Four States Living Magazine February 2023

THE WAY I SEE IT ...

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

My beautiful momma wants some chickens. No, she isn’t stressed out about the cost of eggs (yet). Yes, she has been online looking at influencers who showcase their designer coops and colorful eggs, collected and staged in big white bowls in their pristine kitchens. Recently, Mom and I were discussing a new relative that she has met on 23andMe, Donna, and Donna’s chickens. These days, if Donna says the sky is falling, we all need to take cover.

“Donna says that having chickens is really quite easy,” Mom said. Without hesitation, I said, “Uh-oh. Mom’s getting chickens.”

Truly, my mom adores her newfound cousin who lives out west, and they talk regularly. The two share a love of ancestry, cooking, travel, and their people; if Donna says that a recipe is a true Swedish delicacy, passed down from their greatgreat aunt, my mom is going to cook it as soon as she gets the ingredients. I love to hear the stories they share, and I can’t imagine what it will be like when they eventually meet in-person.

As for chickens, I’m playing the devil’s advocate.

“I have a friend on Facebook who has chickens, and you should see the big ol’ snakes that she has found in her coops eating her eggs,” I told her. “I’ll stick to getting eggs at the grocery store.”

Mom is unfazed by my snake story.

“I still have nightmares about being at Grandma Griffin’s house as a child,” I told her. “Do you remember how she started Sunday lunch? She would chase down one of those unexpecting chickens in her side yard, ring its neck, and in one fell swoop, slam it on the tree stump, grab the axe, and chop its head off. MOM, fried chicken was never the same after seeing that!”

“Robin Anne, where do you think everything you eat comes from?” she asked.

“I don’t want to think about it,” I said.

“You know,” she explained, “the City of Texarkana allows citizens to have chickens in the city limits now; we just can’t have a rooster.”

My mom lives on an acre that was recently annexed into the city limits, so her backyard is still 400 acres of ponds and woods, with coyotes, deer, and wild hogs.

“And how are you going to keep these chickens alive without a fence? If the foxes don’t get them, the coons will. Ever heard of having a fox in the henhouse?”

“Well, of course I would get a fence for them and put them up at night,” she replied.

Four St ates Living

“That sounds like work,” I said. Mom has sentimental memories of chickens. There is a photograph on her refrigerator of her favorite great-grandmother (not the biscuit maker) in a long skirt with a buttoned-up blouse and a big straw hat. Kids and chickens are scattered around the yard, and guess what the lady is doing? Throwing feed to her chickens. I am not sure why that’s romantic or sentimental, but to her, it is.

Continuing in my quest to dissuade her from getting chickens, I asked, “Do you remember Hercules?”

Hercules was the result of an Easter-egg hunt about 20 years ago. Whoever thought that bringing baby chicks, dyed the colors of cotton candy, to a kids’ Easter party was a good idea should have come by my house a couple of months later. Of course we brought one home. And we gave it a name. And we kept it in our courtyard. Hercules pecked the windows constantly. And pooped. Like, Hercules pooped all the time and everywhere. Did I mention the nonstop pecking? When Hercules became a full-sized chicken, the kids cried because he had to go live at a real farm.

“Well,” Mom answered, “I still think chickens would be fun.”

Recently, I was invited to a meeting of 4-H and FFA students. They were planning for the next Bowie County Project Show (happening February 22–24 at the Four States Fairgrounds). The kids were all ages, and they were the ones asking questions, not their parents. Now, undoubtedly, most kids can’t raise chickens or goats or heifers without the support of their families, but these kids were passionate about their upcoming project animals, and they were definitely going to be doing the majority of the work. As the ag teachers spoke, you could have heard a pin drop. No phones were dinging. No giggling or hushed whispers could be heard. The most respectful kids I’ve seen in a long time spoke of things I didn’t even remotely understand. But I knew the kids did, and I knew that they understood the importance of agriculture done well in today’s economy.

When I started sleuthing around, looking online at the people who I know who are involved in 4-H and FFA, I found a photo of our cover, Hallie Hackett. Hallie raised and showed a grand champion last year at the Bowie County Project Show, and she is getting ready for the project show this month. Hallie, like so many of the kids involved in the ag programs, blew me away. Her mom told me, “This is Hallie’s passion.” Words like “smart,” “leader,” and “responsible” come to my mind when I look at Hallie, but “passionate” is why she will succeed at whatever she does after high school. I also know that her involvement in FFA and 4-H have primed her for what lies ahead in life.

If you are interested in seeing what 4-H and FFA does for kids, come out to the show this month and see Hallie and the many other kids.

Sadly for my brother and me, the only ag experiences we had growing up was old Grandma Griffin killing chickens and making us pluck off the feathers. Just maybe, if my mother has it her way (and if she continues to talk to Cousin Donna), we will have some of her chicken stories to pass down to our own families.

In the meantime, happy February, and as always, thanks for reading FSLM.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PUBLISHER

Dr. Robin Rogers

EDITOR EMERITUS

Suzy Turner

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Shane Darby

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Victoria Herman

Mitzi Dowd

Lindsey McMillan

Ellen Orr

Katie Stone

Lisa Porterfield Thompson

COLUMNISTS

Velvet Hall Cool

Reese Langdon

the first business day of every month. © Copyright 2023 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.

Do You Have a Story or a Photo?

We welcome information regarding topics of interest for future publications. If you have a story or photos that in some way depicts living or visiting in the Four States area and would be of interest to our readers, we want to hear from you. Call 903-792 -2262 or write: Editorial Department, Four States Living Magazine, 4104 Summerhill Square, Texarkana, Texas 75503. Comments are also welcome at our e-mail address: info@fourstatesliving.com

Want to Advertise?

Advertising rates may be obtained by contacting the Sales Department at 903-7922262, writing to Four States Living Magazine, 4104 Summerhill Square, Texarkana, Texas 75503, visiting our website www.fourstatesliving.com or emailing our Sales Department at info@fourstatesliving.com

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER FEBRUARY 2023

Hallie Hackett’s passion is raising and showing cattle. Hallie is a leader amongst high school students, locally and in the state of Texas. In 2022, Hallie showed a grand champion at the Bowie County Project Show. She is hopeful to do it again at the 2023 Project Show, held this month at the Four States Fairgrounds (Feb 22-24).

See Raising Champions on page 38.

INSIDE : FINALLY FREE

After losing 200 pounds, Madison Rogers feels like a new person.

See story on page 26.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

FRIENDS FOR A CAUSE ROCK OUT CANCER CONCERT

Friends For a Cause recently held its fourth annual Rock Out Cancer Concert benefiting local cancer patients at the Four States Fairgrounds. Entertainment for the event was TJ McAlexander and Trophy Husband. This year’s event raised over $10,000 to help three local cancer patients cover costs that insurance may not cover. Friends For a Cause is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You can find them on Facebook or contact them at ffacfoundation2014@gmail.com.

Tara Byrum, Tyler Lotkowski, David Howe, Jill Launius, Donna Davis, Kyle Hanes, Sarah Carpenter and Mark Launius

Nadea Bowerman, Suki O’Neal and Channen Branch

Tracey Morris, Terri Peek and Alexia Morris

(front row) Wendi Ellis, Suki O’Neal and Brittney Frost; (back row) Melanie Cummings, Carrie Paslay, Brittney Haynes and Robyn Stone

Dr. Cindy Porter and Brittany Joe Beaird

Kacie Kirkland, Denise Nichols and Christine Caldwell

photo by SHANE DARBY

PARTNERS IN BUSINESS & LIFE

Working together in all facets of life has strengthened the love Yulin and Jerry Brewer have for each other

by LINDSEY M c MILLAN

Jerry and Yulin Brewer have been partners in business and life for over 30 years. They have raised a family, run a successful business, and consistently support the Texarkana community in various ways. The owners of NAI American Realty, the Brewers are active in the commercial real estate realm. They work hard every day to make Texarkana—a place they’ve each called home for over four decades—a better place to live and work.

Jerry is a native of Mountain View, Arkansas, and the tenth of 12 children. He graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro with a bachelor’s degree in English and taught middle and high school before attending the University of Arkansas School of Law. He moved to Texarkana in 1972. His foray into real estate was joining his sister, Berta, and her husband, Fred Stotts, in their residential realty company, before transitioning to commercial real estate and founding NAI American Realty. Now 51 years later, Jerry still enjoys every aspect of commercial realty—particularly meeting others and training employees. “I love what I do and want to continue for another 50 years. I guess there is still a little schoolteacher in me, as I really enjoy training new agents and teaching residential agents to practice commercial real estate,” he explained.

Yulin and Jerry were married on August 26, 1989, at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Yulin is proud to be an American, though she was born in Taipei, Taiwan. The sixth of eight children, her parents and three of her siblings fled Beijing, China, in 1949 in the aftermath of the Chinese Civil War, in which her father had served as an Army Colonel for the Nationalist government. In Taipei, Yulin attended a specialized high school, where she learned the basics of accounting and finance. She moved to the United States with her mother in 1974, settling in Texarkana, while her mother visited other siblings in California. Yulin worked at Lone Star Ammunition Plant and then as a translator before moving to International Paper. Longtime friend Suzy Park, the owner of Park Place Restaurant, hired Yulin as a hostess and then server, where she remained for eight and a half years.

Yulin first met Jerry in 1980, when she was selling some furniture, and he came to look at it. Later on, he recognized her at Park Place. Laughing, he recalled how he didn’t think Yulin liked him very much for the first few years their paths crossed. Three years later, they began dating—a courtship which lasted three more years. Jerry proposed in 1986, and they remained engaged for another three years before marrying at St. Edwards Catholic Church on August 26, 1989. Three years later to the day, their daughter, Shannon, was born.

On August 26, 2019, the Brewers celebrated Jerry and Yulin’s anniversary and Shannon’s birthday at SaintEmilion Restaurant in Fort Worth.

The Brewer family of three became a busy one. While Shannon was growing up, Yulin worked alongside Jerry at NAI American Realty as a bookkeeper and office manager. Shannon was an active child, becoming very involved in music and competitive swimming. She graduated as salutatorian of her Texas High School class in 2011. She earned a degree in Biology and Political Science from TCU and completed medical school at Texas Osteopathic College of Medicine. She

Shannon and Yulin during a cruise to Alaska in 2016.

Shannon graduated from Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine on May 8, 2022, in Fort Worth.

“I am grateful for all the wonderful agents and staff who brought us to where we are today.”

– Yulin Brewer

photo by SHANE DARBY

WHEN ASKED HOW WORKING TOGETHER HAS STRENGTHENED THEIR BUSINESS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP, THEIR ANSWERS BEAUTIFULLY COMPLEMENT ONE ANOTHER.

Yulin: “I appreciate how hard Jerry has worked to build our company and provide for our family. We get up and try again every day to do the right thing for our clients. Struggling with success and failure has made us closer, and our love has just grown stronger through the years.”

Jerry: “Working with Yulin has allowed us to explore different aspects of our character. We spent so many hours trying to make the best choices to build our reputation for integrity and good service. Truly listening to each other and respecting each other’s values has allowed our love to flourish, and it continues to grow stronger.”

is currently completing her Internal Medicine residency at UAMS in Little Rock. Jerry and Yulin have always enjoyed traveling to visit Shannon whether in Fort Worth or Little Rock. They are happy she hasn’t lived too far away.

The Brewers love collaborating on their business and talking about how to make it better. “I am grateful for all the wonderful agents and staff who brought us to where we are today,” Yulin said. Yulin also spends a significant amount of time giving back to the community through volunteerism; her drive to serve others stems from being helped as a youngster by the Catholic nuns after her family fled China. She has been very active with St. Edwards Outreach Center, which provides people in need with meals every Monday in November and December. She serves with the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and is a member of both the Rose Garden Club and the Texas Council of Garden Clubs. She has also served on CHRISTUS St. Michael’s Friends of the Foundation. One of her favorite Bible verses, she said, is Matthew 25:40, which reads, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brothers, you did it to me.”

When asked what their future goals are, Jerry and Yulin are in sync with one another: they want to travel more and live a healthier life. This last part is poignant, as Jerry suffered a heart attack five years ago and had to undergo triple bypass surgery in Plano.

Jerry and Yulin epitomize the image of a couple who truly love working with one another in career and in life. They are following their hearts and doing so with lots of smiles and joy.

The Brewers attended the ICSC (International Council Shopping Center) Convention on May 21, 2019, in Las Vegas.

LIFE IS SWEET

by ELLEN ORR

y sense of humor — I guess you would call it ironic,” said local tire builder, personal trainer, professional baker, and father of three Devon Beaird. “I like to go against the grain.”

Juxtaposition has been a major feature of Devon’s life since he was a teenager. At 17, he became a dad to his eldest, Madison, and a year later, daughter Peyton was born. Devon was soon a single parent, attending college classes and working overtime. Though he describes his own teen-dad experience as “charmed,” referring to the incredible support he received from his parents and sister, those years were undoubtedly challenging. “[Devon’s mother] tells all sorts of stories about that time,” said Devon’s wife, Brittany. “He was working nights and doing everything he could to stay awake to spend time with [his daughters]. My motherin-law tells a story about this time when he was literally sitting upright, and Madi was sitting on his head, but he’s out cold.”

Devon eventually stopped taking classes and transitioned to working at Cooper Tire, where he has now worked for 11 years. This job allows him to pursue

education outside of a classroom: while building tires, he listens to podcasts and audiobooks, learning about anything that piques his interest. The unconventional work schedule is also a huge asset to the Beaird family. “I have the girls on my days off from Cooper,” Devon explained. Though he has 50/50 custody with the girls’ mother, according to wife Brittany, he has always been a full-time dad.

Brittany, currently an instructional coach at Pleasant Grove, met Devon as Madison’s first-grade teacher at Nash Elementary. “He was at everything,” she recalled. “He brought them lunch, he took them to the book fair, he was at every party. He’d be in Cooper-Tire gear—dirty—but he was there. I always thought, ‘Man, that’s a devoted dad.’”

At home, too, Devon strived to be the dad his daughters deserved. “[When the girls were younger] he would let them paint his fingernails and dress up with them,” Brittany said. “He’s that dad you see in commercials, playing tea-party, and he’s in a full-out dress.”

When Madison turned 5, Devon wanted her to have a beautiful, custom-

Pictured above: The entire Beaird family — Madi Beaird, Peyton Beaird, Carter Adcock, and Brittany Beaird,and Devon Beaird — creates an annual peep cake every Easter.

Through baking, Devon Beaird shows his devotion to his family and community

photo by SHANE DARBY

“When I had my children I promised to always be there for them, and I always will. ”

baked birthday cake, but such a luxury was not in the budget. No stranger to self-education, he got online and taught himself how to bake and decorate cakes.

When asked about his motivation for baking, Devon briefly cites his lifelong artistic leanings before explaining the heart of everything. “My parents also got pregnant when they were young, and they talked about the struggles of not being able to give us certain things that they wanted to give us,” Devon recalled. “And that’s not something I wanted [my children] to experience. I didn’t want them to have to pay for my decisions.

“When I had my children,” he continued, “I promised to always be there for them, and I always will.” When Devon and Brittany blended their families in 2019, this promise extended

<<

Devon has coached his bonus son, Carter Adcock, in football and baseball over the past three years.

Inset: Madi, Devon and Peyton enjoyed singing and swinging in the hammock when the girls were young.

Five days a week, Devon teaches a 5 a.m. HIIT and Core class and also trains clients on his days off of work from Cooper Tire. With him is his wife, Brittany, when he hosted a costumed workout class.

to Brittany’s son, Carter (with whom Devon has “this crazy bond,” Brittany noted).

Devon’s elaborate, professional-quality cakes have been a family-birthday tradition for 10 years now. It wasn’t until February 2022, however, that Devon launched his home bakery, Delicious Bites TXK. In his one year of business, he has filled over 100 orders. He has cakes booked months out; he has even committed to an order for 2024. He learns as he goes, from watching YouTube videos and baking television shows.

Devon has coached sports for every one of his children. On this particular day, Devon coached soccer and participated in the Dragon Boat Race, and both Peyton and Devon placed in their respective activities.

Devon’s cakes are a major hit with all of his clients. This cow cake is another “MOOvelous” creation that Devon enjoyed making.

Detailed and creative, Devon’s catfish cake for a 50th birthday party was a wild success.

Though Brittany had been encouraging Devon for years to sell his cakes (“They’re beautiful, and they’re delicious!” she stressed), he resisted. “It was intimidating,” he admitted. “What I love most about doing cakes is that I get to be a part of something special. The cake is meaningful. It’s something they’ll always look back on, always remember, and I didn’t want to mess that up.” Eventually, however, he caved and took on his first client. “I’m kind of a sucker for difficult things,” he laughed. His cakes were an instant hit.

In his baking, as well as in his effusiveness toward his children and wife, Devon bucks stereotypes of masculinity. His work at Cooper allows him to maximize his time with his daughters, learn about subjects he cares about, and support his family. His work as a GymBox trainer satisfies his need for work that “helps people,” he said. And through baking, he provides his own family and other area families with edible artwork— custom, elaborate cakes that celebrate the special people for whom they’re baked.

Like cakes, families are unique. They require hard work, quality time, passion, craft, and creativity. They are messy and colorful. They work best when the whole is sweeter than the sum of the ingredients. Devon, Brittany, Madison (15), Peyton (14), and Carter (12) exemplify the modern blended family.

Nicknamed “Tasty Rex,” this cake is one of Devon’s favorite creations.

TATE BECK MEET

by REESE LANGDON

Years of dedication, months of anticipation, and days of long, grueling practices, all for a mere few seconds of competition: this is a cycle that is all too familiar for those who participate in the centuries-old sport of rodeo. Redwater sophomore Tate Beck is no exception.

“My grandparents always did rodeo [when I was] growing up, and I would go to as many of the events as I could,” Tate said. “My friend also rodeos, and he taught me how to rope.”

Fast forward to today, and Tate competes in five events through the Southwest High School Rodeo Association: breakaway, ribbon roping, heeling, chute dogging, and tiedown roping.

“My favorite rodeo event is tie-down,” Tate said. “I really like this event because it uses more adrenaline trying to flank and tie the calf as fast as possible. The feeling when you have a good run or tie your fastest time is just awesome to me.”

Rodeoing pushes its competitors to go faster and be tougher than they thought possible. Other than being a sport that takes a lot of grit and perseverance to succeed, rodeoing also has other benefits. “Rodeoing is really important to me for a lot of reasons, [like] the friendships that you make from all over,” Tate said. “It’s a way to go out there and have fun, and the feeling when you win is what makes it special to me.”

Rodeo is a highly competitive sport, so winning does not come easy. Many early mornings and late nights of practice are a requirement for success. “Most of the time when I practice, I practice tie-down, where you rope the calf and tie its feet; or heeling, when I rope the two back feet of the steer,” Tate said. “I rope the dummy everyday and try to rope live a couple times a week.”

Rodeoing is a high-risk activity, though, fortunately,

Tate has never incurred a serious injury. “Rodeo is a very dangerous sport,” Tate said. However, to Tate, that danger is an integral part of the sport he loves. “There is a risk in everything that you do in life,” he reflected. “The adrenaline that you get from it is just awesome.”

Tate practices in the evenings after school, as well as on weekends not already occupied by rodeoing. All of this work is in pursuit of the goals this athlete has set for himself. “One of my goals right now is to win the all-around saddle in high school rodeo,” Tate said. “To work towards my goal, I’m just going to keep practicing as much as possible and keep trying as hard as possible.”

Though Tate’s eye is on the prize, it has become even more than just winning or losing. There is a sense of comfort that comes along with this competition. “The rodeo community is awesome,” he said. “Some of my best friends have come from rodeo. It’s really like a second family. If you ever need anything, they will let you use their house, their rope, anything you need to help you out.” Every high schooler needs a get away from reality, and Tate and his rodeo family have found their forever second home through this uncommon extracurricular.

Due to his amazing experience that he has had through the Southwest Arkansas High School Rodeo Association, he would recommend this way of life to anyone. “I would definitely tell [anyone] that they should [rodeo],” Tate said. “It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made because of the friendships I’ve made through rodeo and the experience I’ve had. It’s just the best thing.” He plans to continue rodeoing after high school.

With his work ethic and the support of his family and friends, Tate is on the right track to achieving his goals. Rodeo is more than just a side hobby; it is a way of life and a home.

Reese Langdon is a senior at Texas High School. She is an editor in chief for the Tiger Times Newspaper and has been awarded many ILPC and TAJE writing awards. Reese is a dancer at Judith McCarty and a Texas HighStepper, where she also serves as their social president. She will be attending the University of Alabama and majoring in Political Science in the upcoming fall.

photo by SHANE DARBY

“It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made because of the friendships I’ve made through rodeo and the experience I’ve had. It’s just the best thing.”

FINALLY FREE

After losing 200 pounds, Madison Rogers feels like a new person

by LISA PORTERFIELD THOMPSON

photo by SHANE DARBY

For most people, losing 100 pounds is life-changing enough. For most people, dropping that much weight in a short amount of time is satisfying, and enough of an achievement to be celebrated and relished. It’s safe to say, however, that Madison Rogers is not most people.

“I loved myself before I lost the weight,” Madison said. “I have always been very confident in who I am. I know self-image issues are something most people struggle with, especially people who are overweight. I don’t know why I was different. Maybe it was amazing people like Jenny Walker, who spoke into my life at a young, impressionable age. Or my wonderful husband who has loved me dearly at any stage of life. Maybe it was from my awesome mother who always built me up, told me I was beautiful, and that I could do anything. But I think the foundation of my confidence truly came from understanding what the Lord thought about me. He says we are made in his image. Beautifully and wonderfully made.”

Madison has lost 200 pounds in less than 18 months and has an incredible story to tell. “I have always had a weird relationship with food,” Madison said. “I struggled with weight my entire life. My parents loved me and took care of my health. I just snuck food because it made me feel good. Other kids got their joy from playing with their friends, and I got it from eating. It made me happy.”

Madison is the middle child of three daughters. She and her family moved to Texarkana when she was 10 years old, and she attended Redwater High School, where she graduated in 2013. Her parents, Rick and Melissa Doty, own multiple Chicken Express restaurants in the Ark-La-Tex area.

Madison and her high school sweetheart and husband, Austin, have two children: Denton, 5, and Baylor, 2. She recalls the time in 2021 when she realized her health needed to become a priority. “I knew my family was complete, my baby was 10 months old, and I was done having kids,” Madison said. “I was the heaviest I had ever been at 370 pounds. Life was getting a little hard. I was out of breath easily, and it was hard to find clothes. My energy levels were low, and my motivation was low. I knew that where I was wasn’t sustainable. I loved these kids that the Lord blessed me with, and I wanted to see them grow older. I wanted to watch my grandbabies grow up one day.”

Madison said her decision to have bariatric surgery was not based on a desire to appear a certain way. “I didn’t care about

During November 2021, less than a month after her weight loss surgery, Madison was down approximately 40 pounds.

Austin and Madison enjoyed taking family photos with their daughter, Baylor, and son, Denton, during April 2021.

getting skinny,” she said. “I truly didn’t care about how I would look. I just wanted to be healthier. After trying diets all my life and knowing that my ability to break my addiction to food alone would be nearly impossible, I prayerfully looked into bariatric surgery. I have always heard bariatric surgery is ‘the easy way out’ or ‘cheating,’ but if you’re drowning in the ocean, about to die, and someone throws you a life raft—you’re going to take it. I took it, and I’m so glad I did.”

Madison underwent sleeve gastrectomy surgery in Frisco, Texas, at the Bariatric Experts in October of 2021 with Dr. Scott Stowers. “This surgery was like rehabilitation for an addict,” she said. “It constricts your ability to consume large amounts of food. I was no longer able to eat enough to [derive joy], so I had to find another outlet to get that joy. I was sad for a season, shopped a little too much for a season, then found that the joy that I have been seeking my entire life was in my best friend all along. I found that the Bible in Psalm 43:4 says, ‘Joy comes from the Lord.’”

Kelsie Dragoescu, one of Madison’s best friends, gets her hair wedding-ready during June 2021.

Austin, Madison, Denton and Baylor during 2021, the year she decided that her health needed to become a priority.

“I truly didn’t care about how I would look. I just wanted to be healthier.”

Before having her surgery, Madison’s goal was to weigh less than 300 pounds, but in the first five months after her surgery, she lost 100 pounds. “I felt amazing,” she said. “My increased energy was wonderful, but more than anything, I felt like I had gotten the hang of life. I was waking up every morning and spending time with the Lord. When I ate, it was to truly fuel my body and not out of an unhealthy relationship with food.”

Madison decided it was time to get serious about her health with all the newfound energy and focus. “Though I never wavered in this program, I never truly believed that this would work for me,” Madison said. “I never fully trusted the Lord when he told me that I would not be overweight by the end of this journey. After losing 100 pounds, I chose to commit to losing the next 100.

“I got a membership to the gym and learned how to work out,” she continued. “I moved my time with the Lord in the morning to 4 a.m. so that I was able to workout at 5 a.m. and be home by the time that Austin leaves to go to work. I tracked my food and pushed my body. And I prayed and asked for a supernatural

Madison with her sisters, Makayla Hughes and Miranda Dodson, and mother, Melissa Doty, during Makayla’s baby shower in February 2020.

“I feel like a new person. I have energy to last for days.”

photo by SHANE DARBY

willpower and patience. It was extremely hard— the most difficult thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. It was all-consuming and felt like I was juggling a million things at once. The hardships, the trials, and the sacrifice—it was all worth it. I did it. As I stepped on the scale in January 2023, I had tears in my eyes. I had officially reached my goal.”

Madison lost 200 pounds in one year and 4 months. “200 pounds of weight lifted off of my bones and joints,” Madison said. “I feel like a new person. I have energy to last for days. I love working out, and I’m able to keep up with my kids. My husband is so supportive and so proud. My entire family has been so uplifting, especially my grandmother, Nanny Jo. She really encouraged me and held my hand through this whole process. She was my rock.

Madison coaches Nash Orena as he participates in a tortilla frisbee game at PowerHouse, the youth group associated with Church On The Rock.

After opening The Edge Salon in December 2019, Madison put her efforts into creating a professional and supportive environment for stylists so they can provide the best services to their clients.

“When Jesus says in John 6:35, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst,’ I believe that he is saying that he fulfills. Whatever we are searching for, whatever we are filling our lives with to get that ‘joy’—he is saying that all we have to do is to come to him, and we will never hunger, and we will never thirst again.”

Madison hopes other can find a similar freedom as she is enjoying. “Christ loved me,” she said. “And because of his love for me, he has given me true joy—more than I could have ever imagined. I hit my goal of losing 200 pounds, and I’m finally free.”

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

KIWANIS CLUB HOSTS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Kiwanis Club of Texarkana hosted the Business After Hours event on January 19 at the Hilton Garden Inn. The event offered great food while showcasing who the Kiwanis Club is and all they do for the local community. Email james.a.syler@gmail.com for more club information or to learn more about the club’s Pancake Day event, set for March 4 at Texarkana College.

Tiffany Goodwin and Greg Cordray

Tommy Scott and Justin Swecker

Brittney Haynes, Morgan Pritchett and Camille Powell

Robin Dempsey, James Syler and Monty Murray

Anna Pink, Stacey Tidwell, Haleigh Alexander and Channen Branch

Victor Rojas and Jesus Espinoza

Barbara Walker and Suki O’Neal

RAISING CHAMPIONS

Name: Hallie Hackett

Age: 17

Daughter of: Shelley and Aaron Hackett

School: Hooks High School

How long have you been involved in FFA or 4-H?

I have been involved in FFA and 4-H for nine years.

Who or what influenced you to raise and show animals? Do you raise different animals or mainly steers?

I saw a magazine cover with a girl showing, and immediately knew that I wanted to show, too. I convinced my dad a year later to let me show. Since then, I have raised heifers and commercial and market steers.

What is involved in raising a grand champion for a Project Show?

Raising any animal is a day-in, day-out challenge, but raising a grand champion makes it even more difficult. Managing feeding, washing, health, and location of my cattle is all very important. I have to work with my steer every day to ensure that both of us will be prepared to enter the ring.

We noticed you are involved in different organizations throughout the state. (AJSA, FFA, Texas Beef Ambassadors, etc). Explain what these are and why you enjoy working with others in state leadership positions.

I currently serve as the President and Queen for

the Texas Junior Simmental/Simbrah Association and a trustee for the American Simmental Association. With these positions, I am able to host our state and national shows and assist with events throughout the year. I also serve as an Area VI FFA Vice President. As an area officer, I facilitate workshops and camps throughout the year and help with any FFA events. As a Texas Beef Ambassador, I am able to connect and advocate for the beef industry. These positions are an amazing opportunity for me to be able to meet so many new people and create new connections. I am also able to be an influence on younger members and guide them.

Why should young people get involved in school agriculture programs?

Being involved in school ag programs is an amazing opportunity for young people. There are so many chances for students to learn new things and experience things that will help them later in life. Contests, office positions, and ag classes allow students to be able to discover possible careers, meet new people, and learn new skills. A friend of mine recently said that “stock show is the vehicle that takes you to greater things.” While the awards will lose importance, the memories made and lessons learned will last a lifetime.

What award have you received that you are most proud of?

I would say that I am proudest of being elected as president of the TJSSA. Although it isn’t an award, I had to put in a lot of work to be able to achieve

the position. Being able to be a role model for other juniors and serve my association is a great honor. Where do you want to attend college and what do you plan to study? What do you see as a future career?

I plan to attend Texas A&M University and major in animal science. I also plan to apply to the vet school at Texas A&M, and pursue veterinary medicine as a career.

Who are your role models?

My biggest role model is Mrs. Martha McCrary. Mrs. Martha is my breeder and who I got my first show heifer from nine years ago. She has always been willing to help me in any way. I would not be the person that I am without her guidance, compassion, and love. I also look up to my parents. They have always been by my side and have done everything to ensure that I can do all that I do. My parents have helped me succeed and accomplish all that I have.

What life lessons have you gotten from raising and  showing animals?

Raising and showing animals has taught me many things. I have learned that hard work is necessary to succeed. Being able to put in work and persevere no matter what happens is what will determine who succeeds. I have been able to learn how to take whatever is given to me and make the best of it. My animals have taught me so much about perseverance, dedication, hard work, and leadership.

FSLM caught up with Hallie Hackett and asked her about life and what it’s like being in FFA and 4H

“Being involved in school ag programs is an amazing opportunity for young people. There are so many chances for students to learn new things and experience things that will help them later in life.”

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO THE

BOWIE COUNTY PROJECT SHOW

by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

Not all kids spend their free time with game remotes glued to their hands or phones on, scrolling social media. Some students couldn’t care less about athletics or dance or even computers, yet every single day, rain or shine, they are engaged in activities that include fresh air, friendships, and learning opportunities in the agricultural world that set them up for the future, while instilling life lessons that other people may never learn.

Who are these kids, you might ask?

Up at dawn feeding their animals, walking the pigs after school, cleaning pens, bathing their cows and goats, trimming hair, and working with animals that belong to them, these are area students who come from farm families, or are taking agriculture classes at school, or who are hooked in to 4-H with local AG extension agents. Like parents of new babies, the kids who take on farm animals to raise and show completely understand the responsibilities of feeding, watering, grooming, vetting, and nurturing. These are life skills that most people don’t get until they actually become parents.  Occasionally, an animal dies, and another of life’s lessons appears before these young handlers.

In addition to the daily functions that keep their animals alive, students learn valuable skills and lessons in 4-H and FFA that set them up for college scholarship opportunities and future jobs.While some of the AG students only work with animals, there are others who enjoy welding and designing and making very elaborate projects to show their AG mechanic skills.

Luckily for our area, the Bowie County Project Show, sponsored by Farm Bureau, will be held between February 22-24 at the Four States Fairgrounds, and the community is invited to come out and see exactly what these awesome agriculture and livestock leaders from our area schools are teaching students to make and the animals that students are raising and showing.

Where all can bid on champions, raised locally by Local FFA

Ella Johnson Bowie Co 4H

Hollyn Tutt & Morgan McClure Simms

When 4H and FFA students march their projects into the show ring at the Four States Fairgrounds, it not only allows them the opportunity to compete against other students, but it represents countless hours of hard work and dedication raising their animals and getting them show ready. This year, students will compete in a variety of different events on February 23, including hogs, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, steer, and heifers. Students of all ages are going to be on hand to participate, and at the end of the Project Show, there will be an auction where community members can bid on these students’ projects.

Brayden Eaves, Kynleigh Branson, Abby McClure & Alyson Dodson all Simms FFA

Kynzie Baldwin Bowie Co 4H

Hollyn Tutt Simms

Need a welded hog trailer? There was an excellent hog trailer designed and built for the Project Show last year. Want to buy a goat or a chicken or a steer? The time will be at the end of the show on February 24. Even the Grand Champions are auctioned off to the highest bidders. Of the auctioned money, 90% actually goes back to the student, while 10% goes toward the cost of the show and scholarship funds. Bowie County Farm Bureau is a proud sponsor of the show; they know that agriculture life ingrains lessons in kids from an early age. Farm Bureau also contributes scholarships to local FFA and 4-H students. In addition to Farm Bureau, one group of people, led by Lori Springer, is called Bids 4 Kids.

Lori and her committee have set out to raise awareness of these Project Shows, so people will come out and bid on the students’ projects, while bringing awareness to the community. In addition, Bids 4 Kids sells raffle tickets for a side of beef, and they raise funds to go toward scholarships for students who participate in Project Shows for at least two years in school. The goal is to raise as much as they can so they can give more scholarships. “These scholarships aren’t designated to a 4-year university,” Lori said. “If they want to take their scholarship and go do welding or go do trade school, that is great, too,” she said. The main thing the AG teachers, FFA sponsors and 4-H agents want is to support the young people who

Kynzie & Stetson Baldwin Bowie Co 4H

want to raise animals and show them. “Anytime you can go out and help children develop life skills, you feel good. AG youth programs are important for kids and their futures,” said De Kalb AG teacher Kelly Kinney. “They learn responsibility. They have to get up and feed those animals they wanted every day. They have to take care of them, wash them, keep them trained and exercised. They also have to work their animals, so when they get inside the ring at a show, their animals are gentle and do well. That takes time, patience, and dedication,” he said.

The most important show of the year for all of these students is the Bowie County Project Show that is happening this month (February 22-24) at the Four States Fairgrounds. The public is invited to attend; bring your families and any kids that might be interested in learning about what it takes to raise an animal to show. The Bowie County area has some of the greatest educators and supporters around who will welcome you to their Project Show. And who knows? You might end up going home with something fun that was built in the welding departments or if you are lucky, a grand champion steer! Bring your checkbook!

Stetson Baldwin Bowie Co 4H, Layne Sanford DeKalb FFA & Karson King Simms FFA

Pictured are all the students participating in this year’s Project Show.

BUILDING DREAMS: A FAMILY LEGACY

Through growing their furniture business, the Wilson family has reaped many rewards and opportunities

by MITZI DOWD

Paul Wilson, John Wilson, Sharon Wilson, J.D. Wilson and Adam Wilson

photo by SHANE DARBY

ustomer-first. Integrity. Positive attitude. Growth mindedness. These are the core beliefs that started, built, and continue to grow the Wilson family business. Being a part of a growing family business brings rewards and opportunities only as grand as the future vision of its leaders. Red River Home, led by brothers J.D., Paul and Adam Wilson, is as grand and genuine an organization as they come.

Wilson’s Furniture and Appliance was founded in 1978 in Hope, Arkansas, by their father, John Wilson. Today the business encompasses eight locations, including Four States Furniture in Hope and Texarkana; Ashley HomeStore locations in Texarkana, Paris, Sherman and Greenville; America’s Mattress in Texarkana; and a regional distribution center in Texarkana.

John Wilson dipped his toes in the furniture business while he was a mail carrier for USPS. To make more money for his growing family, he began selling and delivering furniture and appliances from a small location after completing his mail route. As the small endeavor grew, his wife, Sharon, worked the store during the day, and he made the deliveries in the evening— mostly bedroom and dining-room furniture, as well as appliances. All three sons contributed: whether it was loading and unloading furniture, making deliveries, or selling, they worked and learned every detail of the business. Having “integrity, always doing the right thing, and treating other people as you want to be treated” are the most important characteristics J.D. learned growing up in the family business, he said, and he strives to model and pass along those traits to his children and everyone at Red River Home today.

In 2003, the Wilsons partnered with Ashley Furniture Industries to open Ashley HomeStore in Texarkana. AFI has revolutionized the furniture industry, becoming America’s No. 1 furniture store and a top-selling mattress partner for many national brands. The Ashley factory-direct model means less overhead for the company and the ability to deliver more value to the consumer. In 2007, Four States Furniture in Texarkana was opened, and additional Ashley locations followed between 2017 and 2021.

Today, Red River Home employs over 150 people, including manager Jordan Pittman. Jordan started with the company as a product specialist, and today she is the store manager of the newest store in Greenville. Jordan was recently honored as the Red River Home Core Ambassador of the Year. “Training from our management and leadership teams, support from Paul, J.D.

<<

Being growth-minded has always been a goal for the Wilson family. In 2018, Ashley HomeStore, located in Texarkana, underwent a major remodeling project to see their vision for the store come to fruition.

This 2002 newspaper clipping shows Wilson Furniture & Appliance received Best Furniture Store honors for Hope/Hempstead County. Pictured are: (seated) Pat Faris, Ronnie Hankins, Mandy Ware and Sharon Wilson; (standing) Drake Butler, Paul Wilson, John Wilson, Adam Wilson, J.D. Wilson and Joe Duke.

and Adam, and the teamwork from so many individuals in our operations department have made any success I’ve had possible,” she said. “I love what I do. The best part of this year has been watching the growth of so many team members with our Red River Home family.”

Consumers today have many choices regarding where and how to shop: local or out-of-town, in-person or online. It is the goal at every Red River Home location to deliver a first-in-class experience for each guest, with team members who are rewarded and advanced by a company who cares.

This dedication to fostering the dreams of others and building a better life for all is at the center of Red River Home. Their core vision statement reads, “Enriching lives with furniture for every home”; this guides both daily decisions and objectives for the future. “We strive to be growth minded in everything we do,” Paul said, “whether that is new opportunities in business or growing personally in our faith and knowledge. There is so much we don’t know, and we believe that having a willingness to approach every day as a learning opportunity fuels our growth in many areas.”

This fuel is what makes dreams come true. The leadership team strives to ensure that their company is more than a furniture store but also a collection of individuals, with aspirations and lives of their own. Front-of-mind for them always is to foster an enjoyable and satisfying workplace for their team, and to provide jobs that enrich employees’ lives. The employees, in turn, are focused on the guests who visit the stores; they respect the small part they play in making a house a home, a place where residents can feel comfortable and proud.

John Wilson started Wilson’s Furniture and Appliance, in Hope, Arkansas, in 1978.

The new signage looks fantastic at night.

The Wilson family continues to stress that their business is much more than furniture; it is a collection of people. Family members include: Garrett May, Jack Wilson, Angie Wilson, Grace Wilson, J.D. Wilson, Sharon Wilson, John Wilson, Jennifer Runion, Adam Wilson, Paige Runion, Wynn Wilson, Tucker Runion, Paul Wilson, Allison Wilson, Mary Benton Wilson, Tatum Hovarter, Hollis Wilson, Diana Hovarter and Pays Hovarter.

A team-wide goal, driving both leadership and employees, is to give back to the larger community that has enabled their success. Red River Home is a proud supporter and participant in Home to Dream, an Ashley outreach initiative that provides mattresses to children and families in need. Having a clean, comfortable bed to sleep in is something most of us take for granted, but for many members of our community, this need goes unmet. Red River Home partners with local organizations to help change that, by providing mattresses free of charge. In 2021, Red River Home donated over 40 mattresses; in 2022, over 70 mattresses; and the 2023 goal is to donate 100 beds to local people in need.

The Wilson family views their work as their legacy. Guided by timeless principles and values, they hope that Red River Home will continue to be a pillar of the community for generations to come.

IDENTICAL AT HEART

Liane Beaird inspires her twin, attorney Lisa Shoalmire, to advocate for disabled people

by KATIE STONE

For twin sisters Liane and Lisa Beaird, childhood was as normal as it could be. They played with their sister, Donyea, and other neighborhood children. They took family road trips and went camping at Lake of the Pines. Liane was involved with all that the family did, and she participated right alongside Lisa. Everything seemed normal to Lisa until she was about eight-years-old, when she began noticing some of Liane’s differences—the traits of Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD). Other children began noticing, too. “I learned it also from the teasing that comes along with kids,” Lisa recalled, “speaking to things they don’t understand exactly.”

Both twins required specialized educational settings: Liane attended so-called special education schools in Caddo Parrish, Louisiana, while Lisa was enrolled in gifted programs and magnet schools. “My parents had to deal with different ends of the education spectrum,” Lisa said. “They always knew that Liane would need a special care environment.”

Liane moved into a residential care facility when she was 15-years-old, where she still lives. There, she attends classes, spends time with her friends, and is still involved in family events. “Liane considers it her college,” Lisa said. “She has a roommate, a boyfriend, and a social life.”

Pictured above: Lisa, Donyea and Liane celebrate Easter in 1975.

Sisters Donyea McNabb, Lisa Shoalmire and Liane Beaird (standing) pose for a picture with their grandmother, Millie Gray.

When Lisa was in college, she considered pursuing a career as a teacher of IDD students. “I know a lot of people are less comfortable with the disability and special education spectrum, and I didn’t have any issues with that, but after looking into special education, I realized that I am more of a special-education advocate than an educator,” she said. She instead went to law school.

Lisa didn’t know the type of law she would one day practice, but she knew that there had to be something she could do in this field to contribute to the disabled community. Although law school did not cover topics on disability rights or “Special Needs Trusts” at the time, she knew that she could use her legal expertise to be an advocate for others.

“There is always someone who could use an advocate or champion,” she said.

Lisa continued to see her sister as much as she could when Liane moved into her residential facility. She volunteered there often as a helper with their swim program. In college, she acquired the certifications needed so

Liane traveled to Texarkana to attend a football game with her twin sister, Lisa, when Liane’s nephew, Mason Shoalmire, played football for the Texas Tigers.

Liane (front) spends time with Donyea and Lisa every year during the Christmas season.

that she could teach swimming during the summer to the residents of the facility.

When Lisa started private practice, focused on helping families and business owners with estate planning, she noticed a recurring topic with her clients—that of planning for disabled individuals. This had been a concern of her own parents as well. “When Liane was an infant, my parents were told that she likely wouldn’t live past age 30, so they never thought about estate planning for her or what could arise,” Lisa said. “As a family member, I knew this concern, but I didn’t really know what to do about it as a professional until I just dug in.”

Since then, Lisa has helped hundreds of families with estate planning, setting up Special Needs Trusts as a Senior Partner at Ross & Shoalmire, PLLC.

Liane, like her sister, loves serving others. When she comes to Texarkana to visit, she often volunteers alongside Lisa’s mother-in-law, Sherry Ross, at Our Place Day Respite Center, operated by Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-State Area. In general, she enjoys staying busy, giving back to the community, and socializing. “Liane remembers everyone she meets,” Lisa said. “Once she meets [someone], she will always ask how that person is doing. She knows all the gossip at home and who is dating whom.”

In addition to their mutual communitymindedness, Lisa and Liane also share a love for all things “Brady Bunch” and Elvis Presley. As sisters—and twin sisters at that—they have an indescribable bond. Sprung from this bond is Lisa’s dedication to ensuring that people like her sister receive the benefits to which they are entitled. Though Liane and Lisa are fraternal twins with their own distinct lives, they are made practically identical by their shared love and passion for helping others in the best way they know how.

Liane, Lisa and Donyea with their mother, Linda Young, in 1990.

(Photo by Olan Mills Photography)

<< 62 FEBRUARY 2023 . fourstatesliving.com

<<

HISTORY HAPPENS...

by VELVET HALL COOL Board President of the Texarkana Museums System

History happens to intertwine with love and romance through the decades. The stories of Romeo and Juliet and Samson and Delilah hold places in literature and biblical stories. King Henry VIII and his six wives may not have all been stories of love or romance, but their histories have intrigued us in books, movies, and songs.

Perhaps it is the desire to have our hearts filled that drives people to use the stories of love and romance to market various objects. As Texarkana celebrates its 150th anniversary of the sale of the first city lots in 1873, and February, the month of romance, rolls around, I am reminded of Texarkana in December of 1915. A young couple gets swept up in their own private romance, as well as a very public portrayal of their romance. While filled with beauty and love, it did not all end as well as was anticipated.

Irene Taylor and Brandon Gray were young college-aged students. They romanced each other with the normal activities of the early 1900s – attending football games, visiting with friends, falling in love, and eventually, planning to wed.

At the same time, some in Texarkana planned to capitalize on the theme of romance to highlight the unique bi-state structure we hold. A wedding in both states was proposed. The mission was to find a couple that consisted of one partner from Arkansas and one from Texas and to have their wedding unity signify the unity of our community.

Irene being from Texas and Brandon being from Arkansas, they fit the bill and were selected as the happy couple to marry by first committing themselves to one another in one state and then stepping into the other state to finalize having been wed in both Arkansas and Texas.

A massive wedding would be held at the post office along State Line–already a very unique and somewhat complicated wedding affair–certain to last in the minds of the happy young couple and the history of our community.

But wait, let’s add more to their story! Lights. Cameras. Action. Bring in Hollywood-style movie producers to capture the background and wedding day events, and “A Real Reel Romance” is born. Better yet, throw in a home, furnished with all of the accoutrements of the time period, to be built and donated by the local community within eight hours. As the couple completes their wedding plans, they will know exactly where they –and all of their wedding presents – will live once their vows have been made in front of God, their families, and 10 thousand Texarkana spectators.

The couple spends weeks having their wedding plans and their romance captured by film crews. They take a highly anxious wedding event and throw in film crews and thousands of onlookers and somehow see past the influx of added emotion to make the moment about their love as they say and say again their wedding vows.

Pure bliss and joy – but short lived. The couple is married. The movie is filmed. The house is built and furnished. The living happily ever after begins …

Until the lawsuits are filed. The house, which still stands along County Avenue on the Arkansas side, is not properly outfitted to suit the young couple and their families, and they never inhabit their intended bridal home. They file a lawsuit seeking damages in the amount of $400 (about $12,000 in today’s value) and seek to halt the release of the movie. An injunction is granted, but then the lawsuit is dismissed.

What a story tied to our town because of its bi-state quality! What a story for a young couple to be able to share with any children and grandchildren they may be blessed with. Maybe not the happiest ending of all, but at the end of the day, romance is about the person you fall asleep beside, not the bed in which you fall asleep. Mr. Brandon Gray and Mrs. Irene Taylor Gray, his bride since December 14, 1915, remained married until Irene’s death in 1954.

Born and raised in Texarkana, Velvet Hall Cool has strong ties to both Texas and Arkansas but will always consider herself a Class of ‘87 Razorback. She loves to share stories of her nine wonderful grandchildren. When it comes to listening, you can always perk up her ears with stories that speak to personal history and the lessons we learn during our lifelong journeys.

FEBRUARY 2023

FEBRUARY 4

The Texarkana Museums System will present “A Review of Civil Rights Cases” by author Jerry Mitchell from 3-4 p.m. at the Museum of Regional History. Call 903-7934831 for more information.

FEBRUARY 11

As part of its Black History Month activities, the Texarkana Museums System will present “Our Voices. Our Stories.” from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Museum of Regional History. Attendees are urged to share the stories of their families with TMS’s archives and future generations. Call 903-793-4831 for more info.

FEBRUARY 18

Mardi Gras Texarkana will take place through the streets of downtown Texarkana with floats, marching and dance groups, classic cars, and more. Food trucks and craft vendors will be present, and chairs and strollers are encouraged. Watch the Texarkana Mardi Gras Facebook page for more info.

FEBRUARY 18

“Postcards from the Past: The Story of African American George Strong in Texarkana’s Most Iconic Postcard” will be presented by the Texarkana Museums System from 2-4 p.m. at the Ace of Clubs House. Museum curator Jamie Simmons will present the program. Call 903-793-4831 for more info.

FEBRUARY 19

Known for making an impact on their audiences with humor and hope, The Skit Guys will take the stage during a 6 p.m. performance at First Baptist Church Texarkana. The event is free, and no tickets are required. Call 903-831-6000 for more info.

FEBRUARY 19

The Tough Kookie Foundation will host its monthly support group meeting from 4-6 p.m. at Oak Street Church, located at 401 Waterall Street. For more information or to register, email: toughkookietxk@gmail.com

FEBRUARY 19

Run the Line Half Marathon plus Two Person and Four Person Relays will be held from 7:30-11:30 a.m. in Downtown Texarkana. The starting line will be set up at Texas Boulevard and Broad Street, and the finish will wind up at Third and Wood Streets. Online registration can be found at RunSignUp.com/RuntheLineHalfMarathon

FEBRUARY 22

Age Management & Aesthetics by HealthCARE Express will host an EmpowerRF Launch Event featuring event only pricing and mini consultations. Call 903-223-9911 for more information.

FEBRUARY 24

Fairy Tales on Ice will present “Beauty and the Beast” during a 7 p.m. performance at Hempstead Hall in Hope. Tickets are $15–$45 and are available by calling 870-7228565 or visiting www.henpsteadhall.com

FEBRUARY 25

Temple Memorial Pediatric Center will present “Dancing With Our Stars” at Northridge Country Club. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for VIP tickets and 7:30 p.m. for general admission. Tickets are available online at www.templememorialpediatric.com or by calling 903-794-2705.

FEBRUARY 25

“Appreciation or Appropriation? Soul Food and Southern Culture” will be presented by the Texarkana Museums System from 6-7:30 p.m. at the P.J. Ahern Home. The event will feature a traditional soul food (or reimagined soul food) meal and a presentation of the history of soul food. Call 903-793-4831 for more information.

MARCH 2

Texarkana Arkansas School District will host a Kindergarten Enrollment Event from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Arkansas High School Red Wall. A Meet and Greet for elementary school staff will be held concurrently.

MARCH 4

See “Jurassic Park in Concert” at the Perot Theatre! Experience the movie that started it all, projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture. Visit www.perottheatre.org for tickets and more information.

MARCH 17

The Tough Kookie Foundation will host its Sock Hop fundraiser at Crossties Event Venue in downtown Texarkana. Proceeds from the event will benefit childhood cancer patients. For more information or to register, email toughkookietxk@gmail.com

MARCH 19

The Tough Kookie Foundation will host its monthly support group meeting from 4-6 p.m. at Oak Street Church, located at 401 Waterall Street. For more information or to register, email toughkookietxk@gmail.com

EXPERTS ASK THE

D esiree D e D e J efferson Director of Marketing, MRC Cornerstone Retirement Community

The Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Retirement Community

1. Improved health & well-being: retirement communities provide a wide array of services that promote good overall health for the body, mind, and spirit

2. Dependable safety & convenience: enjoy the maintenance-free, amenity-filled lifestyle that is offered at a Retirement Community

3. Inspired living: living spaces promote independence with an array of living options, tailored to specific needs

4. Holistic living: providing high quality care & an enjoyable lifestyle along with spiritual support

5. Worry-free living: carefree with plenty of social and engaging activities

B rett B rzeski Investment Advisor, Mustard Seed Wealth Management

I have a full-time W2 job and my employer does not provide a retirement plan. I also have my own small business, working out of my home designing websites. I would like to contribute more towards my retirement than the current IRA limits allow. Are there any options for me?

Yes, there are multiple retirement plan options for your type of business. Depending on how you are compensated and your income level through your small business, these plans may allow you to contribute considerably more than the limits of a traditional or Roth IRA. In addition, there is the potential for tax benefit with these plans.

EXQUISITE INTERIORS

IMPECCABLE. SPACIOUS. VERSATILE.

by SUZY TURNER photos by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

The inspiration for Autumn and Joe Dawson’s beautiful five-bedroom, fourbath home emanates from their family. With over four thousand square feet of space, the Dawsons meticulously planned every inch of their modern Greek Revival home, allowing plenty of space for their children, Malachi (18), Judah (16), and Ezra (10), as well as their friends who visit often.

Meticulously built in 2021 by Charlie McDowell in the Westlake Subdivision in Redwater, the home is pristine and spacious yet livable and cozy. The open concept of the home allows every room to flow into the next without barriers, keeping guests easily connected. Clean lines and plenty of natural light create subtle sophistication while enhancing Autumn’s contemporary decorating style where less is more.

High–22 feet tall–ceilings make the living area feel spacious and stylish. A floor-to-ceiling black shiplap fireplace makes a bold statement, creating a stark

contrast to the otherwise neutral tones. The frame TV is placed above the mantel, offering a place to showcase photos or artwork. A traditional leather sectional offers a durable seating option for guests.

Quartz countertops from The Stone Studio provide plenty of movement in the modern kitchen. Double candelabra chandeliers in metallic gold illuminate the nine-foot island work space. Stainless appliances provide a sleek look to the kitchen and provide durability to last a lifetime. The white herringbone backsplash adds texture to the space, while the white cabinets will never go out of style.

The neutral dining area flows from the kitchen seamlessly. A built-in gray hutch houses family mementoes, as well as Autumn’s favorite bowls and platters. Gold hardware on the hutch and gold chandeliers complement the neutral tones throughout the room. A geometric accent wall brings in texture to the smooth surface.

Large windows offer the perfect view of the lake while allowing plenty of natural light to stream into two offices – one for Joe, the other for Autumn.

Autumn’s home office is situated just off of the foyer. Her built-in desk suits her needs, offering numerous drawers for storage and shelves to display family photos. A beaded white chandelier exudes a modern flair which can emit both a casual and a formal vibe.

A cozy sitting area in the master bedroom is the perfect place for Autumn and Joe to relax. Tone-on-tone bedding adds different neutral colors as accents. A black metal canopy bed offers a linear shape, making the bedroom feel regal and luxurious. The master bath, inspired by a trip to Cabo, reminds the Dawsons of a spa retreat. Double vanities host his and her lavatories and provide additional counter and storage space. A freestanding tub sits under a hammered glass chandelier, while a walk-in shower with a rain-water shower head provides ease of access.

Stylish and functional, the walk-in closet offers a place for everything. A chandelier from Logan Electric adds a hint of glamour to the tidy space. A sign in one corner reads, “And So Together,” a perfect reminder to Autumn and Joe the life (and home) that they love.

Once upstairs, unobstructed views of the downstairs family room and kitchen are noticed. Two bedrooms are located on each side of the interior balcony. In 10-year-old Ezra’s room, a pallet headboard is equipeed with built-in reading lamps. Ezra’s bathroom features a gray shiplap wall behind the vanity and an intricate, double-herringbone tile shower. Located just a few steps away, the upstairs patio overlooks the pool, built by Curry Pools and Spa. This relaxing space allows Autumn and Joe the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day or drink a cup of coffee in the morning.

The guest bunk room, complete with built-in bunk beds, offers steps between the two sets of beds for easy access to the top bunks. Two oversized swivel chairs offer room for several guests to sit while studying or visiting.

On the opposite side of the balcony are the girls’ rooms, both displaying feminine touches. Judah’s room features a gray upholstered headboard with pale mauve velour bedding. Fluffy throw pillows in shades of mauve, gray and white bring in a subtle but comfortable design element to the space.

Perfect for a girly girl, pink and white accessories are displayed in Malachi’s room. Pale pink bedding brings a feminine touch to the space while a lighted sign hangs above the bed–a quote from the movie “Mean Girls.”

A Jack and Jill bathroom allows both Judah and Malachi to get ready for school at the same time. A beautiful clear beaded chandelier takes center stage in the bath. Two separate powder rooms allow each girl to showcase their favorite colors and patterns. Gorgeous gray hexagon tiles above the tub create a unique and eye-catching design.

When Autumn and Joe sold their previous home, they sold everything with it, down to the silverware. Autumn had a book of photos that she had been saving for many years featuring designers and influencers that she enjoyed following. She and Joe truly enjoyed starting all over and seeing their home dreams come to fruition. “My favorite thing about our house is that it is open,” Autumn said. “You can see the pool from one side of the home and the beautiful lake from the other side.” No doubt, the Dawsons are fortunate to own this beautiful showplace that is located in a quiet, pristine neighborhood with gorgeous views of the lake, pool, and woods.

THE FRIENDS’ LIST

Each month, Four States Living will choose two people who have “liked” our Facebook page to be featured in The Friends’ List. Chosen randomly, these two “friends” will answer questions we provide so our readers can get to know them better. The bonus question (the last question) will be related to the theme of each month’s issue.

CHRISTIANE IRVIN

Age: 42

Occupation: Alumni, Recruitment, and Marketing Director at Texarkana Arkansas School District

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? I would take my family on a long vacation.

COLE RIDDELL

Age: 31

Occupation: Attorney at Haltom & Doan

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? I would buy a professional sports team.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? Try to find a quiet place to read.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? I head to Twitter to get caught up on all sports news and current events.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? To talk to my brother one last time.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? A cure for all illnesses.

At what business could you max out a credit card? Target or Ulta.

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “Hot Mess Express.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

Our TV is usually on SEC sports, especially if the Razorbacks are playing!

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would love to stay in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? Spotify. Kindle. TikTok.

What’s your favorite sport to watch, and which team do you root for?

Any team that my son is playing for or my daughter is filming with Razorback TV. My son plays Sticks baseball, so that keeps us busy!

At what business could you max out a credit card? PGA Superstore.

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “Moneyball.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

“The Last Kingdom.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Dubrovnik, Croatia.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? Twitter. Spotify. Photos.

What’s your favorite sport to watch, and which team do you root for?

I enjoy watching college football – the Arkansas Razorbacks and SMU Mustangs.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING IN YOUR LIFE THAT MATTERS TO YOU THE MOST?

My family is the one thing that matters to me the most. My husband and I have been married for 21 years and have two wonderful children. They are my world. As long as they are happy and healthy, momma is happy!

Family. My wife and I have a 14-month-old baby girl who can do no wrong. Spending each and every day with them while being surrounded and supported by our parents and grandparents is something I will never take for granted.

“ HEALTH, HAPPINESS & LOVE ”