Four States Living Magazine March 2023

THE WAY I SEE IT ...

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

I’m an overthinker. Last week, I had to pick a new sink and faucet for my kitchen. It was hell. I debated the pros and cons of at least 30 sinks and even more faucets as I walked up and down the same aisles for hours—yes, hours. The sporadic decision-making of my youth has been trampled by the conservative middle-aged mind of today. Years ago, I could make a snap decision (right or wrong) and act like I was right no matter what. Now, I hem and haw over which bananas to put in my buggy. Are they too green? Too ripe? How close are they to being banana bread? Are they organic or Dole? “Decision paralysis” can really fluster me, especially if the stakes are higher than shopping for produce.

Recently, I co-hosted a wedding shower. I was in charge of tablecloths, place settings, and silverware. I worried and worried for weeks about the colors of the linens, whether the flatware should be silver or gold, and how the napkins should be folded. (It sounds absurd to me as I type the words.) If you are a Pinterest person, you may be familiar with the rabbit hole I fell into after searching “wedding shower” on Pinterest. There are games, menus, invitations, centerpieces, party favors, themes, dress codes . . . it goes on and on. This is like fuel on my decision-paralysis flame. It doesn’t help that I am a procrastinator. If I make a decision, then I can’t take it back, so I wait until the very last minute to pull the trigger.

My mom, who was also helping with the shower, kept asking me, “What can I do? Do you need any help?” But instead of letting her help, I stayed on that hamster wheel in my head. If I just put it off a little while longer, the answer would come.

So, three days before the shower, I pull into Dot’s Rentals and pray that they have what I need to rent for the party. It wasn’t like we were having a party for 500, so I felt like surely they would be able to accommodate my last-minute needs, boy, could they ever! The choices Dot has in her wedding area are enormous. Now, you may be thinking, “Why didn’t she just get some white tablecloths, some hard plasticware, and call it a day?” If you saw all of the wonderful options that Dot’s has, you would understand. Plus, the bride is just one of the most special people I have ever known, so I wanted perfection. The woman helping me choose my items that day probably went home to her spouse and laughed about how ridiculous I was. I took photos of various colored cloths with various silverware options and sent the combinations to my daughters. They gave their opinions, and then I changed my mind. Finally, I just told the lady to pick what she liked—for my dear friend that she doesn’t even know.

Four St ates Living

PUBLISHER

Dr. Robin Rogers

EDITOR EMERITUS

Suzy Turner

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Shane Darby

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Victoria Herman

I am the person who opens the refrigerator and can’t decide on a Diet Coke or a Diet Dr. Pepper. If you saw my closet, you would think I am a decent dresser; I have nice clothes, great shoes, and cool handbags, yet I wear Four States Living t-shirts every single day. In my mind, if I ever win the lottery, I’ll hire someone to come get me dressed every morning and fix my hair and makeup.

I bought a house about 18 months ago. I had loved this house for years, but it needed a bit of work, including an exterior paint job. My realtor and friend, Tessa, said I should paint it black. I thought that was crazy at first because the house had always been red, reminding me of a little red cabin that was sort of out of place in our residential neighborhood. Yet, as I debated for several months, hammering big paint samples onto the side of my house and studying the colors, I kept returning to Tessa’s professional opinion. Finally, on a wing and a prayer, I hired the painter and decided on black. Who would have guessed the number of black paint swatches out there on Pinterest? (Black was the right call, by the way: it’s both cozy and sleek.)

I also needed to renovate a bathroom to make it wheelchair accessible. For that project, having learned my lesson with the paint-color debacle, I hired a contractor and told him to make all the decisions. Of course it turned out better than I could’ve imagined.

In my heart, I want to be a DIYer. I want to remodel the kitchen after watching a few episodes of “Fixer Upper” and sew my own wardrobe after a “Project Runway” marathon. But the truth is, most of us need to stay in our lanes and leave the hard stuff to the professionals.

In the future, I will offer to help with a shower, not host it; somebody else is better at making those executive decisions. And, I will never try to pick a shade of black again; I will just pay a decorator.

I’ll stick to making decisions in my realms of expertise: advertising, publishing, and business. If you need advice or support promoting your venture, please reach out. After almost three decades, I know that this is the lane where I belong. I’m confident in my skills to help people get their businesses seen, heard, and noticed. It’s hard to stay in business if people don’t know you exist. After being in advertising and promotion for this long, that is about the only statement I know that needs no debate. We all need to promote our businesses. I know I said I don’t dress for success, but maybe, just maybe, I wear a Four States Living shirt almost every day intentionally. Who really knows?

Enjoy this great issue, full of the best in our area pertaining to Home & Garden. And as always, thanks for reading FSLM.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lindsey McMillan

Ellen Orr

Kelsey Rankin

Katie Stone

Lisa Porterfield Thompson

COLUMNISTS

Velvet Hall Cool

Reese Langdon

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

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ON THE COVER MARCH 2023

Functional, livable and comfortable, the modern cottage-inspired home of Suzy and Kyle Osburn creates the perfect space for them and their three children, River, Zimri and Zailee. The exposed raw white oak beams in their kitchen enhance the organic feel of the room while quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and streamlined cabinets add to the modern feel.

INSIDE : THE CALM AFTER THE STORM

After a devastating house fire destroyed her family home in 2021, Felicia Horn and her daughter, Kennedy, rebuilt. And even though it’s all new, it still feels like home. See story on page 10.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

(Photo by Katelyn Peek).

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TWIN CITY CHAPTER OF TOP TEENS OF AMERICA BLUE AND SILVER BALL

On Saturday, January 21, the Twin City Chapter of Top Teens of America held its annual Blue and Silver Ball at the First United Methodist Church Cabe Fellowship Center Building. Top Teens were formally presented to their family and friends as part of a culminating activity for their leadership and social training.

Top Teens of America is the major thrust of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. The purpose of this organization is to: encourage high academic scholarship; develop social graces, leadership and fellowship abilities; develop pride in self, home and community; encourage participation in workshops which address current trends; work with other organizations to reach mutual goals; develop deep concerns for senior citizens, the status of women and community partnerships; encourage appreciation for ethnic and cultural heritage, and promote membership and participation in the NAACP.

TLOD president is Barbara Larry, Top Teen adviser is Shelia Dukes and Top Teen President is Brooklyn Henderson. Chairpersons for this year’s ball were LaShundra Bradley and Kimberly Perry.

Kamaria Soloman, Ameree Nailon, Raiya Giddings, Makenzie Cook, Amia Bradley, Mary Hill, Ammie Hill, Quentin Kennedy, Brooklyn Henderson, Blaise Larry-Cox, Mikhya Willis, Aniyah Green, Faizah Cooper, Chandler Spellman and Lee-Terrick Slater

photo by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

THE CALM AFTER THE STORM

After a devastating house fire, Felicia Horn and daughter, Kennedy, rebuilt

by KELSEY RANKIN

When Felicia Horn brought her newborn daughter, Kennedy, home from the hospital in 2014, she planted a magnolia tree, affectionately named Maggie, in the yard of the only place she had ever truly called home.

Raised by her great-grandparents, Jack and Lil Mounts, Felicia grew up in their beautiful ranch-style home in the Town and Country neighborhood of Ashdown, Arkansas. Build in 1966, this house was the gathering place for Felicia’s family. It is where Felicia hosted sleepovers, experienced elaborate holiday traditions, and generally grew up. It was simply the place to be for Felicia and her friends and family.

In 2010, as a 22-year-old first-year teacher, Felicia bought the home from the family after Nanny Lil moved to a nursing home. Over the next eight years, Felicia would do renovation projects herself during summer breaks. The house “still looked like 1969: carpet in every room and wood paneling,” she recalled. “It was home, but it definitely needed an upgrade.”

As a young teacher without a lot of money, she took pride in doing it herself. When her own daughter was born, Felicia knew she would raise her under the very roof where she was raised.

On July 15, 2021, Felicia was awakened by a phone call from her pastor. She thought it was a “butt-dial” and didn’t think anything of it, but when her grandfather Jim called immediately after, she knew something was wrong.

Luckily, neither Felicia nor Kennedy were home that night, because when Felicia answered the phone, her grandfather told her that her house was on fire. She got up to rush home, but Jim told her not to speed, saying, “It’s gone.”

When Felicia arrived, the firefighters were already there, but as an older home, it went fast. The fire started during a storm that night in which lightning struck a tree close to the house. Within 30 minutes, “it was a total loss,” Felicia said. She was devastated and traumatized.

The people of small-town Ashdown, knowing multiple generations of the family, continually drove by to check on Felicia and Kennedy. The decision to rebuild on the same property was easy for Felicia; she wanted to be in this place. She purchased a fifth-wheel camper and placed it on the property, and that is where the pair lived throughout the rebuild. They were both happy to be able to live at home, even if Kennedy remembers that “hot and horrible” summer in the camper.

Lightning struck the big pine tree in front of Felicia’s home, which resulted in a house fire on July 15, 2021.

After the fire, Felicia and Kennedy lived in this RV for 13 months while their new home was being built.

As a single-income family, Felicia and Kennedy were only able to rebuild due to great homeowners insurance—and it was still difficult, with prices high due to COVID. Through the rebuilding process, Felicia’s friends, family, and church prayed over the home. It was “never in the plans to build a house . . . especially not at this point, with an eight-year-old daughter and with COVID prices,” she said. A friend, Jimmy Anderson, whom she met serving on the board of Harvest Texarkana, was the person who came to mind immediately after she decided to rebuild. Jimmy said yes to the project, and he worked with her on every step.

Because this was such a treasured family home, Felicia wanted to incorporate something from the old house into the rebuild. It was difficult, but she found enough intact and salvageable bricks and asked Jimmy to help her use them. He came up with the idea to take the old 1960s bricks and create two columns between the kitchen and living area of the new home. This has become Felicia’s favorite part of the house.

Felicia has such fond childhood memories of growing up in her great-grandparents’ home.

Papa Jack helps Felicia learn to drive her Barbie car in front of their original home.

Jack and Lil Mounts, Felicia’s greatgrandparents, were the original owners of her home. Here, they are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

Jimmy Anderson, owner of Jimmy Anderson Construction, and his wife, Cassie, worked with Felicia very closely during her home rebuild.

Felicia’s grandfather, “Papa” Jim Mounts (photographed with his wife, Paula), was the one who broke the bad news about the fire to Felicia.

Cody Cunningham, Felicia’s boyfriend, was one of the firefighters who helped her gather some of her family’s special items after the house fire. He even dug through the ashes to find Felicia’s great-grandmother’s rings.

Felicia chose a modern farmhouse style for the new home. With the bricks paying homage to the past—to the home she grew up in, and the home she brought her baby home to—she felt it was time for a few upgrades in terms of appliances and stylistic elements. The home is exactly the same in square footage at 1700 square feet. It is still a three-bedroom/two-bath home. It still has a carport because Felicia has a nostalgic fondness for it. Felicia added a huge back porch— another place for large gatherings like the ones she was raised on. Even with the updates, it “still feels like home,” she said.

One special element, though touched by the fire, luckily survived. Maggie the magnolia tree, through a lot of work and pruning, held strong and remains in the yard today. Felicia and eight-year-old Kennedy love driving past her every day down their driveway. Trees symbolize life, and just like this precious family, Maggie stands tall and strong.

Felicia was gracious enough to let FSLM tour her new home, so we took the opportunity to turn it into an unplanned “Exquisite Interiors.”

“It still feels like home.”

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

CHRISTUS ST. MICHAEL HEALTH SYSTEM CELEBRATES EXPANSION OF INFUSION CENTER

CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System celebrated the expansion of the CHRISTUS St. Michael Infusion Center February with a blessing and open house. “One of the most important services a hospital provides is intravenous infusion, which is one of the reasons we invested over $500,000 in expanding CHRISTUS St. Michael Infusion Center,” said Jason Adams, president and CEO of CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System. “The expanded space increases our ability to serve more patients in an enhanced environment with greater privacy.”

“Infusion therapy involves the administration of medications, electrolytes, biologic preparations, blood, and other fluids via an intravenous route,” said Charlotte McKamie, MS, RN, OCN, infusion center director. “IV infusion is an important treatment for a variety of chronic and often debilitating conditions. Our patients receive medications for immunodeficiency or for autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and many others. We give IV antibiotics to patients with infections and administer blood and IV hydration to patients who need symptom support related to a chronic illness, pregnancy, or cancer.”

Open seven days a week including holidays, the CHRISTUS St. Michael Infusion Center provides care for patients with a single need as well as those who require treatment over a period, McKamie said. “Our team of registered nurses expertly manage the personalized treatment plan created for patients by their physicians,” she said. “Services are available in a supportive and comfortable setting for patients with local physicians as well as those who see doctors out of town.”

“We are pleased to once again invest in our community through this expansion, which is designed to enhance the quality of life for patients needing treatment for a variety of chronic and often debilitating conditions,” Adams said.

Dr. Loren Robinson and Jason Adams

Suki O’Neal and Francine Francis

Mike and Sylvia Ingram, Jessica Green and Lisa Green

Beth Pesek, Sister Jeanne Connell and Antoinette Peters

Jowanna Billingly and Charlotte McKamie

Father Ignatius Nwankwocha, Michael Jones, Antoinette Peters, Joe Gill and Julie Smith

Lakristal Martin, Jennifer Lair, Mandy Moore, Alicia Roberts and Vonya Traylor

HOME INDUSTRY PROS ... ALL UNDER ONE ROOF

Need a reliable contractor to remodel your home? A landscaping expert to completely redesign your outdoor oasis? A roofer to fix your leaking roof? If you’re looking for inspiration or information from local, regional and national professionals, mark your calendar for the 2023 Texarkana Home Builders Association’s 30th annual Home & Garden Show, which is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. Open to the public with no admission fee for attendees, this show will take place in downtown Texarkana at Crossties Event Venue, located at 324 East Broad St. in Texarkana, Arkansas.

For 30 years, the goal of the Home and Garden Show has been to connect the greater community with home and garden businesses in the Texarkana area. In addition, the show is designed to help give attendees ideas and inspiration for their home projects.

Builders, landscapers, outdoor living experts, suppliers, mortgage companies, flooring professionals, door and window suppliers, roofers and other professionals will all be available under one roof. Show attendees will have the opportunity to get expert advice on projects, as well as learn about new products and services.

Adam Pettit, Executive Officer of the Texarkana Home Builders Association, urges homeowners to visit this show whether you are remodeling your existing home or planning a long-overdue maintenance project. “We will have workshops on various home-improvement topics throughout the day,” he said.

As a special addition to this year’s show, Farmers Bank & Trust will give away a $1,500 gift card to be spent with any of the 40 members of the Texarkana Home Builders Association. Attendees can enter for a chance to win this card during the show, and the winner will be announced at the show.

The Texarkana HBA is affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and the Texas Association of Builders. They promote the local building industry and support members through advocacy and education. General membership meetings are held every quarter. Any business that is directly involved in or supports the building and construction industry is encouraged to become a member of the Texarkana HBA.

Whether you need home improvement tips, home renovation inspiration, or quotes on products and services, you don’t want to miss the Texarkana Home Builders Association’s signature event. Follow the Texarkana Home Builders Association on social media or visit www.txkhomeshow.com for the schedule and ever-growing list of exhibitors.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXARKANA MUSEUMS SYSTEM HOSTS AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST JERRY MITCHELL

On February 4, author and journalist Jerry Mitchell was the guest speaker at the Museum of Regional History for the Texarkana Museums System’s presentation, “A Review of Civil Rights Cases.” Mitchell is author of Race Against Time: A Reporter Reopens Unsolved Murder Cases of the Civil Rights Era

Mary Beck, Jamie Simmons and Mollie Fox

Keith and Greta Sweesy

Jodie Dye and Emily Ferguson

Jane Mitchell and Marsha Bowers

Velvet Hall Cool and Whitney Allen

Kathy Murphy and Rae Parks

Jerry Mitchell

YUFAN ZHANG MEET

by REESE LANGDON

The curtain glides open, the audience comes to a hush, and the stage lights brighten to reveal a small-but-mighty army in all black. Each individual tightly holds their instrument, patiently waiting for their conductor to signal that it is time for this army to go into battle. With each note, the Texarkana Youth Symphony Orchestra (TYSO) guides the listeners through an alternate world, giving the audience a beautiful escape from reality. One instrumentalist sticks out from the crowd, as she is placed in the front, powerfully playing her viola: Yufan Zhang.

“When I was little, I was fascinated by string instruments,” Yufan recalled. “I took violin lessons for about three years, and I was praised by my teacher a lot. There just wasn’t really much to do anymore, and I briefly thought about quitting. Instead, I joined the [Texas Middle and High] school orchestra in seventh grade, but then I realized how behind I was.”

At the time, Yufan could not read sheet music because she had learned to play by ear. Further, she quickly discovered that she had been holding her bow incorrectly. She knew that giving up on orchestra would not sit right with her. Instead of quitting, she expanded her musical ability and switched to playing the viola with TYSO for a fresh start. “I started playing in TYSO during the second semester of seventh grade per [conductor] Mr. [Steve] Bennett’s request,” Yufan said. “The principal violist of the time was about to graduate, so in eighth grade, I took the role of principal violist and still am today.”

Yufan now participates in both the TYSO and school orchestra, as well as various clubs at Texas High, which can be overwhelming at times, but she has discovered what methods work to get her back on track. “I do feel burnt out sometimes, but I just keep my goal in mind and push through with determination so I can get it done,” Yufan said.

Even for a talented musician who has her mental health in-check like Yufan, the orchestra can still provide obstacles that are difficult to conquer. “The most difficult part of being in an orchestra for me is sight reading the new pieces,” Yufan said. “The first day back from break when we receive the new music always sounds interesting.”

However, without the times of struggle, there would be no appreciation for all the excitement this organization provides. Yufan describes her orchestral experience as a positive and uplifting experience. She would recommend joining the orchestra to those considering it.

“We may seem intimidating, but we’re pretty friendly people,” she emphasized. “We welcome new members, and playing with an ensemble is a great way to improve. The most fun part of being in an orchestra is interacting with everyone and performing in the concerts.”

Yufan feels blessed to be a part of this group and understands that she could not have accomplished everything on her own. Everyone needs a strong support system to chase their dreams, and Yufan has been provided with this support both inside and outside of her home. “My biggest supporters are my parents,” she said. “Instruments are not cheap, and neither are lessons. The fact that my parents have allowed me to have both is more than I can ever ask for.”

Outside of her family, Nicolai Ang, whom Yufan refers to as “the great viola king,” has played an important role in her orchestra journey. “When I first switched to viola, he helped point me in the right direction and also motivated me to challenge myself and keep progressing,” Yufan said. “I admire and respect him a great deal, and he’s been an amazing teacher.”

Not only has Yufan’s skill increased during her time with TYSO, so has her confidence. “When I first started performing, I would always pray that I wouldn’t mess up and hoped that I wouldn’t get memory slips while playing a solo,” Yufan said. “As I gained experience, I gradually loosened up and began to enjoy it more. I still get nervous in the beginning, but as I play through the piece I become so immersed in it that it’s all that’s on my mind during the performance.”

Yufan is still in the infancy of her musical career, but with her bow in-hand, she knows that she can conquer anything thrown at her. She plans to continue playing viola after she graduates high school, so the possibilities are endless for Yufan and her beautiful talent.

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.

The Texarkana Youth Symphony Orchestra quartet—Miriam Bennett, Teagan Jones, Yufan, and Marchaz Pruitt—during a Christmas performance in front of the Perot Theatre.

photo by SHANE DARBY

“When I was little, I was fascinated by string instruments.”

DEDICATED TO THEIR CRAFT

owners

Ahome is an expression of those who live there. It’s a safe place, a comfort zone, and the place where a person’s style shines. The carefully selected furniture pieces and even the toys scattered across the living room floor are all part of the way someone fills up their home. The owners of Colley Cottage Trading Co. aim to offer unique, personalized pieces of home décor that are sure to fit any style. Bubba and Leah Colley work hard to create custom pieces of furniture, home décor, and floral arrangements that honor the past while looking to the future.

Leah and Bubba first met through mutual friends in 2015 and married in 2016. They combined homes and families at what is now their business and self-proclaimed “tiny dream.”

Leah, a long-time cosmetologist and avid crafter, has fostered a creative flair all her life. Bubba, however, didn’t discover his love for creation until he decided to remodel his bathroom. He enjoyed the planning and working with his hands, so he acquired a small workshop and started woodworking as often as he could, making smaller furniture pieces such as coffee tables

story and photos by KATIE STONE

As the

of Colley Cottage Trading Co., Leah and Bubba Colley provide unique home décor items, florals, gifts, and more

Leah and Bubba enjoy their time together working at Colley Cottage Trading Co.

Far right: Colley Cottage Trading Co. offers a unique selection of home décor and accents.

<<

and end tables. When these two makers came together, Colley Cottage Trading Co. was born. “I was just driving down the road, and God put it on my heart,” Leah said. “I had no idea what that meant or how it would happen, but we did it.”

On their land in Texarkana, Ark., the Colleys established a workshop for Bubba and opened a gift shop that features home décor, florals, and gifts— quirky kitchen towels, bowls, handmade trinkets, and more. They dream of one day expanding and opening an adjoining coffee shop. “I just dream of jazz music playing and smelling coffee,” Leah said.

While many customers enjoy perusing the products on-shelf, Bubba and Leah also serve a clientele who seek custom items. The Colleys speciality? Using old family treasures to create new heirlooms, made to last for generations. “I love marrying vintage with new things and repurposing old things into something new,” Leah explained.

This devotion to up-cycling extends to their florist services as well. “We made a casket spray for a customer, and instead of leaving it at the cemetery, we created multiple floral arrangements for different members of the family,” Leah said. “The family brought me several of their grandfather’s ammo boxes to use as the ‘vases.’ We added deer antlers, feathers, and more to really make the arrangements more special.”

Bubba created this tabletop décor using salvaged wood from Leah’s grandfather’s house, while the candleholders are made from the banister of her grandmother’s staircase.

Bubba Colley working on a large project for the ammunition plant in Hooks, Texas.

Bubba still works full-time as a police officer while continuing to take woodworking and furniture orders. Last year, he purchased his own sawmill, which allows him to be at the very beginning of every project, working directly with the trees. “This was a big accomplishment for him and the business,” Leah said. “He has worked so hard to get to this point. I am so proud of him.” Bubba puts the same about of time and dedication into every piece of furniture, whether it is for a young couple just starting their lives together or for the ammunition plant in Hooks, Texas. “We take so much pride in what we make for our customers,” Leah said. “We pray together over every single piece that we make before it leaves our property.”

The Colley Cottage Trading Co. has a peach incorporated into their logo, which represents Leah’s heritage as the latest in a long line of peach farmers from Nashville, Arkansas. “I am a third-generation peach farmer,” she explained. “Both my mother and grandmother would make peach preserves, and both of my grandfathers had their own orchards where they grew peaches and sold them.” Bubba and Leah dream of growing fruits and vegetables with chickens running around, and, just like the ancestors before them, they want to operate a fruit stand one day. “We want our grandchildren to run around the land and learn to work with their hands alongside us,” said Leah. “We don’t really know what will come of all this, but God will let us know.”

Handmade décor and homemade fruit preserves are Colley Cottage Trading Co.’s signature items.

A RESCUE AND A CALLING

Grace House offers a transitional living home for women and children in the Ark-La-Tex

by LISA PORTERFIELD THOMPSON

race House” could be anything: the name of a swanky local coffee shop, a Zen yoga studio, or even a neatly fashioned interior design store. There are so many things Grace House could mean, and yet, to those who need Grace House, and those who serve at Grace House, it’s much more than just one thing. In fact, it is THE thing. Grace House is both a rescue and a calling. It’s a mission and a respite. It’s a hand up and a physical blessing. Grace House is the brand new, 16-bed, transitional living home for women and children in the Ark-La-Tex.

Founded by Karen Rayfield and Dorothy Ware, Grace House began on a grassroots level five years ago. “Karen was serving women on the streets of Texarkana, and in 2017, she needed to house one girl she had been working with,” explained Executive Director Whitney Jackson. “She partnered with Dorothy Ware, who had a life-coaching ministry, and was willing to donate space in the home she used for life-coaching.” From there, with support from Church on the Rock (where Karen and Dorothy are congregants, and Whitney is a pastor), Grace House was born.

“We meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of young mothers facing crisis,” Whitney said. “Our goal is to help them set up a healthy transition to future stability.”

The first five years of Grace House were about laying a foundation. In 2022, Church on the Rock and the leaders of Grace House knew it was time to start expanding their offerings. “I love going on mission trips and serving where I can, but the pandemic opened my eyes to what was happening in my own community,” Whitney said. “I had no idea the crisis that women and children are facing right in our own town. Did you know that there are only two rooms in Texarkana for a mother in crisis, besides the battered women’s shelter?”

Karen Rayfield, Grace House founder and outreach coordinator, and Whitney Jackson, Grace House executive director

The first Grace House facility served many women and children, “but the phone never stops ringing for more people in need,” Whitney said. “We were busting at the seams. We knew we needed a larger facility to serve these mothers and their precious babies.”

After months of praying and looking for a new facility, the group found exactly what they were looking for: the old Opportunities, Inc. in-patient facility. “On September 30, 2022, Church on the Rock purchased our new 5,000-square-foot [home],” Whitney said. “We now have 10 bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and beautiful living spaces. We even have an emergency wing for those needing immediate assistance.”

Suzy Osburn and Brittany Brooks with Seventh Day Design helped reimagine the space. “We started a remodel immediately,” she said. “We were so blessed with so many selfless contractors and volunteers who came in and gave their time and talents to remodel. We had so many individuals sponsor a room so that the entire facility is cohesive and incredibly beautiful. We wanted the space to feel like a sanctuary, and the team from Seventh Day exceeded our expectations.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house was held for Grace House on January 12. (Photo by Jake Driggers Photography)

The Grace House staff is composed of Whitney Jackson, executive director; Stephanie Moreland, volunteer coordinator; Donna Yeldell, house coordinator; Erica Ramage, counselor; Karen Rayfield, founder and outreach coordinator; and Tamela Moore, night shift coordinator.

Whitney visits with Brittany Brooks who decorated and designed the interior of Grace House, along with Suzy Osburn, her business partner in Seventh Day Design.

While Grace House started as a ministry of Church on the Rock, Whitney and her team are hopeful that the project can become bigger than one church. “This is a community project that we hope more individuals, businesses and churches could support,” Whitney said. “The immediate goal for Grace House is to [support] women and children in crisis, while becoming a foster care prevention center. We want to put tools in their tool belts to overcome obstacles and live a successful life.”

To that end, Whitney and Karen are expanding the Grace House vision. They are working to launch Grace House as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit and start the new one-year transitional counseling program, complete with Bible teachers and mentors.

Whitney says the need is great in our community.

“The children in these situations didn’t ask for a life in crisis,” she said. “It breaks my heart that children suffer because of the cyclical damage of generational dysfunction. Once you hear that there are over 30 children living in hotels in our community, you can’t look away. Once you hear that these women have lost all support, you can’t look away. Once you hear of the abuse happening right

Church on the Rock Pastor John Miller prays over the home and shares about the ministry during Grace House’s Open House.

(Photo by Jake Driggers Photography)

Comfortable and cozy, the rooms at Grace House are set up to welcome young mothers and children who are facing crises.

here in Texarkana, you can’t look away. We need all the support, mentors, and donors to help rescue these women and children. After one year in our Grace House program, our women will be able to stand on their own. We will offer them experiences, training, and support to live their dreams.”

Whitney invites anyone interested to get involved with the ministry happening at Grace House. They regularly hold drives for diapers, hygiene items, toys, and school supplies. They also offer parenting classes. “We always need volunteers,” Whitney emphasized. Anyone interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more can email the team at info@gracehousetxk.org, follow them on Facebook or Instagram @gracehousetxk, or visit www.gracehousetxk.org.

(Photo by Jake Driggers Photography)

SISTERS BY CHANCE, FRIENDS BY CHOICE

Robin Clem and Amy Clem Coleman each bring their individual skills and talents to their business, Clem Girls Estates Sale Company

by LINDSEY M c MILLAN

Robin Clem and Amy Clem Coleman are sisters who love to sell. The owners of Clem Girls Estate Sale Company, they are busy most weekends holding area sales. Following in their parents’ footsteps, they run their family business with expertise, hard work, and care.

Texarkana natives Robin and Amy were raised by their parents, Tom and Becky Clem, who owned and ran Holiday Cleaners (now Legacy Cleaners). Both women worked with their parents as young adults, learning firsthand the ins and outs of business ownership. Running Legacy Cleaners is now Robin’s full-time job, while Amy works as the CFO at the Arkansas Counseling and Mental Health Center. For years, they found total fulfillment in their positions and didn’t realize what was missing— until it walked in the door.

Five years ago, Robin owned a consignment shop in Summerhill Square called Robin’s Nest. One day, a customer inquired if she did estate sales. Intrigued, Robin offered to organize the sale for this customer, just to see how it went. It was successful, and Robin was hooked. Amy joined in almost immediately. The sisters had always loved second-hand shopping, and they knew how to run a family business; it just made sense.

While both women still maintain full-time jobs outside of estate sales, this isn’t “just a weekend job.” They hold sales almost every weekend, using weeknights to plan and prepare. It can get stressful.

Running an estate sale involves many facets, from conferring with the family to sorting and pricing. Additionally, after the sale ends on Sunday, the Clem sisters are responsible for ensuring the home is empty and clean, as it is usually put on the market very soon after. It’s a trying time for most families, who have either lost a loved one or need to move them out of the home. “We really try to ease the burden off the families and try to make the transition as easy as possible,” Amy said. “We also try to be very fair in pricing, which pleases our customers but also generates more in sales in the end for our clients. We have a pretty loyal following and are so thankful for them.” Most of their business comes from word-of-mouth and social media, Robin said.

Top photo: Robin and Amy are grateful that they grew up in the Clem family business, Holiday Cleaners.

The Clem Girls Estates Sale Company staff on their way to a sale in Broken Bow. With Robin and Amy are Amy Martin and Rochelle Knighton.

“We each bring different skills and talents to the business that complement each other nicely”

-Robin Clem

The most rewarding part of the business for both sisters is working together. “We each bring different skills and talents to the business that complement each other nicely,” Robin said. They also have two dedicated helpers who assist them with each sale. The hardest part, the sisters agreed, is the stress. It’s a labor-intensive venture, requiring them to sort, clean, price, and stage the items over a two-week period preceding a sale. “Many times we wonder if we will be finished in time,” Robin said. They have shed tears but also shared laughs along the way.

For a part-time endeavor, the company keeps the sisters very busy, but their passion makes it worth the stress. “In a way [this business] is kind of a ministry,” Amy said. “There have been many sales where we have loved on, prayed for, and cried with the family.”

Amy stages and places the items for a sale while Robin takes photos and posts them online.

Sisters Lauren, Amy and Robin are grateful for their parents, Tom and Becky Clem, who always stressed the importance of working hard to them.

The Clem Girls Estate Sale Company holds sales on Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. On Saturday, the prices are reduced 25%, and on Sunday, 50%. In addition to helping shoppers find secondhand treasures, Amy and Robin are providing a much needed service to families throughout the area, caring for all parties with know-how, compassion, and commitment.

Amy’s daughter, Rebecca, and Alexandra, Robin’s daughter, often help their mothers during a sale.

INSIGHTS FROM TEXARKANA’S TOP

DESIGNERS & DECORATORS

Designing a home that is both functional and stylish is a daunting and difficult task. Choosing colors and patterns, making lighting choices, arranging furniture, displaying artwork: these are not easy decisions to make for the average person. Luckily, Texarkana is home to many talented interior designers and decorators. FSLM asked several local professionals to offer insight into their craft. Whether your space needs a quick makeover or a full-scale renovation, look no further than these experts for your interior-design needs.

LYNLEE HARVEY LYNLEE HARVEY AT HOME

What is your design background and experience?

My education and background are in accounting and internal audit/technology risk consulting. I accidentally got started in the home industry in 2008. I was doing the plans for my family’s first new construction build after looking at hundreds of plans and being unable to find exactly what I was looking for. I started Lynlee Harvey AT HOME, a full-service construction and architectural design company, full-time in 2011. I combine my skills as a CPA with my passion for design and construction.

What are your greatest strengths as a designer?

The details, start-to-finish. Our team strives for meticulous preparation and places an emphasis on both the small and large details of a build, from plan development, interior specifications, and organizational systems to completed construction of the home or office. We want to provide owners with a seamless, low-stress, and FUN experience!

Where do you find design inspiration?

I see so many inspiring things when I travel . . . from the beautiful (unique material and finish choices, rooflines—I can’t stop myself from constantly looking at them!) to the technical (ways to tie in stone to metal frames, how simple cabins were constructed years ago). My favorite place is near water, and I find I get my most creative work done while I’m there!

What do you consider more important in a design project: aesthetic or functionality? Why?

I LOVE a beautiful space, but I think functionality is the greatest gift I can give my clients. As a woman and mother who both lives and works in my home, I understand how important it is to have a space that works most efficiently for those who use it day in and day out.

How do you stay on-trend within the industry?

I am aware of what is going on in the world of design, but I make most of my decisions based on what feels right to me.

Is there a project that you are most proud of?

I moved into my current house two years ago and love all of the fun things I can try when I am my own client. My personal design favorite is lighting and lots of large windows with natural light! It just sets the tone for your entire day!

LAUREN CALLAWAY PH DESIGN FIRM

What is your design background and experience?

I’ve owned my design business since 2017. I started designing for friends and family, and it grew from there. I have worked on over 50 commercial and residential projects since then.

What are your greatest strengths as a designer?

I think my greatest strength is the ability to listen to my clients and give them what they want. I also help them achieve what they never thought possible by pushing them a bit outside their comfort zone to really give them the “wow” factor. I am able to design many different styles, so I am typically sought after not because I have a certain look but because I can give a client what they want. I am also a real estate agent, so knowing the market and resale value in design decisions is a key factor in my decision-making.

Where do you find design inspiration?

Everywhere. Nature, fashion, music and travel are all very important to me.

What do you consider more important in a design project: aesthetic or functionality? Why? Really, neither is more important than the other. Without the functionality of a space, what’s the point of it? Without it being aesthetically pleasing to the client, what’s the point of using the space? They go hand-in-hand and are both equally important.

How do you stay on-trend within the industry?

I do not necessarily do “trends.” I do not believe in designing a home based on a trend. I like to design to stand the test of time. The finishes in your home need to be something that you are not going to get tired of in five years. I design based on the needs and wants of each individual client rather than what’s on-trend. If you want something trendy, let’s plan on adding that in with furnishings; those can be changed a lot easier!

Is there a project that you are most proud of?

I’m not the most proud of one single project over another. All of my projects tend to be very different, so they are all fun. I do love when I have clients who really trust me because that’s when the real magic happens!

KYLE B. BARRETT PATINA BY

KYLE B. BARRETT

What is your design background and experience?

I specialize in designing lodges, ranch homes, and mountain getaways, as well as traditional homes, using styles like European mid-century modern and southern traditional. My clientele spans from coast to coast and across the South, with a strong client base in Montana, Colorado, and Sante Fe.

What are your greatest strengths as a designer?

My greatest strength is my ability to work with many different styles to fuse opposing visions within partnerships, in order to achieve a design that is suitable to my clients’ desires.

Where do you find design inspiration?

I see the beauty all around me. In the simplest of ways, nature provides road maps for design. From the way a branch grows in a tree or moss on a log, nature effortlessly places opposing elements together while creating perfect harmony.

What do you consider more important in a design project: aesthetic or functionality? Why?

Answering this question is like walking a tightrope wearing new cowboy boots—almost impossible. Each client and project is different. It’s a designer’s job to listen to the client while adding to their ideas, to make a space that is warm, functional and stylish. I often use the word “rich” to describe the perfect space: a feeling from inside that makes one safe, comfortable and relaxed.

How do you stay on-trend within the industry?

I attend shows like Art Deco and Art Basil in Miami. I read and attend events by industry magazines like Luxe Home + Interiors, Veranda, and Galerie. I work and collaborate with design colleagues like Dwayne Bergmann Interiors located in southern Florida. I do all of this to keep abreast of what’s happening in the interior design space, to make sure I am aware of the latest technologies and advancements. I don’t follow trends for my clients; I create interiors that are reflective of the life they want to live.

Is there a project that you are most proud of?

There have been projects more challenging than others, and there have been projects that came together seamlessly; however, I’m equally proud of all projects, especially when I see a satisfied client enjoying their new space with family and friends!

SUZY OSBURN AND BRITTANY BROOKS SEVENTH DAY DESIGN

What is your design background and experience?

Suzy (Pictured right): Growing up my dad was a home builder, and I was constantly around him. I’ve always enjoyed decorating and putting stuff together as a creative/right-brained person.

Brittany (Pictured left): I’ve always had a passion for design and would always have friends and family asking me to decorate for them. After I built a personal home, I fell in love with design even more and began pursuing it as a career.

What are your greatest strengths as a designer?

We find ways to combine old and new and are good at finding unique antique pieces. We also find the perfect balance of minimalism while still keeping things warm and cozy with lots of texture and layers.

Where do you find design inspiration?

So many places! Traveling, nature, other inspirational designers, and, of course, Pinterest!

What do you consider more important in a design project: aesthetic or functionality? Why?

This is hard. We would have to pick functionality. A space should serve you as top priority. In the grand scheme of life, this is most important. There are always ways to make it aesthetically pleasing also.

How do vou stay on-trend within the industry?

We stay in the loop by using social media platforms.

Is there a project that you are most proud of?

Suzy: Of course, I’m emotionally invested in my personal home and my parents’ home that I helped design and furnish from scratch. Getting to enjoy both spaces and seeing them function well every day makes me proud.

Brittany: For me it’s The Charming Glass House! It was my first official large-scale project for a client that was recently completed. My clients really trusted me throughout the project. Seeing it come to life and seeing the finished product is something I am really proud of.

photos by SHANE DARBY

EXQUISITE INTERIORS

OUR FAVORITE KITCHENS & BATHS

Beautifully designed baths and kitchens add value to every home. The kitchen is sometimes called “the heart of a home” because people spend lots of time congregating there, whether entertaining guests or just sharing a good meal with family. Either way, a significant amount of time is spent in the kitchen’s public space. To the contrary, the private bathroom space allows us a spa-like retreat, a place to relax and unwind at the end of a long day. Since these two spaces also contribute significantly to the marketability of a home, we took a look back through several of FSLM’s “Exquisite Interiors” and found some of our favorite kitchens and baths to share with our readers in this annual Home & Garden issue.

EXQUISITE KITCHENS

JASON EPPINETTE CONSTRUCTION

MIKE ROGERS CONSTRUCTION

CHARLIE M c DOWELL, C&C CONSTRUCTION

CHARLIE McDOWELL, C&C CONSTRUCTION

KYLE OSBURN, CONTRACTOR

EXQUISITE BATHROOMS

MIKE ROGERS CONSTRUCTION

MIKE ROGERS CONSTRUCTION

ROBERT TRUMBLE, CONTRACTOR

ARNOLD BRYANT, CONTRACTOR

DENNIS SALISBURY CABINETS & CONSTRUCTION

JASON EPPINETTE CONSTRUCTION

JASON EPPINETTE CONSTRUCTION KYLE OSBURN, CONTRACTOR

RODNEY SULLIVAN, CONTRACTOR

C&C CONSTRUCTION

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

GREATER TEXARKANA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

MIX ’N MINGLE SOCIAL

DataCast, Inc. hosted the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals Mix ’N Mingle Social on January 26 at The Gallery. The event was held for members to expand their circles, make new friends and spend time with old friends.

Laila Miller and Jherica Rhodes

Mary Bird, Cole Wood, Kaleigh Dodson and Josiah Starnes

Thomas Townsend, Zac Harrington and Justin Swecker

Warren McDaniel and Brianna Baird

Davis McDaniel, Zoe Terral, Kyl’lee Colvin and Tiffani Jordan

Zeus Espinoza, Natalie Copeland, Vashil Fernandez, Patia Smith, Zac Harrington and Justin Swecker

Megan Smith, Kayla Jones and Kaysee Cole

John Williams, Anna Pink, Erin DeBlanc and Jennifer Lacefield Michelle Citty, Larry Wayne and Brittney Haynes

David Peavy and Debbie Nicholas

Gloria Debaro, Courtney McCray and Vhonda Dorse

Sarah Wilbanks, Patia Smith, Kobey Mabry and Erin DeBlanc

Keith Beason , Len Hammett, Austin Cree, and Wesley Cowling

PARKS ARE FOR EVERYONE

Texarkana Parks Departments provide pristine, safe, community-driven amenities through innovation and dedication

by ELLEN ORR photos by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

Public parks were established in the United States in the late 1800s as places for people to escape from industrialization and engage with nature. Today, in a world of screens, cars, consumerism, climate change, and regular viral outbreaks, parks are as important as ever. Texarkana boasts an incredible 2,000 acres of maintained parks and protected wilderness. These spaces enable all people to engage with nature, exercise, play, compete, relax, and gather safely. Humans aside—animals live, plants grow, air is cleaned, and temperatures are lowered. Quality of life is immeasurably boosted by the work of the Parks and Recreation Departments on both sides of the state line.

Parks Directors Robby Robertson (Texas) and Adam Dalby (Arkansas) each expressed that they and their teams are motivated by a desire to improve their communities. “You don’t do this work for the accolades, and you’re not doing it for the money,” Robby said. “You’re doing it because you want to make a difference in your community, and we’ve got a lot of good people who are doing that.”

Adam agreed. “Our department is passionate about our work and our citizens,” he said. “We listen to the needs of the community and, with the help of our city leaders and partnerships, make our parks the absolute best they can be, because everyone deserves the best.”

In Texarkana, Texas, Robby and a small team of 24 others are responsible for managing, maintaining, and improving 12 parks, as well as community centers and vast swaths of wilderness. Safety and cleanliness are the department’s top priorities. “We might not have some of the amenities that the bigger cities have,” reflected Robby, “but we’re always told how clean our parks are, and that’s thanks to our maintenance team, the people with boots on the ground. They’re the ones making the difference.”

Having limited financial resources means Robby’s team must be particularly creative and prudent in order to provide the best parks experience for the community. A great example of this is the Walk Through History trail signage at Spring Lake Park. The walking trail around the pond was in need of refurbishment, but the funds weren’t there, so the department applied for a grant. “We’re always looking for what we can do to make this [grant application] special—because we’re a small department, going fishing in an ocean. And so, with Partnership for Pathways, our staff came up with the idea to talk about the history of Spring Lake Park, and [to propose a way] to show people chronologically what has happened at this park over the years.” Once the funds were secured, the trail was improved, and signs were erected, complete with text and photos.

Jamie Gortney has been working out at the new fitness court at Spring Lake Park.

“And then Keith [Beason, Community Engagement and Parks Projects Manager] decided, ‘I want to do a walk through history tour,’” Robby recounted. “You know, we do a lot of things where it’s like—let’s try it and see if people react to it. If it doesn’t work, we’ll regroup and move on to something else. But we’re always trying to offer something.”

The most recent facilities additions on the Texas side are at Spring Lake Park: the inclusive playground and the outdoor fitness court. Made possible through partnership with Boy Scouts Troop 16, the inclusive playground is designed with disabled children in mind; the physical play equipment facilitates use by wheelchair users and people with varying levels and types of mobility. There is also an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) board to promote communication among children with varying communication support needs.

The fitness court, installed just last month and provided by the National Fitness Campaign, is designed to provide a full-body workout in under 10 minutes. Users can download The Fitness Court app for free for classes, challenges, and tips on using the equipment.

Across the state border, Adam and his team are just as busy innovating. Their first priority is maintenance of the city’s existing 10 neighborhood parks, five community parks, 11 playgrounds, a recently remodeled recreation facility, four baseball fields, five softball fields, five tennis courts, and seven miles of walking trails.

Besides providing “a multitude of benefits to the people of Texarkana, these amenities also drive tourism and economic growth,” Adam explained—a point echoed by Robby. “They make Texarkana more inviting for living, working, and relaxing.”

In 2022, what was once the Boys and Girls Club reopened as the Texarkana Recreation Center. An investment of $1.5 million, as well as

Adam Dalby, Parks Director (Arkansas)

Robby Robertson, Parks Director (Texas)

Ted Turner and Jason Williams enjoy frisbee golf recently at Spring Lake Park.

“thousands of hours of love, planning and dedication,” transformed the space into a point of pride for the College Hill neighborhood. It features a full-size gym with bleachers and scoreboard, a 20-inch movie screen, a 30-person meeting room, a 12-station computer and learning lab, a private tutoring room, a full commercial kitchen, an activity room, three baseball fields, and one multi-use field. Here the Parks Department offers ongoing classes and programs for people of all ages, “no matter if your interest is games, fitness, sports, personal development, or just relaxing,” Adam explained.

Even more developments are in store for Texarkanians in both states. In Texas, Robby’s current focus is on improving and revitalizing existing sports facilities. The parks’ soccer and baseball spaces will soon undergo upgrades to continue supporting the masses of youth and adult athletes who rely on them. The tennis courts are not only being resurfaced, but some are also being converted into pickleball courts. The bike trail at Bringle Lake Park will soon include a pumptrack—a structure reminiscent of rolling hills, which will allow people using any type of wheeled equipment to ride, warm up, train, and play, only by “pumping” back and forth (no pedaling or pushing required).

In Arkansas, Adam is thrilled about an ongoing project that many enjoy and few might recognize as relating to the Parks Department. The Front Street Festival Plaza project, which began in 2011, has played a significant role in revitalizing downtown. Arkansas Business News recognized the project as an Honorable Mention in the Tourism Development/Creative Culture category for the 2022 Trendsetter City Awards. Construction is underway to upgrade and expand the Plaza: improvements include the installation of a stage cover as well as restrooms throughout the grounds. “Plans for permanent amphitheater seating are also in the works for future development,” Adam said. “These enhancements are to attract even larger concerts and audiences.”

In a time when people spend the majority of their hours either at work or at home, there is a need for “third places”—where people can build community, destress, and have fun. Public parks and rec centers serve as third places that all people can access, irrespective of finances, religion, age, race, gender, politics, or disability. Anyone interested in supporting these spaces can join the 501(c)(3) Friends of Texarkana Parks; find more information online.

A grounds crew on the Texas side paused for a photo for us!

MARCH 2023

MARCH 2

Texarkana Arkansas School District will host a kindergarten enrollment event from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Arkansas High School Red Wall. A meetand-greet for elementary school staff will be held, along with kindergarten registration.

MARCH 4

Jurassic Park In Concert will be presented by the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra during a 7 p.m. performance in the Perot Theatre. For tickets, call 903-792-4992 or visit www.perottheatre.org.

MARCH 4, 11, 18 AND 25

The Texarkana Museums System will present “Exploring Hair in History” during the month of March. Programs include, “A Visual Tour of Historic Hair Styles” on March 4; “The Science of Coloring & Styling Hair from Ancient Times to the Present” on March 11; “How to Recreate Historic Hair Styles” on March 18; and “A Parade of Historically Inspired Hair Styles” on March 25. Register at www.texarkanamuseums.org/events or call 903793-4831.

MARCH 9

The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Foundation will hold the 16th annual Beads, Bags, and Bangles Kids’ College fundraiser from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at Hempstead Hall. Theme of this year’s event is “Beatles & Bell Bottoms.”

The fun-filled evening will feature food, drinks, prizes, and busting moves on

the dance floor to live music from the world-class Tin Man Band of Dallas, Texas. Event tickets and raffle tickets can be purchased at hempsteadhall.thundertix.com

MARCH 11

The Texarkana Area Chapter #278 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. will host its fifth annual “Wagons for Veterans” at the Four States Fairground to raise funds to assist local disabled and needy veterans. The public is encouraged and invited to attend. Tickets are $15 ($8 for children 12 and under), and meals will be cooked the old-fashioned way, in cast iron pots over open fires. Other activities include live music, a Corvette and Jeep show, a live auction, and more.

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 17-19

The 55th annual Jonquil Festival will be held in Historic Washington State Park. The festival heralds the arrival of spring in Southwest Arkansas as thousands of jonquils welcome craftspeople, entertainers, and visitors. Visit www.historicwashingtonstatepark.com for more information.

MARCH 19

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

MARCH 25

The Texarkana Home Builders Association will host its annual Home & Garden Show at Crossties Event Venue. Held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., the event will introduce Texarkana residents to local builders, remodelers, home and garden suppliers, and other related companies. Visit www.txkhomeshow.com for more information.

MARCH 25

The St. James Day School Gala will take place at Silvermoon on Broad. Entertainment will be provided by Chasing Rita, and food will be provided by Julie’s Deli. Tickets are $100 per person. Scan the QR code on the St. James ad on page 40 for more information.

MARCH 31

The Patterson Troike Foundation will present Harvest Regional Food Bank’s 17th annual Wine & Jazz Gala from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at Silvermoon on Broad. The evening will consist of gourmet dishes and wine pairings with live music by Candace Taylor and Trio. Tickets are $75 per person. Scan the QR code on the Harvest Regional Food Bank ad on page 73 for more information.

APRIL 2023

APRIL 2

Opportunities, Inc.’s second annual Sunday Funday will be held at 4 p.m. at Crossties. Activities will include live entertainment, barbecue, brews and Baggo. All proceeds from the event will benefit children and adults with disabilities in the Texarkana community. Visit www.oppinc.org/sunday-funday/ for more information.

APRIL 2

Williams Memorial United Methodist Church will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service. Visit www.williamsumc.org for more information.

APRIL 6

Farmers Bank Foundation will present Terry Bradshaw during its Distinguished Speaker Series. A private cocktail reception will be held at 5 p.m. at Farmers Bank & Trust located at 2900 St. Michael Drive. A dinner and lecture will be held a 7 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Texarkana Convention Center. All proceeds will benefit transfer scholarships. Scan the QR code on the Farmers Bank Foundation ad on page 75 for more information.

APRIL 9

Williams Memorial United Methodist Church will hold its Easter services during two time slots: 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Visit www.williamsumc.org for additional information.

APRIL 10

Texarkana Independent School District will present “Discover TISD” a new student enrollment fair for all families of new incoming PK-12 students wishing to learn more about the district from 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. in the Texas High School Multi-Purpose Facility. Scan the QR code on the TISD ad on page 29 for more information.

APRIL 16

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

APRIL 21-22

The second annual James Black’s Bowie Heritage Festival will take place in Washington, Arkansas. The festival will celebrate James Black, the bladesmith who forged the first Bowie knife for Jim Bowie, and showcase a variety of Arkansas heritage crafts and trades. Visit Washington, AR’s Facebook page for more information, or call 870-703-4826.

EXPERTS ASK THE

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

Honoring Your Aging Parent

There are some things in life you simply can’t be fully prepared for. Supporting your parent through the ups and downs of aging is certainly one of those things. It is likely that they are dealing with new emotions, losses, and, in some cases, mounting fear about the future. As you support them through this delicate time, avoid saying “I know” when they have the courage to express their emotions to you. Be careful to “partner” with them on key tasks rather than “taking over,” and never compare their situation to others as each person’s aging journey is unique.

B rett B rzeski Investment Advisor, Mustard Seed Wealth Management

Did the IRA contribution limit increase in 2023?

Answer: Yes, the contribution limit is now $6,500. For those 50 and older, the $1,000 catch-up still applies.

HISTORY HAPPENS...

by VELVET HALL COOL Board President of the Texarkana Museums System

History happens in ever-changing locations. From cities that are crumbling to cities that are forming. From countries immigrants flee to countries where immigrants take refuge. From taverns where revolutions begin to battlefields where revolutions are won. From homes we abandon to homes we build.

The most recent addition to the Texarkana Museums System is the P. J. Ahern Home, located at 403 Laurel Street in historic downtown Texarkana, Arkansas, directly across from the Miller County Courthouse. It was built in 1905 by Patrick Ahern, an Irish immigrant, and his wife, the former Mary D. Lansdale. Its significance to our community and the museums system is great. It not only serves as a backdrop and educational piece for our local history but also embodies the history of Irish American immigrants.

The first time I gave a tour of this home to a group of young students, I learned that fragments of history are being lost to the younger generation. Imagine my surprise encountering students who were unfamiliar with the Potato Famine or Great Hunger. In 1845, a simple and devastating mold in Ireland decimated potato crops and led to nationwide hunger. Our very own Rocky Mountains would face a similar crisis in 1874 when plagues of locusts wiped out millions of dollars’ worth of crops. Many in Ireland during this time set their sights

on making better lives for themselves and their families, often envisioning a New World in which to start over. Roger

O’Dwyer was one such Irishman, departing Ireland in the 1870s and finding his way to Texarkana. Establishing a dry-goods store in our little city, he found great success and shared that success with one of his former classmates from Dungarven, Ireland: Mr. Patrick Joseph Ahern. He invited Mr. Ahern to join him in both the city and the business.

Selling all nature of high-end items from home goods to farm equipment, both the O’Dwyers and the Aherns prospered. They outfitted their own homes with furniture, cookware, doorknobs, and windows from their store. As their business grew, so too did their families. Patrick married Mary Lansdale from Washington, D. C., and they filled their home with love—love of family, love of church, love of gardening, and love of music.

Their love of family would create a strong generational basis for the Aherns’ house to remain a one-family home into the 2010s. Rooms filled with six children and later grandchildren, either as residents or summer visitors, this home is one of the longest-running single-familyowned homes in our community. Both the O’Dwyers and the Aherns also dabbled successfully in developing land for others to build and rent homes, contributing to the prosperity of our city, which this year celebrates the 150th anniversary of the first sale of city lots.

Roger O’Dwyer

P.J. Ahern

P.J. Ahern home, c1905

The Aherns built their home for their family within walking distance of their church, St. Edwards Catholic Church. They were strong parishioners who contributed to the development of their church. The Aherns donated a stained-glass window, while the O’Dwyers contributed a marble altar. Upon donating the Ahern home to the museums system, the family designated many items relating to their Catholic faith to remain prominently on display.

When not busy with family, church, business or community commitments, the family tended a flourishing garden. Today, one may notice that the home is slightly off-center in the lot. As Mr. Ahern had arranged for his wife’s sister and her family to take up residence in the lot directly south of their own, he afforded himself a little extra room in his own lot to plant a fig tree and rose bushes alongside an elaborate bird bath. The master of this home was the master of the garden—a trait not uncommon in men of the day, especially those with European backgrounds.

Mrs. Ahern and all of her children found joy in their love of music. Most notably, son John was an award-winning violinist, and daughter Ann was a piano teacher and the Music Director at St. Edwards.

We may often look in the windows of homes and think that the workings behind closed doors are private and distinctly individual to those who rise there in the morning and slumber there at night. But the homes we build say much about the world we are raised in, and their preservation can serve as a wonderful peek into the period during which we inhabit this Earth. Our homes are a microcosm of the larger historical context.

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.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXARKANA CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER AND CASA HOST WOMEN OF HOPE AND COURAGE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP CELEBRATION

On February 14, the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center and CASA hosted the Women of Hope and Courage Annual Membership Celebration at MerchantHouse. Attendees enjoyed drinks, chocolates, and shopping for Valentine’s gifts while previewing MerchantHouse’s new Home Design Center. The Women of Hope and Courage are ambassadors for children victimized by abuse through increasing community awareness, promoting advocacy, and fundraising.

Jenny Crow, Ana Willis, Emily Green and Missy Davison

Lucy Rankin, Lon Waters and Camille McGinnis

Bennie Phillips, Ann Coleman, Mel Walsh and Judy Davis

Pat Nance, Melanie Cockerell, June Hatchett and Joan Carter

Lyndsey Craig, Danielle Patterson, Jordan Miller, Holland Meador and Claire Moulton

Annell Langdon and Claudia Snow

Ashley Boyles, Kathy Boyles and Bertha Shipp

Debra Moore, Claudia Snow and Nancy King

Stephanie James, Natalie McQueen and Claire Moulton

Jennell Ingram and Remica Gray

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.

NATALIE COPELAND

Age: 27

Occupation: Operations Officer, Bodcaw Bank

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

I’d call my financial advisor in a hurry. Don’t worry, Korey – I’d still come to work the next day!

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? Unfortunately, I’m guilty of too much social media scrolling and not enough laundry.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? I’d have a giant farm for every dog in need of a home to live happily ever after. Genie in a bottle, where are you?!

At what business could you max out a credit card? Target, no doubt.

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

What are you currently watching on Netflix? “Ginny & Georgia.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Australia! All the cool animals live there.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? Outlook. Safari. Facebook.

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

Arkansas Razorbacks football. WPS!

CHANNEN BRANCH

Age: 30

Occupation: Director of Marketing and Admissions, Bailey Creek Health & Rehab

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

I would call my good friend, Michael Rhodes at Edward Jones, of course.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

I honestly don’t know what 30 minutes of free time looks like. If I did, I’d probably spend it checking emails and scrolling TikTok.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? The one wish that I would ask to be granted at this moment would be to go back.

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

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “No Time to Waste.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

“Keep Breathing.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? The Yellowstone Ranch.

Aside from college, I have lived in Texarkana my entire life. Texarkana is the perfect size – just large enough to offer something for everyone, but still has that “small town” feel.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? TikTok. Facebook. Capital One (banking app).

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

I enjoy watching college football, specifically the Arkansas Razorbacks.

I’ve been a permanent resident of Texarkana since 2014, but as a kid, I spent every weekend and school break with my grandparents, right off of Sanderson Lane. This city (whether it’s the Texas or Arkansas side) makes you love the feeling of everybody knowing everybody. It feels like home should.

“HOME & GARDEN: FROM THE GROUND UP”