Four States Living Magazine January 2023

THE WAY I SEE IT ...

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

Thirty years seems like an awful long time to me. I’ve given birth to three children, lost loved ones, fallen in love, watched my children grow up and become adults, and grown a business that is my heart and soul. There is strength and assurance and maturity that comes with working in a career for over half of your life. There is also an internal fire that burns deep to stay current, change with the times, and be relevant to ever-evolving audiences.

I do remember every person who has ever snapped a photograph, conducted an interview, written a story, designed a page, cared for a client, or delivered a magazine. Those are the people who have made FSLM a brand which businesses trust to advertise their products and readers know will reflect the best of our community.

Over the last 30 years, I’ve traveled by car, plane, flat-bottom boat, limo, kayak, Amtrak, motorbike, hot-air balloon, golf cart, subway, and one horsedrawn buggy in order to get a story. No joke; my back still remembers the buggy ride out at the farm in Miller County. The travels this career has taken me on are more than I ever could have dreamed, but they don’t hold a candle to the people it’s invited into my life.

Four States Living has taken advantage of all the perks of participating in community activities, from hosting luncheons to chairing fundraising campaigns. If you have ever worked at Four States Living Magazine , you have served the community in some capacity. Giving back is not a choice, nor is it a chore; it’s who we are. When Texarkana is doing well, we all are doing well.

And if you think I get excited to meet and interview a hometown celebrity like Michael Wacha, or Tracy Lawrence, or Molly Quinn, or Rod Smith, you are correct! But, believe it or not, there is just as much thrill when we cover a local preacher who is feeding the homeless and giving sermons under a bridge, or the teacher who just finished her 50th year, or the veteran who gave a kidney to save his best friend’s life. We know the Four States area and its growth depend on the good things that are happening in our community, and my job is to showcase that goodness.

Thirty years ago, CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital was still downtown. The only sit-down, chain restaurant was Applebee’s. If you took a photo, it

Four St ates Living

was using a camera with film, and processing cost a small fortune. Floppy discs were the only way to save data from a computer. Most people still used only land line telephones. Texarkana’s downtown had no restaurants or living spaces, and the Grim Hotel had closed three years earlier.

In 30 years, a great deal changes. But what about 150 years? This year, Texarkana is celebrating its sesquicentennial. With celebrations throughout the year to recognize the history and accomplishments of Texarkana, I look forward to learning more about this beautiful place that five generations of my family have called home. I am excited to participate in the community events, while making memories with my own family for future generations to look back on someday. As the city changes, my hope is that with growth, we maintain our uniqueness, and for always, we stay “Twice as Nice!”

So, on that note, let me shine a light on the future of Four States Living Magazine :

We will continue to be storytellers with a promise to stay positive.

Though we now boast a robust presence online, our primary medium of delivery will still be paper: paper which is harvested from responsibly managed forests and processed in mills employing many of our friends and family.

For your grandmother saving mementos in a hat box under her bed, we will continue to capture local events, successes, challenges, and moments of pure joy—through photographs, videos, and our bread-and-butter: words. The words we write are not too different from the first words you learned to write on a lined sheet of handwriting paper in elementary school: we practice, critique, erase, start again, improve, and, upon completion, hope someone is proud of our work. We hope you are proud of our work.

As this issue starts 2023 and the beginning of our third decade in print, I want to say thank you to all of the people who have given their hearts to our publication, with millions of words, tens of thousands of pages, and hundreds of monthly deadlines.

New adventures are in the future, so stay tuned. I plan on covering them all!

Happy New Year, and as always, thanks for reading FSLM.

Four States Living Magazine is published 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

ON THE COVER JANUARY 2023

On November 26, Eden (Young) and Kyle White were married in a beautiful wedding ceremony. Although they grew up living three minutes away from each other and attended the same high school, the pair didn’t actually meet until they were in college. They have been inseparable ever since and recently married in a magical celebration that lasted all week.

See Weddings Special Section on page 10

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Weddings Special Section:

Claire Torrans and Josh Field 10-13

Eden Young and Kyle White 14-17

Emma Wolf and Ryan Pickelman 18-21

Hannah Hanson and Garrison McCord 22-25

Naomi Ganado and Tyler Berry 26-29

Olivia Bruggeman and Caleb Coleman 30-33

Tye McDonald and Lane Elliott 34-37

A Game-Changer for Cancer Patients 42-44

Presenting the 2020 Texarkana Cotillion Debutantes 48

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

The Way I See It An op-ed piece from the publisher 6

Meet Hollan Palmore 52-53

History Happens 58-59

Events 64 Ask the Experts 65

Exquisite Interiors 68-73 The Friends List 74

Scene About Town 40-41, 45-47, 50, 54, 56, 60-63, 66

Torrans + Field

CLAIRE TORRANS & JOSH FIELD

MOM’S SEAL OF APPROVAL

Josh and I were able to design my ring together with the help of Van at Alexander’s Jewelers. Little did I know that he took my mom with him on the final visit for her seal of approval.

WITH THIS RING

My wedding band combines three generations – my greatgrandmother, my grandmother (Dot), and my mom.

PAYING ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Our wedding planner and designer, Amanda Reed, made the whole process special. Not a single detail was missed, and in everything she did, she always had Josh and me in mind. Our wedding was a reflection of us as a couple: fun, energetic, and filled with love. I was also able to do so much of the planning process with my mom by my side.

FUN MARGARITAS AND FAJITAS FIESTA

I highly recommend having a fiesta as a rehearsal dinner. We had all of our close friends and family for Zapata’s margaritas and fajitas. We might also hold a record for the most margaritas ordered at Zapata’s!

A YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION

All year long we celebrated with so many of our friends and families. We spaced out wedding festivities throughout the year, so as busy as it seemed, we had something fun planned every few months.

Torrans + Field

CAKE DESIGNER: Julie’s Deli | FLORIST: Silks A Bloom | CATERER: Texarkana Country Club | PHOTOGRAPHER: 25 Mockingbird Lane

VIDEOGRAPHER: Nu Elements Films | RENTALS: Dot’s Rentals, Eventology, Perch Decor, White Door Events | DJ: DJ Derrick Dansby

JEWELER: Alexander’s Jewelers | HONEYMOON: Hilton Head Island – The Westin

St. James Episcopal Church | RECEPTION: Texarkana Country Club | WEDDING PLANNER: Amanda Reed with Amanda Reed Weddings

Young + White

EDEN YOUNG & KYLE WHITE

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

We actually both grew up living three minutes away from each other and attended the same high school; however, we didn’t meet until we were both in college at Texas Tech University. We met at a party at Kyle’s fraternity after my sister told me to look out for her friend’s “cool older brother,” Kyle. We started dating about two weeks later and have been by each other’s side ever since.

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

Our proposal was incredibly special and incredibly surprising! Kyle proposed at his grandparents’ beautiful home in Austin just after we had dinner with my family. I truly had no idea it was coming, so when we walked into the backyard fully illuminated by hundreds of candles and flowers everywhere, I was shocked! He then played a video that showed photos of us throughout our relationship and ended it down on one knee! A moment I’ll never forget!

THE CELEBRATION OF A LIFETIME

Our wedding was held just outside of Austin, the weekend after Thanksgiving. It was perfect timing because all of our friends and family were already in town for the holidays, so it felt like the celebration lasted all week!

MAGICAL MOMENTS

Something unique about our ceremony is that I actually did a reverse entrance. Since we got married on the stairs outside of the chapel, I came from the inside of the chapel, instead of down the aisle. We had the chapel fully illuminated with candles, which made for the most magical moment!

EAT, DRINK, DANCE, AND BE MARRIED

We both love live music, so the entertainment was super important to us. We had over 25 musicians play all different genres throughout the weekend. We had Jordan Young, a finalist from “The Voice,” play at our “Welcome to Texas”-themed rehearsal dinner and welcome party, a string quartet and grand piano played our ceremony, and a jazz trio delighted the guests during cocktail hour. The incredibly talented Katie Boeck and her band played for our dinner and first dance, and we wrapped up the night with DJ Chris Clouse, who plays along with drums, a rhythm section, and a string quartet. I think this was everyone’s favorite part of the night!

Young + White

WEDDING VENUE: Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, Texas

RECEPTION: Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, Texas

CAKE DESIGNER: Sweet Treets Bakery | FLORIST: Whim Florals –Kellie Connolly | CATERER: Camp Lucy Catering

PHOTOGRAPHER: Heather Thompson

VIDEOGRAPHER: The Brothers Martens | BRIDE’S DRESS: Ceremony: Ines Di Santo, Stanley Korshak; Reception: Danielle Frankel Studio, Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon | TUXEDOS: The Blk Tux

HAIR: Erica Grey | MAKEUP: Ashley Fierro

RENTALS: Whim Rentals, Panacea Collective, BBJ La Tavola

BAND/DJ: Elan Artists; Ceremony: string quartet and grand piano; Cocktail Hour: jazz trio; Dinner: Katie Boeck & Chris Clouse along with full band and string quartet; DJ: Chris Clouse along with rhythm sections, percussion and string quartet

Alexander’s Jewelers | HONEYMOON: Mini-moon to Santa Barbara at the Rosewood Miramar Beach right after the wedding; taking an official honeymoon to Europe this spring.

Wolf + Pickelman

AUGUST

6, 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTOGRAPHED BY CARLYE ALLEN

EMMA WOLF & RYAN PICKELMAN

A SPECIAL TOUCH

Ryan built the cross that we assembled during our ceremony. It is made out of three pieces, used to symbolize God and the two of us. The Cord of Three Strands has a very important meaning to us, so we wanted to incorporate that into our ceremony but make it more unique to us by using Ryan’s skill of woodworking.

AND THE JOURNEY BEGINS

My engagement ring is special because Ryan picked it out completely on his own. I had asked him if we could go ring shopping a couple of times, but we never got around to it. I ended up going with my friends and sent him pictures of rings I liked. Little did I know, he had already bought my ring a few months before. Luckily, one of the pictures I sent him was pretty much the exact ring he had already picked out for me.

HAPPILY MARRIED

We can truly say our wedding day was the best day of our lives. There is nothing better than having all the people you love in the same place celebrating your love for each other. It went by so fast, but it is a day we will never forget.

A DREAM COME TRUE

Seeing each other for the first time on our wedding day was such a special feeling. We chose not to do a “first look,” so we didn’t see each other until I was walking down the aisle. It was an emotional moment for us both.

JUST THE TWO OF US

We chose to eat dinner in private in the chapel instead of with our guests in the reception hall. The wedding day moves fast, and this was a memorable moment that allowed us to slow down and take it all in together.

Hanson + McCord

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CYDNI LAUREN PHOTOGRAPHY

HANNAH HANSON & GARRISON McCORD

A YEAR WORTH WAITING

Garrison actually asked me on our first date a year before we actually began dating! He always says he waited an entire year to take me out.

JUST THE RIGHT MOMENT

The night we got engaged was the BEST night. Garrison planned everything while I was casually getting ready for a date night in Longview. Little did I know, Cydni (Cydni Lauren Photography) had been hiding behind a hay bale in our pasture, just waiting to catch the moment. Garrison was adamant on showing me a new calf that had just been born before we left for our date night, and I was SO confused, wondering why it couldn’t wait until the next day. We pulled in the pasture to look, where Garrison quickly handed me a note. Then I knew. We got out of the truck, and he popped the question. He had an ear tag in his hand reading “ME,” while the “new calf” (that was indeed not a new calf) was wearing a tag reading “MARRY.” It was the sweetest idea ever in my book. To make it even better, all of our friends and family were waiting at an engagement party at my parents’ house where we celebrated!

LOADS OF FUN

Garrison isn’t much of a dancer, but I was a cheerleader for 16 years of my life, some of which were with my sisters and bridesmaids. So, the girls and I were able to pull off a surprise dance at the wedding, which was so much fun! My sister KK and I choreographed a dance in two days, sent it to the girls, and got our remix (made by Aaron Whitehead) all during the week of the wedding. We never practiced it all together one time, but it turned out PERFECT!

A FAIRY TALE IN REAL LIFE

Our first dance song was truly the definition of the fairy tale that we are living in real life. We danced to “Ain’t Met Us Yet” by Matt Cooper.

AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY

Garrison’s father married us! We loved having him perform the ceremony. It meant so much to us that he did that for us!

Ganado + Berry

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAPTURED BY KELSI

NAOMI GANADO & TYLER BERRY

RECONNECTING AFTER TWO YEARS

Tyler and I first met at Henderson State University. We met through mutual friends and had conversations in passing; however, it wasn’t until two years later, when I had transferred to Texas A&M-Texarkana, and he was attending Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, that we reconnected and sparked a relationship. We began our love story living five hours apart. Seeing each other only on the weekends made our time together so special, and we both quickly knew that the Lord had brought us together for a reason.

A MAGICAL PROPOSAL

Tyler and I got engaged on December 25, 2020, in the magical town of Breckenridge, Colorado, with family surrounding us. It was the most thoughtful engagement, and of course, I said YES! The wedding planning process was such a sweet time that I will cherish forever. We had the help of our wedding planner and my mom, but Tyler and I really put so much thought into every detail. We were beyond excited for the big day to see our dream become a reality.

WEDDED BLISS

Our wedding day was pure bliss, a day filled with everything we love and everyone we love. We knew we wanted our families to truly become one, and the mix of cultures was magical. We wanted the focus of our wedding to be the love we have for one another, the Lord, and our friends and family. Every detail we had been planning for nearly two years came to life, and we were completely in awe.

THE DREAM HONEYMOON

We were sent off by our loved ones to a dream honeymoon in Mexico, gifted by my brother and sister-in-law, and that was just the most special ending to that chapter of our lives.

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

Tyler and I now live in Spring, Texas, and are expecting our first child, a sweet baby girl, due to arrive this summer. We are in constant awe with how gracious the Lord is and how blessed we have been. We look forward to this new chapter in our lives.

Bruggeman + Coleman

OCTOBER 8, 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CYDNI LAUREN PHOTOGRAPHY

OLIVIA BRUGGEMAN & CALEB COLEMAN

FROM THIS MOMENT

Caleb and I met in high school in TigerVison class and soon became really good friends. From then on, we were inseparable. We got along so well, and any time we were together, we wanted to stay in those moments forever. There was never enough time in a day. I knew that one day he would be my husband.

THE PROPOSAL

Our proposal was on Valentine’s Day. Caleb planned all the things I loved that day. He ended the day by taking me to a spot that was very special to us, and he decorated his truck with string lights. As we danced, he got down on one knee. I thought I was in a Hallmark movie!

AT FIRST GLANCE

Caleb and I decided to not see each other until we went down the aisle. Beforehand, we said a prayer together with our backs to each other so we couldn’t see one another. That was very special to me.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Caleb’s father, Kelsey Coleman, is also our pastor. He officiated our wedding, which was priceless and definitely one of my favorite parts of the entire process.

MUSIC IS MAGIC

Music has a special spot in our lives, so having the talented Lane Bricker and his wonderful band was a major highlight. Getting to dance and laugh with the people we love to great music was very important to us.

Bruggeman + Coleman

WEDDING VENUE: Ramage Farms Weddings | RECEPTION: Ramage Farms Weddings | CAKE DESIGNER: Tiffani Ramage

FLORIST: H&N Floral, Gifts & Garden | DÉCOR: Bella Roo Events | WEDDING COORDINATOR: Laura Coursey

CATERER: Dragon’s Den Cafe and Catering | PHOTOGRAPHY: Cydni Lauren Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER: Luis Andrade Dot’s Rentals & Sales | BAND: Lane Bricker Music | JEWELER: Cooper Fine Jewelers | HAIR: Katlin Martin and Madison Rogers

TUXEDOS: Squires Tuxedo Rentals | HONEYMOON: Cancun, Mexico

McDonald + Elliott

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEE WARD PHOTOGRAPHY

TYE McDONALD & LANE ELLIOTT

SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS

I was so happy that I was able to include all of my best girlfriends during my wedding day. We all got ready together, and I am so lucky I had all of them there to support us. We both had five attendants, so I asked my other four girlfriends to be my “something blue.” I never had anything sentimental passed down to me to do the “traditional” things for a wedding, so I thought this was the perfect time to incorporate the girls into the wedding.

FAMILY IS EVERYTHING

Lane and his dad, Todd, have a great bond. They get to work side by side each day coaching together at Texas High. Todd also preaches in Atlanta at a local church, and I couldn’t think of a better man to marry us than him. Having the privilege of his father being included in a big part of our day means more to me than he’ll ever know.

A SPECIAL BOND

After we got engaged in April of 2021, two of our other best friends also got engaged. As a girl, it’s such a special time in your life to plan a wedding. Getting to share that with two of my dearest friends was a feeling I’ll never forget. I’m already so close with them, and they were included in my wedding, but getting to experience it together was beautiful and a bond like no other.

THE PERFECT ENDING TO THE PERFECT DAY

We chose Jordan Sheppard to sing live music at our wedding reception. Lane actually found him at Hopkins one night and couldn’t stop talking about how much he enjoyed him live. Everyone loved that we had live music, and he made it fun for everyone! We told everyone we worked with during the wedding planning that we wanted a special “last dance of the night.” Lane had the best idea of going somewhere quiet, up on the pergola, and we danced to an original song that Jordan had written. It was the perfect way to end the most perfect day for us.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

HOSPICE OF TEXARKANA CHRISTMAS APPRECIATION DINNER

Hospice of Texarkana held its Christmas Appreciation Dinner on December 6 at the Texarkana Convention Center. The event was attended by nearly 100 individuals in the community who play a significant role in the organization and its mission, including board members, staff, volunteers and generous donors. The evening closed with the Hospice of Texarkana mantra: “Our work is too important to deliver without excellence.”

Jim Boswell with Amy and Tommy McAnally

Pamela Davis with H.W. Hall and Sue Barchenger

Hampton Fontenot and Leigh Davis

Manny Western, Sean Rommel, Glen Boles, Cindy Marsh and Mack Lawrence

Dr. Brent and Morgan Bennett

Cindy Marsh and Frank DiPace

Brent Stewart, Cindy Marsh and Branden O’Neal

Candace and Scott Willige

Donna and Kelley Stone

Joey and Mack Lawrence

Jamiski Clark and Sylvester Leaks

Courtney and Charles Shoalmire

Dr. Robin Rogers and Hampton Fontenot

Barb Allen, Casey Hitchcock, Clytine Edwards and Jackie Zimmerman

Keith and Leasa Roach

Whitney and Vickers Fuqua

Mike and Daphne Cox

Candace Willige, Gena Shipp and Sharon Shipp

Gary and Annell Langdon

A GAMECHANGER FOR CANCER PATIENTS

Penguin Cold Caps helps Cheryl Strawn retain 95% of her hair after undergoing chemotherapy due to a breast cancer diagnosis

by KATIE STONE

photo by KATIE STONE

When you think of the health of your hair, you probably think of deep conditioning or heat protection spray, but for Cheryl Strawn, it is a lot more than that. Cheryl was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 after her first mammogram. She underwent a double mastectomy but still required chemotherapy after surgery. Already struggling with the loss of her breasts, when Cheryl realized that she would also lose her hair, she began researching her options. “Losing my hair was so hard to imagine,” she recalled. That’s when she learned about cold cap therapy, an innovative treatment some chemo patients pursue in an effort to save their hair.

Cold caps are helmet-shaped devices that are filled with very cold liquid or gel. By inducing “scalp hypothermia,” the blood vessels beneath the skin of the scalp are narrowed, which reduces the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reaches the hair follicles. This prevents hair loss.

Cheryl signed up to be a part of a clinical trial involving cold cap therapy but was unfortunately denied participation, which was devastating. At this news, her husband, Shay, took charge, determined to find out how Cheryl could receive cold cap therapy outside of a clinical trial. Through his own research, he discovered Penguin Cold Caps, a company that rents the caps to chemotherapy patients.

Cold cap therapy is not just a matter of wearing the cap during treatment. Treatment requires three cold caps, all of which must first be at the correct temperature: -22 degrees Fahrenheit. Once they are ready, beginning before the first chemotherapy administration, the caps are rotated at specific intervals throughout the duration of the treatment and for five hours afterward. Between uses, each cap is placed in a cooler with dry ice strategically to ensure that it is the right temperature when it is time to use it again.

The Penguin Cold Cap System is a 3-cap process –two caps cooling and one cap on your head.

photos courtesy of penguincoldcaps.com

Cheryl is not only a Penguin Cold Cap therapy story; she is also a Penguin team member, having accepted a position with the company after using the cold cap system herself. She is one of only few representatives in the entire United States. She has found so much joy in working with other cancer survivors as they travel their road to recovery. “It is so much more than just helping them get their cold cap system and training them how to use it,” she said. “It is a true connection being made and understanding of their situation.” Cheryl does hands-on training for cancer survivors and their families if they need it. “There are many ways to train someone how to use this. There are videos and paperwork that comes with the system, but my husband and I also do hands-on training to show exactly how to do it,” she said. “My clients are keeping 60–90% of their hair.”

The Penguin Cold Cap system is not available for purchase. Instead, it is available to be rented, which allows for better access for cancer survivors. Getting a cancer diagnosis takes a toll on more than just the mind and body; it also affects the finances. Penguin Cold Caps offers payment assistance options for those who are eligible.

Cheryl, in her role as Penguin Cold Cap representative, was recently chosen as the beneficiary of a fundraiser to benefit local cancer survivors. The fundraiser, SINGO for a Cause, was held in October 2022 at Redbone Magic Brewery. Chambers Home Health & Hospice, the event host, raised about $5,000 to help cancer survivors access the Penguin Cold Cap system. Chambers Home Health representative Erin Blackburn was blown away by all the support. “It feels amazing to be able to donate this money to such a great cause,” she said.

When, after 12 rounds of chemotherapy with cold caps, she still had 95 percent of her hair, Cheryl knew she had found what she was meant to do. “I have been through so many things in my life, but after this experience, I knew that is why God got me through it all,” she said. “He saw me through it all so I could help others on their journey.”

For more information about Penguin

Caps, visit www.penguincoldcaps.com or contact Cheryl at cherylstrawn@penguincoldcaps.com.

Cold

photo courtesy of penguincoldcaps.com

Cheryl wearing a Penguin Cold Cap during her chemotherapy treatments.

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SCENE ABOUT TOWN

SANTA SPRINT BENEFITS TEXARKANA MUSEUMS SYSTEM

On December 17, Texarkana Museums System held its annual Santa Sprint in downtown Texarkana, beginning at the Ace of Clubs House. Participants were urged to dress in the Christmas spirit as they raced, sprinted, strolled, and jingled to raise funds to support the nonprofit organization. Coffee and cocoa were served to participants after the race.

Susan Addison and Liz Carter

Melinda Vammen and Kimberly Davis

Heather Meador, Kruz Youngblood, Braxton Meador, Braden Meador and Brad Meador

Mike Riley and Velvet Cool

Nicholas Brown, Izaih Ivy and Raylynn Brown

Anastasia Vogel, Hillary Cloud and Alex White

Whitney Eddy, Gauge Eddy and Leslie Russo

Zoey Richardson and Candice McIntosh

Cierra and Brian Brown

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

GREATER TEXARKANA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CHRISTMAS PARTY

The Greater Texarkana Young Professionals Christmas Party was held December 16 at Crossties Event Center. The mission of GTYP is to promote the retention, education and growth of diverse young professionals in the Texarkana region through professional and social immersion.

Russell Sparks, Warren McDaniel, and Erica and Eric Cain

Brittney Haynes, Chris Bradford, Malachi Smith and Vashil Fernandez

Allison Wright, Thomas Townsend, Brianna Conn and Natalie Copeland

Zeus Espinoza, Keith Beason and Mikala Anderson

Heather Buster, Natalie Copeland and Brittney Haynes

Caleb Mudford, Erica Cain, Natalie Copeland and Eric Cain

Austin Cree, Jasmine Bruce and Zoe Terral

Casey Boyette, Allison Wright, Annemarie Sullivan and Jim Bynum

PRESENTING THE 2022

TEXARKANA COTILLION

Debutantes

Nine debutantes dressed in traditional gowns and carrying bouquets of red roses were presented to society on December 28, 2022, at Texarkana Country Club. John Crisp, master of ceremonies, introduced each young lady as she stepped from the dais. Vicki Carr and Andrea Finley played the chosen debut song for each debutante as she and her escort circled the room. This season was coordinated by Blaire Barlow. Photos by Matt Cornelius.

TRINITY MARIE TUTOLO

LILY KATE SEWELL

HOLLY ANN THORNTON

JOHANNA LEONORA HUETER

EVELYN GRACE PATTERSON

JANE ELIZABETH ROUNDS

CHARLOTTE NORMA JEANNE HEUTER

REAGAN ELIZABETH POTTS

MARY CLAIRE WRIGHT

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TWIN CITY TITLE AND MILLER COUNTY ABSTRACT CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

Twin City Title and Miller County Abstract held their Christmas Open House on December 9. The event was catered by the Texarkana College Culinary Arts Department, and musical entertainment was provided by Taryn Ashley, Jase Bryant and Paul Holder.

Greg and Lee Davis

Lori Cree, Amber Stewart and Mandy Adkins

Jerry and Yulin Brewer

Julissa and Regulo Olvera, Greg Raney and Melissa Latham

Triston and Sarah Carlow with Ron Mercer

Mike and Sylvia Ingram

Patia Smith, Natalie Copeland and Amanda Connor

Heather and Jason Thomson

Kristin Dodson, Michele Johnson, Sharon Mullins and Lindsey Higgins

Lauree Romero and Carla Ward

Lesa and Tony Asbille

Sarah Williams, Arlynda Hitt and Mandy Robertson

Brooke and Jansen Carr

Daniel and Karrie Morse

Magan and Clayton Wisdom

HOLLAN PALMORE MEET

by REESE LANGDON

Pleasant Grove senior Hollan Palmore is one who can balance a demanding school day; an extensive extracurricular schedule consisting of cheer, track, and pageants; hours of volunteer work in her role as Miss North Texas Outstanding Teen; and a buzzing social life, all while maintaining a healthy mental state and a cheerful smile on her face. Hollan is no stranger to the fast, busy life and has no plans on slowing down. She even traded in a year of high school to speed up achieving her dreams.

“Ever since [2016], my goal has been to go [to Navarro College] to cheer, get my basics, and then transfer to a university after my two years are up,” Hollan said. “When I told [my academic counselor] I wanted to attend Navarro, which is a junior college, she told me I would be over the credit limit and would not be able to do so. She told me my best option would be to graduate early. I knew this was what I wanted to do so I could accomplish my dreams.”

Navarro College is notorious for its very decorated cheer program. They have won 15 national championship titles and are the subject of the hit Netflix series “Cheer.” Only the best in the nation can make this outstanding team, and not everyone on the team is even guaranteed a spot to perform on the National Cheerleaders Association stage in Daytona. Although Navarro has not given her an official offer yet, Hollan hopes that she will soon be showcasing her years of hard work.

“The perfect future would be a scholarship to cheer for Navarro,” Hollan said. “While at Navarro, the next goal will be making mat to compete at NCA college nationals at Daytona. Winning Daytona on mat two years in a row would be perfect.”

With chasing great hopes and dreams comes great sacrifice. Hollan has switched between many teams, traveled long distances, lost time with her loved ones and left some lifelong passions like dance and gymnastics. “When I made the decision that I was going to do everything I possibly could

to prepare for college tryouts, I made two of the toughest decisions: I gave up competitive dance, which I’ve done all my life, and changed schools to where I thought was a better fit,” Hollan said. “I’ve also sacrificed spending time with friends, missing out on social events, and spending time with my family.”

However, one thing that Hollan does not sacrifice is her mental well-being. “I make sure that my mental health comes first by driving around with my friends, taking pictures, watching the sunset, attending hot yoga and journaling,” Hollan said. “These are a couple of things that help me reset and recover.”

Although she is ecstatic about what the next few years hold for her cheer career, Hollan has not lost sight of things outside of cheerleading. “The perfect idea would be winning Miss Texas in June,” Hollan said. “With this title, I will get to travel around Texas advocating my platform. By speaking to kids, coaches, and parents, I will be able to share personal stories and teach the signs to look for in an abusive coach. Also, I eventually plan to get my doctorate degree and become a sports psychologist.”

With Hollan’s goals and mentality, no task is too daunting – and she believes that to be true for anyone. “Always remember, no dream is unrealistic, but you have to be willing to put in the work for what you want,” she said. “In order to reach your dream, I encourage everyone to set small goals to accomplish throughout your work.”

Hollan is very appreciative of her supportive parents and the life lessons that cheer and her teammates have taught her. This constantly on-the-go, small-town high schooler teaches a lesson of finding the beauty in chaos. Her stacked schedule has given her a chance to learn self-discipline, make lifelong bonds, impact countless lives, and channel her passion into being the best version of herself every day.

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 APRIL GRAVES

photo by SHANE DARBY

“Always remember no dream is unrealistic, but you have to be willing to put in the work for what you want.”

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ENCOMPASS HEALTH REHABILITATION HOSPITAL HOSTS PUPPY PARADE

Last year, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Texarkana found the perfect solution to help lift the spirits of its patients by hosting a fun Puppy Parade. On November 30, staff members and friends once again gathered with their pets to spread “paws-itivity” throughout the Encompass community.

Casey Huff, Vader and LaRae Hall

Tamera Chafin and Lucy

Liz Boyd and Rip

Tamera Chafin with Bruno and Lucy, Billie Pritchett with Ranger, LaRae Hall and Casey Huff with Vader, Tiffannee Watson with Ellie Mae, Lisa Crawford with Frank, Sarah Robinson with Ryker, Liz Boyd with Rip, Tracy Graf and Megan Knight with Gunner

Megan Knight, Gunner and Tracy Graf

Frank and Lisa Crawford

Jayden Murillo, Tiffannee Watson, Ellie Mae, and Caleb Watson

Billie Pritchett and Ranger

Sarah Robinson and Ryker

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BRAMLETT BEANS & CORNBREAD COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER

The 24th annual Bramlett Beans & Cornbread Community Fundraiser was held December 1 at the Texarkana Convention Center. Former Mayor James Bramlett invited the community to this event which featured beans, cornbread, tea, coffee and dessert. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Christmas Basket program, a volunteer effort that provides holiday food for Texarkana, USA, citizens who are in need. The initiative, led by the Cities of Texarkana, Texas, and Texarkana, Arkansas, along with the Texarkana Water Utilities, provides over 100 baskets to local families.

Vernita Williams and Lynette Miles

Brent and Rachel Hopkins with Tyrhonda Henderson

Dr. Matt Young and Kyndal Griffith

Giselle Galvan, Zoe Rushing, Chloe Alzaga, Peyton Boyer, Jade Muniz , Hannah McElhiney and Shea Phillips

Donny Sparks, Brooke Marshall and Dr. Matt Young

Eddie Aulds and Jerry Tittle

Brad McKinnon, Parker Showalter, Mike Norwood and Scott Robertson

Pam White and Teresa Akard

James and Kathy Bramlett

Nancy Hamilton, Glenda Williams and Donna Wilson

Maggie Johnson, Nikki Johnson, Kevin Johnson and Dee Page

Dr. Robin Rogers, Robby Robertson and Keith Beason

John and Janie Crew Dr. Catherine and Robert Howard with Dr. Jason Smith

HISTORY HAPPENS...

by VELVET HALL COOL Board President of the Texarkana Museums System

History happens to overlap often with the evolution of opportunities.  This month, as Texarkana, USA, begins a yearlong Sesquicentennial Celebration, we should look both backwards and forwards at some of the opportunities we have embraced.

Historically, the sale of the first city lots on December 8, 1873, was one of the most significant opportunities for our city.  While plans for our town certainly predate what we celebrate as our “birthdate,” December 8 of 150 years ago inarguably solidified plans that the early settlers and business minds had for our community.  It formalized the intent of people such as J.W. Davis, A.L. Ghio, Cairo & Fulton Railway, and the T & P Railway to situate our community in a place where they felt business would boom, economy would thrive, and people would establish the comforts of home.  These first developers of our town laid the infrastructure for not only necessities such as drug stores and mercantiles, but also for the humanities that filled day-to-day lives with meaning, such as opera houses and ballrooms.  Where some might have only seen barriers of state lines, they saw opportunities.

The railroads, which laid the framework not only for our location but also our name, provided the opportunity for the growth of our early hospital industry, restaurants, and law practices. Some early names in this growth, such as Cotton

A.L. Ghio and James McMahon at State Line

Dr. G.U. Jamison

Belt Hospital, Collom & Carney Clinic, the Marquand Hotel, and W.H. Arnold, have survived the test of time, while others have been surpassed.

The beauty of our natural resources today is often seen as a source of leisure and enjoyment through such activities as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and hunting. Some prime examples are Dooley’s Ferry along the banks of the Red River, the springs at Spring Lake Park, and the marshes of Boggy Creek. However, in our early days, those same natural resources provided the opportunity for industry and economy through glass plants, forestry jobs, cotton seed oil, crops, clay, and natural gas.

Slowly for some, more quickly for others, the opportunities of our town extended to women, African Americans, and immigrants. Mrs. Olivia Smith Moore managed the day-to-day operations of her husband’s profitable businesses after his early death. Dr. G. U. Jamison erected an entire building devoted to African American professionals. Irish immigrants Sir Roger O’Dwyer and Mr. Patrick J. Ahern operated a successful dry-goods store. The Vathis brothers, Greek immigrants, sweetened our community with their confectionery shop. Jobs opened in retail and manufacturing, county and city offices, and hotels and boarding houses for all.

From these humble beginnings, opportunity spurred opportunity. The right mix of vision, encouragement, and rebounding from the inevitable errors that people make along any new path has magnified the prospects of our early 1840s “town site” to our 1873 Texarkana to the TXK of the 21st century.

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 journey.

Spring Lake Park, circa 1889

Cotton Belt Hospital on Dudley Avenue, circa 1910

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TRAHC AND FOR ARTS’ SAKE GIFT SHOP HOSTS HOLIDAY ARTS MARKET

The 14th annual Holiday Arts Market, hosted by TRAHC and the For Arts’ Sake Gift Shop, took place December 2-3 in the Regional Arts Center. The holiday shopping event showcased approximately 40 local artists and artisans offering custom creations and many one-of-a-kind items. Jewelry, paintings, pottery, art, handmade soaps, cheese, leather goods, ceramics, wooden sculptures and knitted scarves are just a few of the many items that were available for attendees to purchase.

Darlene Taylor Chase Magness, Connie Magness and Char Crane

Mark Thomas

Agnes Tirrito

Joyce Parry

Roger Tipton

Dell Kirkman, Joseph Raymond, Gabrielle Bachers, Kim Fowler, Leitha Herring, Alan Harrel and Jeanne Harrel

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UNSUNG HEROES APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

The Unsung Heroes of Texarkana Appreciation Luncheon, hosted by First Baptist Church Texarkana, was held December 9. This event honored those who provide services to the community, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, school maintenance workers, postal workers, crossing guards and city officials. Lunch was provided by the church and its membership.

Dr. Jeff Schreve and Mike Turner

Don Gildon, Fred Hutcheson and Alex Tipton

Ian McCarthy, Aaron Graves and Jimmy Bowen

Sandy Phillips, Betty Rateliff, Sharon Wilson,Jill Harrington and Robbie Triplett

Jan Black, Linda Devereese, Marguerite Thacker and Jan Whitehorn

Terry Spivey and Jan Leigh

Jonathan Mixon, Ethan Phillips, Seth Brower and Mike Benson

Robert Greenway, Shane Page, Cory Wilhite and Aaron Hammonds Shirley Watson and Cory Woods

William Oswald and Karl Stegel

Marcus Gilliam, Clay Phillips, Dakota Johnson and Andy Harper

Darlene Reed, Olen Adams and Lois Crim

William Stuart, Steven Hamilton and Jerry Cagle

Alan and Jennifer Collins

Herb Phillips and Don Leigh

Gordon Wells, Lydia Bowden, Joanne Upton, Bethany Bowden, Tammie Martin and Barbara Turner

Joshua Grubbs, Brenda Kassem and Alfonso Hinojosa

Tamika London and Angles Coleman

Suzy Turner and Jennell Ingram

JANUARY 2023

JANUARY 7

Elvis tribute artist Travis Powell will entertain guests during a 7 p.m. performance in the Historic Perot Theatre. The all-female group Shake, Rattle & Roll will open the concert. Tickets can be found at: www.perottheatre.org

JANUARY 7

The Texarkana Museums System will host a Sesquicentennial Stone Soup luncheon at noon at the Museum of Regional History. Enjoy a bowl of soup, bread and dessert for $10 per person or $5 for TMS members. Call 903-7934831 for more information.

JANUARY 14

Living History Training will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ahern Home. This session by the Arkansas Living History Association will train people to be enthusiastic and authentic living history reenactors. Cost is $10 per person or $5 for TMS members. Lunch is provided. Call the Texarkana Museums System at 903-793-4831 for information.

JANUARY 15

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

JANUARY 21

Dr. Laura Sikes of TAMUT will present the history of A.L. Ghio, purchaser of the first city lot sold in Texarkana, USA, from 4-5 p.m. at the Ace of Clubs House. Light refreshments will be provided, followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m. and a

showing of “Papa’s Delicate Condition” at the 1923 Banana Club. Cost for the movie is $5 per person; dinner and movie is $35 with Texarkana Museums Systems members receiving $5 off per ticket. Call 903-793-4831 for more information.

JANUARY 26

Country-music artist Clint Black will perform in the Historic Perot Theatre. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. performance. Tickets are available at: www.perottheatre.org

JANUARY 28

Joey Pack will review quilting basics from 2-4 p.m. at the P.J. Ahern Home for those interested in incorporating their families’ quilt pieces into a Sesquicentennial Community Quilt, which will be completed this year. Light refreshments will be served. Call the Texarkana Museums System at 903-7934831 for more information.

FEBRUARY 2023

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 available, and chairs and strollers are encouraged. Watch the Texarkana Mardi Gras Facebook page for more information.

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

EXPERTS ASK THE

Desiree DeDe Jefferson Director of Marketing, MRC Cornerstone Retirement Community

Keep aging loved ones active and engaged.

It is important for seniors to get out during Christmas time to engage in activities that will prevent boredom. The holiday season is a joyous time but can also magnify loneliness and boredom for some. Instead, elders should be encouraged to stay healthy and engaged by finding activities that will keep their bodies and minds active. Many elders find that volunteering during the Christmas season chases the blues away while keeping their minds on things that promote joy.

903-417-0326 | 4100 Moores Lane | Texarkana, TX | mrccornerstone.org

Brett Brzeski Investment Advisor, Mustard Seed Wealth Management

I recently inherited a Traditional IRA from my uncle. Do I receive stepped-up basis for tax purposes? Can I take the money out of the IRA tax free?

Inherited property often receives stepped-up basis, meaning the basis value for the beneficiary is the fair market value of the property on the decedent’s date of death; however, this does not apply to inherited Traditional IRA accounts. Normally, most if not all contributions made to a Traditional IRA will be pre-tax. Pre-tax contributions will have zero basis. Assuming no after-tax contributions were made by the uncle, the beneficiary will have to pay tax on all distributions. Also, with a few limited exceptions, the IRA will have to be fully depleted by the end of the tenth year after the uncle’s death.

903-716-8414 | 3304 Richmond Rd | Texarkana, TX | msfwm.com

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FARMERS BANK & TRUST LIVE UNITED BOWL

The Farmers Bank & Trust Live United Bowl was held December 3 at Texarkana Arkansas School District’s Razorback Stadium. An annual college football bowl game, the Live United Bowl is played between two of the top teams at the NCAA Division II level. The game features the highest-place finisher in the Great American Conference that does not qualify for the Division II playoffs. The at-large opponent is chosen from either the Lone Star Conference or the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. This year’s game was played by the Southeast Oklahoma State Savage Storm and the Emporia State Hornets, with the Hornets coming out on top by a score of 48-27.

Sutton Brown and Allen Brown

David and Robin Hickerson

Dr. Joe Andrews and Michael Rogers

Megan and Sutton Brown

Allen Brown and Jerry Huckabee

Sutton Brown, Shelby Brown, Emily Orr and Allen Brown

Allen Brown, Sutton Brown, James Bramlett and Mark Hawkins

Shelby Brown, Drew Pearson and Robin Hickerson

EXQUISITE INTERIORS

by SUZY TURNER photos by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

s is indicative of the transitional style, Jenna and Keith Burkman’s beautiful two-story, 5-bedroom, 41/2-bath home celebrates a blend of natural light and warmth with a twist of French country flair and a touch of modern simplicity. Through soothing hues, simple shapes, and soft patterns, a comfortable ambiance and relaxed feel is embraced throughout the home, creating a timeless aesthetic.

Custom built 20 years ago for its original owners in a very traditional style with brick, pillars and intricate crown moldings, the Burkmans recently partnered with Jason Eppinette Construction to completely remodel the kitchen, dining room, breakfast area, and sunroom. “We absolutely love it! They did an impeccable job,” Jenna remarks.

Once the Burkmans decided to update the home, decorating in more of a transitional style appealed to them most, allowing them to complement the traditional lines of the home and bring in a more modern flair. While many

transitional elements abound throughout the home, the French-country feel is conveyed through the incorporation of all things nature into their furniture and accessories choices. With the help of designer Karen Watzka at the Ethan Allen Design Center in Frisco as well as locals Susan Slimer and Lauren Callaway, Jenna and Keith have been able to personalize their space by adding a fun statue here or a unique piece of art there.

When stepping inside the foyer, guests immediately feel welcome. A functional grandfather clock sits to the left of the entryway, serving as a time piece as well as a visually pleasing addition to the décor. An oil painting by Jenna’s father, John Dempsey, a retired teacher and artist, draws the eye upward and features Jenna’s mother holding her when she was around 9 months old. A beautiful abstract sculpture, also by Jenna’s father, sits in the window ledge in the dining room.

Large windows and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace take center stage in the open living area. In keeping with the transitional/French-country styles, the original red brick fireplace was white-washed by Gary Williams Custom Painting. Bookcases surround the fireplace, the perfect place to display family mementoes. The navy rug, along with coordinating throw pillows and oversized wingbacks, acts as a splash of color.

Functionality is key in the updated kitchen. Handles in pewter and brass accentuate the numerous cabinets, while the islands are focal points, adding in tones of blue and gray to the otherwise neutral palette. Stunning glass pendant lights from Logan Electric make a design statement while white, gray and gold quartz countertops by Red River Design Center provide durability for years to come. Light wood-tone flooring by Creative Flooring exudes versatility while adding color. In one corner of the kitchen sits a well-stocked coffee bar and is used by the homeowners and guests during their morning routine. “Our favorite thing about our home is the amount of character it possesses and the quality of craftsmanship we find in the original cabinetry and mouldings along with the new cabinetry we added,” Jenna says. “We love our newly remodeled kitchen with its custom cabinetry by Ronnie and Derrick Jones and the doors by Four States Cabinets and Doors.”

The carpeted master bedroom mixes textures and materials to provoke a classic feel. A sitting area and gas fireplace provide serenity and coziness, as well as updated sophistication. A bay window provides the perfect view of the outside area, while a walk-out single door keeps the Burkmans just steps from enjoying an afternoon swim in the newly updated pool. This past summer, a sheer descent waterfall and lighting on the pool deck brought Jenna’s new design to life, thanks to All American Pools.

Bookshelves line the doorway to the master bath, where a marble-tile shower and jetted soaking tub for two offer the perfect place to unwind at the end of a long day. Organized and efficient, his and hers walk-in closets provide storage for clothing and accessories while also functioning as dressing rooms.

A close-knit family, the Burkmans have transformed three of their bedrooms into guest rooms for their adult children when they come home to visit. Their son Aaron, an ROTC sophomore, occupies one upstairs bedroom, which shares a hall bath with an even larger bedroom containing a roomy California king for daughter and son-in-law Phoebe and Tyler. The third upstairs bedroom serves as a second master bedroom for their 13-year-old son, Braden, complete with fun and whimsical Disney memorabilia located throughout. An extra downstairs bedroom with attached bath is perfect for daughter and son-in-law Lexi and Gage, and their baby, Oaklynn Grace, allowing them the convenience of being close to the kitchen to prepare bottles for the baby. Above the bed, a sign reads, “May your journey always lead you home,” a motto that Jenna and Keith always hope their children remember.

Located on 3/4 of an acre in Pleasant Grove, this 5,318-square-foot home provides the perfect sanctuary for the Burkmans and their children, where they are fortunate to enjoy the best of two worlds: city dwelling and country living. They live just a short drive into town and have the ease of getting to the store quickly. And they have just enough land to afford them some privacy and space which separates them from their neighbors.

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.

NICOLE RALEY

Age: 41

Occupation: Mortgage Banker - Farmers Bank & Trust

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

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? I call my sister or a friend and chat.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? More time with family and friends who are gone, but is there ever really enough?

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

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

What are you currently watching on Netflix? “The Crown.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Santorini, Greece, has been on my bucket list for some time now.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? Life360. TikTok. FBT Mobile.

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

I am usually watching my daughter play one of three sports, so I am always rooting for her. I would have to say basketball and the Mavs make a close second!

“ NEW YEAR, NEW

KEITH BEASON Age: 36

Occupation: Community Engagement & Parks Project Manager at the City of Texarkana, Texas

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? I would devise a plan to prevent anyone from finding out.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? I check emails and play games on my phone.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? My wish would be that I could teleport.

At what business could you max out a credit card? I would spend a lot of the winnings mentioned in question #1 at Dillard’s.

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “This is 40!”

What are you currently watching on Netflix? “Ted Lasso” on Apple TV.

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

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

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

I like to watch football (Cowboys), baseball (Rangers), basketball (Spurs), and pro wrestling, which is considered a sport in some circles.

”

OPPORTUNITIES

TELL US WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO THE MOST IN THIS NEW YEAR.

In the New Year, I am looking forward to enjoying the season of life that I am in and embracing it. I now have a freshman in high school and a freshman in college. While that seems impossible to me, I look forward to cherishing the milestones to come for both of them.

We have a ton of great stuff coming to the Parks, Arts and Historic District, Perot Theatre, etc., but I’m most excited about the Texarkana USA Sesquicentennial! Check out all the updates and great events that are being announced for 2023 at gotxk.org/txk150 or on Facebook!