ALT Magazine September 2016

ALT magazine

covering the ark-la-tex

September 2016 | Vol. 10, Issue 9

hidden treasures Donald and Winnie Duncan share a lifetime of memories.

AGING IS A STATE OF MIND

Fighting negative stereotypes about aging, can unleash the fountain of youth.

S

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ALT magazine

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ON THE COVER

ALT

Donald and Winnie Duncan share their story of love, marriage, and living in the small town of Texarkana.

magazine

covering the ark-la-tex

September 2016 Vo l . 1 0 , I s s u e 9

COO / PUBLISHER / FOUNDER Debbie Brower

Fo r a d v e r t i s i n g i n f o r m a t i o n , call 903.334.9605

CONT ENTS THIS MONTH 22 Aging is a State of Mind 26 Blooming Blessings

44

CO-FOUNDER / SALES MANAGER Jaclyn Gooding 903-334-9605

Our Fashion issue is always flashy and fun! Check out the all of our exciting new looks for this fall!

76

PETS

SALES & MARKETING Debbie Brower 903.334.9605 GRAPHIC DESIGN Lisa Alexander, Kelsey Key, Amber Mason PHOTOGRAPHY Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Sylvia Jennings, Studio 5A, Erin Walker CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mike Brower, Dustin Stringer, and Amber Mason FEATURE WRITERS Carrie Atkinson, Anne Fruge Granado, Debbie Brower If you have an event you would like to include in our Upcoming Events section, please e-mail us at: info@alt-mag.com.

33 Life Lessons From An Elder 34 God With Us 72 Texarkana Animal League

REGULARS 62 Hot Spots 65 Calender of Events 66 Fish Tales 71 Financial Focus

06 ALT Magazine | September 2016

A LT - M AG . c o m info@alt-mag.com 101 Slaton Dr. Nash, TX 75569 (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.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

DEBBIE BROWER

People who believe that diamonds are a girl’s best friend have never owned a dog.

I love my dogs. I also love the saying that people who think diamonds are a girl’s best friend never owned a dog is very true! I don’t know what I would do without coming home to unconditional love, kisses and cuddles.

As I have grown older, it has been so wonderful to have that unconditional love. My dogs have kept me young.

They get me up in the morning -- oh, yes! We all get up early, no matter what!

And they tell me what time it is to go to

08 ALT Magazine | September 2016

bed. They have their routines and we stick to them for the most part.

It was a pleasure to talk to Winnie and Donald Duncan, and meet their precious dog, Callahan. They, too, love the unconditional love that a pet can bring to your life. Their lives have been so full of helping others and sharing their gifts.

It was wonderful to be able to share their love of pets, art, and kindness. You never know where you may meet others you feel are a lot like yourself, and I believe the Duncans are very much like many in my life.

This month has been full of joy! We welcomed a new graphic designer,

Lisa Alexander, and she has been a true joy! Coming to us with years of experience, she joined our team at full pace. We are fortunate she chose to be a part of our team!

If you call our office, please welcome her!

As we gear up for fall, with all the weather and fashion that goes along with that, I hope you will find joy in whatever you do.

May God bless you and yours.

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HIDDEN A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES...

Words by Debbie Brower Bev Doolittle lines the walls, a hint of what is to come. Doolittle, known to many as the “Visual Storyteller,” chose a life living close to nature, close to the things she loved. She has spent her life as a “camouflage artist” because of her distinctive use of context, design and pattern to help viewers discover hidden meanings in her art. Once seen, they are obvious. She uses techniques to draw the eye to other parts of the canvas, slowing down the storytelling. It’s no surprise that her art covers the walls here.

Donald and Winnie Duncan have known each other most of their lives. Having grown up in the same neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee, they attended the same school, even walked the same route to school each day.

They, however, never really knew each other 014 ALT Magazine | September 2016

because there was a 5 year difference in their ages – while Winnie was in the 7th grade, Donald was a senior. Although he knew her older brother, it was not meant to be…at that time.

Upon graduation from high school, Donald

TREASURES spent another year in school in Massachusetts, from where he won a scholarship to Washington and Lee University. Upon graduation with his bachelor’s degree, the YWCA contacted him and asked if he would like to run a church camp. There they once again met, and according to Donald, “I really saw Winnie,” who was working as a camp counselor. The summer was a whirlwind of romance for the two, and in the fall, when Donald started medical school back in Memphis, they remained together.

While Donald was busy studying, Winnie went to work as a bookkeeper at Cole Manufacturing, a wholesale company that had several branches. She was in charge of accounting, payroll and cost analysis for the New Orleans branch.

Upon graduation from medical school, on December 22, 1961, the two married.

Donald immediately started an internship, followed by 2 ½ years in the Navy, with 6 months spent on destroyers and 2 years spent in Pensacola, Florida, as a flight surgeon. He continued to be a flight surgeon for a reserve Marine fighter squadron after he finished his active duty in Pensacola and

ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 015

began his four year surgery residency.

Interesting note is that in the 60’s, residency pay started at $125 per month.

Yep, that’s right!

You could actually make as much as $245 per month.

Not quite as much as doctors these days make, but the two had saved their money from the years in the Navy, bought a 2 bedroom home (at a cost of $12,000), and they made it. As Winnie explained, laughing, “We could always eat free at the hospital if we wanted to.” I guess the old song that love is all you need was indeed correct!

All that was left to do was find a job and go to work. As the two were searching for a new place to live, because they decided Memphis was just too big, Bob Bransford and Walter Barnes contacted them and offered the now Dr. Duncan a position at Southern Clinic. There were no large contracts to sign, no promises on paper. There was only a handshake between the three men, and the couple, and their young son, were on their way to Texarkana.

Medical licenses were applied for, and at that time, all new physicians were required to bring their actual licenses to the board. Evidently there was someone who forged his certificates and practiced medicine for a while before being caught. According to Winnie, “No, it wasn’t Frank Abagnale, but it had a very similar story.” Luckily, Dr. Duncan’s certificates were 016 ALT Magazine | September 2016

in order and he was awarded his li- in school, she was a busy lady. cense.

Nowadays, the Duncans have a little The Duncans spent their lives here, more time to spend relaxing. They raising their two sons, Tom and Jeff. have made their home a “cocoon” of peace, tucking their lives into the quiet of the backyard oasis that exists. Dr. Duncan, ever the working man, continues to see patients at Primary Care Specialists, located at 24th and College, although he doesn’t perform surgeries anymore.

He has been constantly employed as a physician for 54 years and enjoys being a physician, as he emphasizes, “with no intention of ever retiring. If I had my wishes I would one day die at work while examining a good patient.”

However, he has so many other things he is immersed in. As he explained, ‘I diagnosed myself with cancer in my tonsil in 2013. After going through chemo and surgery, I was pronounced cancer free in April of 2014. It gives you a different perspective on things.” It also gave him a differFollowing college, Tom eventually ent perspective on how he treats his became a commercial airline pilot for patients and other people in his life.

American Airlines, while Jeff moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, to work for W. Callahan, their white Bull Terrier, is L. Gore Company. Both now have a part of their family and loved by two children of their own. As Winnie both, as well as any of their friends described, “He worked at Southern who visit regularly. Winnie has alClinic and I worked at home, raising ways loved and cared for her dogs so two children and becoming involved much that friends have repeatedly in this wonderful community.” As a told the couple they hope there is member of the Junior League, the that thing called reincarnation and, Bowie Miller Medical Society, the if it is, they want to come back as Medical Auxiliary, and Opportuni- Winnie’s dog. Lounging on the couch ties Board, as well as helping with St. while we talked, Callahan gets his James while her children were there share of attention – especially when

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he decided to hide in the backyard and was thought to be missing as we finished talking! After searching the neighborhood, he was found in a cool spot in the corner. He just didn’t want to be bothered! Heart rates now returning to normal, we all rejoiced.

Normally a way to relax, sitting, petting and loving, today was the exception!

Throughout the garden, where Callahan found his quiet spot, there are nooks that can be used to “hide from the world.”

Art work, done

by Donald, dots the walls and fences. Trout is the theme – some readily seen, some hidden until noticed. Much like Bev Doolittle, Dr. Duncan has found a way to express his own thoughts in his artwork.

018 ALT Magazine | September 2016

While walking through this oasis, Winnie makes sure I know about her husband’s “time out” spot – and urged me to go see it. When he needs his own space, there is one special spot Dr. Duncan goes. “It’s quiet and peaceful and gives me a place to just think about what needs to be done or just to get away from everything,” he says.

Something we all need in life.

They are both still busy helping others, including a book written by Dr. Duncan about another physician who became friends with him while they worked together. The book, “Miscarriage of Justice,” is the story of a local physician who both Donald and Winnie believe was wrongly convicted of a felony. As Dr. Duncan tells me, “I’m not going to tell you the whole story. You will have to read the book!” And reading is what I’m doing.

Writing, painting, enjoying life, what else would you expect? This couple has spent their lives, in this small town of Texarkana, helping others in need. The treasures they have stored with their kindness and love will forever live in the hearts and minds of those they have helped.

“I didn’t have any place to go and after I got here I realized this is the best place I could be. I love the whole staff from the top to the bottom.”

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ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 019

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ow we feel about getting old matters. A lot. Research has proved that if we think about getting older in terms of decline or disability, our health likely will suffer. If, on the other hand, we see aging in terms of opportunity and growth, our bodies respond in kind. That research holds out the possibility for much healthier aging. But it also points to a very big obstacle: Negative stereotypes about aging are pervasive in America. Even many older adults embrace the idea that getting old is a bad thing—which means they’re doing potentially serious harm to their health without realizing it. Can we change the way we feel about aging—and improve our prospects for healthier senior years? Negative stereotypes about getting older can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. “What people aren’t aware of is that they have the ability to overcome and resist negative stereotypes” and “compensate for the ill effects of automatic ageism.” With that in mind, here are some ways people can better protect themselves from the potentially harmful effects of stereotypes about aging.

S

cientists aren’t sure exactly how holding negative stereotypes affects health, but they say it’s clear that there is a connection, and it isn’t simply correlation. Over the past two decades, dozens of studies from psychologists, medical doctors and neuroscientists have shown that older people with more negative views of aging fare more poorly on health than those with less-pessimistic attitudes.

Far from feeling more depressed or lonely than younger people, older people tend to express greater satisfaction with their relationships. Some studies have found that, at work, older workers make fewer errors than their younger counterparts. The lesson: While most people assume aging can be explained entirely as a physiological process, beliefs about aging, which are taken from the culture, have an impact.

Education, then, is a start: getting beyond myths about aging and, equally important, understanding that our moods, relationships and overall sense of well-being actually can improve with age, as can knowledge and certain types of intelligence.

022 ALT Magazine | September 2016

RECOGNIZE STEREOTYPES IN EVERY DAY LIFE. The next step is to become more aware of your own thoughts about older people and aging. One thing to guard against: a tendency to blame things automatically and reflexively on age. Many older adults automatically attribute physical and health problems to aging, rather than to specific causes that might be treatable. For example, Type 2 diabetes is not caused by age but by a poor diet, lack of exercise and other factors, many of which can be addressed. Others chalk up occasional memory lapses to “senior moments,” rather than to disorganization or busyness; in contrast, someone in their 20’s who constantly loses his or her keys would never attribute that to age. Blaming everything on age can “reinforce negative stereotypes in ourselves” that equate aging with decline.

SUBSTITUTE POSITIVE FOR NEGATIVE STEREOTYPES. But being aware of negative stereotypes isn’t enough. Research shows that negative stereotypes about aging have a much stronger influence over older adults than positive ones—so it’s important to learn to emphasize the good side of aging.

ACCEPT THE AGING PROCESS. All that said, it’s important not to go overboard and expect an entirely positive experience of aging. The key is to hold both positive and negative in balance and really understand and own the aging process. On average, individuals ages 40 and older report feeling 20% younger than their actual ages—a tendency that can serve a useful psychological purpose.

Aging is a

state of mind.

ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 023

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“BLOOMING BLESSINGS”

Words by Anne Fruge Granado

Makayla is only nineteen years old, but her age has not stopped her from starting her very own ministry, Blooming Blessings, in the Texarkana area. This ministry delivers flowers to women at local nursing homes where Makayla hopes to spread joy to those who may not have had a visitor in years.

“Flowers are so pure, and they bring a smile to any woman’s face, no matter the age,” Makayla says. “People say, ‘Oh I bet you make their day,’ but the truth is they make mine.”

026 ALT Magazine | September 2016

Makayla’s desire to help others began at a young age while growing up in Genoa, Arkansas. She volunteered at Vacation Bible School and Awanas. She was very involved in her church and would volunteer during the holiday season at Randy Sam’s Homeless Shelter with her family and her church family.

After graduating from Pleasant Grove High

School, Makayla started working at Micah’s Jewelers. However, last year, Makayla’s life changed in ways she could not have foreseen.

Her father, Jimmy Jones, experienced liver failure and had to be placed in a nursing home. He passed away July 29, 2015.

While she was dealing with her grief and loss, Makayla decided to make some life changes. “After all this happened, I was lonely and lost. My friends

were out doing some things that I didn’t want to get involved in, and I decided to turn things around,” Makayla says, “I heard about a connection group for youth my age at Church on the Rock and decided to give it a try. I’ve been going ever since! I’ve met so many new friends, and I feel like I am a part of a big family. We really do so much together. There is always something going on.”

Hungry for the Lord, Makayla started sitting in on the youth ministry sessions every

time the doors were open. “I was there to listen and to learn,” Makayla says. “I knew if I didn’t plug myself into God, I would plug myself into something else.”

Eventually, Makayla was asked to become a youth minister, a position which she has held for the last seven months.

She has recently stepped down from this position to focus on her growing ministry.

“My dad’s death didn’t start my ministry, but it did give me a little push,” Makayla says.

“I started talking to the ladies at the nursing home where my dad was staying and heard how little they saw their own families. It’s always been on my heart to reach out to other people, and I have a really soft spot for elderly people.”

Makayla started buying flowers at Albertson’s and taking them to the nursing ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 027

home after her father passed. Though it was something she enjoyed, Makayla began to pray for a way to continue this practice in a way that wasn’t so costly.

God answered her prayer through a phone call from Albertson’s where a manager offered to donate flowers that were beyond their sale date to Makayla.

With help, Makayla’s ministry was born.

“What I love about visiting the nursing home is that little things brighten their day,” Makayla says.

“Everyone needs some quality time.

What some people don’t understand about making a difference is that you don’t need to do something huge; sometimes just taking the time to visit with someone who’s lonely or to open a door or to pay for a meal. Most of the women I visit just want to talk to me. Some want to hear my backstory or hear my testimony. Some are really open to talking about God or having me pray for them, but many are content with me just asking questions and taking the time to get to know them.”

Makayla needed a name for her ministry, and she knew that she wanted a name that would reference back to flowers and to her mission verse for this ministry, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:8). “A guy at my church suggested Blooming Blessings, and when I heard it, I knew it

028 ALT Magazine | September 2016

was perfect,” Makayla says.

When she first started this endeavor, Makayla occasionally felt unsure about her abilities to succeed. However, she found encouragement from her family, her church family and her friends.

Makayla started attending a prayer group on Tuesday nights through Church on the Rock and met Brittany Bass who became a mentor and supporter for her decision to start Blooming Blessings. “I walked into my first prayer group, and Brittany was the first one to greet me. She became one of my biggest role models, and she really took me under her wing,” Makayla says. “On days when I said, ‘I don’t think I can do this,’ she would push me and give me advice.”

Brittany’s mentorship helped turn doubts into decisions. “I’m so proud of Makayla. She was in a place where she didn’t know what her goals were or what she wanted to do, and she birthed this nonprofit,” Brittany says. “She’s been so faithful to pray for her ministry and give it to God, and I think He has blessed her efforts.”

Makayla has a goal to visit every nursing home in the Texarkana area, but she has to attend the same one several times in order to get every woman a flower. “These ladies’ spirits are so pure. I walk into a nursing home I’ve visited before, and usually a lady I have previously talked to will point to her friend and say, ‘She needs a flower,’” Makayla says. “There are two women, Lena and Bobbie, that I do visit consistently. I’ve never met two that stayed on my heart like these women. Sometimes I tell myself that I need to go to new places, but

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these two women treated me like they had known me my whole life. Both Lena and Bobbie don’t have any family that come visit them, and they’ve become like family to me.”

Makayla hopes her ministry inspires more young people to get involved with nursing homes in their area. “In my experience, people my age don’t want to go visit older people,” Makayla says. “When teenagers ask why I’m doing this, I say, ‘What if that was you? What if you didn’t have anyone to visit you?

Wouldn’t you want someone to do this?’ Plus, I tell them it’s fun. These women make me laugh, and it brightens my day.”

Recently, Makayla knew a friend that was getting married, and she asked her friend what she was doing with the flowers after the wedding. When the friend said she would probably just throw them away, Makayla asked if she could put them to good use. The story of Makayla taking the flowers to Church on the Rock and arranging them to take to the nursing home made it to Facebook and got 500 shares. Now, Makayla has offers from seven brides with weddings throughout the next year to donate their flowers after the ceremony. Several flower shops have reached out

x a M

to her, and she even got a Facebook message from a woman in Alaska who wanted to know if she could donate her flowers. “I hope this inspires more brides to donate their flowers,” Makayla says. “These beautiful bouquets can continue bringing joy even after the wedding is over.”

The simple idea of donating unwanted flowers has spread to friends across the country. A lady in Tyler, Texas, wanted to know if she could use Makayla’s same name, Blooming Blessings, and begin this ministry in her area. Makayla wholeheartedly agreed. “I don’t want this idea or this ministry to just stick with me,” Makayla says, “This is God’s ministry, and I want to keep it going. I want every town to have a nursing home ministry and every nursing home to have people caring about them.” Makayla recently shared some of her donated flowers with a Church on the Rock ministry that visits apartments of single mothers. The same ministry had an event in Spring Lake Park and Blooming Blessings brought just enough flowers for every single woman who gave their life to God to have one. “God knew just how many were going to give their lives to Him and He provided,” Makayla says.

Though people are astonished at her age when they see what all Makayla has accomplished on her own, Makayla doesn’t think of her ability to give in terms of her age. “Like I said previously, ministry doesn’t have to be this huge thing. It’s not about money at all,” Makayla says. “Giving back is about giving your time. Any time you spend giving is worth it.”

If you would like to find out more about Blooming Blessings and or would like to donate flowers after your wedding please contact Makayla Jones through her Facebook page. You can also follow Blooming Blessings on Instagram.

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LIFE LESSONS FROM AN ELDER 1. Sing in the shower 2. Be a good listener.

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7. overuse i love you.

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13. Laugh until you cry.

14. everyday is valentines day.

15. agree to disagree.

16. stay in touch with old friends.

17. extra cheese is never a mistake.

18. have a firm handshake.

19. take the scenic route.

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22. take your education seriously.

23, give credit and take blame.

24. learn to cook.

25. keep your word.

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ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 033

GOD WITH US Jon Emanuel, Young Life Texarkana Area Director, gets real about Canada, Kids, and Cancer.

Words by Carrie Atkinson Photography by Erin Walker 034 ALT Magazine | September 2016

Jon, 30, sits down for a chat, fresh from a quick family trip to his wife’s native Canada.

Jon first met his wife Sarah in Canada at a church plant in 2007, where the two struck up a friendship that deepened over time into a romantic long distance courtship. The couple were married July 12, 2008, after Jon left his native Lake Charles, LA and headed for Canada for good. The couple has since welcomed Miles, Evangeline and little Oliver, now ages six, four and one respectively. Sarah’s father is a pastor and was, in fact, very influential in landing Jon in his current occupation that led him back to the USA. The Emanuel’s have family and friends in Canada including Sarah’s parents and still love the area.

Jon is currently in his third year as the Texarkana Area Director for Young Life. Young Life is a ministry that reaches un-churched youth. There are adolescents in our schools who have never heard of Jesus or seen the inside of a church.

They may have no positive role models in their lives. What makes Young Life different is that it meets kids where they are and at their level. Young Life provides mentors, guidance, a safe space, and a gradual introduction to the gospel with many growth opportunities for the young Christian.

Jon’s passion is for God and kids, and connecting the two. What made Young Life the right career path for him and Sarah?

ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 035

“Jesse, a Young Life director in While Sarah is recovering from much his own family and faith has Canada, asked me to help out by recent surgery, and the family been affected. playing guitar at a club meeting. So juggles trips to Little Rock for I agreed, and throughout the club, chemotherapy and treatment “Young Life has increased our family. kids were using four letter words adjustments, the day to day tasks When I think of Jurman (an 8th and talking about things they do with of caring for three young children, grader at Texas Middle School and their girlfriends. It was like these kids and Jon’s demanding schedule, two year Wyld Life member), I call hadn’t gotten the memo that they somehow they remain resolute in him my brother. I don’t have blood were supposed to act like Christians their faith. relatives here but because of the at a Christian event. They work that we do, it puts us in weren’t hiding around these the room with the same people adults. Then, somehow, these that are passionate about the “When he saw the crowds he had compassion kids all sat down… in absolute same things. Before Young on them, because they were harassed and silence. Those clubs were Life I was a joyless Christian. helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then like an Irish pub without the This gives me joy. I now have he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful alcohol; the camaraderie was joy in following Christ! We are astounding. They opened up. to know Christ and to make but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the They were honest. They were Him known. Young Life helped harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his listening. And I thought, I me to see how to live out harvest field.”

Matthew 9: 36-38 can’t not be a part of this.” the Great Commission. My vision is to move from Young By 2010 Jon was full time Life Texarkana to Young Life, staff with Young Life, and was USA! We want to be present in transferred to Texarkana in 2013. He When asked how the diagnosis every middle school, high school and says that through a series of events has affected them as a family, Jon college campus. We want to reach in the family’s personal lives, the says, “It has increased our faith across every kind of racial, social, transfer was absolutely a God thing. tremendously. For Sarah, it has economic and educational barrier Jon’s wife, Sarah, was given the given her a voice. She has the through our leaders, committee devastating news that she has Stage courage to speak up about her faith. members, sponsors, prayer warriors IV breast cancer on February 12, She has a story to tell. For me, it has and volunteers. We want to reach 2016, just two days shy of Valentine’s given me the freedom and courage every kid for Christ.”

Day. to ask for help in my job when I really needed it. It has stripped away How can we help the Emanuels?

To hear that news before your 30th my pride, by forcing me to ask for birthday, with a baby under a year help with the vast responsibilities of “We need cancer to go away. We old, is more than most of us can wrap Young Life.” covet your prayers for healing. We our brains around, yet there isn’t a ask you to join with us in praying family or friend around us that hasn’t Jon continues to be passionate that our friends and family who don’t been touched by cancer in some way. about the ministry of Young Life know Christ would continue to be It is all around us. It can break us, or Texarkana. He reflected on how influenced by Sarah’s story.” unite us.

036 ALT Magazine | September 2016

Like us on Facebook!! @signgypsiesarklatex

(903)392-9935 Clyde and Beckie Lewis

Texarkana, Atlanta, & surrounding areas

There is always a reason to celebrate!

We can help you say it BIG! Birthdays Graduation New Baby Thank You School Event

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Wedding Shower Homecoming Engagement Good Luck Get Well

signgypsies.com/arklatex.html signgypsiesarklatex@gmail.com

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How can we help Young Life?

“We need workers for the harvest: Committee members, financial sponsors, prayer warriors, adult leaders, just people directly pouring into kids. We need the people God has called, not just seat fillers. We need true workers.” ___________________________ “When he saw the crowds he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9: 36-38 *Emanuel is a surname that derives from the Hebrew Immanuel, which means ‘God with Us’.

For more information on Young Life visit www.texarkana. younglife.org To be added to the prayer list email for Young Life or the Emanuels: Email: jon.emanuel@texarkana.younglife.org or call Jon Emanuel at 903-280-8781.

Pediatric Dentistry of Texarkana Dr. Mitchell Glass • Dr. Brittany Bunch

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903-831-1000 | 5301 Cowhorn Creek, Texarkana, TX 75503 | www.pdtxar.com 038 ALT Magazine | September 2016

ANNOUNCING

SEASON 2016-2017

Special Windborne’s The Music of the Eagles concert tickets available to the public July 15th

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ALT magazine

042 ALT Magazine | September 2016

2017

Reader’s Choice 2017

Categories

Goods & Services

Community

People

Apartment Complex Auto Service & Tires Auto Stereo & Accessories Band Bank Children’s Clothing Cleaners Computer repair/service company Credit Union Fitness Center/Gym Florist Furniture Garden Store/Landscaping Gift Shop Grocery Store Gun Store Home Builder/Home Improvement Investment Advisor Jeweler Liquor Store Local Pharmacy Manufacturer New local business Pawn Shop Retirement/Assisted Living Community Shoes & Boots Salon Social Media Presence by Company/organization Spa Tattoo Artist Urgent Care Veterinarian Clinic Women’s Clothing Yoga Studio

Charity Event Company To Work For Non-Profit Organization

Artist Chiropractor Cosmetic Surgeon Decorator/Designer Dentist Electrician Insurance Agent Local TV Station Host OB-GYN Optometrist Pediatrician Photographer Realtor Volunteer

Wedding Wedding Attire Wedding Cake Wedding Caterer Wedding DJ Wedding Florist Wedding Indoor Venue Wedding Outdoor Venue Wedding Photographer Wedding Rentals Wedding Videographer

Wine & Dine BBQ Desserts Fried Chicken Hamburger Mexican Pizza Steakhouse Wine List Wings Breakfast Brunch Business Lunch Date Night Restaurant Gourmet Dinner Happy Hour Locally Owned Restaurant Lunch Spot Outdoor Dining Caterer Chef

Above are the categories for ALT Magazine’s 2017 Reader’s Choice. With more than 70 categories to nominate your favorite businesses and people in the Ark-La-Tex, we are putting together the most comprehensive best list in Texarkana. The top five nominees will be listed in November for you to vote for your choice for the top business around.

Visit: http://www.alt-mag. com/reader’s choice.html To Nominate Your Favorites Today!

ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 043

FallFa

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ashion Special thanks to all of our models: Kaylin Barker

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ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 049

The new generation of emergency care.

Dr. Erik Jacobsen Erik Jacobsen has 14 years of experience in emergency medicine in Texarkana. Quality emergency care is his passion with a special interest in pediatrics. He loves practicing at Texarkana Emergency Center where he is a physician owner. Erik enjoys spending time on the lake fishing and participating in water sports with his children. He and his wife Elizabeth also enjoy traveling most notably to Mexico and the Caribbean. Dr Jacobsen attended the American University of the Caribbean. He spent two years living on St. Maarten where he fell in love with the beach life, then an additional year in Ireland at the Royal College of Surgeons. Dr. Jacobsen and Elizabeth proudly call Texarkana home and a great place to raise their five wonderful children.

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ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 053

STATELINE STAMPEDE CATTLE BARON’S BALL presents

Tickets are $30 and include fashion show and hors d’oeuvres. Beverages available Tickets are on sale now at Cavenders, Flanagan’s Shananagan’s, Gayles, and The Rancher’s Wife.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 5:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M. Texarkana, TX Convention Center 2910 Cowhorn Creek Loop Convention Center Entrance For more information on business participation or tickets please call 903-826-0498.

054 ALT Magazine | September 2016

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ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 057

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ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 061

LOCAL HOT SPOTS We’re sharing your stories! Anything and everything from local events around town to what you’re sharing on Facebook. We would love to hear from you.

AUGUST 6, 2016- BE THE BLESSING (BENEFITTING RANDY SAMS) -TEXARK ANA, TX

BE THE BLESSING BAKERY

062 ALT Magazine | September 2016

Random Acts of Kindness

When life gives you lemons what do you do? Hadyn Turney, Olivia Kimmel, and Cooper Kimmel, students from St. James Day School, decided to make lemonade; lots and lots of lemonade.

They were hard at work Saturday, July 23rd, selling lemonade and bottled waters. All of the money they raised will be split between Texarkana, Arkansas Police Department’s Back the Blue Outreach Programs and Pink Behind The Thin Blue Line, a local non-profit officer support organization.

The idea was Hadyn’s. He’s been wanting to have a lemonade stand and asked, “What about the police department? They could use a friend with everything going on.” The Kimmels were planning to take cookies to TAPD so they decided to team up. Then, they saw on Facebook how someone broke into a car and stole the handcuff bracelets that Pink Behind The Thin Blue Line sells to help support the local police officers so they decided to help them out, too. They spent all week building and painting their lemonade stand.

The whole community was invited to help support the local police and took donations as well.

They had free lemonade and waters for all Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters, EMS and Dispatchers.

Side note: The kids raised a total of $439.82!!! They will be donating $219.91 to TAPD’s Back the Blue and $219.91 to Pink Behind the Thin Blue Line.

1. Drew Threadgill, Rodger Kennedy 2. Drew Threadgill, Cathy Brown Smith, Rodger Kennedy 3. Lorie Hewett, Gina Alden, Breanna Alden, Macy Alden 4. Paula Black, Julie Byrd, Sylvia Waldrop, Gay Thompson, Cassie Blackburn 5.

Helen Hamilton, Jacquelyn Osborne, Kaitlyn Flanagan, Karen Albares, Andy Albares, Zach Flanagan, Melanie Flanagan 6. Carol Patten, John Delk, Bill Patton 7. Lorie Hewett, Karen Lansdell 8. Jennifer Futtrell, Julie Collins 9.

Christy Spencer, Suzanne George, Hannah Spencer, Tom Greer, Kalyn Hasley, Jennifer Foster 10. Lawanda & John Rich 11. Heather Buster, Jennifer Laurent 12. John Delk & Melissa Delk, Mathew, Franklin, & Ian Delk

- BE THE BLESSING ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 063

Sacred Heart Catholic Church Presents:

Wine Cruise Across Borders event September 10, 2016 . 6:30 pm

tickets: $5o Per Person

4505 Elizabeth Street, Texarkana, Texas Featuring Wine and tapas from Four different countries. closed bid auction

Benefits ACTS community.

Adoration, community, theology and Service. An organization that does retreats to strengthen ones personal relationship with God.

For More Information: Fredye 903.278.7343 or Pam 903.277.5996

064 ALT Magazine | September 2016

EVENT CALENDAR

Want to add your event to our magazine? Send your information to info@alt-mag.com

september Calendar of Events VIEW FULL DETAILS AT ALT-MAG.COM 9/9 L.E.A.P “Help area students take the leap!”

Hilton Garden Inn and Texarkana Convention Center 2910 Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 75501 Contact Bart Spivey: bart.spivey@netxworks.org (903)794-9490 X 513 9AM-3PM 9/9 -9/18 Four States Fair & Rodeo Four States Fair Grounds (870) 773-2941 Weekdays:4pm Saturdays:12pm Sundays:1pm Admission: $7 Adults; $5 Children 6-12 years old; 5 and under are free.

Visit website for Rodeo details. www.fourstatesfair.com 9/22 Southern Social and Draw Down The Texarkana Museums Systems Ace of Clubs House, 6pm 903-276-4665 9/24 Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech Wright Patman Lake 9AM-12PM

9/24 CASA Colorful 5K Family Fun Run Trinity Baptist Church www.signmeup.com/112808 8am- Registration 8:30am- Kids Competitive Run 9:00am- Adult Competitive Run 9:00am- Family FUN Walk 9/24 Karen’s Kause Foundation- 6th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Shotgun starts 10am Texarkana Golf Ranch 4 man scramble, $100 per player Breakfast & Lunch provided For more details contact Karen Guyton 903-733-4402 karenskausefoundation@gmail.com 10/1 Dine on the Line 3pm - 8pm Downtown Texarkana (in front of the post office) Join Main Street Texarkana at the longest table State Line Avenue has ever seen for their 2nd Annual Dine on the Line fundraiser. Shopping, dinner, live music and fun for kids. Tickets available at dineontheline.eventbrite.com ($20/adults through Aug 31, $25 after. $10 for kids)

10/18 Harvest Regional Food Bank Presents 25th Annual Taste of Texarkana Four States Fair Grounds 5-8pm www.harvestregionalfoodbank.org 870-774-1398 10/26-10/27 Greater Texarkana College & Career Fair Texas A&M University - Texarkana 7101 University Ave Texarkana, TX 75503 8:30am - 3pm (903) 792-7191 10/27 Annual Ducks Unlimited Banquet 4701 Garland Avenue Texarkana, AR 71854 6pm 870-772-9545 10/29 American Cancer Society’s Stampede Cattle Baron’s Ball Hilton Garden Inn and Texarkana Convention Center 2910 Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 75501 7pm

ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 065

Fish Tales with Mike Brower Thoughts from the Shallow End of the Gene Pool

Every day I ponder some pretty stupid things. Sometimes they turn out to be not so stupid and other times I ask myself, “Why are you thinking about that?� Lately some of my thoughts have been about the Olympics and why fishing is not an Olympic sport.

First, it could not be a bass competition because bass are not everywhere they hold summer Olympics. But why could you not have the competition involve the sport fish common to the host country? For instance, in the 2012 summer games in Great Britain, they could have gone for the gold fishing for carp, or in the 2004 games in Greece they could have angled for medals trying to catch the Starry Sturgeon, or maybe in the 1984 games in Los Angeles they could have pounded out a win fishing for stocked trout in the lakes around LA. But, the most interesting medal hunt could have been the 2000 games in Australia fishing for Barramundi while trying to keep from getting killed by a crocodile. Now that would have added drama. They could even do some winter ice fishing in Norway or Sweden.

I think we are being robbed of great Olympic segments on NBC by not having fishing as an Olympic sport. After all, you have trampoline, race walking, handball and the ever popular dressage getting air time.

So write to the Olympic Committee and tell them that at the next Olympics held in some other hell hole somewhere in the world that gave up a bunch of bribe money, you want to see fishing as a medal sport.

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066 ALT Magazine | September 2016

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ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 067

The American Cancer Society presents

October 29, 2016 Texarkana Convention Center Texarkana, TX Tickets go on sale October 1

Tickets include: Entertainment, Hors D’doeuvres, Gourmet Dinner, Midway Games, Silent Auction & a great Live Auction!

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

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Parker Trailer Sales

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

NOW OPEN IN TWO LOCATIONS!!

1443 N. Kings Hwy. 903. 838. 0422

K-Mart Shopping Center 903. 223. 0149

Donuts are ALWAYS the Answer!

ooding G decorative concrete

Custom Pergolas Wood and Trex Decking Counter Tops 070 ALT Magazine | September 2016 Pet Feeders

903.277.0307 www.goodingdc.com

Custom Furniture Pressure Washing Acid Stains and Scoring Indoor/Outdoor Overlays

Financial Focus

FINANCIAL FOCUS

W/DUSTIN STRINGER

3 things no one tells you about retirement The classic retirement fantasy is simple: Work until 65, get your gold watch and live happily ever after on your pension.

Reality is a bit different. As you advance toward retirement, it’s a good idea to start sharpening the focus of your retirement vision. You need to figure out how you’ll spend your time, what your retirement budget will look like and where your money will come from in retirement.

Here are three things no one tells you about retirement.

First, Medicare isn’t free.

You can and should enroll at 65, but brace yourself for premiums and co-pays.

It also doesn’t cover everything, notably long-term care. The average 65-year-old couple will pay $240,000 in out-of-pocket costs for health care during retirement and that does not include those potential long-term-care costs.

Buying a medigap supplemental insurance policy can help cover some of your out-of-pocket costs. Or instead of traditional Medicare and a medigap policy, you can enroll in Medicare Advantage, which provides health coverage through a private insurer.

Also consider buying a long-term-care insurance policy, which can help pay for home health aides or care in an assistedliving facility or nursing home.

Second, you might owe taxes on Social Security.

The feds can tax up to 85% of benefits, depending on your income. Thirteen

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states also tax Social Security. When budgeting for retirement, take income taxes into account. Withdrawals of pretax money that you contributed to a 401(k) or a traditional IRA throughout your working years also will trigger a federal and possibly a state income tax bill. (The one bright spot: Withdrawals from a Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA will be tax-free in retirement. After-tax 401(k) contributions and nondeductible IRA contributions can be taken out tax-free, too.)

When devising your retirement income plan, take taxes into account. By having taxable accounts, tax-deferred accounts and tax-free accounts, you’ll have some flexibility in managing and possibly reducing your annual tax bite in retirement.

Third, some senior discounts can stink. Take hotels. While a senior rate might beat the standard rate, you could do better simply by booking on a discount travel site such as Hotels.com. A triple-A member discount might beat the senior rate, too. It pays to check. You know you’ve made it into your golden years when you have earned the right to a senior discount. Usually these discounts are offered to folks 60 or older, though some (such as AARP member discounts) may be available starting at age 50.

might beat the hotel’s own senior rate.

These are just a few of the surprises that retirees might encounter. Consult with a Financial Advisor to help give you clarity and map out a plan for retirement.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. LPL Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. The information contained in this report should be used for informational purposes only. The appropriate professionals should be consulted on all legal and accounting matters prior to or in conjunction with implementation of the plan.

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

But buyer beware: Sometimes other discounts can save older consumers more money. Comparison shop before accepting a discounted senior rate. Also determine whether other discounts, such as an AARP or AAA member discount, ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 071

Texarkana Animal League

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exarkana Animal League has opened its Adoption Center at 5820 Richmond Road, Texarkana, Texas, thanks in large part to a donation by the late Patricia Wheelington. A reminder of Ms. Wheelington is found on the walls of the new facility in the form of a sign from the “Guys ‘N Dolls Square Dance Club,” which was owned by their benefactor.

The adoption center will be a convenient spot for adopters to meet prospective pets.

With a colorful theme, lots of great items to purchase, and comfortable surroundings, the adoption center will quickly become a destination for pet lovers.

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olunteer opportunities are currently available at the adoption center. They are always seeking volunteers who love animals and want to help save lives.

Our programs include: Dog/Cat Foster Care • Dog/Cat Adoption Events (including maintaining cat room at Petsmart) • Spay/ Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) • Community Education, Rescue Assistance Program (RAP) • Noel’s Fund, which assists the Texarkana Animal Care and Adoption Center (Animal Shelter) with Vaccinations/Medications, as well as sponsorships for those adopting pets.

Apply online at www.texarkanaanimalleague.org

ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 073

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exarkana Animal League (TAL) is a 501(c)3 that exists to provide protection and care for abandoned, abused, neglected and unwanted companion animals. They also promote animal welfare through programs and services that mutually benefit animals and people. Officially organized in Texarkana AR in 1994, TAL has gone through over 20 years of growth and change. Each year TAL helps hundreds of animals and their families through assistance programs. They have expanded their reach past Texarkana and now serve people and animals in Bowie & Cass counties in Texas and Miller & Little River counties in Arkansas. They have big dreams for the future and hope that they can count on the continued support of our community in order to achieve those dreams.

TAL is a group of community-minded volunteers dedicated to improving the lives and welfare of animals. Because the organization is run completely by volunteers, all proceeds directly benefit animal care and adoptions, and will assist with community outreach programs such as a Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), Rescue Assistance Program (RAP), Foster Programs for cats and dogs, as well as educational and service projects to assist TAL’s belief that all animals are deserving of life, respect and care.

Saturday, September 24, 2016 9AM - 12PM at SPORTSMAN’S COVE WRIGHT PATMAN LAKE Join parents, family, and friends of children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech to raise awareness and help make sure every child finds their voice!

Register online or make a donation at http://casana.apraxia-kids.org

074 ALT Magazine | September 2016

It’s not about the breed.

It’s about your

Pet Rescues

STYLE.

SPAY

NEUTER

ADOPT

(877) 525-4825 | (870) 330-0601 | Fax: (870) 330-4614 info@texarkanaanimalleague.org | TexarkanaAnimalLeague.org

ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 075

Pet Rescues

Local Rescues Adopt, Don’t Shop

ARK-LA-TEX ANIMAL RESCUE Facebook.com/Ark-La-Tex-Animal-Rescue-1712510318970169 ARKLATEX COCKER SPANIEL RESCUE Facebook.com/ArklatexCockerSpanielRescue ARTEX ANIMAL WELFARE, INC. (mostly horses) - 903.824.1990

SINATRA

PASSION FORPOOCHES

ATLANTA ANIMAL LEAGUE Facebook.com/AtlantaAnimalLeague BOXER RESCUE OF TEXARKANA Facebook.com/BoxerRescueOfTexarkana KITTIES PAD RESCUE Facebook.com/TheKittiesPad LITTLE PAWS RESCUE Facebook.com/LittlePawsRescueTexarkana MUTTLEY CREW GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE Facebook.com/MuttleyCrewRescue

CHLOE

ARKLATEX COCKER SPANIEL RESCUE

ROOKIE

BOXER RESCUE OF TEXARKANA

RYDER

TEXARKANA ANIMAL LEAGUE

LUNA

TEXARKANA HUMANE SOCIETY

POODLE PATCH RESCUE INC PoodlePatchRescue.com PASSION FOR POOCHES (mostly small dogs) Facebook.com/passionforpooches TEXARKANA ANIMAL LEAGUE Facebook.com/TexarkanaAnimalLeague TEXARKANA HUMANE SOCIETY TexarkanaHumaneSociety.org Facebook.com/TexarkanaHumaneSocietyInc 903-824-8272 TEXARKANA REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN RESCUE Facebook.com/TkReptileRescue

POODLE PATCH RESCUE INC

JUNIPER

TEXARKANA HUMANE SOCIETY

PAISLEY

KITTIES PAD RESCUE

ROCKET

TURKEY

KINDER

LITTLE GIRL

JASMINE

TROUBLE

CROCKTAIL

SABRINA

Is your pet microchipped? If not, come have this done for only $20!

076 ALT Magazine | September 2016

JEWELS

MUTTLEY CREW

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.

We also have SPONSORED dogs and cats!

This means someone has already paid for their vetting!

Come see who’s waiting!

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

KANGA

PATCH

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! Please contact our Friends of the Shelter group to find out how you can help! www.facebook. com/friends

oftheshelter

The Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas is located at 203 Harrison, Texarkana, AR, 71854. For more information, call 870.773.6388, or visit: www. animalcare adoption center.org or www.facebook. com/AnimalCare AdoptionTXK.

We’re Open! M-F 11A-5P & SAT 11A-2P

STELLA

Pet Rescues

ALT-Mag.com | September 2016 077

15 Dogwood Place

Unique Colonial Two Story in Pleasant Grove. Beautiful staircase and wood work accent the family room with wood burning fireplace. 4800 sq ft. features four bedrooms, four baths, three living areas, huge entertainment room. Upstairs master suite includes sitting area, sun room, and large master bath. Second Master down stairs which could be used as a Mother-In-Law suite. Second sun room with fireplace overlooks private court yard area great for entertaining. This beautiful home has so much to offer!!!

Bill Spradlin Realtor 903-748-3186

Tracy Spradlin Broker 903-748-2477

Jan Williams Realtor 903-277-5771

Stephanie Maddox Realtor 903-701-1341

Karen Hammonds Realtor 903-293-2020

Payton Laney Realtor 903-278-9176

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

Lee Hammonds Realtor 903-748-8858

Because Every Emergency Matters In a crisis situation, you need help fast. At Wadley Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department, we have a team of doctors, nurses and technicians who work together to ensure that patients receive timely and efficient medical attention.

Our Emergency Department physicians and nursing staff are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to handle any emergency.

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Remember, when you choose Wadley for your emergency, you’re getting a highly qualified, experienced ER staff PLUS access to a wide range of specialists in Texarkana’s first dual designated Level III Advanced Trauma Center and Designated Stroke Center.

WadleyHealth.com 10 0 0 P i n e S t . • Te x a r k a n a , T X