ALT Magazine January 2015

ALT magazine

covering the ark-la-tex

January 2015 | Vol. 9, Issue 1

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ALT

January2015

CONTENTS

magazine

covering the ark-la-tex

January 2015 Vo l . 9 , I s s u e 1 Publisher/Editor Debbie Brower Associate Editor Jaclyn Gooding

FEATURES 14 22 38 47 78

Sales & Marketing Manager

2015 Heroes 2015 Readers Choice The End on 38th & Olive Holy Kettlebells The Greatest Gift

Charlie McMurphy 903.908.5797 Graphic Artists Lindsey Gordon Photography

EVENTS 76 76

Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Lindsey Gordon, Sylvia Jennings

Christmas Open House G i v i n g Tu e s d a y

Feature Writers / Anne Fruge, Lindsey Gordon Contributing Writers

REGULARS 42 82 70 40 80

Mike Brower, , Chad Matthews, Lisa

A Degree of Distinction Calendar of Events Financial Focus F i s h Ta l e s Second Chances

Myers, Brandon Phillips, Dustin Stringer

k / On The Cover

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Heroes abound in our a r e a . Yo u o n l y h a v e t o look to see good things happening.

Best Helper Ever When You Have A Broken Foot!

Mike Brower

If you have an event you would like to include in our Upcoming Events section, please email us at: info@alt-mag.com.

w w w. a l t - m a g . c o m info@alt-mag.com 200 Heather Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 (903) 334-9605

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After thousands of votes, A LT M a g a z i n e ’ s F i r s t A n n u a l Readers Choice Awards Winners!

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ALT Magazine

January 2015

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.

Š2015 ALT Magazine For advertising information, call Charlie McMurphy 903.908.5797

“I am so glad I found the Wadley Senior Clinic.”

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KEEPING IT REAL From The Publisher

I love this issue each year! Reading the stories of all the great people in Texarkana always brings tears to my eyes! In fact, when I send the stories to my out-of-town judges, they have a really difficult time choosing. We have some wonderful heroes throughout our area who truly bring joy to those who know them. From helping children, to helping pets, to helping anyone who needs help, this year’s Heroes are everywhere!

As I was debating on what I wanted to include in my editorial this month, I opened my Facebook and saw the most wonderful story of a young woman who made someone feel especially good, without spending a dime. She just made a beautiful gesture. Here is the story shared by Robbin Stiner Dickson: Amber King works at Olive Garden here in Texarkana. Yesterday, I took my momma and my sister Miranda (whom has Down Syndrome) out to lunch. Now, before I tell you what she did, let me just say that my sister is 23 years old and I am 9 years older than her. In all the 23 years of Miranda’s life, I have seen many servers seem almost annoyed by her when we are at a restaurant because she talks a lot and it’s hard to understand what she says at times. Servers are often in a hurry to get your order, etc., so some servers do not want to talk to her when she tries to talk to them. Not only did Amber talk to her, but at the end of our meal she brought me the ticket and handed Miranda a little card. I didn’t pay much attention to it because I was trying to get my money situated so she could cash us out. When we got up to leave, I saw that Miranda was still holding that card. I looked at it, and it said “You are beautiful. :)“ I’m getting teary eyed thinking about it. First of all, Amber, let me just say that you have no idea how good that made her feel. Also, just to let you know because I don’t know if you were wondering or not, although Miranda has Down Syndrome, she can read pretty good and she read it herself. All the way home she clutched that card with a big smile on her face and then put it on the side of her mirror in her room. A simple act of kindness goes so very far. There is a special place in heaven for people like Amber King.

One small gesture made someone’s day! It doesn’t take a lot to make another person feel special. Remember that as you go through your day. You will never know what your one simple act can do for someone else. Be someone’s Hero today!

For the first time since we started publishing ALT, we chose to do a Readers Choice Awards issue! It has been so exciting to watch the thousands of votes being cast to choose this year’s winners! I look forward to seeing how they change from year to year!

May God bless you in the New Year!

Publisher

Robbin Dickson, with her sister, Miranda (left); Amber King (right) 8

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“My own heroes are the dreamers, those men and women who tried to make the world a better place than when they found it, whether in small ways or great ones. Some succeeded, some failed, most had mixed results... but it is the effort that’s heroic, as I see it. Win or lose, I admire those who fight the good fight.”

— George R.R. Martin

ALT Magazine’s

featuring: Kyle Barrett Autumn Phelps Sara Caller David Melson Jodi Coffee Jeraldine Sanders Melanie Jenkins Stephanie Sprague Kim Madlock Bess Gamble-Williams Stacy Yates Also nominated: Carri Blackwood, Neil Carmony, Patricia Cunningham, Cody and Jill Howard, Melinda Johnson, Harold Carl Schmidt, Kilah Storm, Jessica Vickers, Debbie Westfall and Mary Wren

Based on true acts of selflessness and heroism.

A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.

— Christopher Reeve January 2015

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“Life is so precious, and it has taught me to slow down and not miss out on what is most important.”

- Kyle Barrett Protective. Loving. Comical.

With Kyle’s work in the floral business, he has the opportunity to work with organizations such as American Cancer Society, Susan G Komen, Hospice of Texarkana, Temple Memorial, Texarkana Animal League, American Heart Association and Texarkana Symphony Orchestra. When Kyle is not working, he loves to go his family’s ranch. “My cattle and horses are my therapy along with the never ending construction on the cabin I have been building for the past eight years that’s almost complete!” Kyle says. “It’s made of old barn wood, rusted tin from my childhood haunts and materials from places and things dear to my heart.”

Kyle was born at David Granberry Memorial Hospital in Naples, Texas. As a child, he spent hours running all over the family ranch. “There wasn’t an inch of Anderson Creek I wasn’t familiar with,” Kyle says. “I had every animal known to Noah.” In fact, Kyle considers his first big break to be when he sold his first dozen eggs from his little red wagon to one of the neighbors for a whole dollar. “I was six. After that first sale I had the same ‘egg route’ for the next several years,” Kyle says. “After a few years, I traded in the red wagon for a larger one pulled by my pet billy goat, Randy. Some kids had a go-cart, but this is a true story.” These childhood experiences still influence Kyle today. When he has free time, he loves hunting, hiking and ranching and hopes to one day take a safari in Africa. So far, the accomplishment he’s most proud of is this nomination. “Having been named a ‘hero’ is an extremely proud moment,” Kyle says.

Nomination: “Kyle Barrett is a hero to the city of Texarkana. He has a heart that was made for giving; he not only gives through his business, but through his personal time. Kyle is always there when anyone calls ready to help!

In the past year, Kyle has been a sponsor and donated his beautiful floral arrangements, decorative design skills and his time to many charity events, including Phantom Ball benefitting Temple Memorial and Cattle Baron’s Ball benefitting the American Cancer Society, just to name a few. He is a kind and giving soul, yet never expects anything in return. He is a good friend with a kind heart that is always more than willing to do whatever he can to help anyone in need. Kyle Barrett is a true hero.”

Nickname: Ester Describe your family: Protective, loving, and comical Education: De Kalb High School, Texarkana College, Leonard Hawes Real Estate College and Ethos Sales and Training One word that describes you: Loyal Who is your hero? My mother and father are my heroes. They have dedicated their lives to their children and providing us with a better life.

What’s one fact about you that others would be surprised to know? I am an avid outdoorsmen and scared of only one animal: the mighty toad frog. I’m not just scared; I’m petrified.

What is your personal motto? When I was younger I would walk into a room full of people and wonder if they liked me. As I have grown older I now walk into a room and wonder if I like them.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? Having been named a ‘hero’ is an extremely proud moment, especially with me only being in my early twenties.

What is your favorite season? Winter. I love the cold and when the world is still, peaceful and white!

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January 2015

Pets: I have a 16 year old schnauzer named Macie that I am thankful can’t talk, and a 7 year old named Marley that thinks she can.

Where do you like to visit or travel? I have traveled to Europe and have a love for Tuscany, but my favorite place I have been to so far would be Colorado. The mountains feel like home.

If you were a superhero, what power would you have and why? I would want to have the power to travel back in time, and visit a time where I would appreciate the small things in life and the big people that are no longer here.

Life is so precious, and it has taught me to slow down and not miss out on what is most important.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next ten years? In ten years, in a perfect world, I would be in the middle of a large ranch near the old Red River on a horse watching long eared cattle graze. Life would be less stressful and there would be time to breathe, think and enjoy life, then head back to Sticks & Stones on the Blvd to continue to give my amazing clients in the Texarkana area the best product, home design and service possible.

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“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” - Thomas A. Edison

Sara Caller Rescued Dreams Sara’s dream job as a child was to “rescue dogs” and “follow her dreams.” Sara grew up in Texarkana and attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas, where she earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in studio arts and graduated cum laude. While enrolled there, a college professor asked her to pet sit over spring break.

“My professor thought I was pretty responsible and trustworthy for a sophomore and asked me to house and pet sit,” Sara says.

“I continued to work for him and many other professors during my college years, and the rest is history.”

Sara is “mom” to dogs, cats, fish and ferrets. “There are never less than six dogs in my home, including my own two rescue pups,” Sara says. “My family is relatively small and spread out, but we all have three things in common: intelligence, good business sense and a close bond with our pets.”

Sara now runs the TTAP Temperament Testing Program at the Animal Care and Adoption Center, and she started Faithful Friends Dog Rescue. “It is a lifelong dream, realized,” Sara says. “In the first six months we rescued 55 animals - to me, that is mind-boggling, but it is just the beginning.” In the next ten years, Sara would like to establish the rescue as a 501(c)3. “I think this would help dramatically change our community’s perceptions towards their pets, how they should be treated, and how to start a family—preferably through adoption.”

Excerpts from her nomination: “I don’t know how she does it all! She has an Art Degree from SAU, lived in Dallas for a few years, but had to move back because she caught West Nile and was very sick for a long time.

After being back about a year, she decided to start her own business – Sara Caller Pet Sitting & Dog Training...

Last July she decided to save Faith, a dog at the shelter, and unfortunately Faith died. After that, it was like there was a fire lit in her – she was going to save every one she could – saving them and rehabilitating them is as much her calling as training them. She started Faithful Friends Dog Rescue...

She’s even working with our local homeless shelter to build them a much bigger garden this spring, so they will have healthier foods and can learn small business and agriculture skills...”

Nickname: Sissy, or ‘Big Sis,’ from college. I was basically the Dorm Mom First Job: Cleaning houses at 13 years old. We lived so far out in the country that I drove my four-wheeler from house to house.

Hobbies: Reading, archery, stained glass, mosaics, gardening, horticulture One fact about you that others would be surprised to know: I was bartending in Dallas and was a building a good career as an artist when I contracted West Nile. My health got so bad I had to move home to my mom’s in Texarkana. It took me about 6 months to fully recover.

One word that describes you: Passionate

Who is your hero? Martin Luther King, Jr. What is left on your “Bucket List?” Many things, but top of the list is go to Amarna in Egypt, Skydive, and find true love.

What do you do in your free time? I like to read to unwind. Dean Koontz, Catherine Coulter, and JD Robb are some of my modern favorites.

If you were a superhero, what power would you have and why? Would want to be able to fly, no question. I’ve dreamt of piloting, hang-gliding, and windsurfing since I was small. Something about the idea of flying has always held a special attraction for me.

“Each path in life is a stepping stone to a bigger and brighter future.”

- Jodi Coffee Family. Friends. Fitness.

Jodi Coffee believes that “each path in life is a stepping stone to a bigger and brighter future.” After graduating with a bachelor of science degree in biology from Henderson State University and doctor of physical therapy degree from University of Central Arkansas, being a stay-at-home mom was not how she envisioned her life. However, Jodi now volunteers her time as a manager of the Hope Farmers’ Market and President of the Healthy Opportunities through Prevention and Education (HOPE) Coalition. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Jodi says. “I am mom to three beautiful girls: Darby Kate, 7; Jorgia, 5; and Lola, 3. Plus, during my time at home is when working with the Education (HOPE) coalition led to starting the Hope Farmers’ Market. We have big plans for the market’s future!”

Once Jodi became a mom, she began to understand the sacrifices her own parents made. “Once I became a parent, BOTH of my parents became even greater heroes to me,” Jodi says. “My dad’s job as a football coach kept him away from home a lot. He worked hard to stay where he was, so that we could stay put and not have to move around. My mom worked a full-time job teaching AND did EVERYthing at home as well. She amazed me then and continues to amaze me today.”

When Jodi isn’t spending time with her husband, Trevor, or her three daughters, she enjoys swimming, running and biking. She hopes to complete an Ironman competition sometime in the future. She also loves backyard farming, blogging at her lifestyle blog, thecoffeehouselife.com, and trying new restaurants. As far as the future is concerned, Jodi has dreams for her family and community. “In the next ten years, I want to continue raising my three girls and work to provide them as many opportunities as possible,” Jodi says.

“I want to see Hope Farmers’ Market continue to grow and increase access to the amount of local, healthy foods to our community. I would LOVE for Hope to have a wellness center with an indoor pool and workout facility.”

Excerpts from her nomination: “...She has started a grass roots effort to get women up and moving by starting a local chapter of Women Run Arkansas which assists them to complete their first 5k race or become more competitive running them...

A love for food and backyard gardening directed her to many local farmer’s markets and a desire for her own family to have a chance to eat healthier brought her to the right people that helped begin the Hope Farmer’s market...

The impressive part of Jodi’s story is that she does this while starting most mornings at 5 or earlier some mornings with runs of her own before returning home to get the day started for her three young girls and her husband...”

Birthplace: Arkadelphia, Arkansas First Job: Lifeguard at the city pool in my home town One word that describes you: Determined As a child, I spent hours... Swimming everywhere from the pool at Henderson to the city pool to Lake DeGray. I started swimming competitively at age five. I experienced a little burnout somewhere in the middle of things but picked it back up in high school and then swam four years in college. I made lifelong fitness habits as well as lifelong friends.

What is your personal motto: Never give up.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? Being a wife and mom; being a role-model and raising my three girls; being part of starting Hope Farmers’ Market

What is your favorite season? Spring -- sunny and 70 degrees is PERFECT Pets: We have two dogs: a Papillon named Lucy, and a French bulldog named Pepper Where do you like to visit or travel: I’m a beach-goer. My husband took me on a dream vacation to Bora Bora for our tenth wedding anniversary. I guess I better do some traveling out west (which is his preference) after that.

If you were a superhero, what power would you have and why? I would love to have the ability to fly. I think it would be pretty amazing to have a bird’s eye view of the world… AND, to avoid terrible TRAFFIC! As a child, what was your dream job? I wanted to be a marine biologist and swim with the dolphins at Sea World.

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“My heroes are the everyday men and women who get the job done with no fanfare, no spotlights, no cameras: the single Mom who works to provide for her children; military men and women and their families; the widow who still finds beauty in every day; people who persevere in spite of their difficult circumstances…. these are my heroes.”

- Melanie Jenkins The Icing on the Cake Melanie Jenkins’s love affair with the stage and performing began in grade school when she was cast as “Marta” in the community theatre production of The Sound of Music. As a child, she wanted to be a news anchor, but that changed to a singer. “My mom said that she worried about me when I was young because I would sit in my room for hours just listening to music!”

Melanie says.

Melanie grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and graduated from Fairview High School in Camden, Arkansas. She then went on to Ouachita Baptist University where she received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance degree. She is now married to Craig Jenkins, Senior Pastor at Beech Street FBC, and they have three boys: Ryan, a freshman at SAU; Reid, a sophomore at Arkansas High; and Rett, a third grader at College Hill Elementary. Melanie’s family loves to go to their “happy place,” the beach, every year, and she considers “birthing and raising three wonderful boys” to be her big break.

Items on Melanie’s bucket list include learning how to play the guitar, seeing her two oldest boys graduate from college and begin their careers, and seeing her youngest son graduate from high school. “I also want to run a marathon every year until I get too old, and I would really like to participate in the Ironman/woman competition,” Melanie says. “Other than that, any place that I get to travel to and explore, or any fun activity that I am privileged to participate in, I consider ‘icing on my cake!’ If I died tomorrow, I have lived a full life and have traveled to many beautiful places!”

Excerpts from her nomination: “...She is a vivacious mother of three boys, which should be hero enough already, wife to BSFBC pastor, Craig Jenkins, and she is a survivor.

On December 18th 2013, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Melanie Jenkins has not only been diagnosed but successfully beaten breast cancer in the past year...

Melanie is also the Music Director at BSFBC. She has a passion for music that is impeccable... Even through all of her treatments, tests and surgeries she never missed a beat. If she wasn’t in the hospital or recovery, she was at church, worshipping and singing her heart out...

Last October, Melanie decided to run her first marathon, and she did, just two days before her mastectomy...

Melanie Jenkins is a mother, a wife, a runner, a fighter, a survivor, a faithful servant of God and a hero to all.”

Nickname: Mel Volunteer Work: I go on an overseas mission trip every year with my church First Job: Wrapping Christmas gifts at my boyfriend’s mom’s gift shop Hobbies: I don’t really have any hobbies. I have several things that I like to do, but I’m not sure if any of them could be called hobbies! Hanging out by the pool in the summer, watching movies, running, and exercising!

One word to describe you: Determined One fact about you that others would be surprised to know: I’m a huge Walking Dead fan!

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Personal motto: Don’t whine, put your big girl panties on, suck it up, and deal with it! I guess that would be my motto! I’ve frankly never thought about a motto before.

Pets: We have a mutt that we rescued from an Animal Shelter named Suzy, as well as a Boston Terrier named Jack Bowwower. He is named after Jack Bauer from the 24 series!

What do you do in your free time? Free time?! What is that?

If you were a superhero, what power would you have and why? My husband calls me Wonder Woman, so I guess that I’ll just go with it….I always liked her gold bracelets!

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“I have three quotes that I try to keep focused on: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’ ‘When words fail, music speaks,’ and ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’”

- Kim Madlock Patience, Persistence, Optimism & Joy Kimberley Madlock was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and spent hours as a child spending time with her grandparents. “I was so very blessed with three sets of grands that loved and tended to me all throughout my childhood,” Kimberley says. “I thank God daily for the influences of my grandparents, the gentle but steadfast spirits they were and the life lessons their generation taught me. They were what made my childhood so very special. They gave me patience, persistence, optimism and joy.” While in school, Kimberley met her heroes: Steve and LaJuana Warner, her high school band and choir directors.

“They made me feel worthy of their time and attention. They shared their talents and guided me to finding my passions!” Kimberley says. “I am blessed with so much today because of the impact they made in my life as more than just my teachers.”

Ironically, Kimberley’s first job was the same as her current job. “Twenty-two years ago I was the band director at MUMS in Queen City,” Kimberley says. “I guess it was so much fun the first time, I decided to go back for more. Now I am teaching many of the children of my former MUMS band kids. It could make me feel old but its actually a really special connection to share.” Kimberley’s volunteer work generally takes shape by incorporating their band family resources with band performances such as having a canned food drive serve as “admission” to concerts; playing during the holidays at nursing homes, businesses and community events; recognizing our local veterans with a free community breakfast and concert; providing free concerts to the public.

Excerpt from Nomination: “... She doesn’t just teach band students - she “These activities strengthen the relationships between our families, schools, inspires them, encourages each and every student to strive to be more, do community, businesses and our students,” Kimberley says. more. She truly cares for all of her students, past and present, helping them In the next ten years, Kimberley would like to earn her master’s and doctorate in any way humanly possible. The way she is with students, the way she in instrumental music and teaching. “I would also like to build a flourishing, teaches, it’s almost like the students aren’t learning, aren’t in a classroom or well-respected middle school band program at Queen City and to give my school... students another Texas state honor band,” Kimberley says. “Personally, I’d like One example of her infectious spirit: while directing the Arkansas High School to be a better mom and wife who’s more organized and available to care for Jazz Band, she had the idea of them performing a concert at Silvermoon and provide whatever I can that my family needs.” on Broad. She pitched it to the kids who thought it was a great idea... After months of planning and prepping, the band put on an AMAZING concert at Silvermoon in May...

Little did any of us know that concert would be her last with the jazz band, Arkansas High School and North Heights Junior High School bands. She grabbed onto an amazing opportunity with the Queen City School District and Middle School...”

Nickname: I guess it depends on whom you ask as to what my nickname is…Kim… Mom…Mrs. M…Mama Madlock… Luckily, I can only recall the nice ones others have given me.

Describe Your Family: My husband, Jeff, is the technology coordinator for Hope Public Schools, a jazz and classical bassist, a creative genius, avid reader and the comedic relief that keeps us laughing through thick and thin. We share two gorgeous, talented, intelligent, dancing daughters. Riley is our independent Boomer Sooner who enjoying her freshman year pursuing her dreams too far away at The University of Oklahoma.

Parker Ellyn is our Texas High freshman Highstepper who’s equally as smart as she is humorous and witty. She tends to rival her dad in witty, unexpected one-liners that can really make your face hurt (with laughter that is).

Education: Graduated from Ouachita Baptist University Hobbies: Music and family are my hobbies as well as my jobs. But I do enjoy baking, cooking, talking with friends and watching TV with my family.

First big break: I can’t think of a ‘first big break.’ Every experience I encounter, every process I embrace teaches me something and makes my life more meaningful.

What’s one fact about you that others would be surprised to know? Either that I used to drive tractors and work on the farm as a teenager OR that I was actually in a few pageants, neither of which are really my thing. I truly admire people that have the courage to do those things!

What accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of my 24 years (and counting) of marriage to my sweetheart, Jeff.

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What is left on your “Bucket List?” Working for the Peace Corp and traveling the world the world with Mr. Madlock, sky diving, running a marathon, and basically becoming a better person, wife, mother and band director…that’s a pretty short list, don’t ya think!?!

Where do you like to visit or travel? I’ve recently been to Europe, Austin and New York City - all wonderful experiences I would choose again especially enjoying the live music, visual and performing arts of those places.

How do you spend your free time? I only have two kinds of time: family time and band time. Both are full time, not enough time but the best of times to have!

If you were a superhero, what power would you have and why? I’d have the combined powers of Samantha’s craftiness from Bewitched and the awe-inspiring, all-knowing, accomplished guiding power of Edna Mode, the guru to all superhero from The Incredibles.

As a child, what was your dream job? I always wanted to be a wife and mom of three like my aunt.

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“I hate to see someone down and out. I’d love to be able to hug someone and take all their pain and sadness away! A world full of happiness sounds good to me.”

- Autumn Phelps Joke Hard & Love Harder Autumn first found her love for volunteering when she started working with the Girl Scout organization. “I found my deep love for people and children during that time,” Autumn says. Since then, Autumn has continued working with the Girl Scouts and has volunteered as a Texas High VIPS Board Member, as well as with the Salvation Army, United Way and Bowie County Special Olympics. “One of my favorite accomplishments wasn’t accomplished just by me. I was proud to be a part of a whole team lead by Cindy Patterson in 2014 that helped raise more than $10,000 for Bowie County Special Olympics! It warmed my heart to help this group so much!”

Autumn was born in Sulphur Springs, but she says she got to Texarkana as fast as she could! Her first job was in retail at JC Penny, and she finished high school at Texas High then went to culinary art school at Texarkana College.

Later, she received her Texas state child care license. Autumn would describe her family as the “loudest, funniest, loving group of people” she knows. “We joke hard and love even harder,” Autumn says. “My mom, Valarie, and stepdad, Hamdy, have bent over backwards our whole lives to make sure we’ve got everything we need. My brother, TC, and sister, Jessi, are my world. We are extremely close!! And of course my husband, Kyle, he has shown me more love and happiness than I ever thought I deserved. I am a VERY blessed woman.”

Excerpt from Nomination: “... At only 25 years old, Autumn goes above and beyond for her community she serves as a executive board member for TISD VIPS representing Texas High! Autumn does everything from selling peanuts at football games to help prom, to selling football tickets for athletic to participating and helping with the Texas High first ever Dash For Cash 5K...

Autumn also for years has been involved with Girls Scouts of Texarkana as a volunteer and one year as service unit secretary! I believe at such a young age she shows so much heart and soul for her town. She’s fed the homeless and in need at Salvation Army for many thanksgivings, volunteered in Salvation Army thrift store, stood outside in the rain for TISD bond election, helped run the Bowie County Special Olympics fund raiser every year and the list goes on and on....”

Nickname: Auty One word that describes you: Outgoing Who is your hero? My parents, Valerie, and my dad, Phillip, who passed away in 2006 are my heroes. They showed me the highest form of love and understanding that I’ll ever know. They taught me that life will be just fine if I am true to myself, a good person, and love hard. I’ve always lived by those rules. My parents are absolutely amazing.

What’s one fact about you that others would be surprised to know? I think it really shocks people when they find out I am an ordained minister.

People usually think I am joking. But I love officiating weddings. I love, love!

What is your personal motto? Treat others the way you wish to be treated.

When Autumn is not volunteering or working on something “crafty,” she loves to spend time with her friends and family “just sitting around a kitchen table enjoying each other.” She loves to travel in both the United States and Canada, and cannot wait to cross off the first item on her bucket list in 2015: becoming a mom!

What is your favorite season? Autumn of course!

Pets: No pets of my own. My mom has a dog Moose!! He owns my heart.

If you were a superhero, what power would you have and why? The power to make people happy!! It’s a power I pretend to have already. I try to touch every person I meet.

As a child, what was your dream job? I remember for a long time wanting to be a lawyer!!

What do you hope to accomplish in the next 10 years? Wow, 10 years!

I plan to keep volunteering, of course. I also want to raise my child to have a giving, serving heart! I plan to travel with my family, but mostly to enjoy every moment with my husband and child.

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27

“I wish I had the ability to stop time so that I can accomplish more for my scouting community.”

- David Melson From Scout Camp Counselor to Unit Commissioner with Double Eagle District If David Melson could have any superpower in the world, he would “stop time” so that he could “accomplish more for the Scouting community.” David was born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and was raised by his mom and stepfather who instilled in him the work ethic that drives him today. David’s first job was as Scout camp counselor, and he also holds the rank of Eagle Scout. David serves as the Unit Commissioner with the Double Eagle District at Caddo Area Council, Program Director at Boy Scout Winter Camp, and Associate Board Member for Caddo Area Council. “It’s all about change. You come into scouting as a boy with no direction in your life,” David says. “You come out of scouting with character, morals, determination, focus, and a sense of direction. Your life changes from being focused on yourself to the community.”

Nomination: David Melson is a hero to many young boys in the Ark-La-Tex. As a Boy Scout advisor, he assists in organizing camps and events for the local Boy Scout Council. He is looked up to by many in the community for his tireless efforts in helping young men learn the importance of what a Boy Scout is! David Melson is definitely a hero!

Nickname: Melson Describe your family: I have a gorgeous loving wife, Melanie, and a rescued fur baby, Jack. I have an amazing set of parents, Paul and Lori Williams, who raised me to strive to be the best I can in life, and I’ve also been blessed with in-laws, George and Martha Merrill, that accept me as their own.

Education: Liberty Eylau High School Graduate Hobbies: Scouts, helping others, paintball, music First big break: Job promotion

One word that describes you: Helpful Who is your hero? My wife As a child I spent hours… Playing Outside What is left on your “Bucket List?” Travel outside of the United States Where do you like to visit or travel? Anywhere where there is a cabin in the woods.

As a child, what was your dream job? Firefighter What do you hope to accomplish in the next 10 years? Move further up the ladder in my career and start a family

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29

“My vision for this Counseling Center is ‘Building lives and equipping individuals to fulfill their purpose and destiny in this present day that will impact future generations.’”

- Jeraldine Sanders Desire of the Heart Jeraldine Sanders was born in Texarkana, Arkansas. In fact, the house she was born in has been declared a historical site in the state of Arkansas. She is the eldest and only daughter of Horace and Clara Jamison. “My parents are my heroes,” Jeraldine says. “My parents were dedicated and loyal to their children. They always made sure we were taken care of first. My parents also transmitted this love and caring attitude on the outside of our home. They were always willing to help others. My momma and daddy truly modeled the message of love and caring.”

She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Texarkana, Arkansas in 1964 and went on to earn a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa where she graduated summa cum laude.

Since then, she has earned several other certifications. She is a licensed minister/counselor through Restoring the Foundations International Training Center and an international certified Technical/Professional Development Trainer from the Chauncey Group International, Ltd. Jeraldine has also given back a lot of her time to the community. “Most of my volunteer service has been done in Maryland, where I lived for forty years,” Jeraldine says. “I served the church in various capacities, which included being a Sunday School teacher. I also developed a learning tool for Sunday School students (ages 5 – 99) to identify their special gifts and abilities. I was a volunteer counselor for Shady Grove Pregnancy Center for 10 years, a volunteer Bible study leader, and a counselor for the women at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Germantown, MD for 12 years.” Jeraldine also co-developed a curriculum on topics such as: Child Development, Healthy Relationships, Forgiveness, and Making Good Choices. The curriculum is still being taught at the MCCF. Since moving back to Texarkana, Jeraldine is still teaching Sunday School but has also been developing programs for the community through the Jamisons’ Center of Kindness, Inc., which is a 501(c)3 organization. “One of the programs we have initiated at the Jamisons’ Center of Kindness, Inc. is the E.N.R.I.C.H. (Educate-Nurture-Reach-Instruct-Coach-Help) After School Program. This is a tutoring program for first through sixth graders. I would like to see this after school program replicated throughout our communities,” Jeraldine says. “The ultimate goal of the E.N.R.I.C.H. program is to ‘build future leaders.’” However, in the midst of all of her achievements and goals, Jeraldine considers her greatest accomplishments to be raising her children to adulthood. Jeraldine and her husband, T. Artis Sanders, have a blended family of six adult children, one son who is eight years old and ten grandchildren.

In the next ten years, she looks forward to attending their last child’s high school graduation and sending him off to college.

Nickname: Usually, people know how they got their nicknames, but I do not.

My mother called me “Sister” and the rest of my family and close friends call me “Jert.”

Hobbies: I like to travel, entertain, read, and write.

First big break: I have had several what I would call big breaks, but I will share this one. I was a divorced, single mother with two sons. My sons and I lived in an apartment. I had never lived in an apartment, and it was difficult for me to adjust to this lifestyle. I wanted a house for my family. My father and mother did not like that I was renting and thought I should purchase a home.

They encouraged me to start saving up money for our future home, and I did.

In 1981, the opportunity presented itself, and I was able to buy us a new home.

We closed on Christmas Eve of 1981 and moved into our newly built home the day after Christmas. The great thing about this blessing is that I did not have to have anyone co-sign for me. Also, what a wonderful Christmas gift we received in 1981.

One word that describes you: Analytical What one fact about you that others would be surprised to know? I am basically a loner. Most people think that I am outgoing because I involve myself in many activities in the community.

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As a child I spent hours... Reading. Although I do not read as much as I once did, it is one of my preferred things to do.

What is left on your “Bucket List?” Travel cross country, visit Martha’s Vineyard, fly an airplane, complete my “to do” list, and research my genealogy/family tree on both my mother’s and father’s side of the family.

What is your personal motto? Always do what is “right, just, and fair.”

“Never do to others what you would not want done to you.”

If you were a superhero, what power would you have and why? The power to allow everyone to have one desire of their heart. I think this would make people happy, and everyone deserves to have a happy heart at least once in their lifetime.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next ten years? I would like to establish the most sought after counseling center in our area for men, women, senior citizens, and children. My vision for this counseling center is to build lives and equip individuals to fulfill their purpose and destiny in this present day that will impact future generations. Jamisons’ Center of Kindness, Inc. has a dedicated and knowledgeable Board of Directors, and I believe together we can accomplish this with God’s guidance, favor, and blessings.

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31

“I want to be able to use our story to help others remember to choose happiness, despite their pasts.”

- Stephanie Sprague The Pink Behind the Thin Blue Line Since the loss of her husband, Officer Jason Sprague, 18 months ago, Stephanie has poured all her energy into being the best mom she can be to their son, Caden, and to advocating to raise awareness of the sacrifices officers and their families make in order to protect the community. She has also worked to raise money for scholarships for criminal justice majors at Texarkana College. Stephanie’s heroes are “all the police officers and their families. Their willingness to sacrifice for the greater good is needed more in today’s society.”

Stephanie grew up in Malvern, Arkansas. Her first job was at Dillard’s in Hot Springs, which is actually where she met her husband, Jason. She has a bachelor’s degree from Henderson State University, and she taught English for seven years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Stephanie says, “I‘m proud of the seven years that I taught, and the fact that I still have students tell me they appreciate my belief in them. I’m also proud of having the strength and determination to choose happiness, day in and day out, after Jason’s death, to be able to strike a balance between grieving and truly living.”

In her free time, Stephanie loves to read and travel with Caden. They love going to Disney and the ocean. Her dream is to travel to the Northern Lights because she’s always been fascinated by the stars. “I want to take Caden on all of the trips and experiences that Jason would want him to have. I want to raise Caden to be the best possible young man considering the circumstances of our past. I want to be able to use our story to help others remember to choose happiness, despite their pasts,” Stephanie says. “And finally, I want to travel and help prepare other first responders and their families for emergencies, to ensure that their families are well taken care of.”

Excerpts from her nomination: “On June 15, 2013, Stephanie Sprague’s life was forever changed when her husband, Texarkana Texas Police Officer William Jason Sprague, was killed in the line of duty.

Stephanie, a teacher, faced life alone raising their young son Caden in the face of unimaginable loss...

Since that day, Stephanie has used her grief and experiences to help others. Stephanie attended every day of the trial of her husband’s killer, encouraging others to believe that Jason would get justice in the courtroom and being an example of forgiveness and patience. She founded an organization, The Pink Behind the Thin Blue Line, to help families of law enforcement support each other through the daily stresses of loving police officers. Through her organization, Stephanie founded a scholarship for future police officers at Texarkana College in her husband’s memory, worked in partnership with the Officers Down 5k Foundation, and raised awareness of the struggles of law enforcement families...”

Nickname: Steph Describe your family: Throughout the months since Jason’s death, my family is the source of my emotional strength. They have lifted and carried me when I couldn’t. They are the source of my desire to give back and help continue to ensure there is good in the world.

Hobbies: I love to read and write.

One word that describes you: I’ve been told “courageous.”

One fact about you that others would be surprised to know: I have 4 tattoos. I believe in the power of telling our stories in various methods, and art is one of those forms.

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Pets: Two dogs, a dog Jason rescued while on duty, Chief, and Macy, a Weimaraner. Caden got her a year ago.

If you were a superhero, what power would you have and why?

Invisibility, the ability to get away, and just relax.

As a child, what was your dream job? Teacher What is your personal motto? Happiness is a choice. Sometimes it’s a continual choice you make throughout the day, but you are the only one who can control your own happiness.

“Always look your best and be who you are.”

- Bess Gamble Williams Boot Camp Bess Bess Gamble-Williams’ clients call her “Boot Camp Bess.” Her Marines call her “Hollywood,” a paradox Bess has earned from her myriad of interests.

This Texarkana, Texas native was once chosen as a top teacher for Mayo/Hill Modeling School in Houston, Texas, where she worked with celebrities and top designers. “I was one of the first African Americans to achieve that status,” Bess says. “My next big break occurred after I joined the USMC and made history in the Marine Corps. I was one of the first females to carry a sword during a Birthday Ball ceremony in 1985.”

This Texarkana, Texas, native was born in Rosehill. She was a Who’s Who Honor Student from Liberty-Eylau and has a bachelor of arts degree from Averette University. With her free time, Bess loves to travel and shoot at the rifle range. She’s an expert Markswoman 4th Award. She also serves on many boards and committees. “I volunteer and support any cause which will help promote our wonderful community,” Bess says. “I love children so that’s why being a CASA advocate was my first volunteer choice when I returned home.”

In the next ten years, Bess hopes to spearhead an initiative to build a veteran’s hospital in Texarkana. “Our veterans should not be inconvenienced to have to drive to Shreveport,” Bess says. “Texarkana can stand on its own.”

Excerpts from her nomination: “...

Bess Gamble Williams is well known to the veterans in the area. If there is an event, she is there. She has been instrumental in organizing many of the events that recognize the accomplishments by our local service men and women, whether currently serving or veterans. Recently, she has begun to bring awareness to bullying in our community, something that is surprisingly more prevalent than anyone would think. A veteran herself, Bess Gamble Williams is a hero for her work with our military, as well as in our community!.”

One word that describes you: Fabulous Who is your hero? My mother is my SHERO! She was a big dynamo in a small package.

Describe your family: My family is comprised of very proud Choctaw and Cherokee Native Americans. There are very strong, courageous and polite people who are deeply rooted in religion.

First Job: My first job was as a secretary for East Texas State University at Texarkana (ETSU). I was a very fast typist (95 words per minute), and I knew shorthand. Sue Haugh loved my skills and hired me on the spot while I was a senior at L-E. What is one thing about you that others would be surprised to know? I love to sing.

As a child, I spent hours… Daydreaming of going to far away exotic places.

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What is left on your “Bucket List?” Meet President and Mrs. Obama, Aretha Franklin and the royal couple, Duke William and Duchess Kate What accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of my chance to become a mother to such wonderful and respectful children.

They are my greatest accomplishments and adore them.

Pets: I love animals and I have a large dog named Coco Where do you like to visit or travel? I love Washington DC, New York and California when I’m in the States, but nothing beats skipping the islands of St. Lucia, St. Thomas and the Bahamas.

If you were a superhero, what power would you have and why? I would have the power of love and peace. I would be able to wipe away all hatred and allow people to see each other for who they are with their Godgiven gifts and not the shade of their skin.

As a child, what was your dream job? My dream job was to become an actress!

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“If I could have any super power, I would read minds; I think honesty is the best policy anyway.”

- Stacy Yates A Girl With A Mind, A Woman With Attitude And A Lady With Class Stacy Yates loves adventure. “Paragliding, ziplining, repelling, or white water rafting...sign me up!” Stacy says. “Paragliding in Switzerland this past summer is at the top of my list so far.” Stacy hopes to cross off traveling to Italy, touring the California wine country, passing the CPA exam, and seeing Mount Rushmore and Niagara Falls from her bucket list soon. This Ashdown, Arkansas, native got her first job at the E-Z Mart office when she was only 15 as a mail clerk and copy girl.

When she is not doing CrossFit, shopping, wine tasting with friends, or spending time with her family, she volunteers at the American Cancer Society Cattle, Women for A&M-Texarkana, E-Z Mart Jim Yates Foundation, and has plans to join the Lakeview Methodist Conference Center Board in 2015.

Excerpts from Nomination: “Stacy Yates is a dynamic young woman who is involved in many different organizations in our community. From the Women for A&M Texarkana, to the Heart Association, to Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center, to the American Cancer Society, Stacy is known to be around helping raise money for great causes. Her most recent feat was to chair this year’s Stateline Stampede - Cattle Baron’s Ball, which benefits the American Cancer Society. Over $70,000 was raised at this event...”

In the next ten years, Stacy wants to live her life to the fullest. “ I want to overcome my shyness and insecurities that inhibit me at times,” Stacy says. “My father died at 57. I want to retire early and enjoy life and travels. My dream would be to own a vacation home in some wonderful location, yet to be determined.”

What is your personal motto? Be a girl with a mind, a woman with attitude and a lady with class.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? My children, Kenzie, 20, and Yates, 15 Nickname: “Red,” but my favorite was “Puddin” and only Daddy called me Favorite season: Spring that Pets: We have two dogs, a Papillon named Miranda and a Dachshund named Describe your family: Fun, happy, loving and forgiving Education: Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M – Texarkana Smokey Where do you like to travel and visit? Caribbean Islands One word that describes you: Sassy How do you spend your free time? I watch The Walking Dead with my son, Who is your hero? Todd Beamer for his bravery. He chose to die so many could live. While visiting the 9/11 Memorial, I was drawn to the place where his sister and brother-in-law and if I get in bed on time, I watch Jimmy Fallon name is engraved, and I rubbed it like so many before me causing the bronze because I enjoy laughing.

As a child, what was your dream job? Movie Star, I had this crazy desire to coating to wear off around his engraving.

As a child, I spent hours… zipping around the family farm in my lemon yel- be Ginger on Gilligan’s Island low dune buggy.

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The End on 30th and Olive WORDS BY CHAD MATTHEWS

She stands at the edge of town and looks out at the slow setting sun and thinks, there is no one waiting for me.

So she aimlessly wanders out of the familiar grid of downtown and decides on Olive Street. Walking in the middle of the tree-lined street amongst quiet homes, it feels as though she’s stepped into another world, and she briefly loses herself in the memory of another time in her life, back when she was whole.

She pauses at the corner of 19th and Olive and looks up as darkness spreads through-out the purple sky. She prays against it, asking God to hang the sun in the sky for just a minute longer.

She has no idea where she is going.

Will this be the night? Is this the end?

The questions no longer scare her.

Not now. She’s tired and her body aches from sleep-less nights spent in abandoned buildings and makeshift camps.

She notices the skeletal limbs of old trees reaching out for her, and the road suddenly becomes a black hole she feels herself sinking into. The world, she decides, is turning against her.

She looks into the sky and says, Are you there? Silence.

She continues down Olive Street and looks through the square window of each house and catches scenes of what she’d always wished her life was––a woman bathing her newborn in the 38

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January 2015

sink, bubbles floating up; a man and a young boy high-fiving, their faces lit by the glow of the television; an older couple sitting at a kitchen table, laughing.

Life, she thinks.

Her body feels loose now, as if it’s coming undone, so she pauses on 30th and Olive and looks up to the sky again. It’s beautiful now, infinite and bright.

She wonders, Can anyone see me? Am I here? Am I alive?

The world reaches out and shoves her, and she begins stumbling in the loose gravel of Olive Street. Now the sky spins, everything blurred and out of focus, and though there is chaos, she cannot help but feel as though she is caught in freedom.

She will not brace for the fall. The pieces of her life are broken and she decides she will no longer attempt to put them back together.

She is finished wondering what life could be like.

Now she’s falling.

She lands in the front yard of a house on the corner of 30th and Olive, beneath the busted bulb of a rusted lamp post. She feels the cold earth beneath her and the sky above her, and finally everything feels okay, so she rolls onto her side and places her hands beneath her head, deciding that whatever happens, she will be fine, she will be fine.

I saw her then.

Walking through the house, I glance through an half-open

blind and notice an abrupt shift in the darkness outside. I open the blinds to see the silhouette of a woman lying in the grass in the corner of my yard, stretched out and motionless, her legs extending into the street.

I walk outside as the headlights of a slow-moving SUV catch the unconscious woman, and for a moment her body is illuminated, angelic almost, a bright light shining in the darkness of night––and I think, Whoever you are, I see you! We see you!

Kneeling at her side, I grab her hand and squeeze. “You okay?”

She looks out from empty eyes and opens her mouth, but the words dismantle when she attempts to speak them, getting caught in her throat.

“Are you hurt?” I ask. She nods and wipes hair from her mouth, her face pale and drawn. She looks artificial, like something made of wires. “Where are you hurting?”

Hearing footsteps, I look up to see two men approach from the other side of the street.

“Drunk, isn’t she?” the younger of the two men says.

The older man laughs then walks up to the woman. “HAVE YOU BEEN DRINKING?” he shouts.

I look up at the two men. “She hasn’t been drinking.”

The older man scoffs. “Looks drunk to me.”

The woman sighs and rolls onto her back and looks wideeyed into the night sky. She seems surprised to be alive, disappointed even, as though she had been waiting for someone to drop down from the heavens and bring her up.

She coughs twice and clears her throat. “Tammy,” she says.

“Tammy?” I repeat. “That’s your name?”

She nods and closes her eyes. “That’s my name.”

The younger of the two men approaches Tammy and shines a bright light from his cell phone into her eyes. “You say your name was Tammy?”

“Look there at her eyes,” the older man says, kneeling beside Tammy. “She’s definitely drunk.”

The two men begin discussing what to do about Tammy. I stand and wipe the dirt from my knees and approach them.

“I’ll take care of it,” I tell the men, though I’m unsure of what I mean. How can I take care of it? What can I possibly do for this woman?

The younger man looks at me. “Nah,” he says, dialing a number on his phone. “I’m calling the cops.”

“The cops? Why?” I ask.

He points at Tammy, who has managed to sit up. She looks scared, lost. “Because this neighborhood is going downhill fast.”

Tammy says nothing, only hugs her legs.

I overhear the man on the phone.

“We have a woman here and I think she’s had too much to drink, or she’s on something, I don’t know which.”

I sit beside Tammy and see tears forming at the corners of her eyes. She shifts and tries to retreat into her oversized jacket, pulling it tight until it becomes a tent around her.

She’s hiding.

I lean towards her. “Where are you sleeping tonight?”

She peeks out from her jacket and shrugs. Deep wrinkles frame her face, and I wonder about the stories inside each line, about the series of events that led her to lie in the yard of a stranger on a cold night in March.

“Said her name was Tammy but I don’t know much else.

She’s out of it, man. Something is up with her. You coming? Okay, thanks.”

Hearing the man’s words, Tammy turns to me––and for a moment I don’t see a bedraggled, middle-aged woman with stories circling her eyes––I see my mother, my wife, my two daughters. A question rises from my chest––Would I leave my mother, my wife, or my two daughters alone outside?

The younger man finishes his phone conversation and approaches Tammy. He kneels in front of her. She withdraws into her jacket.

“Hey Tammy,” the man says. “The police are coming to pick you up, okay?” He says it kindly, as if he’s granting her a wish.

I hear the faint sound of an escaped sob float out from her jacket. Her shoulders tremble. The temperature drops. We sit on the

curb of 30th and Olive, waiting.

The police will be here soon. * “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:16-18 * Leafless trees catch the flashing blue and red lights of the oncoming police car, and I look over to see Tammy staring blankly into the night. The cops will pick her up and drop her off down-town, I know, and then she will be back where she started, the evening rewound and set to play again.

I know what I need to do, but I don't want to do it.

At best, I am a reluctant Christian. * The officers arrive and begin asking Tammy questions. Who is she?

How did she end up on Olive Street? When they ask where she lives, she says downtown.

“Where downtown?” the officer says.

Tammy shrugs. “Everywhere. Or nowhere.”

More questions are asked and it’s decided that Tammy is sober and has broken no law. “Hop in the car and we will take you back downtown,” the officer says.

Tammy lowers her head and steps towards the car.

“My wife and I will take care of her,” I say, looking back at my house where my wife stands in the living room window, watching, waiting.

The officer looks at Tammy. “That okay with you?”

Tammy nods. * The last thing I hear before I go to sleep is my wife asking Tammy how many blankets and pillows she would like.

January 2015

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by Mike Brower

Wounded Warriers The Wounded Warrior Deer Hunt was held at Millwood Lake December 20-22. There were 7 hunters from Ft. Sill, Oklahoma who participated, harvesting 6 deer.

These men, who are recovering from wounds received in battle, are some of our finest young men and women.

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The Corps of Engineers at Millwood Lake sponsors this hunt every year with donations from folks like us. If you are fishing at Millwood, please drop by the Corps office and see what you can do to help with this worthwhile effort. It’s the least we can do for these outstanding warriors.

‘Quality’

Phone: 903.490.6161 Fax: 903.792.4301

Is something you can count on from

Call us today for a free consultation.

John Harris Construction

Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist

General Interior/Exterior Remodeling

“I got into this business because I love the work, and I have stayed in this business because it is my calling.

Your life, your personal situation, and ultimately your property matter to me.”

- John Harris, John Harris Construction

Aging In Place Services Include: • Curbless Walk-in Showers • Walk-In Bathtubs • Stairlifts • Barrier Free Kitchens and Bathrooms • Walkways and Ramps • Room Additions

Remodeling Services Include: • Gourmet Kitchens • Luxury Baths • Roofing • Siding, Hardie and Vinyl • Painting • Custom Cabinetry • Custom Homes

What is Aging in Place?

(AIP) Simply put, Aging in Place means remaining in your own home safely and independently while maintaining your lifestyle. It means not having to move from one’s present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to changing needs.

www.johnharrisconstruction.com Professional Associations:

Member BBB Texarkana Home Builders Association National Home Builders Association

Maintain the pleasure of living in your familiar surroundings with neighbors and friends rather than moving to a health care facility.

Council for Adult and Experiential Learning Names A&M Texarkana’s Lisa Myers as 2014 LearningCounts Ambassador WORDS BY COUNCIL FOR ADULT AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Lisa Myers, Program Coordinator for the A&MTexarkana Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS), received the 2014 LearningCounts Ambassador Award from the Council for Adult & Experiential Learning (CAEL) at its Annual Conference Nov. 12-14, in Chicago, IL. LearningCounts assists adults with their educational endeavors by finding practical ways to earn college credit for learning acquired through training and work experiences. Lisa is being recognized for her work with the administrators, faculty and staff at Texas A&M University-Texarkana to get LearningCounts implemented and operational.

“Thanks to Lisa’s tireless enthusiasm and support for Prior Learning Assessment and LearningCounts, Texas A&M University-Texarkana students can now easily enroll in the LearningCounts portfolio development course through the school’s registration system and begin their journey to earn college credit for the knowledge and expertise they have amassed,” said Pamela Tate, CEO and President of CAEL. “She is most deserving of the Ambassador Award, and we are very proud to present her with it,” she added.

Lisa’s story mirrors that of her students in many regards. In 1996, at the age of 30, she walked into a community college admissions office with her nine year old daughter in tow, along with a determination to carry through with her intention 42

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January 2015

to enroll in college. She had not been in a classroom since high school, but she knew it was time to take the next step.

Getting into college wasn’t as easy as she thought it might be. Lisa had to take reading, writing, and math placement tests to determine if she was “college-ready.”

She was good with reading and writing, but her math score did not measure up. She would have to start at the lowest level of developmental math that fall and work her way up to College Algebra a semester at a time. Rather than taking that path, however, Lisa decided to check out algebra textbooks from the public library and study to take the test again. Not on the second time, but on the third, Lisa was able to score high enough to register for the math course immediately preceding College Algebra, the math course required for her degree.

The initial challenge ended up being good for Lisa because she realized college would not be an easy game. She also knew her success rested on her, but she could do it.

Over the next four years, Lisa went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in English from Texas A&M University-Texarkana and began teaching high school English. She also taught a high school course for A&M-Texarkana that focused on bridging adult students into higher education, specifically in the education field. It was this course that made Lisa realize how much she enjoyed working with adult students, and

that experience inspired her to earn a Master of Science in Adult Education with a specialization in English from A&MTexarkana.

Her graduate degree allowed her to teach Composition I and II as an adjunct instructor for several years, and today she is the Program Coordinator for the A&M-Texarkana Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) program. In the last year, Lisa has worked diligently toward aligning the program with CAEL’s Prior Learning Assessment Standards. When the opportunity to partner with CAEL in the LearningCounts Featured Network program came along, and after receiving full support from President Emily Cutrer, Provost Rosanne Stripling, and Dean Glenda Ballard, Lisa quickly started putting pieces in place to implement LearningCounts for current and incoming students.

The students showed tremendous interest in the new course – AAS 1301 Prior Learning Theory and Practice. In the course, they learn how to create a 3-hour portfolio demonstrating the knowledge they possess that aligns with specific college courses, like Introduction to Business. Once the students complete the course, they are free to submit more portfolios to LearningCounts for additional credit in other courses.

Through the partnership with CAEL, the BAAS program was also awarded $25,000 by the Lumina Foundation to help expand the program. Now with the LearningCounts addition, students can earn two types of prior learning assessment credit: competency-based block credit, which has been a part of the BAAS program since 1976, and course-match credit through LearningCounts. Students at A&M-Texarkana can now earn up to 72 hours in PLA – 18 hours in CLEP, 24 hours in portfolio credit, and 30 hours in non-collegiate sponsored training.

Lisa’s first year as the BAAS Program Coordinator has been a busy one, but for someone who self identifies as an education zealot, it has been a richly rewarding year. She is grateful for the opportunity to extend her passion toward non-traditional students who may not realize the road to opportunity is still wide open for them, just as it was for her almost twenty years ago.

First printed in Mobilize Learners, Revolutionize Assessment, Ambassador Award Celebration, CAEL 2014 International Conference, November 14, 2014, Chicago, Illinois.

The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization based in Chicago, Illinois that assists adults with their educational endeavors, finding practical ways to earn college credit for learning acquired through training and work experiences. CAEL works with the public sector, private sector industries and higher education institutions to ensure that adult students receive the most efficient training and education to occupy a meaningful professional place in a 21st century economy. Since 1974, CAEL has assisted colleges and universities in providing college credit for prior learning. CAEL is the recognized national expert on a method known as portfolio assessment, and their Ten Standards for Assessing Learning are used by colleges and universities, as well as accrediting organizations, across the country.

January 2015

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Just right for you. Just right for your family.

At BancorpSouth we see our customers as people and not just account numbers.

We are looking out for your best interests, acting with integrity and care in each interaction to help you acheive your financial goals. Come by and talk to one of our local representatives. Experience our common-sense approach to taking care of your financial needs.

Thank you for voting us one of ALT Magazine’s Best Banks in Texarkana!

For a location near you, call us at 1-888-797-7711, or visit our Branch Locator at BancorpSouth.com.

Personal & Business Banking | Online & Mobile Banking | Insurance | Home Mortgages Bank deposits are FDIC insured.

Insurance products are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not insured by any Federal Agency, not guaranteed by the bank and may go down in value.

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WINNERS 2 0 1 5

A W A R D S

CHOIC

ALT mag

AWARDS

magazine

S R E

E

ALT

R EA D

YO U R C H O I C E S FO R P EO P L E , P L AC E S & B U S I N E S S E S IN TEXARKANA!

2015

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#

fact PRETTY

Charles “Pretty Boy� Floyd, a Great Depressionera gangster and notorious bank robber, endeared himself to the public by destroying mortgage papers at the banks he robbed, freeing many from their debts.

mag

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apartment complex

1st - Guaranty Bank & Trust

1st - Richmond Oaks Apartments

Nominees Bank of the Ozarks Farmers Bank State Bank of Dekalb

Nominees Arista Apartment Homes Encore at Waggoner Creek Summerhill Woods Apartments

Runner-up - Bancorp South

Credit Union

Runner-up - Legacy at Pleasant Grove

Auto Service/ Tires

1st - Red River Credit Union

1st - Cooper Tire Service Center

Nominees Domino Federal Credit Union Texar Federal Credit Union Texarkana Terminal Credit Union

Nominees Razorback Tire and Lube Texarkana Tire and Wheel Wilson Tire

Runner-up - Milway Federal Credit Union

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Runner-up - Discount Wheel & Tire

AWARDS

ALT

Services

Bank

CHOIC E

R EA D

Fa vo r i t e

2015

Goods & Services

S ER

2015

Biography.com

Readers Choice

Ruth’s Flowers “Flowers Whisper What Words Can’t Say”

Thank you for nominating us

“Best Wedding Florist”

in Texarkana. In our hearts, every bride is number one...

Making your day special is our pleasure.

3501 Texas Blvd Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.6711 www.ruthsflowers.net

GIFTS

2315 Richmond Rd Unit #95 Texarkana, TX 75503 903.832.5196

Thank you for voting us ALT Magazine’s Best Gift Shop in Texarkana!

COME BY AND LET US HELP YOU GET A NEW LOOK FOR THE NEW YEAR

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Thank You for voting us

ALT Magazine’s

Best Women’s Clothing in Texarkana

&

3110 Richmond Rd., Texarkana, TX (903) 794-9910

Available At:

4059 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056

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2015

Fa vo r i t e

#

fact VANITY

Women’s nominal clothing sizes have increased in physical size over the years in a phenomenon known as “vanity sizing.” A size 8 dress with a 32-inch bust in 1967 is now considered a size 0 today.

scratchhard.com

Readers Choice

Women''’'s Clothing

R EA D

Jewelry

1st - Gayle’s / Abby Gayle’s

1st - Micah’s Jewelers

Nominees Flanagan’s Shenanigans Apparel & Gifts Southern Glamour The Open Window Tryst

Nominees Alexander’s Jewelers Gray’s Jewelers Park’s Jewelers

Runner-up - The Cracked Pearl

children’’'s Clothing 1st - Knuckleheads & Prissy Tails Runner-up - Oh Baby

Nominees Graham Cracker Little Pink Hippo (Flanagan’s Shenanigans) O.M.G. Lulu

SHOES & BOOTS 1st - Cavendar’s

Runner-up - Beehive Shoe Outlet Nominees Boot Barn Martin’s O.M.G. Lulu 52

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CHOIC

ALT mag

AWARDS

Shopping

S ER

E

Goods & Services

2015

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Runner-up - Crocker’s Jewelers

Gift Shop 1st - Fan Fare Gifts

Runner-up - Flanagan’s Shenanigans Apparel & Gifts Nominees Gayle’s Ruth’s Flowers Turner’s Framing, Gifts & Collegiate Boutique

EYE WEAR 1st - Texarkana Eye Associates Runner-up - Vision for Less Nominees Fant Eye Care Fowler Eye Care Vision Source

FURNITURE 1st - Four States Furniture

American Heritage Apartments Inc., would like to congratulate

RICHMOND OAKS

Runner-up - Ivan Smith Furniture Nominees Home Zone Oak Creek Furniture Rawls Furniture

Apartments

for winning ALT Magazine’s Best Apartment

GUN STORE 1st - Legendary Firearms Runner-up - Texarkana Pawn Nominees Cowboy Guns Pawn Express Queen City Pawn

Hair Salon 1st - Style Studio

Runner-up - Headmasters Nominees Beauty and Wellness Center A Total Change Tobi’s Salon

It is the combination of a great staff and wonderful residents that have pride in their home and apartment community that made us #1!

2815 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503

(903) 832-6150

www.ahaproperties.com

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

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“

LEGE N D A R Y F irearms

INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE Open Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00-7:00, Sunday: 1:00-6:00

THANK YOU! FOR VOTING US

ALT MAGAZINE’S

BEST GUN STORE P238 - 380ACP Equinox $61999

P938 - 9mm Black/Rosewood $65999

Follow us on Facebook for updates and specials! www.facebook.com/LegendaryFirearms www.legendaryshootingsports.com

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903.336.6139

101 Slaton Dr., Nash, TX In the Nash Business Park off HWY 82.

Thank You! 2838A Richmond Rd

|

(903) 794-7515

It was so

sweet

for you to vote us one of

ALT Magazine’s

Best Children Children’s Clothing!

January 2015

www.alt-mag.com

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Readers Choice

fact GEISHA

2015

Fa vo r i t e

A popular spa treatment is a facial. In at least two spas in the USA, you can be pampered with a facial featuring purified nightingale droppings!

Apparently, Japanese geishas swear by it! If you have approximately $100 and your skin is looking a bit tired, nightingale poo just might be the thing for you.

funtrivia.com

#

Goods & Services Health

Gym/ / FITNESS CENTER Runner-up - ST. MICHAEL’S FITNESS CENTER Nominees Bimini Yoga and Fitness Gold’s Gym Minton’s Sportsplex

SPA 1st - The Beauty & Wellness Center Runner-up - ReNew Medical Spa Nominees Time in a Bottle Day Spa Tranquility Massage Day Spa Wisteria Salon & Spa LLC

URGENT CARE Nominees Express Care Exceed Urgent Care Pleasant Grove Family Clinic 56

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Runner-up - Paw Paw Patch

Nominees Dog Patch Prancing Paws Sara Caller Pet Sitting & Training

veterinary services 1st - Pleasant Grove Animal Hospital Runner-up - Westridge Animal Hospital Nominees Oubre Animal Clinic Stateline Animal Clinic Wisdom Animal Clinic

S ER

CHOIC

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AWARDS

Runner-up - Collom & Carney Clinic

1st - PetSmart

E

1st - Healthcare Express

pet care

R EA D

1st - ANYTIME FITNESS RICHMOND ROAD

2015

Readers Choice

fact VEIL

The introduction of the veil came into Europe during the time of the Crusades. In early weddings the bride was bargained for through her father. Covered in a veil, she was revealed to her husband after the ceremony.

Brides also wore orange blossom wreaths in the hair on top of the veil, which is where the tiara could have originated from. Veils were used as a symbol of virginity and purity for brides given to their mates.

wedding attire 1st - Bridal Castle

Runner-up - Traditions Bridal & Formal Nominees David’s Bridal Squires Formal

WEDDING cakeS 1st - Julie’s Deli

Runner-up - Shelly’s All In Good Taste Nominees Silver Spoon Sweet Arts of Texarkana Sweet Rose Bakery

WEDDING CATERER 1st - Big Jake’s BBQ Runner-up - Julie’s Deli

Nominees Flour Child Fine Foods Hilton Garden Inn And Texarkana Convention Center Sugar and Spice Catering 58

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WEDDING FLORIST

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AWARDS

Celebrations

CHOIC

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Wedding

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1st - Sticks & Stones on the Boulevard Runner-up - Ruth’s Flowers

Nominees H&N Floral Persnickety Too Twisted Events Floral and Catering

WEDDING BAND / DJ 1st - Jawbone

Runner-up - DJ Scott Mills / DJ Fabienne Thrash Nominees Robert St. John Band Split Decision

WEDDING indoor venue 1st - Silvermoon on Broad

Runner-up - Northridge Country Club

Nominees First Baptist Church Texarkana Hilton Garden Inn And Texarkana Convention Center Texarkana Arkansas Convention Center

funtrivia.com

Fa vo r i t e

2015

#

WEDDING outdoor venue 1st - Garrison Gardens

Runner-up - Ramage Farms

Nominees Elk Meadow Game Ranch Hilton Garden Inn And Texarkana Convention Center Twin Creeks Lake Pavilion

WEDDING photographer 1st - Kendal Dockery

Garrison

GARDENS

Thank you

Weddings & Receptions

for voting us the Best Outdoor Wedding Venue in Texarkana!

Runner-up - Kate Reynolds Nominees Jennifer Futrell Meagan Garrison Sylvia Jennings

WEDDING rentals 1st - Dot’s Rentals

Runner-up - Burlap and Lace Nominees The Big Event Special Events

www.garrisongardens.net | Texarkana, AR | 903.244.7644

Every Unique Event Deserves A Unique Venue.

Thank You for voting us

ALT Magazine’s

&

Best Local Restaurant Best Business Lunch

Owners, Josh & Diana Morriss

Thank you for voting us ALT Magazine’s

Best Indoor Wedding Venue!

Successfully serving you more than 9 years!

4312 Morris Lane, Texarkana | 903-223-4644 | www.ironwoodgrill.com

www.silvermoononbroad.com

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HOW SWEET IT IS...

Voted Best Wedding Cakes & Best Chef Finalist for Best Wedding Caterer!

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Now Booking!

903.792.3354 | juliesdeli.com

Texarkana’s Premiere

Wedding & Event Planning

Thank You for voting me ALT Magazine’s

Best Decorator/Designer

Kyle Barrett

3603 Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX

903.793.GROW (4769)

January 2015

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#

fact BABY

Fa vo r i t e

2015

When students at Evanston Township High School in Illinois wanted to raise money for their cafe/arts center, they decided to subject their fellow students with Justin Bieber’s song, “Baby,” until they paid to make it stop. Each day the school played the song over the P.A. system, urging students to contribute to the fund. Though they were given one week to raise the $1,000 that they needed, they reached their goal in just three days.

Community Helping

Company to work for 1st - Red River Credit Union

Runner-up - Texarkana Independent School District

Charity Event 1st - Race for the Cure Runner-up - Mistletoe Fair

Nominees Cooper Tire Health South Rehabilitation Center State Bank of DeKalb

Runner-up - American Cancer Society Nominees Christus Foundation Salvation Army Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center 62

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CHOIC

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AWARDS

1st - Running WJ Ranch

S ER

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Non- Profit Organization

R EA D

Nominees Jeans and Bling Phantom Ball Relay for Life

2015

suntimes.com Photo: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Readers Choice

* Trivia Monday

* $2 Domestics Thursday

* $2 Tuesday

* Live Music Friday & Saturday

* Wild Wednesday * Open For Lunch Daily.

* Brunch 11-3 Sunday

Good Food. Casual Fun.

(870) 774- FEED (3333)

Downtown Texarkana, Corner of 3rd and Wood

January 2015

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Readers Choice

fact HAPPY

Did you know that hot sauces can battle depression. That’s because every time you eat something hot, you release endorphins and endorphins are the natural “happy drug” that your body produces. Endorphins resemble opiates in how they work. They relieve pain and promote a sense of well being. They’re often called “natural pain killers” or “the runner’s natural high.”

LOCAL RESTAURANT 1st - Ironwood Grill

Runner-up - Amigo Juan Mexican Cafe Nominees Bryce’s Cafeteria Old Tyme Burger Shoppe Twisted Fork

BREAKFAST

READ

BUSINESS LUNCH

e

Nominees Julie’s Deli Longhorn Steakhouse McCallister’s Deli

DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

Nominees Hilton Garden Inn & Texarkana Convention Center McDonald’s

Nominees Cattleman’s Steak House Park Place Texas Roadhouse

Runner-up - Pop’s Place

GOURMET DINNER

BRUNCH 1st - Hopkins Icehouse Runner-up - Cracker Barrel Nominees Copeland’s of New Orleans IHOP Julie’s Deli ALT Magazine

azin

Runner-up - Zapata’s Mexican Cantina

1st - Zapata’s Mexican Cantina

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mag

1st - Ironwood Grill

1st - Donut Cafe

Runner-up - Breakfast Table / Old Tyme Burger Shoppe

ALT

January 2015

1st - Twisted Fork

Runner-up - Hilton Garden Inn & Texarkana Convention Center Nominees Cattleman’s Steak House Julie’s Deli Park Place

AWARDS

CULINARY DELIGHTS

CHOIC

E

FOOD AND DRINK

S ER

hotsauce101.com

Fa vo r i t e

2015

#

2015

OUTDOOR DINING

wine

1st - Pop’s Place

1st - Red Road Winery

Nominees Amigo Juan Mexican Cafe Ironwood Grill Zapata’s Mexican Cantina

Nominees Cattleman’s Steak House Party Factory Vincent’s Fine Wines

Runner-up - On The Border

HAMBURGER

Runner-up - Chubby Cheeks

wings

1st - Reggie’s Burgers & Fries

1st - Wingstop

Nominees Julie’s Deli Northridge Country Club Twisted Fork

Nominees Chili’s Hooter’s Pizza Hut

Runner-up - TLC Hamburgers

Runner-up - Buffalo Wild Wings

R EA D

ALT

Runner-up - Larry’s Pizza Nominees Hopkins Icehouse Northridge Country Club Papa Murphy’s Pizza

mag

AWARDS

1st - Gusano’s Pizza

CHOIC

E

PIZZA

S ER

2015

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UT ARRY-O t™ Midnigh

N OR C DINE-I

11am ‘til s a week y a d 7 n Op e

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE BEST WINGS IN TEXARKANA! Call the wing experts!

Order on-line at: www.wingstop.com

SAUCED, TOSSED & MADE TO ORDER

903.792.WING(9464) On the corner of N.State Line and Texas Blvd

January 2015

903.255.0090

2700 Richmond RoadSuite 14A1

www.alt-mag.com

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Fa vo r i t e

2015

#

fact NOSES

Plastic Surgery has been practiced for over 2700 years, since about 600 B. C. The first recorded “Nose Job” is found in ancient Indian Sanskrit texts (600 B.C.).c Physicians would reconstruct noses by cutting skin from either the cheek or forehead, twisting the skin side out over a leaf of the appropriate size, and sewing the skin into place. Two polished wooden tubes would be inserted into the nostrils to keep the air passage open during healing.

READ

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pediatrician

PODIATRIST

1st - Cindy Porter

1st - Michael Saldino

Nominees Christy Payne Mark Wright Rachel King

Nominees Austin Reeves Phillip Hahn Robert Klein

Runner-up - Roy Deskin

ob / gyn

Runner-up - Gregg Petty

CHIROPRACTOR

1st - Jennifer Thompson

1st - Randy Johns

Nominees David Greathouse John Northam Kenneth West Sudheer Jayaprahbu

Nominees Chris Bookout Mia McDougal Trevor Swanson

Runner-up - D.D. Bingham

Runner-up - Jeff Woosley

DENTIST COSMETIC SURGEON 1st - David Whitten

Runner-up - Clayton Frenzel Nominees Charles Hollingsworth Rachel Keilin 66

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1st - Mark Addington

Runner-up - Chris Ferguson Nominees Neil Carmony Andrew Curry John W. Thane

e

AWARDS

MEDICAL

CHOIC

E

PEOPLE

S ER

2015

http://blog.facechange.org

Readers Choice

Because it’s the little things that matter...

Dr. Cindy R Porter, MD Pediatrics, Collom & Carney Clinic

The best at taking care of your little ones!

Thank you for voting me

ALT Magazine’s

Best Pediatrician in Texarkana!

Obstetrics & Gynecology 903.614.3003

A Big Thanks to All Our Wonderful Patients for Their Votes!

D’Andra D. Bingham, MD Jennifer M. Thompson, MD Haley N. Scott, APRN-FNP January 2015

www.alt-mag.com

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Fa vo r i t e

2015

#

fact SIBLING

Vincent Van Gogh had an older brother who died at birth. His name also was Vincent van Gogh. In a short period of ten years Van Gogh made approximately 900 paintings.

Vincent’s brother’s wife collected Vincent’s paintings and letters after his death and dedicated herself to getting his work the recognition it deserved.

READ

realtor

chef 1st - Jennifer Tanner - Julie’s Deli Runner-up - Jeff Loving - Twisted Fork

Nominees Amanda Horton - Flour Child Bryan Ogburn - Twisted Events James King - Hilton Garden Inn/Texarkana Convention Center

decorator / designer

azin

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Runner-up - Sarah Sealy / Curt Green Nominees Landon Huffer Megan Driver

artist 1st - Mary Jane Orr

Nominees Brent Stephens Jeff Brown Persnickety Too

Nominees Dean Lynn Nina Cork Rhonda Cross

insurance agent

mag

1st - Tracy Spradlin

1st - Kyle Barrett

Runner-up - Janet Green

ALT

Runner-up - Tyler Arnold

PHOTOGRAPHER

1st - Kelly Ashbrook

1st - Meagan Garrison Photography

Nominees Brian Purtle Greg Cockerell Trey Dickens

Nominees Alamond Photography Blueberry Hill Photography Kendal Dockery Photography

Runner-up - Ron Morrow

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Runner-up - Miranda Johnson - MJ Arts

AWARDS

LO C A L

CHOIC

E

PEOPLE

S ER

http://mfadegree.org IgorGolovniov / Shutterstock.com

Readers Choice

2015

Thank you

for voting me

ALT Magazine’s

Thank you

Best Artist!

for voting me one of ALT Magazine’s Best Decorators/Designers in Texarkana!

-Mary Jane Orr

Janet Green Interior Design

O : 903.831.6617 C : 903.826.2540 4205 Richmond Place , Texarkana, TX 75503 www.janetgreeninteriordesign.com

ank you for voting me

Best Realt or

ALT Magazine’s

January 2015

www.alt-mag.com

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Find us on

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

9 Things You Didn’t Know Are Taxable If you work for a living, you know that your wages are taxable, and you’re probably aware that some investment income is taxed, too.

But the IRS doesn’t stop there. If you’ve picked up some extra cash through luck, skill or criminal activities, there’s a good chance you owe taxes on that money as well. Here are nine things you may not know are taxable.

Buried Treasure In February of 2013, a northern California couple were walking their dog on their rural property when they discovered six cans filled with 19th-century gold coins. The coins, which are being auctioned by Kagin’s and Amazon, may be worth up to $10 million. The couple has wisely chosen to stay anonymous, but they won’t be able to hide their good fortune from the IRS. Found property that was lost or abandoned is taxable at its fair market value in the first year it’s your undisputed possession, the IRS says. That means the couple may have to pay federal taxes of 39.6% on their windfall, plus California state tax of up to 13.3%.

The precedent for the IRS’s “treasure trove” rule dates back to 1964, a couple discovered $4,467 in a used piano they had purchased for $15. The IRS said the couple owed income taxes on the money, and a U.S. District Court agreed.

Scholarships If you receive a scholarship to cover tuition, fees and books, you don’t have to pay taxes on the money. But if your scholarship also covers room and board, travel and other expenses, that portion of the award is taxable.

Likewise, students who receive financial aid in exchange for work, such as serving as a teaching or research assistant, must pay tax on that money, even if they use the proceeds to pay for tuition.

Stolen Property If you robbed a bank, embezzled money or staged an art heist last year, the IRS expects you to pay taxes on the proceeds.

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illegal drugs, must be included in your income on Form 1040,” the IRS says. Bribes are also taxable, the IRS says.

In reality, few criminals report their ill-gotten gains on their tax returns.

But if you’re caught, the feds can add tax evasion to the list of charges against you. That’s what happened to notorious gangster Al Capone, who served 11 years for tax evasion. Capone never filed a tax return, the IRS says.

Gambling Winnings What happens in Vegas doesn’t necessarily stay in Vegas. Gambling income includes (but isn’t limited to) winnings from lotteries, horse races and casinos. The payer is required to issue you a Form W2-G (which will also be reported to the IRS) if you win $1,200 or more from bingo or slot machines, $1,500 or more from keno, more than $5,000 from a poker tournament, or $600 or more at a horse track if it’s more than 300 times the amount of your bet. Even if you don’t receive a W2-G, the IRS expects you to report gambling proceeds on line 21 (other income) of your 1040.

The good news: If you itemize, your gambling losses are deductible, but only to the extent of the winnings you report as income. For example, if you won $4,000 last year and had $5,000 in losing bets, your deduction for the losses is limited to $4,000. You can’t deduct the balance against other income or carry it forward. Report the deduction on Line 28 (other miscellaneous deductions) on Schedule A. Olympic Victories Along with a medal and a bouquet, U.S. athletes who win top honors at the Olympics get a check from the U.S. Olympic Committee: $25,000 for gold, $15,000 for silver and $10,000 for bronze.

That prize money is taxable by the IRS. Athletes who can demonstrate that their participation in sports is a business can deduct their expenses--such as travel, training and equipment--against that income.

In February, Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Tex.) introduced legislation that would exempt Olympic prizes and awards from taxes. “This needless tax illustrates how complicated and burdensome our tax code has become,” Farenthold said in a statement. “We need a fairer system for all, and eliminating this unnecessary tax burden on our athletes is a good way to start.”

Proceeds From Fantasy Sports Your winning football (or baseball) team may be imaginary, but if your brilliant lineup helped you win real money, it’s taxable. If you won $600 or more and played through a commercial Web site, you should receive a 1099-MISC reporting your earnings. The IRS will receive a copy of this form, too. Even if you won a private fantasy league among friends, your winnings are considered taxable.

The rules for fantasy football fortunes are the same as those for gambling income. You can deduct your losses (entry fees in leagues you didn’t win) against your gains, as long as they occurred in the same year.

Payment for Donated Eggs Every year, thousands of young, healthy women donate their eggs to infertile couples.

Payments for this service generally range from $5,000 to $10,000, according to Egg Donation Inc., a company that matches donors with couples. Those payments are taxable income, according to the IRS. Fertility clinics typically send donors and the IRS a Form 1099 documenting the payment.

A California woman who received $20,000 for donating eggs on two occasions has filed a suit challenging the IRS position. In a case pending in U.S. Tax Court, Nichelle Perez maintains that the payment was for pain and suffering and thus shouldn’t be treated as income.

The Nobel Prize If you were selected for this prestigious honor--worth $1.08 million in 2014---you must pay taxes on it. Other awards that recognize your accomplishments, such as the Pulitzer Prize for journalists, are also taxable.

The only way to avoid a tax hit is to direct the money to a tax-exempt charity before receiving it. That’s what President Obama did when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. If you accept the money and then give it to charity, you probably will have to pay taxes on some of it because the IRS limits charitable deductions to 50% of your adjusted gross income.

Gifts from Your Employer Ordinarily, gifts aren’t taxable, even if they’re worth a lot of money. But if your employer gives you a new set of golf clubs to recognize a job well done (or to persuade you to reject a job offer from a competitor), you’ll probably owe taxes on the value of your new irons.

More than 50 years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that a gift from an employer can be excluded from the employee’s income if it was made out of “detached and disinterested generosity.” Gifts that reward an employee for his or her services don’t meet that standard, the court said. Gifts that help promote the company don’t meet that standard, either.

For that reason, former Yankees captain Derek Jeter may owe up to $16,000 in federal and state taxes on the gifts he received during his 2014 farewell tour, according to Bloomberg News. On “Derek Jeter Day” at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees gave their beloved shortstop a $600 massage therapy machine, a 10-day trip to Italy and custommade Waterford crystal. He also received numerous gifts from other Major League Baseball teams.

Thank you for voting us one of ALT Magazine’s

Best Wings in Texarkana!

4320 Saint Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 75503 903-334-9455

Jeter accepted his gifts during well-publicized ceremonies attended by thousands of fans, which suggests the Yankees weren’t just acting out of the goodness of their pin-striped hearts.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. January 2015

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LEGE N D A R Y F irearms INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE Open Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00-7:00, Sunday: 1:00-6:00

Our next Texas Concealed Handgun Class will be in January. Check our Facebook or call for updates!

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Kick Off Your New Year Resolution With These Glute Toning Kettlebell Workouts!

What you’ll need: An 8- to 15-pound kettlebell Target Areas: Glutes, Shoulders, Back, Abs, Obliques, Hips & Hamstrings •

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Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, holding handle of kettlebell with both hands, arms in front of thighs, palms in.

Squat, keeping chest open and back flat, and hinge forward from hips as you swing kettlebell with control through legs behind you.

Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, holding handle of kettlebell with both hands, elbows bent, kettlebell at chest.

Squat, keeping chest open and back flat, keeping shoulders, knees and toes aligned. **Press kettlebell into to ceiling to add extra arm workout.

Walking Lunge • •

Hold kettlebell in each hand, arms straight down by side.

Lunge forward bending both knees at a 90 degree angle, then step together and repeat.

Dead Leg Lift • •

Hold kettlebell in one hand with arm straight down side, same leg in the air.

Keeping back flat, hinge forward parallel to the floor, allowing arm to drop down and leg to kick back.

G N SI !

I T S R E RK DV WO A

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ALT Magazine’s staff takes pride in their creative ideas and ability to create clean and effective ads that will really catch the eyes of the readers in our circulation of 50,000. For more information on placing your ad in ALT Magazine, contact

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

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January 2015

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CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE THE BEAUTY AND WELLNESS CENTER • 12/5/14

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1. Charlie McMurphy and Stacy Tidwell 2. Jaime Sheets, Susan Whitten, Lindsey Gordon and Stacy Tidwell 3. Jamie Sheets and Susan Whitten 4. Debbie Norton and Gina Thomason 5.

Paula Watson, Curt Braley and Christiane Knierim 6. Becky Shinn and Linda Grace 7. Cindy Pritchett and Dianne Morehead 8. Charlie McMurhpy and Sherrie Davison 9. Debbie Norton and Stacie Norton 10. Katy Elkins and Carol Sanderson 11. Kahlayah Rehkopf and Kelli Scarborough

GIVING TUESDAY RED RIVER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Red River Credit Union decided to jump in head first into “Giving Tuesday” and give back to our community. For the past few weeks we have collected items for the local Randy Sams Homeless Shelter. We solicited the community via facebook to bring items to our branches. The community and our employees accepted this challenge and they definitely made a difference: 10 Blankets and 3 Bedding Sets, 34 Coats, 55 Pairs of Gloves, 15 Scarves, 34 Toboggans, 66 Pairs of socks, 10 Pairs of Pants, 3 Pairs of Sleeping Pants, 1 Pair of PJ’s, 10 Sweater and Shirts.

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1 1. Our vehicle packed with the items. 2. Mary Schreiner, Marketing Assistant at RRFCU who came up with the “Giving Tuesday” donation idea.

Schreiner, Marketing Assistant, presenting the check to Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter.

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3 3. Mary

nice to meet you.

Visit texarkanaanimalleague.org to learn how you can forever change an animal’s life as well as your own.

The greatest gift...

WORDS BY BRANDON PHILLIPS, TEXARKANA ANIMAL LEAGUE

“It would be too hard.” “ I could not give them up.” “I will get too attached.”

One or more are usually the reply when asking someone if they would be interested in fostering.

Yet these people will have children and love them, nurture them, become attached and then see them leave. But were their heartache and tears worth the joy and fulfillment they received?

Of course. That day in the future when a child leaves home does not dissuade parents from having them. And so should it go for fostering dogs and cats.

However, the fear of that day when they leave your home is an unbearable thought to most. But the alternative, and reality, is that a dog or cat will perish. It could be euthanasia due to overcrowding, sickness that may need months of treatment, or simply being passed on the side of the road.

Opening up a home to fostering is a way to save a life. Often, literally, saving the life of something that would have died without you. You may be taking them from a life of cruelty, loneliness, hunger, and/or pain, and healing them, teaching them, loving them. Giving a deserving creature a life it deserves. I can think of few things that are as selfless as the act of fostering.

There is no paycheck, only expenses.

Taking time off work to visit the vet and caring for them after an illness or procedure which a future adopter will not have to bear. Nothing they create will end up on the refrigerator, or so you hope. They will not give you grandkids or help take care of you when you are old. You put all of this into them only for them to 78

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go to a new family and become their beloved pet. So why go through the effort and heartbreak? Because they need you.

When the time comes for a fostered dog to go home with a new family, a foster asks how do I let them go?

All you can say is because there is another one out there that needs you now.... needs you to open your home and heart to them and keep them safe.... needs you to keep them fed and warm....to care for them until their future family finds them. For some fosters it never gets easy.

One of my favorite fosters, Diane Hand with Passion for Pooches, cries every time like it is her first adoption. But after a brief time she is ready to do it all over again. All I can do is smile when her eyes start tearing up when an adoption is taking place. I know it is hard for her, but I also know that she is saving lives and that is why she does it. There is little fanfare or recognition. The tears and sadness will pass and she knows there is another at a shelter or a stray out in the cold that needs her.

However, there will always be failure. I have seen it over and over with fosters and even knew better myself, but still was not immune to being a foster failure. “You don’t choose them, they choose you.” I have heard it many times by those who have fostered but were then unable to let them be adopted. After weeks and months of bottle-feeding and constant tending, I can understand how someone could become attached and not be able let go. There are some fosters that have had their dogs

nearly two years and are still actively looking for the right family. I failed after four days.

I figured I could give this fostering thing a shot. After all, it was only going to be for a week. I could change things up and take care of a dog for a few days until the next foster was able to take her. She kept climbing in my lap and demanding belly rubs and banging her head on my keyboard. Not very conducive to work but she was cute so I put up with it. Four days later, a couple wanted to adopt her. I took care of a few errands and headed up to my office to get her and when she saw me her eyes lit up and she came bounding towards me. All I could think was “uh oh.”

It seems to be one area in life where failure is acceptable. I never thought I would be an adult with a miniature poodle that obnoxiously requests belly rubs, but it is what it is.

If fostering is too much of a commitment or you want to test the waters, animal transport is an increasingly needed service many do not know is an option. Various rescue groups across the states use message boards and groups to coordinate. A request may be to move an adopted pooch from south Texas to a new home in Virginia and those that are able post the parts of the journey they can cover.

An administrator handles the pacing and comes up with an itinerary.

Others are truck drivers making cross-country deliveries but need someone to bring the animal to a city they are passing through.

There are even transport services that use pilots and their private planes to get fosters to their new family.

The greatest gift you can give a dog or cat is saving their life.

Fostering, transporting and a slew of other needed services allow for a second chance that many, unfortunately, will never get. You can’t save them all, but you can make all the difference to some.

Oscar Lloyd’s Beer and Wine is Texarkana’s only alcoholic drive thru in Bowie County.

We sell beer, wine, and tobacco products, and provide free ice!

We are also proud sponsors for the Animal Care & Adoption Center.

Remember to Rescue!

We are also proud sponsors for the Animal Care & Adoption Center.

Remember to Rescue!

New Year’s Special

NEW MOVE-INS GET ONE FULL MONTH FREE!

Our facility offers 24hr gated access, state of the art camera surveillance, well lit, on site manger & concrete drives Owners Mark & JD White

106 Industrial Blvd.

Nash, TX 75569 January 2015

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WHO ELSE CAN HELP? ARKLATEX COCKER SPANIEL RESCUE www.facebook.com/ArklatexCockerSpanielRescue ARTEX ANIMAL WELFARE, INC. (mostly horses) - 903.824.1990 ATLANTA ANIMAL LEAGUE www.facebook.com/AtlantaAnimalLeague BOXER RESCUE OF TEXARKANA www.facebook.com/BoxerRescueOfTexarkana

FAITHFUL FRIENDS RESCUE www.facebook.com/FaithfulFriendsTXK

PASSION FOR POOCHES (mostly small dogs) www.facebook.com/passionforpooches

JEFF TARPLEY RESCUE (mostly Dachshunds) JeffTarpleyRescue.Petfinder.com on Facebook

TEXARKANA ANIMAL LEAGUE www.facebook.com/TexarkanaAnimalLeague

LITTLE PAWS RESCUE www.facebook.com/LittlePawsRescueTexarkana

TEXARKANA REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN RESCUE www.facebook.com/TkReptileRescue

MUTTLEY CREW RESCUE (mostly German Shepherds)

www.facebook.com/MuttleyCrewRescue

TOBY’S TALES (mostly wildlife) www.facebook.com/Tobysname

POODLE PATCH www.facebook.com/ThePoodlePatch

STRAY CAT ALLIANCE - TEXARKANA www.facebook.com/TexarkanaStrayCats

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 903 838-6334 and we will be glad to help you.

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

1 1. RUSTY is a Chihuaha/Yorkie mix. He is neutered, a little over 2 years old, current on shots, chipped and weighs a whopping 8 pounds. This little guy gets along with other dogs and is doing great on his house training. If you are looking for a cuddle bug, this is the fella for you. Fenced yard only. Call Sherrie at 903838-6334.

2. CASPER is a handsome little Pom born in February 2013 that was rescued from our local shelter. He is neutered, current on shots, heartworm negative and on preventive. He weighs a whopping 13 pounds and is housetrained, uses a 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.

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3. 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.

4. DOBBY is a chihuaha mix born around February, 2013. He weighs around 17 pounds, is neutered, fully vetted and microchipped. This little cutie gets along great with other dogs, cats and is housetrained.

A fenced yard is a requirement. For more info call Amanda at 419-466-4962.

5. TIGER LILLY is a beautiful Aussie mix around 11 months old. She weighs around 45 pounds, UTD on

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shots, spayed, and chipped. This little girl is great with other dogs, kids, cats and housetrained. She would be a great addition to any family. Fenced yard only. Call Sherrie at 903-838-6334.

6. Talk about cuteness, yes I am. MISS HARVEY was born June, 2014. She is current on her shots, litter box trained and ready for her forever home. She gets along great with other cats as well as dogs. For more info about her or her brother, Ozzy, call Sherrie 903838-6334.

7. OZZIE is a cute little gray tabby. He was born June, 2014. He has had 2 sets of shots, litter trained, and gets along great with other cats and dogs. For more info on this sweet fella call Sherrie at 903-838-6334.

BROWNIE

ESTES

DANNY

JULIUS

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HARMONY

You may have heard that there are some big changes taking place at the Animal Care and Adoption Center! Please stop by and see us!

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.

Check out our facebook page to see who is waiting for the forever home: www.facebook.com/ AnimalCareAdoptionTXK

We are always in need of caring, capable volunteers to assist in with duties at the center, adoption events, fund-raising activities and more. If you would like to volunteer or find out more ways you can help please join our volunteer Facebook page: Volunteers for Texarkana Animal Shelter.

visit: www.animalcareadoptioncenter.org.

Your tax-deductible donation will help care for and assist in the adoption of loving animals to good homes! Please contact our Friends of the Shelter group to find out how you can help! www.facebook. com/friendsoftheshelter

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.

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

ALICE Boxer Rescue of TXK

CASHEW Passion for Pooches

BABY Faithful Friends

LUNA

ZELDA Muttley Crew Rescue

RINGO & BELLA Poodle Patch Rescue

We’re open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 - 5:00. (But, check our facebook pages for updates! Our hours will soon be extended to provide more time for adoptions!)

We also have SPONSORED dogs and cats! This means someone has already paid for their vetting!

Come see who’s waiting!

SAMMY Arklatex Cocker Spaniel Rescue

SKY & MARSHA Little Paws Rescue

FIFI Atlanta Animal League

GAVIN Texarkana Anim al League

January 2015

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January Calendar of Events THROUGH JAN 12

Alex Chavez Photography Art Show at TRAHC & Regional Arts Center. For more information, 903-7928681.

THROUGH JAN 15

Mid-Southern Watercolorists at TRAHC. Since 1970, the Arkansas Arts Center has enjoyed an active association with the Mid-Southern Watercolorists, a non-profit organization that includes approximately 250 artist members in 17 states. The mission of the Mid-Southern Watercolorists is to elevate the stature of watercolor and educate the public to the significance of watercolor as an important, creative, permanent painting medium. This traveling exhibition includes selections from the 44th annual exhibition at the Historical Arkansas Museum in Little Rock.

THROUGH JAN 23

Arts on Main Winter Class Registration. Offering art classes for children and adults. Current classes include a Children’s Art Class, Mosaics, and Metalsmithing. Makes a great Christmas present. Visit www. trahc.org or call 903-792-8681 for more information.

JAN 2 & 19

A Turbo Day is a ONE day ‘workshop’ 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

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. Some Turbo Days scheduled during school holidays.

Silvermoon on Broad - 9:00AM to 2:30PM - 903278-9077.

JAN 2

Little Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers Pageant: Ages 0-12 at Sullivan Performing Arts Center at 7:00PM.

JAN 3

Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers Pageant: Ages 13-24 at Sullivan Performing Arts Center at 6:30PM.

JAN 10

Meeting for The Compassionate Friends of Texarkana USA, a non-profit self-help bereavement support group.

It is open to parents, grandparents, and adult siblings that have had a child die in the family. 1:00 to 3:00PM. Williams Memorial Methodist Church Welcome Center, 4000 Moores Lane, Texarkana, Tx. Classroom 103.

The group will meet at this location every 2nd Saturday of the month thereafter. For more information, please contact Cindy Sanford at 903-280-4130.

JAN 18

Vietnam Veterans of America #278 meeting.

JANUARY 19

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

JAN 20

Is your daughter interested in Girl Scouts but can’t find a troop? Join the Diamonds Girl Scout Troop! We will meet the third Tuesday of each month at Nash Elementary.

Girls can join at any time and parents are welcome to attend. Troop meetings open to all K-5th grade girls in the community. One time fee of $5 for Girl Scouts and $20 for non-Girl Scouts. Cafeteria at Nash Elementary School 3:30PM to 4:30PM - 870-773-2151.

JAN 23

We will be kicking off the day of the Bridge City Project with a wonderful breakfast at The Breakfast Table.

Benefitting the Texarkana Homeless Coalition, tickets for breakfast are $10 and will be available through a member of the Coalition. You can learn more about the Bridge City Project and the Texarkana Homeless Coalition on our website at www.txkhc.org. The Breakfast Table 2122 State Line Ave Texarkana, AR 71854 - 7:00AM to 10:00AM - 903-792-7024.

JAN 23

The second annual Bridge City Project will take place January 23rd. This community event raises funds for the Texarkana Homeless Coalition, an organization of individuals, business owners, and service providers dedicated to helping the homeless and working toward a solution for ending chronic homelessness. The concept is simple- for one night we ask people to live the plight of the homeless. People are invited to sleep outside for one night- in a box. You can buy your way out of the box for $100 and finding someone to take your place. This year we will also be having a chili cookoff at the event. School classes are participating by building cardboard structures for people to sleep in for the night. The winning structures are given a trophy. You can find more information and registration forms on our website www.txkhc.org. Corner of 5th and Oak Streets, Downtown Texarkana - 5:00PM to 7:00AM - 903-792-7024.

JAN 24

Calling all brides! Choose everything you need to make your dream wedding a reality at the 2015 Texarkana Bridal Fair on Saturday, Jan. 24! Additional Information Whether you need to find a last minute photographer or want to plan your dream wedding from square one, the Texarkana Bridal Fair is the premiere event for bridesto-be, bringing wedding professionals and bridal fashion experts together with sophisticated Southern style. Brides and their families can gather information, compare prices and services, register for prizes, see the latest fashions, get great new ideas and just have fun! Every bride-to-be gets a free gift bag and a chance to win the $2,000 grand prize giveaway. Texarkana Convention Center - 10:00AM to 3:00PM - 870-772-3771

JAN 29-MARCH 7

Markeith Woods, a native of Pine Bluff, is fascinated with people’s faces. He is inspired by his closeness to family, friends and the accomplishments of famous African-Americans in history. He transforms portraits into brightly colored symbols of hope, disparity and strength.

Reception - Saturday, February 14, 12 pm to 3:00 pm.

Hosted by TRAHC’s African-American Committee In conjunction with TAAC’s 4th Annual Special Saturday Afternoon, Cabe Hall, Regional Arts Center, 321 4th Street, Texarkana, TX 75501

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Want a New Home in the New Year?

Call today to find out how much you can afford.

Jason Cree

Branch Manager NMLS #209270 | AR #17523

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

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

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

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

Once you find your home, ask SWBC to provide you with a homeowners insurance quote, too.

Ask for your complimentary home buying booklet today.

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thank

We want to all of our clients for your support and wish everyone a

Happy

New Year!

Bill Spradlin Realtor 903-748-3186

Tracy Spradlin Broker 903-748-2477

903.223.0710

Jan Williams Realtor 903-277-5771

1356 N. Kings Hwy., Nash, TX 75569

Tara Whelchel Realtor 903-293-1429

Karyn Baucum Realtor 903-278-3836

Stephanie Maddox

Realtor 903-701-1341

Angie Cornett Office Manager

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

BOULEVARD

Mortgage Group

“Making BIG Dreams Come True.”

Helping you get into your dream home this New Year!

1019 North Kings Hwy Nash, TX 75569 903-334-REFI (7334)

2449 S Willis St., Suite 204 Abilene, TX 79602 325-480-1440

201 S 20th St Suite 6 Rogers, AR 72758 479-636-4512

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

MAKE YOUR HOME OWNING DREAM A REALITY 903.334.REFI (7334) www.thebmgllc.com NMLS #139306

* Availability subject to borrower and property eligibility

Ryan Clift