ALT Magazine August 2014

IKE FORTE

THE GAME

OF LIFE

August 2014 | Vol. 8, Issue 8

2812 Richmond Rd. Richmond Park Center Texarkana TX, 75503 (903)735-2336 Monday-Saturday 10-6

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August2014

CONTENTS August 2014 Vo l . 8 , I s s u e 8

Publisher/Editor Debbie Brower Associate Editor Jaclyn Gooding Sales & Marketing Manager Charlie McMurphy

FEATURES 14 22 30 33 41 73 100 102

903.903.5797

Game of Life Lifetime Opportunity Crossing The Line Outstanding Athletes A LT B r i d e s Local Football Schedules Fostering Saves Lives I n t o Yo u r H e a r t

Graphic Artists Lindsey Gordon Photography Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Lindsey Gordon, Kendal Dockery, Sylvia Jennings, Karen Lansdell Feature Writers / Lindsey Gordon.

EVENTS

Contributing Writers

96 Four States Amateur Radio 96 July Celebration at Hardy 96 K o m e n Te x a r k a n a N e w B a l a n c e Survivor 96 C h a r i t y G o l f To u r n a m e n t 97 United Way Farewell 98 Cattle Baron’s Ball Media 98 Beech Street Golf 98 Zeta Phi Beta Meeting 99 Bingo and Cake Auction 99 Arkansas Chidren’s Bowl

WEDDINGS 44 47 52 58 60 62 65 66 69

Megan & Matt Brown Jonathan & Megan Price Brent & Megan Mixon Cole & Jamie Hillery Justin & Sissi Little Billy & Katie Beckham Clark & Mandy Hicks Chris & Robin Champion Kristi & Josh Rankin

k / On The Cover Game of Life

14

REGULARS 84 106 92 90 104 88 94

BAAS Highlight Calendar of Events Financial Focus F i s h Ta l e s Second Chances Uncorked View From the Range

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.

54 Ocie Hicks & Kyle Hanes 65 Emily Wideman & Josh Buchanan

August 2014

Dustin Stringer T-Rex

50 Tiffany Green & Brandon Ball 51 Clarie McCaslin & Chris Pennington

ALT Magazine

Lisa Myers, Vincent Senatore,

Mike Brower

ENGAGEMENTS

6

Mike Brower, Thomas Johnson,

©2014 ALT Magazine

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Lifetime Opportunity

For advertising information, call Charlie McMurphy 903.908.5797

DrPettysFootClinic.com G. Gregg Petty DPM

KEEPING IT REAL From The Publisher

A dog is not a thing. A thing is replaceable. A thing is disposable. A dog is not. A thing doesn’t have a heart. A dog’s heart is bigger than any “thing” you can ever own. ~ Elizabeth Parker, Paw Prints in the Sand

As a child, I had a teeny, tiny chihuahua as a pet. We got her when I was about 6 years old. Frisky was the best thing a child could

have ever had. She was fun, full of energy, loving, and at times mean! My brother and I loved her. We would run and she would chase. We would sit and she would cuddle. She was very protective of whoever happened to be holding her at the time -- and I held her a lot! Beware the person who tried to sit down on the couch with Frisky in my arms. For such a small creature, she carried a big bite and a ferocious growl.

As I have grown up, I have had several fur babies in my life. They have all been different, but they have all loved me with all they had

in them. I love my babies like they are truly that -- my babies. I have a passion for pets that has not quelled with age. In fact, if anything, it has become more evident. I am committed to helping those animals that can not help themselves. I volunteer for several of our local rescues. I have helped with donations and with time spent promoting the babies at Petsmart, working with potential adopters who want to add a new baby to their family. I have fostered. I have cried as I dropped off my fosters and returned home. Yes, I have my four, as you can see above, but I still love those that are part of my family, even if for a short time. I still cry about one particular foster baby, although his new family sends me photos of him on a regular basis so that I know he is doing well.

I have never owned a pet who wasn’t spayed or neutered. Even in 1963, our Frisky went to the vet to be spayed. Although there

were no ad campaigns to spay and neuter your pets at that time, my parents believed that was the appropriate thing to do. And although my mom was not a “dog person,” she was always right there taking care of our fur baby.

It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me that I am now involved in helping animals -- and specifically I am on a mission to promote

the spay and neuter of our pets. If everyone in this area could visit our animal shelter, you would see so many dogs, cats, puppies and kittens that get “dumped” there by owners who refuse to spay and neuter their pets. It breaks my heart every time I go there to see pets that are essentially thrown away.

So...be looking for a campaign coming soon -- Stop the overpopulation of pets in our area. Spay and neuter your pets. If you are

interested in a full-blooded pet and specifically want that, then research reputable breeders, not puppy mills. There are lots of reputable breeders in this area. Ask to see where the puppies and momma dogs are kept. If they won’t show you, there is a problem. I do not want fullblooded breeds to go away. My family is allergic to anything that sheds, so I have to have a full-blooded poodle.

Check rescue organizations. Help those that can’t help themselves. Rescue pets will love you so much. They know where they have

been. I have two babies here at my office right now who couldn’t help that they ended up at our shelter. They are two of the sweetest babies you would ever fall in love with. I know I have.

May God bless you and yours.

Publisher

A d o p t | F o s t e r | S p o n s o r | Vo l u n t e e r | D o n a t e | E d u c a t e 8

ALT Magazine

August 2014

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IKE FORTE

THE GAME

OF LIFE WORDS BY LINDSEY GORDON

It was the 1960s.

Texarkana was still segregated and the streets of “the hood” were filled with African American kids playing in the rocks and the heat. There were no video games and the TV had 3 channels airing, if you were lucky.

The houses were houses, nothing fancy. Among these kids was Ike Forte.

Forte grew up in a big family, with two sisters and two brothers, a mother who cleaned houses and dad who worked at a sawmill. Their home was small, with only four rooms, which was room for the parents to have a bedroom, the boys and girls each to have a bedroom, and a family room. “I didn’t have a tub as we know it till I bought my own house,” Forte recalls. He remembers heating water on the stove and pouring it into a tin tub for baths. He also explains that they still used outhouses at that time. He did not have a flushing toilet until the tenth grade, and even then it was out on the back porch. “We didn’t have much, and our parents worked for what we did have, but we had sports,” Forte explains.

As he recalls, “we played football and we played football.

That was it.” He remembers as a boy, trying to imitate the guys on TV, which at that time were Walt Garrison and Calvin Hill, running backs for the Dallas Cowboys. “I’d watch them on TV, because we only got limited channels. The Cowboys were the only team we got to watch regularly, and I’d try to imitate everything they did. I wanted to be a running back like them,” Forte recalls.

As a child, 9-10 years old, Forte played flag football, he was the quarterback. The community was still segregated, so there were white flag football teams and African American flag football teams. “Only the white kids got to play in the ‘Milk Bowl,’” Forte recalls. In the Milk Bowl, the white kids got to play tackle football and dress in full uniform. “I can remember walking up to Grim Stadium, it was so big, and had a big fence surrounding it. We would stand on the fence and watch the white kids in their uniforms playing tackle football, wishing we could play in that August 2014

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Don’t forget about us..

Because we won’t forget about you.

Dustie / Shutterstock.com

stadium,” says Forte. They were good, fond memories, nothing resentful, he explains, “That’s just the way things were back then.”

When Forte reached the 9th grade, in 1968, Texarkana schools finally began integrating. He attended Dunbar Junior High, at this time still an all African American school. The only thing different this year was that they now had to play both African American and white football teams. This was Forte’s first encounter with interracial football, and in 1968, Dunbar Junior High, an all African American football team, won every football game against both African American and white teams.

In tenth grade, Forte got to go to Texas High School. He remembers how excited he was that he was going to get to play for Wally Myers. “He was ‘The Man,’” Forte says. It was then he knew he wanted to play pro football. Forte literally ate, breathed and lived football. “While all the other kids were at the pool hall, I was working out and getting in shape,” Forte explains. All of his hard work paid off, because that year, Ike Forte played on the Varsity team as a sophomore. He was the first sophomore ever to play Varsity at Texas High School. There is a yearbook picture that Forte still remembers to this day that sums up his dedication. “The picture was taken during two-a-days. While all of the other guys on the team were sitting, drinking water and resting, I was standing.”

Forte graduated from Texas High in 1972. After high school, Forte attended

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Tyler Jr. College where he met his wife of 38 years, Glenda. “I first saw her walking across campus, wearing a rabbit skin coat, wide framed glasses, with long black hair. She was beautiful. She was my homecoming queen,” Forte recalls. After two years, Forte moved to the University of Arkansas. While at the U of A, he had the opportunity to play in the Cotton Bowl and got to attend the Hula Bowl in Hawaii, where he didn’t play because he was hurt.

In 1976, Ike Forte was drafted to the New England Patriots in the second round. He was the 36th player chosen that year in the NFL draft.

“I met my goal. I thought I was a ‘Hot Shot,’” Forte says, “I made it to the NFL. But in reality, I really didn’t do anything.” Forte regrets the fact that he did not work harder to maintain and stay in the NFL longer. He recalls, “Back then, lifting weights was not a big thing, I wish I had done more.” But even with that regret, it was a life changing experience for him. “It was a job,” Forte says, “we treated it like a job. You had to go to work, you had to perform, and if you didn’t, you got fired.”

“It paid the bills,” Forte says. In 1976 he bought his first car, a brand new 1976 Monte Carlo. That same year he married the woman of his dreams, Glenda.

Forte also did what he always promised his mom he would do -- he bought her a house, a house they still have to this day.

For Forte, his mom most influenced him in life. He looked up to her. “Momma always kept us in a nice, pleasant manner,” Forte describes. “She never said anything wrong about anyone, never cursed and anytime we had a problem or got in trouble, she had a way to work it out.” He recalls his mom as being nice and sweet to everyone she met. She ruled the house, so that his dad could work and support the family. “They did the best they could,” Forte says. They worked hard and sent all five kids to college.

“I always told my mom I was going to buy her a house, and it was the biggest joy that I finally had the money to do that. That is what football did for me,” Forte says.

Forte played for the Patriots for two years and then got released and went to the Washington Redskins. He was there for three years before playing his last year with the New York Giants in 1981. “I played with a guy named Lawrence Taylor, he was a rookie,” Forte recalls. After that year, “I had to go to work,” Forte says, “We didn’t make big money in the NFL as we know it today.”

After football season, he and his wife Glenda made the move back to Texarkana. “This was home,” Forte explains.

They bought a house from one of his high school English teachers, Mrs. Wilson. “We had a little swimming pool and we thought we were doing good,” Forte says. “There was not another place for us – Texarkana is a great place to live for anybody.” However, it was not always easy for them. “We went through many trials after football, but Glenda stuck with me and helped every step of the way,” he says. Glenda was a nurse and Forte dabbled in rental properties. He then

he explains, as he very humbly signs the wife Glenda chimes in. And in 2010, Forte got a job at Lonestar Ammunition where two footballs I brought. “As a kid, scoring was inducted into the Tyler Jr. College Hall he worked for nine years before getting a touchdowns was my favorite part about of Honor. position at Copper Tire where he currently football, it was my job. Now my is employed and has been for the favorite thing about football is past 19 years. “I am proud to say watching it,” Forte says. that it has been 19 years of perfect “There was not another place for us – Thanks to his perseverance attendance,” Forte says. and faith in the All Mighty God, he

He and Glenda built a Texarkana is a great place to live for got to live his dreams. “I did what family in Texarkana; they have two I always wanted to do, I played daughters, Kristen and Kacee, and anybody.” pro football.” He worked hard and one son, Kameron. In 2010 his family trusted in God’s plan and would had the opportunity to go to the advise anyone seeking that life to do University of Arkansas and see Ike the same. “Work hard and study hard, be the

Forte currently enjoys sitting Forte inducted into the U of A Hall of Honor. best player that you can be, and always be around doing nothing. “I like privacy,” he “My kids got to see what I had done and I better than the guy in front of you.” says. “I don’t miss it one bit, and I still don’t think they were proud of me,” Forte says Words of advice from Ike Forte. know why people want my autograph,” with a laugh. “They were, we all were,” his

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ALT Magazine

August 2014

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AZERBAIJAN

KEVIN ELLS

LIFE TIME

OPPORTUNITY WORDS BY LINDSEY GORDON

August 2014

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According to the website of the York, Ells received a teaching certificate Council for the International Exchange in English as a Second Language and got of Scholars, “For more than 65 years, work in Toronto with language schools American academics, administrators where he taught the English language and and professionals have taught and business to refugees. “I got into teaching conducted research abroad through the early,” Ells says. Beginning when he was Fulbright Scholar Program. Scholars have 14, he had been acclimated with public benefited from an enhanced appreciation speaking through Junior Achievement. of the global impact of their academic “Teaching came along a little later, after I specializations, a reinvigorated classroom graduated from Dalhousie,” Ells explains, “it presence and a desire to become major just seemed to be something I was good at, participants in their home campuses’ so I stuck with it.” internationalization. Fulbright helps faculty While doing grad research, Ells and administrators build a ‘multiplier effect’ met his wife, Ginger Jones, who was from by infusing cross-cultural perspectives into Louisiana. The two graduated at the same curricula, revitalizing teaching methods and time, he with his masters, she with her opening doors for international colleagues Ph.D.. They had started a long-distance and students.” Each year, approximately relationship and realized it was becoming 800 grants are awarded in more than serious. Ells’s wife had been hired to direct 125 countries for the Core Fulbright U.S. the Creative Writing program at Lincoln Scholar Program. To be a recipient of this University (LU) in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Kevin Ells, Fulbright Scholarship Recipient award is a great honor in that it is an amazing Ells became a Communication Instructor at opportunity and recognition of potential in the nearby Linn State Tech. After being tenured recipient that they can do something to make a difference and benefit at LU, Dr. Jones accepted a position at LSU Alexandria (LSUA), in a culture in another part of the world. From Associate Professor of Louisiana, to be closer to her mother in Shreveport. Ells decided to Mass Communication to world traveler, Kevin Ells has been awarded go back and obtain his Ph.D. at LSU Baton Rouge. After completing one of the greatest opportunities of his life, so far. his dissertation, Ells was Assistant Professor and debate coach at Ells was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and grew up in St. LSUA. After earning tenure and promotion, Ells was offered a position Johns, Newfoundland, a very peaceful, small city on the coast of as Associate Professor of Mass Communication at Texas A&M the Atlantic Ocean, with lots of families. His family was a typical University Texarkana, where he currently teaches. middle class family. He had one sister, his father worked for a trust Throughout his teaching career, Ells had known of the company and his mother stayed at home to raise the kids. As a boy Fulbright program, but it was only after his wife applied for a Fulbright he enjoyed reading and writing. He attended Dalhousie University in grant and got it that he became extremely interested in the program.

Halifax where he received his initial degree in business with a minor “It changed her life,” Ells says. Ginger got the opportunity to go to in music. He then continued his studies at York University in Toronto Montenegro (across the Adriatic Sea from Italy) for nine months with where he obtained his masters in environmental studies. While at the grant. Ells made several long visits there during his first year at

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LSUA. She described it as a magnificent experience, and “I wanted to do that too,” Ells explains. While working at LSUA, he started applying for the Core Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.

The application process was anything but easy. “Let’s just say there are a lot more applicants than accepted,” Ells describes.

It is a rigorous process in which essentially the applicant has “to make a case in a 5-page essay that you can do something of use for people in another part of the world. You are providing a service and are a cultural ambassador for the United States in the country you apply for. You take on all responsibilities that come with that duty,” Ells explains.

Ells first applied to a major university in Estonia. Once you apply, many recommendations are taken into consideration, and even after someone is positively recommended by a peer review panel, the Embassy staff has the final say in the decision. Not everyone who is recommended gets to go, taking into consideration many global issues. In summary, they want to match the right people with the right place. Ells was not accepted at first attempt. His second application resulted in being named as an alternate. It was not until Ells’s third attempt that he was awarded the grant. The third time, Ells decided to try for a country that was not as well known in the United States.

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He applied for Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan acts as a buffer between Russia and Persia and is the only country that hosts borders to both Russia and Iran.

Ells says, “in a way, it seemed like a good fit because it is a lot like the Canadian province I grew up in, small and remote, on the edge of a continent.” He explains, “It is a very interesting place because it is right next to a lot of places that are currently all over our news, but it is not adversely affected by current events.” Azerbaijan is a pro-European country and American friendly. They actually sent peacekeepers to both Iran and Iraq and have friendly relations with Iran, Russia and the United States. Ells has proposed to teach Environmental Communications at Baku State, which is located in the capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku, also the largest city in Azerbaijan.

“Think of it as Houston, Dallas and Austin all rolled into one,” Ells describes.

The Core Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program grant awards Ells a housing allowance (enough for him and his wife, who will accompany him) as well as travel costs, and pays for books that will be left in the country when he leaves. He also receives a stipend to teach and will still be employed by Texas A&M Texarkana. “The University and my colleagues could not have been more enthusiastic and supportive of this opportunity,” Ells says.

One of the most challenging aspects Ells is facing is the language barrier. The people of Azerbaijan speak Azeri. Although he will be teaching in English, and English and Russian are widely spoken as second languages, Azeri is the predominant language.

Ells has picked up many different languages over the years, including French, and enough German, Italian, Montenegrin to travel with, but nothing quite like the Azeri language, which related to Turkish.

Secondly, Ells is concerned about travel. “I’m not going to be hiking near the Iranian border, for instance,” Ells explains. He’ll have to find out in advance what parts of the country are safe to freely travel and explore. Which ties to his third largest challenge -- the politics.

Azerbaijan is a democracy, but only recently. The current president just got his term extended and happens to be the son of the previous president, the only two presidents since Soviet rule. He’ll have the task of learning the countries relationship to their government, Soviet past and figuring out his own opinions on the politics.

Despite the many challenges Ells may be facing, he has a lot to look forward to as well. He is eager to experience a 21st century city. Buildings in Azerbaijan range from medieval times resting right alongside skyscrapers “that are unlike anything we have ever seen,” Ells explains. He is also interested in becoming acquainted with an international city. “It has connections I am not used to, hinging between east and west,” he says. The world views are completely different. Ells has also never lived in a Muslim country before, which is exciting for him. “I’m hoping it is a lot like Turkey, I have visited there, the people are very friendly and they have good food,” Ells explains. He and his wife are both enthusiastic to learn how different people get along with one another.

Ells cannot wait to be a part of this new scene and new chapter in his life. He has been assigned a great contingency and along with his wife, will have the experience of a lifetime in Azerbaijan because of all of his hard work and efforts, and a big thanks to the Core Fulbright U.S. Scholars Program.

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CROSSING THE

LINE

There are many traditions that circle the Texarkana area, but this one seeks a statewide prominence that dares to cross the dotted line on a road map. Texas High and Arkansas High have been playing each other in football since 1912. It is a rivalry that reaches across two states.

If you don’t think the football game is serious enough, the week before is an all out war between the two schools. From pep rallies and tailgates to bacon fries and tiger tails, this rivalry is a big deal. The morning of the game, Texas High literally fries Arkansas High’s mascot by hosting an annual massive bacon fry. Not to be outdone, Arkansas High retaliates with the Tiger Tail and Orange Crush Tailgate. Arkansas fans gather in one whole side of the stadium, which seats a total of 8,000 people and they munch on an orange donut twist and orange crush soda.

Game night, thousands of fans from both sides of the line pile in the stadium. On one side you have a sea of Razorback red and on the other, Texas Tiger orange. The teams will line up on either side of the 50-yard line and prepare for their grand entrance. Arkansas High rips through the run through sign while the Hog Call and Arkansas Fight song echo throughout the stands. Texas High’s band bellows out the Eye of the Tiger as their players slash through their run through sign and onto the field.

With a flip of a coin and a blow of the whistle, the game is on and another Texas High vs.

Arkansas High football game is in the books.

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Convenient Weekend Appointments Available

ALT Magazine recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field of play nominated by the community. These players have made significant contributions to the team • Represent the finest attributes of a team player • Consistently project a positive attitude • Display team leadership •And excel both on and off the field.

Javon Thomas is the son of Shenell Thomas. He is a 16 year old senior at Texas High School and plays running back for the Texas High Tigers.

Javon’s school activities involve being a leader on both his football team and in track and field. He received 2nd Team All-District his junior year.

He is looking forward to his senior year of high school. “It’s my last year,” Javon explains, “so I have to make sure it is fun and the best year yet.”

His favorite college football teams are TCU, University of Arkansas, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Florida State and LSU. Javon’s favorite NFL teams are the Vikings, 49ers, Seahawks and the Baltimore Ravens. His favorite athlete is Adrian Peterson. Peterson played college football for Oklahoma and currently is a running back for the Minnesota Vikings.

Javon got the amazing opportunity to meet Adrian Peterson. During that encounter, Peterson gave Javon the best and most inspiring advice he feels he has ever received. “He told us to never give up on what we want,” Javon recalls, “there will be obstacles in your way that try to knock you down and cause you to fail, but it is up to you to get back on your feet and keep going to reach your goals.”

Javon has ambitions to play college football. “I would really like to play for TCU or the University of Arkansas,” he says. After college, he would love to go pro with football if given the opportunity, if not, Javon plans to attend medical school and get a great job in the medical field.

Javon knows the importance of a good education and advises all high school athletes to “always take schoolwork serious and to get your work done in the classroom.” He also would tell students to “take the ACT early and as many times as they can, because it can only help you, not hurt you.” On the field, he keeps the same hardworking attitude. “Do your best every play because you never know when it may be your last. Never give up and keep pushing yourself, pain is only temporary,” Javon explains.

Javon Thomas Texas High School

Andrew Maliek Osborne Arkansas High School

Andrew is the son of Terry Milton Walthall and Anna Marie Osborne Walthall. He is a 17 year old senior at Arkansas High School, and he plays center for the Arkansas High Razorback football team.

Andrew’s school activities involve being senior class president, student council treasurer, playing football, track team, and a member of both Quiz Bowl and art club. His achievements include Mu Alpha Theta member, National Honor Society member, three year starter in football, member of two track state championship teams, Hugh O’Brian Leadership alum, World Leadership Congress delegate, 1st degree black belt, eight time student of the month (each class chooses a student of the month every month), two time student of the year, Boys State graduate, Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders alum, top ten class standing and 1st, 2nd, 3rd and honorable mention pieces in an Art 1 art show. Andrew also plays the guitar.

Andrew lives and breathes football, but when thinking about the future, it is not his only option. He says “Due to my diminutive physical frame, it is difficult to plan to play a high level of college football,” but he is a good student and has a high level of academic achievement. He intends to pursue a doctorate of philosophy in ecology or to someday become an MD. “All that being said,” he explains, “there are few things that I love in this world more than I love football.” If given the opportunity to play football at a Division I or Division II school, Andrew would definitely pursue collegiate football. He goes on to say that if he were afforded the chance to pursue a professional career in football, he would not hesitate to persevere. His favorite athlete is Ndamukong Suh because of the viciousness he shows on the football field. Andrew’s favorite college football team is the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. His favorite NFL teams are the Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons.

Over the years, Andrew has received plenty of encouraging words and advice from coaches and mentors, but none as great as what coach Todd Ledford gave him before a big rival game his sophomore year. Every year, Arkansas High plays their biggest rival, Texas High. It was Andrew’s first Varsity football game, which is a big deal as only a tenth grader. The stands were packed with thousands of fans from both sides of the state line cheering and hollering. There were cameras flashing and videos running from the sidelines, it was overwhelming for sure. To top it off, a D1 prospect thrice Andrews size was doing his best to bury him, and as he recalls, “I was visibly shaking in my cleats.” Coach Ledford approached him during warm-ups and asked if he was afraid. “I admitted my fear,” Andrew said. In response, coach quoted FDR in saying that, “courage is not the absence of fear but the strength to do what’s right in the face of it.” He went on to tell Andrew that fear does not make him weak, it makes HIMhuman. The coach also told Andrew that he personally had faith in him and believed that he deserved the privilege of playing in a varsity football game. So for Andrew, the best advice he ever received was that. “Fear does not make you weak, it makes you human, and you have the power to carry out your assignment regardless of that fear.”

“My advice to athletes is to view everything in life as a conquest, and set out to conquer the world, one obstacle at a time. A difficult history final, conditioning in practice and a 325 pound lineman all have one thing in common; they are all huge obstacles that force you to define yourself or to be defeated, and defeat is not defined as loss or failure, but only as surrender. Never give up.”

Phillip is the son of Melanie and Robert Pyle. He is a 17 year old senior at New Boston High School, and he plays defensive end, line backer, fullback and kicker for New Boston Lions football team.

Phillip’s school activities involve sports mostly. Along with his many positions on the football team, Phillip also plays catcher for the Lions baseball team. He was a member of the New Boston High School Band his freshman year, but decided to focus more on his grades so he did not return the following year. He also helps with the Special Olympics. Phillips’ extracurricular activities include hunting, fishing and going mudding/four wheeling. Phillip has started on the varsity football team since his sophomore year and was even named player of the game a couple of times. He also got 2nd Team All District last year and honorable mention the year before. Next year, Phillip is most looking forward to playing New Boston’s rival, Daingerfield. “Hopefully we can make another good playoff run like the past years,” he said.

Phillip’s favorite athlete is Drew Brees, he is an inspiration to Phillip both on and off the field with all that he does. His favorite college and pro teams are LSU and the New Orleans Saints. Phillip’s dad is originally from south Louisiana, so he grew up with a strong bound to those teams. “My first pro game was the Saints vs. Chargers,” Phillip recalls, “when we lived in California. I sat right in front of Ricky William’s (running back for the Saints at that time) grandmother, and she let me sit in her lap for a picture.”

The best advice Phillip ever got from a coach is to never give up and always give your all. They also enforce with him how important grades are. “Stay on your grades, not only during the season, but in the offseason too,” he recalls. He believes strongly in that advice. “Grades need to be the number one thing to focus on. If you don’t have good grades off the field, then you won’t be able to be on the field.”

Phillip’s best advice to other football players is, “to always remember what you are coached to do. Stay calm, and never give up. If you mess up on a play, mess up giving 100%. Learn from your mistake, fix it and execute it correctly the next chance you get.”

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Phillip Pyle

New Boston High School

Hunter Hatfield Pleasant Grove High School

Hunter Hatfield is the son of Kimberly and Marty Hatfield. He is an 18 year old senior at Pleasant Grove High School and plays fullback for the Pleasant Grove Hawks football team.

His school activities include student council, leadership, journalism, football and power lifting. Hunter is a member of National Honor Society and Quill and Scroll. He has received Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards in Accounting and English and is a proud member of Pleasant Grove’s first undefeated power lifting team.

After hours Hunter attends First Baptist Church Texarkana and enjoys spending time with friends in the weight room, at their houses and at the lake.

Hunter’s favorite college football team is the Georgia Bulldogs.

His favorite athlete is Aaron Murray, a former Bulldog quarterback, just recently drafteD to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hunter has no serious plans to play football after high school, but he has considered walking on at the school he chooses to attend to long snap.

He is most looking forward to seeing their group of seniors 6 really turn the football program around under the supervision of new 8 head coach, Josh Gibson.

Hunter knows the importance of hard work both on and off the field. As a coach once told him, “You’re not going to regret the times you failed, but you are going to regret the times you didn’t give everything you had.” He gives his all in both football and school and advises others to do the same. Hunter says, “Talent only takes you so far. Hard work is what will get you where you want to go.”

Jonathan Bailey is the son of Roy and Lasondra Bailey.

He is a 17 year old senior at Arkansas High School, and he plays Middle Linebacker for the Arkansas High Razorbacks football team.

Jonathan’s school activities involve Football, Basketball and Track. His favorite college football team is the University of Alabama, Roll Tide Roll, and his favorite NFL team is the Baltimore Ravens. Jonathan’s favorite football player is Ray Lewis, who played middle linebacker for Jonathan’s favorite team, the Baltimore Ravens, for 17 years.

Bailey strives to do his very best both in school and on the field, his motto is, “I do better, so I can help make my team better.” It is all about teamwork and bettering himself for the better of the team. He plans to someday play college football and hopefully continue on to the pros.

A coach once gave him a piece of advice that has stuck with him throughout his high school football career, “Never give up. Stay humble. If you fall in life, get right back up and keep going.” That is the same piece of advice Jonathan would like to pass on to upcoming football players, to remember to always “stay humble and stay focused.”

Jonathan Bailey Arkansas High School August 2014

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Micah Larey Fouke High School

Micah Larey is the son of Lee and Cori Larey. He is 16 years old and attends Fouke High School. He plays fullback and middle linebacker for the Fouke Panthers football team.

He is a member of his school’s Spanish club, plays football, plays pitcher, 1st base and 3rd base for the Fouke baseball team and is involved in his church.

Micah maintains a 4.0 grade point average and has many academic awards including those for computer business applications, economics, English, geometry, physical science, algebra II, biology, history, and Spanish. He has received the High Five Student Award and is honored to be a member of National Honor Society.

Micah’s favorite college football team is the University of Arkansas Razorbacks and his favorite NFL team is the Baltimore Ravens. His favorite athletes are Ray Lewis, whom played for the Ravens for 17 years, and Nolan Ryan, who has had many achievements in baseball and during his careers, played for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers.

Micah says, “I really enjoy playing football but must admit that I love baseball.” He would definitely considering playing college football if given the opportunity, but his preference would be baseball. At this point Micah is interested in a couple of universities, including Dallas Baptist, Baylor and TCU. “I hope to be eligible for academic as well as athletic scholarships,” Micah says. Currently, Micah is considering a college major in finance or a related business field and intends to earn a master’s degree as well. He hopes to someday own his own business and, if everything works out, would like to go pro in baseball. Micah’s faith is his guide he says, “I always rely on my faith and ask the lord for direction when facing major decisions or challenges. I know I will be seeking His guidance throughout my life and when making these decisions.”

Micah is most looking forward to the new opportunities and changes that come with being in a new school environment. The best coaching advice Micah has ever received is “You have to be “coachable,” meaning you are willing to learn, to consider new strategies, to adapt to change and be open to ways to improve. You must be willing to work hard to develop your skills and be willing to accept advice, encouragement and constructive feedback.”

Micah is a hard worker both on and off the field, and understands the importance of not only playing hard, but working hard. “Getting a good education including making good grades is most important because that will benefit you throughout life. We all know that injuries can end an athletic dream or career and our bodies eventually wear out as well. Give it all you’ve got,” Micah says, “because only the Lord knows when it will be over.”

Dillon Ray Smith is the son of Jeff and Mandy Smith. He is a 17 year old senior at James Bowie High School and plays quarterback for the James Bowie Pirate’s football team.

In school, Dillon plays football, baseball, basketball, golf and is in the Agriculture program. He has made both First Team All-District and Second Team All-District in baseball throughout his high school career.

Outside of school, his activities include working, hunting and fishing.

Dillon’s favorite college football team is the Texas Longhorns and favorite professional team is the Dallas Cowboys. “I have to stick to the teams I have grown up loving,” he says. His favorite athlete is Chipper Jones who played the majority of his career as starting third baseman for the Atlanta Braves baseball team.

After high school, Dillon would love to have the chance to take any of the sports he plays to the next left in college and professionally.

“It would be a great opportunity and experience,” says Dillon, “You have to set the bar high. I would shoot for the highest level in my career.” He believes it is every athletes dream to go pro and he would love to live out that dream.

Dillon most looks forward to winning games with his brothers next year. He knows what a difference it makes to work hard and how much it pays off both on and off the field. Dillon says the best advice he ever got was to “practice like you play.” He knows it is a constant challenge to improve yourself, “You have to bust it everyday,” he explains. He lives by that advice, “If you bust your butt everyday and never take a day off, you will improve over time.”

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Dillon Ray Smith James Bowie High School

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Wedding Part y:

Parents of the Bride: Jennifer Meador and Landon Meador Parents of the Groom: Shelby and Allen Brown Maid of Honor: Erin Easley Maid of Honor: Kelsey Wren Bridesmaids: Audrey Gregory, Kimberlyn Collins, Dakota Peterman, Katherine Kinley, PD Clarke, and Kayla Meissner Best Man: Jared Brown (brother of the groom) Best Man: Peyton Brown (brother of the groom) Groomsmen: Brad Judd, Phillip Judd, Colt Galloway, Telvin Griffin, Josh Stringfellow, Taylor Douglas House Party: Tara Beebe and Kayla Judd Ushers: Eric Brown, Blake Meador, Trey Selph, Kevin Smith Flower Girls: Zoe Cheatham and Lila Nottingham Ring Bearer: Will Sewell Pastor/Officiant: Bruce Bennett and Rob Walker 8

Wedding Vendors:

Flowers: Twisted Vines DJ: Scott Mills Venue: Dan and Patti Moore Farms Wedding Coordinators: Anne Douglas, Marsha Keopple, Kerry Ribble, Debbie Lee, Sonya Freeze Cake: Heavenly Sweets and Interior Treats, Ashdown, AR Caterer: Twisted Vines Rentals: Dot’s Rental Photographer: Morgan Walker and Jennifer Futrell Videographer: Eric’s Xtreme Video Wedding Programs: Texarkana Digital Press Ceremony Music: Amy Meadows, Love Never Fails Wedding Dress: Lowe’s Bridal, Brinkley, AR Wedding Jewelry: Bridal Castle Bridal Dresses: Bridal Castle

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August 2014

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Wedding Party: Parents of the Bride: Terri & Kerry Grice, Steve & Rebecca Champion Parents of the Groom: Karen & Kevin Jones, Rodney & Bonnie Price Matron of Honor: Ashli Meade Bridesmaids: Julianna Register, Katie Glass, Brittany Courtney, Lindsey Duffey Honorary Bridesmaids: Erin Champion, Jennifer Jones, Rebecca Price, Sarah Jones, Emily McFerrin, Jessi Mcintosh, Allison Clements, Tiffany Crumpton, Jessica Rader Best Man: Pi’Dadro Davis Groomsmen: Kenny McMillen, Darren Jones, Jesse Grigsby, Clay McClure Ushers: Joshua Simmons, Shane Stovall, Stephen Daniels Flower Girls: Madison Baggett, Sa’Riya Durden Ring Bearers: Dalton McFerrin, Kaden Jones Pastor: Randy Shepherd 48

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Wedding Vendors: Flowers: Kyle Barrett, Sticks & Stones on the Boulevard Wedding Venue: Spring Lake Baptist Church Reception Venue: Silvermoon on Broad DJ: Sir Colin Wedding Coordinator: Danita Abernathy Cake: Heather Rose, Sweet Rose Bakery Caterer: Jeff Loving, Chef on the Run Open Bar/Drinks: Red Road Winery Rentals: Special Events Photographer: Brandi Bennett Photography Wedding Dress: Low’s Bridal Grooms Attire: Squire’s

Their Story

Jonathan and Megan met in 2010, both working for the City of Texarkana. From the moment they met, Megan knew that Jonathan had been perfectly placed in her life for a reason. Over the next year, the two developed a great work relationship and even a friendship, eventually leading to a disastrous first date! In June 2011, the two went on, what they refer to as, their “first” first date. They met up with a mutual friend to ride motorcycles around town for the day. Within 10 minutes of the ride, Jonathan’s motorcycle broke down. They had to all pull over to try to figure out what was wrong. Megan had just come off a graveyard shift at seven am that morning, but she didn’t want to miss the opportunity to spend time with Jonathan outside of work. As Jonathan was working on his bike, Megan’s sleep deprivation and the 90 degree heat began to take it’s toll. She became very ill, and their day of riding came to an abrupt end. While the two still maintained a friendship and work relationship, their lives took different paths. By the end of 2012, both had recently come out of casual relationships, and they began to spend more time together outside of work. Over a short period of time, their relationship grew and strengthened and they finally went on their “real” first date on February 13, 2014. From that day on, the two were inseparable. “Jonathan’s ability to bring laughter, joy and happiness into my life has remained constant. We are both firm believers that God had a plan for our lives together, well before our first botched date, and He had no doubt of the depth of our love, respect, admiration and appreciation would continue to grow,” says Megan. Jonathan and Megan feel so blessed to have found their soul mates and best friends in each other.

The Proposal

On July 1, 2013, Jonathan had gone and spoke to Megan’s parents to ask their blessing and her hand in marriage.

Jonathan planned to pop the question that evening when the two got home from work. He was set to get off at 7pm and Megan’s shift ended at 11pm. This would leave him plenty of time to get everything ready and into place. Jonathan wanted to include Megan’s beloved cat “Sophie” in the proposal, so he planned to go after work and get a small collar and place the ring on the collar. The plan was to call Sophie over to them when Megan arrived and for her see the ring. Well as it happens, Jonathan had worked later and managed to get off work at 10:45pm. This left him only 15 minutes to get everything in order. He quickly hurried to the closest store, which happened to be CVS on Stateline. He looked frantically for a collar to fit Sophie. Of course, CVS didn’t carry them! Thinking on his toes, Jonathan grabbed a pair of shoe stings from the end cap of the isle and hurried to the register. Of course shoe laces weren’t exactly part of the plan, but they’ll do in a pinch. He made it home at 10:58pm. That left him about 7-8 minutes before Megan would be home. Jonathan hurried in the house and gathered up Sophie. With the ring tied around Sophie’s neck, they waited for Megan to get home. When she got home, Sophie ran to the door as she always did. When Jonathan opened the door Sophie ran outside to greet Megan at the car. Megan immediately realized there was something around Sophie’s neck, but didn’t look closely enough to see the ring. Once inside the house, Megan sat on the couch. Jonathan called Sophie over to them and took the shoe string off of Sophie’s neck. That’s when she saw the ring. Jonathan got down on one knee and asked Megan to marry him. She of course couldn’t deny such a hunk of a man. So... She said yes!

August 2014

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Tiffany Green Brandon Ball

April 11, 2015 at Whatley Farms

Bride’s parentsBubba &2014 Delma Green | Groom’s parents- Alvin & Debbie Ball 50 ALT Magazine August

lin Cas c ire M a l gton C n i n Pen s i r Ch

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“When it was time to get my bridal set done, I had jewelry from four generations in my family. We needed someone we could trust and would do an excellent job. My bridal set is breath taking. I could not imagine a more perfect ring than what Micah designed for us.�

August 2014

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“Our most special moment was having friends and family from near and far gather with us to celebrate the beginning of our lives together. Most of all, having God there and knowing that He would be the biggest part of our marriage.” -Brent

Wedding Vendors

Coordinator: Unique Beginnings by Tonya Bell Cake: Sweet Arts of Texarkana Photographer: Blessing Curtis Photography and assistant Jasmine Ross Wedding Musicians/Singers: Aaron Ferrell, Jason House, Tracy Brock, Natasha Fields Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal Venue: Landmark Pentecostal Church 52

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Wedding Party

Parents of Bride: Tammy Walley and the late Rev. Gary W. Walley Parents of the Groom: Betty Mixon and the late Rev. Roger A. Mixon Matron of Honor: Ashley Striplin Maid of Honor: Brittani Mixon Bridesmaids: Sarah Long, Maddy Malone, Morgan Doyle, Angelina Simmons, Jessica Walley Jr. Bridesmaid: Kaia Neeley Best Men: Landon Long and Jordan Carnline Groomsmen: Eric Manuel, Ryan Salazar, Fred Simmons, Caleb Adams, Michael Shelton Jr. Groomsman: Jonathan Watts Miniature Bride: Alayna Chance Miniature Groom: Layton Simmons Flower girls: Araylia Simmons and Noah Thomas Banner Bearer: Zachariah Chance Ushers: Mark Walley and Jared Thornhill Ministers: Rev. Craig Adams (officiate), Rev. Joe Mark Dooley, Rev. Brian Glenn

August 2014

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Photo By: Lyle Arnette Jr.

&

Ocie Hicks

Kyle Hanes

June 13, 2015 Bride’s parents- the late Keith Hicks and Vickie Hicks | Groom’s parents- Stacy Watt and John Franklin

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“My favorite moment at my wedding was when I was walking down the path to meet the man of my dreams while arm and arm with my father! Just seeing all the friends and family who had traveled so far to share that day with us and knowing that my daddy was going to be handing me off to the man I would soon be calling my husband took my breath away!� -Jamie 58

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Wedding Party

Parents of the Bride: Tony & Rebecca Manley. Laura Stansel (Mother) Parents of the Groom: Jerry & Rhonda Hillery Maid of Honor: Leigh Welch Bridesmaids: LeeAnne Ballard, Candace Manley, Patricia Bandy, & Laura Bandy Best Man: Justin Hillery Groomsmen: Ben Ratcliff, Justin Barlow, Roman Richards & Eli Ratcliff Flower Girl: Blair Ratcliff Ring Barer: Reign Manley Pastor: Neil Ridling

Wedding Vendors

Flowers: Charming Events Company (Alicia Aguilar) Venue: Hilton Gardens inn. Convention Center Cake: All in Good Taste Wedding Coordinator: (Alicia Aguilar) Charming Events Company Photographer: Ravda Dickard Videographer: Video Perfection DJ: Donny Hunt Tuxedos: Picket Fence

August 2014

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Wedding Party Parents of the Bride: Gary Jester & Teresa Williams Parents of the Groom: Lee Little, Jr. & Deanna Davis Maid of Honor: Morgan Quillin Bridesmaids: Haley Neathery, Kelli Pennington, Aundrea Jester, Shelbi Cottingham, Kayla Gammage, Danielle Wilson, Ashley Scott, Brittany Jeu, Kyndall Carder, Taylor Barrow, & Amanda Fahlberg.

Jr. Bridesmaids: Gabbi Gibson & Caytlee Poole Best Man: Spencer Jeu Groomsmen: Jeremy Little, Jordan Little, Jacob Clark, Bo Jester, Seth Johnson, Kevin Rogers, Cody Bearden, Travis May, Hunter Johnson, Tyler Barber, & Kyle Rowe.

Jr. Groomsmen: Junior Oliveira & River Melugin Ushers: Jason “Red” Harris & Brock Neathery Flower Girls: Piper King & Isabella Little Ring Bearer: Ty Jester Pastor: Lee Little Vendors Flowers: Mary & Martha’s (Arkadelphia, AR) DJ: Lanz from Central Arkansas Entertainment (Little Rock, AR) Venue: Horseshoe Bend Hunting Lodge (Prescott, AR) Cake: Sandra Blount (Prescott, AR) Caterer: Woods (Camden, AR) Photographer: Marissa Linnea Photography (DeQueen, AR) Wedding Invites & Programs: Sissi Little Wedding Dress: Lowe’s Bridal (Brinkley, AR) Tuxedos: The Picket Fence (Prescott, AR)

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“The venue made our wedding extra special. We got married on my daddy’s land on the river where I grew up. I made my first trip there when I was just a few days old.” –Sissi

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“The moment I saw his face as I was walking down the aisle. I couldn’t stop smiling knowing what all God brought us through to get to that very moment!” -Katie

Wedding Party: Bride and Groom: Billy & Katie Beckham Date of Wedding: April 5 , 2014 Parents of the Bride: John & Mechele Grimes, Michael & Crystal Holihan Parents of the Groom: William Glenn Beckham & Mary C. Beckham Matron of Honor: Megan Lucas Maid of Honor: Callie Beckham Bridesmaids: Lindsi Hogan, Darra Larey, Kristin Brassett, Andrea Lichty, Miranda Craig Best Man: Cole Beckham Groomsmen: Darren Beckham, Thomas Carper, Lee Lybarger, Jeff Jewell, Monty Sullivan, & Braden Donaldson Ushers: Adam Lichty & Stephen Lucas Flower Girls: Lily & Delaney Lucas Pastor/Officiant: Dewey Grimes Wedding Vendors: Flowers: Sticks & Stones DJ: Cody Burt Venue: Elk Meadow Pavilion Cake: Julie’s Deli Photographer: Andrew Mathias Videographer: Jarrett Leger Wedding Invites: Tamra Dunlap Wedding Dress: Lasting Bridal Couture of Addison Tuxedos: Bridal Castle 62

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Emily Wideman Josh Buchanan ARE TYING THE KNOT!

Photos By: Raising Cain Photography

October 10, 2014

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Drew Cason Photography

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Weddings & Receptions

August 2014

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Wedding Party Parents of the Bride: Larry and Betty Hamnett Parents of the Groom: James and Gloria Champion Maid of Honor: Amanda Jackson Bridesmaids: Bonnie Westbrook, Kristen Deprato Mitchell and Susie Champion Best Man: Jonathan Westbrook Groomsmen: Pat Starnes, Brian Champion and David Jackson Ushers: Micheal Westbrook and Will Butts Flower Girls: Payton Wood Ring Bearer: Landon Starnes Pastor: Paul Cothren Vendors Flowers: Downtown Florist (Atlanta, TX) Venue: Jefferson Institute Wedding Coordinator: Downtown Florist Cake: Robin Hamnett’s Cakes Caterer: Big Daddy’s Cook Shack Photographer: Two’s Company Photography Wedding Invites: Atlanta Florist Wedding Dress: Azarue’s Tuxedos: Bealls Wedding Jewelry: Dillards and Micah’s Ceremony Music: T & A Karaoke 66

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Advanced Microscopes & 3D Cone Beam Imaging 68

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This is a continuing series of articles featuring graduates from the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) program at Texas A&M University-Texarkana (A&M-Texarkana). In upcoming months, BAAS graduates will share the motivations underlying their decision to attend college as a non-traditional student, the fears and challenges along the way, the “oh so worth it” successes, and some practical advice for those considering their own journey toward a degree.

The Reciprocal Heartbeat of Success: When Teamwork and Hard Work Come Together WORDS BY LISA MYERS

Walking away from my visit with Chesley Walker, Craig Harland, and Kim King I suspect that if they’d been friends when they were kids, their escapades could have rivaled those of Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher!

I have some definite conclusions as to which person best fits which of Twain’s characters, but I’ll leave that assessment up to those who know them better than I!

What I do know for certain is that these three co-workers share a genuine regard for one another based on a core set of values: give your all when you sign up for something, care about what you do and those you do it with, and never quit growing – never.

Those kinds of values will keep a heart beating for quite some time, no matter if the heart is that of an individual or a company. In fact, the company for which they work, the centuryold, very successful AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), continues to thrive because of employees like this crew of three.

for books. And, for those who obtain a college degree and remain with the company, SWEPCO will reimburse the remaining 25% of the cost of all covered expenses. Why would a company spend this kind of money on its workers?

Because SWEPCO knows its investment will pay off time and time again, for the company as well as for the individuals who take advantage of the program – people just like Chesley, Kim, and Craig.

Chesley Walker, Manager of Distribution Systems for SWEPCO’s Shreveport District, grew up on his family’s farm in Arkansas where he learned a thing or two about good old While Walker, Harland, and fashioned hard work, King, all BAAS graduates something that has served from A&M-Texarkana, him well in his journey. That certainly go above and work ethic, coupled with beyond in their respective Chesley Walker, Craig Harland, and Kim King some help from Troy Buck duties, SWEPCO did the and Jack Watkins at Hope same for them years ago with High School, landed Chesley with a free ride to Southern Arkansas the company’s generous Education Assistance Program, a plan University (SAU) on an agricultural scholarship. that encourages employees to further their education by offering educational assistance to employees who are willing to go to school As it often goes, nevertheless, by semester’s end money for room and succeed in their course of study. The corporation will cover 75% and board was wearing thin, even with the help of a farm job, so of registration fees, tuition, and lab fees, and will reimburse 100% 84

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after one year at SAU, Chesley went to live with his grandfather in Texarkana. At the same time, he transferred to Texarkana College (TC) and took a job as a local cowhand.

Another opportunity came along soon after. Chesley heard about a job at SWEPCO, a meter reading job, and he thought he could add it to his current job and make a little money. There was only one drawback: he could hardly get himself around town without getting lost, but SWEPCO hired him anyway! Thankfully, he only had to call in once with, “Y’all gotta come find me!”

In 1978, the year Chesley started the meter reading job, positions at places like SWEPCO were pretty secure, and experience went a long way with promotions. In fact, after a couple of years as a meter reader, Chesley promoted to a dispatch job and worked in that position for two or three years during which he completed SWEPCO’s ICS Engineering Program. Soon after graduating from that program, he promoted to an assistant engineering position and then was promoted to Area Engineering Supervisor. All the while, he steadily worked on completing his degree and finally walked across the stage as a BAAS graduate in 1992.

Then 1994 hit, and SWEPCO was in the throes of reorganization.

“EVERYBODY’S job went away, and everybody had to reapply.”

By then, Chesley was married to Dr. Lila Walker, and he remembers explaining to her that if the company offered a comparable or higher position than his current one, he had to accept it or resign. That was the reorganization policy.

One night the phone rang, and it was the company asking Chesley to come to Holiday Inn for a meeting. Chesley remembers his gut sinking and turning to Lila and saying, “Well, this is it. I don’t have a job.”

When he arrived at the hotel, the conversation went a little like this:

Chesley, we’d like you to take the construction superintendent job.

But I don’t know anything about that job. I wouldn’t even know where to start…

Chesley, we are offering you this job. If you don’t take it…

Oh, wait! You know, I have always wanted to be a construction supervisor. When do I start?

Today, looking back on that night, Chesley says, “I know my degree went a long way in getting my foot in the door for that position and allowing me to move up instead of out.”

During the same reorganization, Kim King, SWEPCO’s Project Coordinator at the Texarkana District, worried about her own job.

At that time, she was in the credit collections department at the downtown branch. To describe the mood of the environment, she simply says, “Talk about the Tums being passed around! It was tough.

Everyone knew their job could be gone in a snap.”

Unlike Chesley, Kim did not yet have her bachelor’s degree; however, she did hold an associate’s degree and brought with her valuable experience that allowed her to move up or laterally each time SWEPCO went through reorganization, which was about every two years for a while.

Like Chesley, Kim grew up in rural Arkansas and went straight from high school graduation to college, a little quicker than Chesley, though. Kim graduated from Nashville High School on Friday and started at TC the following Monday. She graduated from there with an associate’s degree in drafting but decided to put her education on hold as she was already married and by then expecting her first child.

Kim had been at SWEPCO for some time before the reorganizations began, but the climate during that time left her, a naturally shy and quiet person, with a nagging fear she describes as always being in

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the back of her mind.

Through the reorganizations, my moves were always based on my experience, not my degree, because the positions were always listed with the requirement of a bachelor’s degree or so many years of experience. But what if I had to go somewhere else?

I would have to have a degree, and I needed that safety net. Reorganizing every two years will do that to you!

At that time, Kim’s son was in college, and she couldn’t afford to pay for her education, too. But that’s where SWEPCO’s education assistance program came into play. She was able to go back to school, with a couple of mentors named Chesley and Craig on the side, and complete her BAAS from A&M-Texarkana in 2012.

Not only did she get a degree, but she gained something else she values every bit as much as her degree: her confidence.

The position that Kim now holds as project coordinator requires that she successfully interact with all kinds of people, and she adamantly believes that her courses in the BAAS program developed her ability to effectively communicate with people. Especially helpful were the classes in which she had to learn to interact with traditional students.

“That’s where I gained my confidence – when I had to interact with younger students. If you can present in front of them, you can present in front of anybody!”

Not only did she gain confidence, but she reports that she gained a skill set she didn’t have before, skills she recognizes in other professionals that she uses everyday – like how to write and critique other’s communication pieces, how to effectively plan and execute the plan, how to recognize and fill in gaps in operational tasks, how to understand and work with other people. “Those are skills you use every day, and I learned how to do them in the BAAS program.”

Craig Harland, the remaining team member and the current Manager of Distribution Systems for SWEPCO’s Texarkana District, has been with SWEPCO for twenty-two years and in the power industry since he was a student at Arkansas High School.

What am I doing? I’ll be the old man in a room full of teenagers! Can I even do this? Should I? He was only half right. Half the students in the room looked just like him – but the instructor was in fact younger than he was! After the first couple of weeks, the jitters were gone, and Craig and some of the students he had met formed a study group that leant support throughout their time at college together. Craig says that even though his family was very supportive of his decision, having others who understand the load of being a family man, working fulltime and going to school helped tremendously.

Still, there were things about being a non-traditional student that Craig had to learn the hard way – like non-traditionals not completing their degrees in the same timeframe as fulltime traditional students. After nearly killing himself by taking too many hours in one semester and following an advising session with Dr. Walker, he quickly grasped that the point was to finish, and he needed to figure out a map of completion that would accommodate his life and responsibilities. For him, that involved a seven-year plan, which included a job transfer to Gilmer, Texas, that required taking a year off from school.

Craig shares today that his seven years in college were very rewarding, and he found out quickly that instructors were more than willing to work with students who gave their all, and he did. One course, however, was a little intimidating – the portfolio class. Craig explains…

I had never written anything to that level before, and my ability to write the portfolio was a measurement of what I valued coming in – my school of hard knocks. My career had been a productivity-based career, and this assignment was offering to validate it in an academic sense. It was the reputation of my past work that was at stake. I had to do my best on it.

The hardest thing was using words that would correctly convey the experience I was writing about. We in the power business speak our own language, and writing the portfolio would be like writing a translation of that language. I had to translate well if I was going to earn the hours I needed.

Unlike Chesley and Kim, however, Craig did not go to college right out of high school, and he states today that for him, “that was the right thing to do.” If he had gone to college then, he would not have gained from it what he gained as an older adult years down the road. For him, Translate well he did, and just according to plan, Craig graduated waiting was the better path. with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences seven years after he started the journey.

Even so, the day did come when Craig knew he needed to go to college. He was doing well in his field, but pieces were missing, and it wasn’t lost on him that people who moved up into management were What did his decision to go to college mean for him? It gave him the opportunity to prove to the “higher-ups” that he had the stamina and degreed professionals. determination to stick to and accomplish significant, long-term goals.

Another incident, a more pressing one that called for an immediate life It meant that during all the reorganizations, he didn’t have to start reassessment, came about in the way of ankle surgery. Craig’s doctor, over, he got to move up. In fact, three of his four promotions came after he started the program or graduated. And most of all, Craig knowing that much of Craig’s work involved physical labor, told him, says, getting his degree removed the doubt of whether he could do it “You can’t do this job forever. Your body won’t let you.”

With those two promptings - recognizing that pieces were missing and or not. Now, he knows he can. He did it. having to deal with physical restrictions – and after “toying with the idea for years,” Craig decided it was time to get his degree. He didn’t Three people, all extremely effective in their positions of work, all making the most of what is offered to them, all desiring to help others want just any degree, however. He wanted one that would recognize and value what he brought to the table – years of experience in a field succeed as they have, all realizing that they didn’t get where they are without someone’s help, all appreciating one another for past that had taught him much. That’s where the BAAS degree came into and ongoing support. Within a close-knit group like this, that’s called play, and he describes his attraction to the program as follows: friendship, and it makes for the best of lives. Within an organization The BAAS offered validity to my school of hard like SWEPCO that has the privilege of employing such individuals, knocks. That meant a lot to me. it’s called success.

Craig’s first night in class was not unlike that of most non-traditional Thanks for the visit, Huck, Becky and Tom… students. He was married and the father of two children, one who was already a junior in high school. The thoughts running through his head Lisa Myers is a clinical faculty member at A&M-Texarkana and the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) Program Coordinator. were…

She may be reached at lisa.myers@tamut.edu or 903-223-3133. For more information about the program, please visit TAMUT.EDU/BAAS 86

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by Vincent Senatore

Great Summer Values

There are times when a good New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Italian Pinot Grigio is the perfect wine for a picnic or an afternoon on the lake. While these delicious whites are great with a wide variety of food, it’s the unique beverage side of these grape varieties that make them the stars of summer.

New Zealand is home to what many wine critics consider the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. Basically, Sauvignon Blanc is the

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primary grape utilized in many regions of France in both rated growths and local consumption. The most famous had been France’s Sancerre. It is also the grape used to make Pouilly Fumé. Even California’s Mondavi wines took the lead in renaming his Napa Sauvignon blanc Fumé Blanc (partially in reference to Pouilly Fumé and partially to denote the smokiness of the wine produced due to flinty soil properties and partial oak barrel aging).

There was a trend for oaked Sauvignon blanc in New Zealand during the late 1980s. However, the taste for strong oaky overtones and also the name waned. It was the super grapefruit, papaya, pineapple bouquet that brought the American palate to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. In the 1980s, wineries in New Zealand, especially in the Marlborough region, began producing outstanding -- some critics said unforgettable -- Sauvignon Blanc.

The exotic aromas found in certain Sauvignon Blancs from the New World and the pungent citric acidity of a French Sauvignon blanc like Sancerre from the Loire Valley. There are many wine critics that have eluded that “No other region in the world can match Marlborough, the northeastern corner of New Zealand’s South Island, which seems to be the best place in the world to grow Sauvignon Blanc grapes.” While I love this wine served with pesto, grilled veggies and grilled fish, I believe it’s one of the best aperitifs (before dinner cocktails) and everyday quaffing wines available to the American palate.

From 1991 until 2005, I had my hands (not feet!) deep into the production, marketing and sales of Italian Pinot Grigio. I had the great pleasure and honor to spend many hours in the wineries and vineyards where America’s 2nd favorite white wine is produced. The Pinot Grigio grape grows best in the northeastern portion of Italy. However, much of the volume of juice comes from Apulia, and Sicily. Veneto is the largest producer of DOC Pinot Grigio. However, Friuli, Trentino and the Alto Adige have been the leaders in the outstanding production of Pinot Grigio.

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Pinot Grigio has been a hugely successful commercial grape (known as Pinot Gris in France.) Its wines are characterized by crispness and cleanness. As a hugely mass-produced wine, it is usually delicate, but in a good producer’s hands, the wine can grow more full-bodied and complex. Clearly, it’s the fresh-cut flower bouquet and the crisp finish that makes this wine one of

America’s favorite beverages. However, I’m never going to be uncomfortable with a good Friulian style Pinot Grigio to match up to a pasta prima vera or a warm pesto sauce over a bed of cavatelli. Certainly a warm summer afternoon brunch would be the perfect time to serve a well chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio with a delicious antipasto or a chef salad with an olive oil, balsamic dressing.

My favorite time to serve either Pinot Grigio or New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is with an appetizer (before the meal begins) or as a “party beverage,” accompanying cheese (Bel Paese, Provolone or mascarpone,) olives and assorted vegetables. Remember, anything herbaceous will be a great match for the aforementioned wines.

• • • • • • • • •

tomatoes, sliced 1 cup(s) lettuce, arugula 1/4 cup(s) cheese, Parmesan, grated 1 clove(s) garlic, quartered 1 tablespoon oil, olive 1 tablespoon vinegar, white balsamic 1/4 teaspoon salt Basil, fresh, 1 cup(s) basil, fresh 1/4 cup(s) nuts, pine nuts

Preparation Pine Nut Pesto:

Pesto Bruschetta

In a small food processor, combine 1 cup firmly packed fresh basil; 1 cup torn fresh arugula or spinach; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese; 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or chopped almonds; 1 quartered clove garlic; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar; and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and process with several on-off turns until a paste forms, stopped several times to scrape the side. Process in enough water, adding 1 tablespoon at a time, until pesto reaches the consistency of soft butter.

Ingredients

Bruschetta:

• • •

Spread Pine Nut Pesto onto baguette slices.

Top with shaved Parmesan and tomatoes. If desired, top with basil and nuts. Makes 12 (2-slice) servings

How about a great “Pesto Bruschetta” recipe? This recipe from the “Everyday Health” website is fantastic and perfect for an afternoon brunch:

24 slice(s) baguette, toasted 1 ounce(s) cheese, Parmesan, shaved 1 cup(s) tomato(es), cherry, red or yellow, halved or quartered, or 2 plum

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by Mike Brower

Outboard Motors Outboards have come a long way from what fishermen ran 40 years ago. In times past, during the “break in” period we would spend hours idling, running at low speed, mid-range, then finally wide open, mixing gas and oil, ever conscious of our throttle position. Now it’s almost like start it and run it like you stole it.

The outboards we have today have better tolerances in the piston/sleeve department and a lot better combustion chamber.

This allows the motor to run more efficiently and be somewhat more reliable. I say somewhat because we still have bad things happen when we least expect it -- I’m not going to use the KABOOM word -- and it seems that no matter whether you run them hard or easy, outboard motors still have issues.

With Evinrudes, you start it and go. With Mercury, you have a one hour time you need to watch what you’re doing throttle-wise,

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but that is a long way from where motors started. Motors built over the last few years even have a gauge that tells you when the motor is “broken in,” which is nice because you don’t have to keep time. The one thing I really like is the fact that we don’t have to mix oil and fuel. Now all we do is fill up the oil reservoir and gas tank and go.

But with all the advances in outboards Joe Fisherman can’t do much work on their motor anymore. It darn near takes an engineer or a computer expert to do even the simplest things (just like cars) which translates to job security for a good mechanic.

The one question I have is “why do outboards fail when we are in a tournament?” Do they have a sensor now that knows when takeoff is?

Happy fishing...

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4220 Texas Blvd. Texarkana, TX

Phone: 903.506.2136

www.eastexdentalacademy.com

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pet sitter dog trainer Sara Caller

Daily Pet Care Overnight Pet Sitting Discount Training for Rescued Pets All Breeds Welcome!

903.335.9984

sara.caller.06@gmail.com | FB/PetSitterTXK August 2014

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Find us on

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

Teach Your Children to Save for College Being part of the college planning process can be very educational for children, as it presents them with valuable financial lessons for the future. Children can earn money, learn about sources of financial aid, research potential colleges, and take other steps that may relieve their parents of some of the responsibility of college planning.

have information about state-sponsored aid programs and scholarships sponsored by local organizations.

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Earning money -- High school students can set aside a portion of their wages from part-time or summer jobs for higher education expenses. Also, students may be able to obtain jobs that build on career interests as a way of solidifying their future plans.

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Getting organized -- College planning encompasses numerous details, including visiting institutions that a student may want to attend, applying for financial aid, obtaining transcripts and letters of recommendation, and meeting deadlines. A high school student can take responsibility for making sure that important matters are tended to ahead of time. For example, if a student has a school vacation coming up, he or she could help organize a family trip to visit colleges of interest or spend some time completing college applications.

Get an Early Start Most children don’t make plans for their higher education until they are well into high school, but the foundation for saving and planning for college can take place much earlier. Many financial experts believe the best time to introduce children to college planning is when they are in the sixth, seventh, or eighth grade. During this time, you may want to initiate discussions about college and explain the importance of developing good study habits and getting involved in extracurricular activities -- to instill the idea that your family supports higher education.

You may also want to encourage your children to begin thinking about the career they would like to pursue, which is likely to influence their choice of college, as well as to establish a savings account that could be earmarked for education expenses. In addition, you can teach basic lessons about compounding, investing, and other money management issues.

Take It To a Higher Gear in High School By the time they reach high school, Many students are mature enough to plan for college at a deeper level, including the following.

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Learning about college costs -- Students may gain a deeper appreciation of their family’s financial sacrifices when they realize how expensive college is. They can learn about college costs from a number of sources, including the College Board and the U.S. Department of Education.

Researching scholarships -There are numerous Web sites with information about sources of financial aid. For example, Fastweb and FinAid contain search engines with data about thousands of scholarships with varying eligibility criteria. In addition, The Federal Student Aid site provides an overview of federal student aid programs. Also, local libraries and high school guidance offices may ALT Magazine

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You and your prospective student may be able to think of more ideas that could add value to your family’s efforts to save for a college education. Getting your budding scholar involved in the process -- financially and otherwise -- could ultimately be a pivotal lesson in responsibility that impacts his or her later success in life. *Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications or its sources, neither S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber’s or others’ use of the content. © 2013 S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications. All rights reserved.

LPL Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. The information contained in this report should be used for informational purposes only. The appropriate professionals should be consulted on all legal and accounting matters prior to or in conjunction with implementation of the plan.

Jim Sparks, Associate Financial Advisor, Stacey Martin, Branch Office Manager, and Dustin Stringer, AAMS, CEO

Securities and Advisory Services Offered Through LPL Financial - A Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA / SIPC.

LEGE N D A R Y The best birthday parties in town!

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4 Playing Fields Fully Netted & Insured Gun Speed Tested Experienced Refs Shaded Picnic Area Private Parties Available August 2014

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View from the

Range

by Thomas Johnson

FLYING COMMERCIALLY WITH FIREARMS

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Many people want to take their concealed carry firearm (CC) when they travel on vacation, or take their hunting rifles on a hunting trip up to the plains or Northwest and even Alaska, but do not know if they can do so on a commercial aircraft. Well, you can! However, there’s some definite rules you need to know and follow to get your CC or rifle to your destination for protection and bagging that trophy and enjoying that delicious wild-game on the grill!

Be aware that TSA restrictions, and not knowing the rules, can leave you unprotected and without your rifle. If you know the rules, have the proper cases, locks and demeanor with the FAA and TSA, you can take it with you. Here’s how to do it: Per FAA Government Rules, travelers may only transport UNLOADED firearms in a locked, hard-sided container as checked baggage. All firearms, ammunition and firearm parts, including firearm frames, receivers, clips and magazines are prohibited in carry-on baggage.

However, rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked bags. Many rifle scopes are worth thousands of dollars, and some people prefer to keep them as close as possible. You can carry them on with you in the main cabin.

In addition to TSA security rules on transporting firearms, airlines, as well as state, local and international governments, have additional rules that may vary by location. For purposes of this article, we will focus on domestic carrying and transporting of firearms.

If flying out of Texarkana commercially, we only have American Airlines. Shreveport, Longview, Little Rock and, of course, Dallas (Love Field and DFW) have other air carriers.

If you fly out of DFW or other airports with multiple carriers, go to their respective web sites and check their requirements. Let’s take a look at AA since that’s what is flying out of Texarkana and is the major carrier out of the other local regional airports (and 94

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headquartered out of DFW).

AA requires the following: Firearms are accepted on American and American Eagle operated itineraries only.

Firearms and ammunition are accepted as checked baggage only and must be declared to an agent at check-in.

Firearms will only be accepted if unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided container, such as a rifle case. TSA approved locks are accepted.

Ammunition in its original packaging from the manufacturer is preferred, however it will be accepted in fiber, wood or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Loose ammunition, magazines or clips will not be accepted.

Firearms may not be checked curbside.

No one under 18 years of age may check a firearm.

State laws regarding the possession of firearms vary. Please be sure to check your destination state requirements before you travel.

Maximum per case is three rifles/shotguns or five pistols/revolvers, ammunition, shooting mat, noise suppressors and tools. There is no limit on the amount of cases allowed.

Ammunition is limited to 11 lbs./5 kgs. per passenger.

Charges may apply based on the number of checked bags in addition to oversize/ overweight charges.

The amount of ammo varies, but for CC you may want to pack enough for two highcapacity mags (where allowed) and three mag loads for mags under 7 rounds or less.

For hunting/sport purposes, it may actually be easier to ship via UPS or FEDEX to your hunting destination, as you can ship more ammo that way, especially if you need to check your distance and sight in that Leupold your packing in your carry on.

Per FAA and TSA Rules, they follow closely with AA’s policies.

Travelers may only transport UNLOADED firearms in a locked, hard-sided container as checked baggage. All firearms, ammunition and firearm parts, including firearm frames, receivers, clips and magazines are prohibited in carry-on baggage.

Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked bags.

A different standard applies to Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) when travelling commercially. There are certain limited exceptions for law enforcement officers who may fly armed by meeting the requirements of Federal Law under Title 49 CFR § 1544.219.

To avoid issues that could impact your travel and/or result in law enforcement action, here are some guidelines to assist you in packing your firearms and ammunition: All firearms must be declared to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.

The term firearm includes: Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.

The frame or receiver of any such weapon.

Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer.

Any destructive device.

The firearm must be unloaded.

The firearm must be in a hard-sided container that is locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be pulled open with little effort cannot be brought aboard the aircraft.

If firearms are not properly declared or packaged, TSA will provide the checked bag to law enforcement for resolution with the airline. If the issue is resolved,

law enforcement will release the bag to TSA so screening may be completed.

TSA must resolve all alarms in checked baggage. If a locked container containing a firearm alarms, TSA will contact the airline, who will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner and advise the passenger to go to the screening location. If contact is not made, the container will not be placed on the aircraft.

If a locked container alarms during screening and is not marked as containing a declared firearm, TSA will cut the lock in order to resolve the alarm.

Travelers should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation.

Ammunition Ammo may actually be transported on the aircraft, but must be separate from your firearm.

Travelers must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.

Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm.

Be aware of the calibers!

Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber for a rifle or pistol and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows the packing guidelines described above.

TSA prohibits black powder or percussion caps used with blackpowder.

Rifle scopes are not prohibited in carry-on bags and do not need to be in the hard-sided, locked checked bag.

If you are a LEO, be aware of these rules: Alcohol. No aircraft operator may serve any alcoholic beverage to an armed LEO. No armed LEO may: Consume any alcoholic beverage while aboard an aircraft operated by an aircraft operator.

Board an aircraft armed if they have consumed an alcoholic beverage within the previous 8 hours.

Location of weapon. (1) Any individual traveling aboard an aircraft while armed must at all times keep their weapon: Concealed and out of view, either on their person or in immediate reach, if the armed LEO is not in uniform.

Traveling to your vacation or hunting destination does not mean you cannot take your own firearm, you just have to plan!

Be safe, carry responsibly, and shoot straight! ______________________ *Thomas H. Johnson is a life-long resident of Texarkana and an attorney who is familiar with gun laws and preparing NFA Gun Trusts.

He has offices in Texarkana and in Allen, Texas. Visit his website at www.mygunattorney.com or www.thjlaw.com.

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FOUR STATES AMATEUR RADIO CLUB HOSTS FIELD DAY 2014

JULY CELEBRATION HARDY MEMORIAL

Four States Amateur Radio Club Hosts Field Day 2014 at Spring Lake Park on Saturday, June 28th, and Sunday, June 29. If anyone is interested in learning more about Ham Radio please contact David Jackson, 903280-8808.

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4 1. Bert and Kathy Phillips 2. Bert Phillips and Anita Nettles 3. Thermon Dennis and Steve Wilson 4. Arthur Christy and David Glenn

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1. Bobby and Sue Jones 2. Sydnee Russ and Patty Quinn 3. Ladelle Ivey, Hailey Woods and Sue Harvey 4. Allen and Jamie Garner 5. Billy Claussen, Nona Phillips and Greg Phillips

5. Gerald Dycus and Robert Bailey

KOMEN TEXARKANA ANNOUNCE 2014 NEW BALANCE SURVIVOR OF THE YEAR: ROWENIA CHEATHAM

ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT The Wright Patman Chapter of Credit Unions held their Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Friday June 6th at Texarkana Golf Ranch. The various Credit Unions in the area come together each year for this event to raise money for Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The 2014 Tournament raised, $3,554.00

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1. Komen Volunteers: Summer Harrison, Lindsey Duffey, Amber Lawrence, Pam Beck, Angel Bean and Laura La Croix 2. Komen Volunteers: Megan Harrison, Ruth Ann Branin and Donna Harrison 3. St. Michael’s Cancer Center Nursing Staff with Rowenia Cheatham 4. Rowenia Cheatham with daughter-Fauneil Clayton, friend-Earnestine Dotson, Sister-Cheryl Knox and granddaughter-Channing Clayton 5. Rowenia Cheatham with Komen Volunteers 6. Donna Harrison, Rowenia Cheatham and Megan Harrison

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1. Bob Buck, CEO RRFCU and John Stephens, SR VP RRFCU

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Terminal CU Team: Denny Redden, Dusty Norment, Jimmy Guillot and Jimmy Minter 3. Texar FCU Team: Dena Ashby, Kelly Mitchell, Sherry Newkirk and Amy Bowers 4. FCI CU TEAM: Stephen Williams, Kent Taylor, Harlan Hadaway and Mike Barnes

UNITED WAY MEETING A FAREWELL TO MARY WORMINGTON TRAHC

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1. Raymond Griffin, Gary Schulz, Buster Brady and William Brady 2. Don Capshaw, Tami Eakin, Mark Bledsoe, Pam White and William Brady 3. Anson Godfrey and William Brady 4. Jackie Brady, Mary Wormington (Chief Professional Officer-United Way) and Tami Eakin 5. Joey Pack, Mary Wormington and Richard Seymour 6. Friends from Texarkana Resources Haven Home 7. Rephonnie Roberts and Jennifer Lacefield 8. Greg Bischoff and Mary Wormington 9. Sanda Pilaga, Christopher Allen and Mary Wormington 10. Glen Boles and Andre Storey 11. Alex Walker and Lauren Cogdill 12. Gary and Sondra Maroun, and Christina Maroun

Sponsored By:

Presented By:

Sponsored By:

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MEDIA KICK-OFF FOR CATTLE BARON’S BALL TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 4, 2014 AT BANDANA RANCH

TEXARKANA GOLF RANCH

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1. Don and Laura Riddle 2. Richard Weber and Joe Yates 3. American Cancer Society Committee Members 4. John McCoy and Mike Clasby 5. Entertainment for The Cattle Baron’s Ball: Taylor Heard, 2 Gun Justice and Tracy Byrd 6. Stacy Yates and Christal Prince

ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC. 85TH ANNIVERSARY REGIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING & YOUTH RETREAT TEXARKANA CONVENTION CENTER

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1. Back Row: Cynthia Henderson, Shae Henderson, Lillie Young, Herise Williams, Shelia Ross, Donna Chatman; Front Row: Annette Forte, Maxine Crittenden, International President Mary Wright, Verna Davis, LaRhonda Hamilton, Jo Ann Rice 2. Annette Forte, Maxine Crittenden, Jo Ann Rice Verna Davis, Shelia Ross 98

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3. Shae Watson, Josette Rice,

4. Lillie Young and Donna Chatman

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BEECH STREET FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS GOLF TOURNAMENT

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1. Richard Posey and Sandy McQuerry 2. Joe Lichtenwalter, Barbara McWilliams, George Dickson and MaryBess Cunningham 3. Mayor Bob Bruggeman, Jeff Shreve, Matt Reynolds and Chanin Lathem 4.

Dianah Morrison and Lori Thane 5. Trophies by C&S Knives 6. Duck Golf Clubs by Doug Petty

Billiard Maintenance Over a Decade of Experience.

Marshall Gooding - 903.277.0307

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Leveling Felt Replacement Cushion Replacement Generic Repair Moving

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BINGO AND CAKE AUCTION The Wright Patman Chapter of Credit Unions held their annual “Bingo and Cake Auction” on Thursday, June 19th. The meeting was held at the Liberty Eylau High School media center with the proceeds of the night going to “Children’s Miracle Network”. $3,180.00 was raised for the evening. $685.00 was from Bingo while $2,495.00 was raised from the Cake Auction. Homemade cakes were auctioned to the highest bidder with some cakes selling for up to $250.00.

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ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S BOWL-A-THON HOLIDAY BOWL

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4 1. Roy and Rita Freeman 2. Dennis and Leighann Jeans 3. Jerry and Pam Stotts 4. Darren and Mary McLeod

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1. Scott Burks, Parker Burks, Susan Whitten and Tyler Holt 2. Tammy Harrelson and Theresa Fontenot 3.

Janel Moser and Kaitlyn Thomason 4. Kitt Thomason, Connie Thomason, Kristen Griffin, Duncan Robbins and Robin Bruce 5. Donna McLaughlin, Melissa Massey and Elizabeth Hocutt 6. Tammy Thompson, Luther Holder and Scott Burks

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The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. -The Humane Society of the United States Ending the euthanasia of homeless animals is a goal that all animal welfare organizations share, but the reality is that shelters with their limited space and finite resources, cannot achieve this goal without high levels of community support.

Shelters, rescues, animal leagues and humane societies do all they can to help lost, stray and abandoned animals, but the fact is, they need help too.

You can make a difference! You can support community wide efforts to prevent overpopulation. Not only can you encourage your local shelter and rescues to work as diligently as possible to find loving forever homes for the animals in their care, but you can help them. It is as simple as giving donations for food, vaccines and medicine or just volunteering your time by walking the dogs and interacting with them.

You can help by fostering these animals. The responsibilities of a foster home might include just basic training, socialization, medical care, day-to-day care and of course lots of playtime and snuggling. Given enough time, these dogs that might have otherwise been euthanized for lack of space, now have a chance at finding permanent, loving homes.

Lastly, you can adopt. Adopt your next companion animal from a shelter or rescue, have all your pets spayed or neutered and be a responsible pet owner - meaning keep their vet visits up to date, protect your pets with current identification tags and don’t let them roam.

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Meet one of the foster babies of ALT Magazine, Brody. He is a fun, playful, sweet pup who just wants to love and be loved.

He is potty trained and the perfect lap dog. He is loyal to a fault and will be at your feet whenever you ask.

Brody was pulled from the local shelter in hopes of finding him his “furever” home.

If you’d like to help by volunteering, giving a donation, fostering or even adopting, contact:

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Little Paws Rescue

903-280-3083

Texarkana Animal League 877.525.4825

Passion for Pooches 903.832.8632

Texarkana Humane Society 903.838.6334

Poodle Patch & Friends poodlepatch@yahoo.com

The Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas 870.773.6388

903.280.3083 | Karen Goodwin littlepawsrescue2013@gmail.com

Littles Paw e Rescu

donate. adopt. help save.

ADOPTION EVENT

First Saturday of Every Month at Dots ACE Hardware Donations Welcome + Lunch Available

August 2, 2014 | 10 am - 2 pm

Receive a free bag of dog food with adoption, courtesy of

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HOW A FELINE

CAN FIND ITS WAY

INTO YOUR HEART

WORDS BY GINGER WILLIAMS, TEXARKANA ANIMAL LEAGUE

Most of my life, I’ve had dogs (growing up with my siblings and as an adult with my own family). We’ve had some wonderful and amazing dogs, but I will leave their stories for another time. And, all those years very few cats - mainly one - a cat named Lucifer.

My mom and dad got it from our preacher, and he was the coolest cat you can imagine. He was black and white with some Persian in him (probably a domestic medium hair, because he was an outdoor cat who never matted). He had a deep meow, and when my dad turned into our circular drive, he along with our dogs, chased the car till it was parked. We used to joke that Lucifer thought he was a dog, just like the rest of his outdoor family. He was an awesome cat who did amazing things - like the time he chased a bobcat out of our yard.

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have been grown for some time, and I was happy to be completely care free for the first time in my life - no worries. As I often joked - “At this point in my life, I don’t want to take care of anyone or anything else - I’m tired!”

In 2010, I retired and looked forward to more

travel abroad, as this is one of my passions.

My son has a dog, and my daughter has two cats. She travels abroad two to three times a year, and I keep her cats. I really began to enjoy having them in my home. As an educator, I appreciated their intelligence and inquisitive minds. My daughter kept telling me I should adopt kittens or cats of my own,

but I was the hold out. Donnie really wanted a pet, but we were at a stalemate. You see, I prefer big dogs and he prefers little dogs.

But, we do both like kittens/cats.

In the spring of 2013, my daughter helped a friend foster four little male kittens (brothers). They were working with an organization in Dallas, as my daughter lives there.

They were told to name the brothers and to please have each name start with the same letter, as this helped them keep all the litters straight.

My daughter named her two Sidney and Sebastian - her friend named hers Skittles and Scooter.

They were all adorable, but my daughter and Sidney immediately bonded. She would send me pictures and videos of all the kittens, but especially Sidney. And, oh, the wonderful stories I would hear! On the Friday before Memorial Day 2013, my daughter called and

said the brothers were being taken to the Pet Smart in Allen for adoption Saturday morning of the next day. As Donnie and I had already decided we were getting kittens, I told her when he got home from work, we would make a decision as to which sibling we’d choose along with Sidney. We wanted to get two so they could socialize and enjoy each other’s company. Before I could complete the question to Donnie as to which brother he wanted, we heard a sound from our back yard. The sound was much like a cat and bird combined. We walked out to investigate, and there in the monkey grass around the tree by our patio, was the tiniest little black kitten.

I don’t know if she was more afraid or more hungry. But, we scooped her up and brought her inside. I immediately called my daughter, and she talked us through what to do next.

The next day we took her to the vet - found out she was a girl, and that was that. We’ve lived in this house fifteen years, and this had never happened before. It was meant to be. Simone was to be Sidney’s sister. The arrangements had already been made for us to travel to Dallas the next weekend to get Sidney. But, for one week Simone got all of our love. One day last year I was at Pleasant Grove Animal Clinic with one of my babies.

While there, I met Georgette Peckham with Texarkana Animal League. I had heard of the organization, and already knew they did really good work. Georgette was there to pick up a little black kitten whose leg was in a splint. As I held him, we talked about cat/ kittens, and the problem of over population. I asked her many questions including questions about a trap-neuter-return program. I wanted to know if we had one in Texarkana, and if not, what it would take to get one started. Georgette is very knowledgeable and gave me a lot of good information. I told her I was interested in volunteering with the organization, and asked what I could do. I now volunteer by working in the Cat Room at Pet Smart along with other volunteers.

you: Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered.” I knew he was passionate about this cause, and I knew it was important. However, I never realized until recently just how important this message is.

Here are some basic numbers to show how fast cat populations can get out of hand: The average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year is 3.

The average number of kittens in a feline litter is 4-6.

In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats.

A male cat can sire as many as 2,500 kittens in a single year.

Only 1 in 12 of those 420,000 cats born find a home.

And just think of this - even if you found homes for all your cats, you are still taking away homes that other homeless cats could have had by adding to the population .

You CAN make a difference! Please spay or neuter your pet!!!

Our organization has cats and kittens, but presently we have many kittens - many, many kittens! We have tabby, tortoise, black (I’m a little partial), many colors and patterns of kittens. We have kittens with various personalities. You see, kittens are just like people in that they have their own unique personality. Some are outgoing (dog like), some shy, some are playful, and others just like to “chill”. One thing they all have in common, is cuteness. I personally don’t know if there’s anything cuter than a baby kitten.

They are so sweet and innocent. All they want is to play, love and be loved, and to find a good forever home. One of the great things about adopting a kitten/cat from Texarkana Animal League, is that each of our kittens/ cats have been spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. And, they all have microchips. All this is done for you before you adopt. All you have to do is take he, she, or them home and love them.

Through the years, I’ve watched ‘The Price is Right’ from time to time. And, I remember Bob Barker’s sign off. “Bob Barker reminding August 2014

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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.

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 experience 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.

Texarkana Humane Society

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!

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1. ROMEO is about a year and a half old chihuahua. He was abandoned in the country, was skin and bones and covered with fleas. Once cleaned up he went to the vet only to find he was heartworm positive and has now begun treatment.

After completing his treatment he will finish his vetting by being neutered, chipped and shots. He has been through so much for such a little fella. For more info call Amanda at 419-466-4962.

2. ACE is a little 3 yr old terrier that weighs only 18 pounds. He is neutered, current on shots, heartworm negative, housetrained and microchipped. We rescued him from our local shelter after being there for a year. This little guy is a great dog and gets along good with other dogs, children and loves to play. He rides well in car and walks on a leash. He would be a great addition to any family.

FENCED YARD REQUIRED. For more info call Sherrie at 903-838-6334.

3. CASPER is a handsome little Pom born in February, 2013, rescued from our local shelter. He is neutered, current on shots, heartworm negative and on preventive. Casper weighs a whopping 13 pounds. He is housetrained, will use a

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doggie door, rides in car and gets along with other dogs. This little fella would be a great addition to your family. For more info call Sherrie at 903-838-6334.

4. DOBBY is a chihuahua mix that was born around February 2013. He weighs around 16 pounds, is neutered, fully vetted and microchipped. This little cutie gets along great with other dogs, cats and is housetrained. A fenced yard is required. For more info call Amanda at 419-466-4962.

5. SASHA is a cute little Dachshund/Basset mix. She was born in January, 2013, is spayed, current on shots, and microchipped. Sasha gets along great with kids and other dogs, rides well in the car and she is housetrained. She would be a great addition to any family. A FENCED YARD is required. For more info call Sherrie at 903-838-6334 6. SPUD was born in April. He is current on his puppy shots and is working on his housetraining. When grown he will be medium to large in size. He is a terrier mix. When he is old enough he will be neutered, microchipped and receive last set of puppy shots. Please call Andrea for more info at 479-283-8264.

ils!

Happy Ta

Apollo

Emma

Eve

Happy

“We’re featuring some very sweet babies that desperately need good homes.

They have all been here far too long and are all VERY sweet. Please help!!!”

-Miss Bertha, Animal Care & Adoption Center

Ruger

Harley

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!

Samantha

Raven

WHO ELSE CAN HELP?

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!

Artex Animal Welfare, Inc. (mostly horses) 903.824.1990 Poodle Patch & Friends poodlepatch@yahoo.com

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.

Little Paws Rescue

Little Paws Rescue is a small breed rescue, specializing in Chihuahuas, poodles, and schnauzers. We accept owner surrenders and abandoned strays, as well as dogs from area animal shelters.

All dogs available for adoption from Little Paws Rescue have been vaccinated, spayed/neutered, have begun flea/tick and heartworm preventative, and have received medical care for any prevailing health condition.

For more information, contact Karen Goodwin: 903-280-3083; karengoodwin2004@msn.com; LittlePawsRescue2013@gmail.com; www.littlepaws-rescue. org; www.facebook.com/LittlePawsRescueTexarkana

Selah

T-Bone

Passion for Pooches (mostly small dogs) 903.832.8632 Texarkana Animal League 877.525.4825 Texarkana Reptile and Amphibian Rescue 903.809.3761

Raven

Meeko

Chip

Monroe

Brody August 2014

Sassy

Jett www.alt-mag.com 105

August

AUGUST 1

Turbo Day (ages 4-7) at Silvermoon on Broad. Turbo Days are ONE day ‘workshops’ from 9:30AM - 3:00PM in which kids will brainstorm different ideas and characters that go along with our daily theme. They will create their own skit/song/scene as well as a costume piece and will perform for parents when they pick them up at the end of the day. This is a day full of fun and laughter all while getting ‘life training in disguise’ through theatre arts. Cost is $40.

AUGUST 7

Texarkana Area Veterans Council meeting.

AUGUST 7

Drawdown and Casino Night 2014.

Please support Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center and all the good work that is being done to help families with disabilities in our area by attending our annual Drawdown and Casino Night. This year’s event is from 6:00pm-10:00pm at the Four States Fair Fine Arts Building located at 3700 East 50th Street, Texarkana, Arkansas 71854. Tickets are $100 each and include dinner for two from Pop’s Place, drinks and an opportunity to win $5000 in our drawdown. Ticket sales are limited to the first 120 sold so hurry and you won’t miss out on a good time for a good cause. For ticket information and further event details please call Anita Carver at 903-794-2705.

AUGUST 11-15

MINI SHOW (ages 7-15) ONCE UPON A TIME at Silvermoon on Broad. A Mini Show is a week long process of putting together a ‘public ready show’ in ONLY 5 days. It will be a fun, fast paced week of all things

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Calendar of Events

theatre! Kids will learn how to explore different characters, design and construct costumes and set, learn and practice theatre etiquette and stage direction, move their bodies in fun choreography, prepare and memorize lines and learn skills to help present lines to an audience, get out of the box with fun and creative improv games, etc... all while having fun, making new friends, and using teamwork to put it all together. Cost is $225 and includes a week of fun theatre education, 2 tickets to the weekend shows, and a SCT t-shirt.

AUGUST 13-16

44th Annual New Boston Pioneer Days Festival - downtown New Boston, Texas. Bellamy Brothers in concert Saturday, August 16th. For more information, 903-628-2581 or chamber@newbostontx.org

AUGUST 16

Four States Auto Museum’s Cruise Nights. 4:00PM-8:00PM. Free - open to the public! 3rd and Hazel, Texarkana, AR. Door Prizes, music, 50/50 drawing, concessions. All vehicles welcome!

Family fun! For more info, 903-8242722.

AUGUST 17

Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. #278 meeting at 1:30PM at the American Legion post at 525 East Broad Street.

AUGUST 17

The Barn at Barkman Creek Open House from 5:00PM - 7:00PM. We hope you have heard! We are opening our barn for events. We have converted the majority of the barn into a place that will be wonderful for weddings, receptions and large gatherings. We are renting the facility only. The rest will be left up to the person giving the event. We have a new bride’s room, groom’s room (barbershop theme) and 2 new restrooms and we have converted the antique car room to a serving room or

bar area. You can see what is happening on facebook - the barn at barkman creek or on our website - www.thebarnatbarkmancreek. com

AUGUST 23

The ducks are racing again!

The Friend of the Foundation for CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System will host the 25th Great Texarkana Duck Race at Holiday Springs Water Park from 9:00AM 11:00AM.. Proceeds from the annual race benefit programs and services of CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System.

Adopt your ducks today for 1 duck for $5 or 5 ducks for $25 and get one FREE! Top Duck Prize is a 2014 Kia Forte! For more information, 903-6142024.

AUGUST 23

Fall Back into Girl Scout Event! Join us on from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the splash pad at Spring Lake Park to enjoy fun games and activities while making new friends. This is a FREE event for current Girl Scout members and a introduction to girl scouting for non-members. All girls are welcome to attend! Please contact Katie at 870773-2151 for any questions.

AUGUST 29-30

27th Annual POW/MIA Vigil hosted

by Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Texarkana Area Chapter #278, held at the Korea/Vietnam Memorial at 7th St. & Stateline Ave. Friday, August 29: Opening ceremonies at 4:29PM. Candlelight Ceremonies at 8:00PM. (Opening ceremonies could change slightly.) Saturday, August 30: POW Meal at noon. “Ride to Remember” and Balloon Release at 3:00PM. POW/MIA Service at 3:10. Closing/Candlelight Ceremonies at 8:00PM. Come help us remember the American prisoners of war/missing in action. For more information, 870-773-8279, 903-7285210, 903-628-7216, 903-824-2727 or email USMCgreg@aol.com.

ooding G decorative concrete

See some of our recent work at the Vapor Spot at Stateline and 35th St.

Custom Pergolas Wood and Trex Decking Counter Tops Pet Feeders Custom Furniture Pressure Washing Acid Stains and Scoring Indoor/Outdoor Overlays

903.277.0307 www.goodingdc.com

PURCHASE

•

CONVENTIONAL

•

FHA

•

VA

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JUMBO

•

REFINANCE

•

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

•

INVESTMENT PROPERTY

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

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.

Call today to find out how much you can afford.

Jason Cree Branch Manager NMLS #209270 AR #17523 903-223-5632 office 903-277-2726 mobile jcree@SWBC.com www.jasoncree.com

Ask for your complimentary home buying booklet today. © 2014. SWBC. All rights reserved. 8540-4742 0314. Loans are subject to credit and property approval. Certain restrictions may apply. Programs and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Rates are subject to change daily. SWBC Mortgage Corporation.

NMLS #9741. Corporate ofiice located at 9311 San Pedro, SUite 100, San Antonio, TX 78216.

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Providing exceptional service to Texarkana and surrounding area borrowers for more than 15 years.

3101 Kennedy Lane Ste. 200 Texarkana, TX 75503

Perfec t Pairing ...

Buying? Selling? We Can Help!

Bill Spradlin Realtor 903-748-3186

Tracy Spradlin Broker 903-748-2477

www.impactrealtyonline.com billsprad@aol.com spradlintd@aol.com

Jan Williams Realtor 903-277-5771

Karyn Baucum Realtor 903-278-3836

Stephanie Maddox

Realtor 903-701-1341

Angie Cornett Office Manager

903.223.0710

1356 N. Kings Hwy., Nash, TX 75569

BOULEVARD

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100% Financing Available* FHA, VA, Conventional, & Rural Development Loans Fast Approvals Quick and Easy Refinancing Reverse Mortgages Available Non-Owner Occupied Investment Property * Availability subject to borrower and property eligibility

THE PERFECT HOME THE PERFECT LOAN 903.334.REFI (7334) www.thebmgllc.com NMLS #139306 Ryan Clift

A Few Extra Minutes On the Road

HOURS OF MORE GIGGLES WITH TOSHa

You’ll do just about anything to make little Tosha laugh. But, an injury or illness could put a time-out on play days. Instead, get the best rehabilitation you can—even if it means driving a little farther for therapy. As part of your community, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Texarkana offers comprehensive treatments using the latest technologies, rehabilitation specialists and proven programs personalized with your goals in mind.

The Joint Commission DiseaseSpecific Care Certification in Hip Fracture Rehabilitation and Stroke Rehabilitation

A Higher Level of Care®

Spend less time waiting and more time having fun. Choose HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Texarkana.

Our rehabilitation is worth the drive.

515 West 12th Street • Texarkana, TX 75501 903 735-5000 healthsouthtexarkana.com

©2014:HealthSouth Corporation:614160B-08