Four States Living Magazine March 2024

THE WAY I SEE IT ...

PUBLISHER’S

LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

When Dorothy was whisked away in that Kansas tornado, all she could think about was how to get back to her aunt and uncle’s farm, the place she called home. Unlike Dorothy, I have never experienced a tornado, but I have had that feeling of, “Where am I, what have I done, and how do I get home?”

My first husband was a high school football coach—a good man from a nice family of coaches. We had been married a year when job offers started coming in for him to coach in other areas of Texas. He was still really young when he got offered a coordinator’s position in Mexia, Texas, a pitstop town on a two-lane highway (Mexia’s sole “claim to fame” is being the hometown of Anna Nicole Smith). He took the job, and we made the move.

I was pitiful: homesick and sad and unhappy. Although I was just 20 years old, I had finished my college degree and was ready to pursue what I thought was my dream job of teaching high school English, but the district we were joining did not have any openings in the English department. I was inconsolable. I had never lived away from home before, and I felt purposeless. I missed my momma and my place: Texarkana. I couldn’t stay there. I knew I had made several big mistakes, and I knew I had to get myself out of that place and that marriage.

So, I moved home.

I still feel guilty about leaving him in Mexia. But I was a child of 20, and the lessons I learned in that season have resonated many times in my adulthood. The greatest lesson? My home is Texarkana, USA. I don’t want to move around; five generations of my family are buried in the State Line Cemetery, and my resting place will be there, too. Sure, there are different places to live with different amenities, but Texarkana, with all its quirkiness, is home. I’ll travel the world, but my heart is always here. (I’m sure the coach learned

INSPIRE THE PESSIMIST

ELEVATE THE OPTIMIST

STIR THE MIND

ENTERTAIN THE SOUL

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FOUR STATES LIVING MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER Dr. Robin Rogers

INTERIM EDITOR

Ellen Orr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Shane Darby

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Victoria Herman

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Phoebe Warren

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shane Darby

Sandy Dunham FOURSTATESLIVING

many lessons, too, during that short wedded time. If I was to guess, his lessons would be to make sure any potential bride’s frontal lobe is fully developed before taking her hand in marriage, and ensure said bride-to-be doesn’t have a deep-seated need to see her mother and grandmother on a weekly basis.)

Getting home from that mess was the biggest sigh of relief I have ever experienced.

Since then, I have become more and more like my mother and my grandmother. Nesting into a house that feels like home is so important to me. As I raised my kids (none from the coach; I call that marriage a “foul ball,” since we didn’t have any children together), I made sure that our finer furnishings and valuables were in places that nobody could hurt, ruin, or break them: no babies could toddle into the crystal or spit up on the silk, no wheelchair could accidentally crash into a priceless heirloom, no cat could sharpen her claws on the arm of an expensive sofa. Home was, and always has been, comfortable and safe.

Home holds memories, from special occasions and everyday life. My mother lives in the house that belonged to her mother, and even today, sitting on “my” barstool at her kitchen counter, I can still see my grandmother at her stove, doing what she loved best, which was cooking and nourishing the bodies of her people. I don’t know if my grandmother ever ate out at a restaurant. Her gift to her family was her cooking. My mom is the same—a great cook and a giver. You feel comfortable at her house because you know you can put your feet up on the sofa and dig through the cabinets looking for a snack, confident that your comfort in her home will bring her nothing but joy. If you sit in her living room, she will snuggle up to you and scratch your back, listen to your worries, and maybe even tell you stories of that very living room from before you were even born.

The grandmothers and mothers in my family are home. I may not have gotten the cooking gene, but I definitely inherited my love of home from the women who came before me. We love to work in the yard, to watch the bulbs we’ve tended through multiple generations fill our flower beds with color each spring. We love our neighbors and our neighborhoods, even as they change. We were planted here over 150 years ago by ancestors who saw the potential of a burgeoning Texarkana, and here we have bloomed. I am proud to call Texarkana my home.

This month at Four States Living, we celebrate all things home and garden. I am so grateful for the people who have allowed us to feature their homes, businesses, and passion projects. I hope you enjoy all we share and feel inspired by the stories and photos on the pages that follow. As always, thanks for reading FSLM.

Victoria Herman

Katelyn Peek

Robin Rogers

Chloe Sanders

Amelia Stansbury

Tony Basso

Susan Greig

Klark Kent

Ellen Orr

Robin Proctor

Madeline Smallwood

Sarah Vammen

Jenny McCormack Walker

Phoebe Warren

Four States Living Magazine is published the first business day of every month. © Copyright 2024 by Four States Living Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Four States Living Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are $40.00 per year. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material contributed.

Do You Have a Story or a Photo?

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

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ON THE COVER MARCH

Self-proclaimed “wannabe homesteader” Robin Choate Proctor reflects on the gardeners who came before her and offers advice for burgeoning gardeners.

See A Chip Off the Old Block on page 12

Bruce Pardue’s Little Country Greenhouse, located in New Boston, is more than a garden center; it’s an agritourism marvel, attracting visitors from all over the region.

Read about them on page 38

ALSO

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

WOMEN OF HOPE & COURAGE HELD A “MEMBERSHIP SOIREE & CELEBRATION” BENEFITING CASA FOR CHILDREN AND THE TEXARKANA CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER AT NORTHRIDGE COUNTRY CLUB ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH.

The event toasted CASA and TCAC, partners in the fight against child abuse. The Heroes of Hope celebrated were Elizabeth Hernandez, Whitney Walker, Brandy and Michael Brooks, and Carly Anderson.

Kristi Kirkwood, Jessica Kelley, and Maureen Fletcher

Missy Davison, Misty Honea, and Malenda Cree

Joan and Judge Jack Carter

Sarah Smolarz and Deanna Stokes

Missy White, Gayle Wright, and Melissa Harris

Michael and Brandy Brooks, Elizabeth Hernandez, Whitney Walker, and Carly Anderson

Judy Morgan and Trish Reed

A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

Gardening enthusiast

Robin Choate Proctor shares family stories and tips

by ROBIN CHOATE PROCTOR

You may remember the book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. As that might be true, I would have to say almost everything I learned about gardening I gleaned from the generations that came before me. I vividly remember watching my grandfather tutor us in the proper way to pick strawberries in his garden. He would take a wide stance over the row of berries to make room for his rather robust belly so he could successfully reach the berries and carefully pluck as not to disturb the plant. He knew the value of good dirt and a great garden. More than once I witnessed him putting up corrugated metal barriers to prevent his prized soil from running into his neighbor’s yard (a bit extreme, I must admit!).

My father was also a masterful gardener; many knew of his legendary six-foot-tall tomato plants and large plot of turnip and mustard greens on Eli Street. I can remember on more than one occasion him looking out his kitchen window to see someone helping themselves to his turnip green patch. Always willing to share, he would quickly go out to greet and chat, offering grocery sacks to fill. And, like my grandfather, he would instruct them on how to pick greens correctly. Every year, as his tomatoes would ripen, he would generously share his bountiful harvest with just about anyone. Hand-delivering a bag of freshly-picked tomatoes brought him so much joy. It’s no surprise that my love for gardening originated with my dad, Bobby Choate. As spring would arrive, he would plant an outlandish number of tomatoes.

DUNHAM

photo by SANDY

Robin’s father, Bobby Choate, instilled a love of gardening in his daughter.

photo by SANDY DUNHAM

Like clockwork, I would say, “Dad, you don’t need to be planting this many tomatoes at your age. Just have a small garden for you and your close friends.” I knew full well he would never listen! Oh, how I miss saying that.

When Dad passed away two years ago, he left behind treasures that held very little monetary value, but most valuable to me was his plot of dirt that not only held his garden but also his sweat, hard work, dedication, and so many memories. In the days following his funeral, my husband was kind enough to load up our tractor and go to Dad’s house, where he proceeded to scrape as much of his topsoil onto our trailer for me. I will forever believe there is a little bit of magic—and a whole lot of my dad—in my garden to this day.

Do I consider myself a master gardener? Goodness no—more like a wannabe homesteader. I love my garden, my chickens, our cows, and canning what I grow. And I can say, without a doubt, that I learned from the best.

So, let’s talk gardening. You may have envisioned yourself strolling down perfectly manicured rows of veggies and fruit just waiting to be plucked. The best place to find that is your local grocery store. Even though it’s not picture-perfect, harvesting is the cleanest and most rewarding part of this process. What comes beforehand is time, patience, and the willingness to get a little dirty. There are weeds, insects, blisters, and more. So, why would you ever want to do this? Because it is worth it! To this day, I am still amazed when the small seed I place in the ground grows into a thriving plant. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

<<

Robin had her father’s garden soil moved to her own land.

KNOW YOUR SPACE.

Most plants require adequate sunshine and water. If your space is primarily shaded, you will have to take that into consideration. Your space will also determine the size of your garden and what you can plant. I remember one year planting a couple of short rows of corn—big mistake. Some plants, such as cucumbers, certain squash, watermelon, and cantaloupe, require room to stretch out and grow. A trellis can be a great option for cucumbers—something as simple as chicken wire stretched and secured between two posts. Leftover chain-link fencing would work great as well. Plant spacing is vital for growing a plant to maturity. Your plant may only measure a few inches tall, but given the proper space and care, it will grow.

KNOW YOUR SOIL.

Developing your soil takes time. Be patient, grasshopper! When you begin to turn the soil, you may discover a gravel mine, a clay factory, or roots that reach down to China. This is when you might consider an aboveground garden. There are kits available, or you can build your own from scratch. Read and research, and most importantly, be brave and try. Your nail tech may cuss you for it, but get your hands in the dirt.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

We are most definitely blessed in this area with challenging weather. There may be a week that is so hot that your only concern is to keep the plants from burning up. The next week, there may be an impending frost. Don’t forget the deluge of rain we might get for several days followed by a drought that rivals the Sahara Desert. Weather can be challenging. Dad always said to wait until after Easter to plant your tomatoes. The Farmers’ Almanac is a good resource as well. Truthfully, it’s hard to know, so just do your best, and don’t get too discouraged if Mother Nature throws a wrench in your endeavor.

MAKE A PLAN AND GET AFTER IT.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Spring is near, and the time to start was yesterday, so let’s get a move on! I can’t wait to get out there and start turning the soil, planning the layout, and yes, planting 98 or more tomato plants. When I’m wrist-deep in the dirt, I most certainly will hear my dad’s sweet voice saying to me, “You better plant that tomato deeper,” and, “Little girl, you are a chip off the old block.” And I will smile.

Robin is getting ready to start this year’s tomato seedlings.

photo by SANDY DUNHAM

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

RUNNIN’ WJ RANCH HELD ITS NIGHT TO SHINE 2024 AT THE TEXARKANA CONVENTION CENTER ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH.

Olivia Miller and Sarah Saxton

Brittany Rogers and Emily Orr

Randy Ford and Kayla Webster

Justin Crye and Kristin Barker

Jennifer Parkerson and Troy Johnson

Amanda Adams and John Canipe

Mark Sponaugle and Darla Jones Tia Williams, Alissa “Ali” Williams, and Jacob Williams Sa’Tashia Pickett, Mikaela Collier, and Makayla Williamson

Jamell Loate, Kaylee Nowlin, and Marilyn Funderburk

Julia Ferguson and Lee Jones

Nicholas Farrar, Teri Raney, and Maddox Matkoff

Ticia Clements and the Texarkana Line Dancers

FROM HOTEL TO HOME

The Lofts at the Grim are predicted to open later this year

by ELLEN ORR

In 1925, the Hotel Grim opened in downtown Texarkana. A luxury hotel housing railroad travelers, the Grim served not only as lodging for out-oftowners but also as a hub of culture and commerce for the community. In October 1990, the legendary hotel shut down, and the building sat in disrepair for the better part of three decades. Now, 99 years after the hotel’s grand opening, the Grim is awakening from its hibernation and will soon reopen as the Lofts at the Grim.

In the early 1920s, three prominent businessmen—architects George Mann and Eugene Stern, and bank president, railroad magnate, and lumber tycoon William Rhoads Grim—formed the Texarkana Hotel Company and set out to erect a landmark.

The hotel was to be built on the iconic State Line Avenue, within walking distance from Union Station, the post office, and the Saenger Theatre. This location necessitated a rather odd architectural structure.

Originally, the layout of early Texarkana was a typical grid, with streets running parallel and perpendicular to the chiefly important railroad. However, in the 1880s, Colonel Robert Rogers purchased land from Front Street to 9th Street, extending 50 feet into Texas and 50 feet into Arkansas, in order to create State Line Avenue. This diagonal street bisected the clean square plots of the original grid, creating irregular parcels of land. Thus, Texarkana’s grand hotel would be V-shaped.

The Texarkana Hotel Company was still in the planning stages when, on January 2nd, 1924, William Rhoads Grim died. Mann and Stern decided to name the hotel in his honor, and ten weeks later, the pair broke ground on the Hotel Grim.

No expense was spared in the building of the Grim. At eight stories tall, the hotel boasted 250 rooms. The lobby walls were constructed of Caen stone (a Jurassic limestone imported from France), with Kasota limestone wainscotting and a black Belgian marble base. The contrasting lobby floors were made of white Alabama marble. The lobby’s magnificently high ceiling was crafted of plaster moldings, decorated in rich pigments. The ground floor also was home to the Palm Court, a stunning space used for afternoon tea, games of bridge, and small parties. The mezzanine sported ornate columns and Mediterranean-style wrought-iron railings. The official ballroom was located on the eighth floor, though the rooftop garden—arguably the most cosmopolitan feature of the hotel—was often converted to an outdoor “ballroom” on warm evenings. The building also housed two dining rooms, a barber, a beauty parlor, a coffee shop, and a drug store.

Over 1,200 people attended the grand opening in March 1925, which featured copious amounts of food, flowing drinks, and four orchestras. Guests danced and celebrated late into the night. The Hotel Grim was a marvel.

For decades, locals, travelers, and tourists congregated at the Grim. Renowned jazz musician Tommy Dorsey performed there, along with other popular musicians of the era. It is rumored that singer and actress Mae West stayed at the Hotel Grim when she was in town to perform at the Saenger. And, legend holds that, in 1934, Bonnie Parker of “Bonnie and Clyde” stopped in for a sandwich, until Clyde, waiting in the car outside, became antsy and sent co-conspirator Henry Methvin inside to retrieve her.

The Grim operated as a hotel through 1984, and commercial spaces remained operational until 1990. Once closed to the public, the building quickly deteriorated, becoming a magnet for vandalization and acting as shelter for unhoused people, rodents, and feral animals. Once considered the “crown jewel” of Texarkana, the abandoned building was plagued by asbestos and lead-based paint, creating a cleanup nightmare. The dangerous reality of the mess made revitalization prohibitively expensive—until recently.

Cohen Esrey Development, a firm based in Overland Park, Kansas, in partnership with Village Communities of Texarkana, Texas, and

These photos from 2020 show the state of deterioration of the Hotel Grim.

the City of Texarkana, Texas, has made great efforts over the last decade to overcome the seemingly insurmountable financial hurdles. In 2015, the building was added to the National Historic Registry, making it eligible for historic preservation tax credits. Then, after a lengthy process, the project secured a hard-toobtain cleanup loan from the Environmental Protection Agency. In late 2019, cleanup began.

The project also secured funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Because some of the financing is from the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, all rental units at the Grim will be income-restricted. Residents must make no more than 60% of the local median income. Over 90 units of varying sizes (studio, onebedroom, and two-bedroom) will be available for rent.

Though the Lofts at the Grim were predicted to be completed sooner, unforeseen issues, including working through the COVID-19 pandemic, have delayed the grand opening, which is now expected to occur this summer. However, it is safe to say that this project will be worth the wait. The team has been able to retain a shocking number of original elements, such as the aforementioned stone and iron elements of the lobby and mezzanine. The Palm Court,

These photos from January show restored original features alongside new elements.

Due to the nature of the building, no two lofts are exactly alike. Some kitchens feature islands, and a select few units sport original brick floors.

which will be called the Palm Room, will maintain its original floors and exquisite tiling work. The Palm Room will be available to the community as rentable event space, ideal for intimate gatherings. Select apartments will feature original architectural elements as well, such as large-scale marble accents, crown molding, luxurious high ceilings, and floorto-ceiling windows.

While many people in the community expressed a desire for a revitalized rooftop space, reminiscent of the open-air garden-cum-ballroom of the Grim during its heyday, for now, the roof remains the site of air conditioning units—much more necessary though less glamorous than a botanical dancefloor.

For more information about leasing opportunities, visit loftsatthegrim.com or call 903716-5569.

Select units feature high ceilings, a key selling point.

SCENE

ABOUT TOWN

FRATERNITY

ZETA

BETA SORORITY HOSTED THE TRIBUTE TO AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN AWARDS GALA AT THE TRUMAN ARNOLD CENTER AT TEXARKANA COLLEGE ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH. THE THEME WAS “THE ROARING TWENTIES HARLEM NIGHTS.”

PHI BETA SIGMA

AND

PHI

Yolanda Johnson, Minnie Sheffield, Cynthia Lamay, Sandra Griffie, Linda Henderson, Ramona Keener, Mary Pops, and Terri Daniels

Tiffany Kennedy, Brittney Brookes, Stephanie Ross, Paula Killyon, Minnie Sheffield, and Cynthia Tyous

Jo Ann Rice and James Hood

Maxine Crittenden and Cynthia Henderson

Corey Robinson, Billy Green, Keith Wiley, and Gary Watson

Rodney Hartfield, Doneyne Smith, and Kenneth Link

Dr. Tunesia Benard and Essie Dodd

Micheal Gaston and Stelton Hill

T H E C H A R M I N G

GLASS HOUSE

Nurse-turned-designer Brittany Brooks converted her dream into reality with her first and biggest project

article by PHOEBE WARREN

photos by KATELYN PEEK

Most people understand that a job is something you do just to make money. As children, we are told to believe in our dreams, but somewhere along the way, we lose this sense of possibility, or are faced with challenging limitations. We then fix our sights on something we deem “reasonable” as a career path. Interior designer Brittany Brooks is all too familiar with this paradigm.

Brittany has always had a deep love affair with design. When she was a young girl, she could be found arranging an imaginary furniture store with her grandmother’s antiques or drawing floor plans just for her own amusement. As she grew older, she nurtured this passion by helping her friends and family with any decor needs.

When Brittany was brought on-board, the clients had already landed on a floor plan they loved. “I just hopped on in time to be a part of revising things,” she said. The exterior was originally going to feature red brick along the bottom of the house and black French doors. “Exchanging stone for brick and adding wood French doors, copper fixtures, and stone chimneys really changed the whole look.”

The home’s foyer is furnished with a wooden bench, handcrafted by the homeowner. “That bench will be a special piece for years to come,” Brittany said. “It is the perfect touch.”

The dining room’s natural light is emblematic of the entire home’s luminous quality. “You don’t have to turn a single light on in the house throughout the day for all the natural light that comes in,” Brittany said.

The living room features a gas fireplace, intentionally designed to appear as if it is woodburning.

A mix of faux and real greenery brings the kitchen to life. Faux plants are a convenient way to liven a space without having to water anything.

This room serves as a space for the children to complete their homeschool work. The aesthetic was intended as a nod to rural, one-room schoolhouses.

The kitchen island becomes a gathering place with the five barstools, which Brittany loves for their color and texture. “I knew I wanted some type of woven look to incorporate another texture,” she said. “This house is very soft, and black felt too stark here, so that helped me land on wood. My clients came across these, and I gave the thumbs-up.”

This bedroom is home to two daughters.

“Behind the ladder is secret storage, and the arched nook was added in as it was being built,” Brittany said. “We wanted the loft so that there was a spot for two beds comfortably in the room. At the moment, the girls share a bed, so the loft has become a play area that can stay messy, because it’s tucked away and no one can see the mess. How perfect is that?”

“Storage was very important for my clients,” Brittany said. “Not an inch of space was wasted in this house.”

The nursery walls, painted in Sherwin Williams’ “Chatroom” green, are board-and-batten paneling, which was “inspired by older European homes,” Brittany said. “There’s tons of details and character, and I really tried to add as much of that as we could throughout.”

However, when the time came for her to choose a career, Brittany decided to pursue nursing. “I went into nursing because interior design didn’t seem like a ‘real’ choice,” she said. “It seemed like, in a small town, that wasn’t a stable career, but nursing was.”

Brittany worked at Community Healthcore for eight years, primarily dealing in psychiatric nursing, until the COVID-19 pandemic, when Brittany’s position was eliminated. Faced with uncertainty, she decided to look into designing as a side hustle. Still nursing part-time and without a portfolio to her name, she connected with a family who wanted help designing a home from the bottom-up. This project—her first-ever—would turn out to be the biggest completed project she has had to-date.

The primary bath features a motorized roller shade and heated floors. Deviating from the popular glass shower doors was an intentional choice, as curtains “felt prettier in this space,” Brittany said, “and the big, open wet room seemed to bring some coziness.”

“The motto of this project was, ‘No such thing as too much stone,’” Brittany shared. The primary bedroom’s accent wall is the prime manifestation of this.

Below: This bathroom’s light sage wallpaper “adds so much charm and character,” Brittany said. “I gauge what my client is into in order to determine how many patterns or how much wallpaper I introduce to a project.”

laundry room is as functional as it is beautiful. Above the large sink is a drying rack, which can be pulled out to hang-dry delicate items.

Brittany consulted on the floor plans, assisted with all material and furnishing selections, and was able to co-create something truly extraordinary. From the beginning of 2021 to the end of 2022, Brittany poured her heart and soul into the home she has dubbed “The Charming Glass House” (named after the Glass family, who inhabit the home). In the middle of the project, her husband encouraged her to “take a bet on herself,” and she left nursing to pursue design full-time. She launched Seventh Day Design in February 2022. The Charming Glass House is not only a breathtaking home but also a powerful symbol of a dream made real.

A Jack-and-Jill bathroom connects the nursery and the girls’ bedroom. Brittany especially loves the herringbone backsplash.

The

Also on the property is a “shop,” designed by the client and built with the same materials used for the house.

Brittany worked to ensure that the interior aesthetic carried throughout the outdoor living spaces.

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER

Kendal Griggs of Kendal’s Cleaning Co. follows in her mother’s footsteps

by SARAH VAMMEN

For most people, cleaning is a chore. For Kendal Griggs, cleaning is a passion.

Kendal, 24, was born and raised in Texarkana. She has a four-year-old son, Whitten, and a fiancé, Bryer. “I also have four amazing siblings who I truly couldn’t live without,” she said. “We have always been inseparable, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

From a young age, Kendal and her siblings knew the ins and outs of cleaning, as their mother, Carey, owned and ran a cleaning service. What began as a solo venture for Carey quickly grew into a successful business, aptly called Carey’s Cleaning Service. Carey regularly brought her kids with her to jobs, as many small-business owners do.

“My siblings and I would actually help her clean offices in the evenings when we were all pretty young,” Kendal recalled. These were some of Kendal’s favorite early memories. “She would put us to work, but we had so much fun doing it. It never failed that, by the end of the cleaning, something would have all of us laughing until our stomachs hurt.”

Kendal and her siblings always assumed one of them would take over or partner with Carey’s Cleaning Service. Unfortunately, Carey

passed away suddenly in 2014, when Kendal was only 14 years old.

“My siblings and I were very young and not in the position to step in and keep [the business] up and running,” she explained. Eventually, the family made the heartbreaking decision to close down Carey’s Cleaning Service. “It was kind of like losing her all over again,” Kendal said.

After high school, Kendal attended the University of Central Arkansas, planning to go into the dental field. However, her mother’s advice echoed through her head. “She taught me to love what I do so that it never really felt like work,” Kendal explained. She realized that working in dentistry wasn’t where her heart lay. “I decided to do what I had a passion for—cleaning,” she said.

Kendal launched Kendal’s Cleaning Co. in early 2021, in the Little Rock area. Though she loved Little Rock, Kendal ultimately wanted to be near family and continue what her mother started all those years ago, so she brought Kendal’s Cleaning Co. home to Texarkana.

Operating Kendal’s Cleaning Co. in Texarkana has been a way to keep Carey’s memory alive.

photo by VICTORIA HERMAN

Carey with her children, Kendal, Paiten, Victoria, Landon, and Rylie.

Kendal with her fiancé Bryer Caraway, and son, Whitten.

“It’s been so rewarding rekindling with clients who used my mom’s service over 10 years ago,” she said. “I know [my mom] would be so happy that I decided to follow in her footsteps. My mom was truly irreplaceable, and I hope I leave a lasting impression on every client just like she did.”

Kendal strives every day to honor her mother through her work. “I was only 14 years old when I lost my mom, but she taught me so much in the years I had with her that I will never let go of,” Kendal said. “I believe my mom’s success was a reflection of her compassion for people, and I carry that with me as well. No one is perfect, but I take pride in how I treat people.”

Although cleaning is not something everyone enjoys, Kendal finds it extremely satisfying. “Cleaning houses may not sound like the most fun profession, but I’m working on changing the name of the game,” Kendal said. From working with her mom, Kendal learned at a young age how rewarding the cleaning business can be. What she loves most is how much happiness a clean home can bring.

“Homes are our happy place, and I love making them that way for my clients,” Kendal said. “It’s really so rewarding.”

By embracing her mom’s legacy and honoring her memory, Kendal is building a business and life that Carey would undoubtedly be proud of. Kendal hopes to grow Kendal’s Cleaning Co. into the top cleaning service in Bowie County, to continue fostering lasting relationships with her clients and to build a business she can someday pass on to her own children. “And, in the meantime, we will continue making Texarkana happy, one house at a time,” Kendal shared with a smile. “As my mom said, ‘We don’t cut corners; we clean them.’”

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

THE GALENTINE’S BRUNCH FUNDRAISER FOR TEXARKANA RESOURCES FOR THE DISABLES, INC., WAS HELD AT THE TEXARKANA CONVENTION CENTER ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH.

Shambereka Alexander, Patricia Gunter, and Lauren Gentry

Amy Nix, Robin Dempsey, and Destiny Carter

Jeri Icenhower Ward, Molly Icenhower, and Sara Henson

Celina Acosta-Kegley, Kaitlynn Brewer, Candace Mangus, and Ashley Rodgers

Precious Trimble

Kaci McKeever and Heather Phillips

Sarah Hurst, Karlie Smith, and Jade Harris

Melinda Vammen and Wendy Townsend

Alissa Flanagan and Kelly Harvin

Laura Hutchings and Reala Jo Ward

Rachael Potter and Katie Tuberville

Jessica Verduzco and Belinda Downs

BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED

Bruce Pardue of Little Country Greenhouse provides world-class agritourism opportunities in New Boston

by JENNY M c CORMACK WALKER

As the old adage goes, if you love what you do, you will never work a day of your life. Bruce Pardue embraces that lifestyle as the owner of Little Country Greenhouse in New Boston. In addition to serving as a supplier for typical gardening needs, Bruce has also embraced agritourism, offering free, family-friendly experiences for visitors 364 days a year (every day except Christmas).

“One day, my wife told me I needed to take a vacation,” Bruce said. “She said, ‘Maybe there is some paradise out there you need to see.’ I said, ‘Why? I work in paradise.’ I am one of the lucky few who get to create the dream, live the dream, and enjoy the dream.”

The retail side of Little Country Greenhouse consists of a nursery and general store, where customers can purchase plants, expertly designed floral arrangements, fresh produce, gifts, and goodies like coffee and ice cream. Guests enjoy visiting the koi pond and meeting the large variety of birds that inhabit the grounds, including exotic chickens, ducks, and parakeets. The Little Country Greenhouse also hosts no-cost seasonal events, like a pumpkin patch in the fall, photos with Santa and a “Walk in the Wild” in the winter, and tours through the butterfly cottage in the summer. Bruce is passionate about ensuring that visits to Little Country Greenhouse are educational and inspirational.

“Most of the time, I give the tours,” Bruce said. “I want people to not just come here to shop, but I want them to make a memory.”

And they do. Little Country Greenhouse has played host to marriage proposals, countless family photos, and generations of customers over the years.

“I thought it was neat to see the kids of my customers come in, but now I am seeing the grandkids of my customers,” Bruce said. “That is really something.”

Bruce opened Little Country Greenhouse 34 years ago, but his love of horticulture began much earlier, at eight years old.

“When I was a kid, I spent spring break in Indiana with my grandparents,” Bruce recalled. “My grandpa sold vegetable plants, and my grandma put geraniums in clay pots and sold them. Grandpa gave me a shovel and just let me dig.”

That experience left Bruce covered in dirt from head to toe and completely hooked on gardening.

“I am sure I had more dirt on me than I got into the clay pots, but I didn’t get any licks,” Bruce laughed. “‘You mean I can play in dirt and not get licks?’ That’s when I knew I loved gardening.”

Years later, he attended college in Louisiana as a horticulture major. He went on to work in gardening retail and landscaping, gaining experience in every aspect of what it means to run a garden center. He opened Little Country Greenhouse in 1990. Since then, he has learned that he finds the most joy in interacting with customers and sharing his knowledge, passion, and wisdom with them.

“There is a young generation that is really interested

in growing their own food,” Bruce said. “If I go out and build a garden for someone, it’s one thing, but when I educate someone about how to do it for themselves, they are so proud of it when it’s done. When people go through the Butterfly Cottage, I can help them learn about different butterflies. In the ‘Walk in the Wild,’ I get to teach them about animals. Those are really my favorite parts.”

Bruce is an excellent teacher and certainly an expert on all things gardening, but he doesn’t take himself too seriously. A jokester through and through, he regularly refers to himself as a “bloomin’ idiot.”

“There is a Bloomin’ Idiot Society,” Bruce said. “To become a member, you have to publicly call yourself a bloomin’ idiot, and I’ve been working on it for a while. I thought with all the plants blooming, it makes sense for me to be a bloomin’ idiot.”

His business is also blooming. Little Country Greenhouse has grown into the fifth-largest greenhouse in the state of Texas, and customers travel to New Boston from places like Dallas, Houston, and Shreveport to shop with him. He said Little Country Greenhouse is also the only garden center that sells Blue Bell ice cream.

“Blue Bell did not understand why we would want to sell ice cream,”

Bruce said. “They sent a representative from the company here to see Little Country Greenhouse. He didn’t understand it at first, but once came here and saw everything we do, he understood.”

To keep all of the Little Country Greenhouse activities moving smoothly, Bruce relies on a strong team.

“I’ve got some really good people around me who want to help the customers be successful,” he said.

One of the most beloved “staff members” is a gray cat named Tom who serves as the company’s greeter and social media star.

Looking to the future, Bruce said he will continue offering the highestquality products and the lowest prices, as well as a unique experience for his customers. He also hopes to offer a variety of monthly classes for beginning gardeners and is planning an additional fall event this year—a haunted greenhouse.

“[The haunted greenhouse has] been a dream of mine for a long time,” he said. “We are going to have animated robotic creatures and a lot of surprises. And, of course, like all of the other activities we offer, it’s going to be free. It’s just a way we like to have fun in the different seasons and give back to our customers and community.”

Bruce enjoys hosting free seasonal events at Little Country Greenhouse.

HOME IMPROVEMENT:

from INDUSTRY PROS INSPIRATION

TEXARKANA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION TO PRESENT ITS HOME AND GARDEN SHOW ON MARCH 23RD

Is your sanctuary in need of an update? Does the grass look greener in your neighbor’s yard? If so, you won’t want to miss the Texarkana Home Builders Association’s 2024 Home and Garden Show. This event allows the public to meet local and regional professionals who can help bring any homeowner’s vision to life. Free to the public, this year’s show will be held on Saturday, March 23rd, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m at Crossties Event Venue.

Builders, remodeling specialists, suppliers, landscaping companies, lenders, interior design companies, and utility suppliers will all be available to advise homeowners. “The Home and Garden Show is the Texarkana HBA’s signature event, and it’s a great opportunity for the community to get ideas and inspiration for their home projects,” said Adam Pettit, executive officer of Texarkana HBA. “We have some firsttime exhibitors registered this year, and I know our returning exhibitors will have exciting new products and services to share. We also have a lineup of workshops planned for people to enjoy. It’s always an exciting event for everyone involved.”

Photos from the 2023 Texarkana Home & Garden Show.

The Texarkana Home Builders Association is a group of home builders, local business leaders, and enthusiasts who are passionate about growing the construction industry in the community. The HBA is an incredible resource, providing networking opportunities, savings and rebate programs, community events, and educational seminars. Any business involving or supporting building and construction should consider becoming a member of the Texarkana HBA.

Whether you want to freshen up a space or tackle major renovations, this event provides a wealth of ideas, inspiration, knowledge, and connections. Meet experts, learn about new design trends, and gain invaluable insight to make your dream home a reality. For more information on the schedule of this year’s show, as well as an updated list of exhibitors, visit txkhomeshow.com or follow the Texarkana Home Builders Association on social media.

LIVIN’ on the EDGE

Heather and Justin Anderson built a vacation home and short-term rental at Albert Pike

by TONY BASSO

Can you imagine having your own custom-built getaway, tucked inside one of America’s most beautiful landscapes? With construction complete on their creekside Albert Pike cabin, Texarkana natives Heather and Justin Anderson don’t have to imagine it anymore; they are fully “livin’ on the edge.”

Justin’s parents initially purchased the cabin’s land as part of a 25acre tract in 2007. Its proximity to Ouachita National Forest made this a rare transaction. At that time, Justin and Heather were freshly out of high school and preparing for college. In 2009, Justin’s parents began constructing a cabin for themselves, a place the couple would frequently visit as they dreamed of building a cabin of their own. In 2020, the opportunity for them to purchase their plot of land came about, and they took it—though it sat uninhabited for two years.

“Originally, we just let it sit, knowing that if we ever wanted to build, we had the land,” Heather said. “Then, in the fall of 2022, I had the bright idea of buying a camper to leave on the land for when we wanted to visit. After thinking it over, we decided we did not want to go that route. Not long after, we toured a tiny home facility and considered that option.”

“ ”

We pack everything we need for s’mores every time we go, and the kids get so excited because they know it will be a fun weekend.

Justin, who had built the couple’s primary home a decade prior, decided to price out what it would cost for them to build a tiny home. After researching and creating the original sketch plans, the Andersons concluded that it was more practical to construct a full-fledged cabin of their own. A conversation with family friends shortly after set their plans into motion.

“We were at Justin’s parents’ cabin discussing everything, and two of their friends were there visiting. They had built their own cabins and quickly spoke up, offering to help with the project,” Heather recalled. “With the two of them, and the help of Justin’s father, we got after it.”

In January 2023, they cleared the land and set the poles for the foundation. “We worked all summer long with the help of our boys, Mason and Easton,” Heather said.

Once the cabin was framed up and “dried in” (or waterproof), Heather and Justin were on their own. Heather tiled the showers, and Justin did all the interior woodwork. On September 1st, 2023, the Andersons spent their first night in a cabin that surpassed their wildest dreams.

“I can’t believe we did it,” said Justin. “One day, we were talking about it, and the next day, I was like, ‘Well, let’s build a cabin.’ What started at 600 square feet ended up close to 2,000 square feet by the time it was all said and done. I was going to build a little shack, and now we have a house up there.”

When the Andersons aren’t enjoying their home away from home, they invite short-term renters to use the property, accepting bookings through Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO. Their experience as landlords in Texarkana made this route a no-brainer for the couple—and their decision has paid off, not only financially but also in emotional fulfillment.

“We booked our first tenant, and not long after, they booked another visit a year in advance. If they are willing to make that commitment so far

Heather especially loves the outdoor entertainment area, “which is amazing because there’s so much,” she said. “You’ve got a mountain view from one side and a creek view from the other. We have a big front porch and then the side porch, so you can sit and enjoy the sound of the waterfall and the creek.”

in advance, we must be doing something right!” Heather exclaimed. “We keep a book in the cabin for our guests to write reviews, and it is so interesting to read how they enjoyed their stay and plan to return. The best part is that our cabin is available for other families to enjoy and make memories.”

When choosing the listing name for rental platforms, Heather immediately thought of her favorite band, Aerosmith, for inspiration.

“I feel like I am the number-one Aerosmith fan,” she said. “Steven Tyler is very important to me, as I grew up listening to the band with my dad. When we were ready to pick out a name, I immediately knew I wanted to name it after the song ‘Livin’ On The Edge.’ I think it is the perfect name because we are by the creek, on the edge of the property.”

Justin and Heather are now the third generation of Andersons to

build a getaway in the Albert Pike area. Justin’s grandfather built the family’s first cabin at Lowery Campground in the 1970s and allowed his family to use it whenever they wanted.

“The cabin was available to all the cousins, but Justin and his parents spent more time there than anyone else,” Heather said. “That is where he spent most of each summer and where he grew up.”

Now, Justin and Heather delight in creating Albert Pike memories with their own children.

“[Son] Mason is just amazed that we built it,” Heather said. “We pack everything we need for s’mores every time we go, and the kids get so excited because they know it will be a fun weekend. Seeing their faces light up when we are having a fire and spending time together as a family is my favorite memory we have made so far.”

SEEING POTENTIAL

Sarah and Bradley Berry discuss their real estate ventures

by SUSAN GREIG

In accountant Sarah Berry’s photo book highlighting her office retreat to Cancún last year, a man leaps from a ledge into a cenote, an underground cavern full of water. The need for a leap of faith might hold many people back from living their dreams, but Sarah and Bradley Berry don’t hesitate.

Bradley had worked at the Red River Army Depot for 11 years as a welder when he was laid off in May of 2018. This turned out to be the catalyst he needed to leave the 9-to-5 world and become a landlord and house-flipper full-time.

“I felt like it was God’s way of pushing me out the door,” he said. “It was kind of a relief.”

Prior to Bradley’s job loss, the Berrys were already renting a mobile home on their property in Fouke. Their venture grew from there.

Exterior of the Berrys’ latest and largest project, before and after.

“It went from one to two, and then we found a little piece of property and put another [mobile home] on that,” Sarah explained. “There’s such a need for affordable housing in our area.”

While some fear the prospect of working with tenants, it hasn’t been an issue for the Berrys.

“I know a lot of landlord war stories and bad experiences, but we really haven’t had a horror story,” Sarah said. “We vet people, and we have a reputation for providing affordable, clean houses. We have a lot of people reach out to us. We’ve been blessed to have good tenants.”

Today, they own ten rent homes. To fund their purchases, the couple has learned to flip houses. Each house flipped has funded the purchase of two additional homes. With each flip, they’ve increased both their knowledge and price point.

“The first one took five months to renovate,” Sarah said. “We had a renter reach out to us and buy it. The second was in Wilton, Arkansas. The drive was a factor, and it took about a year to renovate. We knocked down some walls, opened it up.”

Sarah’s financial acumen keeps their projects in line with their goals. A CPA, she earned a master’s degree in accounting from Texas A&M University–Texarkana in 2005 and passed the CPA exam in 2011.

Bradley does the majority of the work on both the rental properties and the renovations, but Sarah and their children also get involved.

Living room, before and after.

Kitchen, before and after.

“I sit behind a computer all day [Monday through Friday],” Sarah said. “I love going out on the weekends and working. I can walk in a house and see the potential. I say, ‘Oh, it’s a bunch of little rooms, but you can knock out this wall, you open that up, you lighten it.’”

Sarah gets her renovation ideas from the internet. “I’m a Pinterester,” she laughed. “When we get a new house, I’m Pinteresting and on Google taking screenshots.”

As Bradley and Sarah have grown their investment property portfolio, they’ve also watched their efforts rub off on their children.

“They enjoy working and aren’t afraid of a project,” Sarah said. “They look at something and see a lot of potential.” Recently, their oldest daughter, Savannah (18), was doing housing research online. “She was looking at Zillow, and she was like, ‘Mom, look at this land in Colorado!’” Sarah recalled. “She was looking at comps; she is very businessminded.”

While most of the rentals and fixer-uppers are geared toward middle-income families, the Berrys’ most recent purchase was a bold plunge into upscale living—a 3,600 squarefoot, three-story home on three acres of land.

“It was vacant for five years,” Bradley said. “We basically started from the ground up.”

This office was converted into the bathroom seen at the far right.

This sitting area surrounded by bookshelves was transformed into a beautiful primary bedroom.

The house is listed at around $550,000. With the housing market slower and interest rates higher, they expect this house to take longer to sell. Meanwhile, they built some storage units and are making plans for a new space for Sarah’s accounting firm.

“It’s going to be my big project for the next year and a half—getting it all lined out, keeping everything going,” Bradley said. “It’s different from flipping, but flipping has given us some insights into what to expect.”

All of this is a means to a specific end—retirement at 55, without sacrificing quality time with their children now.

“We really enjoy being with the kids,” Sarah noted. “We could flip two or three houses a year if we weren’t so focused on enjoying our time with our kids.”

The Berrys aren’t afraid to share what they’ve learned, as they see plenty of room for others to benefit while helping the community.

“Buy low—you make or break yourself on the buy,” Sarah said. “You can’t be afraid of hard work. You gotta be a risk-taker, but you can’t jump in over your head. See the potential, buy low, start small.”

The stairs were completely rebuilt as was this bonus room on the third floor.

EXQUISITE INTERIORS

TRANSITIONAL DESIGN. TIMELESS APPEAL.

Walking through the front door of the Carlow home on a sunny afternoon feels a bit like stepping into a Victorian greenhouse. The ceilings climb ever upwards, the home is full of light, and there are vivid flecks of color everywhere. Once your eyes adjust, you notice all at once the meticulous attention to detail in decor and the big windows responsible for filling the space with natural light.

Ashley and Brad Carlow purchased their new four-bedroom, 4.5-bath home on the Arkansas side in 2022. The Carlows had originally planned only to change the flooring and paint. However, with a downstairs layout that didn’t quite flow and the couple’s desire for more open space, they realized there was more work to be done.

Ashley brought in Lauren Callaway, owner of PH Design Firm, to oversee renovations and help choose the design elements in the house. She later asked Tessa Ray, at Raffaelli Realtors, to help her choose furniture and decorate. The result of their combined efforts is a gorgeous blend of modern and traditional, known in the interior decoration world as “transitional design.”

In the entryway by a staircase hangs a pendulum wall clock, built by Ashley’s father. The dining room is an ode to modern art, with abstract paintings, black-and-white vases, and a dark table. The living space between the dining and entertainment area features a stunning cathedral ceiling; the Carlows have left the original tan wood planking to warm the space.

The kitchen is bright and open, with white cabinets and white marble countertops. A large kitchen island completes the space, with three lantern pendant lights hanging

down. A colorful ceramic rooster peers down from a tall shelf, and a charming collection of desert-rose dinnerware adds a personal touch to the sleek room.

Looking out to the backyard reveals an oasis where the family can gather for fun and relaxation. A large covered back porch hosts a large table with tall stools, lounge chairs, and an outdoor cooking area. A swimming pool completes the space, with a whimsical dolphin fountain from Las Vegas spraying water.

The primary bedroom and bath marry style and function. The bedroom design plays with bold prints and colors: green leather ottomans, large abstract paintings, a golden swirl chandelier, a floral bedspread. Though the bathroom has been updated into a modern marbled beauty, it retains some notable original fixtures, including a glass brick window and an elegant built-in bookshelf.

In the other wing of the ground floor, a game room contains a pool table, a retro pinball machine, an operational slot machine, and a built-in bar area. Here, the various personal tastes of the Carlow family are presented together, as football and Elvis memorabilia both decorate the room. A hidden room behind the game area reveals a relaxing seating area with rattan accent tables and a large wine cabinet.

Upstairs, three bedrooms have very different themes to suit their occupants. One room features soft blues and delicate patterns. A second room boasts a masculine style of darker earth tones. Finally, a darling nursery with a Peter Rabbit motif completes the trio, with a handmade wooden rocking horse sitting in the corner, a precious family heirloom. Also upstairs is a home theater room, with luxurious leather recliners and a drop-down projection screen for the family to enjoy movies and video games together.

The Carlow house is a triumph of transitional design. Carefully chosen decor, colorful accents, and modern furnishings are simultaneously trendy and timeless in their appeal. The family is sure to enjoy this stylish blend of personality and comfort for years to come.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

THE RUN THE LINE HALF MARATHON WAS HELD SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH.

Josh Kazanovicz and Karen Harbut Bradley Wright and Rose Dickinson Daniel Hernandez and Mark Bultemeier

John and Julie-Ray Harrison and Brandon Ayers

Heather and Shaun Cox

Quinn Addington, Sierra Strickland, and Lauren Callaway Francis

Stephen Vaughan, Kellin Vaughan, Bailey Vaughan, and Gay Vaughan

Carmen Bryant, Nikki Johnson, and Whitney Boykin

Karen Wacha, Laurie Perticone, Ashley Collins, and Teresa Rossi

Shannon Jones, Kason Wood, John Baker, and Bryan Kemp

Tabatha White and Shelly Wells

Alexis House with Nalini Reddy and Mike Droske Joseph Geraci, Elizabeth Baker, John Baker, and Catherine Texter Baker

MEET

KAMARIEE ELLIS

by MADELINE SMALLWOOD

Strength. Grit. Determination. These are all traits that Liberty-Eylau senior Kamariee Ellis exhibits. Currently ranked first in the region and third in the state, Kamariee embodies the essence of powerlifting—a sport that goes beyond physical strength and requires intense mental endurance as well.

“There’s a lot that goes into [powerlifting],” she said. “[A competition entails three sets of] squat, bench, and deadlift. Whoever does the most weight at the end of the meet is the winner of that weight class,” Kamariee explained.

While Kamariee, who only began her powerlifting career a few years ago as a sophomore, is now passionate about the sport, she was skeptical of joining the team at first.

“I was a track girly,” she recalled. “Coach Brandon Rollins was trying to get me to come over to that side. I didn’t really want to, but then I was like, ‘I’ll give it a shot.’” Her initial concern was one that many girls and women have: “I didn’t want to look buff—that was my whole thing,” she said. “But now I look at [being buff] like a compliment.”

As the competition intensifies with regional and state meets approaching, Kamariee’s training schedule is highly demanding. “In the regular season, practice is Monday, Wednesday, Friday. But now that regionals and state are coming up, it’s every weekday at 6:30 in the morning,” she said.

Preparation for meets involves more than a focus on physical readiness. Beyond stretching regularly and keeping a close eye on her weight to ensure she is eligible to compete in her weight class, Kamariee also makes efforts to prepare mentally and emotionally. “I read my Bible, boost my confidence, and stuff like that,” she said.

Although Kamariee has a rigorous training schedule, she is still able to pursue other interests, including serving as one of the varsity cheer captains at Liberty-Eylau High School. She also manages her own hair braiding-business called Braids by Kamariee, following in the footsteps of her mother.

“Whenever I was little, my mom would let me help her with her clients,” she explained. “In middle school, I was seeing girls with braids, and I was like, ‘I can do that.’ I started practicing on my family members first and then eventually built up my own clientele. I started to charge, and it skyrocketed from there.”

Entrepreneurship is not how most teenagers make money—but Kamariee is not like most teenagers.

“I like to venture off and do things on my own and push myself,” she said. “I wanted to be able to do what my mom does. Now I’ve had my business consistently for two years.”

Kamariee’s strength is evident in both her powerlifting feats and the maintenance of her business. No matter the results of upcoming competitions, her unwavering determination and varied talents are an inspiration to her community.

Madeline Smallwood is a junior at Pleasant Grove High School. She is a writer for The Edge newspaper and a staff photographer. Her greatest love is sports photojournalism and she hopes to one day capture the highs and lows of NFL football.

photo by SHANE DARBY

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

THE LONE STAR DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AWARDS WERE HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH.

Outstanding History Educator Award: Leigh Ann Haley

American History Essay Contest Winner: Piper Thomas

American History Essay Contest Winner: Emily Tanner

2024 Lone Star DAR Good Citizen Scholarship Winner: Tyler Unger

American History Essay Contest Winner: Alli Altenbaumer

Outstanding Community Service Award: Sacred Heart Catholic Church children’s leader Melodie Brunt

Outstanding Civil Service Award: retired Bowie County Lieutenant Todd Fore (award accepted on his behalf by wife, Joanna Fore)

ATHE DAILY PLANET

by KLARK KENT

s Americans, we collectively consider ourselves to be the heroes of hope, a beacon of opportunity for all. But for most of the world, we are perceived as a very self-serving nation. Why is that? One possibility is that for far too long we have farmed out most of our production of everyday consumer products onto the less fortunate countries of the world without demanding the same standard of worker wellness we demand for ourselves. Those less fortunate countries have long carried the “American dream” on the backs of child labor, extortion, organized crime and corrupt governments. As American consumers, we want what we want, and the U.S. dollar price will be THE determining factor.

Rarely do consumers really stop and assess the impact of our consumer consumption on a global scale. It’s a reality that we would just rather not worry ourselves with, because, well frankly, it doesn’t directly affect YOU the majority of the time. The macroeconomic burdens of being a world superpower stretch far and wide. Americans’ influence as consumers on making global change could truly have world-reforming capabilities on the aforementioned injustices of the world if we didn’t view only the price tag of what we desire. I’m all for capitalism. But, inherently, we must ask ourselves the proverbial question, “Was Gordon Gekko correct?”

Greed exists throughout the world, always has, and always will. As Americans, we have “establishments” in place that prevent the majority of American workers from dying at their workplace due to unsafe work conditions. However, this is not the case throughout the majority of the world. American-made products evolved over the last century to become some of the most ethically-sound supply chain products in the world, but

simultaneously, this shift increased the end consumer cost exponentially. Many products that we desire as Americans became too expensive for the average American consumer to bear for American-made products, so what did we do? Did we just go without because we can’t afford the ethically sound produced product? Of course not, we are greedy Americans. We want what we want. We will just have some other exploited country do it cheaper for us.

I mean, it’s not my neighbor’s kid, Tommy boy, having to work in deplorable conditions for an 80-hour work-week producing that newest fashion product I want to wear with my Easter outfit. It’s some kid I don’t even know across the world. So obviously, that makes it okay.

The majority of all international production industries have long used and exploited child labor, poor working conditions, unlivable wages, etc., to ultimately appease the American consumers’ desire to “have it cheaper.” You see, the majority of Americans can’t afford to live the lifestyle they want to live. Keeping up with the Joneses is hard to do these days. Much less, making consumer conscious decisions regarding the wellbeing of some kid in a foreign country. No, we want that SHEIN and Temu black strapless dress for $5.50. And, undoubtedly, you will be thrilled when you receive the package in the mail. You probably will even brag to your friends about how cute it is and how cheap it cost. Such purchases make us feel worthy and seen in a culture that is widely driven by status and image. But everything has a true cost….

As a nation, I love that our differences make us unique and are deeply valued in a culture where we are freely able to express ourselves. So while the hopes of us all joining hands and singing “Kumbaya” simultaneously

and wearing organically sustained clothes is obviously completely off the table, surely we can agree that cheap products are ultimately not beneficial to everyone? Right?

But then Again, I don’t know. We can’t even get the nation united behind which senior citizen we want to represent the nation. So, maybe it is too much to ask. But I’ll ask anyway.

I would ask that you try your best to represent our nation, the beacon of hope for the world, as a consumer. I think it’s worth a noble attempt to become educated on where we spend our money and the supply chain that produced the said good. Is it hard and more expensive to be a conscientious consumer? Absolutely! Ultimately, is it a worthy cause to attempt to make this world a better place? I believe so.

That being said, if at this point in the article I haven’t pulled on a heartstring, your heart is like that top hit of the ‘90s “Ice, ice baby.” But, let me make it even more personal and impactful to you in particular, you selfish little devil you.

Did you know that a substantial amount of the fashion pieces you’re purchasing from aforementioned websites have toxic levels of lead, phthalates, PFA’s, etc.? Did you know that exposure to such toxic levels is known to cause reproductive harm, asthma, neurological damage, etc.?

Now Imagine your baby chewing on his newly-bought winter jacket sleeve relentlessly that you purchased for $3.00 off of SHEIN, and he wore it daily the entire winter season. Imagine that baby presenting six months later with neurological deficits only to find that his blood lead level is 10x the upper limit of normal. Imagine being told that most likely the brain damage done is irreversible at this point. Well, that happens right here in little ol’ Texarkana.

I know we are supposed to have government agencies overseeing and testing what products are allowed to come through customs before arriving at your door. But all those agencies have long been paid off by big money

lobbyists and truly have zero accountability for allowing such products to fall at your family’s doorstep.

No, the answer, per usual, isn’t in Washington D.C. The answer is in your back pocket.

We the people still have power over the rich men north of Richmond. So, educate yourself, your friends, and your family on the impacts of just buying “cheap stuff” because ultimately, the unseen costs are often far greater than you realize. To quote the real peach of a person who essentially created the now despised modern 40 hour workweek: “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” -Henry Ford.

So now that you know. What are you gonna do when no one is looking? Are you gonna empty your Amazon/shein/temu shopping cart? Or, are you gonna educate yourself?

Until next time: be wise, be kind to all persons, and read a book.

Originally from Tom, Oklahoma, Klark Kent earned his master’s of science in engineering at Louisiana Tech University and his PA at The University of Toledo Medical Center. He currently works as a physician assistant (PA-C FM/D) at Texarkana Care Clinic. Husband to Alex and father to Keller and Kix, Klark cherishes his family and enjoys writing (often humorously) about his personal experiences, life, and medicine.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

THE ATLANTA ISD FOUNDATION HELD ITS “BLUE JEANS AND BLING 2024: ROCK N ROLL” (PRESENTED BY STATE BANK AND PEACE WEALTH ADVISORS) ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD.

Kirby McCasland and Whitney Adams

Brooke Giesler, Kirby McCasland, Lauren Giesler, and Jennifer Cox

Lt. Col. Cole Clements, Dr. Adam Cox, Dr. Lanny Giesler, and Dr. Eric McCall

Whitley Allen with Dave and Chrissie Allen

Emily Ransom and Leigh McCall

Terri and Jeff Peace

MARCH 2024

MARCH 2

Temple Memorial Pediatric Center’s Dancing With Our Stars Temple Memorial presents the fifth annual Dancing With Our Stars at the Northridge Country Club. The dress code is cocktail attire, and valet parking will be provided. The event starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are available online at templememorialpediatric.com or by calling 903-794-2705.

Teachers Support Teachers Fundraising Gala

For the fifth year, this fundraising gala will serve as a night of celebration for educators. The event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m at the Texarkana Arkansas Convention Center. This is a black-tie/formal event. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

Making Connections Family Resource Fair and Expo

Partners Resource Network, in collaboration with TISD Special Education Department and ASPIRE, is hosting a resource fair and expo for the community, with vendors and speakers on disability issues. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Texas Middle School blackbox theater and cafeteria. For more information, contact Patricia Reedy at region8prn@gmail.com or Becky Graham at becky.graham@txisd.net.

Regional Celebration of African American Artists

The “Portraits, Reflections, Dreams, and Hopes” exhibit will be on

display at the Regional Arts Center through March 16th. Viewing is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission to the public. Group tours can be scheduled by calling 903-792-8681.

Hope for Texarkana Easter/Spring Basket Silent Auction

Hope for Texarkana’s first fundraiser will help provide food items and toiletries for those in need. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will be held at The Vault Premier Flea Market in Wake Village. For more information, go to hope4txk.com.

Four States Line Dance Festival

The Texarkana Line Dancers present the second annual Four States Line Dance Festival. The event will be held at the VFW on Highway 82. Group performances start at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Ticia Clements at 501-622-9058.

MARCH 8

Harvest Regional Food Bank’s Wine & Jazz Gala

Harvest Regional Food Bank’s 18th annual gala will be held at Silvermoon on Broad from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 870-774-1398, or go to harvestregionalfoodbank.org.

Brian Harris Foundation Golf & Pickleball Tournament

The inaugural Brian Harris Foundation Golf & Pickleball Tournament, benefiting local nursing students, will begin at 12 p.m. at Northridge Country Club. For more information, check out the Facebook event, “Brian Harris Foundation Golf & Pickleball Tournament.”

MARCH 9

Wagons for Veterans

The sixth annual Wagons for Veterans event will be held at the Texarkana Four States Fairgrounds. All-you-can-eat meals for $15 will be available, starting at 10:30 a.m. For more info, contact Connie Smith at connies4652@gmail.com or 903-501-0584.

Masterworks IV: Transfigured Night

The Texarkana Symphony Orchestra will present Arnold Schoenberg’s Transfigured Night live at the Perot Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at perottheatre.org.

MARCH 10

Tough Kookie Foundation Silent Auction

The Tough Kookie Foundation will auction off local art, including pieces from muralist Darlene Taylor, to benefit local cancer patients. The auction will be held at Hopkins Icehouse from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MARCH 15

Grace House Gala

Grace House presents, “Masquerade Gala” (black tie optional). There will be dinner, dancing, live music, and a silent auction, benefiting the rescue of women and children in the Ark-La-Tex. The event will be held in The Canvas Special Events Center beginning at 7 p.m. For more information, go to gracehousetxk.churchcenter.com.

MARCH 15–16

Jonquil Festival

This two-day festival at Historic Washington State Park heralds the arrival of spring in Southwest Arkansas. Thousands of jonquils welcome craftspeople, entertainers, and visitors to the town. Tours of the park,

historic homes, and museums are available. The hours of operation for the festival are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to arkansasstateparks.com.

MARCH 23

Texarkana Home and Garden Show

The Texarkana Home and Garden Show is an annual event that introduces the Texarkana area to local builders, remodelers, home and garden suppliers, and other related companies. This year’s show will be held in the Crossties Event Venue from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, go to txkhomeshow.com.

TRAHC Gala

You are invited to a party benefiting the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council, which will take place at the Regional Arts Center from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. More information can be found at trahc.org.

MARCH 26

Pitch It Texarkana

Applicants will have the opportunity to “pitch” ideas about technology, products, or services to a panel of local professionals in just three minutes, in front of a live audience. Taking place at Crossties, the competition will open at 5 p.m. For more information, check out the “Pitch It Texarkana” Facebook page.

MARCH 27

TRAHC’s Theater for Young Audiences: “Janet’s Planet”

This interactive performance brings the wonders of the galaxy to the theatre. The two performances will begin at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Perot Theatre. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the box office the day of the show. To make a reservation, contact Hannah at hannahr@trahc.org or 903-792-8681.

MARCH 30

Junior League of Texarkana’s Eggstravaganza

Wake up on Easter morning to a yard covered with candy-filled eggs. Homes located in TISD, Pleasant Grove, TASD, Redwater, LibertyEylau, Hooks, and Redlick are eligible. Orders must be made before March 21st. For more information and to place your order, visit to jltexarkana.org.