Four States Living Magazine March 2021

ON THE COVER - MARCH 2021

Ambitious and driven, Texas High School senior Fezeka Barnes admits that maintaining a balanced life helps her focus on achieving her numerous goals. She loves to stay busy and consistently sets new objectives for herself. In addition to her academic endeavors, she can usually be found doing the many activities she enjoys, including crocheting, modeling her creations, swimming, participating in cross country and track & field events, serving as the Student Body Vice President of the student government class, and preparing to attend college.

See “Nothing Can Stop Her Now” on page 8.

The Way I See It...

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

In a time when we give away our personal privacy through social media, with the purchases we make online, and the articles we read, it is hard to remain anonymous. What you do is going to be recognized, so think about how you want to be remembered. I am constantly amazed when I search for flights to say Mexico, and then for weeks after, I get pop-up ads on my computer for villas to rent or vacation getaways to Mexico; big brother knows how to sell me things because of my browsing history. For the younger generation, if you really want to know what they value, look at their Instagram pages, and you can figure out their pastimes, their values, their extracurricular activities, their age (based on postings or high school graduation), whether they have siblings, and whether or not they smoke, drink, or party to extreme. As a semi-professional Facebook stalker, I look up every story lead, every applicant for a job, and potential suitors (for my kids and me). Quite honestly, in my business, if someone is too extreme about anything (self, politics, partying, and airbrushed selfies), I probably don’t have a place for them. We have but one life to live on this earth, and there are truly no second chances at a first impression. Just recently, I had a job applicant send me her resumé. She looked fine on paper, and I needed someone part-time, so I picked up my phone to schedule an interview. I was just about to press the call button when I thought to check her social media first. That was the kiss of death for this girl. I had never met this young lady before, but what she posted on social media spoke volumes about how she

Four St ates Living

spent her time, and to a potential employer, it wasn’t good. As much time as people spend online, you can never forget that what you say, do, and post are being watched by everyone. My mom always said, “Mind your manners,” but maybe “Mind your mouth” is a better warning for today.

My youngest son is almost 20. It really won’t be that long until he graduates from college. Every second I can persuade him to hang out with me, I cherish. Like most parents, I don’t want to see him make some of the same mistakes that I did, so I am really honest with him as I give advice. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. While times have certainly changed since 30 years ago when I was in college, the fundamentals of good citizenship, character, individualism, and work ethic have not. I remember being told something very similar to that when I was his age, too.

Parents and grandparents and friends often raise up a child, but eventually, that person has to take it from there. There are no guarantees at adulthood, so preparing youth to embrace life vehemently is so important. I see many schools pushing kids to have two years of college under their belts at high school graduation. For a few basic classes, I think that’s great. For a certificate in welding or cosmetology or a vocation that could immediately offer a graduate a living wage, I’m even more excited. As citizens, we expect great things from the teachers we entrust with the days of our kids and grandkids. They see them as much as we do. Reward them for hustle, teach them to sell themselves, help them find their passions,

PUBLISHER Dr. Robin Rogers

EDITOR

Suzy Turner

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kim McMurry

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Lori Rochelle

PHOTOGRAPHER Dr. Robin Rogers

instead of pushing a curriculum designed to pigeon hole them into one field. There are always good jobs to be found for those who know how to hustle and get along with others.

As we head into International Women’s Day in March (a celebrated day for over 100 years), we found a young lady who embodies everything exciting and positive about the next generation of female leaders. A senior at Texas High School, Fezeka Barnes is more than a pretty face; she’s more than a great athlete, although she succeeds at three sports; Fezeka is more than a good student, although she has been accepted to the four colleges that she has applied to; and, she’s more than an artist, with her crocheted clothing designs inspiring people of all ages. Fezeka is the complete package, a young woman who has taken the love and guidance of her parents and set a path for herself that is destined for greatness. Like every story idea we get, I stalked her a little bit online. Fezeka is working hard to chart her course, and she is definitely one we all want to watch. Drive and determination keep her going.

If you believe it, and work hard enough, you can make it happen. I’m super excited to have Fezeka on the cover this month. I hope you enjoy her story and the many other wonderful women-themed stories we share for March.

Family is what you will find on my Facebook and Instagram. If you are searching for a job, you might consider doing the same. Have a great March (it’s got to be better than February), and as always, thanks for reading FSLM

FEATURED COLUMNISTS

Nichole Holze

Donnie Spriggs

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Jordan

Lindsey McMillan

Vicki Melde

Ellen Orr

Jileen Platt

Lisa Porterfield Thompson

Amber Smith Zaliski

Do You Have a Story or a Photo?

Texas 75503. Comments are also welcome at our e-mail address: info@fourstatesliving.com

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photo by JOHN BUNCH PHOTOGRAPHY

Nothing Can Stop Her Now

THS

SENIOR FEZEKA BARNES MAINTAINS

A BALANCED

LIFE ALL WHILE JUGGLING SCHOOL, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CROCHETING, AND SPORTS

by LISA PORTERFIELD THOMPSON

Fezeka Barnes first learned to crochet when she was 8 years old living in Elkhart, Indiana, while participating in a volunteer-oriented after-school club called “Pay It Forward.” Since Indiana, Fezeka has left her mark on several places through the United States, but luckily enough for Texarkana, USA, Fezeka and her family have been here since 2015.

“In one particular project [in ‘Pay It Forward’], we were to crochet hats and scarves for the homeless during the winter,” Fezeka recalls. “I lived in northern Indiana, so every year we experienced pretty harsh winters. This project sparked my new love for crochet, and I’ve basically never put a crochet needle down since.”

Fezeka is an incredible young woman. It doesn’t take long for anyone to realize she is unique and talented, and extremely creative. “Throughout the subsequent years, I stuck to crocheting variations of hats and scarves,” Fezeka said. “At the age of 11, I discovered the world of crochet beyond the simple accessories, such as tops and dresses. I quickly became obsessed with crochet fashion, and the hobby began to take over my life. From in the class at school, to in-between events at swim meets, I was always crocheting, trying to better my craft, trying to create something more impressive than my last creation. My freshman year of high school, age 15, I officially started selling my art.”

A quick peek at Fezeka’s social media accounts reveals just how inspired her creations are. Not only is she an amazing designer, but she models her creations well, too. “I get the inspiration for my pieces mostly from social media,” she said. “On Instagram specifically, there is a large presence of talented crochet artists. My fellow crochet artists inspire me with their beautiful creativity to up my game and try new things.”

At this time, Fezeka only sells her clothes through commissioned pieces and plans to major in Business with a focus in Marketing in college. “I have designed clothing for over a decade now, experimenting with numerous mediums, specializing in crochet,” Fezeka said. “This aspect of my life has grown definitive of my identity. When asked about my intended major in college, nearly every response immediately questions: Why not design? Why not entrepreneurship? I enlighten them to the notion that skillful marketing is the backbone of true success in both careers. By training in the

field of business marketing, I would be able to maximize the profits from my business which would then allow me the creative freedom to share joy and beauty with the world through all my creations. In the future, I plan to expand my business to selling my designs in pattern form available for other artists to purchase.”

Fezeka is an impressive young lady. Born in Chicago, the South Side, she clarifies, she spent 10 years in Indiana before moving with her family to Phoenix, Arizona, and then relocating to Texarkana, Texas, for her stepfather’s job. She has attended Texarkana ISD since moving to the Texarkana community, first at Texas Middle School and now at Texas High. She is also enrolled in dual credit courses at Texarkana College.

There’s no shortage of activities to keep Fezeka busy, but she finds crochet as an outlet in her jam-packed schedule. “To sum it up, crocheting is a form of relaxing for me,” Fezeka said. “So, whenever I’m relaxing, I’m likely crocheting.”

In addition to her academic and artistic endeavors, she is a three-sport

Fezeka shows off the medals she won during the 2019 Northeast Texas TISCA Swim Invitational held at the Pinkerton Center of Texarkana College on November 23. She placed second in her individual race, the 50 Freestyle, second in the 200 medley relay, and third in the 200 freestyle relay.

After finishing the 5K cross country course during the 2019 Lindale Invite, Fezeka poses for a photo with friends Yolana Wade and Mikalah Brown of John Tyler High School, peers she has known since her freshman year.

varsity member of the Texas High swim, cross country, and track & field teams, and also is active in student government as the Student Body Vice President. As if that was not enough, she’s also a member of the Calculus Club, Rosebuds Junior Garden Club, AP Ambassadors, Leadership, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, National Honors Society, Quill and Scroll Journalism Honor Society, and Yearbook as a staff writer.

It is safe to say Fezeka stays busy, and she credits that to her mother, Charissa Barnes. “Thanks to my mom, I was raised on a busy schedule,” Fezeka said. “This has definitely helped me learn focus and goal setting. It is an ongoing process to maintain a balance in life! When things are going great, I need balance. And when not so great, I need more balance. Just knowing that after one thing, there will always be something else to put all my focus into has helped me stay on a consistent path of goal setting and working to achieve my goals.

“My mother, by far, has been my best supporter, motivator, and enabler along my journey,” Fezeka said. “From

Cool locations throughout her backyard serve as a great backdrop for photos for Fezeka’s Instagram showcasing her handmade crochet clothing. The summer of 2019 was a very successful time for her crochet page as it grew a consistently interactive and loyal following.

During the middle of the 2020 pandemic, Fezeka modeled her handcrafted crochet outfit for her quarantine birthday photoshoot, thanks to her older sister, Ohemaa Barnes, who took the photos.

driving hours to a meet before the crack of dawn to forcing me to keep pushing harder in the moments when I wanted to give up, my mom has been by my side the whole way.”

As for next steps as her high school career comes to an end, Fezeka has plenty of options. “I am proud to report that I have been accepted into a few great schools – University of Michigan, Ross School of Business, Hampton University in Virginia, Spellman College in Georgia, and Howard University in Washington, D.C.,” Fezeka said. “To date, Howard is my favorite and where I plan to attend. I feel humbled and very blessed to have gotten accepted at these schools. I am ecstatic to be attending Howard in the fall. I can still hardly believe I’m halfway through my last year of high school.”

As previously mentioned, Fezeka plans on majoring in business with a focus in marketing. She is looking forward to attending a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). “I have already connected with a lot of my future classmates, and I am absolutely loving it so far,” Fezeka said. “It’s kind of comical how I decided upon applying to an HBCU, specifically Howard. In 2019 about a week before Beyoncé’s Homecoming concert film was released, I attended a convention for my mom’s sorority in New Orleans. While there, I experienced a culture of Black excellence that I had never been exposed to in-person before. I knew that this was the college experience I wanted, yet I was still confused on how it would be achieved if not merely for the Divine Nine Greek life. This leads me to Beyoncé’s Homecoming. After returning home from the trip, I watched the movie and understood that it was the HBCU experience that I was admiring and longing for, Howard to be specific.” After undergraduate work, Fezeka has plans to live in a bigger city and pursue a master’s degree in Business Administration.

While Fezeka seems to have accomplished a ton over her short life and has plans to accomplish still more, she is most proud of the progression of her crocheting over the years. “It still amazes me that I can transform a flimsy piece of yarn into something as refined as a fancy evening dress,” Fezeka said.

Fezeka’s mother, Charissa, and her stepfather Michael Johnson, await the start of the Homecoming court presentation on October 9, 2020, at Grim Stadium. Fezeka was one of the 2020 Homecoming maids and was crowned the runner-up to the Homecoming Queen.

A group hug contains Fezeka and her swim teammates as they celebrate a victory in the 200 medley relay during the 2021 district swim meet on January 23. With her are Helen Chen, Hannah McElhiney, and Laney Latham.

photo by JOHN BUNCH

no quit & a lot of

by JILEEN PLATT

“I had no intentions of ever marrying a cowboy.”

If you ask Leslie Crumpton now though, she has no regrets marrying Billy Crumpton, a third-generation local cattle rancher. Nor does she regret raising their two young daughters on a 45-acre farm with cows, horses, goats, donkeys, lots of dogs, and an occasional pig or two.

In the 1960s, Billy’s grandfather bought 141 acres off Sparks Lane in Wamba. After his death, the land was split three ways for each of his children, including Billy’s father, Lynn.

Lynn and his wife, Evelyn, raised their boys on the land. “The farm wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them,” states Leslie. “They believed that you kept land in the family, you worked the land … and you preserved it with hard work and determination.” Lynn led by example. “My dad taught me that nothing in life is free. You have to work for it … sometimes with blood and sweat,” says Billy. “He expected me to take responsibility for what I was supposed to do. He also taught me manners and respect.”

Leslie moved to the farm when she and Billy married in 2002. Four years later, they welcomed a baby girl, Kennedy Camille, to their family. Five years after that, Kynzi Lynn was born. For the Crumpton girls, being on a horse is just a part of life. “We first put them on horses when they were 6 months

old,” remembers Leslie. “They started riding alone at age 5.” Around this age, the girls started working cattle with their dad.

“We didn’t force them to work cows. They just always wanted to go,” states Billy. When they were little and able to be on a horse by themselves “they’d go out to the pasture, gather the cattle, separate them, and drive them to the corral,” says Leslie. “As the girls got older they helped with giving wormer, vaccinations, and [ear] tags,” adds Leslie. “Grown men tell us they would rather work cows with our girls than with other grown men.” And if Billy is working cattle, he better schedule it when the girls can help or they get pretty upset. “The girls really love it,” explains Leslie. School mornings are difficult for the girls to get up for … “But when it’s time to work cows they usually beat me awake!” exclaims Billy.

In 2009, Billy was offered the position of Ranch Manager at BSL Farms, owned by Bob and Sonja Hubbard. As a 13-year-old, Billy helped a cousin work the same land when it was owned by Sonja’s father, Jim Yates. “Working at BSL Farms has been the best thing for me and my family … it’s really a dream come true.” Billy sees no difference with the way he works his cattle or the cattle at BSL Farms. “I have a passion to take care of [their] cattle as I do my own.” With hay production, a pecan orchard, 400 cows, and 200 yearlings

PHOTOGRAPHY

LESLIE AND BILLY CRUMPTON ENJOY WORKING THEIR FARM AND FOLLOWING THE RODEO CIRCUIT WITH THEIR GIRLS, KENNEDY AND KYNZI LYNN

GRIT !

to manage on BSL Farms, Billy stays plenty busy… and the girls take every chance they can to help.

One might think that growing up with a horse equals rodeos, but Billy and Leslie felt it important to not force their girls into anything. Over time, the girls chose to participate in various sports and activities, in which they both made impressive achievements. At the age of 7, though, Kynzi Lynn decided to start barrel racing. Her parents were supportive but were cautious because of the commitment. “We wanted to make sure she knew what she was getting into,” explains Leslie. They signed Kynzi Lynn up for several Play Days (a series of starter rodeo events) around the area for about a year. “She was very driven and focused… and loved it.”

After seeing Kynzi Lynn’s enjoyment, Kennedy casually participated in a rodeo event on the campus of Southern Arkansas University. She did well enough to win first place and $90. After that, she was hooked.

“We don’t buy trained horses,” explains Leslie. “The girls have to train their own horses to run barrels and poles.” Kennedy and Kynzi Lynn, ages 14 and 9 now, enthusiastically spend hours riding, going around the barrel or pole pattern, working with their horses, and perfecting where to put their hands and feet. Luckily, in 1999, Billy and his father built an arena on the land. The

Kenzie Adkins (center) has been a great role model and coach to both Kynzi Lynn and Kennedy. She is in the senior division and carries the flag at the start of each rodeo.

girls have easy access to almost everything they need. “It wasn’t until 2019 that Billy put up lights,” explains Leslie. “It made our quarantine great … some nights we stayed up until 2 a.m. practicing with the horses.”

Kennedy and Kynzi Lynn participate in Play Days regularly, both winning several ribbons and first place buckles. The girls are also members of the South West Arkansas High School Rodeo Association (SWAHSRA). They participate in rodeos across the region twice a month and have done well. Kennedy even made it to finals her first year with Kynzi Lynn just barely missing it. “The girls support each other in the arena. When one is competing, the other is encouraging what to do next and how to get better,” says Leslie.

Both Billy and Leslie have noted that their girls have gained knowledge and capability, not just in the arena, but also from living on a farm. “The girls have a sense of maturity… they have experiences and skills that come from having to make decisions,” explains Leslie. Some don’t realize that Billy and both girls are affected by dyslexia. While sometimes challenging, “they have a different sense of things,” states Leslie. “[Dyslexia] helps them to think outside the box… And having responsibility [on the farm] means they are more confident.” “They’ve got ‘no quit and a lot of grit!’” adds Billy.

Being a part of the rodeo family has schooled the girls in other positive ways. “They’ve learned more patriotism, manners, leadership, sportsmanship… and how to respect livestock, others, and each other.” As parents, Billy and Leslie “wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Leslie, a cosmetic injector trained under the tutelage of Dr. Kimberly Parham, now works at Pleasant Grove Medical Spa. “The owners of Botox came … and trained me,” says Leslie. “I started with a handful of patients, and my following has grown from there.” She is also a cervical cancer survivor since 2014.

In addition to BSL Farms and his own farm, Billy works on-call for Bowie County. “When livestock are found … I get called,” explains Billy. Sometimes his girls join him when he needs to round up stray farm animals and return them to their owners. “I’ve helped pick up lots of animals … sometimes on the interstate,” says Billy. Several years ago he was on the front page of the newspaper on his horse chasing a pony on Arkansas Boulevard.

Their Andma (Evelyn) passed away in 2017 and was only able to see the girls compete in Play Days, but their Grumpy (Lynn) is always supporting

Kennedy on Zero coming out of the arena after running the barrel pattern in 2020. (Photo by Kevin Goodman)

Kynzi Lynn running the pole pattern on Strawberry (the horse she bought herself) at the Four States Fair arena last year. (Photo by Kevin Goodman)

Billy and Leslie with Kynzi Lynn (baby) and Kennedy (child) on Buck, Billy’s first roping horse. Many kids, as well as some adults, learned to ride on Buck.

them. “Grumpy is very involved in what the girls do,” states Leslie. Recently, Kynzi Lynn bought her very own horse, Strawberry, partly from money she made from a joint cattle sale with her Grumpy. There is always work to be done at 4C Farms, which is the name Leslie and Billy chose to call their farm. They have a registered brand with a custom design that Billy made for Leslie’s birthday in 2015. During school breaks or holidays, the work doesn’t end. And when there’s bad weather, it just means there’s more to do. But the family, along with Grumpy, does it together, doing what they love, and knowing that hard work, whether in the saddle or not, always pays off.

Two-year-old Kynzi Lynn riding Roco, the Crumptons’ 29-year-old horse that was born at their ranch and has been there his entire life.

Kennedy riding Benji after Benji’s owner, Justin Thomas, asked Kennedy to see if his horse had barrel potential. This was only Benji’s second time in a competition, and they placed in the 4D division out of approximately 225 barrel racers.

Leslie and Billy at The Cattle Barron’s Ball in 2014.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

GEORGE WASHINGTON TEA CELEBRATED VIRTUALLY BY LONE STAR CHAPTER NATIONAL SOCIETY DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

On February 13, the Lone Star Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, virtually celebrated its annual George Washington Tea. The members participated in a Zoom presentation on George Washington and had tea in their homes due to COVID restrictions.

Tammie Duncan

Linda Emert

Corrine Hinon

LaNita Burroughs

Merle Duncan, Cheryl Stovall and Makenzie Lewis

Chayta Mills

Elizabeth Allison and Jan Applegate

Nona Culpepper

Christina Swilley

Vicki Carr

Angie Duke

Marsi Millonzi

Marji Fuerst

Polly Ann Powers

Elizabeth and Ashton Allison

Kathryn Robertson

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

LONE STAR CHAPTER DAR AWARDS MARJORIE MATHIS FUERST WITH THE THATCHER AWARD

Lone Star Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently presented the Thatcher Award to member, Marjorie Mathis Fuerst. She received a Thatcher pin and an embossed citation signed by the NSDAR president general and the JAC national chair.

The Thatcher Award was established in 1948 by the Junior American Citizens Committee. It is presented to DAR members who have shown outstanding leadership, dedication, and service to the JAC program. The program promotes civics education, American Heritage, history, love of country, and service. Mrs. Fuerst has worked diligently in promoting and awarding students in this community with these contests.

Marjorie Mathis Fuerst

photo by JOHN BUNCH PHOTOGRAPHY

ALegacy of Faith, Family, Paying it Forward

TERRI LANDES FORRESTER AND BRITTANY

FORRESTER EARNEST REPRESENT TEXARKANA AS THE ONLY MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO TO HOLD MISS TEXARKANA AND MISS TEEN TEXARKANA TITLES

by AMBER SMITH ZALISKI

As times change, and our small town continues to grow, some traditions endure. As the only mother-daughter duo to hold the titles of Miss Texarkana and Miss Teen Texarkana, respectively, Terri Landes Forrester and Brittany (Britt) Forrester Earnest agree that it has been an honor to represent and serve the community through these roles. A tight-knit family, Terri and Britt both feel blessed to call Texarkana home - where they can foster a legacy of faith, family, and paying it forward.

Both Terri and Britt are born and raised locals, but to simply say their Texarkana roots run deep would not do their family history justice. “I know that my family history goes back to at least my great-great-grandmother,” Terri said. “She had a twin sister, my great-great-great aunt, and they were part of the founding of Trinity Church - under an oak tree way back when.” Since returning home with her own family, Britt appreciates even more the pace of life that Texarkana affords, the way the past and future blend together, and Terri agrees. “It is a really cool thing to be able to take our grandchildren to Spring Lake Park and remember when we took Britt there, and then to think about being a child playing out there (when there was a zoo!) with my own grandparents,” Terri said. “We love the generational aspect of this community. It just feels very special.”

Terri’s journey to becoming Miss Texarkana 1982 happened almost on a whim. “I saw a flyer,” she laughed. “I grew up watching Miss America and always loved it, and I thought this would be a fun experience and a great opportunity.” While there was a little more preparation than that –Terri was a dancer and had been a Lieutenant for the Texas Highsteppers at Texas High, and was crowned Miss Arkansas High when she transferred her senior year – her pageant career happened very organically. “Miss AHS was the first pageant I ever participated in and loved it, so I thought maybe I

Dustin, Larkin, Callaway, Britt, and Carlyle Earnest pose for 2020 family photos in front of the Perot Theatre. (Photo by Images by April Photography)

would just try a bigger one. Terri was crowned Miss Texarkana, also winning the swimsuit and interview portions of the competition, and earned a spot at the Miss Texas pageant. “Through the whole process, it was really the most amazing experience I had ever encountered.”

As she prepared for the Miss Texas competition, Terri remembers how blessed and humbled and excited she felt getting everything organized and prepared. “I was 18, working at Dillard’s, and when I got the courage to ask about a sponsorship, they went above and beyond and donated my entire week’s wardrobe. The community really rallied around me and helped me get there, which is something I will never forget.” Also impossible to forget is the exhilaration of stepping onto the big stage to dance to “Fame,” and how much she always loved interviewing with the judges. “I loved performing,

the fanfare, how glamorous it all felt,” Terri said, “and really I felt so blessed to be in this group with so many unique women with big dreams and big hearts, and I loved being part of something bigger than myself.”

The sense of confidence and the value of service stayed with Terri when she returned home. She used her scholarship money to take computer classes at Texarkana College, married her high school sweetheart, Bill Forrester, and they happily made their home in Texarkana. When they welcomed a baby girl into their lives, you may assume that Terri already had tiny pageant gowns picked out. “Oh, no!” Terri laughed. “We never tried to steer Britt in that direction, we put her in all kinds of sports and activities, but she was always the one on the soccer field dancing around and picking flowers.”

Britt remembers from a pretty young age wanting to compete. “I grew up

Terri in the Perot Theatre after being crowned Miss Texarkana 1982.

Always sharing special mother-daughter time, Terri and Britt took advantage of the beautiful fall scenery during Thanksgiving 2012.

(Photo by Kendall Dockery Photography)

Britt after being crowned Miss Teen Texarkana Texas 2004 holding the Overall Swimsuit and Interview awards she received during the pageant.

seeing my mom’s competition photos and pictures of our cousin, Larkin Parker, who was Miss Teen Texarkana and Miss Teen Texas in 1996, and I wanted to do that.” Following Terri’s guidance, Britt didn’t begin competing right away. “My mom always told me that when I had a talent I could compete. I would sing along with ‘Blue’ by LeAnn Rimes on a cassette player in my room as a child and tell her I was ready! I was a terrible singer!” Britt laughed. “My talent ended up being ballet en pointe – thankfully!”

Britt was 15 when she was crowned Miss Teen Texarkana Texas in 2004. Over the next several years, she earned many titles – Miss Teen Metrocrest 2005, Miss Texarkana Teen USA 2006, Miss North Texas 2008, and Miss Texarkana USA 2010 and was 2nd runner-up for Miss Arkansas – and consistently won swimsuit and interview and community service awards. “One of my favorite memories is from my first Teen Texas state competition; a group of my close friends and their moms came to support me, surprised me with signs on my hotel door, and I probably had the loudest cheering section of all! They really made it extra fun!” Britt also enjoyed presenting her platform “Dare to Care - Preventing Bullying” at the different elementary schools. “I will never forget all the little kiddos that would come talk to me after I spoke and tell me their stories with their sweet eyes and hugs. They blessed me.”

Terri and Britt will each tell you that beyond any sash or crown or title, they are most grateful for the opportunities to serve and the confidence they gained through their pageant careers, and they both find great joy in paying it forward. “I really love helping other young women that are interested in competing, and I know Britt does as well,” Terri said. For some time the mother-daughter duo worked together on their own business, “Sash Prep and Consulting.” “We both found the competition experience to be very empowering and fulfilling, and we love to help other young women in developing their individual gifts and to work

During

the Miss Texas pageant in Fort Worth in 1982, Terri’s talent performance was a dance routine to the theme song from the musical, “Fame.”

Britt’s talent during the Miss Teen Texas competition in Dallas was a classical ballet to “Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.”

A family celebration in honor of Larkin’s first birthday was held during April 2020 in the Earnest home. With her are father, Dustin; mother, Britt; brother, Callaway; grandmother, Terri; brother, Carlyle; and grandfather, Bill. (Photo by Images by April Photography)

toward becoming the best version of themselves.”

Britt, married to her own high school sweetheart, Dustin Earnest, is grateful to be back home and to be involved in the community that helped shape them. “Dustin and I met as seniors in high school. I invited the Texas High guy to the Pleasant Grove Sadie Hawkins,” Britt said. “We both attended The University of Texas at Austin, and then moved to Dallas and then Fort Worth for work. As soon as we were pregnant with our first child, we decided to jump out of the hundred hour work weeks.” Now they have more time for their most important work: their three children, Callaway (5), Carlyle (3), and Larkin (1). While the pace is slower, there is plenty to keep the Earnest family busy. Dustin is the CFO for Tri-State Iron and Metal Company and an associate professor of finance at TAMU-T, and Britt stays involved in many local organizations including CASA, Watersprings Ranch, the local Texas Exes Chapter, Grace House Ministry, and others. “We spend a lot of time playing outside, feeding the chickens, fishing in the pond, and we love to sit down to dinner together while swapping stories and everybody telling about ‘the best part of the day.’”

As the Forrester and Earnest families instill the value of community in the next generation, they feel blessed to “do life” here, together. Whether that is having a conversation over lunch at a local restaurant, or enjoying a performance at the Perot Theatre, or taking the whole family camping at their favorite nearby nature spots, they love having a connection to the past while looking ahead to the future. For Terri and Brittany, the shared experiences of being Miss Texarkana and Miss Teen Texarkana have been incredibly rewarding. “It is a lifelong sisterhood that we get to share with fellow titleholders,” Britt said. “It is truly a bond, and I am so fortunate that I get to share that with my mom.”

Terri, Britt (Miss North Texas 2008), and Bill during the Miss Texas awards ball in Dallas after Britt made the Top 10.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

MARC-ANDRÉ BOUGIE SELECTED AS A SEMI-FINALIST FOR THE AMERICAN PRIZE IN PERFORMING ARTS

Texarkana College’s professor of music, Marc-André Bougie, has been selected as a semifinalist in the Choral Music Division of The American Prize National Nonprofit Competition in the Performing Arts for a requiem he composed during the pandemic. The competition is the nation’s most comprehensive series of contests in the classical arts and is designed to evaluate, recognize, and reward the best performers, ensembles, and composers in the United States.

Marc-André is very excited about the selection of his piece as a semi-finalist. “During the months of quarantine, I found myself in prayer, thought and reflection as to how I could use my background in music composition and performance to help bring about healing and peace during these difficult times,” he said. “For years, I wanted to work on a requiem composition but never had the time to gather my thoughts. Last May, the time was afforded to me, and once I started the work, I was fully engulfed in the process.” The requiem took him two months to complete, working seven days a week from morning until night. “It was intense,” he said. “Once I get into a composition, I can’t get out of it; I have to write it down. It’s a feeling that is hard to explain.”

Marc-André said a requiem is a genre of music historically used during a funeral mass and dates back hundreds of years. “A requiem was a genre of music established centuries ago in the Roman church,” he said. “One of the most famous pieces was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and dozen other composers have been inspired through the years by the ancient prayers and lyrics associated with requiems. This genre reaches back in history to times that were very dark, and, as a composer, I could feel the connection. It really spoke to me to capture the inspiration of these prayers.”

Since he is also the conductor of the Texarkana Regional Chorale, Marc-André said the piece was composed to include more than 100 performers. However, to enter the competition, he was able to provide a sample performance from a live rendition performed by 20 performers at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. “It takes about 30 minutes to perform the entire piece,” he said. “It is based on a very long text with a lot of words and prayers set to music. My hope is that by November 2021, the Texarkana Regional Chorale can perform the piece in its entirety. November is a month of remembrance for those who have departed. I hope we can see a large choral group perform in public by that date.” Anticipation about the debut of Marc-André’s composition has landed him an invitation to perform the piece on the world-famous Carnegie Hall stage in New York City. “I am so honored for the opportunity to conduct the requiem at Carnegie Hall on March 19, 2022,” he said. “This is also a memorable occasion for members of the Texarkana Regional Chorale and Texarkana College music students who will be performing the piece on stage. We be joined by the New England Symphonic Ensemble and also world-class soloists.”

“I am proud to put our community’s name out there!” said Marc-André. “We have so much talent here locally and there are excellent student composers at Texarkana College. It is a dream of mine to leave a legacy through music, and to have the opportunity to debut the composition on the Carnegie Hall stage is such a huge honor. My hope is that I can leave behind a piece that will generate a life of its own for generations to come.”

The American Prize has attracted thousands of qualified contestants from all 50 states since its founding in 2010. The competition has awarded nearly $100,000 in prizes in all categories and is presented annually in many areas of the performing arts.

The American Prize will be announcing finalists later this spring. More information about this prestigious national competition can be found online at http://www.theamericanprize.org/, or follow the news on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/pages/TheAmerican-Prize-celebrating-Americanexcellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize.

Marc-André Bougie

A CREAT IVE JOURNEY ... a beautiful life

AMY THOMAS’S ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT HAS LED TO PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS AND PERSONAL FULFILLMENT

by VICKI MELDE

Creating a successful business venture requires much more than a grand idea. While a captivating concept is a required starting point, dedication and drive – and a solid business plan – are also crucial. Many dream of owning their own business but few have the passion and commitment to bring their dreams to fruition. Texarkana native Amy Torrans Thomas is one of those rare individuals.

Amy credits her parents with her innate entrepreneurial spirit. “My father was a perpetual entrepreneur who pursued and succeeded in many varied business ventures,” Amy explained. “He always insisted that his children start hanging out and working for him as teenagers.” Her admiration for both of her parents is evident. “My mother gave me the confidence to do whatever I set in my mind,” she shared.

Growing up and still residing in Texarkana is a point of pride for Amy. She has fond memories of spending time with her parents who, as Amy lovingly recalled, truly enjoyed the company of their children. “As far as siblings go, my father always said I was the youngest of six ‘only children!’”

As her first foray into conceiving her own business, Amy drew upon her impeccable taste and personal style to create Gables. This upscale home décor boutique provided the Texarkana community an opportunity to indulge in luxury linens and unique home furnishings and gifts. Amy’s eye for distinctive merchandise along with her gracious manner made Gables an immediate favorite in the area.

A strong commitment to the Texarkana community led Amy and her partners to her next – and even greater – venture … the transformation of Northridge Country Club. Her vision for the club led to a significant expansion of the facility and a “facelift” that made it quite a showplace. The new look and commitment to exemplary service breathed new life into the club that had been a part of the Texarkana social scene since the 1960s. “The customers at Gables and the members of Northridge were always very supportive and kept us motivated,” Amy stated with gratitude. “I am especially proud of what all the partners were able to accomplish at Northridge and am pleased to see it continue to thrive today.”

Those with a creative spirit seem to be constantly observing their

Amy enjoys taking her Manebangle trailer to festivals. Her first trip this year will be to the local Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-States Area’s Twice as Fine Texarkana Wine Festival scheduled for May 1.

surroundings in search of their next venture. The idea for Amy’s latest business adventure, Manebangle, actually came to her while she was “hanging out at Trinity Groves in Dallas.” (For those unfamiliar with Trinity Groves, it is a restaurant “incubator” where new restaurant concepts and innovations are born and developed.) “We noticed that almost all of the young women around us were wearing elastic ponytail holders on their wrists,” she recalled. “So the idea to create a more attractive bracelet that could also serve as an extremely comfortable and functional ponytail holder was born. Creativity begat creativity!”

For those who are fortunate to know Amy Thomas, she has a relaxed elegance about her … refined, yet comfortable. Seeing Amy in a pair of jeans and old boots would remind one more of a Ralph Lauren commercial than of someone straight off the ranch – yet she would likely be at ease in either setting. Thus it was not surprising that Amy would create something simple and functional, yet with heightened style and beauty.

As aforementioned, the clever idea is only the beginning. After several trips to leather stores and many trials and errors over the next two years, the current design was eventually developed. “With pride in our accomplishment, we decided to trademark our name and, most importantly, were recently awarded a patent for our creation,” Amy shared. “To further delineate our invention, we acquired the ability to custom engrave our products.”

The “we” and “our” Amy refers to is the partnership with her wonderful husband of 25+ years, Jon. “He has always been very supportive and encouraging of all my business ventures,” Amy was quick to declare. “My journey through life has been enriched beyond measure due to him. As the sole rheumatologist in Texarkana for over 21 years, he is extremely loved by his patients due to his dedicated, compassionate, and caring personality.”

After hours and hours of online research, Jon designed and acquired the equipment necessary to mass produce their products and streamlined the manufacturing process. However, the Thomases give a great deal of credit to

Amy and John with their white Lab, Holly, at their farm in Arkansas.

Jon cuts out leather on the clicker press, the first step in the making of a Manebangle

two dedicated young ladies, Laura Steed and Brooke DuPree. “Manebangle could not have been brought to life without their help,” Amy said. “But for their talents and hard work, Manebangle would not be what it is today.”

So what is Manebangle today? It is primarily a wholesaler for boutiques and salons but they also have online retail stores on Shopify, Facebook, and Instagram. They have dedicated a small section of their Richmond Road location to retail sales as well. Manebangles are currently sold in several boutiques and salons in Arkansas, Missouri, and Louisiana. “Boutique and salon owners are already such dedicated entrepreneurs that it makes our venture working with them that much more rewarding and enjoyable,” Amy reflected.

Though life is extremely busy for the Thomases with Jon’s bountiful medical practice and Amy running a successful business, they find time to spend at their farm in Arkansas – dabbling in blueberries, trees, and pumpkins. It is obvious that they genuinely appreciate each other and enjoy their time together. “We’ve always had one or more dogs instead of children,” Amy shared. “Currently we have a white Lab – Holly - who pretty much goes wherever we go and is Manebangle’s mascot.”

Amy added, “If our future is anything like our past, it will be full of laughs, hard work, and a continuing appreciation of the little things in life.” When asked to describe herself in three words, Amy preferred to offer the words she believes Jon would use to describe her … impassioned, impatient, and impatient!

Favorite quotes or words to live by are often a window into the soul. That certainly seems to hold true with the words Amy considers the best advice she’s ever received. From The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz …

If you are impeccable with your word, if you don’t take anything personally, if you don’t make assumptions, if you always do your best, then you are going to have a beautiful life.

While creating lovely things for others and taking Ruiz’ advice to heart, Amy Thomas has indeed created a beautiful life.

Jordan Howard of Little Rock models Manebangles in her hair and on her wrist. Jordan is the face of many of the Manebangle products and worked along with The Sells Agency of Little Rock to help Amy and Jon create their image. (Photo by John Hodges of the Sells Agency)

Without the talent and hard work of Brooke DuPree and Laura Steed, Amy admits that Manebangle would not be what it is today.

Engraved Manebangles are available as special orders with a 45-piece minimum.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

HILTON GARDEN INN DISTRIBUTES GOODIE BAGS TO HEALTHCARE HEROES

On February 12, just in time for Valentine’s Day, Hilton Garden Inn Director of Sales Barbara Walker and her team distributed goodie bags to nurses deployed to Texarkana to assist during the pandemic. Since these nurses work six days a week, 12-hour shifts, and have not seen their families in months, Barbara wanted to let them know that their efforts are truly appreciated. She began by reaching out to local businesses in the hopes that they would help her gather supplies, and in true Texarkana fashion, they did not disappoint. In less than a week, her office was overloaded with items such as assorted snacks, socks, lotion, lip balm, gift cards, pens, assorted drinks, water bottles, candy, eyeglass cleaning wipes, etc. Barbara and her team completed filling bags in approximately two hours, and then began distributing the care packages. She is very grateful to American Sign & Banners, Big Jake’s BBQ, Farmers Bank & Trust, Fat Jack’s, Ledwell, Retreat Health Care, Rowe Casa, Signature ER, Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, Texarkana Emergency Center, Twisted Fork, and Wholesale Electric, for helping her gather essentials for our healthcare heroes.

Josey Jones, Michael Rocca and Jessica Harden

photo by ALAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY

Called to Serve the Community

AS THE DIRECTOR OF BOWIE COUNTY PROBATION, TERRI BARRETT GILES POSSESSES A GENUINE DESIRE TO HELP PEOPLE

by ELLEN ORR

“When I was 18, I had assumed that everyone lived like we did,” said Terri Barrett Giles, Director of Bowie County Probation. “Growing up in the small town of De Kalb, I had no idea—I wasn’t even aware of probation.”

Terri’s father, Dale Barrett, was the Bowie County Commissioner for 24 years. When Terri began studying at Texarkana College immediately following high school, he recommended she apply for a part-time position open at the Probation Department. In September 1985, Terri was hired as a receptionist. With her sights set on becoming a kindergarten teacher, she had begun her college career as an education major. Soon, however, she realized a different calling.

“To become exposed to this population [of people on probation], to hear their stories—that they were selling drugs on the corner when they were 10 years old for their parents

Terri (front row, far right) with CSCD employees, Judge Jeff Addison, and Judge John Tidwell during the Bowie County Specialty Court on May 2019 at First Baptist Church Texarkana.

because they would receive less punishment than the parent, or that, at 7 years old, their dad would give them a beer, and they’d start drinking . . . I just saw a need and knew I wanted to work with this population,” she recalled.

In 1987, Terri was promoted to caseworker, a job she worked full-time while attending East Texas State University. In 1992, she graduated and was promoted to a probation officer. In 2001, she became a supervisor, and in 2007, she took on the role of Assistant Director. In 2017, she was appointed as the Interim Director, and in 2018, 33 years after she was hired as a part-time receptionist, Terri was named the first female Director of Bowie County Probation. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my mentors: Linda Hooper, Harland Jones, Gary Morgan, Jerry Morgan, and Jack Pappas,” she said.

When Terri began 36 years ago, there were 11 probation officers in the county, 10 of them men. Today, she leads a team of 26 officers, six of whom are men. This gender flip isn’t the only way the department has changed over the last four decades.

Probation is no longer primarily a punitive exchange. Rather, Terri’s department today works to empower offenders to comply with the conditions of their probation by offering employment classes and referring them to treatment for substance abuse and other mental illnesses. There are five licensed professional counselors on staff—an invaluable resource Terri does not take for granted.

The increased magnitude of what the department offers is not offset by the increase in staff; officers today work longer hours than ever before. “This is not a Monday-to-Friday, 8-to-5 job

Devoted Razorback fans, Terri and Greg celebrated their granddaughter’s (Penelope Giles) first experience cheering the Hogs at Reynolds Razorback Stadium during October 2019.

In 2019, Terri and Greg celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary at one of their very favorite places, The Ritz Carlton, Cancun.

The Giles’ attended CHRISTUS St. Michael Foundation’s Boots and Black Tie Gala on February 7, 2020.

any longer,” she said, “and every day is very stressful. Working in probation requires time management and organizational skills. A single caseload could have 150 cases.” At any given time, the department is handling about 4,000 cases.

The only predictable element of a workday is that it will be nonstop; other variables are wild, due to the barriers faced by the population served. “For example, a lot of offenders don’t have transportation; they’re relying on the bus system, or someone has to bring them in, or they have to walk—it is a struggle,” Terri said. “[As a probation officer,] you to have to stop and think, ‘Okay, this person wasn’t just able to get in their car, crank the engine, and drive here. They’re probably going to be late.’ However you have your day planned—it may not go that way.”

Understandably, the field of probation experiences high employee turnover. “This is a job, in my opinion, that you either love or hate,” she said. “There is no in-between. It is very difficult. It’s repetitious. It’s a lot of documentation. The word I think I hear the most is ‘overwhelmed.’ It is very overwhelming. You work very hard, you’re very committed, and you don’t always see the success that you’re expecting to see. It can be frustrating.”

Terri believes that the key to longevity is passion for the people. “You have to genuinely care for that person who’s sitting across from you—understand where they’ve been and how they got here in order to help them,” she said. “You have to have that desire to help people, which most probation officers do. And when you do see people’s behaviors change, it’s so rewarding.”

Much of Terri’s career fulfillment comes from the Bowie County Women’s Recovery Center, a 10-month residential program for

Terri’s parents, Sherry and Dale, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Destin, Florida, in 2013. Family members there to honor them were: Ashley Giles Coleman (Greg’s daughter), Greg and Terri, Kyle Barrett (Terri’s brother), Morgan Stokes (Terri’s niece) and Sherri Stokes (Terri’s sister).

women facing incarceration over substance abuse or mental health issues. Since opening in 2008, the program has graduated 1,179 women. “We have a graduation ceremony every month,” Terri said. “A lot of the women we see have never completed a high school degree. To see people who have never participated in any sort of graduation ceremony—it’s amazing.”

The women at the center are not a homogenous group, however. “Substance abuse doesn’t discriminate; it affects all walks of life,” Terri emphasized. “One woman might have dropped out of high school, while the person next to her might be a speech pathologist. You may have someone who’s 21 sitting next to someone who’s 65 and has never maintained any kind of sobriety.

“I remember sitting at one of the graduations and thinking how easy it would be for me to be on the other side—you know, if I had taken the wrong path, or if I’d been exposed to the trauma that these women have endured, it could easily be me,” she continued.

In addition to the Women’s Center, Terri is also proud of and grateful for the county’s specialty courts. Previously known as drug courts, these dockets allow a team of people—judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, counselors, and probation officers—to work together to rehabilitate offenders who experience substance addiction and mental illness.

“Our department has done a lot of good over my career,” she reflected. “Everyone in our county works so well together. The judges—Judge John Tidwell, Judge Jeff Addison, Judge Craig Henry—they are so supportive of everything we do, and that makes all the difference.”

During March 2017, Terri celebrated her 50th birthday at Verona Restaurant with her mother, Sherry Barrett; sister, Sherri Stokes; and brother, Kyle Barrett.

photo by ALAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY

HEART SOUL FOR HELPING OTHERS &

AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HAVEN HOMES AND MINISTRY LEADER OF CELEBRATE RECOVERY, JENI ELDRIDGE CARRIES OUT HER FAVORITE HOBBY OF LOVING PEOPLE

by JENNIFER JORDAN

There are ups and downs in everyone’s life. For most people, the positives outweigh the negatives. For some people, though, life is full of constant struggle. They don’t have the personal and spiritual resources to get through the dark times. They need to know that they are valued, that they have self-worth, and that God loves them. They just don’t know how to believe this. But they haven’t met Jeni Eldridge yet.

Jeni has a heart and soul for helping broken people. As the Executive Director of Haven Homes and Ministry Leader of the Celebrate Recovery program at First Baptist Church Texarkana, Jeni gets to see people healed every day. A friend once described her as a “weeds person.” “I love pulling people out of the weeds when they are ready to come out,” she explains. “The word tells us some plant, some water, and some get to see to the finished product. At Celebrate Recovery and at Haven Homes sometimes we are planting, sometimes we are watering, and sometimes we get to see all of the weeds in a person’s life weeded out. Then we get to see the absolute beautiful product of what God meant them to be.”

As a mother, grandmother, and retired teacher, Jeni has served people much of her life. In June 2013, two years before retiring from public school teaching, Jeni received a phone call from a friend while she was walking around her block. “My phone rang, and the voice on the other end said ‘Jeni, you have to do this.’ A very dear friend who I had visited with on several occasions about her home for women was very strongly encouraging me to open a home for women who struggled with drug and alcohol issues,” Jeni recalls. “I promised her I would ‘pray about it.’ The rest is history. Haven Homes was birthed because I did pray, and God spoke. Once you say yes to God you give it to Him. He will guide, direct, provide, and give you wisdom to follow through with what He has called you to. He will put the right people in your path to

help guide the mission.” Today, Haven Homes is living its mission by providing two homes for women who have graduated from Bowie County Women’s Center. “We opened our Haven Men’s Center in September of 2013,” Jeni explains. “This facility can house 44 men, offers a 12-month program, and does not charge any man coming into our program.” As of now Haven Homes has had over 170 men and women come through its program. A very large percentage of these men and women are restored to their families, living productive lives, and are being viable citizens in their communities through the grace and healing of Jesus.

The Celebrate Recovery ministry also teaches healing through Jesus, specifically through the eight Beatitudes and the traditional 12 step program. Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a worldwide ministry that began over 30 years ago through Cheryl and John Baker with Rick Warren at Saddleback Church. Today, over 30,000 churches host a Celebrate Recovery group, with materials translated into 19 languages. Millions have healed. The FBC Texarkana group began in 2013. In 2015, Ada Ferguson, the church counselor, approached Jeni about leading the group after the original leaders moved out of town. Jeni prayed about it, and thinking about how intertwined the CR and Haven Homes ministries are, why shouldn’t she take on the leadership role?

These ministries, in fact, helped Jeni as much as they have helped other people. “I have been told that you minister out of your own pain,” she comments. “Drugs and alcohol were never a habit or a hang up for me personally, but I minister from my hurt and experience it has brought to my life through my children. When you find your own children in the throes of addiction and alcoholism, it can cause some of the deepest hurt a parent can ever experience because you want to help. Isn’t that what a parent is supposed to do when their children are suffering? I prayed and pleaded with God to heal my children of this dreadful dark disease. I have

Jeni with her sons – Daniel, Josh, and Billy – enjoying family time last Thanksgiving in Louisiana.

Jeni enjoys some sand and surf time at Anna Marie Beach last November.

been called a codependent, an enabler, a protector from the system, and I am guilty, I have been a rescue Mom on steroids! I did it all thinking I could save my child, what parent wouldn’t? Finally, after many years of counseling and well-meaning people explaining to me one more time that until they were ready, they will not stop, until they hit their bottom, there was nothing I could do, I finally let go.”

Working with both Celebrate Recovery and Haven Homes and witnessing her own children’s struggles has taught Jeni much about addiction. It has also given Jeni hope that her children will get through their own journeys of recovery. She credits both ministries with helping her to navigate to the other side of “my insanity.”

While Haven Homes focuses on women and men recovering from alcohol and drug addiction, Celebrate Recovery reaches a broader audience of people who are hurting. Jeni elaborates, “Today, only one-third of the people who come to Celebrate Recovery come for alcohol or addiction issues. Through the program of CR, we invite everyone to come who has any hurt, habit, or hang-up. Who hasn’t been hurt in life? We believe through CR that you commit your life to Jesus Christ as your higher power and as your Lord and Savior. We will have troubles in this life but to walk in the confidence that we can live in eternity totally healed is amazing and life changing.” Jeni notes that some of the “hurts” that bring people to CR include PTSD, trauma from racial injustice, and living as an adult child of family dysfunction. Some of the “hang ups” or issues we have developed as a result of hurts include resentment, bitterness, negativity, low self-esteem, and lack of trust. Habits used to cope with the hurts include addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, food, shopping, as well as anger and control issues. Jeni elaborates that “we never really graduate from recovery because we live in a fallen world. Some of our hurts take years to heal from, and some we just need to say out loud, and

Peggy Goodwin, Jeni, and Stacey Smallwood during Haven Resale Store’s Grand Opening on October 15, 2020. The store is located in the former Bryce’s Cafeteria at 2021 Mall Drive.

God will heal. Some of us in recovery are here for a season and some are lifers. Some will find other ways to maintain their healing while others know the only way is to stay in a place of encouraging others, of serving others.”

Jeni could not lead the CR ministry without the invaluable aid of Chris Schroeder, the wise FBC counselor who teaches most lessons on Tuesday evenings, or the support of pastors Dr. Jeff Schreve and Larry Sims. She invites anyone to join their “forever family,” as the group members refer to each other, on Tuesday nights from 6-8 p.m. Jeni also remarks that other CRs meet on other nights in the Texarkana area.

When she’s not serving Haven Homes or CR, Jeni enjoys time with her five grandchildren, whom she considers her greatest joy. She also likes going to the beach with a good book or lying in bed with a good book. Yet, her favorite hobby is loving people. “I get to serve the most incredible people on earth today. The people who are brave enough to say I have a problem and I need help. What better hobby to have!” Indeed.

For more information on either Haven Homes or Celebrate Recovery, please contact Jeni at 903-277-2234.

Four of Jeni’s greatest blessings are her grandchildren, Liam, Cruz, Hava, and Poppy Kate.

The Celebrate Recovery banner lists many reasons that people become involved in this program.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER AT TEXARKANA COLLEGE AND THE TEXARKANA HOUSING AUTHORITY PARTNER TO PROVIDE

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at Texarkana College held an award ceremony on February 11 to present $500 scholarships to five students pursuing higher education credentials. The awards were provided through a donation from the Texarkana Housing Authority which contributed $2,500 toward the EOC Overcoming Barriers Scholarship Fund for the academic year. During the presentation, Melva Flowers, Texarkana Housing Authority Board President, said the agency and its affiliates are honored to partner with TC and the EOC program to provide scholarships.

The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at Texarkana College is a program designed to assist individuals with college matriculation. EOC is a federally funded TRIO program and services are provided to program participants free of charge who meet program eligibility requirements. EOC Program participants receive coaching and assistance with the college admissions process, completing of the federal financial aid application (FAFSA), and enrollment at the post-secondary institution of their choice. The Educational Opportunity Center at Texarkana College is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education.

EOC director, Lee Williams, III, said the Texarkana Housing Authority has partnered with the Educational Opportunity Center at Texarkana College since the program started at TC in Fall 2016.

All participants of the EOC program may apply for the Overcoming Barriers Scholarship. Recipients are selected by a committee who interviews each eligible applicant and determines adherence to scholarship criteria, academic achievement, community and school involvement, character, and demonstration of financial need.

EOC Overcoming Barriers Scholarship Recipients are Telluah Bozeman – Fall 2020; Lori Potts – Fall 2020; Andrea Williams – Fall 2020; Sharonda Smith – Spring 2021; and Haleigh Stone – Spring 2021.

(front row) EOC Director Lee Williams III, EOC Scholarship Recipient Sharonda Smith, EOC Scholarship Recipient Haleigh Stone, and Texarkana Housing Authority Board President Melva Flowers; (back row) EOC Educational Specialist Briana Fricks, EOC Educational Specialist Tenequa Martin, Texarkana College Foundation Executive Director Katie Andrus, Texarkana

photos by ALAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY

CHEERS to 50 Years

by ELLEN ORR

Celebrating 50 trips around the sun, the Texarkana Museums System is hosting events throughout 2021 that pay homage to its birth year. Spotlighting the fashion, entertainment, food, technology, science, and other aspects of Texarkana life in 1971, these events occur almost every weekend and serve people of all ages.

The month of March is packed with Saturday events: for the adults, an oral-history exhibit at the Museum of Regional History and a retro fashion show at the P. J. Ahern Home; and for the children, a golden Easter egg hunt at the Ace of Clubs House, plus a recreation of a 1971 Saturday morning—complete with sugary cereal and cartoons— hosted by Discovery Place. The rest of the calendar is just as delightfully planned.

“We’ll be hosting a ping-pong tournament, because 1971 is the year that the ping-pong ambassadors went to China,” said Board President Velvet Hall Cool. “We’re hopefully going to reestablish our Movies on the Lawn series and show some 1971 movies. There were enormous technological advances in the field of astronomy in 1971, so we plan to have a big astronomy event at the Ace of Clubs House around one of the meteor showers.”

This plethora of cultural contribution would surely delight the founders of the Museums System, who, in September of 1971, opened what we now know as the Texarkana Museum of Regional History. Then called the Texarkana Historical Society and Museum, its founding was made possible in large part thanks to the support of the Morriss and Offenhauser families. The historic Offenhauser Insurance Company Building, which has housed the museum since its inception, was donated to the Historical Society.

1990 – Texarkana Museums’ System’s annual Quadrangle Festival

2021 MARKS THE TEXARKANA MUSEUMS SYSTEM’S GOLDEN JUBILEE

Since day one, the museum has displayed artifacts; they do not purchase pieces for display. “We have thousands of objects,” said curator Jamie Simmons. “People constantly reach out to us with pieces of history that they’d like to donate. It’s really amazing, the eclectic nature of our collection. We really can depict a specific period in time pretty accurately and very broadly.”

The late Katy Caver was the first curator and director of the Museums System. “Her effort is really what laid the foundation for the Museums System,” Jamie said, “and I really do think that we’ve been able to last for 50 years due in part to [the work Mrs. Caver did] in those early years. I think is very important to how the museum has developed.”

The Museums System, which now consists of the Museum of Regional History, the Discovery Place Children’s Museum, and two historic homes has grown in many ways as was always intended by Mrs. Caver and others. “The Museums System was set up to spearhead preservation efforts that included saving historic sites [in both states],” Jamie explained, “and we’ve been able to operate both the Ace of Clubs House [located in Texas] and the PJ Ahern Home [located in Arkansas] for tours.

“Where we are now is thanks to where we started,” Jamie said. “I think that setting those goals early on has helped us maintain that trajectory.”

Looking ahead to the next 50 years, Velvet and Jamie see adaptability as key to preservation and growth. “One of the things that we grapple with is that technology changes so much, and the way that we preserve history today may be vastly different 50 years from now,” Velvet said. “My vision is that, however society pushes us forward, the museums system can adapt and maintain, so that the work we have done over the past 50 years does not get lost in the next 50 years.”

Jamie agreed, adding that historical preservation is vital not only for history’s sake but also for making meaning of current day. “I’ve always

2001 – Mary Fore with Trent and Bethany Hanna at the Ace of Clubs House during Christmas

seen [the Museums System] as a bridge between the present and the past,” she said. “[My vision is to continue] bridging that divide, so that people have an understanding and appreciation of where we came from as a community and can use that to understand where they are in the present moment.”

The Texarkana Museums System is open Tuesday through Sunday. A key way to support the museums system is by becoming a member, either in-person at the Museum of Regional History or online at www. texarkanamuseums.org. Follow the TMS’s Facebook page for event updates and more.

1972

– Docent M. Berry with a school tour at the Museum of Regional History

1980 – Mrs John Garrett, Katy Caver, Margaret Leigh Moores and Lynn Vammen

1985 – Ribbon cutting at the Texarkana Historical Museum with Katy Caver in the center

photo by ALAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY

Bringing Down the House

IN ADDITION TO PERFORMING, PLEASANT GROVE HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE ARTS DIRECTOR DEBBY SUTTON TEACHES HER STUDENTS VALUABLE LIFE SKILLS

by LINDSEY MCMILLAN

When Debby Sutton began teaching in 1988 she didn’t know it would be as a theatre instructor. Even though she had a background in music and an undergraduate degree in Education, she anticipated teaching senior English at Winnsboro High School but the principal added a class to her schedule. That class was Theatre Arts which she knew nothing about. What made it especially daunting was when the principal simply handed her the UIL Constitution and Contest rule book. Now over 30 years later, Debby has built a prosperous and solid Theatre Department at Pleasant Grove High School. Aptly named Curtain Call Productions, Debby, her staff, and students work tirelessly each school year putting on performances that are top-notch productions.

Amidst pandemic changes, they successfully presented the musical “Newsies” last fall, and currently, her advanced students are preparing their One Act Play for competition this spring. Countless area students are part of Curtain Call Productions with younger Pleasant Grove grades taking part in the musicals each year. Debby says the primary goal for her students is to learn valuable life skills through their various experiences in the program.

A native of Harmony Grove, Arkansas, Debby grew up enjoying music. She began her love of music in the fourth grade and played both the saxophone and clarinet in school bands and received a music scholarship to Henderson State University after graduating high school. She intended to become a band director, and it was there that she met her husband, Neal. They married in 1983, and Debby completed her undergraduate degree at The University of Texas at Tyler. Both educators, Debby and Neal lived and taught in Winnsboro, Texas, for three years.

Debby’s first year of teaching was full of surprises as not only was she introduced to learning all about Theatre Arts but she found out she was

During

pregnant with her first child on the first day of the school year. Her son, Jay, was born in May of 1989, and Debby and Neal had moved to Bridgeport, Texas, to teach for three years. Their son, Kevin, was born there in 1991. The family landed in Atlanta, Texas, where Neal was the band director at the high school, and Debby taught middle school English, Texas History, and Speech for three years. Debby started at Pleasant Grove High School

the “Newsies” performance, Skyler Kemp taps to the song “King of New York” with Winter Crouch, Sara Jayne Burroughs, Daphne Sexson, Olivia Edwards, and Zoe Sturgeon looking on. (Photo by Kevin Cook)

in 1997 and moved her sons into the district. Neal retired in 2003 and began work in the travel industry.

When Debby arrived at PGHS there was not an organized theatre program. One teacher split her time teaching theatre and speech, and debate, so Debby jumped right in. She recalls being in a science classroom and having to perform in the high school’s cafeteria. Their daily routines included breaking down lunch tables, setting up the stage, and reassembling the lunch tables afterward. She taught six different subjects, and their competitive ensemble met after school. “It was a dizzying year that culminated with our winning the district title and began a quest to build a program of which the school and community could be proud,” she explains.

By her fourth year at PG, the program had grown to four theatre classes and plans for building a space in which to perform. In fall of 2003, the Performing Arts Center was added to the high school. This space has been invaluable for various performing arts, and the PAC is a state-ofthe-art facility which holds over 6,000 in yearly audience attendance and is utilized for a variety of performances for PGISD and the community. Debby and her students keep busy as the facility is frequently rented out. As Debby says, “I knew that if we built it, they would come. And they did. We exploded in enrollment and added an assistant theatre director to our team. Over the years, we have methodically grown to four directors and a premier theatre program.” At the program’s largest in 2010, it included 188 high school students.

In addition, the program has garnered many accolades and achievements including 21 district championships, five bi-district championships, four state appearances, as well as a competitive speech team, technical theatre program, and state award-winning design and film programs.

There is no rest for the weary in Curtain Call Productions as they work year-round on one performance or another. There are currently four companies which encompasses a variety of students in grades 6-12. The varsity One Act Play company, Encore, is preparing “The Voice of the Prairie” by John Olive for UIL competition. The junior varsity acting company, Bravo, is in production for “Rumors” by Neil Simon, and the Theatre I Honors acting company, Finale, is working on “Front” by Robert Caisley. A recent new addition to the program includes a middle school company named Ovation. Debby’s primary mission is to instill qualities such as respect, courage, poise, confidence, and reliability. “I am most proud of how my students transfer their theatre skills to life skills that will take them to great heights no matter their chosen field. I want our kids to be global contributors, thinkers, and creative problem solvers never shying away from something just because it is difficult, but rolling up their sleeves and saying, ‘How can I help?’” Such traits, Debby says, help the students in every walk of life and a common daily saying they use is, “We are only as strong as our weakest link.” Looking back on her career, Debby is most happy right where she is. She has been working on earning her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, and her office is full of pictures and framed playbills from years of rich experiences. She gives much credit to that first high school administrator who threw her a curve ball. “Thirty-four years later, I am grateful to that desperate principal. Without the opportunity to pursue music, I not only found my voice, but also found a passion that could fill a void I didn’t even realize I had!” When not busy at school both in front of and behind the curtain, Debby enjoys every minute she can spend with her family, especially her two grandsons. Son, Jay, and his wife, Kim, are parents to Reid and

Members of Curtain Call Productions perform “Carrying the Banner” during the musical “Newsies” this past November in the Pleasant Grove High School Performing Arts Center. (Photo by Kevin Cook)

Ben, ages 2 years and 2 months, respectively. Her sons also entered careers of performing arts as Jay is the head band director at Redwater High School. Kevin is the head band director at Texas Middle School, and his wife, Anna, is the head band director at Redwater Junior High School. Debby enjoys making wreaths, garlands, and various floral arrangements. She and Neal are avid travelers but also enjoy family time at home, especially their Sunday lunches. Current and former students alike look to Debby for advice or simply to reminisce. She’s proven to be a valuable asset beyond Pleasant Grove ISD as her happy disposition, energy, and talents enrich the Texarkana community as a whole.

Donald Whaley, Jr. as the “Genie” and members of Curtain Call Productions celebrate after Jafar is vanquished in the musical, “Aladdin.”

(Photo by Kevin Cook)

Experts Ask the

CARRIE TRUSTY

Director of Marketing, Cornerstone Healthy Living Community

How does aging in a senior living community help combat loneliness?

Harvard Gazette, loneliness has been shown to be as dangerous as smoking and alcoholism. In addition, loneliness also increases a person’s risk of dementia by 40%. Studies have proven that older adults can live longer, happier, and healthier lives as part of a community, surrounded by friends. Living in a community like MRC Cornerstone, can not only bring a sense of purpose and more joy, but it also helps seniors live a more enriched life full of activities, friends, and new experiences.

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

MARCH 2021

MARCH

6

The Texarkana Symphony Orchestra will present “The Amazing Orchestra” during a 7:30 p.m. performance in the Perot Theatre. Experience the symphony through the eyes of a child! A concert for the whole family, this performance will introduce all to the vast world of symphonic music and features pianists Mary Scott Smith and Robin Thomas. For tickets, call the Perot Theatre Box office at 903-792-4992.

MARCH

13

The ArkLaTex 100 Club will host its fourth annual Pull for Heroes Sporting Clay Tournament at Rocky Creek Outdoors in Texarkana, Arkansas. Last year’s tournament collected approximately $35,000 to purchase tactical/protective equipment, fund special training, and assist surviving dependents of those men and women who pledge to protect our lives. For more information or to register, visit: www.thearklatex100club.org.

MARCH

13

The third annual Wagons for Veterans will be held at the Four States Fairgrounds. Gates will open at 10 a.m., and opening ceremonies will be held at 11:15 a.m. Meals cooked in cast iron pots over open fires will begin at 11:30 a.m. for a cost of $10 per person. Activities will include live music, car shows, Iron Munchers, and a live auction.

MARCH 23

Pleasant Grove ISD’s Margaret Fischer Davis Elementary School will host its Kindergarten Registration from 5-6 p.m. at the new campus, located at 2800 Galleria Oaks. New students and their families will be able to meet the teachers and tour the campus during this time. Call 903-838-0528 for more information.

APRIL 2021

APRIL 3

The ninth annual Ark-La-Tex Challenge Bike Ride will be held with registration, breakfast, and lunch

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taking place in the Liberty-Eylau High School parking lot. A staggered selfstart will be held so all cyclists are urged to be on the course no later than 9:15 a.m. This ride offers both novice and experienced cyclists a ride which allows them to travel through three states in one ride. Five distance rides will accommodate several cyclist levels. Proceeds from the event will benefit Texarkana Resources. For more information, visit: www.arklatexchallenge.com.

THROUGH APRIL 10

The 19th annual Regional Celebration of African-American Artists Exhibit will be displayed in the Regional Arts Building, located at 321 West 4th Street in Downtown Texarkana. Come explore the African-American artists’ exhibits which will include quilts, fabrics, and fibers. Call 903792-8681 for more information.

THROUGH APRIL 15

APRIL 24

CASA’s Colorful 5K will be held at Trinity Baptist Church’s Cross Country Trail. A Kids’ (ages 5-11) “Chase the Super Hero” Competitive Run will be held from 8:30-9 a.m. with the Adult Competitive 5K Run (ages 12 and up) and Family Walk held from 9-11 a.m. The event will benefit CASA for Children and the services they provide to more than 1,000 abused and neglected children a year. For more information, visit: www. runsignup.com/casacolorful5k.

Over $137,500 in cash will be awarded during the Millwood Fishing Challenge. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has released 100 yellow-tagged fish in Millwood Lake. The tags include a phone number and a prize number on them. If a fish is caught, the angler must call the phone number on the tag and present the fish with the yellow tag attached, along with the badge number. To obtain the rules or for more information, visit: www.ashdownarkansas.org or call 870-898-2758.

A Pinch of Salt

by Donnie Spriggs

I will just assume all my readers survived Snowmageddon without going completely crazy. Anyone who knows me knows I do not do well being stuck at home. I stay on the go or I am at the restaurant. I was not one of the people who raided the shelves for milk and bread. It has always been interesting to me that people get milk knowing there is a chance they could lose electricity. Maybe for their babies? Anyways, so, of course, since I was trapped in the house, I cooked! (And did my homework too if my professors are reading this.)

I thought about posting my potato soup recipes but then decided not to because I am tired of this cold weather. So instead, how about an easy sirloin slow cooker recipe? Oh, and yes, I said sirloin, not a chuck roast! This recipe can be tweaked so many ways and still be perfect!! You can see this over mashed potatoes or make it into a French dip! I always forget about this recipe until I start craving a French dip!

1 beef top sirloin steak (1-1/2 pounds)

1 medium onion cut into 1-inch chunks

1 medium green pepper cut into 1-inch chunks

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Dash crushed red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons cold water

DIRECTIONS:

In a large nonstick skillet, brown beef on both sides. Place onion and green pepper in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Top with beef. Combine broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, pepper, and pepper flakes; pour over beef. Cover and cook on high until meat reaches desired doneness and vegetables are crisp-tender, 3-4 hours. Remove beef and keep warm. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; gradually stir into cooking juices. Cover and cook on high until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes. Return beef to the slow cooker, heat through.

Hope y’all enjoy!

Do not forget to follow me on Instagram! @ pinch_of_salt20

Donnie Spriggs is a longtime resident of Texarkana, Texas. He has been in the restaurant industry since he was 16 and has been with Silver Star Smokehouse since 2014. He is a student at Texas A&M-Texarkana where he is part of the BAAS program. He loves people but likes food even more, mainly because food makes people happy!

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXARKANA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF JARVIS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE ANNOUNCES ITS 2020-2021 LIVING LEGENDS

The Texarkana Alumni Association of Jarvis Christian College recognizes local visionaries in the community who have given generously of their time and talent to help improve the community and the lives of others. The Association is in its third year of recognizing six community leaders with the 2021 Living Legend Awards. This honor showcases the outstanding commitment, dedication, and service they have given to the entire Texarkana community. Each year, they have been honored during a Living Legends brunch annual fundraiser. As a result of COVID-19, the brunch was canceled this year; however, they are still being recognized and congratulated for their extraordinary work.

Jarvis Christian College is a historically Black liberal arts, baccalaureate degree-granting institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The mission of the College is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery.

Mr. Gerald Brooks has been married to his college sweetheart, Ruthie Faye James, for 60 years. This union has produced three wonderful children, 10 adoring grandchildren, and 19 doting great grandchildren.

Education formed the backbone of Gerald’s life. He is a native of Tyler, Texas, graduated from Emmet J. Scott high school, earned a bachelor’s degree from Teas College, and earned a master’s degree from East Texas State University.

Gerald is a member of Omega Psi Phi service fraternity and currently celebrates 60 years of continuous service. He began his educational career at Texarkana Independent School District in 1963. While there, he served as a teacher and assistant principal. He retired from TISD in 2003. Additionally, he was an adjunct history professor at Texarkana College and taught classes at the Federal Correction Institution.

Currently, he serves on the TISD Board of Trustees, TEXAR board of directors, and Bowie County General Elections. He finds time to mentor students at Waggoner Creek Elementary School. He is an active member of Oak Street Baptist Church where he and his wife serve on the Usher Board. He also serves on the finance committee.

He and Ruthie enjoy gardening and yard work, listening to jazz music, and traveling with the family.

Gerald deserves all honors bestowed upon him and joins the area as a 2021 Living Legend.

Serving others is often a thankless undertaking readily accepted by those in ministry. Reverend L.B. George has been the pastor at Oak Street Baptist Church since 1971. In addition, he has served as associate pastor and pastor at several other Texas churches. He is among 12 recipients of the Elite News Religious Hall of Fame in Dallas in 1999.

Rev. George has been past president of the Christian Fellowship Union, Kappa Gamma Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Texas State Teacher Association, Pan Hellenic Council, District VIII Texas Elementary Principal Association, and the Texarkana Administration Council. He has also been advisor to the chaplains of Wadley Health System, past chairman of the Texarkana People’s Clinic, and former moderator of Bowie Baptist Association. He is also an honorary life member of National Congress of Parents and Teacher Association and the Texas State Teacher’s Association. He was affiliated with the Texarkana Baptist Ministers Union, the Christian Fellowship Union, National Baptist Convention, Texarkana Rotary Club, Diversity Awareness Committee for Texarkana Independent School District, Texarkana Friendship Center Board, and the Texarkana branch of the NAACP as well as being a Master Mason.

Rev. George’s work through the local church included helping implement outreach ministries at Oak Street like feeding lunch to the homeless, sick, and shut-in on Tuesdays and Thursdays, offering a youth ministry on Saturdays with classes for young men and women. He helped the men’s ministry provide minor repairs and upkeep on the homes of senior citizens.

Reverend George’s commitment to the Texarkana area community has placed him as a 2021 Living Legend.

Minnie Howard, known in her hometown by most as Mother Howard, was born February 20, 1927, in McNab, Arkansas, to Otha Meggarson and Retha Vickerson. She was the second of four children. She had two sisters and one brother. Ms. Howard moved to Texarkana, Texas, met and married Nelson Ray Howard, Sr. She is the mother of seven children, six daughters, and one son. She is enormously proud of each of them. She was a stay-at-home mom, where she cared for her children and made sure that they were happy, healthy, and grew spiritually. In addition, she is also the grandmother of 14 and the great-grandmother of 25.

She became a member of Sunset Missionary Baptist Church in 1950 and has remained a loyal, devoted, faithful member for the past 71 years. She has served in several capacities in the church. She was a Sunday School teacher, a devoted member of the choir, the Usher Ministry, the Mission Ministry, and a member of the Pastor’s Guild. Mother Howard is known by members of many of the area churches because where there is worship, there, more often than not, you will find her. She claims the majority of the pastors in Texarkana and the surrounding areas as her extended family.

She is a student of the word, a prayer warrior, and an encourager. When the Lord called home two of her daughters, her faith and love for God never wavered. She knew God was in control. You can always call her for prayer or spiritual wisdom; she has a listening ear. She is an amazing woman of God who walks by faith.

Mrs. Howard is an exceptional 2021 living legend in the Texarkana area.

Minnie O. Howard

Gerald Brooks

Rev. L.B. George

Mrs. Alberta Browning Keel was born in Dierks, Arkansas. Her parents were Albert Browning and Ruby Watson Browning. Her grandparents, Trudy Washington Watson and Linzy Watson, were directly involved in rearing her and her two siblings. When she was 3 years of age, the family moved to Pine Valley, Oklahoma, and resided until she was in the 8th grade. In 1941, the family moved to Texarkana, Texas, in the Macedonia community where she attended Macedonia High School until she graduated with honors. She was awarded a scholarship to Prairie View College. After a year of attending, due to illness in the family, she returned home to care for her mother.Alberta took piano lessons at Beasley Music Store in Texarkana. She is blessed with the talent and ability to play any music that she hears.

Alberta has many talents and worked in health care, nurse’s aid at St. Michael, and seamstress. For 25 years, she worked at Lone Star Ammunition Plant where she served as spokesperson for the African-American race.

In 1948, she met Mr. O.D. Keel, and they were married in 1949 until his death in 2009. He was a soldier in the Army when they met. She is fondly known as ‘“Aunt Bert” throughout the community and has been a member of Macedonia Baptist Church since 1941. She has worked where needed in the church since 1941. This includes the Missionary Society, musician and director of the Angelic Choir, Junior Choir, and Senior Choir. In addition to being pianist and director, she was also a soloist. Other duties include Bible study teacher for BTU, Sunday School teacher for young adults class, and senior adults class. Aunt Bert loves children and has assisted numerous young mothers with childcare. She has also given helpful advice and guidance to young women.

Ms. Keel’s commitment to Texarkana is outstanding, and it is an honor to list her as a 2021 living legend.

George E. Moore was born November 4, 1948, in Marshall, Texas, to the late George and Comrie Moore. He has been married to Carolyn C. Moore for the past 45 years and 11 months. They have one son, Chaddrick Preston Moore. In 1967, George graduated from Pemberton High School. He completed his undergraduate studies at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall where he received a B.S. degree in Biology (1971). George later received his M.Ed. degree from East Texas State University in Texarkana, (currently, Texas A & M University-Texarkana), and his Mid-Management certification from East Texas State University in Commerce, (currently Texas A & M University-Commerce).

George began his educational career with the Texarkana Independent School District as a biology teacher at Texas High School in 1971. During his 47-year career, he served as biology teacher at Texas High School, Assistant Principal at Westlawn Middle School, Principal at Fifteenth Street (Theron Jones) Elementary School, Principal at Pine Street Middle School, and Assistant Superintendent for Campus Operations.

In 2002, while serving as Assistant Superintendent for Campus Operations, George was asked to assume dual roles as Assistant Superintendent for Alternative Education and Principal of Texas Middle School. In 2005, The Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) awarded George the Texas Middle School Principal of the Year Award for the State of Texas. During 2006, The National Association of Secondary School Principal’s Organization selected him as one of the three finalists of the year for the 2006 National Middle School Principal of the Year Award.

Other honors and awards include: The Texarkana PTA City Council Outstanding PTA Principal Award (1990), Region VIII Outstanding Principal (1995 and 2005), Outstanding Principal Award from the Texarkana Certified Public Accountants (1994), The Wilbur Award for Outstanding Work in Education (1994), special recognition by The Association of The Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement (1998), The NAACP Special Achievement Award (1999), Texas A&M UniversityTexarkana Distinguished Alumni (2004), and Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Service to the Community (City of Texarkana, Texas, 2000). He also received a Congratulatory Proclamation from the Texas State House of Representatives as an outstanding Texas Middle School Principal (2009), The NAACP A.E. Alton Outstanding Educator Award in 2011, NAACP Dr. Martin Luther King Acts of Kindness Education Award (2015), and The ARKLATEX Lifetime Achievement Award (2019). Upon retirement, George was inducted into the TISD Hall of Fame (March 3, 2020).

Presently, George serves as: elected member of the Texarkana College Board of Trustees, CHRISTUS St. Michael Rehabilitation Board member, member of the Crime Stopper Board, member of the Texarkana Oaklawn Rotary, and an ATCOG (Ark-Tex Council of Governments) board member.

George is a lover of outdoor life. He loves spending time at the family farm on his Kubota tractor and Polaris Ranger. Other hobbies include target practice, gardening, researching cars, and fishing.

Mr. Moore represents the Texarkana area as one of the 2021 living legends.

Willie Jewel Ray was born April 24, 1937, to the late Sarah and Casey Howard. She is the oldest of seven children. Willie Jewel Ray attended school at Booker T. Washington at Johnson Chapel in Morris County.

A retired Registered Nurse, Willie Jewel Ray served as City Council Member of Ward II in Texarkana, Texas, for 20 years.

Willie Jewel Ray was honored with an overpass named in her honor on South Lake Drive in Texarkana, Texas, (Willie J. Ray overpass). She has received numerous awards for her dedication to many community organizations. Willie Jewel Ray has been active with the Red Cross, Girl Scouts, and the local NAACP. Willie Jewel Ray also received the distinguished Benjamin Dennis president’s award from the local NAACP. She also received the distinguished alumnus award from the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association, in Mt. Pleasant, Texas.

Ms. Willie Ray’s achievements are commendable, and she is a 2021 living legend.

George E. Moore

Alberta Keel

Willie J. Ray

THE ROAD Tra veled less

BY NICHOLE HOLZE

A Garden Fairy Birthday Party

Last year, my youngest and only daughter turned 6. She adores gardening just as much as I do, and I wanted to celebrate her birthday in a special and a bit nontypical, way. In our family, my children alternate years for who has a big party, and we had done all of the standard birthday parties already. So, one afternoon while visiting our favorite garden center, Little Country Greenhouse in New Boston, I was struck with an idea for a fairy garden birthday party. That same day I approached Bruce, the owner, and pitched my rather farfetched idea. He said he would think it over because they had never done anything like it.

A few days later, the date and party plans were finalized. My daughter invited her friends from her homeschool co-op class. I furiously sewed fairy wings for each girl, placed a cake order with Graham Slam Bakery, and awaited Amazon orders of cups, plates, and décor.

The day of the party, we arrived at the greenhouse early to set up. Everyone was so kind and seemed to be just as excited as I was about the party, or perhaps they were just laughing at my larger than life butterfly wings trailing as a cape while I hurried about. Either way, there were plentiful smiles. The girls began to arrive and selected their wings to wear and keep as a party favor, and soon they were following Bruce around as they made their choices. They flitted around the greenhouse, taking in all of the beautiful plants, the arch bridge and waterfall, and magic of the day. Emily at Graham Slam Bakery absolutely outdid herself with the most beautiful “smash cake” size cake for my daughter to blow out her candles, and frosting succulent-adorned cupcakes for the girls. After cake, the plan was for each girl to make a small fairy garden. I provided the containers, the garden center provided dirt, plants, and two fairy ornaments of the girl’s choosing to create their garden. Bruce and the entire staff were incredibly kind, and we had such a wonderful time.

It may very well be her most memorable birthday to date. I’m not sure I can beat it this year, but I don’t intend to. Turning 6 was a pretty big deal, because in her book, 6 is a big kid. While birthdays this last year and into this year may look a little different, I’d like to invite you to find ways to support local businesses and perhaps think a little bit outside of the box, because you’re sure to make some extra special memories.

Please note: This birthday party took place a year ago just prior to the pandemic changing our world. If you choose to celebrate in a group, please be respectful of business requirements for social distancing guidelines.

Never afraid of a long drive, Nichole is a homeschooling mom to two and wife to Ryan. Coffee, always, and black please. You can probably find her scheming up their next road trip while hiking in the woods. Experience-based learning and good books abound in their homeschool, as they chase the spark of curiosity where it wanders on the road less traveled.

Me with the birthday girl

Graham Slam Bakery – Birthday Cake

Gift exchange in the greenhouse

Fairy garden prep

the FRIENDS list

Each month, Four States Living will choose two people who have “liked” our Facebook page to be featured in The Friend 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.

AMY MCDONALD

age: 34

Occupation: Planning and Print Coordinator at Humco

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Pay off all of our debt.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? Kicked back in the recliner, getting puppy cuddles while watching my guilty pleasure reality TV show.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? To be a mother.

RYAN HOLZE

age: 42

Occupation: Domtar Continuous Improvement Lead

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Outside of paying taxes, I’d pay off the mortgage, and then travel to the British Virgin Islands.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? Playing Trolls World Tour Uno with my two kids.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? To be able to travel without any cost or time limitations.

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

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “The Pursuit of Happiness.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix? “Outlander.”

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

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

What’s your favorite sport to watch, and which team do you root for? College football ... the Arkansas Razorbacks.

At what business could you max out a credit card? At Fitness Expo in Shreveport because we just bought a treadmill.

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “Trotting with Tenacity.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

We don’t have Netflix but we started watching “Lethal Weapon” on Hulu.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Northwest Ontario because of the amazing walleye fishing.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes. KSLA 12 Weather. Seek.

What’s your favorite sport to watch, and which team do you root for? My daughter’s junior soccer team, the Roly Polies.

“ COMMUNITY AND CULTURE ”

TELL US WHAT YOU BELIEVE BRINGS A COMMUNITY TOGETHER.

I refer back to the saying, “team work makes the dream work” often. I believe working together as a team to achieve a goal for the greater good will always bring a community together.

Having a common purpose, sharing life together, and having an attitude of service and support for each other.