ALT August 2012

Discovery...

Ali Burrow

August 2012 . Vol. 6, Issue 8

Magazine

August 2012 /contents

k / FEATURE STORY

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Discovery...

Ali Burrow discovered the benefits of staying in Texarkana and helping others -- family, school, business.

F E AT U R E S

EVERY MONTH

10 D i s c o v e r y, D i s c o v e r y, Discovery

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Editor ’s Letter

92

Financial Focus

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower

18

F i s h Ta l e s

86

F u r r y Ta l e s

Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson

107

Real Estate

72

Resource Guide

104

Second Chances

88

True Light

68

81

W h e n Yo u K n o w , Yo u K n o w A Te x a r k a n a R e v o l u t i o n

90 Uncorked EVENTS

Shoes...shoes...shoes...

From an early age, Mr. Carthron learned the skills that kept him busy a lifetime.

August 2012

Feature Writers / Jane Bouterse, Anne Fruge

22 B a r k F o r Yo u r P a r k V i d e o Shoot

Old Guy Ruler / Mike Brower

30

Grand Opening - Christus

96

New Balance Survivor Of T h e Ye a r

98

Grand Opening Salvation Army Store

100

Pleasant Grove Championship Celebration

102

TRAHC Membership Party

C U LT U R E

ALT Magazine

Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy

Contributing Writers / Christine Amos, Mike Brower, Anne Fruge, Vincent Senatore, Dustin Stringer

94 Zeta Phi Beta Popcorn Social

6

Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page

20 B a r k F o r Yo u r P a r k V i d e o Viewing

32 Jay Butler Retirement Party

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A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 / Vo l . 6 , I s s u e 7

107

Calendar of Events

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A LT B r i d e s

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

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

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

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

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

Š2012 ALT Magazine

H HAD GOTTEN AWAY...

FIS TO Y ILIT AB HIS T GH OU TH LS NIE DA LY BIL EN WH

Today, Billy is back to mowing his lawn, has joined a gym, and has returned to the lake with Roy. Everyone is glad that life is back to normal... everyone except for the bass.

Our Mission “To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ”

www.christusstmichael.org/rehab I 903.614.4000 I 2400 St. Michael Drive

EDITOR’S letter

These photos show what these girls do on a regular basis -- have fun!

We all join in and smile and laugh with them!

Left, Jaclyn Gooding; Right, Miranda Johnson

L a u g h t e r. . .

There is little success where there is little laughter. ~Andrew Carnegie

I love to laugh. I always have. Laughing with someone

you love -- or someone you don’t -- just makes you feel better.

Smiling, laughing, enjoying life -- it is just as much as part of me as breathing. In fact, I have been told thirty years ago, in “my past life,” that because I was always smiling and laughing, I didn’t take my job seriously enough and negative scores on my evaluation were given.

I never quite understood that, since I did all of my work timely and was praised on the quality and quantity. Just because I was “happy” I couldn’t possibly be doing something right!

I remember that discussion as if it were yesterday. Because

of that, I encourage laughter at our office. There are times when we just sit in the floor, having a “team meeting,” laughing almost to tears, with poodles crawling all over everyone there. Jaclyn, Miranda and Charlie are such positive influences -- the more laughter, the better they feel and the better they work.

According to the Mayo Clinic staff, there are some real

benefits to laughter.

Short-term benefits

When you start to laugh, it doesn’t just lighten your load

mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can:

Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake

of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.

Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh

fires up and then cools down your stress response and increases your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.

Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and

aid muscle relaxation, both of which help reduce some of the physical

for you over the long haul. Laughter may:

Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest

into chemical reactions that can impact your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. In contrast, positive thoughts actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.

Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body

to produce its own natural painkillers. Laughter may also break the pain-spasm cycle common to some muscle disorders.

Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it

easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.

We have been extremely busy at our office the past few

months. We love being busy, we love our customers and we love our jobs! Laughing through difficult times brings us together and makes our team stronger. I love the people who are involved in ALT -- from my full-time staff, my photographers, my writers -- everyone! And I have learned that if you work with people who are happy, who are willing to do their jobs without having to be told what to do, and who love what they do, you have time to enjoy life -- both at the office and in your spare time. (Hmmmmm...I don’t know much about spare time lately! LOL)

Having fun in the work environment means more to mean

that “cracking the whip.” So, bring on the fun! And keep on laughing!

May God bless you!

symptoms of stress.

Long-term effects

8

Laughter isn’t just a quick pick-me-up, though. It’s also good ALT Magazine

August 2012

Publisher/Editor

AMERICANS PAY OVER

7,000,000,000

$

IN ATM FEES EACH YEAR...

BUT NOT

CUSTOMERS

NO ATM FEES ANYWHERE. PLUS FREE CHECKING & FREE DEBIT CARDS Texarkana • New Boston • Hope • Blevins • Lewisville

by Jane Bouterse

“…discovery, discovery, discovery”

Martha Graham, American dancer, choreographer, and teacher—named one of the 20th Century’s revolutionary artists— defined Dance as “just discovery, discovery, discovery.” Twenty-four year old Ali Burrow understands exactly what Graham meant, as she has already lived a life filled with “discovery.” As a toddler, Ali could stand in the kitchen of her home and move to the music coming from her mom’s adjoining dance studio. Gayle Burrow, wife of H. T. and mom, had begun her 37 year career as a Texarkana dance teacher when her children, Trey and Alexandria (Ali) were born.

“Ali was actually reared in the studio,” Mom Gayle admits. It was only natural that the 2 ½ year old would want to be near her teaching mom, so Ali became a student at the All Stars Dance Center and teacher, Gayle Burrow. “When Ali first came to class, she was the class clown,” Mom admits. “She always brought Blanky (her favorite pink blanket) with her, too.” As with most toddlers, movement was no problem, and music generated healthy, though random, responses. A major challenge for Gayle was to help Ali discover what her body could do with both of those tools. That process of discovery has been a continuing one.

Ali continued to study dance throughout her kindergarten and primary years at St. James Day School. In backto-back years, at ages 6 and 7, she was

named a National Twirling Champion, a title earned after lots of coaching in Dallas, practice and “mom time.” When she moved into Pleasant Grove ISD, the discipline of her dance training, her physical strength and agility, her determination and competitiveness were particularly useful to her. In spite of the demands of continued dance lessons, Ali played “…ball.” “What didn’t I play?” her bright, brown eyes almost close as she reflects. “I played a little bit of everything-- soccer, softball, basketball— but in high school I really got involved with volleyball. We went to state my junior and senior years.”

The dance training assisted Ali just as those football players who take ballet are assisted in building their strength in addition to improving their flexibility and agility. Those were reasons enough to continue her dance training throughout her high school years.

“Ali really helped me understand how high school girls have to do a balancing act,” Gayle admits. “Sometimes they would walk in the studio in their volleyball gear.

I had to be extra lenient. They wanted to play ball and dance, and I didn’t want to discourage them.”

Ali discovered that dance had other benefits as well, since it worked not only on her body but her head, too. “Dance, especially competitive dance, taught me to always do my best when I performed.

For example, tap, my favorite, required me to get in a mental zone when I performed.

Actually, not many people know I get bad stage fright. It takes a lot to get out on a stage by yourself, but at the end of the day my goal is to impress people and always have fun myself.

“I have forgotten my dance once or twice, but I just keep on dancing. Eventually muscle memory takes over.” That muscle memory works until the head memory returns.

“Dance is just discovery….,” and Ali quickly admits dance has enabled her to discover a great deal about her physical strengths, making choices and dealing with stress and performances. Dance has taught her to win and lose; to take criticism as well as praise, and to work hard. “I really believe in practice to polish those skills,” Gayle stresses.

For Ali, the skills of dance have served her in unexpected ways. For one thing, dance has taught her self-discipline and the importance of attitude and hard work in outcomes. Perhaps, most importantly, performance has taught her that courage and determination will help her deal with—not conquer--stage fright. Since Ali aspires to a stage career, i.e. acting as well as dancing, stage fright is likely to be her constant companion. Helen Hayes, known as the First Lady of the American Stage, observed that stage fright was one of her most important tools, but it was essential that she control the butterflies rather than their controlling her. She believed stage August 2012

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fright assisted in helping her sensitivity to her audience. Ali agrees, and she should know. She is no stranger to the stage.

Ali performed in Texarkana Community Ballet productions for over ten years and was featured as both a Candy Cane soloist and a Snow Princess. These were challenging years for both Ali and her mom. “I had really bad stage fright, “ Ali remembers, “and I would drive Mom crazy.

The week or so before the performance, I would go around saying ‘Omigosh! I’m gonna’ forget my dance.’ I would really rattle my Mom.”

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August 2012

Gayle describes how she would write out the dance steps. Then during the performance she would take off her shoes and dance offstage so Ali could see her when she forgot her dance. “I felt so ridiculous.”

Ali, on the other hand, confesses, “I never even looked over there. Most folks never knew I was scared or forgot. I just wanted to please the audience.”

After graduation from Pleasant Grove high school in 2006, Ali attended Texarkana College, transferred to University of North Texas for a few years, then moved

to Kim Dawson Actor’s Conservatory. Her focus at Kim Dawson’s was acting, but her plans were—as plans often are—interrupted by…friendship and fate?

Texarkana native Stacy James Mayo, Miss Texas 2001, and Ali were friends. Stacy was well aware of Ali’s significant talents. When Stacy was co-producing the Miss Texas 2009 pageant, she enlisted Ali to be a cast member in the production. Ali was able to see the production from behind the scenes and discovered, “You know, this might be a cool experience. I might want to do this.” Shortly

thereafter, Hunter Daniel, Executive Director of the Miss Dallas Pageant, contacted Ali and asked her to enter.

She did.

From the moment of her entrance until the pageant, Ali was working if not on her dance routines, she practiced walking and modeling before the walls of mirrors; she focused on her nutrition, and speaking skills. She chose the Make-A-Wish Foundation as her platform.

For Ali, the Miss Dallas competition was a first in several ways. This was her first time to be not only a pageant contestant but also to perform without her mom. In all of her performances, Gayle Burrow had always been in the wings; however, this time was a NUTCRACKER year, and she was directing the Texarkana production. Leaving the production was impossible, so Gayle was forced to agonize while Ali competed.

“It was horrible,” Gayle recounts her discovery. “I knew what she was going through during the two day event, and I knew all the girls had their moms with them.”

“Dad was there,” Ali adds. “I had no stage fright for any part of the Pageant but the dance.”

“Thank goodness for cell phones. I did get a phone call during the family scene of the NUTCRACKER. It was Hunter Daniel who called with the news, ‘We’re going to Miss Texas.’ Ali had won the Miss Dallas 2010 title.

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“I announced her winning during the rehearsal, and everybody cheered. We were so happy for her!” Gayle says.

Ali with her 5 foot 10 inch frame, dark brown eyes and hair, and admirable 130 pound figure was a strikingly beautiful Miss Dallas, crowned in November 2009 to serve during 2010. “We have to remember that that crowning moment happens that night. And as great as that is, it’s the 365 days of service that you spend…at the local level that really counts.” Like her Miss Texarkana mom, Ali wore her crown with pride, and, as Miss Dallas served as an exceptional representative of the pageant program.

Ali quickly discovered that winning the crown imposed additional requirements on the already stringent expectations.

She had to maintain her fitness and flexibility. Finding the time to exercise was challenging. In addition, although she had been coached in nutrition, eating healthily proved difficult on the go. “I love to eat,” Ali admits. “My favorite foods are pizza and sprinkles cupcakes—pretty much any sweet thing. I try to limit myself to special occasions.”

Her mom adds, “It’s a good thing we have to drive to Dallas or Houston to get sprinkles cupcakes.” Ali smiles and nods in

agreement.

Although her reign as Miss Dallas was for one year, Ali found her schedule in August 2010 much less demanding as her pageant year drew to a close, so she was preparing to return to her classes at Kim Dawson’s when…fate?

One morning she got out of bed. Maybe she arose too quickly so that the blood rushed to her head? Maybe she was not fully awake and her sleepy step was crooked? Maybe she just put her foot on the floor in an awkward place? She really can only describe what happened next as, “It was so stupid.” Nonetheless, she just stepped wrong as she got out of bed, and she broke her right foot. For several days, she tried to deny the damage and manage the two flights of stairs to her apartment, but it was impossible to manage. H.T., her dad, ramrod and rescuer of the Burrow Family, came to Dallas to retrieve her and get her to a doctor. X-rays revealed that her foot was broken in three places, so her dad and Ali agreed her only choice was to return to Texarkana, at least for a while.

The healing process was long and painful, and Ali discovered she was, indeed, a dependent. She was not to be deterred. Ali accepted the assistance offered and enrolled at Texas A&M-Texarkana. In 2012, she graduated with her BGS, Bachelor of General Studies. Meanwhile, she made other discoveries.

For starters, Ali returned to the All Stars Dance Center studios. This time she was able to listen to the music but unable to move much. Office work had to be done, classes managed, and phones answered, so she staffed the office.

Ali discovered she could use the time to return to her Make-A-Wish dedication and assist in planning the first annual Maggie Cobb Memorial 5K. Maggie, a dancer at All Stars Dance Center, was just nine years old when she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Make-A–Wish Foundation funds made it possible for Maggie and her family to enjoy a Disney World trip.

Maggie’s 5K raised enough money to grant three Texarkana wishes and to pay tribute to this special little girl.” “…discovery, discovery, discovery.”

While Gayle Burrow was earning a Master’s Degree from Texas A&M-Texarkana, she was discovered by President, Dr. C. B. Rathburn III and Dr. Kent Kelso, Vice-President for Student Engagement and Success. Both men had become aware of her talents. Gayle, graduated from Texas Christian University with a B. S. and earned her dance teaching credentials through both written

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and practical examinations. She had been a member of T.C.U.’s original dance team, the Showgirls and founded the Pleasant Grove High School Drill Team, the Showstoppers.

Furthermore, she was a student at TAMU-T. Who better to organize a dance team for the University? Once all the necessary approvals had been obtained, Gayle Burrow initiated the Dazzlers, the TAMU-T Dance Team.

Drs. Rathburn and Kelso soon discovered Ali, also a student at TAMU-T, and recruited her to assume the long-term coaching duties for the Dazzlers. Tryouts were held, and six talented girls were chosen. During the 2011-2012 school year, the team performed for special events. This summer they are attending a Collegiate Camp at Texas State University-San Marcos where they will learn from four to six routines to bring home and practice to make their own. This year the TAMU-T Dazzlers will be competing in the spring with dance teams from other college campuses.

Anyone attending TAMU-T and interested in joining the team may tryout.

Individuals must be able to perform kicks, splits, individual solos and participate in group choreography. Practice time for the team will range from four to six hours a week, while individual practice times are not scheduled. There is no limit to the number on the team nor the number of university hours each member must carry. “We like the numbers,” Gayle acknowledges, “but we have to hold the bar at a certain level.”

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Those interested in information about the Dazzlers can contact Ali Burrow at: amb0348@gmail.com. Any community organization that desires a performance by the Dance Team can also contact Ali. Ali is engaged in “discovery, discovery, discovery”—not just about herself and activities but also about leadership and relationships. Her relationship with her mom as a colleague is teaching her communication and compromise. “We get along great as a professional team,” Ali explains. “We are able to bounce ideas off each other.” (As they talk, they sit at opposite ends of the dining table; each has her Apple laptop available for quick reference.)

Gayle listens, then adds, “I like new ideas and lots of artistic direction. Ali understands our mission and is able to bring new ideas to the studio. We don’t argue, just help each other out.” The All Stars Dance Center has two studios, so Ali and Gayle can and do move back and forth easily with suggestions and instructions. The dance curriculum must be followed but can be modified for individual needs.

Of special importance to Ali is building personal relationships with her students. “I like to know about their lives, to know each dance student just a little bit more. How does that student react to constructive criticism? What is an effective way to reach that student? I like to use Facebook to keep in touch with my students or the parents of my students.”

adds.

“Ali is really computer savvy,” Gayle

“That’s because of Dee Miller at St. James. She got me started on computers early, and she is a Mac person,” Ali admits.

Since her return home, Ali has discovered dance requires attention in the studio and on the screen. She has assumed the digital chores of All Stars Dance Center, too. More discovery.

Long ago, Ali understood the T-shirt wisdom: “I can’t. I have dance.” She has been committed since age 2 ½. What she has discovered as a 24 year old is that, as Martha Graham concluded, “Dance is just discovery, discovery, discovery,” but so is life. Once again, Martha Graham: I am a dancer. I believe that we learn by practice.

Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living….

In each it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of one’s being, a satisfaction of spirit.

One becomes in some area an athlete of God. Ali Burrow is a dancer with a passionate heart, an open mind, and a willingness to listen. She is an athlete who discovers and enriches the world.

August 2012

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For information on advertising in Texarkana’s Premiere Magazine, Call Charlie McMurphy! 903-908-5797

with swiftly and firmly, unlike in football, basketball or NASCAR, which take days or weeks to come up with some piddly penalty for a major infraction.

In bass fishing we, as tournament fishermen, whether local or regional,

by Mike Brower must police ourselves in order to keep the sport clean, and by clean I mean free of improprieties and controversy. It is never right or ok to encroach on ANY fisherman who was in a spot first -- and by encroachment I mean fishing close enough for boats to touch or within a read an article recently about a BASS Elite pro who was cast of each other. Most fishermen at some point will find themselves fishing in a crowd and when that happens, disqualified for the rest of 2012 and all of 2013 for an figure a way to respect someone else’s area. From time on the water altercation with another competitor. Seems to time crappie, catfish and bass fishermen all will find the guy was using the “bent rod” pattern and encroached themselves fishing close together. on the other pro. For those who don’t know about the “bent rod” pattern, it is when you see someone catch a fish Please do yourself and everyone else a favor and be and go fish by them. It seems there were a slew of verbal respectful of others while fishing, especially if they have assaults and F-bombs being thrown around during the kids in the boat, as they will learn respect of others when it encounter, which were reported to the tournament director by one of the observers in the boat. The offender was dealt is shown to them.

Chill Out

I

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Bark for your Park Video Viewing EVENT

WHERE

Daddy Dougaloo’s

WHEN

7/7/12

1

2

3

4

1. Tommy and DeAnna O’Malley, Chrystal, Andre and Macy Sloan 2. Teresa Pribilski, Tommy O’Malley and Debbie Perry 3. Zane Moore, Tiffany Valenti, Brandy Moore, Chrystal Sloan and Naomi Byrne 4. Connie Comeaux and Carole Say 5. Joshua Linnett, Abby Farren, Isaac Linnett, Sam Linnett, Leah Linnett and Susannah Linnett 6. Barbara Binning, Faith Binning, Chris Haggerton and Katie Haggerton 7. Denny and Judy Burdin 8. - 25. Daddy Dougaloo Crew 9. Tiffany Valenti, DeAnna O’Malley, Chrystal Sloan and Debbie Norton 10. Debbie Norton and Shely Skonieczny

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Bark for your Park Video Shoot

EVENT

WHERE Texarkana Regional Airport WHEN

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6/21/12

August 2012

1

2

3

4

1. Minnnie - Me give her owner Sydney Patrick a high five 2. Filming of Geogia and Christine Amos for the Bark for your Park Video 3. Eric Ethridge filming Jäger and Aaron Flowers, Christine Amos and Georgia 4. Alison Butler and Starvin Marvin, Minnnie and Sydney Patrick with Dolly and DeAnna O’Malley 5. Minnie-Me 6. Bowie County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue - Jäger and Aaron Flowers 7. Christine Amos and Georgia 8. DeAnna O’Malley and Dolly 9. Alison Butler and Starvin Marvin is part of Georgia’s waiting entourage 10. Jäger

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Crossroads Business Park of

Texarkana, Arkansas

Excitement. Convenience. Growth.

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

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

The Best Western Plus Texarkana Inn & Suites offers the best in customer service & amenities. This brand new Texarkana hotel features 76 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, each featuring cable satellite television and highspeed Internet access. This 100% non smoking hotel also features an array of amenities including a complimentary full breakfast, free parking, a full-service business center and meeting space accommodating up to 10 people.

When you stay at the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Texarkana East, you will have access to a great 24-hour Business Center and 1,200 square feet of event space for your use. Amenities, including an indoor pool, a 24-hour Fitness Center and free Express Start Breakfast Bar, to make your stay a great one. Each guest room is equipped with free high-speed, wireless Internet access, a 32-inch LCD HDTV and a spacious work desk. You can sleep like a baby in a plush king or queen bed with triple-sheeted bedding.

The newest addition, the Holiday Inn Select and Convention Center, will be a “hub” for the area. From conventions, to weddings, to reunions, visitors will be able to take advantage of all the amenities that Texarkana, Arkansas has to offer. A water park, connected to the hotel and convention center, will add an additional enticement for young and old!

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

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

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

Aven Williamson, developer of the property, has met the standards set by the city, including underground utilities and upscale landscaping. Harold Boldt, Texarkana city manager, says, “We are trying to carefully find the right partners.

With a traffic count between 60,000 and 70,000 cars a day on I-30, which is expecting to double in the net few years, it is the ideal location.”

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

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

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

SM

Rendering of Texarkana Convention Center at the Crossroads

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

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

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

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

Anticipated Opening - Spring 2013.

Weddings & Receptions Conventions & Expos Performances & Pageants Meetings Reunions Parties Charity Events

Are You Searching for the Dream Venue for Your Dream Wedding?

Your Search Can Come to an End...

The Thoughtfully Designed Upscale Landscaping of the Outdoor Courtyard and Garden Areas Further Enhance the Appeal of the Texarkana Convention SM Center.

Book Your Event Soon, and Watch Your Dreams Become Reality...

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

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

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

Contact us to book your event today!

870.216.2000

hirenk2000@yahoo.com

Anticipated Opening - Spring 2013.

Holiday Springs Water Park at the Crossroads...

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

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Grand Opening

EVENT

St. Michael’s Simulation Center

WHERE

6/29/12

WHEN

1

2

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Summer 201233

August 2012

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SUMMER 2012 /contents

k / COVER

A Lasting Love...

F E AT U R E S 68

W h e n Yo u K n o w , Yo u K n o w

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Looking Back...Local Couples M a r r i e d 1 0 - 2 0 Ye a r s

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Wanda and Carl Evans work together to make sure their marriage lasts...and is has.

ENGAGEMENTS 51

Marie Atkinson to Pete Ellison

62

Krista and Jason Hamlin

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Ta r a M o n r o e t o L e e B u o n o

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Heather Ainsley to Seth Carter

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Courtney Cruce to Bradley Hickey

WEDDINGS 38

Alicia Brown to Michael Holdridge

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Natalie Hampton to Malachi Reeves

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Robert and Alyssa Haley

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Cathy Aikin to Roger Coker

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower

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Sarah Barlow to Nathan White

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R a v e n H u n t t o C a l e b Ta y l o r

Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson

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Sydney Waren to Justin Cross

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Allison Oswald to Jeffery Copelin

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Fred and Crissy Searcy

HELPFUL INFO 72

Resource Guide

Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy Feature Writers / Jane Bouterse, Anne Fruge

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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

©2012 ALT Magazine

The Cokers Winners of ALT Magazine’s Wedding Photo Facebook Contest!

Congratulations, Cathy and Roger!

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For Advertising Information, call Charlie McMurphy, 903-908-5797 or 903-334-9605

Alicia & Michael

Alicia Marie Brown to Michael Benton Holdridge

How They Met...

June 16, 2012 Highland Park Baptist Church Texarkana, TX

Alicia and Michael met at Baylor during the summer of 2008. Alicia was starting her sophomore year, and Michael was starting his senior year.

The two students lived in the same apartment complex, and Michael noticed Alicia drawing on her porch over a few weeks and developed an interest in this cute girl! Alicia, absorbed in her art, had no idea Michael even existed. One day, Michael simply walked up to Alicia, while she was on her front porch reading, and struck up a conversation. Alicia asked him if he was the “bike guy” she had seen around, and told him she was interested in learning to ride a road bike and would love to be on the cycling team. Michael invited her to dinner with his friends the next day, and she accepted. “If you know him or me at all, you would realize how unlike us this was. We are both introverts and never just go up to strangers and start talking,” Alicia explains. The two started dating, and their feelings just took off from there. Alicia says, “People often ask us why bikes are so important to us. It was a common theme throughout our wedding festivities. All I can say is, that this was one of the first things that got me interested in Michael, and four years later, we still enjoy going on rides together.”

The Proposal...

Alicia believes she had the perfect proposal! “Michael and I spent the day doing my favorite activities. We went to Cameron Park and picnicked and hiked for the day. Then, we went swimming. After that, I headed home to get ready for our date to Outback. Little did I know that Michael had different plans. After I got ready, he took me on a mini scavenger hunt that led me to the porch swing at my old apartment where we first met. He joined me up there and he asked me to marry him. My apartment was set up facing the pool. We had an audience watching us as he popped the question. As soon as we were done, they all cheered for us! It was very exciting!”

Wedding Party...

Maid of Honor: Emily Brown Bridesmaids: Julia Brown Meredith Mann Kim Duerksen Angela Holdridge Best Man: Ben Branstetter Groomsmen: Josh Koviak Adam Brown Matthew Brown Jamie Duerksen Flower Girl: Erin Duerksen Greeters: Hannah Fries Virginia Brown Photography: Image Forward Photography www.imageforwardweddings.com Wedding Coordinator: Heather Kiser Cakes: Silver Spoon Florist: H & N Flowers Musicians: Andrea Finley MariAlison Murry & Weldon Murry Reception and Catering: Texarkana Country Club

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Natalie & Malachi

Natalie Nicole Hampton to Malachi Andrew Reeves

June 9, 2012 First Baptist Church Texarkana- Moores Ln How They Met...

Malachi and Natalie were both students at the University of Arkansas when they literally ran into each other in the stairwell of Razorback Stadium. Natalie and a friend were headed out of the stadium when they ran into Malachi and a mutual friend of the two. Natalie’s first thoughts were, “He is so tall and so handsome.�

Within a month of their initial meeting on September 20, 2008, they were inseparable. Their love began to grow as they spent more and more time together. Natalie even took Malachi home to meet her parents in the month of October. By Christmas of 2008, they knew they had found true love.

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Proposal...

After two years of dating Malachi popped the question on December 21, 2010, although the proposal was planned to happen on New Year’s Eve. The two originally had plans to head to Dallas for New Years Eve, then they decided to go to Memphis. Plans kept changing, and they ultimately ended up going to Little Rock. Since there was not a definite plan by the week before Christmas, Malachi decided to pop the question early. The two had dinner at Timothy’s in Texarkana, which was a very quiet meal and not much to talk about. Malachi asked Natalie to marry him.

Before Natalie even had a chance to say “yes,” Malachi had placed the ring on her finger. Of course, she did say “yes!”

Wedding Party...

Maid of Honor: Cameron Lively Bridesmaids: Kathryn Bell Jana Alston Sarah Hicks Samantha Reeves Lacey Cobb Junior Bridesmaids: Audrey Murphy Taylor Hampton Brailey Hampton Best Man: Jacob Reeves Groomsmen: Bennett Ponder Nick Wilson Kyle Race Yance Warren Taylor Overturf Junior Groomsmen: Connor Damron Evan Damron Flower Girl: Kathryn Murphy Ushers: Matt Brown Josh Brown Programs: Jessica Jenkins Photography: Image Forward Photography www.imageforwardweddings.com Florist: Twisted Vines Cakes: Reception Arts Reception & Catering: Texarkana Country Club DJ: Wes Spicer Wedding Attire: Bridal Castle 44

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Cathy & Roger

Cathy Calvert Aikin to Roger Coker

May 12, 2012 Circle J Cowboy Church, Texarkana, AR

How They Met...

Cathy and Roger, already aware of each other from Genoa High School and a shared love of country dancing, began dating in December of 2009. After failed marriages, they were quite leery of any new relationship, yet, they seemed perfectly compatible.

The Proposal...

One year later, on December 3, 2010, Roger arranged a romantic carriage ride for he and Cathy, including Cathy’s daughters, and during the ride, he asked Cathy to marry him. Cathy’s answer was, “Someday.” Both daughters and best friends of the bride, Christy and Britney welcomed this cowboy, after finally seeing their Mama’s long awaited smile! Chase Coker, son of the groom, gave his approval by saying, “She‘s already family.” Having GOD as the leader in this relationship is why it works. As members of Circle J Cowboy Church, they know GOD is what brought them together, and GOD holds the reins of their life. So two and a half years later, they made a promise to GOD and each other on May 12, 2012. As a married couple living in Genoa, Arkansas, they thank GOD every day for this blessing!

Wedding Party...

Father of the Bride: Joe Hensley Pastor: Bro. Todd Hervey Groomsman: Chase Coker Marc Higgs Chris Power Bridesmaid: McKenzie Wooten Christy Harvin Britney Redfearn

Story Narrator: Suni Hensley Spokesman: Wesley Harvin, Grandson of the Bride

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Photography: Debbie Vanover & Marla Stuehrenberg Florist: Sylvia Harris -A Pleasant  Grove Florist Hostesses: Angie Buckley, Sharon Kelly, Shelia Griffith, Kathy Boyd 48

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Sarah & Nathan Sarah Barlow to Nathan White

March 26th, 2011 Ben & Jane Collins’ Home

How They Met...

Sarah and Nathan met in late fall of 2010. However, it turned out that the two had gone to high school together and had grown up within a few miles of each other, never officially meeting. Sarah says, “Nathan did remember me from school and decided to try to get in touch with me through Facebook. I actually knew his sister in school, so I decided to give him a chance. That was the best decision I could have ever made.”

“Our first date was memorable in a way that only first dates can be.

We were both extremely nervous and ended up having an overzealous waitress who tried to convince us of everything we were doing wrong.

In the end, it was still enjoyable enough to agree to a second date.

For me, that second date was the perfect date. I grew up an outdoorsy girl and still prefer being outside to this day. Nathan took me through Sonic for milkshakes and then to see some family land, where I met his donkeys and we walked to a pond, chatting the whole time. The donkeys and pond are still there, along with my horse that we’ve added, and the memories of the times we’ve spent outside are still going strong.”

The Proposal...

Sarah continues, “That December, I flew to spend time with a close friend, who I had grown up with, while she had her first child. When I arrived back in Dallas, Nathan picked me up for a special weekend in Fort Worth. He took me to dinner and then to The Nutcracker, my favorite ballet, with no eye rolling or complaining. We also enjoyed a carriage ride downtown and then strolled along, looking at the lights and enjoying each other’s company. During this time, I did not know that he was keeping a secret. He had spoken with my father and his family and had been carrying a ring around in his pocket the entire night. He had nervously waited for that perfect moment to ask me to marry him, and when he got down on one knee and asked, it was a definite “Yes!” from me.”

“Time flew by quickly to March and the date of our wedding. Our whirlwind romance and wedding was encouraged by our wonderful friends and family. It was a beautiful time, and it continued to be the best year for both of us. We are each other’s best friend and confidant, and we have supported each other through a few stressful times. I look forward to many more years with Nathan. I’ve always heard the first few years are the hardest, but it doesn’t seem like this first one has been so hard with him here beside me,” Sarah reflects.

Wedding Party...

Maid of Honor: Joey Dixon

Photography: Hayley Hall Photography, Tyler, TX

Rings: Zales

Bestman: Whit White

Groomsman: Caleb Brockman

Florist: Sticks & Stones

Bride’s Dress and Tuxes: Bridal Castle

Parents of the Bride: Bill & Becky Barlow

Wedding Cake: Julie’s Deli

Bridesmaid Dresses: Dillard’s

Bridesmaid: Megan Ross

Parents of the Groom: Jimmy & Kathy White 50

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Raven & Caleb Raven Hunt to Caleb Taylor

May 26, 2012 The Wedding Chapel- Hot Springs, AR

How They Met...

Caleb and Raven met in January of 2009.

They were introduced by one of Raven’s former coworkers and Caleb’s best friend, Kenneth Hooten. Raven says, “I will never forget our first date; he surprised me with a dozen red roses. We are both shy so we decided to stay at home and watch movies.”

The Proposal...

Raven tells us, “We were together for three years before we got engaged. He proposed the same week of my birthday; he could not wait because I kept pestering him about my gift. One afternoon I got home from work and he had a candle lit dinner with my gift on the other end of the table. He had a small box inside a larger wrapped box. The smaller box was full of rose pedals that covered the ring box. When I opened the ring box I found it was empty, you can guess the look on my face. I turned around and he was on one knee with the ring. I always said I wanted a year engagement, but three and a half months later, we were married, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision. We are delighted that we started a new chapter in our lives and can not wait for all the new memories and adventures that are in store for us.”

Wedding Party...

Matron of honor: Taylor Jester Best Man: Kenneth Hooten

Photography: Adore Photography Hope, AR Wedding Attire: Rae~Tays Hope, AR 52

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Sydney & Justin

Sydney Carlisle Waren to Justin Wayne Cross

May 12th, 2012 Little River Country Club Winthrop, Arkansas How They Met...

Sydney says, “We have known each other since we were kids and have been friends since we were about 14. We lost touch and hadn’t seen each other in at least 6 years when, one day, I got a text that said, ‘Hey beautiful.’ I asked who had sent it, and when Justin told me it was him, I replied, ‘Ah, dang.’ After a few days of texting, I finally told him, in the nicest way that I could, that he didn’t have a chance. Not that I thought I was any better than Justin, but I really was not looking for anyone. His reply wasn’t rude at all, and that is what caught my interest.” Two days later, on Dec. 31st, 2011, they went on their first date!

Justin says, “I almost gave up, but I am so glad I didn’t because I have always wanted you.” “I won’t ever forget getting ready for that date, and when I walked to the truck and saw him, I felt like my chest got really warm.

It was a weird feeling, but a great one, and I told myself, ‘I am going to marry that man!””

They sat across the table that night with the biggest grins on their faces. Both of them kept blushing and laughing!

Justin says, “Sydney has always had my heart. I never thought she would ever give me a chance, and I couldn’t believe she let me take her on a date, but I am so thankful!

Now I have not one, but two beautiful women! Sydney and Lecsi both have my heart, and I am so blessed.”

Wedding Party...

Maid of honor: Christian Beasley Bridesmaids: Courtney Carnahan Brandi Vickers Best Man: Sam Cross, Father of the groom Groomsmen: Kevin Cross Shane Southerland Preacher: Brother Danny Bell Photography: Jeannie Stevens Cakes: Becky Risinger- Reception Arts DJ: Lynn Roberts 54

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Oak Creek Furniture offers custom options to help our customers acheive the exact look they have been dreaming of for their home.

Come by today and let us show you what we can do!

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Stop By Oak Creek Furniture Today and Discover Everything We Have to Offer!

Why is Oak Creek Furniture Different?

Almost perfect...

Six days a week, Oak Creek Furniture craftsmen make some of the most beautiful handmade furniture known to man. And seven days a week, they struggle to refrain from unseemly pride, which isn’t easy when you’re constantly raising the bar.

We have chosen Amish furniture craftsmen who are recognized leaders in the solid wood furniture industry. Amish furniture is made by hand in small Amish wood shops so every piece of furniture receives the same attention to detail. Our Amish handcrafted furniture is built to last.

Our Promise...

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We work very hard to keep our overhead very low and therefore we are able to offer you the very best prices found anywhere, EVEN THE INTERNET!! If you do find a better price just bring us proof and we will either meet or beat it if possible!

All of our standard sized heirloom furniture comes with a manufacturers limited lifetime warranty against any defects in materials and workmanship. If anything should happen to your furniture we can carry it back to the very craftsman who made it and have it repaired to as good as new!

With beautiful works of art painstakingly shaped from select kiln-dried woods, gently finished in a three-step sanding process and carefully sealed with a varnish that’s practically impervious to water, nail polish remover and alcohol. NEVER will you find a piece of particle board or fiber board on any of our fine furniture.

Large Available in a ion!

Color Select

August 2012

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Allison & Jeffery Allison Oswald to Jeffery Copelin

How They Met...

Allison and Jeffery met when they were babies, and they we grew up together until they were about ten. Allison says, “Our mothers say we fell in love when we had our first kiss at age three, but we really fell in love when we actually got to know each other again, years down the road. Due to circumstances, Allison and Jeffery did not see each other for eight years, but they began dating during their senior years of high school. The two got to know each other all over again, and they realized that no one had ever been so good to either of them as they were to each other.

The Proposal...

Allison remembers, “I was shocked by the proposal! We were with Jeffery’s grandparents and sister at his grandmother’s cabin, close to Umpire, AR. The cabin is Jeffery’s favorite place to go. On September 18th, 2011, a Sunday, Jeffery woke me up and told me that he caught a big fish and wanted me to go look at it. I really did not want to go look at a fish right then because it was still early, and it was my last day off from work and school! After he begged me to go look at this “huge fish,” I got up, put on my shoes and Jeffery, his sister, Brittaney and I walked over to the swimming hole to see what Jeffery had caught. When we finally arrived, I saw that the water was reflecting different colors. I looked up to see what the reflection was from, and written on a huge rock, across the water, were the words Will You Marry Me. Jeffery got down on his knee and asked me if I would marry him. I said ‘Yes,’ without hesitation!”

Allison says, “Our wedding would not have been the way we wanted if Tonya, of Unique Beginnings, and her wedding design team had not helped us. She made sure my wedding day was just as I have always dreamed, and I am so thankful for her!”

Wedding Party...

Maid of honor: Meagan Gillette Bridesmaids: Kim Hammett Dominique Ross Brittaney Copelin Best Man: Jacob Purifoy Groomsmen: Jimmie Page Cody Smith Anthony Vaughn 58

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May 19, 2012 Garrison Gardens- Texarkana, AR

Photography: Image Forward Photography www.imageforwardweddings.com Cakes: Bakerman Texarkana, AR Wedding Dress: Azarues Shreveport, LA Tuxes: Reeds Bridal Texarkana, TX Wedding Design/Coordinator: Unique Beginnings -Tonya Bell

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Heather & Seth Heather Ainsley to Seth Carter

June 2, 2012 Northridge Country Club- Texarkana, TX How They Met...

Seth and Heather met while they were both living in Little Rock, Arkansas; Heather attending pharmacy school and Seth working as a tax accountant. They were introduced one night while out with friends and realized that they both knew a lot of the same people. They joke that Heather “picked Seth up” and told him to take her on a date. Seth did as Heather asked and called her the day after they met to see if they could hang out. They ended up meeting each other out the next night and making plans for the night after that. From their first night of hanging out together, Seth and Heather were practically inseparable. They instantly enjoyed each other’s company and spent a lot of time getting to know one another.

Several months later, Heather’s family spent a week in Mexico on vacation. It was during this time that Seth says he realized how much he actually cared for Heather and missed her during the time she was gone. Heather thought Seth was the most wonderful guy, and she couldn’t wait to see him when she returned. Heather was graduating from pharmacy school the following May, and they knew that she may have to move if a job opportunity arose. It was at that point that they both knew they would want to get married and be together no matter where a future job may take them.

The Proposal...

Around Christmas time, Seth and Heather started making plans for their first Christmas together. Heather had a break from school so she headed home to spend time with her family. Unbeknownst to Heather, Seth had a surprise planned and told her that she needed to come back to Little Rock one evening because he had tickets to a show. The night before Heather came in town, Seth left work early to drive to his hometown to pick up the ring. When Heather arrived at Seth’s house the night of the show, Seth had a Christmas tree put up and decorated with presents under the tree and a fire going in the fire place. He had known how much Heather wanted a Christmas tree that year and wanted to surprise her. Seth told Heather that they should open their presents before they had to leave to go to dinner then the show. Seth opened his presents from Heather first, then Heather was told to open her’s from Seth. Each of Heather’s presents had a clue attached to it for Heather to guess what was inside.

The last present was a wrapped box nestled in the tree. As soon a Heather saw it she became very nervous and wondered if it would be a ring. The clue for the last present read, “This present will make your heart sing, nothing says I love you like a little bling.” Heather opened the box to find a pair of diamond earrings inside! When she looked at Seth, he asked her if she liked them. She of course said yes, and then Seth asked her if she wanted something better. At this point he got done on one knee, got out the ring, and asked Heather to marry him. After Heather said “YES!,” Seth told her it was time to go to dinner so they would make the show. When they arrived at dinner, Heather’s mom, dad and two younger sisters were waiting to greet the newly engaged couple. They had driven in from Texarkana to celebrate with Heather and Seth. It turns out that there was no show and Seth had just told Heather that there was one to make sure that she came in town. Heather and Seth, along with their families, were so excited about the new engagement and started wedding planning almost right away!

Wedding Party...

Maids of honor: Kristen Ainsley and Lauren Ainsley Bridesmaid: Sarah Liz Carter House Party: Laurie Anderson, Ashley Barr, Christine Browning, Charity Grisham, Kelsey Hensely, Amanda Starr, Allison Ward-Seidel Best Man: Jake Carter Groomsmen: Rusty Cranford, Evan Secrest August 2012

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Photography: Image Forward Photography www.imageforwardweddings.com Reverend: Doctor Danny Wayman Florist: Twisted Vines Cake, Groomscake, favors: Reception Arts by Becky Risanger Caterer: Northridge Country Club String Quartet: Tyler Strings Piano: Russell Bowlin Invitations: Sincerely Lacey Programs: Kwik Kopy Hair: Park Salon Make up: Bailey Idom Getaway Car: Coleman Chevrolet August 2012

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Courtney & Bradley Courtney Cruce to Bradley Hickey

April 28, 2012 Home of James & Stephanie Wyly

How They Met...

Courtney and Bradley met during their last semester, the last two weeks to be exact, at the University of Arkansas. They were both on the way to the infamous Dickson Street to celebrate graduation, when Bradley ran right into Courtney’s car. Thankfully, no one got hurt, and it was categorized as a fender bender. The two students exchanged insurance, only to find out that they were both from Texarkana – Bradley from the Arkansas side (Arkansas High) and Courtney from the Texas Side (Texas High). Courtney and Bradley also learned that they had the same major in school and even a class together that very semester, but they had never met one another! Courtney says, “God sure works in mysterious ways and we have been inseparable ever since!”

The Proposal...

On March 10, 2011, two years after the “fateful fender bender,” Bradley got on one knee and proposed to Courtney at the Madison Hotel in Memphis,TN.

Wedding Party...

Officient: Jimmy Hickey - Justice of the Peace Maids of honor: Rachel VanOrden Martha Wasp Bridesmaids: Jenna Dresser Molly McBride Susan Montgomery Carolyn Peterman Best Man: Jared Stover Groomsmen: Tyler Arnold Austin Crain Cole Meador Graydon Rochelle Casey Weir 66

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Photography: The Hudson’s Modern Photography Fayetteville, AR Florist: Twisted Vines Dessert Table: Cathy Van Herpen Stationary: Kwik Kopy Wedding Dress: Azarue’s - Shreveport, LA Bridesmaids’ Dresses: LuLu’s Bridal – Dallas, TX Groom’s Attire: Squires - Texarkana, TX Bride’s Hair and Makeup: Taylor Barr - The Studio in Summerhill Sq. Bridesmaids’ Hair: Maggie Johnson – The Style Studio Ceremony Music: Tonk & Barbara Edwards - Texarkana, AR Reception Music: Earshot Graffiti - Shreveport, LA Reception Venue & Catering: Texarkana Country Club Table Linens & Lighting: Jane Agan – Special Events Photo Booth: Freeze Frame - Texarkana, TX Guest Accommodations: Holiday Inn & Suites - Texarkana, AR August 2012

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by Anne Fruge

you know...

When you know,

Carl and Wanda Evans have spent over half a century together and in love, a feat nearly unmatched in today’s society.

Even though they only dated one summer before getting married at the small church across from Wanda’s house on Reading Street, when Carl looks at Wanda, you know that his simple claim of “when you know, you know,” is still true today. Their love that began in 1960 has affected the three generations after it, producing a family of four children, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

“Sometimes you hear people say, ‘marriage is 50%/50%,’ and they’re wrong,” Carl says. “Marriage is 100%/100%. If you don’t put all you have into it, you’re never going to make it.”

Carl first met Wanda in January of 1960 when he was taking industrial supervision at Texarkana College. After growing up in Redwater, Texas, all his life, Carl often told girls that he was married so that they wouldn’t think he was on the market. However, when Wanda Coffman Wallace stood up and introduced herself during class, Carl asked from across the room, “That isn’t ‘Mrs.’ is it?” Wanda, who wasn’t looking for a relationship at the time, pulled the same move Carl had used before and replied, “Well, yes it is.” Upon hearing the answer, Carl “wrote Wanda off his list.”

Months later, a mutual friend, Joe Nunn, reintroduced them at the Student Union. When Carl realized that Wanda wasn’t married, he asked her if she wanted 68

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something to drink. She said yes, and their lifelong story began.

“I just loved being with Carl,” Wanda says. “I still do. You have to love each other, no matter what.”

Carl and Wanda were inseparable after their meeting at the Student Union.

They spent the whole summer going on dates. They went dancing, saw movies at the Paramount (now Perot Theatre), drove the drag on Broad Street and went out to Wright Patman Lake.

“We would go pick up steaks and grill them out by the lake and swim,” Carl says.

“It was a marvelous summer,”

Wanda says, “even when Carl and his friend tried to ski off the dock at Daisy! Then, I remember a time at Speros Restaurant on 82 when we were at the drive-in and a certain car rammed us in the back!”

“It was my ex-girlfriend,” Carl explains.

“The ex-girlfriend yelled, ‘Don’t you think you owe me something Carl Evans?’ and Carl says, ‘If I do, put it on my bill!’”

Wanda recalls with a laugh.

One of Wanda’s friends asked her if she and Carl were “going steady,” and Wanda replied, “Well I guess so…we are going every night!”

One night at the end of the summer, Carl took Wanda to Ann’s Drive-In on State Line. He looked at her and said, “I know I only make $65 a week working at Dickey Clay Pipe Co., but will you marry me?”

“Do you remember what I said, Carl?” Wanda asks. “I said, ‘Money doesn’t matter. All that matters is that we love each other.’”

The couple picked out simple gold rings at Kay’s Jewelers that they paid off through a lay-away program. “That was the best gift Wanda ever gave me,” Carl says, looking at his ring. “I never take it off.”

The rings were picked up by Wanda’s sister-in-law the Friday afternoon before their church wedding Labor Day weekend of 1960.

“What do I remember about the wedding? Well, they turned the air conditioner off and there was

sweat running down my nose,” Carl says.

“I’m pretty sure you can see him sweating in all our wedding pictures,” Wanda says. “People probably thought he was nervous.”

But Carl and Wanda were anything but nervous. Eager to begin their lives together, the couple honeymooned at Anthony Island Hotel in Hot Springs, where they didn’t even have a reservation. This was one of the first trips the couple took together and their love of travel is one of the interests that helped keep their relationship adventurous.

“Every time we traveled because of Carl’s work, it was like a honeymoon,” Wanda says. “We just looked at it like an adventure and a way to see the USA.” When Carl was promoted from president of the local chapter of the National Management Association to National Director, as a perk, he was sent on two trips a year to places all across the United States. The first trip was to attend a seminar in Los Angeles, CA, and when he ran home to tell Wanda, she looked out the window at their single cow and said, “There’s my ticket!”

“We didn’t have to sell the cow,” Carl says with a laugh, “but I think she might have really done it!

We got to stay in some of the best hotels across the country, not places like a boy from Redwater and a girl from Smackover, AR, could afford.”

Carl and Wanda traveled together to destinations like Orlando, Tucson, Dayton, Louisville, San Diego, San Franciso, Disney World and Atlanta. Carl had a brother who lived outside of San Francisco, so they would stay longer with him and his wife and go on side trips to Napa and Sacramento.

Their time together helped them create many fond and hilarious memories, like the time Carl insisted that Wanda go to the see the San Diego Zoo. “He kept saying, ‘It’s the best zoo in the country!’ Wanda says, “But I just didn’t like to see animals caged up like that. So, I

got on the bus with the other ladies from the hotel, rode to the Zoo, walked straight to a payphone and called for a cab to take me back. I didn’t tell him until years later!”

“Or how about that time we almost got left in Tijuana, Mexico?” Carl asks. “We like to never got her out of there she was having so much fun! We nearly missed the last bus back to San Diego!”

“Or how about that horrible time in San Francisco when we were so cold walking down the pier and you didn’t have the correct change for the bus?” Wanda says with a smile. “The wind nearly blew us away and it was about midnight. I just thought you

were the meanest man in the world because you didn’t have that correct change!”

“So what did I do?” Carl says. “I got a taxi!”

All of the stories are said with a smile between two people whose obvious comfort with each other and respect for each other shines through even their funny stories about the trials of dealing with one another for a half a century.

“When I know I’m wrong about something that we are arguing about, I will say, ‘But I forgive you,’” Carl says. “And it always makes her laugh. You’ve got to find

something to help break the ice and get past the small conflicts that you are going to have being married.”

“How did our relationship change as we were married? Well, it just got better,” Wanda says. “We made big changes when we were having the kids, and when we got involved in church, but also we just learned to forgive each other. As strange as this may seem, the forgiver becomes the one most blessed.”

Carl served in the National Guard and the U.S. Army and eventually retired from Day and Zimmerman after working there for 43 years. Wanda worked at Red River Army Depot and also had a jewelry business. The happy couple is living now on the same land in Redwater where Carl grew up. They are attending Highland Park Baptist Church in Texarkana where Carl is a deacon and where they both taught Sunday School for many years.

“You know, I would tell any young couple to build a relationship with the church,” Carl says. “Make sure you know Jesus and that He is the way to Heaven, and that you are going there together. Pray together.

I firmly believe that God knows what it takes to make a marriage work, and He’s going to help you.”

In fact, one day during church, a presentation was being given about a couple’s course called “Love and Respect” and Wanda whispered, ‘Carl, we need that!” So the couple of more than 50 years decided to go and better their marriage. After the first class, Wanda turned to Carl and said, “Well honey, I’m glad we have a better marriage than I thought we did!”

“But the course was a great one because it really showed how a marriage is built with two different people and they need to be treated as two different people,” Carl says. “There are all avenues of love and respect, and we need to find those ways to communicate with our spouse.”

Carl and Wanda believe that communication is key to a marriage, and yet one of the most difficult aspects of it.

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are spent together, but they insist that a Wanda does not hear as well as she used to are a serious thing.” good balance is the right thing for any couple Their vows to love each other in and Carl admits, “I should be more patient to have. Wanda goes to a dinner party every “sickness and health” came to a test when at times. Marriage is not a perfect thing. week where they play the card game, “hand Wanda was diagnosed with cancer.

You are going to have your knock down, and foot.”

“I made it through because of my drag outs, but don’t spend a single night “I love the fun and fellowship, but faith in Jesus,” Wanda says, “and Carl was away mad. You’ve got to build that love and when I pull up to the house, Carl has the respect. When I have to travel and Wanda is the best caregiver ever.” garage door open and the light on,” Wanda Another secret to a happy marriage at home, I always check in, but we never go says. according to the laughing couple is to to bed angry.”

Then Carl is President of the Maud schedule time apart. This seems surprising Through all the changes and Gun Club, an avid trap shooter, hunter and coming from a couple whose best memories moves, the life-long partners have created fisher. He loves to go to a language of love and deer camp and relax and communication between hunt. He also used to love them. Wanda used to go quail hunting in west Texas with Carl to eat breakfast and tournament fishing. at CJ’s every morning While some wives resent before work, simply hunters for their frequent because she “loved to be times away from home, with him.” They began Wanda simply replies, “I’m leaving notes for each thrilled because I know he other under the coffee pot will come home happy.” in the kitchen, and Carl In just a short knows that he better find time from now, Carl will Wanda and kiss her before let Wanda pick where she he leaves to go anywhere!

Carl and Wanda say that they will pray together, wants to go eat for her 52nd “We’ve faced spend time together and most of all, “love each hardships together, but anniversary. She says she that’s the key…we’ve will probably pick Texas other, no matter what.” handled them together!”

Roadhouse, a favorite, Carl says. “Do your but until then, Carl and finances together, agree Wanda say that they will on a budget, never catch pray together, spend time your spouse off guard or together and most of all, embarrass them in front “love each other, no matter of a friend, and remember what.” that those marriage vows

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Looking Back...

Local Couples Married 10-20 Years...

Brent & Heidi Philyaw October 5, 2002

Jason & Samantha Michel March 9, 2002

Doug and Camille Warren July 27, 1999

Jimmy and Crystal Hewitt January 15, 2000

Shayne & LaFonda Campisi January 13, 2001

Terry & Cathy Smith September 26, 1992

Thank You to Everyone Who Submitted Photos to Our ALT Facebook Wedding Photo Contest!

If You Would Like to Participate in a Future ALT Facebook Contest, Please Find ALT Magazine on Facebook, and “Like” Our Page For Contest Information!

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

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

Krause Service Company, Inc. 200 Industrial Blvd.

Nash, TX 903.831.3912

Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056

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

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

Apartments Arista Apartments 3515 Arista Blvd.

Texarkana, TX 903.255.7869

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

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

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

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

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

Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903-792-2700

Reception Arts Becky Risinger Ashdown, AR 870.898.5273

Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR 124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX

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

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

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

Texarkana, AR 870-774-0099 603 W. Commerce Hope, AR 870-777-1000

170 N. Constitution Ave. Ashdown, AR 870-898-2227 Culinary Creations Pam Elliott 903.831.4674 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Sugar & Spice Catering Shari Frachiseur 903.276.4389

Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090

4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 Church Highland Park Baptist Church 2401 Hazel St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.6996 Clothing Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088 Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 OMG Lulu 3211 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.8135 116 Polk St. Jefferson, TX 903.665.8855 Dental/Endodontics Texarkana Endodontics, PA Jason Michel, DDS 1826 Galleria Oaks Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.793.7411 Dry Cleaning Holiday Cleaners Locations throughout Texarkana Area 870.773.4072 Electrical Services Mr. Electric 903.838.0161 Entertainment CableOne 855-692-4121 Legendary Shooting Sports 925 Brower Lane Texarkana, TX 903.334.9605

Texarkana Symphony Orchestra 903.792-4992 Tickets 870.773.3401 TRAHC 321 W. 4th Texarkana, Texas 903.792.4992 Event Locations Garrison Gardens Texarkana, AR 71854 870.773.0275 Regional Arts Center Cabe Hall 321 W. 4th Street Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.8681 Silvermoon on Broad West Broad at Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX Texarkana Convention Center Crossroads Busines Park Texarkana, AR 870.216.2000 Estate and Garage Sales Somewhere in Time 903.277.3392 903.278.2259 Financial Planner Dustin Stringer Stringer Wealth Management 1620 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.223.0011 Fitness Centers Anytime Fitness Richmond Road 3415 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.794.5348 Lyfe Fitness 819 N. Kings Highway Wake Village, TX 903.832.0133

Florists Ruth’s Flowers 3501 Texas Bllvd.

Texarkana, TX 903.793.6711 www.ruthsflowers.net Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903-792-2700 Unique Flowers 4801 Loop 245 Texarkana, AR 870-774.1300 Funeral Home Texarkana Funeral Home 4801 Loop 245 Texarkana, AR 870.774.1200 3515 Texas Blvd.

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

Style Studio Lisa Harris 3201 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.1719 Hospitals Christus St. Michael Health System 2600 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.614.1000 Health South Rehabilitation 515 West 12th St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.0088

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

Hotels Best Western Texarkana Inn & Suites 5219 Crossroads Parkway Texarkana, AR 870.774.1534

Clarion Lacross Hotel 5100 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.774.3521 www.lacrosse-hotel.com Courtyard by Marriott 5001 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.7400 Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott 4209 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.1000 Hilton Garden Inn and Texarkana Convention Center 2910 S. Cowhorn Creek Loop Texarkana, Texas 903.792.1065 Holiday Inn Express & Suites 4545 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 903.223.0008 TownePlace Suites

by Marriott 5020 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.8800

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Insurance Farm Bureau Insurance 4413 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.8707 911 W. US Highway 82 New Boston, TX 903.628.3451 Greg Cockerell State Farm Insurance 4807 Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.7502 Ron Morrow State Farm Insurance 3306 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.832.5505 Invitations I Do Wedding Favors Debra Jones 903.826.9879 Jewelers Alexander’s Jewelers 3701 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.832.3557 Micah’s Jewelers 2812 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.735.2336

Make-up Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 Methadone Treatment Arkansas Treatment Services 408 Hazel St. Texarkana, AR 870.774.0421 Photographer Image Forward Photography 200 Heather Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.334.9605 Sage Duke Photography 870.571.0868 Pet Grooming Georgia’s Pet Salon & Boutique 101 Slaton Nash, Texas 903.223.8223 Physicians Advanced Bariatrics 1939 Morres Lane Texarkana, TX 75503

Carmony Oral, Facial and Implant Center 5305 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.8405 Express Care 5483 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.5931 Northfield Accupunture 619 E. 6th St. Texarkana, AR 870.772.8622 Vision Source 4401 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.9063 Plumbing Central Air/Roto Rooter 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212 Real Estate Crown Leasing 6500 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 903.792.6000 Gerald Haire Realty Kaci Bennett 3725 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 870.903.3049

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Gerald Haire Realty Janet Willis 3725 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.748.5385 Impact Realty Bill and Tracy Spradlin 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Ste 104 Nash, TX 903.748.3186 903.748.2477 Impact Realty Cody Sandone 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Ste 104 Nash, TX 903.276.7565 Teresa Liepman Remax 5120 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.276.9464 Refreshments Bolls Distributing 700 E. Broad St. Texarkana, AR 870.774.9283 Vincent’s Fine Wines 6900 N. Stateline Texarkana, AR 870.774.7217

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Rentals Dot’s Rentals 814 N. Robison Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.7011 3413 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0551 Restaurants Big Jake’s BBQ 2610 New Boston Rd. Texarkana, TX 903-793-1169 1521 Arkansas Blvd.

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

Fish Creek 1514 Arkansas Blvd.

Texarkana, AR 870.223.0595 Gusano’s Chicago Style Pizzeria 2820 Richmond Road, Texarkana, Texas 903.792.8646 Hopkins Icehouse Downtown Texarkana, AR Corner of 3rd and Wood 870.774.3333 Ironwood Grill 4312 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.4644 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Shorty’s Donuts 2729 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.6686 Tasty Donuts 1443 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.838.0422 Twisted Vines Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.2700

Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR 124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 Retirement/Assisted Living Home Edgewood Manor 4925 Elizabeth St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.4645 Heritage Plaza 600 W. 52nd St. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.6700 The Magnolia 4205 Richmond Meadows Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.7319

Roofing Aqua Roofing Anthony Jewell 3523 Locust Texarkana, AR 903.244.5706 Spas/Salons All About You 4100 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 903.803.2050 Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 Ultrasound Services Peanut Gallery Texarkana, AR 870.779.7688 Wedding Attire Bridal Castle 3209 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.3886 Wedding Coordinators Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net Heather Kiser Wedding Coordinator 903.314.1582

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

Texarkana, TX Weight Loss All About You 4100 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 903.803.2050 Jenny Craig Texarkana, TX 903.831.5366

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by Jane Bouterse

A TEXARKANA REVOLUTION

REVOLUTIONS produce CHANGE. They can begin with a bang or a whisper.

REVOLUTIONS can be started by a mob or even a single person…yet the result is always the same. REVOLUTIONS produce CHANGE within months, years or a lifetime.

A REVOLUTION in Texarkana began in 1952 and seldom has involved more than two

people. For over 56 years the TEXARKANA REVOLUTION has been subtly changing the community’s business and social environments. The fighters in this REVOLUTION have been armed only with their determination, good will, work ethic and pride.

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O

tis Spence and Thomas Charles Carthron (T.C.) have been the leaders in this battle with the constant assist of Doris Carthron and occasional boost from Linn Mayo. Few knew they were engaged in REVOLUTION. In fact, the fighters may not have recognized their engagement themselves.

These Texarkana citizens simply followed their hearts, their dedication to the dignity of every individual, and their pride in work well done.

In the 1950s Otis Spence owned a shoe repair shop in downtown Texarkana. His shop, on the Arkansas side of State Line, was right across the street from Offenhauser Insurance (now the Texarkana Museum). The equipment in the shop had been installed by Frank and Sam Barcelona at the turn of the century. As the years passed, Frank bought out Sam. In 1939 Otis Spence bought the shop from Frank Spence Shoe Repair became known for quality work and fair prices.

A year after Spence’s purchase, 1940, Thomas Clark Carthron was born in Texarkana, AR. T.C., the son of a single parent mom, became an ambitious young man eager to help his mom and himself.

T.C. recalls, “Levi jeans were really popular when I was in school. I wanted some, but my mom had no money. If I work, can I buy me some? My mom told me, ‘If you work, you can buy anything you want.’”

T. C. quickly learned he was growing up in a world with limited opportunities for young black men. “There were no jobs. All the businesses downtown had Blacks cleaning buildings and windows. Some families passed the jobs down from one member of the family to another. The only other jobs were picking and pulling in the cotton fields. I met Mr. Spence when a friend asked me did I want a shoe shine job. I was 12 years old.”

At least shoe shining kept T.C. out of the heat of summer and cold of winter.

At summer’s end, Mr. Spence wanted him

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T. C. Carthron grew up, all the time working and learning and listening to Otis Spence (shown above).

to work during the winter, so he sent T.C. to the post office to get his Social Security card.

T.C. was a teen-ager now, 13. “I would stand by the machines and watch Mr. Spence work,” T. C. explains. He learned, so that he was soon able to make the repairs himself, but he had acquired more than a job. Spence had two daughters and made no secret of how much he wanted a son. “If you let me,” Spence told him, “I’ll treat you like a son.”

“For 30 something years he did, too,” T. C. notes. Years later, an ailing Spence revealed he kept T.C.’s graduation picture in his Bible.

“At times, he would just sit and talk to me. He never talked down to me.

Always looked at me straight.” T.C. raises his arms above the sides of his chair. As he briskly lowers them, his hands grip the

chair’s bare arms, his voice quivers a bit, “We sat right in these chairs.” That was the beginning of a Revolutionary relationship between the white man and black boy, a relationship that lasted for as long as Otis Spence lived.

T. C. grew up, all the time working and learning and listening to Otis Spence.

“If you listen to me,” Spence said, “you won’t have to make the same mistakes I made.”

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, Spence advised T. C., “When Blacks go to where they can sit at the bar and drink coke and eat, I don’t want you to do that. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

T.C.’s friendship with Spence was not without its price. “There was three kids— considered good—we worked after school, did what we was supposed to do. One day they wanted me to go to Grandview [a Texarkana entertainment district] with ‘em.

When I told ‘em ‘No,’ they yelled ‘Go ahead and be with your white daddy.’”

When T. C. was in the eleventh grade at Washington High School in Texarkana, AR, he ran track until he fell and banged up his knee. At the time, that event, which ended his track career, seemed like the end of the world to T.C. His life did go on, however. High school graduation forced T. C. to choose. His mom had just bought a house, then got sick. Her two children were forced to depend on their stepfather for support.

T. C. chose home instead of college so he could “do what I could do to help my mother.” He went to work full-time in the Repair Shop.

His stay at home and in the shop was brief, however, as the Vietnam War accelerated and T. C. was drafted into the Army “just before the draft board was abolished.” He was sent to Ft. Sill, OK, to receive artillery training. His first action upon his arrival was to request a school for shoe repairing. He heard nothing, but his battered knee required that he forego

maneuvers and drive an “ammo” truck.

Shortly before his two years of service came to an end, he received a letter with information about the shoe repair school.

His response to attending? “Are you crazy?”

T. C. returned to Texarkana where Otis Spence immediately advised him NOT to burn his Vietnam draft card. “You may need that later on,” Spence had said.

During T. C.’s absence, his brother had gone to work for Spence. Since T. C. did not want to put his brother out of a job, the Army-ex—complete with draft card-- found employment at Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant. To keep his skills sharp, T.C. did work for Spence a couple of days a week and at night.

Meanwhile, T.C,’s life was about to take an unpredictable turn. It all began on a Saturday night when trips to “juke joints,” like the Top Hat, were the norm.

Two cars were headed away from the cafe when they were stopped by a traffic light. When T. C. just happened to glance in the second car’s direction, he noticed three attractive young girls. “They started meddlin’,” according to one of the second car’s passengers. That passenger was Doris Jean Jacobs who, unlike her cousin and sister, refrained from engaging in the “meddlin’ banter.”

The next Wednesday night, the cousin and sister spied T. C. at the same cafe, but Doris did not return until the following Saturday. Not until that meeting did she visit a bit with T. C., who was waiting for them. At the end of the evening, T.C. asked to take Doris home, but she declined. She had not come with him, and those who “come together, stay together.”

When her cousin and sister agreed to follow their car and T. C. exercised his best persuasion, Doris finally agreed. That ride was the beginning of a year long courtship.

On March 12, 1967, the cousin and sister attended the wedding of Thomas Charles Carthron and Doris Jean Jacobs.

Even today, T. C. smiles when Doris seeks an explanation for his attraction to her. “The others were too eager,” T. C. clearly remembers. “She’s not sayin’ anything.” The formula—silence and persuasion—has obviously worked, as these two will soon celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary.

T. C. and Doris have shared many smiles, fears and tears during their years.

Smiles were certainly a part of their lives when they were joined by sons Thomas and Mark, both bright boys dedicated to fun, family and faith. While the Carthron Family was growing, T. C. and Doris were faced with a daunting decision.

Mr. Spence became a cancer patient, so his wife came to T. C. and asked him to work full time at night to keep the shop open. Unable to return, Otis Spence offered to sell the shop to T. C. Both Doris and T. C. were afraid—fearful

of a white owner selling to a black man.

“How would people accept me?” During Mr. Spence’s absence, T. C. had already been asked, “Aren’t you the boy who worked for Otis Spence? You know what you’re doin’?” T. C. laughs, “What they didn’t know was that I had already been the one doing their repairs.” Other customers left because Spence was charging a nickel more for a heel repair than a shop down the street.

“I was always aware when I was in charge of the shop, “ T.C. remembers.

“Nothing happened to put a black mark on the shop.”

“One day this lady comes in, and she walks around to the counter. ‘Is the proprietor here?’ I said nothing.” That word proprietor was a big word T. C. had never heard before, so he thought about it for a while and decided it must mean boss man.

“No Ma’am. May I help you?”

“No, you may not.” She left.

When T. C. told Otis Spence about the incident, his first question was whether there was anyone else in the shop. T. C. identified the waiting customer, and Spence laughed. “You had police protection. He works for the Sheriff’s Department.”

Other customers attempted to separate heels or soles or pick apart work what T. C. had done but always failed in their attempts. “I was trying to maintain the

reputation of my boss,” T. C. explains. “I worked very hard, and my work was up to the standard of my boss. I did pretty good work all the time. I pride myself on taking time to do the job right.”

Local businessman and friend, Linn Mayo understood the caliber of work T.C. did and insisted T. C. buy the business when Spence offered him the chance. Doris, on the other hand, was understandably anxious. To buy the shop would require T. C. to give up his goodpaying Lone Star job. “You can’t make no money fixin’ shoes.” she declared, but she readily admits she was wrong. “He has made a nice livin’ for us.” Only two years after T. C. purchased the shop, Lone Star began laying off personnel, and he would have been among those without a job.

“Everything worked out for us.” He looks at Doris and smiles.

Everything has worked out for the Carthrons. Carthron Shoe Repair has been successful for 39 years, and a picture of Otis Spence has always occupied an honored place in every one of the shop’s locations. Only years later did T. C. learn how Otis Spence so intensely wanted T. C. to buy the shop that the Boss Man refused a number of buy-out offers from others.

Doris made choices, too. At age 40, she bravely enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program at Texarkana College, graduated and worked for 25 years as a

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nurse at both Christus St. Michael Hospital and local nursing facilities. “I enjoyed nursing. I really did. I have always loved taking care of people,” she admits, “and I wanted a way to support my family if anything happened to him” she nods toward T. C. “We don’t want welfare or handouts.” These days, she admits her biggest challenge will be to take care of T. C. In spite of the best laid plans, however, Doris and T. C. have dealt with the tears of tragedy. Their older son, a graduate of University of Arkansas, Little Rock, puts to good use his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees with Travel Port in Atlanta, GA. Mark, their younger son, graduated seventh in his Arkansas High class of 351 and earned an appointment to the Naval Academy. His goal was to become a Navy pilot, but polyps in his nose frustrated that dream. When Mark returned to Texarkana, he enrolled in UALR but decided to become an Arkansas State Trooper. On Sunday afternoon, September 11, 2005, Doris had attended a musical performance but was, for some reason, uneasy. When she returned home, she was greeted

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sculptured bust of Corporal Carthron is one of nineteen enshrined in the Arkansas State Police Hall of Honor in Little Rock.

Doris and T. C. agree, however, life has been good to them. After quietly but inexorably fighting his own Revolution for quality of service as well as equality of opportunity, T. C. Carthron has posted this notice:

by state troopers who had come to take T. C. and her to their son’s bedside.

Corporal Mark Wesley Carthron had been struck “while retrieving stop sticks he had deployed during a vehicle pursuit on I-40 in Crittenden County,” West Memphis, AR. Eight years and ten days after his becoming an Arkansas State Trooper, Corporal Mark Carthron, known for his smile and firm handshake, died in a Memphis, TN, hospital on Monday, September 12, 2005. Doris acknowledges that the State of Arkansas remains vigilant in its support of the Carthron Family. A

After 56 years of providing quality shoe repair service to the Texarkana community, Thomas C. Carthron, Sr. proprietor of Carthron Shoe Repair, is retiring. …Thank you for your loyal patronage over the years!

Perhaps it is time for some rest. Linn Mayo questioned, “You mean you can’t find someone to teach?” T. C. just shrugs, “I don’t have time to make somebody watch. The boys saw how hard I worked. One would always go to sleep under the counter, and the other one was more interested in watching birds.

Shoes are not the same anymore. The materials and craftsmanship are poor on most of them and can’t be repaired. When someone calls today and asks, ‘Can you repair my shoes?’ my only answer is, ‘I’ll have to look at them.’”

T. C. Carthron, with pride, shows the pair of Florsheim Imperial Wingtip Shoes on which he put a record 10 pairs of soles, a possibility because he went back through the same holes for each pair.

When the customer once complained that the most recent soles had not lasted as long as the previous ones, T. C. calmly showed him on the worn sole the date T.C. had recorded —the day of the repair. “He has his way of doing things,” Doris says.

“He’s gonna’ do it right or not at all.”

T. C.’s blue denim apron splashed with spots and streaks of various colors may be put aside, but the influence of the Carthron Family will long be remembered.

They have been pioneers, as they stepped forward to assume responsibility and let their actions speak for their commitment to the citizens of their community— regardless of color or ethnic origin. Family, faith and doing the job right have been the ammunition of their TEXARKANA REVOLUTION. Their presence has changed our community and the lives of all with whom they have come in contact.

Although Texarkana will miss them and their services, they have earned a hearty, happy, healthy retirement.

by Christine Amos

Hot Dog in The City~ Left in the car looking pretty...

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ot! Hot! Hot! You’ve probably heard news reports of dogs suffocating inside cars on warm days. Here are suggestions for educating people about leaving pets in cars, and what to do if you see a pet in distress.

It takes only minutes for a pet left in a vehicle on a warm day to succumb to heatstroke and suffocation. Most people don’t realize how hot it can get in a parked car on a balmy day.

However, on a 78 degree day, temperatures in a car parked in the shade can exceed 90 degrees -- and hit a scorching 160 degrees if parked in the sun!

Rolling down a window or parking in the shade doesn’t guarantee protection either, since temperatures can still climb into the danger zone. And if the window is rolled down sufficiently, the pet can escape.

Plus if a passer-by claims he or she was bitten through the car window, the pet owner will be liable.

What about leaving the dog in the car with the airconditioning running? Many people do this, but tragedy can strike -- and it has. For example, in 2003, a police dog in Texas died after the air-conditioning in the patrol car shut down and began blowing hot air. The air system’s compressor kicked off because the engine got too hot. Many cars, including modern models with computerized functions, are prone to the same problem. In August 2004, a North Carolina couple lost two of their beloved dogs, and nearly lost their third dog, as result of a similar failure. They had left bowls of water and ice in the car, and the air-conditioning on, during their shopping trip of less than 30 minutes.

Animals are not able to sweat like humans do. Dogs cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paws. If they have only overheated air to breathe, animals can collapse, suffer brain damage and possibly die of heatstroke. Just 15 minutes can be enough for an animal’s body temperature to climb from a normal 102.5 to deadly levels that will damage the nervous and cardiovascular systems, often leaving the animal comatose, dehydrated and at risk of permanent impairment or death.

Be Cautious: * Leave your dog at home on warm days.

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* On trips with your pet, bring plenty of fresh drinking water and bowl. * Don’t let dogs ride loose in pick-up truck beds. The hot metal can burn a dog’s paws, the sun and flying debris can hurt the dog, the dog can accidentally be thrown out of the truck if the brakes are suddenly applied, and the dog can jump out if scared or upon seeing something interesting to chase.

Instead, use a crate to create a safer space for the dog if you can’t fit the dog inside the truck cab. * Take the dog into the shade, an air conditioned area, or to the vet if you see signs of heat exhaustion, which include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, dark tongue, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness or lack of coordination. To lower body temperature gradually, give the animal water to drink, place a cold towel or ice pack on the head, neck and chest, and/or immerse the dog in cool (not cold) water. Call your veterinarian. *If you see a pet in a vehicle on a hot day, take immediate action: * Note the car make, model, color and tag number. * Call the police, which usually can respond much faster than can animal control departments. The police have the capability to enter the vehicle and rescue the pet.

It is against the law in most jurisdictions to leave a pet unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of the animal.

Please love your pet enough to not leave it in the heat of a car. It can be a terrible way to die.

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

by Anne Fruge

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

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ike many other women in the community, Kerri works a full time job, comes home and wonders what she is going to cook or buy for dinner and spends many evenings running her children, Blake, 12, and Grace, 11, from activity to activity.

In the midst of the daily business of being a wife and mother, Kerri has decided to not settle for simply getting through life, but to strive to use the daily opportunities she’s given to show the love of God to others.

“Threaded through every moment of my daily life is the awareness that I’m on this Earth for more than my daily to-do list,” Kerri says. “I don’t just want to live in the bubble of my own world, but to shine Jesus in everything. To do more…help more…love more.”

When Kerri was only three years old, she was “preaching” to her dad with a Bible in her hand even though she couldn’t read it. At five years old, she started singing at Red Lick Methodist Church. She credits the foundation she received while growing up there for giving her a passion to share Jesus with others.

“I always knew about Jesus and that He was the most important one I should look to,” Kerri says. “I hope to share Jesus with people…not just in words but in actions. The only success I count in this lifetime is to simply walk like Jesus did. It’s a day by day success that’s more important to me than any other 5 or 10 year plan I could strive for.”

Kerri grew up in Red Lick, but when her dad became a preacher at Buchanan Methodist Church, Kerri’s family moved to Liberty-Eylau.

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trek, but to a 14 year old, this was major!”

Kerri says.

“However, I found some amazing friends there, and my senior year, I started dating Randy Crocker, who I married a year later. The move was a blessing to say the least! We’ve been married 18 years, and I’m looking forward to 20 because it’s my dream to celebrate it in Hawaii!”

Kerri and Randy built a relationship and family together. They have worked side by side at the family business, Texarkana Machine, for almost 20 years. However, they also built a ministry together. Randy helped Kerri with the music ministry she founded, and now they both are youth pastors at Red Lick Methodist Church.

“As a husband, sound man, jewelry maker for my merchandise table, a muscle to cart equipment, an ear to listen and solve issues, and a financial supporter for new CD projects and business ideas, Randy is a blessing and an intricate piece of the ministry God has entrusted me with,” Kerri says.

Kerri’s singing ministry really started when she took the stage at 5 years

old, but she also went on to lead the choir at Red Lick Methodist Church and the music at Williams Memorial Methodist Church. While singing in churches, Kerri was inspired to start a women’s outreach ministry with her best friend, Shelly Wilson, called Drama Queen’s for the King.

“We sing and share with girls and women how beautiful they are to Jesus and remind them of the amazing plans He has for them,” Kerri says. “We hand out crowns and have activities for them, all pointing their value to Jesus. We put the crown on their head and tell them, when Jesus is in your heart, you are royalty because your Father is the King.”

Through their traveling ministry, Kerri and Shelly are able to meet diverse crowds and people in all walks of life. They enjoy singing and talking with congregations and the ability to encourage other Christians, as well as those who do not know Jesus at all.

“I can’t stand before people and not tell them how much Jesus loves them,” Kerri says. “I can’t say that enough, and I have never met a crowd that didn’t need to hear it.

There are so many people that believe they are not worthy of His love and that breaks my heart.

My favorite verse in the Bible is in Psalm 139 when it says that God thinks of YOU more than there are grains of sands. If you have visited a beach lately, think of trying to count the grains on your flip flops…impossible!

And to think the Creator of this world thinks of you that much!

Humbling, amazing and 100% fact!”

One day while in a church service, Kerri felt nudged to ask for prayers for a cure for cancer. Randy and Kerri prayed

for a way to get the message out to the masses, and roadside billboards came as the answer. They’ve had billboards in Little Rock, Texarkana and along the route to MD Anderson.

“When God calls you to do something, you might not have what you’d think is the proper training to take that first step, but never doubt that HE will guide you step by step,” Kerri says. “We have been blessed by companies like Lamar that believe in what we are doing.”

Then, in the beginning of 2011, Randy told Kerri that he felt the call to serve the youth of their home church at Red Lick First Methodist.

They prayed together for three months, and then decided to take the job to “one of the most amazing, life-changing roles ever.” Feeling the need to help these young people walk like Jesus, one of their youth, Brionna Kegley, came up with the name of the “J-Walkers (Jesus Walkers).”

“And what an appropriate name it is! Our name is our mission,” Kerri says. “Senior high youth ministry is the last thing I ever thought I’d do in my life. But, now looking back, I can see how God was preparing me and my husband for years.

Our lives have been transformed since working with the most awesome youth on this earth! They’ve captured my hearts and are in my thoughts and prayers daily.”

Randy and Kerri have sought to instill the fact that walking like Jesus means loving others and have provided the youth with numerous service opportunities in the community. They have cleaned elder church members’ windows, cleaned yards, helped Habitat for Humanity and fed the homeless with Chad Matthews. Through helping teach and mentor the youth, Kerri believes she has found her true calling.

“My touring partner says that I’m night and day now,” Kerri says. “I’ve found my passion, which is strange because I used to think it was just singing. This has shown me that in life we keep on moving, progressing. Like Paul said in Philippians

3:14, ‘I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’ Pressing on doesn’t mean doing the same thing forever, and this has taught me that.”

Kerri and Randy’s decision to change their lives has been confirmed by the times they were able to see a young person find Jesus.

“Our youth ministry is growing together as a family and though the goal is to share Jesus, pray that they come to know him as their Savior, the most amazing thing is the journey we take with them…loving them….then rejoicing with them when they see Jesus as He is. These are moments I will never forget,” Kerri says.

“I’m no different from so many that are reading this article,” Kerri says. “None of us are above or below anyone. God loves us all the same, so why not you? Why wouldn’t He call you to start a ministry you know nothing about like a billboard ministry, or leave something you knew and loved like leading worship for taking on a youth ministry? I encourage you to get to know Jesus. Learn to hear His voice and be the one that says, ‘I will do whatever you want me to do, Lord’ because he has something amazing planned for your life.”

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by Vincent Senatore

Grin and Beer It...

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can remember the day when my friends and I pilfered a can of a warm Schaefer Beer (official beer of the NY Mets) from one of our parent’s pantries. We huddled around a pile of cinder blocks behind the shed at my house and prepared to step into manhood with our first beer. For some of us, this was going to be our first taste of an adult beverage and we were ready. Well, not completely ready.

In those days, one needed a can opener (we called it a church key) to pierce the top of the can. And you had to make two piercings: one to vent and one to drink or pour. We, of course, used a screwdriver as our can opener because we forgot that we needed to open the can in order to drink it. Also, we should have been aware that beer is carbonated and when shook, banged, bumped and slammed on a cinder block table, it might be slightly agitated. It took 3 stabs and a rock to get the first hole in the can. I’ll bet I don’t have to tell you what happened next. That’s right! We had a beer shower that would force us to avoid any parental contact until the smell wore off. I’m fairly sure that we didn’t fool anyone. However, once we were able to get our sight back, we each took a turn gulping down a swig of warm beer.

I can remember that moment like it was yesterday. The flavor, the

taste, the bubbles, it was “crap.” I couldn’t believe how bad that beer was. However, my displeasure with the beer was heavily masked by the need to fit in. My friends were barking masculine sounds of great achievement while belching enormous clouds of beer gases. While I wasn’t all that enamored with the beer experience, I reveled in the moment and didn’t care about the uncomfortable aftermath of the next few hours.

I must admit that my foray into the adult beverage world didn’t start off too great. But, I have found a great deal of respect for the people who produce these beverages; especially brewers. Little did I know how much the industry would grow and the product lines would expand? I am going to try to give you, the consumer, a brief description of the types and styles of beers one might find in our marketplace.

Basically, beer is categorized into one of three different categories: lagers, ales, and the rest fall into a category called specialty beers.

Lager style - yeast sinks to the bottom and is commonly known as bottom fermenting beer. Lagers need cool temperatures during fermentation to draw out their flavor and smell. Lagers tend to be lighter in color and usually taste drier than ales. They are generally less alcoholic and complex. This is the most common beer type sold in the U.S. and most Americans (based on their advertisements) tend to drink this type of beer entirely too cold. Obviously, the beers of Anheuser Busch, Coors Brewery and Miller Brewing Co. would totally fit this category. Another beer that would fit in this grouping and the most popular, worldwide is the Pilsner (the lightest and most carbonated of the lager style).

The next category is Ale. Ale’s yeast is top fermenting because it tends to gather at the surface of the brew during the first few days before slowly settling to the bottom. This allows for the ale to extract the complexities slowly and more completely. To brew ale, fermentation must take place in warmer temperatures for the yeast to multiply and do its magic. Ales are usually higher in alcohol and will be noticeably fuller and more complex. The following is a list of brews that fall in the ale category: English Bitter Ale, Pale Ale and India Pale Ale (creamier and more fragrant), Scottish Ale (darker and higher in alcohol than the English Ale). If you like big, dark and full flavors, one might lean toward the Stouts and Porters. This style is usually higher in alcohol and packs a flavor-filled punch.

Specialty beers are ales, lagers or a combination of both that will contain other ingredients that cause it to not fit into a true ale or lager style. An example of Specialty beer would be fruit and vegetable beers and spiced or herbal beers like Blue Moon, Lindeman’s Lambic Fruit, Leinenkugles and the Michelob fruit flavors.

Obviously, I’m only scratching the surface of the world of beer. There are extraordinary flavors and tastes that are ever expanding and the world of the “Micro-brew” is making the beer world a much more fun place. All I can say is that if I would have tasted one of the English Bitter Ales instead of a typical easy to drink lager, I might be in the Lady’s Haberdashery business instead of the adult beverage business.

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Remember to consumer all of your adult beverages in moderation.

TRAHc presents...

Monday, September 17

The Midtown Men Thursday, October 4

Sinbad

Celebrating 32 Years of Excellence

Tuesday, October 16

Broadway Rox Saturday, November 10

Satisfaction

Thursday, December 13

Cirque Dreams Holidaze Saturday, January 26 Full Series (7 shows) available to everyone now!

Series 4-Pack on sale to TRAHC Members – July 13th; General Public July 29th

A Chorus Line

Thursday, February 28

Biloxi Blues

t e x a r k a n a r e g i o n a l a r t s & h u m a n i t i e s C o u n c i l 903.792.4992 trahc.org August 2012

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Find us on

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

2012 Mid-Year Outlook, Campaign 2012: What the Elections Hold for Investors

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t the end of last year finding a middle ground, or Meeting in the Middle, was key for growth in the markets and economy.

So far, this has been reflected in economic and market data. Notably, at this year’s midpoint, the gap between consumer confidence and leading economic indicators has narrowed about halfway.

However, when divergent rational facts and emotional feelings attempt to converge, it usually comes with some ups and downs. We have experienced this in the first half of 2012, with large upswings and dramatic downdrafts in market performance. We do anticipate that this volatility will persist for the rest of 2012 — though it hopefully mellows a bit as we get some clarity around the November elections.

We continue to believe that: *The U.S. economy will grow about 2%, supported by soft sentiment and hard data continuing to converge. *The U.S. stock market will likely post high single-digit to low double-digit gains, backed by mid-to-high single-digit earnings growth. *Corporate bonds will post modest single-digit gains and outperform government bonds. *Policy-driven events will hold major consequences for investors.

In our 2012 Outlook, we stated that the party that emerges in control following the November 2012 elections will forge the decisions that represent one of the biggest shifts in the federal budget policy since World War II. During the next several months, the elections will likely become an increasingly potent driver of the overall markets and particular investments as well as determine whether our expectations for the year come to fruition.

In our Mid-Year Outlook, we explore the potential investment impacts of policy and legislative 92

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changes resulting from the election. Our outlook over the second half of 2012 for the economy, the stock market, and the bond market are on track based on our 2012 Outlook forecasts. However, financial markets will react in anticipation of potential election impacts and influence stock and bond market performance. In the stock market, we continue to focus on sectors that derive more of their growth from more rapidly growing emerging markets and business spending. In the bond market, we continue to focus on higher yielding sectors that may outperform in a low-yield environment resulting from political uncertainty, sluggish economic growth, and ongoing risks from 8 Europe.

This election can be broken down into many issues for analysis. We can think of these issues as campaign stops on our journey across the current political landscape. As we explore these issues, we will be making stops at the White House, Congress at the Capitol Building, and the Federal Reserve. We will head down Main Street to discuss the budget, move on to talk taxes in the town square, and then make a pit stop to talk about the sector impacts of policy changes on Wall Street. Finally, we will move on to Europe for the impact of the numerous elections on the second half of 2012.

By: Jeffrey Kleintop, CFA Chief Market Strategist LPL Financial The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult me prior to investing. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

The economic forecasts set forth in the presentation may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful. * Please reference the Mid-Year Outlook 2012 and Outlook 2012 for additional perspective on our beliefs mentioned within this letter.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

This research material has been prepared by LPL Financial.

To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor, please note that LPL Financial is not an affiliate of and makes no representation with respect to such entity.

Not FDIC/NCUA Insured | Not Bank/Credit Union Guaranteed | May Lose Value Not Guaranteed by any Government Agency | Not a Bank/Credit Union Deposit *Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC*

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Zeta Phi Beta Popcorn Social

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1. Herise Williams, Shae Watson, LaRhonda Hamilton, Jo Ann Rice and Lillie Young 2. Keyundra Sanders, Miss Blue Revue 2012 3. Archonettes 2012 4. Amicettes 2012 5. Nyla Tucker, Lil’ Miss Blue Revue 2012 6. Ashyki Paxton and Journea Williams 7. Bryia Lewis 8. Madison Holman 9. Herise Williams, LaRhonda Hamilton and Shae Watson 10. Shanette Hatcher 11. Kathy Malone and Shae Watson 12.. Nikah Hatcher and LaRhonda Hamilton 13. Shae Watson and Angela Lester 14. Latoya Jamison and Shae Watson

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New Balance Survivor of the Year

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Johnny Carinos

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7/17/12

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1. Patsy Morriss and Lucy Sarrett 2. Bonnie Lamb, Linda Scurlock and Terrie Arnold 3. Donna Harrison, DeAnn Goins and Lindsey Lender 4. Cindy Hubbard, Ruth Ann Branin Dena Ashby and Ann Renfro 5. Kelley Crisp and Kim Covey 6. DeAnn Goins, Donna Harrison, Kathi and Tim Hickerson 7. Kathi and Tim Hickerson 8. Terrie Arnold presenting Kathi Hickerson with New Balance Bracelet 9. Terrie Arnold and Kathi Hickerson 10. Kathi Hickerson begins to share her story

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Grand Opening

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Salvation Army Store

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6/29/12

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1. Korean War Veterans Chapter 221 Texarkana, Tx 2. Tyler Flack, Laura Spencer, Ryan Flack and Trudie Spencer 3. Betty Medrano and Lt. Lacy Parrish 4. Erin King, Zoey King, Zabrina King, Rhonda Snyder and Zane King 5. Kathy Scott and Loretta Gennings 6. Esmeralda Hernandez and Thomas Blocker 7. Latasha Cox and Diana Radford 8. Diane Radford, Maj. Sally Parrish and Gracie Parrish 9. Vicki Carr and Bonnie Montgomery 10. David Green 11. Lt. Jimmy Parrish, Gracie Parrish and Lt. Lacy Parrish

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Pleasant Grove Championship Celebration

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1. Atheletic Booster Club- Bubba Ashby, Dena Ashby, Caven Carpenter Robert Bright 2. Cindy Walker, Bob Goline and Joyce Cook 3. Morgan Morris, Tori Blain, Mindy Lynn 4. Tom Walker and David Mims 5. Jennifer Day and Jim Day 6. - 9. Parade photos 10. P.G. Baseball team 11. Parade photo 12. Coach Grayson Requarth, Coach Craig Jones, Coach Paul Phillips and Coach Cody Deal 13. Mayor Bob Bruggeman and Robert Sheppard 14. Celebration Cake!

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Membership Party

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TRAHC

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6/21/12

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1. Noah Crissman, Charlotte Smelser and Randal Conry 2. Julie and Ron Collins 3. Donna Garrett and Paula Foster 4. Sylvia Waldrop, Nancy Sandefur, Sallie Dill 5. Don Morriss and Sherri Waters 6. Mary Jane Orr, Brian Goesl and Nita Fran Hutchinson 7. Victoria, Thomas and Justin Smith 8. Mike Covert and Nicole Elam 9. Dawna Rogers and Michael “Jimi” Hendrix 10. Phyllis Russell, Bobbie Holman and Sylvia Waldrop 11. Aaron Brand and Nita Fran Hutcheson 12. Bettye Megason, Shirley and Bill Ware 13. Nita Fran Hutcheson, Michael “Jimi” Hendrix and Dawna Rogers 14. Michael “Jimi” Hendrix and Dawna Rogers

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

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

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

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

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

Texarkana Humane Society

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

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

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

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

Do you have an animal that needs a new home?

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

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

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

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

2. Meet Greenlee! She is a precious little Daschund/ Terrier mix weighing around 21 pounds. She is less than a year old, spayed, microchipped, current on all vaccinations and negative for heartworms. This little lady loves to please and gets along great with other dogs. Greenlee and her pups were abandoned on the side of the road and unfortunately 2 of her pups were run over; however, she along with 5 of her pups were able to be saved. For more info call Lee Ann at 903244-4847.

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3. Sam is a handsome boxer mix. He is a little over a year, weighing around 55 pounds. He is neutered, fully vetted and on heart and flea/tick prevention. He is also housetrained. Sam can be a little shy at first but will warm up to you. He is a very well mannered dog and would be a great playmate for your kids. For more info call Sherrie at 903-838-6334.

4. This is Holly. She’s a sweet girl, about 4-5 months old, that is working through her shyness and becoming a loving dog. She is great with other dogs. She’s a healthy and sweet buckskin mixed breed Boxer/Staffie.

Contact Susan at 903-244-4524 for more information.

5. Feather is a spayed Pomeranian mix weighing a little over 9 pounds. She is current on all shots, on heartworm and flea prevention, microchipped and housetrained. Feather is such a sweet and loving little

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girl. She would be a great addition to anyone’s home.

For more info call Diana at 903-838-4960.

6. Sidney is a piebald daschund weighing about 16 pounds. He has been neutered, current on all shots, microchipped, heartworm negative and ready for that furever home. Sidney gets along well with other dogs and would be a great addition to your family. He was abandoned along with his siblings in the woods. For more info contact Crickett at 903-832-2321.

7. Big Sam is a 3 year old, 88 pound black lab that is full of love. He has been fully vetted, neutered, vaccinations, microchipped and is negative for heartworms. He will be a wonderful addition to any family. For more info please call Lee Ann at 903-2444847.

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1. Foster is about 2 years old and weighs about 4 lbs. His owner gave him up in April and he’s ready for someone to give him the love he deserves!

2. Cameron is a Pomeranian. He’s about 2 years old and weighs about 10 lbs. He’s ready for a loving home.

3. Lady is a Terrier mix. She is very shy and quite. Lady’s been at the shelter since the beginning of June and would love a home to

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

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

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

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

We’re also on Facebook!

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

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

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go snuggle at.

4. Terry is a Great Pyrenees. He’s nuetered, about 6 months old and weighs about 80 lbs. Terry is super sweet and loves to give kisses. He’s looking for someone to love him and spend time with him, especially on walks!

5. Chris is also a Great Pyrenees, about 6 months old and weighs in around 70 lbs. She’s been spayed and is a sweetheart. She loves

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7. Venus is a Labrador mix. He weighs around 65 lbs and would love a home to call his own. He doesn’t jump and loves to give kisses!

8. Batman is a Labrador mix and he weighs about 75 lbs. He’s mysterious and will love you forever. You won’t regret giving him a chance.

9. Matt is a weighs about 65 lbs. He loves fresh air and everything outside. He’s a very social dog and loves using his extra long tongue to give kisses. He just needs someone to love.

10. Pat is a Shih Tzu mix. He arrived at the shelter in May and would love a good home; quiet or loud, doesn’t matter to him as long as he’s loved.

Who else can help?

Artex Animal Welfare, Inc. (mostly horses) 903.824.1990

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to take long naps and cuddle. She and her brother, Terry, have been at the shelter since the beginning of July and are ready for a home with lots of love.

6. Graham is a Labrador mix. He weighs about 60 lbs and has been at the shelter since the first of June. He loves doggy treats and going on walks. Looking for your new best friend? Here he is!

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11. Bear is a Shepard mix, about 3 years old and weighs about 25 lbs.

She was an owner give up and needs love.

12. Charlie is a Labrador mix, about 3 years old and weighs about 20 lbs. He was an owner give up and is already nuetered. He’s ready to go home!

13. Ari is a Schnauzer and is about 1 year old. He loves getting brushed and playing outside. He’s really sweet and just needs someone who loves him.

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

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

Want to help but can’t adopt?

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

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

Many of you may remember Lucy and Louie, the 2 schnauzers that were dumped and Lucy had a broken leg.

After more than 1 surgery repairing her broke leg and her foster mom caring for her since January Diana could not bear to let her go and ended up adopting her. In Diane’s own words “She is a very delica te and fragile little girl. Thanks Texarkana Humane Society and all the other unknown dog fairy angels for helping save this wonderful little girl that was abandoned under a bridge with a broken leg.” We know Lucy will be happy and well cared for and thanks Diana for all you do!

(Courtesy of the Texarkana Humane Society)

Happy Tails!

August 2012

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August Calendar Aug 1-17

Story Hour at the Texarkana Public Library. Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00 a.m., through August 17th. No registration required. For more information, 903-7942149.

Aug 4

Texarkana Gazette Garage Sale at the Four States Fair Grounds. For more information, 903-792-7191.

Aug 9-11

Hope Watermelon Festival. Fair Park - Hope, Arkansas.

THREE DAYS OF FAMILY FUN! EASTON CORBIN will also Highlight the event Saturday August 11th. Southwest Arkansas’ Largest Arts & Crafts Show Music Games & Children’s Activities & Great Food. Antique Car Show, Antique Engine Show, Softball Tournament, Ice Cold

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of Events

Hope Watermelon By The Slice. Sponsored by the Hope Hempstead County. For more information, 870-7773640.

Aug 23-25

Polka Dot’s and Lollipops Children’s Consignment Sale at the Four States Fair Grounds. For more information, 903-792-7191.

Aug 28

17th annual Wild About Wellness Children’s Health Fair: free health screenings free admission free activities free entertainment. Held at the Four States Fair Grounds.

10:00AM to 2:00PM. For more information, 903-2444282.

Aug 28

Texarkana, Texas Farmers’ Market, located at 305 Texas Blvd in historic downtown Texarkana will be open for the 2012 farmers’ market season through the summer on Saturdays from 7am until noon or sold out. Now accepting debit and SNAP cards! Featured items include fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, plus crafts, baked goods, eggs, meats, home-canned items, tomatoes (of course!) and so much more. Special events will take place the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. For more information, 903-798-3903.

Aug 31

Harvest Texarkana Regional Food Bank 3rd Annual TexarCANa Kick Hunger Bowl at Texas High vs.

Arkansas High football game. Bring a canned item or $1= 5 pounds of food to support your favorite team and the community. For more information, 870-774-1398.

Bill Spradlin Realtor 903-748-3186

Tracy Spradlin Broker 903-748-2477

Jan Williams Realtor 903-277-5771

Karyn Baucum Realtor 903-278-3836

Cody Sandone Realtor 903-276-7565

Justin Sandone Realtor 903-701-6721

Jessica Snow Realtor 903-293-9183

Stephanie Maddox

Office Manager 903-223-0710

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Want a New Home in the New Year?

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Jason Cree

Branch Manager NMLS #209270 | AR #17523

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

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

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© 2012. SWBC. All rights reserved. Loans are subject to credit approval. Certain conditions and lending guidelines apply.

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