas High Varsity Cheerleaders 14. Lesia Smith, Pam Beck and Tiffany Beck 15. Lindsey Lender, Kathi Hickerson and Laura LaCroix 16. Josh and Diana Morriss, with Don Morriss 17. Dr. Cindy Porter, Kelley Crisp and Terrie Arnold

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Looking for a fun and exciting activity to do with your friends, family or group? Look no further! Paintball has made its way to Nash, TX with it’s own dedicated facility that opened in May, 2012.

Legendary Shooting Sports will offer players two fields with blow up courses, one spool field, one woodsball field, as well as rental equipment and other necessary items.

Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with the sport! It’s just as much fun for amateurs as pros. The game is a fairly simple concept: teams try to eliminate opponents from play by hitting them with paintballs shot from a compressed air powered gun to mark the opponents with dye.

“Our main goal is to provide a safe environment where people of all ages can come have good, clean fun. Everyone has been very excited about this and we hope to be successful enough to add more courses and products every year. We can’t wait for Texarkana to reap the benefits of paintball,” says coowner Marshall Gooding.

The benefits of paintball don’t just end as a fun activity, it’s great exercise.

This physical activity burns calories as the player has to walk up on the enemy without being detected then has to run when retreating or charging.

Paintball is also a favorite “team building” activity. A team needs to work together, learn from mistakes, make plans and strategies and learn how to coordinate these abilities together to have successful results. It is for such reasons that some corporations send their employees to play paintball to strengthen teamwork and solving problems skills.

Many find it surprising that paintball is very safe. Research published by the Minnesota Paintball Association has argued that paintball is one of the statistically safest sports to participate in, with 2 injuries per 10,000 players annually, and these injuries tend to be incidental to outdoor physical activity (e.g. trips).

Gooding says, “we look forward to working with the community as much as possible, whether it’s individuals, churches, community groups, businesses whatever! We’re excited about the opportunities ahead of us!”

Learn more at www.legendaryshootingsports.com.

“I love my Momma, and I will not leave her side.� -Tweeder

Kathy Taylor 10/48-6/12 In Loving Memory...

Kathy Taylor, along with her husband, Mike, and friends Dick and Sandy Francis, were highlighted in the August 2011 issue of ALT. We miss you, Kathy.

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Bruce-

Hanna Beth-

Heather DeAnn ‘Haltom’ Daffern

Emily Widemon

Buckshot & Ziggy EarlAmanda Johnson Vaughan

Gracie-

Courtney Talton

THANK YOU to everyone who submitted photos and everyone who voted, making our Pet Photo Contest a success!!

If you would like to participate in a future ALT Facebook Photo Contest, please find ALT Magazine on Facebook and “Like” our page for details!

Luna-

Chip & Toni Brown

Bear-

Joni Alina Hodges

Bailey-

Grady-

Kendall Mears

TeBow-

Kayla Looney

Sunny-

Heather Bell Eaglebarger 84

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Wesley & Kimberly, Devan, Jack, Brent, Kelsey and Ryan Satterfield

Riley-

Susannah Morriss Linnett

Daisy-

Nathan & Lauren Thomas

Lively-

Lance and Rachel Cheatham

Adelaide-

Kristi Brewster

Brody-

Justin & Kaysi King

Addi MayDani Jordan

Oz-

Abigail Flint, Owner

Ashley & Jason Sharp

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Chavin & Jennifer Caraway September 2012

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Making life better... with concrete countertops...

Gooding Decorative Concrete is excited to be rolling out a new line of Decorative Concrete Countertops after completing intensive training from one of the leading designers and manufaturers of concrete countertops and furniture in the industry, Buddy Rhodes.

Located in San Fransisco California, Buddy Rhodes has been creating custom countertops and concrete furniture for over 20 years. He has taken his vast knowledge of Concrete Countertops and the materials to create them and passed them on to us!

We decided that if we were going to make Concrete Countertops part of our business portfolio, we were not going to just make the same old countertops everyone else makes. After researching the industry we found that most Concrete Countertop mixes were pretty much the same, you pick a color from about 8 and then had 3 choices of edge design and 1 choice of intregal/surface design.

What we have done is expanded the color options to just about anything, added more edge designs,

and offer 4 intregal/surface options.

Surface Options: Troweled: (one solid color) This is by far the most popular countertop look. The surface will have a solid color with no aggregates visible.

Lightly Grinded: With this finish you will be able to see small aggregates(sandsmall quartz) in the countertop.

Grinded/Ground: Similar to the first this finish makes visible more aggregates (sand-quartz-limestone-pea gravel).

With this finish we can add various items to enhance the visual appeal.

Crushed Glass, polished stone, even a college logo just to name a few.

Marshall Gooding, Owner

Pressed: (two colors) The pressed technique is a process created

by Buddy Rhodes in which two contrasting colors are used to create a look that is quite unique in todays Concrete Countertop Market.

With Concrete Countertops, each project is a one of a kind, handcrafted work of art. We work closely with each client to choose a color and design that is both fitting to its surroundings as well as practical for everyday use.

David Melson

For a free estimate, give us a call.

We’d love to talk with you!

Other companies may talk about experience -- our quality and experience shows in our work!

We will be happy to travel throughout the Ark-La-Tex! Call us today!

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The Texarkana Humane Society is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to re-homing orphaned animals, promoting the human-animal bond, preventing animal cruelty, educating children and adults about responsible pet ownership and preventing pet overpopulation.

In order to reduce the number of unwanted animals and the euthanization of them at the shelter people need to spay/neuter their pets.

The Texarkana Humane Society has a program to help individuals do this and urge everyone to get involved and tell your neighbor, family, and friends to be responsible and do their part in putting a stop to this problem here in our city. Have them contact us regarding our program. Call 903 8386334 and we will be glad to help you.

Texarkana Humane Society

The Texarkana Humane Society is always needing volunteers as well as foster homes. If you would like to get involved and lend a helping hand they would love to talk with you. They are also needing the following items to help with the care of all the babies that come into foster: Puppy and kitten chow, formula for the babies, animal baby bottles, as well as monetary or debit card donations. We have a big need for individuals who have the time to bottle feed some of these babies. It is so sad when we cannot take any in because we are full and would welcome a few more bottle moms. It is a great expereince as well as very rewarding taking care of these little ones. If you can help with donations or feeding call Sherrie at 903 838-6334.

Volunteers who agree to provide a foster home for our strays are provided with medical care for the animals. The Humane Society pays for all immunizations and spays or neuters the animal.

Our goal is to place these animals in permanent homes with responsible, loving pet owners.

All of our services are provided through private donations from our community. Donations are accepted and needed! Our animal friends appreciate you and your donations are tax deductible! (The Humane Society is all volunteers and all money goes towards the animals.)

We’ve got a full house! Please come visit us!

You might find the addition your family has been looking for!

Do you have an animal that needs a new home?

Please don’t neglect it! Call us and let us help you find a foster home. We will list your animal on our Facebook page at no charge. Let us help!

For more information, contact Sherrie Thompson, President, at 903.838.6334, or go to www. texarkanahumanesociety.com. We’re also on Facebook!

Come visit us at Petsmart on the fourth Saturday of every month! ’S EDITOR !

K PIC

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1. Gideon is a handsome 3 year old neutered schnauzer. He has been fully vetted, current on shots, heartworm negative and has been microchipped. He is ready for his furever home. Gideon is housetrained, gets along with other dogs, and is very layed back. A fenced yard is required. For more info contact Amber at 870-653-6983.

2. Greenlee is a precious little Daschund/Terrier that weighs around 21 pounds, is less than a year old, spayed, microchipped, current on all vaccinations and negative for heartworms. This little lady loves to please and gets along great with other dogs. Greenlee and her pups were abandoned on the side of the road. Her pups have all been adopted and she is now ready for her furever home. A fenced yard is required. Call Lee

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Ann at 903-244-4847.

3. ShyAnne is a beautiful black lab mix that is around 5 1/2 months old. She is fully vetted, chipped, heartworm negative and is full of energy. She would be a great addition to your family. Fenced yard only.

For more info call Sherrie at 903-838-6334.

4. Tinker is a Yorkie mix spayed female that is 2 years old and weighs 9 pounds. She is housetrained and fully vetted, including micro chipped. She gets along well with other dogs and is a real snuggle bug.

Fence required. For more info call 903 838-4965.

5. Feather is Pom mix that weighs a whopping 12 pounds. She is fully vetted, chipped, heartworm negative and ready to go. She loves to play with anything! (People, toys or other dogs!) Her favorite

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game seems to be tag. She is housetrained to a puppy pad. We are still working on total house manners. A fenced yard is required. For more info call 903-8384965.

6. Please consider adding Casper to your family. He is a white Schnauzer weighing 17 lbs, 2 years old and fully vetted, including a chip with paid registration for the first year. He loves to play ball, walks very well on a leash, and never meets a stranger. A fenced yard is required. Contact foster mom at 903-838-4965.

7. and 8. Frank and Al are brothers. They are heeler mixes that are around 5 months old. They are fully vetted, chipped, and heartworm negative. They will required a fenced yard. For more info call Sherrie at 903-838-6334.

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1. Rags is a nuetered male Cocker Spaniel mix. He’s been at the shelter since early April and would love to be a part of your family!

2. Walley is a beautiful male Poodle mix. He’s just looking for the love he deserves. He’s been at the shelter since early July.

3. Dewey is a male Spaniel mix. He is very lovable and

The mission of the Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas is to be a technologically advanced, self sustaining, human and animal friendly facility that specializes in personal customer service from a team of knowledgeable, caring individuals who endeavor to achieve rapid placement of all adoptable animals.

We are always in need of caring, capable volunteers to assist in with duties at the center, adoption events, fund-raising activities and more.

Your tax-deductible donation will help care for and assist in the adoption of loving animals to good homes!

The Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas is located at 203 Harrison, Texarkana, AR, 71854. For more information, call Connie Slater at 870.773.6388, or visit www. animalcareadoptioncenter.org.

We’re also on Facebook!

We’re open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 - 5:00.

Please note, all dogs adopted from this shelter MUST be spayed or neutered. Spays cost $89-$104, neuters are $76-$92 depending on the weight of the dog.

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ready for a family to call his own. He’s been at the shelter since early July.

4. Harvey is a male Min Pin. He’s just waiting for a loving family.

5. Precious is a female Chihuahua. She’s about 2 years old and will love you her whole life. She’s been waiting at the shelter since June.

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8. Sun is a spayed female Labrador Retriever. She will certainly brighten your day and always look forward to seeing you! She’s about 5 years old and has been at the shelter since July.

9. Minnie Mouse is a female Rat Terrier/Chihuahua mix. She’s about 3 years old and is very loving and playful. She would be a great addition to any family! She’s been at the shelter since early July.

10. Pluto is a male Shepard mix. He’s about a year old and small for his breed, but he still has lots of love to give! He’s been at the shelter since July.

Who else can help?

Artex Animal Welfare, Inc. (mostly horses) 903.824.1990

6. Rocky is a male Chihuahua. You won’t regret giving this boy a chance! He’s been at the shelter since February.

7. Chico is a male Terrier mix. He’s ready for his forever home and has been waiting at the shelter since April.

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11. Texas is a female Chihuahua. She is about a year old with a heart as big as Texas! She’s been waiting at the shleter since May. 12. Red is a male Hound mix. He’s about a year old and would love to be a part of a family. He’s been at the shelter since June.

13. Harley is a male Hound mix. He’s about 2 years old and he is a true lover! He’s been at the shelter since July.

14. Buddy is a nuetered male Chihuahua mix. His only wish is to find his forever home. He’s been at the shleter since April.

We’ve got lots of kittens needing good homes right now!

Three Rivers Animal Rescue 903.490.4048 Poodle Patch & Friends poodlepatch@yahoo.com Passion for Pooches (mostly small dogs) 903.832.8632 Texarkana Animal League 877.525.4825 Texarkana Reptile and Amphibian Rescue 903.809.3761

Want to help but can’t adopt?

We are always in need of dry food for puppies, dogs, cats and kittens, scoopable cat litter and litter boxes, XS/S/M dog collars, heartworm and flea medications, gift cards and monetary donations. These donations are all tax deductible, as the Texarkana Humane Society is a 501c3 organization.

If your are interested in donating, helping with events, fostering or working fundraisers call Sherrie at (903) 838-6334.

Dr. Brandy Moore fell in love with her new baby, Maisy, as soon as she laid eyes on her at the Animal Care and Adoption Center. Brandy reports that Maisy is so loving and loves being her lap dog anytime she can be. Thanks to Brandy and her son, Zane, for giving this baby the love and care she deser ves!

Happy Tails!

September 2012

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September Calendar September 11

Harvest Texarkana Regional Food Bank Hunger Action Month Community Luncheon. Noon at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church, 4000 Moores Lane. Please email the names of those attending to harvesttxk@cableone.net or call 870-774-1398. Tickets are $10 each, payable to Harvest Texarkana. $10 Hunger Action Month T-shirts will also be for sale.

September 14-23

68th Annual Four States Fair & Rodeo at the Four States Fair Grounds.

September 21

Four States Cruise Nights. Cruise Nights are free and open to the public. All vehicles are welcome.

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There will be door prizes, a 50/50 Pot, raffles, music, and concessions. 3rd & Hazel, Texarkana, AR. For more information, 870-772-2886 or go to www.FourStatesAutoMuseum.com.

September 22

The Kennel Club of Texarkana’s 4th Annual Responsible Dog Ownership Day at Spring Lake Park from 10:00-3:00. There will be a Pet Costume Parade in which the donation from each entry will be given to a local resue group. There will also be obedience and agility demonstration, a dog breed parade as well as a vaccination and microchip clinic.Volunteers are needed! Please contact Briana Webb at briana1285@gmail.com or call Christine Amos at 903-278-6575 for more info.

of Events September 27-29

Jacob Dude Turner 3rd Annual Memorial Team Catfish Tournament held at Rocky Point Pavillion, Wright Patman Lake. Tournament entry fee: $50.

Donations accepted and appreciated! Thursday at 5:00pm: chili dogs and bingo. Friday at 5:00pm: burgers and live music. Saturday at 5:00pm: fish fry and auction. Proceeds from the tournament will fund scholarships, teacher grants and community service projects. For more info, JG Turner: 903-824-8835, Jody Turner: 903-8240788 or jacobdudeturner@gmail.com. Facebook: Jacob Dude Turner Foundation.

September 28

T-Town Reunion Cruise at Trinity Baptist Church - 3115 Trinity Blvd., Texarkana, Ar. Open to all Antique, Classics, Muscle Cars & Street Rods.

Will have oldies music, concession stand, door prizes, awards, and lots of fun for the entire family. Free admission for participants & spectators. 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. For more info, 870779-1655.

Bill Spradlin Realtor 903-748-3186

Tracy Spradlin Broker 903-748-2477

Jan Williams Realtor 903-277-5771

Cody Sandone Realtor 903-276-7565

Karyn Baucum Justin Sandone Realtor Realtor 903-701-6721 903-278-3836

Jessica Snow Realtor 903-293-9183

Stephanie Maddox

Office Manager 903-223-0710

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903.223.0710 903.628.3186

Want a New Home in the New Year?

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Jason Cree

Branch Manager NMLS #209270 | AR #17523

If you’re thinking of buying a home, call me first to learn how much you might be qualified to borrow. Knowing how much you can afford can put you in a stronger position when you negotiate your purchase contract.

903-223-5632 office 903-277-2726 mobile jcree@SWBC.com

Even if another lender has provided a quote, call me. We’ll perform an apples-to-apples comparison to ensure you are receiving the best financing for your situation. This is a complimentary service so there’s nothing to lose—and the straight facts to gain.

Visit my website to apply online www.jasoncree.com Providing exceptional service to Texarkana and surrounding area borrowers for more than 15 years.

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5120 Summerhill Rd Texarkana, TX 75503

Office: 903-794-5250 Toll Free: 866-473-1953 Preferred

6507 Skyline Dr. 903.276.9464 cell

teresasoldit@hotmail.com www.TeresaLiepman.com

Lake Estate, With 3 Acres. Entire view of the lake! Over 6,000 Sq. Ft. heated, this home towers in the trees and offers 4 living areas and a recently rennovated master with its own balcony! Rich woodwork and Mexican tile welcome you inside, and the serene lake out back insures a perfect Staycation for life! Relax on your covered patio, and entertain a crowd by the lake all year long. Your spacious and inviting game room will become a party hot-spot, and it is the perfect usable space for a growing family! To top off this delightful resort, there is still room to add a pool! An infinity pool, with an endless lake view would send your relaxation-meter over the edge! This home is built to last, so come and spend a lifetime!

Water Springs Ranch is a Christian-based Organization that shelters, clothes, educates and Loves Children that have no place to go.

It is my pledge to donate to these children, on behalf of my clients, with each home sold. You will note the Watersprings Ranch Rider on each one of my signs. - Teresa

For Texarkana’s Most Pampered Pets

info@georgiaspetsalon.com www.georgiaspetsalon.com Full-Range of Grooming Services Boutique Barkery

Our temporary location is now open! FREE professional pet portrait WITH FIRST GROOM! B.B Simon’s eclectic, unique collection of handcrafted Italian Dog Collars decorated with authentic Swarovski Crystals.

Extraordinary quality & creative genius.

Interesting, unique and fun dog collars.

Affordable prices.

An ideal combination of value and stunning design.

Perfect for you and your pet!

Handmade, preservative-free dog treats made with organic and natural ingredients.

Baked in small batches.

Free from wheat, corn, and soy.

Free from chemicals, sugar, salt, artificial flavors, colors and fillers.

Human tested, animal approved.

Best

When Only The

Now Open!

Will Do...

101 Slaton Dr., Nash, TX 903.223.8223 903.278.6575

Comprehensive Rehabilitation HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital offers the most comprehensive selection of rehabilitative programs and services to appropriately manage a patient’s care.

Whether a patient requires inpatient rehabilitation to recover from a stroke or brain injury, or a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation program to manage the long-term effects of an injury or illness, we are here to help every step of the way, offering a wide range of rehabilitation programs for a variety of diagnoses.

For maximum results and restored hope for a higher quality of life, choose

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Texarkana.

Call us today to learn more about HealthSouth programs and outpatient services.