Four States Living Magazine June 2023

THE WAY I SEE IT ...

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

June. It’s my favorite month of the year. Like every kid who anticipates the end of school, the beginning of summer, and their birthday, I am ready for my month! This year, my birthday is on a Tuesday, the 13th, so not a Freaky Friday or a Scary Saturday. There are no special numbers to celebrate, although I’m still angry that the first year of the pandemic took my 50th birthday party from me. This year, I think I will buy a new innertube and head to the river. Floating downstream in an Arkansas river (with cans and not bottles) is my birthday party scene of choice, where more is always merrier, and sunscreen, hats, and tubes are the only necessities. If you’ve never floated and you like water where you can’t see the bottom, take off on Tuesday and join me!

I think celebrating birthdays is underrated. As adults, we get caught up in life and work responsibilities, so when a birthday rolls around, your mom calls, your kids text, and your friends write you a note on social media, but the happenings of the day itself don’t change much. I think we should all take the day off on our birthdays. I also think cake and ice cream should be involved with the people who make you happy. And, if you are me, Mexican food should always end the day.

Growing up, I remember a pattern of birthday despair starting with my grandmother and carrying on to my mother. I bet it went back even further to their grandmothers. Family would try to celebrate our matriarchs with a meal out of the house, at a restaurant. The women in our family always cooked dinner, so what a treat going out would be, right? No way. My grandmother would refuse an invitation because, accord-

ing to her, her cooking was better than any that you could find at a restaurant. (My kids would say just the opposite about me: any restaurant is better than what I would cook at home.) After my grandmother declined a celebratory meal, she would remind us all that her birthday was not to be recognized at all. “It’s just another day,” she would say. My mother, the most loving and generous woman I have ever seen, struggled with my grandmother’s birthday negativity. Undoubtedly, we were looking for the perfect gift for my grandmother, whether she liked it or not. And year after year, I remember the disappointment my mom felt when my grandmother refused her gift and made her take it back to the store and return it. Sounds pretty harsh, right? It was, and I can only think that my grandmother was a product of the Great Depression, so she wouldn’t accept gifts that felt too extravagant. But there were years that my mother bought my grandmother new pans to cook with, thinking that she would love newer, better versions of the items she used every day—but those too went back to the store. “Needs, not wants, are the only things that should be purchased, and birthdays aren’t anything special.”

Well, I disagree. I remember every hour of the days that I gave birth to my three children. Those days were anticipated like no other days in my life. Their lives have given me greater joy than anything else I have ever experienced. I can only imagine my mother felt the same about my birth, and her mother about hers. I want to celebrate them on their special days because they are special. When my grandmother wouldn’t accept her birthday gifts, she denied all of the people who loved and admired her the joy of honoring her life, and that seems sad to me. There are 364 days of the year that can belong to everyone else, but one day is mine. And if nobody happens to be around on my day, I am going to the river anyway.

I am excited about the entire month of June, not just my birthday. School is out for summer, so there will be kids riding their bikes down the street, with dogs tagging along behind them. My tomato plants will hopefully start producing. The calendar is full of fun community events. And, at some point, all of my adult kids will find their way under the same roof.

At Four States Living, we are celebrating some exceptional men in our community this month. From doctors to entrepreneurs to graduates to soccer stars, we are thrilled to share their stories of hard work and triumph. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. Stay cool this June, and know that if you wish me a happy birthday, I won’t grimace; I will smile at how great it is to know each other as I roll on down the river. As always, thanks for reading FSLM

Four St ates Living

PUBLISHER

Dr. Robin Rogers

INTERIM EDITOR

Ellen Orr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Shane Darby

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Kendal Griggs

Victoria Herman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shane Darby

Tanner Lyons

Lauren Simmons

Katie Stone

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ellen Orr

Kelsey Rankin

Katie Stone

Lisa Porterfield Thompson

COLUMNISTS

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

Want to Advertise?

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

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER JUNE 2023

Soccer coach, semi-pro player, teacher, and freelance video producer Ronnie Makaramba came to Texarkana by way of Tanzania, the UK, and California. Read all about his remarkable life’s journey in “Eyes on the Ball” starting on page 10.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

INSIDE: THE CATCH OF A LIFETIME

Read more about Ryan Satterfield starting on

One local fisherman reeled in a lifechanging prize recently in a National Professional Fishing League tournament held at Wright Patman Lake.

page 18.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

ALZHEIMER’S ALLIANCE HELD ITS 8TH ANNUAL TWICE AS FINE TEXARKANA WINE FESTIVAL AT SPRING LAKE PARK ON MAY 6TH.

Rena Champion, Makenna Hall, and Elizabeth Timmons

Kristin McCaslin

Phil Gerber, David Henley, and Joshua Heater

Jill Launius, Sarah Carpenter, Tyler Lotkowski, and Lee Cecil

Jennifer Shively, Mignon Alexander, Shawn Edmonds

Niki and Ben Bundick

Alison Mayo and Susan Robbins

Heather Batts and Sharon Batts

Nancy and Phillip Anderson

Alex Smith, Lisa Westerman, and Sydney Elmore

Rachel Freeman and Madison Reel

Jeana Brassett and Jessica McDonald

Chandler Winton, Jarnisha Savage, Regina Walker, Christian Carr, and Raymond Martinez

Jerry Tittle and Robby Robertson

Yulin and Jerry Brewer

Taryn Ashley, Whitney Fuqua, Mark James, Kelsey Waggoner, and Felicia Cienfuegos

Sara Watson, Brady Redman, and Fallon Keller

Joanne Ward, Sherry Ross, and Jackie Cigainero

Boyd Downs and Joann Hunt

Greta Alexander, Marcia Anderson, and Mary O’Farrell

on the EYES BALL

by ELLEN ORR

Ronnie Makaramba pursues his goals relentlessly

photo by SHANE DARBY

Cristiano Ronaldo, inarguably one of the greatest soccer players of all time, said, “Talent without hard work is nothing.” Coach, teacher, and semi-professional athlete Ronald “Ronnie” Makaramba has embodied strong work ethic from a young age.

Born and raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Ronnie as a child displayed a natural aptitude for soccer—and a deep passion for it. His parents, both highly educated, insisted upon an Englishlanguage education, which served Ronnie well. His mother worked as a flight attendant during Ronnie’s childhood, and she took him to Europe multiple times. When, at 17, Ronnie had the opportunity to move to Manchester to attend Manchester International College, he seized it, emboldened by his travel experience.

Once settled in Manchester, Ronnie’s primary goal was to get signed by an agency—a group of consultants who would send player footage to universities and help players obtain scholarships.

“Sometimes I would skip school to go to tryouts,” he said. “I failed and failed until one day I finally passed.” United Sports USA signed Ronnie and dispersed his reels. He was soon recruited to play for Lassen Community College in Susanville, California.

As an international student, Ronnie’s work opportunities were limited. Alongside other immigrants, most of them from Mexico, he poured concrete for a construction company and then joined a landscaping crew—jobs that were incredibly taxing, especially in conjunction with soccer. When the opportunity arose to work as a highend detailer, Ronnie jumped at the chance to do something slightly less physically demanding.

As it turned out, Ronnie was suited for detailing luxury vehicles. “I have OCD, so I’m pretty particular, and I paid attention to the little details,” he explained. On Lamborghinis, Ferraris, private jets, and other high-dollar vehicles, Ronnie developed skills that would continue to serve him in unexpected ways.

The Lassen coach knew Don Koontz, the coach at Texas A&M–Texarkana. Koontz recruited Ronnie to join their fledgling program. “The coach was really open with me,” he recalled. “He said, ‘Our team is not all that. If you’re looking for a place to come and help build a program, then this is the place.’” Ronnie didn’t hesitate.

Ronnie with his former coach Don Koontz.

Ronnie jumped at the opportunity to play at Texas A&M-Texarkana and helped them reach the playoffs for the first time in program history.

Submitted photo

When he graduated in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in communication, the soccer team had finally made it to the playoffs for the first time in the program’s history. “Even though I didn’t come up with a ring, that was a win for me,” Ronnie said. “It was a big step [for the program].”

In Texarkana, Ronnie faced the same obstacles to employment that he had in California—but now he knew that he had a marketable skill in luxury detailing. He started washing cars at his house, hiring his housemates to assist. He quickly developed a top-notch reputation.

“I got ‘cheers’ in ‘Cheers and Jeers’ [the popular local Facebook group] like five times,” he laughed. “It blew up.”

One of many loyal customers was Morgan Smith, owner of TXK Gameday. Ronnie had a passion for new media, having produced many of his own highlight reels and audition tapes. He asked Smith for an internship, and Smith agreed.

After three months interning, Ronnie was promoted to fulltime employee, producing not only sports videos but also all sorts of video projects, including commercials for another of Smith’s companies, TXK Marketing.

“Morgan Smith played a big part in mentoring me in the media industry,” he said. “I owe him a lot. He taught me and helped me realize this talent I had.”

Smith’s mentorship led Ronnie to found his own media company, Clean Visuals. He primarily produces video for realtors and weddings.

Ronnie’s love for video production led him to be a teacher for the Liberty Eylau TV program. Submitted photo

Over his three years at TXK Gameday, Ronnie made professional connections throughout the community. One such connection was with Ronnie Thompson (henceforth referred to as Thompson), the superintendent at Liberty Eylau ISD. Ronnie produced public service announcements as well as other district materials for LE. One evening, he was filming at a sports banquet and started chatting with a group of people who happened to be on the school board. Impressed by Ronnie’s story and charm, they encouraged him to join the district.

“They said LE could use a soccer coach, and I was like, ‘Where do I sign up?’” Ronnie said. The district’s soccer program had been all but defunct for many years, and they needed leadership to rebuild.

Ronnie contacted Thompson, who had already heard from the aforementioned board members. Thompson presented a bigger opportunity than Ronnie could have imagined: to revive and lead both the soccer program and the audiovisual program. “I’d have been an idiot to pass that up,” he said.

Having just completed his first school year as a teacher and coach, Ronnie is proud of all his students have accomplished. “The LE TV program has skyrocketed,” he said. “The kids have picked it up so well. They love my class, and we have a great time.”

On the field, Ronnie’s players are in a position he himself was in just a few years ago at A&M: they are building. The players are meeting the challenges head-on, with enthusiasm and respect for their coach. Ronnie suspects that they recognize his own passion and dedication, not only as a coach but also as a current semi-professional player.

Since 2020, Ronnie has been a defender for the Arkansas Wolves, a semi-pro team based in Little Rock.

“Four years ago, I could not join a semi-pro team,” he said. “I went to three tryouts.” But he continued to improve his game and, during his senior year at A&M, he traveled to Little Rock for his fourth semi-pro tryout. “I got signed

“They said LE could use a soccer coach, and I was like,

‘Where do I sign up?’”

Ronnie is currently a defender for the Arkansas Wolves, a semi-professional team based in Little Rock.

Ronnie is active in the local soccer community, as both a coach and player.

right then and there; out of 100 people, only three people were chosen,” he said.

Ronnie still dreams of one day playing professionally, but for now, he is happy as an educator, a business owner, and an active member of the Texarkana soccer community—and a husband and father. He and his wife, Jordan, have one child: two-year-old Malakhi.

Ronnie has big goals, both personally and professionally, and he knows from experience that achieving them is a matter of tenacity and faith.

“I don’t necessarily have a plan,” he said, “but whenever I see an opportunity, I take it.”

Ronnie and his wife, Jordan, are parents to two-year-old Malakhi.

Submitted photo

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

WILLIAMS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH HELD ITS 4TH ANNUAL WALKING FOR WILLIAMS EVENT BENEFITING THE LITTLE LEADERS OF TEXARKANA ON SUNDAY, APRIL 30TH.

Jeana Brassett, Madisyn Givens, Cassidy Lavender, and Jessica McDonald

Karen Tipton, Elizabeth Howe, Jessica Nunez, Destiny King, and Audrey King

Braden and Brooks Herman

Audrey Anderson and Joy Sandefur

Kristin Whiteside holding Cyrus Lindahl, Libby Lindahl, and Kay Anderson

Jamie Dillard, Kerry Nienkamp, Whitney Michaelis, and Aislyn Bartlett

Melissa Grace and Diane Theobald

Gary, Skye, and Samuel Do

Megan, Scott, Beckett and Ben Smith

Brooke Robertson with Lyric and Journey Villarreal

Meagan Cedillo, Sarah Hall, and Lori Rochelle

THE CATCH OF A LIFETIME

Fisher reels in life-changing prize at Wright Patman tournament

by KATIE STONE

photo by DR ROBIN ROGERS

Local competitive angler Ryan Satterfield grew up fishing on Lake Wright Patman. His family would often camp and fish at Rocky Point during the summer, allowing Ryan an opportunity to learn how to fish at a young age.

“I fished from dusk to dark,” he said. “My dad got me into fishing at a very young age and provided for me every step of the way. He never held me back from fishing and bought any equipment needed. He always had a boat for me to use growing up and has always been my biggest supporter.”

Even as a child, Ryan knew he wanted to pursue a career in fishing professionally. He competed in his first tournament at age 13. Currently he competes in about six national tournaments a year and in local tournaments almost every weekend.

Ryan became a member of the National Professional Fishing League in 2022, the year after the league’s inception. He has acquired a plethora of sponsorships, which allow him to compete so widely. “I have been blessed with the best sponsors I could ever ask for,” he said. “They all took a chance on me as a rookie angler with a very small résumé.”

photo by TANNER LYONS, TWIN VISUALS

photo by TANNER LYONS, TWIN VISUALS

Ryan caught over 50 pounds of bass during the three-day tournament.

Ryan’s familiarity with Lake Wright Patman gave him the edge he needed to track down the larger bass.

photo by TANNER LYONS, TWIN VISUALS

“ I still feel like I’m in a dream, and I am just so thankful.”

Ryan gives so much credit to God and his family. His wife, Lexie, has been a huge supporter and has even fished in a few tournaments with him. “She enjoys it when we can go catching and not fishing,” he laughed. When he competed at Watts Barr in Tennessee last year, Lexie could not make it for the tournament—or so Ryan thought. “On the final day she flew in and surprised me at weigh-in,” he said.

The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) held a tournament on Lake Wright Patman in April of this year. The opportunity to compete on the lake he’s fished his entire life was thrilling; he knew that lake and its residents better than anyone—a clear advantage which ultimately helped him secure the gold.

In an NPFL press release, it was reported that Ryan knew from the outset that he wanted to focus his efforts up-river. “The water came up faster in the river than it did the lake,” he explained. “That higher water allowed me to capitalize on the bigger fish moving back in to spawn. I had two stretches of bank, and I was focusing on the root systems of certain types of bushes. I kept my mind right and went to work.”

Out of 73 total competitors from all over the United States, Ryan won first place, with his three-day catches totaling over 50 pounds. Though an angler from Georgia actually boasted a higher total, he inadvertently failed to acquire a Texas fishing license and was thus disqualified, which pushed Ryan into first place. “Barron had a great week

Ryan’s biggest supporter is his wife, Lexie, who has even fished in tournaments with him.

out here, and it just makes me sick for him,” Ryan said. “I don’t wish what happened to anybody.”

Despite the less-than-ideal nature of the win, Ryan is beyond grateful for the blessing provided by his first-place prize: beyond bragging rights, he was awarded $100,000. This is Ryan’s biggest win by far, though he surely has a long and successful career ahead of him. Despite the prize money, Ryan and Lexie continue to live humble lives along with their two dogs, Mazie and Buckshot. “I still feel like I’m in a dream, and I am just so thankful,” Ryan said. “To win on my home lake, with my family there . . . I couldn’t have dreamed of a more perfect week.”

Winning $100,000 at Lake Wright Patman felt like “a dream,” Ryan said.

THE CITY OF TEXARKANA UNVEILS MyGOV TXK

There’s a streetlight out in your neighborhood, or maybe an overgrown crepe myrtle is crowding out a stop sign, blocking the view as you pull out onto the main thoroughfare. On your daily commute, you are reminded of that house at the end of the cul-de-sac that has been on the market a while, and the yard is starting to look a little rough. You think to yourself, “Someone should report that to the city, but where do you even report those kinds of issues?”

The City of Texarkana, Texas, is working to make the process for reporting concerns like these easier. In the past, there was a simple web form called “Report-A-Concern,” but once you clicked send, your request was sent off to an email inbox, and you never knew what happened to it. City staff processed the concerns, and the issue might have been taken care of quickly, or it might have been referred to municipal court, or rerouted to another agency like TxDOT or even Bowie County. This system of reporting resident concerns left a lot to be desired in the form of follow-up and communication.

Enter a new system of reporting called MyGov TXK. This system provides a way for residents to see what action has been taken once they report an issue and lets you know when things are fixed. The new tool, live now on the City’s website, is aimed at helping residents report issues and facilitating easier communication between city staff and residents. When a resident sees an issue, they can go to texarkanatexas.gov and click on “MyGov.” Once they’re redirected to the MyGov portal, residents will have the option to submit a request. Here, they can report issues such as litter, substandard structures, right-of-way violations, and much more. If the resident enters their contact information, they’ll be notified about progress on the issue at each step of the process. There’s also an option to remain anonymous if the need arises. This system will also be used to improve our development process for new businesses with contractor registration and permitting processes now online; there’s even an option for contractors to pay online.

Managing concerns is one thing, but getting residents involved in the decisionmaking process is a completely different conversation. Even harder still is the task

of recruiting volunteers to serve the city with neighborhood cleanup days, community garden planting, and youth programs. To that end, the City has issued our annual call to recruit residents to serve through an online application process to fill vacancies on existing boards and commissions. Last year the city had multiple positions filled through this new process and is encouraging more community involvement in 2023.

A current list of each board and commission, along with current appointments and openings, can be found at www.ci.texarkana.tx.us/370/ Boards-and-Commissions. This link provides descriptions of each board, commission, and committee, along with term dates, duties, residency requirements, and meeting schedules. Some boards, commissions, and committees have residency requirements or require special skills and knowledge, while others do not. Board, commission, and committee members are required to attend regularly scheduled meetings. If the board or commission you are interested in has been filled, the City still encourages its residents to apply. Applicants to boards and commissions that are currently full will be held for City Council consideration for the next available vacancy.

The time to get involved is now. The City of Texarkana, Texas, needs you, your opinions, your ideas, and your service to make our community a place we all enjoy.

David Orr City Manager

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

Daniel and Dianne Martin, Haley Rushing-Hill, Madeleine Russell, and Jennifer Unger

Dianna Felcman and Jack Prather Donna and Gary Johnson

Suzi Mercy, Karen Mittelman, and Diane Roy Carol Huffman, Gail Eichler, and Erika Vance

LaNita Colley with Stephanie and James Syler

Sean Minton and Savannah Laney Dayna Snyder and Cathy Roeser

Ron and Vee Collins with Mary and Denis Washington

Jamye Dehaan, Chandler Murphy, and Bertha Shipp

Mark Mittelman, John Mercy, and Randy Sarrett

Anthony and Elissa Gallegos

Kara Greene, Zach Rateliff, Erin and Brad Davis

Eric Cain, Mary O’Farrell, Janis Robbins, and Erica Cain Ben Ledwell and Lisa Ledwell

Debbie Alkire, Barbara Glick, Ed Eichler, and Jennifer Unger

Lee Raley, Austin White and Brandon Montalvo

Laura Beth Maddox, Nicole Elder, Nancy Robbins, and Stephanie Maddox

photo by SHANE DARBY

HOMEGROWN AND HARVARD-BOUND

graduate John Thomas Borowitz will attend Harvard University

by LISA PORTERFIELD THOMPSON

John Thomas Borowitz is headed to Harvard, a fact which surprises none and delights all who know this hardworking, humble young man.

“As someone who is passionate about learning and eager to challenge myself, I knew that attending Harvard would provide me with a world-class education and access to some of the best resources and opportunities available,” John Thomas said. “Additionally, Harvard’s economics program is renowned for its rigor, depth, and breadth. I believe that studying economics at Harvard will equip me with the tools and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful impact in this field.”

John Thomas, born to Julie and John Borowitz, was the valedictorian of Texas High School’s Class of

2023. He served as the President of the THS student council, as well as the president of the Texas Association of Student Councils, a role in which he led almost 1,300 student councils throughout the state and spearheaded the effort to raise over $300,000 for cancer research. He was also selected as one of two delegates from Texas to participate in the United States Senate Youth Program in Washington, D.C. He was a member of TISD’s Imagine 2026 Strategic Planning Committee, which formulated the successful bond election of last year. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout and managed the boys’ basketball team at Texas High. He scored a perfect 36 on the ACT.

When asked about his successes, John Thomas points to his parents for raising him to excel. “My

TISD

John Thomas was a member of TISD’s Imagine 2026 Strategic Planning Committee.

parents have always been tough on me, but it has been in the best possible way,” he said. “They have instilled in me a strong work ethic, a sense of discipline, and a commitment to excellence. From a young age, they challenged me to do my best, both academically and in my extracurricular activities.”

John Thomas’ mom, Julie, however, said that she and her husband cannot take credit for raising two gifted children. John Thomas’ older sister, Hollan, is a student at TCU and equally impressive in her academic aptitude and commitment to community service.

“It was nothing that John and I did,” Julie said. “They are how God gave them to us, and we have guided and directed them to the best of our ability with [God’s] help.”

John Thomas admitted that a sibling rivalry with his sister helped to push him forward in many aspects of life. “She has always been my competition, both academically and in our shared extracurricular interests,” he said. “This rivalry has pushed me to be my best, and I am grateful for it.”

John Thomas earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

John Thomas gives much credit to his parents, John and Julie, for raising him to excel.

Looking ahead, John Thomas’ aspirations are lofty—though seemingly realistic, given all the accolades and accomplishments he has already stacked up. “In the short term, I am interested in exploring the field of market trading and gaining experience in that industry,” he said. He plans to pursue an MBA in real estate at another Ivy League after completing his undergraduate degree. Eventually, he hopes to enter into a political career, after reaching a few goals in the finance industry.

John Thomas credits his aunt, Texarkana native Betsy Lavender, for contributing to his interests in politics. Betsy has worked in senior positions on multiple campaigns for U.S. presidents, and John Thomas says her passion is contagious.

“Growing up, I was always aware of my aunt’s involvement in politics, and it was inspiring to see someone so committed to making a positive impact in the world,” he said. “As I got older, I began to have more conversations with her about her experiences, the campaigns she worked on, and the political process in general. Through these conversations, I gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of civic engagement and the power of politics to effect change. My aunt’s example has shown me that working in politics can be a

Prom was a great night for John Thomas and his date, Lydia Lee.

meaningful and rewarding way to make a difference in the world. Her dedication to the political process has inspired me to pursue my own interest in this field and to consider the many ways I might be able to contribute to the greater good. I am grateful to have such a positive role model in my life and look forward to exploring the world of politics further in the future.”

Though Julie and John are undoubtedly proud of their children’s academic and extracurricular achievements, Julie emphasized that the true markers of success for her children are yet to come.

“Success comes in many forms,” she said, “and we as parents should celebrate the diverse ways that our children can be successful. My goal as a parent is to see my children grow into happy adults. It sounds generic and simple-minded, but I want them to be happy with who they are and what they have, and if that comes to fruition, then I will deem my parenting a success.”

Wherever life takes him, John Thomas is determined not to forget where he came from and the opportunities afforded to him in his youth. “No matter where I go or what I do, I will always have Texarkana on my back,” he said.

From a young age, John Thomas demonstrated exceptional academic aptitude and leadership skills.

MATHEW DELK MEET

by REESE LANGDON

In order to be brave enough to face new and unknown territory, one must take a small leap of faith. It is very easy to stick to what is comfortable and traditional, but that is not in 18-year-old Mathew Delk’s nature; he is driven to venture out and happily explore the world. Mathew, a recent graduate of Texas High School, will soon be taking not just a small leap of faith but a giant leap across the world: he will be attending college 4,442 miles away at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, England.

Saying farewell to everything connected to your childhood and heading off to college is a scary feat for most grads, even if they are not headed across the Atlantic Ocean. This is true for Mathew as well, though he believes that to “turn this offer down would be ridiculous,” he said.

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse,” Mathew explained. “I love to travel and experience new cultures, and the ease of access to the rest of Europe and the UK itself was too much to refuse. I believe having to assimilate to another culture for three years will make me a better person and broaden my résumé for future jobs.”

While in England, Mathew will continue feeding his passion for soccer, which he has had since he was three years old. He is an alumnus of Shreveport United, Texas FC Dallas, and the Texas High boys’ soccer team. He will soon play for the Macclesfield FC International Academy, the country’s leading full-time football and education program. Macclesfield partners with UCL to allow full-time soccer players to pursue university degrees concurrently.

Mathew was introduced to Macclesfield two years ago, when he began spending his summers training there through the academy’s four-week residency program. Mathew trained for five hours a day and competed against other UK academies weekly.

As Mathew looked back on his abroad training, he reflected that it heavily influenced his decision to return for college. “The

coaches already know me, and I’ve made lifelong friendships with other people who are also returning,” he said.

Of course, no new journey comes without some worry, even for an experienced and eager traveler like Mathew. “I’m most worried about not continuing to improve and plateauing in soccer,” Mathew said. However, these concerns are outweighed by his excitement for “meeting new people and developing connections,” he said.

Looking far into the future, Mathew hopes that the relationships he will make will help him secure success in his plans after University of Central Lancaster: going to law school and then opening a sports agency firm to negotiate contracts for professional athletes.

Before he can move onto that chapter in his life, however, he first has to balance earning a degree in sports business management, practicing and playing soccer, and adapting to a whole new country—a daunting load, but one that Mathew is confident he can handle.

Mathew is on his way out of his hometown and to a life many young people only dream of. While thrilling, this drastic change is bittersweet because of the inevitable goodbyes inching closer by the second.

“The hardest goodbye will be my family,” Mathew stated. “It’ll be weird not being in the same house anymore and having to watch my siblings continue to grow up from the outside and not being as big of a part in their life anymore.”

Mathew would tell anyone approaching a leap of faith to “just trust yourself and take it,” he said. “You can always come back and start over with something else if you fail, but if you never do it, you’ll never be able to test your own measure.”

Though just out of high school, Mathew is an inspiration to people of all ages to take the road less traveled with confidence and high spirits.

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

photo by SHANE DARBY

“You can always come back and start over with something else if you fail, but if you never do it, you’ll never be able to test your own measure.”

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

THE LONE STAR CHAPTER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION IS HONORED TO ANNOUNCE LOCAL STUDENTS WHO HAVE WON STATE AND NATIONAL HONORS IN THE JUNIOR AMERICAN ART AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION CONTEST.

Olivia Kimmel, Saint James Day School

Ava Gray Brisco, Pleasant Grove Middle School

Abigail Thomson, Saint James Day School

Nirav Neupane, Texas Middle School

Alli Altenbaumer, Saint James Day School

Yareli Aguirre, Pleasant Grove High School

Daniel Ayers, Saint James Day School

Kiley Harrison, Redwater High School

Aubrey Phillips, Pleasant Grove High School

John O’Donnell, Saint James Day School

Lucy Carr, Red Lick School

Cooper Kimmel, Saint James Day School

William Moore, Saint James Day School

Christian Brisco, Pleasant Grove Middle School

Each Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen scholarship contest winner must be a high school senior and is asked to submit their grade transcript provided by the school and two letters of recommendation. They also should include a resume detailing school and community activities in which they are involved. Each participant is asked to write a timed essay about the importance of being a good citizen, including a focus on dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.

Alexis Mayo, Saint James Day School

Christopher Ivers, Saint James Day School

Bailey Dowd, Saint James Day School

Lennox Armstrong, Saint James Day School

Ellie Seo, Saint James Day School

Reece Altenbaumer, Saint James Day School

Samuel Burkes, Saint James Day School

Shepherd Brooks, Saint James Day School

The Lone Star Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter Good Citizen scholarship winner is Stephanie Marie Nguyen.

Stephanie is a senior and the valedictorian of the Pleasant Grove High School class of 2023. Stephanie will be attending Harvard University in the fall.

EXQUISITE INTERIORS

LUXURY LAKE LIVING

In the exclusive and sought-after Tall Oaks subdivision sits a gorgeous family home with a lakefront view. With over 5,000 square feet, this beautiful house has three living areas, two dining areas, and multiple outdoor spaces to accompany family, friends, and visitors. For a large family there are four bedrooms (with an extra bonus room), four full baths, and a half bath. To accommodate automobiles, toys, and equipment, there are two garages. The chef’s kitchen, designed with custom stained cabinetry and solid stone countertops, offers an abundance of space to cook and visit at the same time. For people who love a

living space with natural light, this is a spectacular abode that will speak to you. Tall ceilings and large windows can be found throughout this designer home, and from most of the rooms, one can see the peaceful lake on which the home sits. Most people have to travel out of town to experience lake living, but this jewel is ready for a new owner on Jack Cullen Drive, inside the city limits of Texarkana, Arkansas, and listed for sale by Darla Wilf, Arkansas/Texas Realtor and Broker with TROVA Real Estate Services. For more information, give Darla a call or text at (225) 921-6922.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

HANDS-ON TEXARKANA HELD ITS ANNUAL DRAGON BOAT RACE FESTIVAL AT BRINGLE LAKE ON SATURDAY, MAY 13TH.

Cooper Frachiseur, Shari, Sara Bourne, Katie Kordsmeier, Ava Kordsmeier, Ella Calhoun, and Drake Shelton

Morgan Pearcy, Jordan Cruetz, Tori Roush, Jennifer Courtney and Rita Collins

Dawn Parker and James Syler

Gary Gathright, Dustin Clements, Amber Dennis, Rusty McCrary, Jerry Snider and Andrew Clark

Nelda Timmons, James Syler and Tera Savage

Brad Henry and Chris Wheeler

David Carter and Gary Gathright

Kasey Coggin, Lauren Pilgreen, and Emerson Pilgreen

Matt and Amanda Bowers

Princeton Love, Neika Shavers, Amy Lemley, and Dawn Parker

Scott Burks and Susan Whitten

FACING FATALITY

by ELLEN ORR

Intensivist Bret Craytor saw the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though nothing could have adequately prepared him for the tragedy of the crisis, Bret faced crises throughout his career as a medical doctor, and these experiences positioned him well to lead the team caring for the most severe COVID patients.

A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bret and his family moved around a lot before landing Broken Bow, Oklahoma. While Bret was in high school, his father underwent open-heart surgery. His dad, himself an electrical engineer, had always encouraged him to pursue scientific knowledge. And, watching Bret in the wake of his father’s heart surgery, his mother “saw that medicine was my calling,” he said.

So, with his parents’ support, Bret entered into the field of medicine. After earning an undergraduate degree in chemistry, he entered medical school, all at the University of Oklahoma (located in Norman, south of Oklahoma City). After an internship and residency in internal medicine, he moved to Idabel, where he opened a private practice and became a local medical examiner for the State of Oklahoma.

In 1993, Bret and his partner, DeAnna, were married, and they moved back to Norman so that Bret could accept a fellowship in pulmonary disease and critical care. During his fellowship, two life-changing events occurred: his eldest child, Collin was born, and the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was bombed. Bret’s experience as medical examiner primed him to volunteer at the scene of the bombing and for the two weeks following.

In 1996, Bret, DeAnna, and Collin moved to Texarkana, and Bret started a private practice in pulmonary disease and critical care medicine. The first day his practice was open, Bret’s second son, Carson, was born. In 2010, Bret made the shift to hospital-based critical care medicine, accepting a job at CHRISTUS St. Michael.

Dr. Bret Craytor persevered through the pandemic

photo by SHANE DARBY

Since 2012, Bret has served the hospital as the program medical director of the intensive care service. St. Michael’s ICU has 32 beds, though “I am called to see patients just about anywhere in the hospital,” Bret explained: “admitting them from the emergency room, accepting direct transfers from other facilities, as well as seeing patients on the other floors of the hospital and transferring them to the ICU if need be. Sometimes we provide care to prevent the need for transfer to the ICU.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic reached Texarkana, Bret and his team did not know what to expect. “There were so many unknowns initially,” he recalled. “Just like all other hospitals, we worked hard to meet the demands of our community and also to offer care to other communities if we had a bed available. We struggled as everybody else did with supply shortages, as well as medication shortages and staffing issues.”

Though every hospital worker was affected by the pandemic, as the intensivist program by definition cares for patients with the most severe illness, and so Bret and his team experienced the most horrible realities of the novel coronavirus firsthand.

“Since we were taking care of the sickest of the sick, most of the patients who expired with COVID in our hospital were in the intensive care unit setting receiving care from my team,” he said. “This hurts every healthcare worker associated with those patients. We worked diligently to provide respect and dignity to every patient that we cared for. We would not let them die alone. Oftentimes, we could tell that we were not winning the battle for life with the virus. And although our facility had an overall better than national average mortality rate, we had a significant amount of mortality. It taxes the soul of a healthcare worker.”

The entire intensivist team worked long days and nights to ensure patients received the best possible care. “We all extended our hours of work to make sure everyone got the care they deserved to the best of our abilities,” he recalled. “Our

team was stretched very thin. Yet, we hung in there doing the best that we could for our patients.”

To survive the crisis, Bret leaned on his religion, family, and colleagues. Though he did not come out of the pandemic unscathed— “I did get burnt out, and to this day, I shudder at the thought of another pandemic,” he said—his faith, his wife and children, and the other providers at CHRISTUS offered him the support and comfort he needed to persevere.

Dr. Bret Craytor still serves the community as director of the intensivist program at St. Michael’s, where he leads a multidisciplinary team committed to “focusing on each individual patient and providing evidence-based care,” he said.

Bret leaned heavily on his family during the pandemic.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

RANDY SAMS OUTREACH SHELTER HELD ITS 2 PIANOS DOWNTOWN FUNDRAISER AT CROSSTIES ON APRIL 20TH

Jennifer Lacefield, Jimmy Murphy, and Greg Davis

Jennifer Benette and Joy Henard

Matt Barton, Brittany Walter, Stephen Jones, and Joni Boyer

Chris and Sheree Potter with Suki and Warren O’Neal

Sylvia and Mike Ingram Nick and Collins Cockerell

Tracy Mims, Martha Prieskorn, and Julie Oneal

Robert Irwin, David Mimms, Jeff Prieskorn, and Greg Cockerell

Yulin and Jerry Brewer

Whitney and Dustin Wilson

John Rich with Lesa and Tony Asbille

Dr. Jo Kahler, Jennifer Lacefield, and Dr. Jim Keever

RISING TO THE TOP

by KELSEY RANKIN

As the majority owner of Ironwood Grill, Craig McDuffie is passionate about food service, and about investing in the community that has invested in him and the restaurant over the years—but mostly, he is passionate about people.

Craig began his career in the restaurant industry in March 2000, as a server at Texas Roadhouse. Feeding people had long been a passion of his. “I love seeing people’s faces when they eat,” Craig said. Bruce Hornebuckle hired him, and he spent the next fifteen years working his way up and learning as much as he could about how to run a restaurant— and that on-the-job training would later pay off.

After serving, he transitioned to the kitchen side of the business, where he was promoted to trainer, then hourly manager, new restaurant corporate trainer, salary manager, kitchen manager, and product coach. At that time, Craig audited food quality, ensured proper sanitation, and taught all recipes and new additions for nine total Texas Roadhouse locations. He became a managing partner in North Little Rock for a year and a half before returning to Texarkana. Through these leadership roles, he served as a teacher and mentor for those working under him in the restaurants.

After a decade and a half of mentorship, Hornbuckle believed that Craig would be successful as a co-owner of a restaurant after seeing his work and commitment to excellence through his time at Texas Roadhouse. So, in September 2015, the two purchased Ironwood Grill from the previous owners. In their original LLC contract, they agreed that Craig would be able to buy more stock in Ironwood after three years and again in six years. There are five total co-owners of the restaurant, and each managing partner has been able to buy stock over the years.

Craig McDuffie climbed from server to restauranteur

photo by SHANE DARBY

As the business grew and partners were added, Craig had the unique opportunity to return to college. He had attended classes over the years at TC and then at Texas A&M–Texarkana and had accumulated over 80 credit hours. He decided to complete the BAAS program after encouragement from one of Ironwood’s former managers, Sydney Wicks. Sydney, now a realtor, was on this track, and Craig made the decision because he wanted his children to see him do it and to attend his graduation.

Craig credits the success of Ironwood to his team. “We make decisions as a team,” he said. “I encourage them to lead with heart and to be servant leaders— to get to know people and treat them as they wish to be treated.” His goal always was to create an environment in the restaurant where his own children one day might like to work—and his daughter Rylee, 19, currently does, at the to-go counter.

Notably, his own children aside, when Craig talks about his younger staff, he calls them “our kids,” a sure signifier of the family atmosphere at Ironwood. “We have a lot of servers that are in some type of college program, and we are proud of them when they finish and begin their career paths,” he said. He knows that being in the service industry that Ironwood “is part of their work ethic, and we try to create an environment that is conducive to work and school,” he explained.

In addition to the Ironwood “kids,” Craig and his wife, Lisa, have three of their own children: Lily-Ann, 14; Cam, 17; and Rylee, 19.

Besides owning and running one of the most beloved local restaurants, Craig dedicates his time to several organizations. He has been a Red Lick alderman since 2019 as well as serving as the city financial officer and mayor pro tempore. He also serves as director on the board for TexAmericas Center and on the Environmental and Nominating Committees. He is a Campus Planning and Decision Making Committee member for Pleasant Grove ISD. He and his family attend Christian Warriors Church, where he is a deacon and serves on the financial team. Craig was also recently named a director of the Board of the Artex Council of Governments.

In each of his roles—restauranteur, mentor, family man, volunteer—people are at the heart of Craig’s focus.

Craig and Lisa have three teenaged children.

Craig earned a BAAS to make his kids proud.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

THE SALVATION ARMY TEXARKANA WOMEN’S AUXILIARY HOSTED THE GLADYS MORRIS STONE SOUP LUNCHEON ON APRIL 20TH

Vicki Freeman, James Bramlett, Carol Dalby, and Rita Freeman

Emily Curry with Debe and Lairie Kincaid

Barbara Miner, Marsha Petty, and Barbara McWilliams

Brenda Britt and Mary Nell Short

Sherry Surratt, Sybil Spencer, Bobby Szymanski, and Amanda McGuire

Charlotte Hueter, Yulin Brewer, Pat Ballard, Chayta Mills, Peggy Benson, Nancy Robbins, and Beth Pesek

Denis Washington, Jolly Woosley, and Sally Patton

Betty Williams, Janelle Garrett, and Betty Rateliff

Cindy Marsh, David Alexander, Jeff Brown, and Denis Washington

Jane Allen, Jolly Woosley, Sann Terry, and Junie Young

HISTORY HAPPENS...

by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

Texarkana has been home to its fair share of celebrities over the last 150 years. From entertainers to sports heroes to politicians, talented people of all stripes have come from this border city. One such talent who reached stardom in silent films during the early 20th century was Corinne Griffith. Corinne spent 10 years of her youth in Texarkana. In fact, her grandfather, Anthony Ghio, was one of the first mayors of Texarkana, Texas, and served for three terms.

Corinne was one of the most famous Hollywood actresses during the years of silent acting, and her face was well recognized in magazines and newspapers around the world. However, when silent films transitioned to “talkies,” some performers did not transition well; Corinne was one of those whose careers in acting came to a halt during the change.

Although she retired from acting, she did not retire from work altogether. Corinne dabbled in real estate, film production, and the affairs of her husbands—all four of them over her lifetime. She also wrote a memoir of her childhood called Papa’s Delicate Condition. In 1963, the film adaptation of Corinne’s book was released to U.S. audiences with the same name, starring Jackie Gleason as Corinne’s father and Glynis Johns as her mother. The movie was a great success for Gleason and Johns, and Texarkana was spotlighted throughout the film. The film depicts Corinne as a ten-year-old girl who is crazy about her father, a railroad administrator who drinks too much (excessive drinking being his so-called “delicate condition”) and gets himself in trouble by spending too much money. One day, the circus comes to town, and Corrine begs her dad to buy her a small pony that drives a cart in the circus parade. After too much whiskey, Papa drains the family savings and buys the entire circus for his daughter. Corinne’s mother has just about had all she can take of her husband’s careless spending, and she moves with her daughters to Texarkana.

Without giving away the entire plot: there is a happy ending, in which all are reunited after quite an exciting season in Texarkana.

The TXK150 committee has organized activities throughout this year to celebrate Texarkana’s Sesquicentennial, with the help

of different community organizations and the two city governments. The film rendition of “Papa’s Delicate Condition” has been intentionally chosen by the Parks and Recreation Department to be shown during their summer movie series—on June 15th at 7 p.m. in Spring Lake Park. Bring your own blanket and maybe a few dollars to spend on concessions.

I watched the film on Amazon Prime before writing this piece so that I could share my thoughts. It is precious. Free of cursing and violence, “Papa’s Delicate Condition” is a comedy full of lovable characters and classic tunes. I smiled upon hearing songs that my mother and grandmother sang to me in my youth, like “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey” and “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.” And it is always cool watching your hometown be depicted on screen. I delightfully recommend people take their families out for this one; it’s chock-full of history and fun. Relive the autobiographical childhood account of “The Orchid Lady of the Screen,” as Corinne was called.

And if by chance you want to see a glimpse of Corinne Griffith before the show, head to downtown Texarkana, where her likeness is featured in the Dr. Pepper mural on the side of the building where TLC Burgers & Fries is located. The piece pays homage to Texarkana’s first Hollywood star.

JUNE 2023

JUNE 1

The Movies in the Park program at Spring Lake Park, sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, commences with the 2022 hit animated film “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” at 7 p.m. Entry is free. Concessions will be available for purchase. Bring your own chairs or blankets.

JUNE 3

The inaugural “Stepping Closer to a Cure” Patricia Keener ALS Walk will be 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Arkansas High School Razorback Stadium. Register at kappa-xi-omega-aka.ticketleap.com.

JUNE 8

The 2022 adventure movie “Black Adam” will be shown at Spring Lake Park at 7 p.m. as part of the Parks and Recreation Department’s Movies in the Park series. Entry is free. Concessions will be available for purchase. Bring your own chairs or blankets.

JUNE 9

Downtown Live is a monthly opportunity to enjoy local artists, food, and entertainment for all ages, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

JUNE 9–JUNE 11

The 16th Annual Runnin’ WJ Barrel Race will be at Four States Fairgrounds. Multiple events and races are occurring. For more information, call 903-244-2306, email pattimoore0419@gmail. com, or visit runninwjranch.org.

JUNE 12–JUNE 16

Session 1 of the Fiber Kids Art Camp, presented by The Gallery and Amanda Langley, will offer hands-on education about weaving, yarn painting, soft sculptures, embroidery, macrame, and much more. This experience, recommended for kids ages 8 to 12, costs $125 per student. Register today, as space is limited. Contact 870-330-5003 or visit The Gallery at 1894 to register.

JUNE 13–JUNE 16

Artist Angi Cooper is leading a three-day printmaking camp at TRAHC. This is recommended for students in grades 1–8. Email chrisw@trahc.org or call 903-792-8681 to register.

JUNE 15

The 1963 comedy “Papa’s Delicate Condition,” based on the memoir of famous Texarkanan actor Corinne Griffith, will be shown at Spring Lake

Park at 7 p.m. as part of the Parks and Recreation Department’s Movies in the Park series. Entry is free. Concessions will be available for purchase. Bring your own chairs or blankets.

JUNE 15

The Muses Project of Hot Springs will present “Sound of Muses: Broadway Cabaret,” a “best of Broadway” concert from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at TRAHC in Cabe Hall. This first-rate, high-energy concert will feature beloved tunes from musicaltheater classics, such as “The Sound of Music,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Hello Dolly,” “South Pacific,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and so many more. Tickets may be purchased through trahc.networkforgood.com.

JUNE 16

Mission Texarkana will host its fifth annual Daddy Daughter Dance from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Crossties. The event will be full of food, music, and dancing. For more info, visit eventbrite.com.

JUNE 20-JUNE 22

The three-day “Build a House” camp with artist Kay Thomas begins at 10 a.m. every day and is recommended for grades 2–5.

JUNE 24

Shawn Klush will perform as “The Ultimate Elvis” at the Perot Theatre. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $42. To purchase tickets visit perottheatre.org.

Experts Ask the

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

Does living in a senior living community help manage stress?

Stressful events are a natural part of the aging process. While seniors may not be able to change their circumstances, they can take steps to manage the stress associated with these hectic events.

Living in a senior living community takes the brunt of daily chores to allow for full focus on the most pressing matters in one’s life. It can also add opportunities to manage stress in a healthier way. For example, eating a healthy diet, enjoying hobbies, and fostering healthy friendships are all easier to accomplish when living in a community and an excellent way to manage stress.

Those who can master stress management will ultimately find greater peace of mind, less symptoms of anxiety, and an overall better quality of life, often leading to a longer, healthier life.

B rett B rzeski Investment Advisor, Mustard Seed Wealth Management

I have a specific person that I want to leave my investment accounts to upon my death. How can I be certain my accounts go to this person?

Beneficiary forms are one of the simplest methods of estate planning, yet they are often not updated or overlooked completely. Be sure to complete this step when opening a new account, then periodically review these forms and make any necessary changes to your beneficiaries to reflect your current wishes.

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.

SUMMER STUSSY

Age: 23

Occupation: Speech-Language Pathologist

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

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? Walking my dog.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? I would wish to never feel overwhelmed or stressed.

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

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. The Dysfunctional Life of Summer

What are you currently watching on Netflix? Selling Sunset

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

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? Photo, text, and email

What’s your favorite sport to watch, and which team do you root for? I love watching Razorback football!

SHANE DARBY

Age: 48

Occupation: Graphic Designer Four States Living

Magazine

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Pay off all debts. Then buy a boat.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? Throw the baseball with my little cousin, JP.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? I’d want to be able to go back and talk to my grandpa. Either that or to have my own money-printing press.

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

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. No Country for Old Men

What are you currently watching on Netflix? The Mandalorian (yeah, I know, not Netflix)

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

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? Facebook, Spotify, MLB

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

“THE MEN’S ISSUE”

WHAT DO YOU ADMIRE MOST ABOUT YOUR FATHER?

The thing I admire most about my dad is his compassion and empathy for others.

What I admire most about my dad is his calm demeanor, work ethic, and the way he treats others. And the fact he kept my baseball cards from when I was 12.