ITHE WAY I SEE IT ...
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Robin Rogers, Ed.D.
have lived on the same street for 22 years. I know all of my neighbors, their children (and grandchildren), and most of their pets. When someone is out of town, it’s just natural to keep an eye out for anything unusual. Over the past Christmas holidays, sweet Emily (my disabled adult daughter) rolled out of her bed and onto the floor in the early morning. While I am pretty strong and can lift and transfer her most of the time, from the floor, it’s like lifting two large bags of dog food—dead weight. I couldn’t get her up, and her caregiver and I couldn’t get her up together, so we called LifeNet to help. LifeNet’s EMTs were amazing, by the way. And, by noon, two of my neighbors had reached out to me about why an ambulance had been in my driveway. Being part of a neighborhood community provides homeowners with a sense of safety, love, and care. I’m grateful for my neighborhood.
Every March, FSLM dedicates an entire issue to home and garden articles. What that really means is that we share stories about the place you feel safe. Home is where your friends and family are always welcome. Home is where your neighbors water your plants when you’re out of town. Home is where you build your life, whatever that looks like for you: maybe you work from home as an entrepreneur, or raise your children full-time, or grow your own food, or simply tend to your home as your own personal oasis. Whatever “home” means to you, those of us who have roofs over our heads have something to celebrate and cherish. That’s what this issue is about.
Somehow, we manage to find people every month who are generous enough to let us photograph their gorgeous homes for our “Exquisite Interiors” feature. Some of the homes are rustic, some are modern, and some are traditional—but they are always beautiful and loved, designed just for the people who reside there. This month, we feature two homes that are different in scale but alike in quality. The home featured on the cover, belonging to Annemarie Sullivan, used to be her grandfather’s dairy barn. After decades of disuse, she renovated it into a small, French-inspired “chateau” that is full of charm. In contrast, our Interiors home this month is more of a mansion, glamorously decorated in the Hollywood Regency style. Each of these houses has been outfitted with intention, care, and unique details. If you too like looking at high-end houses on Zillow or in Architectural Digest, these spreads are for you.
INSPIRE THE PESSIMIST
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Ellen Orr
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Phoebe Warren
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Hoku Bright
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Photography
But when it comes to homes, it’s not just what’s on the inside that counts. One of the stories this month is about Freeman Landscaping, a family-owned company celebrating 100 years in business. I remember being dragged by my mother and grandmother to Freeman’s Nursery when it was located on New Boston Road. The greenhouses were cozy and so warm, and I distinctly remember Marie Freeman always at the front checkout counter, ready to give advice on a plant or actively potting something for sale. The women in my life taught me to appreciate the beauty of plants and trees and gardening at an early age. I am extra thankful for the locally owned businesses that still cater to those of us who still like to dig holes and plant.
In the last few years, I have written about my mother wanting to raise chickens in her backyard. It’s a romantic idea for sure. On her fridge, Mom has this black-and-white photograph of her grandmother, wearing a big sun hat, walking down her front porch steps with a bucket to feed her chickens. Fast-forward to 2025, and I see photos on Facebook of friends handling their chickens, building extravagance of their coops, and collecting beautiful eggs in a variety of colors. For a while, I thought, “I could raise chickens.” But then, one friend posted a photo of a 10-foot snake impaled on her husband’s hoe; she had discovered the snake when she went to collect eggs in the early morning. That ended any idea I had that chickens were “fun.”
While it’s not for me, I am so glad to see more and more people trying their hands at homesteading. We have a great story this month about a family in Genoa who is doing just that—and selling their products to people like me. Raising cows, pigs, goats, and chickens isn’t for the faint of heart. There’s hard work attached to the beauty in the photos featured.
I mentioned that I have lived on the same street for 22 years. What I didn’t mention is that those 22 years have been split between two houses, which are directly across from each other. Emily and I only moved into our current house a few years ago. We love our house, but it has required some renovations. Unless you can afford to completely remodel a house in one fell swoop, it takes a project at a time to make a house a home. Our first priority was a wheelchair-accessible bathroom, an undertaking we obviously left to the professionals. We also had the exterior professionally painted. I have personally painted some interior rooms, and I realized that painting is for the birds, the professionals, or the young people; I’d love to paint a few more rooms, but for now, the off-white will do. I have dreams of moving my washer and dryer out of my kitchen, but alas, those things take time, and I’m a procrastinator.
In the meantime, I will be attending the Texarkana Home and Garden Show at Crossties Event Center on March 22nd. Whether you’re planning a major renovation or just looking for inspiration, the home and garden show is a must-visit event that offers something for everyone. It doesn’t cost a thing to attend, and there are going to be lots of locally-owned vendors who will showcase the newest of the new for those of us who need a little prodding. And, who knows—maybe you’ll win the $1500 gift card that Farmers Bank & Trust is raffling off.
I hope you enjoy all of the stories we share this month. With longer daylight hours and milder weather, homeowners can tackle indoor and outdoor projects with a renewed sense of joy. I have bought new gardening gloves, and my lawnmower is fully fueled. Bring on spring (March 20th), and bring on Daylight Savings Time (March 9th). We are ready.
Happy March, and as always, thanks for reading FSLM.
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Rachel Freeman
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily Gammon
Baylor McLelland
Ellen Orr
Robin Proctor
Sarah Vammen
Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Phoebe Warren
Four States Living Magazine is published the first business day of every month. © Copyright 2025 by Four States Living Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Four States Living Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are $40.00 per year. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material contributed.
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Farmer and entrepreneur Annemarie Sullivan renovated her grandfather’s old dairy farm into a quaint, one-ofa-kind home and part-time AirBnB, which she calls the Sullifarm Chateau.
Read about the Sullifarm Chateau on page 12.
The Olivers of Vesta Homestead grow and raise all sorts of crops and livestock, which they process into food and body products, both for their own consumption and to sell throughout the Ark-La-Tex.
Read about the Vesta Homestead on page 34.
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
THE BETA TAU SIGMA CHAPTER OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY AND THE GAMMA KAPPA ZETA CHAPTER OF THE ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY HONORED SIX COMMUNITY SERVANTS AT THIS YEAR’S TRIBUTE TO AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN GALA. THE EVENT WAS HELD IN THE TRUMAN ARNOLD CENTER ON THE CAMPUS OF TEXARKANA COLLEGE ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH.
Kenneth Link, Tom Briggs, Stelton Hill, Corey Robinson, Xavier Briggs, Ann Moore ,and Lillie Young
(Back Row): Cynthia Burkins, Marietta Jordan-Keith, and Lois Sparks (Front Row): Minnie Sheffield, Sandra Griffie, Ramona Keener, Cynthia Lamay, Mary Pops, and Linda Henderson
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Members
Linda Henderson and Dr. Evelyn Abhulimen Ted and Cheryl Green
Rodney Hartfield, Gary Watson, Corey Robinson, Tom Briggs, Doneyne Smith, and Stelton Hill
Lea Metcalf-McDonald, Monique Ross, Ramona Keener, Anita Pickett, Marie Ferdinand Harris, Jamie Scott, and Dr. Evelyn Abhulimen
Cynthia Henderson and Ann Moss
Jamie Scott and Jo Ann Rice
Bertie Fuller and Felita Gilmore
Tribute Entertainment: The Scholars
EAST TEXAS ESCAPE
THE SULLIFARM CHATEAU
Annemarie Sullivan transformed a remodeled dairy barn into a luxury getaway
story by PHOEBE WARREN
photography by MOLLY KENDRICK & TIFFANY GRIFFIN
The Sullifarm Chateau, a charming home and part-time AirBnB, boasts a backstory steeped in simplicity. Annemarie Sullivan, the owner, transformed her grandfather’s old dairy barn into a peaceful retreat set amidst the serene Piney Woods of East Texas. After a decade of dairy farming, James Davis, Annemarie’s grandfather, retired the barn from its agricultural duties, and it sat unused for the next 35 years. Annemarie saw something greater for the barn.
“I have always had a vision for what things have the potential to be and always wanted to do something with the little old cinderblock building,” she said. “In 2020, I was 23 years old and in need of my own space. With the blessing of my grandmother, and the intention to honor my late grandfather, I decided to renovate it into a home.”
Over the next two years, Annemarie went through a rollercoaster of emotions as construction on her building progressed. In the first year, she hired a contractor who “greatly underbid the price and timeline of the project and then promptly went out of business, leaving me debt and a far-from-livable home,” she said. Fortunately, Casey Boyette Construction picked up the project and worked with her every step of the way to bring her vision to life. “[Casey’s] talents and unwavering dedication to the project, combined with my stubbornness and vision for what I knew it could be, made for long and hard but beautiful work,” Annemarie said.
“Beautiful work” is certainly one way to describe the completion of this project. “Dreamy” is another. Though the name “Sullifarm Chateau” is a bit tonguein-cheek considering the relatively humble size of the space, the AirBnB is named for its European design influence. “With my favorite country being France, I took a lot of inspiration from the chateaus, villas, castles, and homes I’ve visited in my travels,” Annemarie explained.
Three original cinder-block exterior walls frame the first-floor living room, and the original concrete slab still exists under a new concrete cap. The remaining existing infrastructure adjacent to the house (originally where the cows came up to be milked) is a mix of concrete and metal. The home includes one loft bedroom and one bathroom.
Out of Annemarie’s desire to use as many locallysourced materials for the house as possible, an ample amount of the wood used in the Chateau was sourced from The Historic Phillips Forest Products, a familyowned operation in De Kalb, Texas. “Allen Phillip had a pile of reclaimed post oak we used on the bedroom floor and to build the stairs,” Annemarie said. “We left it raw and unfinished, and it’s absolutely beautiful. We also sourced hickory, cedar, and more from them for the kitchen and throughout.” The beautiful rose quartz sink in the bathroom was sourced from Canton, Texas.
The furniture, artwork, and fixtures in the home boast captivating backstories, all thanks to Annemarie’s dedicated treasure hunts in antique shops and estate sales. Among the standout pieces are hefty, solid-brass sconces tipping the scales at over 50 pounds each; a vintage Viking-brand double oven; a pine chest transformed into a stylish vanity; a unique tableand-chair set, crafted from pigskin leather and cedar wood; elegant marble accents in the bathroom; and exquisite vintage crystal glassware. Annemarie aimed to complement the custom features of the home with thoughtfully curated furnishings. “No detail was implemented without consideration, from the peacock towel hooks to the old clay tiles over the door, which I pulled with a friend from a dilapidated older home,” she said.
Annemarie’s favorite aspect about the space is that it represents her and tells a vivid story. “I know my
grandpa would think I was crazy for turning his dairy barn into a house that people pay to come stay in, but my other favorite thing is to think about exactly what he would say if he was still here to see it,” she said. She has worked hard to make this home a clean, peaceful, and well-stocked space that guests fall in love with.
Annemarie has sought to create a space that she herself would want as a guest. To that end: the towels and sheets are high quality, there are multiple ways to make coffee including an espresso machine, and the kitchen is fully stocked with tools and utensils. An added bonus is that guests may also walk up to the Sullifarm Shop she operates on-site to purchase local eggs, meats, cheese, honey, olives, and more. “I don’t try too hard to make it feel sterile and unused; at the end of the day it is my primary home, when I don’t have guests booked, so there are clothes in the closet and food in the pantry,” she explained. “My guests are aware of that, and I’ve had a really lucky experience with guests who are truly respectful and leave me the kindest notes after their stay.”
A BUSINESS ROOTED IN FAMILY
Curtis Freeman and his son Brent Freeman reflect on 100 years of service in the Ark-La-Tex
by SARAH VAMMEN
Claude Marshall Freeman served in the United States Army on the frontlines of World War I in France and Germany. After all he endured and experienced during the war, Claude was grateful to return home to his hometown of Simms, Texas, with a plan. After seeing beautiful gardens in Europe, Claude felt inspired to start grafting fruit trees and growing different varieties of plants back home in Texas. So, in 1925, Freeman Nursery launched, and 100 years later, the family business is still blooming. As the company grew, so did Claude’s family. His only son, Curtis Claude Freeman, joined Freeman Landscape in the 1950s and began expanding the business. “He added 40 greenhouses and 20 acres of shrub-
and tree-growing area,” Curtis’ son Brent explained. Curtis continued the expansion, opening a retail location on New Boston Road in Texarkana run by his wife, Marie, and son Scot. As the business blossomed, other members of the Freeman family started to get involved. Curtis’ oldest son, Mark, began working with his dad at the wholesale location in Simms in 1985, and he is now the operations manager. Curtis and Marie’s daughter Lisa Freeman Toler has worked at both the retail and wholesale locations throughout the years. Brent worked at the retail location throughout school before graduating with a degree in landscape architecture from Texas A&M University in 1984. He returned
photo by RACHEL FREEMAN
Center photo: Curtis with his late wife, Marie. Clockwise from top left: Curtis’s mother, Ima Fay Freeman, with two of her grandchildren, Linda Johnson White and Dale Johnson, standing beside one of their first delivery trucks. Claude Freeman in his World War I uniform. Claude Freeman, Hugh Skelton, and Curtis Freeman loading garden mums for a delivery. Curtis Freeman in the greenhouses checking a poinsettia crop in 1985.
home to launch the landscaping part of the business. Even Brent’s wife, Lissa, worked at the company for 20 years before leaving to become the facility director of Haven Home for Women in 2020.
Today, Curtis remains the owner and operator of Freeman Nursery, while Brent owns Freeman Landscape.
Brent and Lissa have four children—Jason, Megan, Marshall, and Carder—and three of them are now in the family business. Jason is the company’s irrigation, drainage, and water feature specialist. Marshall is the company’s 3D landscape designer. Megan is the CEO.
“[Megan is] the glue that holds us all together,” Brent said. “Carder is in eighth grade at Pleasant Grove and says he doesn’t want anything to do with the business. That’s what they all said,” Brent joked.
The older children’s spouses also play a role in the business. Megan’s husband, Tim, is the company’s outdoor living specialist, and Marshall’s
wife, Summer, is the marketing coordinator.
As more and more members of the Freeman family contribute their talents to the longstanding business, Freeman Landscape continues to branch out to better serve the needs of Texarkana-area residents.
“The business has evolved from being a small side business to a wholesale, retail, landscape, and outdoor living enterprise,” Brent said. He explained that their services range from providing seasonal plants to designing and building outdoor structures such as pergolas, pavilions, outdoor kitchens, water features, and drainage solutions. “I think Claude would be surprised and very proud.”
Running a business for an entire century isn’t without challenges, setbacks, and growing pains. In the plant-growing branch of the business, Freeman Nursery has faced insects, diseases, and detrimental weather over the years.
Back Row: Marshall and Summer Freeman; Middle Row: Lissa and Brent Freeman, Carder Freeman, Mark Freeman, Sylvia Williams, Kristen Freeman, Megan Freeman-Lewis, Jason Freeman, Tim Lewis holding Caroline Lewis; Front Row: Jude Freeman, Wesley Freeman, Madeline Freeman, Curtis Freeman holding Nora Lewis, Moriah Freeman and Callie Lewis
Examples of the company’s landscape work.
The greenhouses are filling up for all the spring landscaping to come.
“In 1983, we had below-freezing temperatures for more than 10 days,” Curtis recalled. “It killed nearly all our trees and shrubs that were not in greenhouses. It was a very difficult time for us, but we kept on moving forward and replanting. With hard work and faith, we made a comeback.”
While intertwining business with family can be complicated, the Freemans say that it only helps them flourish. “We’ve had our ups and downs but have always been able to work through them together as a family,” Brent said.
As the Freeman family continues to tend to the business Claude
started all those years ago, they’ve enjoyed watching the Texarkana area grow and thrive alongside their family.
“Our family roots run deep in Bowie County,” Curtis said. “Texarkana has grown in the last 100 years and provided our family with opportunities to provide a living for our family. We appreciate all the people who have worked for us, the customers who have trusted us, and all the people who have helped us when they didn’t have to.” Brent emphasized that the entire family values the relationships they’ve fostered in their ten decades of business and that they look forward to growing new ones over the next 100 years.
Helmet the tortoise keeps watch over the greenhouses ... between snacks.
landscape photos submitted; other photos by SHANE DARBY
TWICE AS NICE with EXPERT ADVICE
TEXARKANA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION TO PRESENT ITS HOME & GARDEN SHOW ON MARCH 22ND
by PHOEBE WARREN
The yearly Home & Garden Show brings together builders, remodelers, suppliers, and various companies from the home and garden industry in the Texarkana area. If you’re looking for inspiration and guidance for your home improvement endeavors, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Open to the public at no cost, this year’s show is scheduled for Saturday, March 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Crossties Event Venue.
Texarkana Home Builders Association is excited to introduce a number of first-time exhibitors at this year’s show, bringing not only cutting-edge products and services but also fresh perspectives. The event will include workshops that explore the latest trends in home improvement. To add to the excitement, Farmers Bank & Trust is providing a $1500 gift card to be raffled off; the winner can spend their winnings with any of the exhibitors at the show. Visitors will have the chance to enter the drawing for the gift card during the event.
Adam Pettit, the executive officer of Texarkana HBA, said that the success of this annual event is due to effective communication. “We listen to attendee and exhibitor feedback each year to ensure the show evolves and remains a must-visit event for homeowners, builders, and DIY enthusiasts,” he said.
The Texarkana Home Builders Association is a team of local home builders and business professionals who collaborate to create an engaging and educational event. This show is made possible through sponsorships and exhibitor contributions. “My favorite part of the Home & Garden Show is seeing the excitement and inspiration it brings to attendees,” Adam said. “It’s rewarding to watch homeowners connect with professionals who can help them bring their dream projects to life.”
Adam encourages anyone considering renovation projects to think ahead and collaborate with reliable professionals. He also suggests that homeowners establish a practical budget, perform thorough research, gather several estimates from trustworthy contractors, and prioritize long-term value when selecting materials and features that will elevate their homes.
No matter what type of project you’re envisioning for your space, this year’s Home & Garden Show offers the guidance and resources you need to bring it to life. For more information on the event schedule or exhibitors in attendance, visit txkhomeshow.com.
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
SCENES FROM DOWNTOWN LIVE! VALENTINE’S DAY 2025
DOWNTOWN LIVE! IS A COMMUNITY EVENT THAT TAKES PLACE FROM 6 TO 9P.M. ON THE SECOND FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH ALONG BROAD, FRONT, AND ADJOINING STREETS.
Landa Houer and Sheila Lemley
Rachel Johnson and Jessica McCarty with daughter Margo McCarty
Robert and Lindsey Haynes
Preston Barrett
Betty Cutchall
Justin Cox and Rebecca Rhodes
Bobby and Debbie Liles
Amelia Taylor and Clover Slayter
Don and Lisa Slayter
Don Slayter with Clint and Sarah Kyles
Laci Nowlin and Shane Bryer
FSTRONG OOTS
PREPARING FOR A SEASON OF GROWTH
MARCHING INTO Spring
rom this homesteader’s perspective, March is undoubtedly the most hopeful yet bewildering month. It’s a magical time of anticipation and preparation but also a time to reflect and correct.
Mother Nature begins to send us days filled with sunshine and warm air, and the earth eagerly responds with sprigs of green, buds, and blooms. Daylight stretches out a bit longer, and gardeners everywhere, like racehorses at the starting gate, are raring at the bit to get their hands in the dirt and start planting.
Whoa! Winter isn’t over yet! Mother Nature most certainly still has a few tricks up her sleeve. Does that mean you need to head back into hibernation? No way, sleepy heads: your long winter nap is officially over. It’s time to roll up your sleeves, break out the gloves, and try to outsmart Mother Nature.
by ROBIN PROCTOR
A good first step towards marching into spring is to reassess last year’s garden. Whether your garden was in-ground or above-ground, use this time to look for ways to make improvements. Much like a coach after a big game, you need to assess what did and did not work—and, once those things have been identified, you can work towards making the necessary corrections.
This past year was the first time I opted to build a few above-ground planter boxes. Unfortunately, the soil in my in-ground garden consists mostly of clay and rock, making it difficult to successfully grow . . . well, anything. I may have had the worst tomato crop ever. The above-ground planter boxes provided me with an area for loose, loamy soil—perfect to grow root veggies and more. But I still really want to grow directly from the earth as well, so this year, my husband and I made the executive decision to excavate much of the existing soil and
photos by ROBIN PROCTOR
rock and replace it with healthy topsoil. Granted, this is a pretty radical decision, but it is one we have debated for a while.
All of that to say: if your first attempt at gardening last year didn’t go as planned, don’t throw in the towel. Just go back to the drawing board, literally: sketch out your garden, and consider what crops you and your family would benefit from. Keep in mind the amount of sun exposure, water, and drainage. Mother Nature’s spring monsoons can devastate a young plant. And remember, resilience reigns, so don’t give up!
Next on the to-do list is to prepare your soil. Healthy soil is the foundation for a thriving garden. It is essential to have the proper nutrients for the crops you are planting. Take this time to have your soil tested for deficiencies and pH levels. This area is fortunate to have the Miller County Extension Service office, which is affiliated with the University of Arkansas, readily available to test your garden, yard, flower bed, or even pasture soil. Simply
Healthy soil is key for a healthy garden.
And one of the best ways to get healthy soil is to keep your farm animals producing essential fertilizer!
Soaking in the sunshine isn’t just for the garden!
collect approximately a pint of soil in a container and drop it by the office at 1007 Jefferson Ave. The soil will be sent off to the university for analysis. Next, the findings will be shared with the local AG agent to review, and then results will be passed along to you. Incredibly, this is all for no charge! Once you have received the results, you can make the necessary adjustments to your soil. If this all seems too complicated, a quick Google search will provide you with soil suggestions for the plants you choose.
Adding organic matter to your garden is a beneficial, nurturing step. Thanks to our chicks, we have had an abundance of chicken manure. Over the winter, we routinely added it to an empty aboveground planter. Over time, it decomposes and makes excellent fertilizer for our crops. For me, there is immense value in knowing that the organic matter I’m putting in my garden is 100% chemicalfree. It’s important to keep in mind that many sources of fresh manure can burn a plant, so do your research before adding any fertilizer directly to the plant.
So far, this may seem like drudgery, but have no fear: it’s time to go shopping! One of my fondest childhood memories is of the day I received the Sears Christmas Catalog. I would sit for hours dogearring and circling the things I just had to have. Fast forward a few years (okay, 50-plus years), and again, I am filled with excitement when I open the mailbox to find my Park Seed catalog. It’s like Christmas in March. With pen in hand, I pore over each page, choosing the perfect pepper, okra, and basil seeds while keeping an eye out for something new to grow. Cucamelons fit that bill for me last year.
Many local stores also provide an excellent selection of organic seeds. A Texarkana treasure and landmark that everyone should
visit at least once is Miller Bowie Supply. It’s like being on the set of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone; throughout the day, the parking lot is filled with big trucks, trailers, farmers, and cowboys. The old set of seed scales, surviving the test of time, are still sitting next to the bulk seed bins. This is a snapshot of “real America”; all that’s missing are the apple pie and fireworks, but there is no time for such frivolities—there are chores to be done.
Next on my shopping list is my favorite potting soil. I can always count on finding my favorite, FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil, at H&N Landscaping. There are so many excellent choices, but I have had wonderful luck with Happy Frog.
After a full day of shopping, I anxiously head home to start the planting process.
Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get ahead of Mother Nature while also saving money. One package of seeds, successfully sown, can provide a gardener with an abundance of crops at a fraction of the cost of purchasing plants from a nursery. Each year, when I place the young, tender plants in the soil, it never ceases to amaze me that I grew them from a tiny seed, beaming like a proud mother.
Trust me: label your seeds! Learn from my mistakes. Tiny plants equal big problems without labels. Who knows what they are!
Next, place your planted seeds in a warm, well-lit area for optimal growth. I try to raise my seedlings in my greenhouse if the weather permits, but when temps drop below freezing, they are guaranteed a trip inside our home to stay warm. Seedlings demand patience and care, but the harvest makes it all worthwhile.
Much like sending a child off to camp or college, it’s best to ease tender seedlings into the real world. A process known as hardening consists of gradually exposing the tender plants to a few hours of sunlight, slowly increasing the exposure time each day. This process will give your tender, young plants an advantage in the real world, and you will have a better chance of reaping the benefits of a bountiful garden.
So, all you gardeners, pick up your shovels, pull on your muck boots, fasten your overalls, and slip on your gloves; it’s time to march into spring. Meet Mother Nature face-to-face, and let her know you are ready for whatever she throws you! Whether last year’s harvest was plentiful or sparse, this is a new year and a new garden filled with possibilities. Bask in every ray of sunshine (of course while wearing sunscreen), and enjoy the warmth of the day. Embrace the spirit of spring, and enjoy the rewards of your planning, preparation, and hard work as your garden comes to life.
Robin Choate Proctor was born and raised in Texarkana, Texas. After graduating from Texas High School, she pursued a music career which eventually led her to Nashville, Tennessee. Robin returned to Texarkana and completed her degree in education at Texas A&M–Texarkana. Robin is married to Danny Proctor and has one son, Chase Proctor, along with three beautiful grandchildren. As an amateur homesteader, Robin enjoys sharing her ideas and experiences about her time in her garden, greenhouse, chicken coop, and kitchen.
A great way to dodge Mother Nature’s curveballs is to start your seeds indoors.
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
THE LONE STAR DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION HELD A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE UNVEILING AT TEXAS CITY HALL ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH.
In July 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect upon our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation.
James Bramlett, Matthew Solomon, Tammie Duncan, Andrea McCoy, and David Orr
Stacey Wise and Laura Smith
Carolyn Addington, Stacy Hart, Peggy Benson, and Windy Tomkins
Tonja Hays, Francie Hays, and Ann Nicholas with granddaughters Caroline Nicholas and Clara-Kate Nicholas
Gail Dorgan, Nancy Belford, and Kay Stephens
OF HEARTH AND HOME
Miller County homesteader Clare Oliver sells goods throughout the Ark-La-Tex
by DR. JENNY M c CORMACK WALKER
Growing up in Louisiana, Clare Oliver was always surrounded by animals and spent much of her time outdoors. Her family members grew gardens, and those early years helped her see agriculture as a labor of love. Today, she and her family have built Vesta Homestead, a small working farm in Genoa. Through this growing business, Clare takes pride in her work and in the community she serves.
“When I started, I had a few chickens, and I lived in town on a small corner lot in the city,” Clare said. “I had a little handful of chickens, and in the backyard along the fence line, I grew what I could in container beds, raised beds, and with bucket gardening. I grew anything I could—flowers, produce. It’s just amazing how much you can grow without needing a lot of space.”
photo by WILDFLOWER STUDIO; SOULFUL PHOTOGRAPHY
Clare stands with several of the farm’s residents, including a dairy cow named Ruby and a bunny named Smudge.
Everyone does their part to help Clare on the Vesta Homestead. Pictured below, son Simon feeds the goats, son Landon and husband Christopher hold prized chickens, and oldest child Byron poses with the family’s smiling dog, Bear.
From the beginning, Clare knew she wanted one day to turn her small-scale homestead into a career. She went to college to study biology, conservation, and wildlife, and she soaked in the wisdom of friends she made through the Texarkana and Atlanta Farmers Markets. She read a lot of books and found trusted online resources to help her build her knowledge and skills.
The more she learned about homesteading, the more she loved the way it provided natural food options for her family.
“My entire adult life, I’ve taken steps to just know better and do better with what we put in and on our bodies, especially as a mom motivated to make sure I try to do what’s best for my family’s well-being,” she said. “I started learning about different products and what they do. I kind of went down a rabbit hole into health and wellness. We know our animals, from birth or hatching—whether we consume them or we get milk from them. We know everything about where it came from and how it was nurtured.”
As her knowledge and skills grew, so did her willingness to make a bold career move.
“I quit my full-time job and moved into homesteading full-time,” Clare said. “Working toward self-sufficiency was a goal our family has had for as long as I can remember. We took steps here and there, constantly learning.”
She started her business with one small table at farmers markets; her presence there now requires a 200-square-foot tent with many tables of products. Her space at the market is not the only thing that has expanded over time. Her family has expanded the Vesta Homesteading footprint twice: once with a few acres, and now with quite a bit of land that has given them plenty of room to grow. They have long-term plans for a website, farm store, and an event venue, but for now, Vesta Homestead’s current offerings keep her on her toes.
The Olivers started with a piece of land filled with trees, plus a few unwanted critters, and cleared it all themselves.
photos
“We sell fresh eggs, plants, seed starts, seasonal produce, and handmade wool items,” Clare said. “We also have sourdough baked goods, other handmade gifts, and specialty treats. Some of my biggest sellers are goat-milk soaps.”
The business (whose name comes from the Roman goddess of hearth, home, and family) includes chickens, geese, ducks, quails, hogs, goats, and a dairy cow. Clare and her family work to cultivate soil and take pride in having built their farm from the ground up.
“It is so rewarding to say, ‘Hey, I grew that,’” Clare said. “For us to say, ‘Hey, we built that.’ We are real big on [using] what [we] have. I have thrifted and used [Facebook Marketplace] to find pretty much everything we have out here, and I’m so proud of that. It doesn’t have to look pretty, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to fit you and your family and your needs.”
Another rewarding part of her work, Clare said, is the community she has been able to engage with through the farmers markets.
“Going to farmers markets is really more than just buying goods,” she said. “It’s really about community and getting to know all the local people that work to grow your food and make handmade things. They really care about each person that purchases from them or even stops to strike up a conversation. We have some of the best customers.”
In addition to selling at local farmers markets, Vesta also has products for sale at Full House Furniture.
T-Bone is one of the younger members of the family.
Two of the families’ cats, Truffles and Jack, play in the sun.
photos by SHANE DARBY
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
THE SALVATION ARMY WOMEN’S AUXILIARY HELD ITS ANNUAL GLADYS MORRISS STONE SOUP LUNCHEON AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH.
(BACK): Jolly Woosley, Sann Terry , Capt. Clara Gomez, Yulin Brewer, and Char Crane
Charlotte Nyman and Martha Clinton
Irene Johnson and Sandra Tipton Suzy Hlavinka and Stina Brown
Melissa Nelson and Lesley Ferguson
Justin White and James Bramlett Marsha Petty and Nancy Robbins
Cody Adams and Denise McKillip Sandy Pate and Jeff Brown
Janis Stringfellow, Janella Garrett, Martha Clinton, and Janice Hill
Peggy Benson, Janis Stringfellow, and Rev. Jaimie Alexander Beth Pesek and Katina Levingston
Brenda Britt and Mary Nell Short
EXQUISITE INTERIORS
PERFECTLY POSH
story by PHOEBE WARREN photography by SHANE DARBY
This hilltop home, located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Texarkana, contains within a stunning interior brimming with luxury. Constructed in the fall of 2019 by Simpson Signature Homes, this remarkable residence contains five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and two half baths. Each space showcases a masterful interpretation of the Hollywood Regency interior design style, making it truly breathtaking.
Hollywood Regency is a distinctive American interior design style that originated in California during the 1930s, born from the opulence of the Golden Age of cinema and influenced by the dazzling allure of the silver screen. Hollywood Regency is defined by luxurious elements such as gilded details, vibrant jewel tones, striking black-and-white floors, playful leopard patterns, reflective furniture, and dazzling chandeliers.
Alicia Woodle, a local interior designer, was brought on board to enhance the home with decor, artwork, fabrics, and more, guaranteeing that each space exudes glamour and elegance. For those who embrace maximalism, this home is a dream come true.
The home’s entrance features a striking blackand-white geometric tile floor that guides visitors into the dining room, where an ornate silver dining table and chairs from New York take center stage. To the left, a gracefully curved staircase made of black metal and wood adds elegance to the space. Overhead, two stunning crystal chandeliers from Logan Electric Company illuminate the space.
EXQUISITE INTERIORS
The living room features a tray ceiling painted in black and is furnished with stylish gray couches, a black fur blanket, green velvet pillows, metallic accent pieces, a mirrored coffee table, and another beautiful chandelier. The kitchen to the right is a bright and sleek space with white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a glossy black tile backsplash. The centerpiece is a magnificent kitchen island, skillfully crafted from wood, white stone, and white marble, which is both functional and beautiful.
The breakfast area houses a glass table with silver bejeweled chairs around it. Built into the wall of this space is a china hutch with a graceful arch and featuring the same tile of the kitchen backsplash. A door from the breakfast area leads to the sunroom, a luxurious space for lounging, grilling, playing games, and watching television. With an incredible glass-and-metal garage door that opens up to a poolside view of the backyard, this space is a perfect place for summertime family fun. The area is accented with exquisite white brick and stone.
EXQUISITE INTERIORS
The primary suite and its adjoining bathroom maintain a palette of black, silver, and gold. Intricately carved black bedroom furniture establishes an air of opulence, complemented by a rich brown fur throw and chic pillows on the bed, as well as a cheetah-print rug underneath. In the bathroom, pristine white marble countertops and white wooden cabinetry create a bright atmosphere. The vanity drawers are
painted black to provide a striking contrast. A raised bathtub positioned by the window and flanked by built-in shelves enhances both the style and practicality of the space.
This magnificent residence is a captivating embodiment of Hollywood Regency interior design. It exudes glamour, seamlessly blending modern aesthetics with a touch of opulence. While the space demands attention, it maintains an air of undeniable elegance.
Emily in D
o you know anyone who’s full of seemingly endless big ideas? Whether they ever accomplish half of the things they propose or not doesn’t matter. You gotta give it to ‘em—they’re creative and ambitious. When the person does follow through, do they usually produce a half-baked plan with way too much confidence in how it will turn out? Let me introduce myself.
Call it a character flaw, a toxic trait, whatever you want—but I work myself into an idea and then have to see it carried out. I can’t focus on anything else; it’s like my subconscious needs to prove to me (and no one else) that I can do whatever thing it is I’m hyperfocused on. Typically, life circumstances and events spur these random ideas on. It might be how to improve a process in our home to be more seamless. It might just be a 100-piece craft project that I need to complete. One time, it was deciding to take all the cabinet doors off, seven days postpartum, to completely repaint our kitchen.
Another time, it was a hypothetical conversation about the zombie apocalypse that got my wheels spinning. Have you ever given this any thought? If not, you should. Around the same time that the pandemic hit in 2020, I began to realize how little I really had to offer the world if it came down to survival. When the shortages began, I knew without a doubt that in a zombie apocalypse, the Gammon family would be the first to go.
THE SUMMER OF THE RAISED-BED GARDEN
by EMILY GAMMON
Between the two of us, Joey and I don’t know much about fending for ourselves and “living on the land.” He didn’t grow up in the South, so his childhood didn’t revolve around hunting season. We decided we would certainly be gatherers, not hunters—and even then, we’d probably pick the poisonous berries on our first outing, and that would be it. Needless to say, these conversations led to some hilarious, eye-rolling conversations that turned into pitching hypothetical scenarios of survival. Joey was not really interested in developing this conversation; he had resolved that, if any the end of the world came, it wouldn’t matter, and he would happily surrender. Me on the other hand? I couldn’t believe he wasn’t willing to even try to figure out a survival plan for our family. And then I had the idea: I needed to prove that I could, if necessary, grow my own food.
As I begin any good project, I scrolled through my Pinterest feed for tips, ideas, and info. I did ask several others who I knew had real experience with agriculture, but I quickly realized that real gardeners and who I envisioned myself to become weren’t really on the same playing field. I wasn’t trying to establish a long-term plan—just quick proof that I could do this.
While my husband has many traits that I love and admire, he would be the first to admit that projects are not his forte. In fact, just the word “project” leaving my mouth makes him cringe; he has enough experience to know what will happen next. Especially considering this particular project was born out of a fictional, ridiculous scenario (in his opinion), he was not on board. But, no worries. I didn’t let that stop me! The summer of the raised-bed gardens began.
To add to the layers of fun, I was also 8.5 months pregnant with our third baby, in the ramping heat of May, when I decided that I must do this. As any farmer knows (and clearly I was one now), time is of the essence when planting seeds for optimal growing conditions (duh). So I wasn’t letting up on getting this accomplished. Most moms at this point of pregnancy are “nesting” by purging storage closets and deep cleaning the house. I’m sure my husband would have preferred that! Not me. I had my table saw and drill ready to go.
After a trip to Lowe’s, where I bought cedar boards to build my boxes and a slew of other half-researched supplies, I got started. I used my saw (purchased for a previous project, of
course), and the end result was great: two sturdy, raised garden beds, built completely by yours truly.
The next step required some help, so I saddled my dad into going to South State Line with me to buy a truck bed of compost to fill the beds—as this was what Facebook told me was the next step. To know me is to know that no is safe from being pulled into the chaos of my projects; the only guarantee is that there is going to be laughter and memories. Talk about fish out of water—I waddled across the parking lot with not an idea in mind of what I needed or what I was doing.
Once I got the beds all settled and filled—which turned out to be quite an ordeal, since I placed the beds in the farthest corner from gate access in our yard (which meant 1,000 trips with compost. Whoopsie...)— it was time to plant our sprouts and let nature do its thing.
While we waited, I gave birth to our son and maybe forgot to water the beds for a few days or weeks. But eventually, we did have plants. That summer, we grew tomatoes, squash, bell peppers, and jalapeno peppers. I am still shocked and proud that it actually all came together and was successful.
My key takeaways from the project:
• If you’re thinking about it, I believe in you! Don’t ask me for advice, but just know, if I am capable, so are you!
• Squash will make you feel like a professional farmer! It is now my spirit vegetable. It wasn’t needy, it didn’t take much effort, and it grew well into the fall in large quantities!
Joey’s takeaway is that it was another classic Emily project: we spent $247 and a whole lot of effort to build garden beds that grew an amount of vegetables that might have cost us $4.65 at the store. But that’s not the vibe, so we ignore that negativity. We will also ignore the fact that we did not actually eat a single vegetable that we grew. They were my prized possessions, and they sat on our kitchen counter glowing and bragging for anyone and everyone to see all summer long.
As evidenced in the pictures, I grew a squash the same size as our baby, which I think is really quite an accomplishment. My greatest takeaway of all is the fact that I can sleep better at night knowing that I could potentially do something productive to survive during an apocalypse. I’m not sure how long we would survive on squash alone, but hey, if it comes down to it, people of Texarkana, I got us.
Emily Gammon is a fourth-generation Texarkana native and the owner of Texarkana Party People, a local business dedicated to celebrating life’s big moments. She’s married to Joey, and together they’re raising three energetic boys—John Carter, Jack, and Jace—with a baby girl, Jane Kate, on the way. With a life that’s always fun, busy, and unpredictable, Emily is excited to share her experiences of motherhood, small-town life, and everything in between in her column.
Even Dad got involved in the garden-bed project.
DEEPLY ROOTED
New family-owned health food store prioritizes community
by DR. JENNY M c CORMACK WALKER
Sometimes challenges can help a family find its purpose. This was the case for one Texarkana family whose health issues sparked lifestyle changes that ultimately led to the creation of a small business. Back to Roots, a health and wellness market, is a family-owned business that strives to offer options that are not available in larger retail stores.
In 2019, Janvi Patel had some health concerns, and she began assessing how her body reacted to different foods through an elimination diet. Those participating in an elimination diet will forgo all foods that are known to cause allergic reactions and sensitivities—gluten, dairy, and eggs, among others—and then reintroduce those items back into their diet one at a time to test how the body reacts. This allows a person to pinpoint the root cause of health concerns like inflammation, digestion issues, and other challenges. Once she determined which foods she needed to restrict, Janvi and her parents, Minal and Dharmesh, began to pay more attention to ingredients in foods and make swaps to accommodate her dietary needs.
SHANE DARBY
Janvi and Minal became increasingly interested in a holistic approach to wellness. They began listening to podcasts and reading books and articles on the topic. Ultimately, they decided to become certified nutritionists and health coaches through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
“Our family has always tried to eat healthy and not use too many chemicals, but it was never really a huge focus until 2019,” Janvi said. “Over the past six years, our family has completely transformed our lives.”
As they worked through this transformation, the Patels had a hard time finding a variety of local food options that worked for their healthy lifestyle.
“After years of making Dallas trips to stock up on essentials we couldn’t find in the area and multiple online ordering subscriptions, we were tired and really wished there were more options in town,” Janvi said. “We figured, if we felt this way, others did too. After years of floating the idea around, we decided to be the ones to bring more options.”
Dharmesh has a background in retail, so the family combined his expertise and experience with Janvi and Minal’s passion for wellness into a business that would not only serve their family but also be a resource for other people in Texarkana looking for a variety of food and household options.
Back to Roots offers a large selection of organic, vegan, gluten-free, and non-dairy items, including snacks and pantry staples. They also offer household and hygiene products, described as “low- and non-toxic, and environmentally friendly.” The inventory also includes vitamins and
Pari, Janvi, Minal and Dharmesh Patel
submitted photo
supplements. Janvi said they strive to carry as many local brands and products as they can.
While they cannot provide medical advice to their customers, Janvi said she loves that Back to Roots can help families who need to explore healthier lifestyles. “The most rewarding thing about our job is being able to help people, whether that’s having options in our store that meet their dietary needs, introducing them to new products, helping them find the right supplements for them, or just being able to talk to them about their health issues,” she said. “We get customers daily that thank us for just being here, and we love hearing that because it means we are able to help fill a need.”
Products can only be purchased in-store on Richmond Road. They are a true family-owned and -operated business that is staffed by the family, including Janvi’s sister, Pari, who works when she is home on holiday breaks from college.
In addition to stocking local products as possible, Back to Roots also hosts pop-up shops free of charge for other Texarkana businesses. Janvi said they select one business per Saturday and allow that business to set up in their store for a few hours to promote their products or services. In the past, they have partnered with Better Bits Bakery and Fairy Tale Garden and Farm, among others.
“As a small business ourselves, we want to try to help other small businesses succeed alongside us,” Janvi said. ”Community is important to us, and at the end of the day, without the community’s support, we wouldn’t be here.”
ABOUT TOWN
THE ANNUAL RUN THE LINE HALF MARATHON WAS HELD DOWNTOWN ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH.
Amber Kastner and Cassy Pettus
Daniela Hernandez and Angelique Parrott
Schelli Lusk and Gail Cogbill
Seth Cooke and Mallory Meredith
Edgar Pacheco and Hector Hernandez
Ashley and Tommy Blythe with son Landry Blythe
Kellin Vaughan, Gay Vaughan, and Stephen Vaughan
Helen Powell with son Duncan Powell and Devan Aubrey
Gerod Hubbard, Trina Childers, and Jordan Ammons
Arista Hott and Will Norton
Amy Chitty, Russell Hatridge, and Stacye Magness with sons Dalton and Fletcher Magness
Maddy Flesher, Courtney Shepard, and Ryan Miller
L.J. Wilson, Sean Deputy, and Todd Merriman
Kris Simington, Rayne Hensley, and Brianna Mack
Daniel Francis and Matt Doles
RETRO REVIVAL
Gay Vaughan curates and sells vintage home decor
by ELLEN ORR
Most people who know Gay Vaughan know her as “Miss Gay.” As a preschool teacher at First Baptist Church for over 20 years, Gay taught hundreds of Texarkana-area children until her retirement two years ago. Prior to her career in early childhood education, she had been a stay-at-home mom to her own three kids, one of whom just became a parent himself.
In 2023, Gay knew it was time to retire from the classroom, but she wasn’t sure what she would do with herself. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she had gotten serious about her Etsy store called The BlueEyed Susan (referencing her first name; Gay goes by her middle name), where she sold handmade soft goods, like clothing, handbags, and fabric decor. Maybe, she thought, she would pour more energy into this venture.
“I like to make things,” Gay said. “I’ve always been a maker. I grew up underneath my mom’s sewing machine.”
Smock dresses, quilted coats, purses, rope coasters, pillows, table runners, placemats—using vintage fabrics, Gay made an array of pieces, which she sold to customers located all over the country. When she noticed that vintage sellers were “taking off” on Etsy, she expanded her shop to sell vintage items that she had thrifted: mugs, baskets, afghans, plates, wall art, vases, canisters, salt shakers, apothecary jars, bookends, and more. Her inventory harkened to the ‘60s and ‘70s; the shop page was characterized by amber glassware, owls, orange-andgreen mushroom motifs, flower-power vibes, Space Age shapes, and lots of ratan.
“I was born in the ‘60s and am a child of the ‘70s,” Gay said. “Those are the things that speak to me. I’m a little bit of a hippie, I guess.”
Transitioning into a vintage seller was natural for Gay, who had been a thrifter her entire adult life.
by
photo
SHANE DARBY
“I started [thrifting] when we built our first home,” she said. Her “first love,” she explained, was of 1950s tole trays, which she began procuring to decorate her house. She was in no hurry to fill the space; in fact, she relished the time it took to find the pieces she views as “timeless.”
“When you find something that you love and that you took a lot of time to find, you don’t have to change it [as trends change],” she reflected.
As her vintage Etsy store grew, Gay became exhausted by the headache of shipping treasured (and often breakable) finds across the country. So, upon her retirement in 2023, she made her last online sales and moved her inventory to a booth in The Owl’s Nest Flea Market. She chose The Owl’s Nest because, while shopping at an estate sale one day, she had met and become friends with Lauren Ponder, who was already located at the Texas Boulevard market.
“When a booth became available, Lauren was like, ‘You should do it,’” Gay recalled. “I started small but quickly realized I needed a bigger space.”
Any thrifting aficionado in Texarkana knows Gay’s booth: it is expertly curated, full of groovy goods from bygone eras. When customers step into the space, they are transported to a time when avocadogreen carpets and wicker furniture reigned supreme. “People say all the time, ‘Your booth reminds me of my grandma’s house,’” Gay said.
It is not everyone’s cup of tea—and that’s what makes it so special.
“People ask me all the time, ‘Is your whole house like this?’ And I’m like, ‘Well, no!’” Gay laughed. “My house is much more timeless. But I do have a ‘hippie-style room.’”
In the beginning, Gay’s booth was even more curated than it is now; she exclusively sold mid-century decor that spoke to her taste. But, in the last two years, she has slightly expanded her inventory to appeal to a wider customer base.
“If I went strictly with what I perceive as mid-century—the furniture, the swung vases—I wouldn’t cover my costs,” she said. “I have to blend with more of the ‘80s stuff—and now even ‘90s stuff.” While the 1980s duck-and-geese craze might not excite Gay personally, she has learned that plenty of customers are on the lookout for the perfect duck-shaped cookie jar or framed needlepoint goose wearing a country blue bonnet.
While she does make small concessions when it comes to her inventory, Gay is not in this business for profit. Vintage selling is a passion project and a way for Gay to connect with a larger community of thrifters.
“I’m just always on the hunt,” she said, explaining that she is regularly checking online sales and goes thrifting wherever she travels. But, primarily, she acquires her finds locally. “I try to shop as much as I can here,” Gay said, emphasizing that she likes to support other resellers in the area. “I’ve made some really good friends through this.”
all over
In her early days of personal thrifting, Gay did not speak freely about her love of thrifting, with the knowledge that many people would judge her for purchasing used goods. “It was not something everyone did,” she said. “But,” she reflected, “antiquing has always been in style. It all depends on the way you frame it.” Still, she is grateful that thrifting, no matter how you frame it, is currently very much en vogue.
“When I meet people who’ve never been to The Owl’s Nest, I’m floored,” she said. “There is no shortage of items for people with all different styles.”
While she acknowledged that shopping new from big box stores or online retailers is often more convenient, Gay emphasized the benefits of thrifting: it’s often less expensive, more sustainable, locally beneficial, and lots of fun.
“Yes, thrifting and curating and finding your look does take time,” she said, “but it’s just so worth it.”
Gay travels
seeking her vintage goods. A couple of her stops include River Market Antiques in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Junk Ranch Vintage Market in Prairie Grove, Arkansas.
submitted photos
BIT BIT
by ELLEN ORR
Growing up, 37-year-old Doug Mann accredited his social discomfort to his status as a white English-speaking person in a predominantly Hispanic community.
“I grew up about a mile from Mexico, and so almost everyone I went to school with was Hispanic, spoke Spanish at home, and was very culturally different from me,” he reflected. “I was the minority. I didn’t fit in for obvious reasons.”
When he left his hometown of Brownsville for Abilene Christian University, he still felt out of place, but he attributed it to being surrounded almost exclusively by other white people for the first time. “I felt uncomfortable around white people; I couldn’t tell them apart,” he said.
After completing his undergrad, Doug attended Western Washington University on a scholarship, where he earned a master’s degree in history—but even with an advanced degree, he could not find work in his field.
“So I moved back home,” he said, referring to Texarkana, where his parents had retired. “I tried to figure out what to do. I knew some people through church growing up that had been physical therapists, and I like old people, so I decided, ‘Well, I’ll do that.’” He completed prerequisite science courses in Texarkana before enrolling in a doctoral program at the University of Central Arkansas.
School was incredibly taxing. “I didn’t [yet] know that I learned better by doing than by reading,” he reflected. “I didn’t know so much about myself.” Still, highly intelligent and determined, he succeeded academically and aced his board exams in 2019. Completing his clinicals, however, proved to be detrimental to his health; the social energy required sapped him of vitality. He found himself intensely fatigued, unable to focus, emotionally dysregulated, and
photo by SHANE DARBY
Autistic baker Doug Mann sells specialty fares and challenges stereotypes
submittedphoto
withdrawn. Though he didn’t yet have the vocabulary to describe it, Doug was experiencing severe autistic burnout.
After moving back in with his parents, Doug sought support from a therapist, who referred him to a neuropsychiatrist. The neuropsychiatrist diagnosed him as autistic and explained the causes of his burnout.
“Basically, [autistic burnout] happens a lot of times when people don’t know they are autistic, and they’re ‘masking’: they’re trying to basically not be themselves, to be how they’re ‘supposed to be,’ to fit into the standard,” Doug explained. After a sustained period of trying to fit into a neurotypical mold, neurodivergent people like Doug simply crash. Autistic burnout causes heightened sensory sensitivities, loss of executive functioning and basic life skills, exhaustion, and despair. It is a devastating condition that, for Doug, lasted multiple months.
“That time is fuzzy,” he said. “I just tried to help around the house, do little things, and figure out what I was going to do next—because I definitely couldn’t be a physical therapist.”
Somewhere, Doug got the idea to try baking. He checked out cookbooks from the Texarkana Public Library and watched YouTube videos. He began with basic cookies and cakes—none of which he himself could eat, as a gluten-intolerant person.
“I just enjoyed the process,” he said, “so [not being able to eat my baked goods] was not a big deal to me.”
He shared his goodies with his parents and neighbors, who raved about them. But
before long, Doug was baking at such a velocity that his family and friends could not eat as fast as he could bake. He started donating to the Randy Sams Outreach Shelter and the Salvation Army Shelter.
Doug’s confectionaries were a hit: people loved eating what he made. And, equally important, Doug loved the making.
“[Baking] makes me feel good,” he said. “It’s multi-sensory, and I like all the learning. There’s a lot of precision and a lot of rules, but when you learn all the rules and how things work and why they work that way, you can learn a little bit how to adjust it and make it your own. I like that.”
While discovering the world of baking, Doug was also venturing into a world of self-discovery as a newly identified autistic person.
“[Being diagnosed as autistic] felt kind of comforting,” he said, “because you kind of feel like you’re broken if you can’t do anything [during burnout]. But if you can find a reason for why you’re like that, it makes a lot of things click about why you are the way you are, the things you like to do, how you’re different.
“You have to relearn who you are, because you were kind of trying to fit into the mold your whole life,” he continued. “And then you learn something like that about yourself and have to figure out where to go from here.”
Doug realized that a 9-to-5 job was never going to be a sustainable path for him. Nor was anything that required very much sitting, social interaction,
or harsh sensory experiences. So, when friends and family encouraged him to give professional baking a try, he realized that it might be the perfect fit.
Better Bits Bakery launched just before Thanksgiving 2022. Doug operates out of his home kitchen, which is entirely gluten-free. He also bakes some vegan products and primarily serves customers who have food allergies or intolerances.
– Doug Mann
“I only bake gluten-free, and there’s no one else around here that does that,” he said. “People offer gluten-free [products], but they’re made in a facility that does non-gluten-free also. I have customers that, if they get even a little gluten, they’ll be sick for a week, so they’re not going to [buy from just] anywhere. They’ve been ‘glutened’ at restaurants, when they’d ordered ‘gluten-free’ things.”
You can do whatever it is that’s your thing. There shouldn’t be a stereotype, and I want to bring more awareness to that. “ ” submittedphoto
Doug does not take health issues lightly. He said that all he learned about the human body during his doctoral program has given him a somewhat unique perspective.
“I’ve learned about all of the different conditions and how the body works,” he said. “We had gross anatomy labs, cut cadavers
open, and all that. So I really do understand when people tell me they have Hashimoto’s or other thyroid issues or other chronic conditions.”
Helping people through physical therapy was not the right path for Doug, but through baking specialized treats, he helps chronicillness patients in another, sweeter way.
“What I like about baking like this is that you get to know the people, and they’re appreciative. It’s not like you’re ‘just baking cookies’; if you’re not making it for them, they’re not going to get it,” he said. “I bake birthday cakes for people who haven’t had a cake in years.”
Just as food allergies and intolerances are widely misunderstood, so too is autism, which is why Doug bills himself not just as a baker but as an autistic baker.
“I don’t like the way that people stereotype autistic people as either they can’t do anything and they’re sitting in the corner rocking, or they all like to play with trains or do math,” he shared. “You can do whatever it is that’s your thing. There shouldn’t be a stereotype, and I want to bring more awareness to that.”
Doug imagines a world in which young neurodivergent people who don’t fit the current stereotype of autism are more able to be identified as autistic.
“If I had known 15 years ago that I was autistic, I might be in a bakery today, instead of baking out of my [home] kitchen,” he said. “So, little by little, I hope to change people’s perspectives.”
by BAYLOR M c LELLAND
MEET H LILY ARMSTRONG
umility is an essential quality for any basketball player. It allows them to recognize their strengths and areas for growth, both on and off the court. For Lily Armstrong, a ninth-grade basketball and track athlete at Albert J. Murphy Junior High in Genoa, humility is a core value that has fueled her journey from rookie to leader.
Lily began playing Pee Wee league basketball in Wake Village when she was 7 years old. “Basketball has her whole heart,” Lily’s mother, Mandy Armstrong, explained. “It’s funny because, when she started playing Pee Wee, no one thought she would stick with it. As a leftie, she was uncoordinated, and I thought maybe theater would be better suited for her. Let’s just say it wasn’t. She continued to work hard.”
Today, Lily is a starter for the ninth-grade Lady Dragons basketball team. “I went from playing against the same age group of girls to going up against older girls who might be better,” Lily explained. The move from being a rookie player to now being a key member of the Lady Dragons has been a stressful change, especially with more advanced players to compete against. However, her ambition for greatness pushed her to do more in this new leadership role.
“I went from being the one people looked down on to being the one people look up to,” Lily said. “It’s kind of just leading people now instead of being the one led.” As a ninth grader at Albert J. Murphy Junior High (which comprises seventh, eight, and ninth grades), Lily’s seniority makes her a mentor to younger players. Her focus with them is to make sure they feel comfortable with what they’re doing and to get rid of any doubt in their minds. Since stepping into this new leadership role, she’s formed real relationships with all of her teammates.
“ ” I want to be someone who’s known for what she’s done.
“Her best quality is how fiercely she wants her teammates and friends to achieve greatness,” Lily’s mother said. “No one cheers harder on the bench than her. When she’s not actively playing, you can usually find her on the bench chanting or doing some sort of clap-cheer for the other girls.”
Lily also works with her coach on Saturdays for the Pee Wee league, helping kids who started playing basketball the same way Lily did. “I kind of just make sure everything is in line and that they all know what they’re doing,” she explained.
Her dedication to serving younger kids extends beyond the court. Lily’s care for children can be seen in her community work with The CALL, a Christian organization that fosters local kids and brings support to foster parents. The Armstrongs themselves started fostering in 2019 but stopped in late 2021. However, they still continue to work with the organization, sorting clothes, shoes, and hygiene products. Lily said she would be open to fostering again whenever the chance arrives.
With all that she does, Lily holds on to her core beliefs throughout. On Sundays, you can regularly find Lily with her family at Legacy Baptist Church. “It makes me realize that when you’re playing, you’re playing for an audience of one,” Lily explained. “Instead of for my coach or for people in the stands, I’m playing for God.” Lily cherishes her faith in the church, at home, on the court, and at school, as an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
of points.’ I hope it’s what I was able to do for the game of women’s basketball. I hope it is the young boys and young girls that are inspired to play this sport or dream to do whatever they want to do in their lives.”
Lily shares this goal. It drives her to work harder on the Lady Dragons and to take care of younger children. “I want to be someone who’s known for what she’s done,” Lily said. She wants to be remembered not by her stats as a basketball player but for what she’s done for the community.
Looking toward the future, she dreams of becoming an ultrasound technician, using her medical skills to help others, with a little basketball on the side. Lily Armstrong’s future is bright, fueled by her dedication, leadership, and commitment to others.
Professional WNBA player (and Lily’s idol) Caitlin Clark said, “I don’t want my legacy to be, ‘Oh, Caitlin won X amount of games,’ or ‘Caitlin scored X amount
is a junior at Arkansas High School. He is a reporter for the RazorbackTV program and content creator on his YouTube channel, “BaylorWuzHere.” He plans to graduate in 2026 and pursue a college degree in film.
photo by NICOLE TEAGUE of NT PHOTOGRAPHY
photo by TR PHOTOGRAPHY
Baylor McLelland
Lily is a starter for the Lady Dragons.
photo by TRACY ROGERS of TR PHOTOGRAPHY
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
THE GALENTINES BRUNCH FUNDRAISER FOR TEXARKANA RESOURCES FOR THE DISABLED INC. WAS HELD AT THE TEXARKANA CONVENTION CENTER ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH.
Charlotte Mitchell, Tirsa Green, and Lorraine Taylor
Michelle Granberry and Erica Cain
Morgan Harris
Marcia Austin and Ann Hobbs
Tanya Dunlap
Susan Lindsey, Bailey Seasel, and Tina Shearman
Destiny Carter and Michelle Walraven
Michelle Granberry, Dawn Driskell, Peggy Roseik, and Jennifer Lacefield
MARCH 2025
MARCH 4
Carnivals of Mardi Gras
Texarkana Regional Chorale is hosting a Mardi Gras–themed event with music, food, raffles, and a silent auction. The event begins at 6 p.m. and will be held in Studio 71, the lofted party room above the 1894 Art Gallery on Olive Street.
MARCH 6
We Are Washington Gala
All are invited for the second annual We Are Washington Gala at the Texarkana Convention Center at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, food, and silent auctions, all benefiting the Washington Community Development Center. To purchase your table or tickets, email marketing@wearewashington.org.
MARCH 7
TRAHC’s Theatre for Young Audiences: Ugly Duckling
Lightwire Theater brings a classic tale to the modern stage in an unforgettable theatrical experience. Featuring electroluminescent wire, the beloved story of the Ugly Duckling plays out through a cuttingedge blend of puppetry, technology, and dance. This performance will be held at the Perot Theatre at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at perottheatre.org.
MARCH
8
Battle of the Paddle
The Junior League of Texarkana’s provisional class is hosting the second annual Battle of the Paddle pickleball tournament, benefiting the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center. The event will take place at the Southwest Center at 8 a.m.
MARCH
8
Four States Line Dance Festival
The Texarkana Line Dancers will present the third annual Four States Line Dance Festival at the VFW 4562 at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Ticia Clements at 501-622-9058.
Retro Prom
HandsOn Texarkana is hosting an ‘80s-themed prom from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Collins Home. All proceeds will directly support HandsOn Texarkana and the programs they provide to our community. Tickets can be purchased at zeffy.com.
MARCH 14–15
Jonquil Festival
For 57 years, this two-day festival at Historic Washington State Park has heralded the arrival of spring in Southwest Arkansas. Thousands of jonquils welcome the craftspeople, entertainers, and visitors to the town. Tours of the park, historic homes, and museums will be available. For more information, go to arkansasstateparks.com.
MARCH 15
Wagons for Veterans
The seventh annual Wagons for Veterans event will be held at the Four States Fairgrounds. This family-friendly event kicks off at 10:30 a.m., with a hearty meal for $18 available at 11:30 a.m. Music and entertainment will also be onsite.
MARCH 19
The Great Gatsby Ballet
Step into the jazzy world of the Roaring Twenties with this new production of the World Ballet Company. The performance will be held at the Sullivan Performing Arts Center & John Thomas Theatre at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets, go to eventbrite.com.
MARCH 21
Brian Harris Foundation Golf & Pickleball Tournament
The second annual Brian Harris Foundation Golf & Pickleball Tournament, benefiting local nursing students, will begin at 11 a.m. at Northridge Country Club. For more information, check out the Facebook event online.
Wine and Jazz Gala
Harvest Regional Food Bank’s 19th annual Wine and Jazz Gala will be held at the Silvermoon on Broad at 6 p.m. Enjoy expertly selected
wine and gourmet food pairings while enjoying live music and a silent auction. Tickets are $100. For more information, call 870-774-1398 or email development@hrfb.org.
MARCH 22
Home & Garden Show
This year’s Home & Garden show, presented by the Texarkana Home Builders Association, will be held at Crossties Event Venue from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, go to txkhomeshow.com.
Masterworks III: Passionate Devotion
The Texarkana Symphony Orchestra will present this arrangement featuring Julien Labro, a renowned accordion and bandoneón player in both the classical and jazz genres, at the Perot Theatre at 7 p.m.
MARCH 26
A Taste of Ireland: The Irish Music & Dance Sensation
After premiering off-Broadway last season, A Taste of Ireland: The Irish Music & Dance Sensation is coming to the Perot Theatre. The show starts at 8:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased at perottheatre.org.
MARCH 28
Grace House Homecoming Gala
Grace House welcomes all to an evening of food, dance, live music, and a silent auction benefiting the rescue of women and children in the Ark-La-Tex. The event will be held at Canvas Special Events Center at 7 p.m.
MARCH 30
Tough Kookie Foundation Benefit
Tough Kookie is hosting musical performances and a silent auction at Hopkins Icehouse beginning at 12 p.m. All proceeds support local cancer patients.
Sunday Funday
The 4th annual Sunday Funday hosted by Texarkana Special Education Center Inc. dba Opportunities Inc. will be held at the Crossties Event Venue beginning at 4 p.m. There will be a DJ, barbecue, and a cornhole competition. All proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities in our community.
