Four States Living Magazine June 2021

ON THE COVER - JUNE 2021

With a mutual interest in aviation and classic aircraft, Dr. Jeff Thomas and Dr. Gary Jackson joined forces in 2013 and bought a 1948 Stinson 108-3. For several years, the two local physicians stripped the plane down to its bare frame and began reconstructing it. The newly restored plane, nicknamed “The Bluebird,” took its first flight on October 13, 2019, and Dr. Thomas and Dr. Jackson look forward to flying it to the 2021 EAA AirVenture Fly-In at Wittman Field in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in July.

See “Just Plane Crazy! on page 8.

M EN WHO LEAD BY EXAMPLE TABLE

Every man in business has his own story, and we present a few of them in this special advertising section with profiles specifically designed to show the person - the face behind the business or organization that he has helped build, starting on page 28.

OF CONTENTS

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

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

who Lead by Example

Scene About Town 14, 20-21, 2627, 32, 52-53, 58, 63, 67, 71-72

The Way I See It...

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

About the time this magazine hits the street, I will be moving. What the what?!? My house really wasn’t for sale. There wasn’t a sign in the yard, or a listing on Zillow, or even a place to go when a friend called and asked to show the home I have lived in for the last 18 years. When she called, I didn’t even really think about everything that goes along with selling or buying someplace new. I told her to give me 30 minutes to make sure there weren’t any dirty clothes on the bathroom floor, and I would leave the door unlocked.

Two of my three kids aren’t ever going to live at home again (at least that’s what they say), and a five bedroom house has been weighing me down for the last few years. Weekends have been spent cleaning or working in the yard; I only enjoy the latter. And I have been saying “I really need to downsize” for about the last five years.

So almost three hours after I got that destiny call, I had an offer on my house, and again, without giving it much thought, I agreed. Isn’t this market nuts? Two days later, I signed an agreement to buy another house. And are you ready for this? It’s literally across the street. Like, if I back out of my driveway now and don’t turn the wheel, I’m in the driveway of my new house. Again, mind blown.

Two weeks have passed since that first day. Downsizing isn’t for the faint of heart. I’ve been soaking the bruises and sore muscles nightly in hot, Epsom salt baths. Mental exhaustion has taken over the physical, and when a certain special someone hollers “Momma” one time too many (usually at the 101st “Momma”), I honestly want to climb the walls that I promise will be touched up before I hand over the keys. Just joking, mostly. My sidekick and best bud, Emily, keeps me in line, but unlike her wheelchair batteries that charge back overnight, I am realizing that I can’t keep up with her. There’s so much to do in such a

Four St ates Living

short time.

In tonight’s bath, I had my phone, my computer, and a notepad and pen on the side of the tub. It was a bathtub electrocution waiting to happen, as the phone was even plugged into an extension cord. “Do as I say, not as I do,” right? Anyway, I was making lists on the notepad; if I put them in my phone, I never look at them again, but a physical note will plague me until every last item is scratched off. Internet. Electricity. Movers. And on and on. “What have I done?” I thought. The stress is self-inflicted due to the lists that I have left for myself throughout the house. That’s when I noticed the notepad itself. It was special-ordered with my name on it. And at the top, it said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

As soon as I internalized that quote, I stopped stressing. Somehow, in a couple of weeks, my daughter and I will be sleeping in new bedrooms and getting used to different quirks of a different house. I don’t think for a second it will be a better or worse place to live, although the idea of dumping about a third of my belongings sounds wonderful at the moment. Who knew in 18 years, one person could gather and fill almost 18 big, plastic tubs with just Christmas décor? If I told you how many rolls of toilet paper I had, you might blame me for the shortage of 2020. And in case you need knives, scissors, weed killer, light bulbs, or bug spray, I’m your girl. Just don’t ask to borrow something useful like eggs or sugar, because those expired last year.

I have a feeling my mom will be the one who saves my biscuits during this next move. She is going to swoop in and organize the chaos and donation of my extra stuff to local charities. That’s what moms do. They make things happen and look easier than they really are.

The theme for this month’s magazine is “Locals Living

PUBLISHER

Dr. Robin Rogers

EDITOR

Suzy Turner

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kim McMurry

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Lori Rochelle

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER

Alamond Photography

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS

Abby Elliott

FOURSTATESLIVING

4STATESLIVING

Large.” When we came up with that theme, we were thinking about the overachievers in the community – the ones investing great time and effort into hobbies, businesses, and life in general with their talents. Like moms, they do big things well and inspire us to be better individuals.

Now don’t take this next sentence the wrong way; I definitely know where every flaw, blemish, and crack rests in my 51 years of life. But, as I combed through almost 20 years of closets, treasure boxes, and stuff, I realized that as bad as the last couple of years have been, overall, I have lived a big, wonderful life with some really cool people as family and friends. Time is a commodity. Choose to spend it with the right people for the right reasons doing things that bring you joy. Whether that is building airplanes at home or running marathons or building businesses, follow your passions and live well. Hope we are all getting back to living large locally! And, as always, thanks for reading FSLM.

FEATURED COLUMNISTS

Nichole Holze

Donnie Spriggs

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Jordan

Lindsey McMillan

Vicki Melde

Jileen Platt

Lisa Porterfield Thompson

Amber E. Willman

Amber Smith Zaliski

Peyton Sims

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JUST “PLANE” CRAZY!

A SHARED PASSION FOR AVIATION LEADS

DR. GARY JACKSON AND DR. JEFF THOMAS TO AN AMAZING CLASSIC AIRCRAFT RESTORATION

photo by ALAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY

by VICKI MELDE

Everyone can benefit from a pastime aside from one’s professional role and life responsibilities. As they say, finding a way to escape from the challenges of the day while doing something enjoyable is “good for the soul.” Some are drawn to running and log hundreds of miles per week pushing their bodies to the limit. For others, joy is found in games such as duplicate bridge which tests their mental and strategic abilities. Many simply enjoy losing themselves in a great book and living vicariously thru the characters.

Two local physicians have enjoyed a friendship which began over 20 years ago based upon their mutual interest in aviation – and particularly their passion for classic aircraft. Dr. Jeff Thomas grew up in Wynne – a small town in eastern Arkansas located in the rich, flat farmlands of the Mississippi Delta. “Watching crop dusters flying over the fields was a common sight and is what originally sparked my interest in aviation,” Jeff explained. “I used to ride my bicycle from my house to the local airport to watch the Ag Cats take off and land. The local airport manager would give me old aviation magazines, and I would read them cover-to-cover. I also enjoyed building countless model airplanes as a kid. I knew that one day I would learn how to fly an airplane.”

That opportunity did not come until many years later, when Jeff was almost finished with medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. “I was fortunate to be able to wrap up my senior year at UAMS a month earlier than most of my classmates, and that is when I started taking flying lessons,” he noted. “I passed my check ride and earned my private pilot’s license on July 1, 1994.” A few weeks later, he moved to Texarkana to begin his residency in Family Medicine at UAMS-AHEC Southwest, which he completed in 1997. He has since been in private practice in Texarkana for the past 24 years, the last 10 of which have been in affiliation with Collom & Carney Clinic. In addition, Dr. Thomas also works as a hospitalist at Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital in Texarkana.

Dr. Gary Jackson was born in Simms, Texas. His family moved to Wichita Falls when he was around 9 years old, where he spent the remainder of his childhood. After graduating college, he became a nurse anesthetist and started his career working in West Texas, covering up to 8-10 hospitals. Years later, in 2003, Gary took a hiatus from work to attend medical school, which he completed in 2008. He currently works in the anesthesia department at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System. Gary recalled, “Back when I was working in West Texas, the long hours of driving to and from work quickly became monotonous, so I decided that learning to fly a plane would help a lot to reduce the time I spent on the road.” And thus began his flying career.

Gary was offered a position in Texarkana in 1979 and was able to move back to his family’s home place in Simms, where he could be available to help his aging parents. He began clearing land and built his own private airstrip which was originally only 800’ long. It has since been extended to nearly 2,500’ in length. Gary jokingly refers to his private airstrip as “Simms International Airport” and has a large sign bearing that name mounted above his hangar door.

“Airplanes require a lot of maintenance, and good aircraft mechanics can be hard to find –so I began working in my spare time as an apprentice to several licensed aircraft mechanics,” Gary shared. “After several years of training, in 2000, I successfully passed the six FAA exams required to earn certification as an Airframe and Powerplant (“A&P”) Mechanic.”

Over the years, Gary has purchased, repaired and/or rebuilt, and sold more than 75 aircraft of various makes and models – at least four of which were ground-up restorations.

So how did Jeff and Gary learn of their shared appreciation for old airplanes? During his residency in Texarkana, Jeff joined the local flying club at the Texarkana airport to keep his piloting skills up-to-date. Soon after starting his private practice, he and a colleague bought a 1946 Cessna 140 from an elderly patient who had to give up flying for medical reasons.

“Prior to closing the deal, I needed to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by someone familiar with those classic airplanes,” Jeff remembered. “That is when someone referred me to a guy who worked in anesthesia named Gary Jackson, who (as mentioned) happened to also be an A&P mechanic.

“We soon discovered that we both shared an interest in these antique aircraft for their

simplicity, history, and their classic, curved lines,” Jeff continued. “At that time, I had not yet earned my tailwheel endorsement, and Gary put me in touch with a good instructor to accomplish that goal. Gary and I have remained good friends ever since. We enjoyed flying our old airplanes together on occasion to attend annual ‘fly-ins’ (a term which refers to a “convention” in the world of aviation) in various locations throughout Texas.”

The Cessna 140 was a small airplane, with only two seats – but, according to Jeff, it was a great trainer for learning how to fly a “taildragger” aircraft, which requires careful attention to rudder control during takeoffs and landings. But the Cessna soon became too small to be practical, and he and his flying partner started looking for a larger aircraft that could accommodate their families. “Gary came

through for me again in 2001, when he suggested we consider a 1948 Stinson 1083 – also known as the “Flying Station Wagon” – which a friend of his had decided to sell. We took it on a test flight and were quite impressed with its flying qualities and roominess – so we bought it,” Jeff explained. “My first three sons were small enough at the time to sit side-by-side across the back seat, and we enjoyed several family trips to locations such as San Antonio and Branson. However, within a couple of years my boys were too big to fit across the back seat, and we ultimately decided to sell the plane. I then took a hiatus from flying for several years.”

Jeff and Gary stayed in touch during the years Jeff was not flying. “He might not admit it, but Gary has a huge heart and genuinely enjoys helping people whenever he can,” Jeff confided. “As only another pilot could, he understood how badly I missed flying. Around 2010, we started talking about looking for another Stinson in decent shape which we could ‘spruce up’ a bit – which, in turn, would enable me to get back into the pilot’s seat.” After scanning the classifieds over the next few years, Gary finally found “The One” in early 2013 in the tiny town of Reklaw, Texas, – another 1948 Stinson 108-3 – which was still actively flying and appeared to be in good overall condition. Gary flew it back home to his private airstrip in Simms and parked it in his hangar on February 1, 2013.

With the plane conveniently located at his home, Gary began looking it over carefully to determine what needed to be fixed, and what did not. He removed the wings, tail section, instrument panel, landing gear, and engine to be able to thoroughly inspect all the internal parts. He soon realized that the plane – which upon initial inspection had seemed to be quite solid – was in fact hiding some serious problems beneath its skin. It was going to require much more than just an oil change and some fresh paint to make it a safe and reliable airplane. To be done right, it needed to undergo a complete rebuild. What Gary originally had envisioned to be a “quick and easy” project had suddenly become much bigger! Gary began disassembling the entire aircraft down to its bare frame. “Gary gets 100% credit for this phase of the project, which took two to three years,” Jeff shared. Soon there were several piles of parts around the perimeter of his shop,

Gary and Jeff after the airplane’s first flight on October 13, 2019. Jeff later printed out an 8”x10” and framed it for Gary with the caption “Job Well Done!” and gave it to him that year for Christmas. Of all the photos the team has taken during this project, this is by far Jeff’s personal favorite because it reminds him of a really good, really happy moment.

grouped according to physical location on the plane, or perhaps a system of the plane (fuel, electronics, etc.).

Jeff recalled Gary’s dry wit when questioning his own sanity for jumping into such a huge project: “Gary told me that most of these antique airplanes have never been professionally restored, yet their owners continue to fly them and simply hope and pray that nothing goes wrong. A few owners begin to wonder if the ‘bones’ ought to be looked at – and then yet a few of those are dumb enough to tear them down completely and get themselves buried neck-deep in a pile of airplane parts!”

Jeff continued, “That was Gary’s way of asking, ‘How the heck did I get myself into this big mess?’ But in all seriousness, this is the kind of work that Gary genuinely enjoys doing in his spare time. He is among the few who possess the knowledge, skills, and attention to detail needed to meticulously restore a classic aircraft.”

Jeff recalled, “Gary had an advantage (though he might strongly disagree with the use of that word) in that the plane was in his personal shop behind his house, and ‘going to work’ on the project meant merely strolling across his lawn. Further, Gary’s kids were already grown and gone, whereas I still had several school-age children at home who were involved in many extracurricular activities.”

For Jeff, however, it was a 30-minute drive one-way to get to Gary’s place. In 2016, his work schedule became less congested, and Jeff was able to dedicate more time to the project. At that point, Gary had performed several needed repairs and had powder-coated the frame of the airplane (a.k.a. - the “bones”). It was now time to start putting it all back together. Jeff spent most weekends for the next three years at Gary’s place helping to reassemble the airplane. Sometimes they would work all day, and other times just half a day. They steadily chipped away, little by little. As Gary used to say, “The pile of parts keeps getting smaller, so we must be making some progress!” Another way Gary likes to describe airplane building: “It’s like eating an elephant … one little bite at a time!”

For Gary, this was not his first [airplane] rodeo; he had restored/rebuilt a variety of aircraft over the years before embarking on this project. “To be clear: Gary was the experienced A&P mechanic – I was merely the apprentice,” Jeff emphasized. “However, I did bring a healthy fund of general mechanical knowledge and experience to the project, for which I must give credit to my father. He is an engineer and has always prided himself on being able to fix almost anything. He had me rebuilding lawn mower engines when I was in middle school and helping

Photo by Wayne P. Minor

Gary pauses while working on the tail section of the airplane.

After completing installation of new fabric to the fuselage of the airplane, Gary and Jeff loaded it onto a trailer and headed to Haley’s Body Shop.

him with various carpentry projects. In my junior year of high school, he and I restored a 1972 Triumph TR-6 convertible, which became my daily driver for the next 10 years – which to me proves we must have done it right! For me – as is true for lots of guys – tinkering in the shop is a wonderful form of therapy; it provides a much-needed escape from the doldrums of everyday life.”

Gary observed, “What Jeff brought to the project was a lot of creativity, in terms of selecting the color scheme and materials used to finish out the cabin. He cut and installed the interior leather trim around the windows and doors. He also researched, selected, and installed the numerous custom lighting features. One of the most interesting things he did was design a unique lever system to operate the flap handle: in the Stinson 108-series of aircraft, the flap handle is rather difficult to reach, which can be a safety concern. Jeff’s invention eliminates the need to take your eyes off where you’re going to reach way down to the cabin floor and operate the flap handle, therefore increasing safety while flying.”

The newly restored plane, which they fondly refer to as “The Bluebird,” first flew on the afternoon of October 13, 2019, with Gary at the controls. Jeff stood on the edge of the airstrip and took photos and video. “I will tell you that I got choked up watching that beautiful airplane roar past me and take to the skies once again after nearly seven years, knowing how much time and effort we each had invested to make that moment possible,” Jeff shared. “After circling the airstrip a few times, Gary landed and slid over to the right seat; I then climbed in and flew it for the first time myself. I recall the moment almost feeling surreal. It is difficult to describe all the emotions we were feeling that day… suffice it to say that we were so happy that you could not have slapped the smiles off our faces!”

After flying for a little while around the airfield, they landed and gave everything a close inspection, looking for any potential problems. Thankfully, there were none. The plane had flown perfectly. They set up a camera and snapped a few pictures of themselves with the airplane. Jeff recalled, “I remember thinking, ‘Where’s all the applause and fanfare? Where’s the marching band? This was a BIG DEAL, people! There should be a crowd cheering for us! There should be champagne and cake!’ But alas, it was just the two of us and our little old airplane in Simms, Texas.”

The plane continued to fly well, but in spring of 2020, they began noticing that the engine was running a bit rougher than it should. They ultimately ended up installing a new carburetor, ignition system, and sent all six cylinders to a specialty shop to have them overhauled. “That was a major undertaking but given the complete makeover we’d performed on the airframe, we felt that the engine deserved the same amount of careful attention,” Gary recalled. “We finally got everything put back together in August 2020, and the plane has been running perfectly ever since. We are finally DONE!”

Weather permitting, the two are planning to fly the airplane to the 2021 EAA AirVenture Fly-In at Wittman Field in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in late July. It is the largest annual aviation celebration in the world, and this year Stinson is being honored as one of the featured aircraft in recognition of over 100 years since the company was founded. (That recognition was supposed to have taken place last year, but the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That has turned out to be a silver lining for Gary and Jeff because last summer they were still in the middle of their engine work.) “This year we are ready to go! And we are hopeful that our ‘Bluebird’ will win a ribbon or two at Oshkosh … we think it should, but we’re admittedly a bit biased!”

The pair expressed deep gratitude to their wives and families for their patience, encouragement, and understanding while working on this project. Wes Haley and his talented crew at Haley’s Body Shop were also instrumental in successfully achieving one of the most striking features of the aircraft – its beautiful, brilliant blue paint.

Gary summed up the deeper mission behind this project quite eloquently: “Antique aircraft like this 1948 Stinson Station Wagon are truly special. They are beautiful, living reminders of the history of aviation in America – a history that is worth remembering and revering. Jeff and I recognize that we are not so much the ‘owners’ of this classic airplane, but instead are simply its temporary caretakers. And we both derive a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that we’ve done our best to preserve this particular aircraft for the benefit of future generations.”

For Jeff’s father’s 82nd birthday last fall, he gave him his first ride in The Bluebird. They flew to Fort Worth Spinks airport, where they were met by Jeff’s oldest son, Zachary, who currently works there as a flight instructor. They all three enjoyed a nice visit over lunch at one of Zach’s favorite restaurants.

Jeff and Wes Haley prepare to take off and have some fun flying low-level passes down the runway during the 35th annual Flying-M Ranch Fly-In and Campout held in Reklaw, Texas, last October.

The skilled crew at Haley’s Body Shop did a meticulous job preparing the wings for the brilliant blue paint.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

KIWANIS CLUB OF TEXARKANA PANCAKE DAY

The Kiwanis Club of Texarkana held its 63rd annual Pancake Day on May 15 in the Truman Arnold Center on the Texarkana College campus. The event featured an all-youcan-eat breakfast which included pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee, juice, and milk. Proceeds from the event support local projects of the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana.

Everett Moses and Sheila Milam

Mike Lusk and Julie Munn

Michael Unger, Rhonda King, LeAnne Wright and Amy McAnally

Brown Harvey, Payne Cook, Max Currie, Tyler Unger and Duncan Powell

Jenny Walker and Dr. Joanna Pridgen

David Cook, Kirk Reardon, Carlos Harvey, Justin White, Darin Powell, Michael Unger and Steven Harvey

David Wall and Monty Murry

Jocelyn Kemp and Kristie Wright

Tanner Inman, Mollie Nichols and Brady Chafin

Don Capshaw and Drew Mims

Robin Gray and Amy Murphy

Darryl Fields and Joe Morriss

James Syler and Michael George

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

PLEASANT GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL’S ASSOCIATE

PRINCIPAL ZACH FOWLER SELECTED FOR TASSP REGION 8 OUTSTANDING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Zach Fowler, Associate Principal of Pleasant Grove Middle School in Texarkana, Texas, has been selected to represent the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) as the Region 8 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year. TASSP recognizes outstanding principals and assistant principals from the 20 region Education Service Centers in the state. School administrators are nominated and chosen by their peers within their regions. Nominations are based upon exemplary performance and outstanding leadership. As a Region 8 winner, Zach is eligible to compete for the state title of Texas Assistant Principal of the Year.

Zach has five years of administrative experience with one year at Pleasant Grove Middle School. A graduate of Southern Arkansas University, he earned his Master of Education from Lamar University. A graduate of the 2021 Leadership Texarkana class, Zach is an active PGYA coach and Dixie Baseball coach. He and his wife, Kirby, have two children, Daxton (8) and Gavin (6).

Each of the region winners will be recognized during the Josten’s Night of the Stars Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with the TASSP Summer Conference.

Each will be presented with an award and recognized in a commemorative book entitled “Texas Principals, Texas Heroes.”

Zach Fowler

TEAM TEXARKANA BUZZARD FOOD’S HAMPTON FONTENOT,

DAVID MCGONAGILL AND SEAN ROMMEL

JOIN FORCES WITH HOSPICE OF TEXARKANA FOR THE 2021 PADDLE-A-THON

photo by ALAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY

Always up for a CHALLENGE

by JENNIFER JORDAN

Texas Water Safari. At a cursory glance, many people might think that this name sounds like an outdoor water park. Yet, it’s nothing of the sort. A 260-mile paddling race from San Marcos to Seadrift, on the Guadalupe and San Marcos Rivers, the Texas Water Safari is hailed as “the world’s toughest canoe race.” Held annually on the second Saturday of June, participants tackle numerous challenges from swift currents and whitewater rapids to logjams and alligators and other predators, all under any weather condition, be it a sweltering sun or a pop-up thunderstorm. Racers must finish the 260 miles within 100 hours and must also carry everything with them in their canoe, except for food and drink, which may be provided by a team member from the bank.

Readers might ask, “Who would even dream of attempting this?” Locals Sean Rommel, David McGonagill, and Hampton Fontenot certainly would. They are competing in their third race this June as “Team Texarkana Buzzard Food.” “Our goal is to finish,” comments David, who grew up in Victoria, Texas, a town through which the Texas Water Safari passes. As a distance athlete in high school, David was always interested in the race. He and Sean attended a daylong orientation about the Water Safari in February 2018 and began training for the June race. They manned a two-person canoe aptly numbered 3394 for Texarkana’s longitude and latitude coordinates. David and Sean also brought Hampton onboard as their co-captain to track the boat and provide the permitted food and drink along the course. “I chase them, feeding them from checkpoint to checkpoint,” Hampton explains. “I have to sign them through every checkpoint.” He cannot touch anything in David and Sean’s canoe or offer physical assistance. They toss anything they don’t need out of their canoe along the way, and Hampton will then supply them with various food and drink, depending on their point in the race. There is also little communication between Hampton and his team members, except for the use of a SPOT tracker, which Sean or David can press to let Hampton know that they are okay. “The judges check everything,” Hampton explains. “I can’t communicate with them on the water, so it’s the world off my shoulders when they hit the ‘OK’ button.”

David and Sean competed in their first Texas River Marathon during May 2018. This race determined each team’s start position for the Texas Water Safari.

The first year, the team finished the race in 83 hours and 43 minutes. In 2019, the team’s goal was to break 60 hours. They almost made it, falling short of their goal by only 28 minutes. However, Team Texarkana Buzzard Food earned 4th place in the aluminum boat division and also came home with a goal to not only beat their time, but to do so for a local cause. This year, the team has joined forces with Hospice of Texarkana to run the first ever “Hospice of Texarkana Paddle-A-Thon.” “This is an avenue to help Hospice,” Hampton states. “Hospice of Texarkana gives people something special with its services. You have no idea how much a hospice program helps patients and their families mentally and physically. I’m proud of Sean and David for doing this for Hospice of Texarkana.” The team’s goal is to paddle over 500 miles from March 12 through June 16, the end of the Texas Water Safari. They welcome pledges, either as a single donation or per mile. All funds raised will go directly to Hospice of Texarkana. You can find ways to give on https://www.facebook.com/hospiceoftexarkana and https:// www.facebook.com/TXKBuzzardFood/. Team fans and sponsors can log on to the Texas Water Safari’s website during the race from June 12-16 and track by boat number (3394).

Although Team Texarkana Buzzard Food desires to best its 60-hour race goal, the training is “the best part,” according to Sean. “We have the best times training together on different parts of the rivers. We eat at good restaurants, too. It’s a lot of fun.” The training has become a family affair, with their wives driving them around Southwest Arkansas and Central Texas to train. David’s son, Dawson, has helped him as co-captain, and Sean’s son, Carson, has also helped. Training begins January through May, with a few organized races offered to help teams prepare. “The big race kickoff is the Texas Winter 100k,” Sean explains. Team Texarkana Buzzard Food competed in this race in 2019 and 2020. David actually broke his wrist on their first Winter 100k, but that did not stop him from finishing that race or continuing to train. Teams can also participate in a 35-mile qualifier race on the fastest section of the Texas Water Safari in May. “About half of the teams competing do this race,” David states. Locally, the team trains on the Little

River and the Cossatot River, which mimic the currents of the Guadalupe and San Marcos rivers, respectively. Weekends are reserved for longer hauls, but on weekdays, the team can race 4.5 miles on Bringle Lake.

The team is already anticipating at least one challenge in this year’s race. As of April, the water level on the rivers is low. Over the past three years, the team has learned that every little thing must be considered to finish a 260-mile race in their goal of fewer than 60 hours. They will use an 18-foot Kevlar canoe loaned by Wayne Thorp, which weighs less than their aluminum model. They also have ZRE black carbon fiber paddles that weigh only 10 ounces. “Paddling 50 times a minute for 60 hours yields 180,000 strokes,” David remarks. “The weight of the paddles is important. We’ve learned that we must get off the river as fast as possible.” Staying hydrated and fueled is critical, as the men burn 500 calories an hour. When they hit their checkpoints, Hampton will have 4 jugs of liquid, containing protein powder, Gatorade, tea, and water. He will trade out jugs for Sean and David and provide them whatever food they want. “At about the 200mile point in Victoria, I want milkshakes and chicken nuggets,” David says. If 2021 is anything like 2019, David and Sean will likely average about 2-3 hours of sleep over the entire 260-mile course. The lack of sleep, near-constant muscle usage, pestering insects and sweltering heat can prove to be powerful ingredients for a hallucination. “There are awesome cypress trees with knees along the Guadalupe River,” Sean comments. “You start hallucinating they are people.” In fact, the last 60 miles between Victoria and Sea Drift is called “Hallucination Alley.” “You see goofy stuff,” according to Sean. “You know it’s not real,” David chimes in, “but, by God, it’s real.” Sean relates, “At 2:30 a.m., a gar jumped into the boat, and we thought, ‘Was that real?’” Real or not, gar and other water animals are not the only animals that race participants might expect. “On our second or third practice run, we were followed by buzzards,” David begins. “There was a dead cow in a log jam,” Sean continues. “We had to cross over it, or we thought we’d become buzzard food.” Hence, the ideal team name.

For their third race, David, Sean, and Hampton’s plan is to finish and to raise

At mile 60 on the Texas Water Safari 2019, Sean and David portage the lower water bridge at Palmetto State Park, between Luling and Gonzales. Notice the water jugs with tubes coming out for drinking while they paddle.

David and Sean stand below the seawall in Seadrift, Texas, after completing their first Texas Water Safari in 83 hours during 2018.

The Texas Winter 100k kicks off David and Sean’s training season. This race runs from Austin to Bastrop on the Colorado River. This photo was taken at the finish line of the race in January 2019.

money for Hospice of Texarkana. An ultimate goal is to earn a place in the Texas Water Safari Hall of Fame. They will need to accomplish 10 Water Safaris to do this, and they would like to do so by age 60. “We’ll need to be 8 for 8 for the next races,” David states. The cancellation of the 2020 race actually served as a boon to David. He suffered a stroke in February of 2020 and figured that he was finished racing, but credits “the COVID-19 year with giving me recoup time.”

Winning the race offers no pecuniary rewards, just bragging rights. “There’s an award ceremony, and you get a nice patch for participating—that’s it,” Sean explains. Texas Water Safari teams can consist of several people, or just one. “There are extreme competitors who are out of our class. They take only 90 second breaks per hour. We’re not there yet,” Sean quips. He elaborates, “But I can’t say enough about the river community. They want everyone to finish.” For these three friends, the real reward is in the time spent together. As David says, “We don’t argue. It’s a lot of fun. It takes a special person to ride with another in a boat for 260 miles, sleep-deprived.”

This photo was taken at mile 248 checkpoint 10 from the bridge over the salt water barrier on the Guadalupe River, which keeps salt water from the San Antonio Bay from creeping upstream. This was the last time Sean and David would see their team before the finish in 2019. They discarded everything they didn’t need before undertaking the final 16 miles, 6 miles of which are across open water on the San Antonio Bay.

During the Texas Water Safari in 2019, Team Texarkana Buzzard Food finished in time to attend the award ceremony and receive their patches.

Hampton Fontenot, Dawson McGonagill, Carson Rommel, Sean Rommel, David McGonagill, and Cordell McDonald during the Texas Water Safari team check-in in 2018 before Team Texarkana Buzzard Food’s first TWS race.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

LEADERSHIP TEXARKANA CLASS OF 2020-2021

Thirty-five Texarkana area residents recently completed the year-long Leadership Texarkana flagship community leadership program. They were honored for their commitment to Texarkana’s future on April 27 during an End of Year Celebration at the home of LT’s Executive Director, Ruth Ellen Whitt. Given lingering COVID concerns, the event was limited to LT grads and guests, and hosted by the Leadership Texarkana Board. The evening also focused on the importance of contributions by the hundred-plus facilitators, sponsors, presenters, hosts and administrators who made the program possible.

Through their involvement in Leadership Texarkana this past year, the participants in the program were given frameworks for understanding the leadership required to lead in our community, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the greater Texarkana area surrounding economic development, health care, government and courts, quality of life initiatives, public and higher education, media, and the private public and nonprofit sectors.

Applications for the upcoming program for 2021-22 can be found and completed online at LeadershipTexarkana.com; the deadline for applications is June 23. It is a competitive application process, with the numbers of participants accepted annually averaging 30 individuals. On June 10, from 5-6:30 p.m., Leadership Texarkana will host an informal recruitment event at the Twisted Fork Meeting Room for Texarkana area residents interested in applying for the LT Class of 2022.

Kasey Coggin, Ed.D. – Principal, Redwater Elementary School, Redwater ISD

Samuel Coston – Assistant Principal, New Boston Elementary, New Boston ISD

Patricia Cunningham – Vice-President, Marketing, Red River Federal Credit Union

Jennifer Davis – Director of International Studies, Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Carla Dupree – Principal, Texas High School, Texarkana, TX ISD Scott Felps – Manager, Logan Electric

Cameron Flores – Stone Sales, Red River Lumber Company

Landon Forbes –Assistant Corporate Credit Manager, BWI Companies/ Corp Office

Zach Fowler – Associate Principal, PG Middle School, Pleasant Grove ISD

John David Goins – Controller, Goins Plastic Source Yuliana Gonzalez – Human Resources Manager, Mayo Manufacturing

Amanda Graham – Executive Director of Academic Services, Texarkana College; Owner, Tag Loft Designs Sarah Hurst – Branch Manager II AVP, Farmers Bank & Trust

Kathryn Burkhalter – Practice Manager, Adult Clinic Community Healthcore

Sarah Carpenter – Administrative Assistant, Ledwell Company, Texas A&M UniversityTexarkana

Amber Gideon Stewart – Realtor and Owner, Coldwell Banker Elite Realtors

Monica Kelley – Realtor, Community VP, Junior League of Texarkana Cylas Langdon – RN, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic

Dr. Brian L. Matthews – Assistant Professor of Management, Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Crystal McDonald – Operations Mgr./Realtor, Better Homes & Garden Real Estate Infinity

Lindsey McMillan – Adjunct Faculty, Texarkana College & Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Queenie Edwards Miller – Industrial Engineer, Cooper Tire Stephanie Pankey – Texarkana Sales Rep., Thrifty Classifieds – Texarkana, TX Area

Mashon Phillips – Senior Accounting Analyst, Cooper Tire Molly E. Riley – Vice President, Marketing & Fundraising, United Way of Texarkana

Haley H. Roeser – Development Specialist, CASA of Northeast Texas

Kevin Sherman – Relationship Manager, Jeff Peace Financial /Atlanta Malachi Smith – Producer, Barry Insurance

Russell Sparks – President and Owner, Hightech Signs

Randy Stevens – Attorney, Norton, Wood and Floyd, LLP

Christiane Irvin – TASD Alumni, Recruitment, Marketing Coordinator, Arkansas High School

Joe Thomas – Land Lease Mgr./Acquisition Manager, Lindmark Outdoor Media - Texarkana Division Jenny Walker – Executive Director, Literacy Council

Mason White – Vice President, Operations, White Properties, Regional Manager at Peak Property Management

Jennifer Teeters – Development Director, Harvest Regional Food Bank

AS A REGISTERED NURSE AND ZUMBA® INSTRUCTOR, PENELOPE LOOSBROCK HOPES TO UNITE ALL PEOPLE

photo by ALAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY

MindBody & Soul

by LISA PORTERFIELD THOMPSON

Nurses have always been held in high esteem in our society—caring for the sick, keeping doctors in line, maintaining organization and good records, and comforting families who have lost, but in recent times, nurses are even more respected and regarded as essential to our daily lives amidst growing health concerns and an uncertain future. Penelope Loosbrock has been a registered nurse since the late 1980s, and while she maintains a career in nursing, she has recently found even more ways to serve her community and diversify her interests through teaching a community Zumba® class at the Southwest Center.

When asked how this came to be she responded, “I was attending classes toward my next degree and working PRN at the hospital when the previous Zumba® instructor unexpectedly needed to leave with her military husband. I didn’t know how I would do it, but I stepped up to help the community.”

It seems that stepping up has been a trend in Penelope’s life. “I grew up in Texarkana, Arkansas, and attended Carver Elementary School there,” Penelope said. “In the ’60s schools were segregated. My mother was a school teacher during this time, and I was too young to understand what was going on. It was the era of the Civil Rights Movement – there was busing, violence and school closures.

“I can remember asking my mother to let me learn ballet when I was 4,” Penelope recalls. “I already was trying to teach myself piano by ear. It is amazing to believe that during this time it was normal to hear my mother say, ‘There are no ballet schools for colored children in this area.’ To ease the disappointment, she put ballet dancers on my birthday cakes and gave me a music box with ballet dancers on it.

“In the ’70s, I became one of the first group of students to go to the desegregated Washington Sixth Grade School. It was the first time we had gone to school with students of a different color. I went on to Arkansas High School, and I never lost my desire for music or dance. I was in band, on the flag corps, and in the armor guard,” Penelope said. “After graduation, I attended Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona. I was chosen to be on the Flag Corps at ASU. I never realized the ability I had to perform or instruct. I thought I was only chosen because I was Black. I never thought I was smart, even though at 16

years old, I was accepted to ASU.

“I enjoyed college, but I did not appreciate it the way I would have now. I traveled with the band and attended Rose Bowl activities during football season. I became a little sister for Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. I enjoyed a campus that had a culture of diversity, which I longed for in high school. Orange trees lined the sidewalks which emitted a heavenly fragrance on campus. I will never forget this college experience,” Penelope said.

Penelope knew from a young age that she would care for the sick someday. As a child she cared for families of guard dogs and gave them a decent burial when they died. She saved bugs from harm and mended her injured dolls. In 1987, she graduated from Texarkana College with her associate degree in nursing and became a registered nurse.

“My father was an orderly (now they are called transport techs) at St. Michael Hospital in Texarkana, Arkansas,” Penelope said. “The nuns there seemed to love him. As a child I would grab my favorite nun’s habit. She was very patient with me and patted me on the shoulder when I did this. I begged my parents to let me be a Candy Striper. Later, my father was in this hospital, and I helped him during his recovery. I became a nurse at the very hospital where I took care of my father.”

Currently, Penelope works PRN at the CHRISTUS St. Michael Rehabilitation Hospital, but she has served in many capacities throughout her nursing career, including travelling as a nurse during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was in Louisiana when COVID became a pandemic,” she said. “Travel was restricted, and I had to carry a permission letter in my car to go to work. The interstate and highways were empty, PPE was limited and N95 masks had to be autoclaved to be used for so many days. We kept up with this by the marks they put inside the mask. We became not only the patient’s nurse, but their family. It was a lonely time for them. Patients were dying in front of our eyes from this virus, and in the end we were getting the virus, too. Units were closed and combined to have enough nurses. I am grateful to be a nurse for such a time as this.”

Penelope ended up getting COVID herself after working with patients for close to a year. Thankfully, she overcame the virus and was able to continue working and

During 2017, Penelope participated in North Little Rock’s Race for the Cure®.

teaching.

Penelope’s Zumba® classes and other classes were paused for some time while the Southwest Center remained closed due to COVID, but as soon as it opened back up, she went right back to teaching. “The Southwest Center became a hub to offer COVID-19 vaccines, and we didn’t mind pausing our class, because that’s what our community needed,” Penelope said. “Now that we are opening back up, I’m happy to be back. I can offer a class that destresses, elevates confidence levels, improves posture, provides socialization, and raises endorphin levels. If you want to lose weight and burn calories, this is a fun way to do it. Just move.”

Penelope believes in the power of dance. She has been teaching Zumba® for five years now. “Zumba® is a gateway to exercise and includes a diversity of people. We are like a family, and new family members come in all the time. My Zumba® family extends to other Zumba® instructors in town and out-of-town. I attend and support their classes. At the Southwest Center, we have two Zumba® classes, one in the morning and one in the evening. The Zumba® in the morning is slower, and Zumba® Fit in the evening. You are never too old to move!”

Along with a theme of stepping up to help in times of need, Penelope also appreciates the themes of diversity in her life. “My father, who was born around the turn of the century told me he had to sit on the back of the bus or train and lower the blinds when entering some of the small towns outside of Texarkana, Arkansas. My mother worked for a short time in a school district in Garland, Texas, and I remember a sign in a small town near there that said, ‘The blackest dirt and the whitest people.’ When I was growing up, segregation was ‘separate but equal,’ and I recall it making me feel like I wasn’t beautiful or valued because of the color of my skin,” Penelope said.

It seems in contrast, she has endeavored to make everything she touches about inclusion and finding the beauty in each individual. One of the members of her Zumba® class wrote: “What I enjoy about class is [the] microcosm of our society, all ages, ethnicity and economic groups, and we all get along.”

Penelope loves that idea. “This is why I do Zumba®—it brings all people together.”

Penelope (left) worked in Louisiana when the pandemic began.

Penelope with her parents, Dorothy and T.J. Abraham, during her graduation from the nursing program at Texarkana College in 1987.

On July 29, 2017, Penelope attended a Zumba® convention in Orlando, Florida.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS HOPE-TEXARKANA HONORS

INAUGURAL GRADUATES OF HOPE AND ARKANSAS HIGH COLLEGIATE ACADEMIES

The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana held a reception on Friday, May 7, to honor the inaugural graduates of the Hope and Arkansas High Collegiate Academies. Mikki Curtis, Dean of Secondary Programs at UAHT, presented the graduates with awards of completion and an academy pin to wear on their robe at graduation.

A total of 27 students graduated with their high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously. The collegiate academies are partnerships between the College and the Hope Public School District and the Texarkana Arkansas School District that allows students to earn their high school diploma and associate degree at the same time on the college campus. The academies are public schools completely free of charge.

Mikki Curtis and Darton Davis Mikki Curtis and Drake Martin

Mikki Curtis and Jared Santifer

Mikki Curtis and Ke’Ara Key

Mikki Curtis and Ayden Sundberg

Mikki Curtis and Kenzi Taylor

Mikki Curtis and Eric Barton

Mikki Curtis and Annabeth Martin Mikki Curtis and Arelli Alvarado

Mikki Curtis and Ashton Revels

Mikki Curtis and Brayden Upchurch

Mikki Curtis and Jamiya Greene

Mikki Curtis and Brooke Hurt

Mikki Curtis and Kristina King

Mikki Curtis and Megan Lee

Mikki Curtis and Michaela Clark

Mikki Curtis and Nataly Ramirez

Mikki Curtis and Noemi Salazar

Mikki Curtis and Montzerrat Leija

Mikki Curtis and Na’Khia Green

Mikki Curtis and Quincy Stovall Mikki Curtis and Taylor McCoy

Mikki Curtis and Za’nautica Barker Mikki Curtis and Zniah Nelson

M EN WHO LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Successful men exemplify strength, persistence, grit, and courage. Although life may throw many twists and turns at them, they learn to be flexible, adapt to change, and forge a new path. While working hard fuels their passions, countless opportunities abound as they focus and assess every situation while enjoying the process of becoming the best people they can possibly be. Read about the Men Who Lead by Example on the following pages.

JIMMY ANDERSON, JR.

OWNER

JIMMY ANDERSON CONSTRUCTION LLC

For the past 20 years, Jimmy Anderson Construction has worked one-on-one with clients on all of their construction needs. If you are planning a new construction project or just desire a complete remodeling project, Jimmy Anderson and his team of experts offer top-notch service to everyone.

With many years of experience under his belt, Jimmy is knowledgeable about the construction process, whether residential or commercial. He trusts his employees and always maintains a good solid working relationship with his customers.

Whether meeting with customers, organizing jobs, scheduling sub-contractors, overseeing operations of the company, or helping resolve any issues that may arise, Jimmy makes his clients a top priority. He goes the extra mile to assure that you are receiving quality craftsmanship at a fair price.

Even though each new day brings new projects with new challenges, Jimmy and his team enjoy helping customers make their dreams a reality and take pride in seeing those dreams come to fruition. If you are looking for a qualified contractor who strives to be the best and serves the Texarkana community with the highest quality construction possible, give Jimmy Anderson a call. You will be glad you did!

Jimmy Anderson Construction | 421 Industrial Blvd. Ste A, Nash | TX 75569 | www.jimmyandersonconstruction.com

GEORGE CARPENTER

For the past 14 years, George Carpenter has managed and serviced customer loan portfolios and promoted new businesses for Farmers Bank & Trust. He treats everyone he comes into contact with the same way (or better) than he expects to be treated. “I have many years of experience in banking that helps benefit our customers with their financial needs,” George states. “I make a point to be sure the customer feels comfortable with discussing their finances in total confidence.”

George feels blessed that he gets to work with a talented group of bankers who help make his job easier. He enjoys meeting people and becoming more acquainted with their families and lifestyles. “I receive gratification from seeing a customer be successful in business, build a new dream home or even purchase a product, knowing that I had a little something to do with their success or happiness,” he acknowledges.

Representing Farmers Bank and Trust during public and community affairs is important to George. He loves working for Farmers and admits that his coworkers are like a second family to him. “I love the fact that Farmers Bank and Trust puts so much back in the local communities where they operate.”

George’s plans for the future are to continue to give Farmers Bank & Trust customers the best of service and to always promote the bank in the local community. He looks forward to helping the bank grow now and in the future.

Farmers Bank and Trust | 5600 Richmond Road, Texarkana | 903-716-7204 | George.Carpenter@myfarmers.bank

STEVEN HARVEY

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT M.L. JAMES CONSTRUCTION CO.

Steven Harvey oversees construction projects for M.L. James Construction Company. From budgeting to the final walkthrough, he is responsible for carrying out his clients’ wants and needs while communicating their desires with designers and subcontractors. Oftentimes, he is responsible for managing multiple projects simultaneously in various stages of completion.

With a keen attention to detail, Steven develops cost proposals, contracts, and schedules so the construction process flows smoothly. He is dependable and honest, easing the minds of his clients while providing excellent customer service while representing M.L. James Construction. Although every construction project is unique with its own set of challenges, Steven helps clients exceed their dreams of growing their business through construction and overcoming those challenges.

Since obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Construction Science from Texas A&M University, Steven has spent the last 20 years working in the construction field. He has worked with M.L. James Construction Company for the past year and admits that this new endeavor has been fun and exciting. “We have complete buy-in from our office staff and field staff in helping our clients attain their goals with finishing construction projects on time, safely, and within their budget,” he explains.

Steven looks forward to many more years of working for M.L. James, helping the company become even more prominent and successful.

Gig ‘em!

M.L. James Construction Co. | 1622 West Street, Texarkana, TX 75501 | 903-794-2738 | www.mljames.com

LAIRIE KINCAID

As the senior vice president of commercial lending for Farmers Bank & Trust, Lairie Kincaid’s portfolio is quite large, primarily composed of loans for hotels and senior care facilities. Although he admits that servicing these loans monopolizes much of his time, he looks forward to broadening his reach within these two areas. “With COVID-19, my portfolio did not increase, but helping my existing customers weather the pandemic storm occupied most of my time,” he says. “Hopefully, with the pandemic waning, I will be able to increase my portfolio.”

Lairie works hard to gain the trust of his customers. And in return, mutual trust is noticed between him and them. He is always up for a challenge and enjoys helping customers through rough patches while structuring new credits in the hospitality and senior care business segments.

With a total of 32 years’ banking experience, Lairie has thoroughly enjoyed working with the people at Farmers Bank & Trust for the past 22 years. “Farmers’ management has been very good to me,” he acknowledges. “They have shown a great deal of confidence in me and my work for a lot of years. How could I not love my job?”

At 72 years young, Lairie stays active and enjoys supporting the community that has supported him. He is on the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra board of directors and is an active member of Williams Memorial United Methodist Church. What are his goals for the future? With a grin, he answers, “My primary goal is to be at work tomorrow.”

Farmers Bank & Trust | 2900 St Michael Drive, Texarkana, TX | 903-791-0490 | MyFarmers.Bank

CHRIS RICHARDS

Born and raised in Texarkana, Commercial National Bank’s Vice President of Lending, Chris Richards, assists customers with their banking needs, including personal loans, mortgage loans, or business commercial loans. He says, “It is fun to assist in the growth of companies owned by people I’ve known all of my life.”

Chris feels fortunate to have a career that allows him to utilize his enthusiasm while assisting clients in the business community. He works with his clients to figure out what their goals are, how they would like to see their business grow, and then helps them develop a plan of action.

Helping the Texarkana community develop and grow is very important to Chris so volunteering in the community helps him accomplish this goal. His favorite community activity is the Alzheimers Alliance’s Twice as Fine Wine Festival. He looks forward to the event each year where Texas merchants and wineries come together to benefit a great local organization.

A graduate of St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, with a degree in business, Chris began his banking career in 2013. He has worked for Commercial National Bank for the past four years and enjoys the “family feel” at CNB. He looks forward to helping build a better Texarkana where the younger generations will settle down and raise their families instead of fleeing to the bigger “more fun” cities.

photo by TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

1ST CHOICE PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER’S WALK FOR LIFE

On May 1, 1st Choice Pregnancy Resource Center held its 21st annual Walk for Life at Spring Lake Park. Categories for the race included a Kids’ Fun Run, Diaper Derby, Walker, Social Distance Walker and “Sleep Like a Baby.” All funds raised during the event go directly to serving clients in the Texarkana community.

Colin Floyd, Lee Chappel and Elle Floyd with Summer and Cory Floyd

Summer Floyd, Happy the Clown, Kristie Wright and Jane Trammell

Natalie Rushing, Summer Floyd, Beth Pesek, Kristie Wright, John Mark Burgess and Richard Hornok

Jackson Gooch and Chrisian Lee Barnett

Armenia Prewitt and Michelle Henry

Amy Wren and Carrie Turney

Abadom, Anthony

Adkins, Mackenzie

Aguilar, Dominik

Akin, Elizabeth

Akin, Gracie

Allen, Jadakiss

Anderson, Lily

Andrews, Laura

Atchley, Madison

Atkinson, Mackenzie

Baker, Zane

Beckwith, DeLainna

Bennett, Riley

Benton, Jaydon

Bishop, Braylon

Blackwell, Louis Blair, Torie

Bradford, Kayla

Brewer, Bryunna

Broski, Lucas

Brown, Evelyn

Brown, Kyle

Bruce, Karlie

Buffington, Isjanai

Bunch, Jaelyn

Burkins, Jasmine

Burnett, Taniya Burton, Evin

Bushman, Brayden

By, Vanarith

Calhoun, Deone

Capps, Brayden

Carson, Gary

Carter, Kamron

Chancellor, Tyler

Chandler, Colton

Chapman, Ethan

Clark, Lydia

Corbin, Hannah

Cotton, Braden

Crane, Sarah

Crank, Dillan

Crayton, Eric Criner, A’Unisty Cross, Equan Davis, Austin Davis, Kamron

Dean, Henry Denton, Haley

Doherty, Ashawna

Dossey, Kayla

Dowd, Walker

Dowling, Destine

Dudley, Hanna East, Jagger Easter, Keanu Evans, Joseph Flowers, Erianna Flowers, Eric Floyd, Daylon Floyd, Ileanna Ford, Trayona Foreback, Tristan Forsaith, Braden Forte, Kaeleb Franklin, Tyriah

Fries, Krissy

Gamble, Joshua

Gibbons, Samuel Gilkey, Aasani Goss, Braelan Grant, Alysia Green, Tavree Green, Tylee

Greene, Jamiya

Gregory, Alexis Gregory, Halston

Grissom, Alyssa

Guillory, Justice

Gustafson, Benjamin Hall, Koby

Haltom, William

Hardin, Jacob

Harris, Kalianna

Harris, Nicholas

Hartman, McKalynn

Hayden, Quavian

Haynie, Jakeelia

Henderson, Cederica

Henderson, Jamilya

Hernandez, Victoria

Herrington, Tyler

Hill, Miles

Hinton, Henry

Hooper, Ethan

Horn, Hayden

Horton, Graighory

Hubby, Morgan

Ives, Brady

Ivey, Rocklan

Jackson, Ethan

Jamison, Demonte

Johnson, Hakeem

Johnson, Jamarious

Jones, Aaliyah

Jones, Cory

Jones, Destyn’E

Jones, Jordan

Jordan, Amari

Kelley, Samyha

Kyle, Ashlen

Labrada, Pedro

Lammers, Jared

Lee, Megan

Leslie, Ebony

Lightfoot, Mariel

Lott, Briyonna

Luckey, Cordaysha

Mallory, Donald Martin, Graydon

Martin-Temple, Jacquez

Martinez Vargas, Jonathan

Maxwell, Rhianna

McCoy, Nathan McCranie, Angel McDowell, Mason

McFalls, LaDonna

McGregor, Faith McKerlie, Patrick

McLaughlin, Savannah

McWilliams, Danny Miller, Tamiya

Moore, Joshua

Moore, Mikalah

Moreno, Alexis

Morgan, Taleesia

Mormon, Nadia

Moya, Jaymen

Moya, Teresa Neal, Donovan

Nelson, Zniah

Nichols, Jaycie

Nicholson, Israel

Nowlin, Alexyee

Nowlin, Layla

Oakes, Dakota Patterson, Cainan

Price, Nathan Pyle, Ethan Ragland, Mya

Railey, Ashanti

Range, Deyonte’ Reed, Andre Roberts, Christopher Roberts, Michael Robinson, Atouria

Rodriguez, Perla Romine, Alexis Romine, Kelly Ross, Kiambria

Sawyer, Darby

Scoggins, Ka’Hari

Shipp, Aidan Simmons, Ta’Lion Sims, Brianna Smart, Nicholas Smith, Evante Smith, Ja’Hiem Smith, Jeffrey Smith, Timothy Standley, Jordyn Standridge, Randie Starkey, Kailin

Stevens, Anthony Storms, Cody Storms, Serena Stovall, Pepper

Stuckey, Nia Taylor, Naijah Taylor, Staijah Thompson, Jaylisha Tracey, Gage Traylor, Unique Turner, Ce’Erica Turner-Constant, Shelby Tye, Jackson Tyous, Aquonette Upchurch, Brayden Vanderveer, Olivia Vasquez, Crystal Wade, Patrick Walker, Dalton Walz, Jackson Watson, Anthonie Watson, Nicholas Weathersby, Shaleyah Webster, Michael White, Destany White, Jasmine White, Leilani Whitmore, Jaszmyneque Williams, Daitrian Williams, Gaylon Williams, Ke’Andrea Williams, Mikerra Willis, Donta Wimbley, Tamarqo Wimley, Peyton Witt, Kason Woods, Ja’Marlon Wright, Adrianna Young, Allyssa Young, Kyron Zarate, Gisselle

photo by ALAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY

PAEZ POWER

by AMBER E. WILLMAN

In the current political climate, Title IX and gender equality is a battlefield. Soldiers advocate for equal pay, equal opportunity, and equal rights. Eighteen-year-old Mariza Paez is an accidental crusader in this ongoing war.

Nicknamed “Pi” by a seventh-grade volleyball coach, Mariza is a champion powerlifter. An unusual hobby to some, she did not join the predominantly male sport to be a soldier in the war for equality. She was inspired to follow in the footsteps of her father, Lazaro Paez. She grew up hearing him reminisce about his experience in the weight room, and it piqued her interest.

Texas High School already had a boys’ powerlifting team when Mariza came on the scene as a freshman. Already an established athlete in softball as well as discus and shot put for the track team, she was interested in powerlifting and begged for a girls’ team. But without a female coach, the biggest obstacle was dressing out. “You really need help to get into the uniform and equipment,” Pi explains.

Powerlifting requires specialized uniforms; the tighter the better. Everything from the material to the stitching is designed to protect the athlete’s body from injury. Getting into the uniform requires assistance, as does the accompanying knee wraps, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps. Bottom line is Mariza needed another girl.

Although they frequently share the same meets, boys and girls compete in separate divisions. Coach Dalton Franks further elaborates that powerlifting is a very individualized sport. The major difference between training boys and girls is the actual load, but the mechanics is very similar. Each division is further split by weight class. Joining the boys’ team was never really an option.

The pandemic of 2020 ruined any chance of competing her junior year. But a new year brought a new opportunity. With graduation looming, Pi finally got her shot. She was joined by two more girls, fellow classmates, and the boys’ powerlifting coaches agreed to manage both teams. “Each meet was amazing. I

FOR MARIZA “PI” PAEZ, STRENGTH JUST COMES NATURALLY FOR HER, ESPECIALLY IN THE WEIGHT ROOM

Larry, Pi and Jessica after the state meet where Pi lifted a total of 835 pounds to take fifth place.

always wanted to see my kids succeed. I would tell them, ‘You were born to be great. You were born to make your mark,’” Jessica Paez, Mariza’s mom, says of Pi and her three siblings.

Mariza’s goals were simple. Add weight each week and do more than you think you can. “It’s really a mind game. Its not about the weight because when you are lifting you have this adrenaline rush. But you really have to be confident in yourself.”

It was an excellent strategy that took her all the way to the state competition in Corpus Christi, Texas, in March. She was the second Paez to go to state; Larry had placed sixth just decades earlier. “He was really excited. He was really proud of me,” Pi says. “I think he was more nervous than me.”

Larry Paez had every right to be proud. During the eight-hour drive to Corpus Christi, he and Jessica talked about the competition, but they could not predict that their daughter would surpass him. “She thought she had plateaued,” Larry says. “The strength comes natural. I knew she just had to get the confidence. I knew she had it in her all the time. She just needed to see it for herself.”

Mariza lifted a total of 835 pounds to place fifth in state ... 375 pounds in squats, 170 pounds in bench press, and 290 pounds in deadlift. Mariza was the only student from Texas High School to attend state this year and the only girl in school history to achieve this level of success.

“When I think about Pi, the first thing that comes to mind is she is a competitor. She always wants to get better. She wants to do more than the bare minimum. The second is how responsible she is. She was a virtual student this year, but she always showed up on time and always did what was asked of her. It’s her competitive nature and her work ethic,” Coach Dalton Franks explains what impresses him most.

Head Coach Jeremy Harrell echoes his colleague’s sentiments. “She competes so hard and wants to be the very best she can! In powerlifting she isn’t scared to fail, and she pushes herself to keep adding weight to the bar! She’s such a great young lady who has such a bright future ahead of her.”

Mariza has been courted by LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. It’s

Coach Franks, Pi, and Coach Harrell after the state powerlifting meet in Corpus Christi.

Pi squats 375 pounds during the state powerlifting meet.

a private Christian school, and while they do not offer athletic scholarships, they do offer academic scholarships. “I just want her to focus on academics. I’m excited that her academics brought her to this point ... that she is comfortable going wherever she wants to. I’m excited to see what she can do,” Larry says.

Equally important but perhaps more exciting, LeTourneau has girls’ powerlifting, and they want Pi. “Longview isn’t very far away,” Mariza explains. “It’s like a second home.”

“I would love more than anything to see her continue,” Jessica Paez adds. “She had a short season. I would hate to see her not do it again. It was very inspiring to see her handle this. I look forward to watching her continue in her college years.”

Pi would love to stay on an athletic path. With a desire to major in kinesiology, Mariza is considering physical therapy, but has not ruled out education. She jokes that she might return to Texas High School as the girls’ powerlifting coach.

But will there be a team to return to? “I’ve had a few girls reach out to me. Some freshmen and sophomores. I invite them to workout with me. I would love to see them exceed my achievements.”

Coach Franks acknowledges the need for the school to promote the opportunity for girls, but also encourages girls to reach out and let the coaches or other lifters know they are interested.

Pi has advice for future powerlifters. “They just need to be willing to put in the work. You just gotta be confident. You have to set your goals, and go for it.”

Pi’s story is far from over. In fact, it’s just beginning. In the war for equality, Mariza believes, “Women can do as much as men. Sometimes women can do more or do it better.” But she doesn’t lift to compete with men. Pi lifts to compete with herself. She lifts to dig deeper. She lifts to be the source of her own selfconfidence.

With a brilliant mind, a sweet disposition, a competitive spirit, a natural athleticism, and genetics to boot, one cannot help but be inspired by Pi’s talent and skill. Powerlifting might not be an obvious contender when one thinks of hobbies or sports, but Mariza Paez is the author of her story.

And even though Pi is not necessarily an activist for equality she is certainly

leading by example. Life is too short to live according to others’ expectations. As Pi’s story suggests, be diligent in asking for what you want. Do the work. Dig deep. Lift the weight. Be confident. As Laurel Thatcher Ulrich penned in 1976, “Well-behaved women seldom make history.”

Pi with her parents, Jessica and Larry, after she received her second place medal at regionals. Her father is also holding his second place medal from his high school days.

Powerlifting is a family affair for the Paezes. This photo was taken of Larry doing a deadlift back during his lifting days.

TEXAS girl A

by AMBER SMITH ZALISKI

For as long as she can remember, Chloe Carpenter has had a twinkle in her eyes for Texas. A Texarkana girl born and raised, the fall of 2020 was finally time for her to pack up her boots, an assortment of other dancing shoes, and her incredible work ethic, and make her way to The University of Texas at Austin, where she continues to shine just as bright – deep in the heart of Texas.

Growing up in Texarkana, in the same house her whole life, with her parents Caven and Stephanie, her older brother Zach, and their two dogs, Roscoe and Mack, Chloe loved the stability and familiarity of a small(er) hometown. “One of the best parts about growing up in Texarkana would be how close-knit the community feels. I know I could walk into Dillards right now, and I would probably know every other person I see. On top of that, living in Austin this past year made me realize how different Texarkana is from the rest of the world, and it has also made me appreciate coming home a whole lot more.”

From kindergarten through senior year, Chloe attended Pleasant Grove schools and was valedictorian of the Class of 2020. “In high school, I was involved in everything from advanced art to broadcast journalism, but the thing that meant the most to me was being a member of the Showstopper drill team. My mom was the Showstopper director before I was born, so I grew up admiring the girls that came before me.”

While Chloe has excelled in many things, her lifelong passion has always been dance. “I’ve been dancing since I was 3 and spent most of my time at the Judith McCarty School of Dancing.”

Chloe participated in Texarkana Community Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” for 10 years and had the opportunities to dance as the Snow Queen, Clara, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. She spent all four years of high school on the Showstopper drill team,

WHILE ATTENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN, CHLOE CARPENTER CONTINUES TO WORK HARD AND SHINE BRIGHT

>>>

Pleasant Grove Showstoppers Zoe May, Rachel Hemphill, Kathryn Davis, Chloe Carpenter, Cara Anne Court and Jordan Richardson during a football playoff game their senior year.

(Photo by Kun Qin)

Thanks to Texas Chi Omega, Chloe (center) made new friends with Zoe Goudarzi and Jordan Mendez.

serving as a Lieutenant her junior year and Captain her senior year. “One of my most favorite memories was performing our halftime routine on the field at AT&T Stadium during the 2019 Football State Championship game, which PG ended up winning! I love dancing so much because it’s the reason I have some of my best friends I’ve ever made. It’s also the ultimate escape from all my stress and worries. I just love the way it makes me feel.”

Chloe will tell you that choosing to become a Longhorn was one of the easiest choices she’s ever made. “I grew up going to Texas football games, both of my uncles went to UT, and I’ve never met a bigger Texas fan than my dad, except maybe for me!” she said. “I was especially drawn to Austin, not only because it’s so big, but because there are so many fun things to do.”

Chloe doesn’t typically settle for the easiest route, however, and set her sights higher, aiming to join the Texas Pom Squad, the all girls dance team that performs at major University of Texas events throughout the year. “My tryout process for Texas Pom was unlike anything I’ve ever done before –especially during the pandemic. It consisted of Zoom interviews, dozens of video submissions, live Zoom tryouts and 10 weeks of dancing in my backyard in the summer heat, not to mention how many fake eyelashes I went through!”

For the 2020-2021 season nearly 100 girls tried out, and only 23 were awarded poms. “The moment I got the phone call from the Texas Pom captain telling me I made the squad is easily one of my proudest dance moments. All I remember is that I started crying, and I’m pretty sure my dad did, too (but you didn’t hear that from me!). If you had asked me five years ago, I would have instantly said that ballet is my passion, but now, anytime I’m holding a pair of poms, I’m at my happiest.”

The glitz and glamour of Texas Pom is only outworked by the commitment that it requires. The squad performs at all home football and basketball games, as well as many other school events throughout the year, in addition to select travel events. “One of the coolest appearances was when we got to perform for the welcoming of our new head football coach, Steve Sarkisian,” Chloe said. “On average, I spend 10 or so hours per week practicing, but most of the time it doesn’t even feel like practice. It’s just a lot of fun with a lot of calories burned. Some of my best college friends have come from Pom, and I can already tell they’ll be a big part of my life for many years. I also love that I get to be an ambassador for the best university in the nation while doing what I know God made me to do – dance.”

In case it sounds like Chloe’s first year at UT has been all fun and games, well, for the most part it was a lot of fun and games – the rewards of dedication and a positive outlook. “My freshman year went way better than I ever could have imagined,” Chloe said. “Being in a sorority helped me make instant friends, and my roommate and I grew so close we’re going to continue rooming together next year, too! I’ve learned so much about different people, lifestyles, and beliefs, and I am so grateful that I’ve been able to grow as a person through this experience.” Chloe said she’s also learned so much about how to survive on her own. “Of course, I still have to call my mom multiple times a day with questions!” she laughed. “I may be biased, but I can’t think of one negative thing about choosing UT.”

Chloe is majoring in advertising and just added a minor in business. “UT’s advertising school was just named #1 in the country! I don’t have a set career plan, but I am hoping to do something more on the analytical side of advertising and business,” she said. “I’m a big math girl – I get it from my mom!”

Even away from home, Chloe Carpenter carries the values of commitment and compassion that have been instilled in her from her earliest memories. “Something that continues to stick with me, that I think about every day, is what my mom would always tell me. She would always say, “Be a light.” I try to use this idea in every part of my life by showing people the grace and love that God shows me every day. I always hope that I can make even the slightest positive difference in the crazy, divided world we live in,” Chloe said. “I continue to stay motivated in everything I do because I know how blessed I am to have the privileges that I get to live with every day.”

Texas Pom members Chloe Carpenter, Alyssa Nunn, Kendall Dant, Julianne Weintraub and Alyssa De La Cruz during the Texas versus West Virginia game.

Chloe was valedictorian of the Pleasant Grove High School class of 2020. (Photo by Pleasant Grove High School Journalism Dept.)

During the Texarkana Community Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” in 2019, Chloe danced the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. (Photo by Pleasant Grove High School Journalism Dept.)

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

LONE STAR DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION PRESENTS ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP

Lone Star Daughters of the American Revolution recently presented its 2021 academic scholarship of $500 to McCenzie Corinthia-Ann Murphy. Miss Murphy wrote the winning essay entitled “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It.” The essay was selected from the Texarkana area high school participants.

McCenzie will be attending Prairie-View A&M University to major in communications and minor in marketing this fall. She is the salutatorian of the Liberty-Eylau 2021 graduating class, and serves as the head drum major. She also volunteers at Runnin’ WJ Ranch, Heritage Home Health and Hospice, and Church Under the Bridge.

Experts Ask the

CARRIE TRUSTY Director of Marketing, MRC Cornerstone Retirement Community

What does wellness really mean?

The definition of wellness is “being in good health.” However, did you know there are seven components of wellness? They are: social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, occupational, intellectual, and physical. Each of these components rely on one another and is essentially what drives an individual’s quality of life.

Often, seniors living at home are more prone to isolation, minimal physical activity, and inadequate intellectual stimulation. That being said, living in a retirement community gives you a better chance of keeping these vital components balanced and healthy.

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

McCenzie Corinthia-Ann Murphy

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEE UP FOR TEMPLE GOLF TOURNAMENT BENEFITS

TEMPLE MEMORIAL PEDIATRIC CENTER

Temple Memorial Pediatric Center’s annual TEE Up For Temple Golf Tournament was held May 3 at Texarkana Country Club. The tournament kicked off with a special guest, Temple’s 2021 “Kid of the Year” Raya Goldman. Approximately 88 golfers attended this event; each of them enjoyed a beautiful day of golf, fried catfish lunch, and drinks, all while supporting a great cause. Gregg Orr Auto Collection was the title sponsor for this year’s tournament. Temple Memorial Pediatric Center is a nonprofit that provides physical, speech, occupational, and autism therapy to children under the age of 21.

EVENTS | CALENDAR

JUNE 2021

EVERY TUESDAY IN JUNE AND JULY

The Tough Kookie Foundation is looking for childhood cancer patients and families that have lost a child due to a childhood cancer to come paint free of charge at the 1894 Gallery, located at 105 Olive Street in Texarkana, Arkansas. Paintings will be posted at TRAHC for the month of September for Childhood Cancer month. Please contact Katina Levingston at 903293-7093 or Kathy Hudson at 903826-3070 for information.

EVERY SATURDAY IN JUNE AND JULY

The Tough Kookie Walkers will meet at 7 a.m. at Central Mall’s JC Penney entrance to walk the mall. Call Katina Levingston at 903-2937093 for any information.

JUNE 11-13

The 14th annual Runnin’ WJ Barrel Race will be held at the Four States Fairgrounds. For more information, call Patti Moore at 903-2442306, email: pattimoore0419@ gmail.com, or visit: www. runninwjbarrelrace.webs.com.

JUNE 19

The Texarkana Area Chapter #278 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. (VVA # 278) will host its 24th Annual “Veterans Information Fair” from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge #2771, located at 3702 New Boston Road in Texarkana, Texas. The fair is held to educate and enlighten veterans, active duty, Reserve & National Guard personnel and their families on the benefits, programs, and other assistance that is or may be available to them. For more information, call: 870-773-8279,

903-556-1613, 903-824-2727 or 903628-7216, email USMCgreg@aol. com, or visit: www.vva278.org or the Vietnam Veterans of America # 278 Facebook page.

JUNE 27 AND JULY 18

The Tough Kookie Foundation support groups will meet from 4-5 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn. The meetings can also be viewed by Zoom. Call Katina Levingston at 903-293-7093 for more information.

JUNE 24

TEXAR will host The Moss Brothers band from 7-9 p.m. in front of the Historic Perot Theatre. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy free music. For more information call 903-2230000.

JUNE 25

Entertainer Pat Green will perform at Hempstead Hall’s Amphitheater.

Gates open at 6 p.m., South Down Main will perform at 7 p.m., and Pat Green will take the stage at 8. Tickets are $20-$25. Visit: www. hempsteadhall.com to purchase tickets.

THROUGH JUNE 26

The 28th annual Student Juried Exhibition will be on display in the Regional Arts Center. Call 903-7928681 for more information.

JULY 2021

JULY 16 - 17

Friends for a Cause Foundation will host its Girls Giftaway, “Back to the ‘80’s”, at the Texarkana Convention Center. For more information visit www.eventbrite. com/e/2021-girls-giftawaytickets-151004997011.

Gregg Orr Auto Collection Team: Landry Gibbs, Nick Bass, Aaron Johnson and Kevin Cline Blaire Barlow and Morgan Pritchett

Yates Team: Tom Hunley, David Rolf, FaEllen Yates and Bob Hubbard

Daines Insurance Team: Josh Permenter, Jeff McGuire, Kevin Goldman and Todd Shores with “Kid of the Year” Raya Goldman

Haltom & Doan Team: Cole Riddell, Randy Roeser, Josh Thane and Kyle Akin

Lamesa Reid, Trish Reed, Lauree Romero and Sam Wacha

Sandy Varner, Chris Richards, Shannon Rowe, Kim Fowler, Gina Parish and Levi Ponder

photo by ALAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

TEXARKANA GAMEDAY’S JENNIFER AND MORGAN SMITH ENJOY CHEERING ON OTHERS AND MAKING THINGS HAPPEN

by JILEEN PLATT

You’ve seen the logo. You’ve heard the on-air personalities. You’ve watched the sports highlights. You’ve felt the hype and the excitement. But do you know the backstory to Texarkana Gameday?

Walt Disney once said, “Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work at it until it’s done right.” The brainchild of Texarkana’s ultimate high school sports entertainment began as a simple idea. But just like any simple idea, with some effort and imagination, big things can happen. Texarkana Gameday has become a fast-growing example of how to celebrate the many successes of high school athletes and those who cheer and support them.

The story of Texarkana Gameday starts with Morgan and Jennifer Smith, a dynamic couple who met and married in Longview, Texas. In 2012, Morgan relocated his wife and 2-year-old daughter, Stella, to Texarkana to work for Verizon.

“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mind,” states Morgan. “I realized there was a need to not only sell phones but also repair them … I also wanted to work for myself.” In 2014, Phone Pros became the business result of Morgan’s new idea, combining a concept of phone sales, but more importantly fixing, restoring, and protecting cell phones. “At the time, we couldn’t afford to sponsor community events,” explains Jennifer. “But we still wanted to give back to the community.” Phone Pros began organizing free photos with

Santa and the Easter Bunny.

It was through these events and others that Morgan and Jennifer came to know many business owners in the Texarkana area. They also realized that there was a need for marketing, specifically in video content. “I had previous experience in marketing … and looked at it as an opportunity to help local companies grow their business,” states Morgan. He began a new venture called TXK Marketing.

Jennifer had worked at Kelli Ashbrook Insurance and later at Offenhauser Insurance (before and after the birth of their sons, Walker in 2013 and Will in 2018). After Will was born, she chose to join forces with her husband at TXK Marketing. “Within six months, we had several clients, and our business just exploded,” exclaims Jennifer.

“We have a unique brand for this area,” states Morgan. “We are customerbased … not a ‘cookie-cutter’ marketing company.” TXK Marketing provides media management, design of promotional items, ads for print and online, graphic design, assistance in marketing budgeting, designing logos, and much more. “We are a full-service marketing agency,” declares Jennifer. “Our favorite part is helping companies grow. Every business is different in their needs … but it keeps [our job] fun and fresh with variety.”

With three growing children and two growing businesses, things were

The original Gameday crew – Tony Langford, Craig Jenkins, Morgan Smith, Jennifer Smith, Brandi Kirkland, Aaron Whitehead, and Jay Davis – during one of the first games in their first season with Gameday.

going well for the Smith family. Then Morgan had an experience while attending The Texarkana Open at Texarkana Country Club in the summer of 2019. “I interviewed a few local players,” says Morgan. “I really enjoyed it.” Thoughts rolled around in Morgan’s mind of how he could create a business venture interviewing and spotlighting local athletes.

“I woke up one morning and knew that ‘Texarkana Gameday’ was the name,” remembers Morgan. He called Red River Lumber with an idea. “They offered to build the set for free.” A call to Texarkana Emergency Center led to that company being the first sponsor. State Bank was not far behind in their support of Morgan’s new idea. “Those calls gave me a lot of confidence to move forward,” says Morgan. “That day, I set an expectation that it was going to happen … and I do what I say I’m going to do, so there was no turning back.”

Morgan and Jennifer consider Texarkana Gameday an ‘ESPN’ for high school. Not only does the program spotlight local athletes, but it also gives real-time feedback at sporting events, helps market local players for college recruiters, and gives players experience in being interviewed. “We want to give our high school students a Division 1 experience, as far as media goes,” states Morgan. “I believe we have accomplished that.”

The Smiths had no broadcasting experience prior to Texarkana Gameday, but things have come together and expanded in ways they never expected. “Originally, for football, we planned to have just a pre-game show, a halftime show, and a post-game show,” explains Morgan. “But then hype videos and highlights became a necessary expansion … we continued to grow with the need.” In addition, the success of the on-air personalities has been a big bonus. Morgan explains, “I chose a team that … has different personalities … and all do good things in our community.” He recruited individuals who had a likability factor and had connections to specific schools. “These people were already invested in local schools and sports, so it was an easy ‘yes’ for them,” explains Morgan.

William, aka Baby Will, and Morgan showing off their Gameday gear.

Jennifer and Morgan covering the PG Hawks at the State Championship Game at AT&T Stadium in December 2019.

Morgan and the Gameday crew with members of the Texas High Tigers team after finding out they made it to the playoffs. Morgan admits that this is one of his most exciting moments.

Morgan and Jennifer with Stella (11), Walker (7), and William (3) during the fall of 2019.

(Photo by Kendal Dockery Thompson)

Livestream had already been implemented for TXK Marketing in August 2019, but the Smiths never could have imagined how important that service would become with the COVID-19 pandemic. TXK Marketing partnered with Texarkana Emergency Center, both Texarkana’s, and TXK Today to broadcast press conferences and COVID updates for the cities.

Livestreaming also became helpful when social distancing was instituted at area football games in the fall of 2020. “We had 60 days to prepare … we had to expand our staff and purchase more equipment,” states Morgan. Gameday’s live stream made it possible for many fans to enjoy the game from the comfort and safety of their home. “We needed to have six cameras at every game to get multiple plays and angles,” explains Morgan. “Our sponsors play a huge role … what we do is expensive. Without local businesses partnering with us, we wouldn’t be able to keep it going.”

With four local high schools in Texarkana, not to mention many more schools in surrounding areas, Texarkana Gameday has built six Gameday sets to travel to various sporting events. In addition, Gameday began broadcasting Rockwall High School athletics last year and will begin in Longview this coming year. “Our ultimate goal for Gameday is to go statewide,” declares Morgan.

Two new additions to the TXK Marketing and Texarkana Gameday family are proof of growth. The Texarkana Gameday app, where updates are sent directly to cell phones, “has been a big game-changer,” says Morgan. Also, Jennifer is co-hosting an online show called ‘Lady Like.’ “Cylas Langdon and I have a live show every Monday evening,” says Jennifer. “The show celebrates women athletes, business owners, and other women in our community … it’s generating a lot of excitement!”

Whether you’ve attended Walk On’s Live Texarkana Gameday show, watched a local football game from your couch, seen the Facebook posts applauding local athletes, or been interviewed yourself, you know that Texarkana Gameday supports Texarkana’s youth. “I am a natural promoter,” states Morgan. “I love seeing kids compete and succeed.” Jennifer adds, “And we don’t cover negative. We will not tear down. We decided early on that we would focus on the positive.”

Morgan and Jennifer Smith are community builders who dream big and make big things happen. And if you ever see Mr. and Mrs. Gameday out, just give them a fist bump and a pat on the back. Texarkana is not only a better place with them here; it’s a more exciting, positive, and energized place where we all can cheer each other on and celebrate together.

Former Pleasant Grove quarterback Ben Harmon holding a sign which features him on the cover for “State of Mind”, the documentary film that Gameday produced for the PG Hawks’ 2019 championship season.

Tony Langford (left), Morgan (second from right) and Craig Jenkins (far right) with former NFL players, Tra Carson and LaMichael James.

Walker and his friend, Kamdyn, have enjoyed getting to know Pleasant Grove graduate, now LSU football player, Landon Jackson.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

ALZHEIMER’S ALLIANCE TRI-STATE AREA HOSTS TWICE AS FINE TEXARKANA WINE FESTIVAL

The Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-State Area hosted its sixth annual Twice as Fine Texarkana Wine Festival on May 1 at Spring Lake Park. Saturday’s event featured wineries, dining, shopping, and live music. Eileen Stearman served as the signature artist for the event.

A Twisted & Uncorked VIP Party was held on April 30 at the home of Cathy and Mark Van Herpen and featured a wine dinner buffet prepared by Executive Chef Staley James and Pastry Chef Bri Flanagan. An art auction of authentic custom wine barrels painted by local artists also took place.

Sophie Mitchell, Frannie Richards and Maggie Mitchell

Nancy and Gary Gathright with Angela Morrison

Debbie Ashford

Jo Ann Ward, Jazz Ross and Mary Dorsey

Robby Robertson and Jerry Tittle

Traci and Casey Pitman

David and Deborah Walker

Melissa Box, Mackenzie Box and Linda Erie

Liane Beaird and John Ross

Bethany Daugherty with Dillan and Trinity Gardner

Jimmy Washington and Whitney Fuqua with Mary and Denis Washington

Susan Slimer, Janie Coker, Mary O’Farrell and Lisa Sitterley

Ashley Weems, Tristan Sluder and James Hensley

Hanna Pate, Kelley Crisp and Lauren Richards

Dan and Cathy Butler

Brenda Sutton and Frannie Richards

Lauren and Sutton Richards with Terrie Arnold

A Pinch of Salt

by Donnie Spriggs

As we roll into summer, all I can think about is eating outside and soaking up the sun. Oh, and by the way we are opening soon at Silver Star if you were wondering. Father’s Day is this month and what better thing to do than cook him a nice dinner, sit out on the patio with a great family, and great food. Prime rib is what I have chosen this month, and before you say anything it’s really not that hard to cook so don’t listen to anyone ... now it is a little time-consuming due to how long it cooks, but I have an easy recipe that I just cooked. It will be the best thing you have ever cooked. When searching for prime rib, my suggestion would be to drive the distance to Maud and go to DeLaughter’s Grocery and purchase it. They will cut to size, and you’re shopping local which in this time and day is VERY important. You can also finish your grocery shopping there as well as it is a full grocery.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

7 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons rosemary

2 tablespoons thyme

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon pepper

5 lb. boneless ribeye roast, trimmed

2 tablespoons flour

2 cups beef stock

1. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).

2. Mix together the butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly combined.

3. Rub the herb butter all over the rib roast, then place on a roasting tray with a rack.

4. Bake for 5 minutes per pound of meat, so a 5-pound roast would bake for 25 minutes.

5. Turn off the heat and let the rib roast sit in the oven for 2 hours, making sure you do not open the oven door or else the residual heat will escape.

6. Once the 2 hours are up, remove the roast from the pan and pour the pan drippings into a saucepan over medium heat.

7. Add the flour, whisking until there are no lumps, then add the beef stock, stirring and bringing the sauce to a boil.

8. Remove from heat and strain the sauce into a gravy dish.

Temperatures based upon how you like it cooked:

Rare: 120°-125°F

Medium Rare: 130°-135°F

Well Done: 140°-145°F

Then choose your sides. I cooked a loaded mashed potato and mac-n-cheese as my side dishes. You can’t go wrong with potatoes and mac-n-cheese. You can sit back and enjoy an adult beverage with dad or maybe just a simple lemonade with him while the prime rib is cooking. Do be careful when you are pulling it out of the oven as some prime ribs produce more juices and can spill over the pan if you do not place it in a deep pan. Make sure your pan is deep enough. I have found a roasting pan is clearly the easiest to use in this setting. I hope you enjoy and use this recipe for more than just Father’s Day in the future!

Happy Eating!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram at 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!

EDUCATING PATIENTS IS THE GOAL OF COLLOM & CARNEY EYE INSTITUTE’S RETINA SPECIALIST, DR. ROSHAN GEORGE

photo by ALAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY

A CLEAR

VISION

by LINDSEY MCMILLAN

Dr. Roshan George is the newest addition to the Collom & Carney Eye Institute. He and his wife, Sharon, moved to Texarkana last August. It was quite a notable time to move to a new city and begin a new job amidst a pandemic but Roshan and Sharon settled in and are grateful for the southern hospitality Texarkana has to offer.

The couple moved here from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where Roshan completed a twoyear fellowship in retinal surgery. Originally from Bangalore, India, Roshan’s family moved to the United States when he was 7 years old. Both of his parents are physicians and settled in New York City where they lived for five years. Roshan moved to upstate New York where they lived for three years.

Roshan completed his teenage years living in Richmond, Virginia. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he earned a degree in Biomedical Engineering. He remained there for medical school and after graduation began his Ophthalmology residency in Houston. He was with the UT Medical Center there for three years. He met his wife online, and after five years of dating, he and Sharon were married. Sharon is originally from Dubai and is expecting their first child, a girl, this summer. Sharon will be joining and beginning the UAMS/AHEC family medicine residency in July.

Part of Roshan’s draw to Texarkana and the C&C Clinic was meeting and working with Dr. Magy Eskander while in Houston. She was part of his recruitment to the clinic, and since arriving here, Roshan has enjoyed getting to know Dr. Tom Ellison and Dr. Charles Thornton. Providing a range of ophthalmological services, Roshan is the only retinal surgeon here. His sole practice is as both a surgical and medical retina specialist. Since many of his patients are older, due to Coronavirus concerns and CDC mandates, Dr. George’s practice had a slow start but they are beginning to come in and receive treatments. Roshan is thrilled to have brand new, state-of-

the-art equipment and technology for his practice and surgeries are performed on-site. Services vary from laser treatments and injections to ophthalmological imaging to treat a wide range of eye conditions. He is dedicated to his patients and wants to provide them with the utmost care and personal attention. Roshan explains, “My goal for my patients is education and transparency. I feel like in our medical community, information is so rapidly changing. It is difficult for us doctors to educate our patients. While it is easier to give our patients brochures and advise them to read online, I’ve realized that sitting down and taking the extra time to explain their condition builds trust and gives them peace of mind.”

In addition, Dr. George utilizes the skills and lessons learned through his education and training to put into practice the physician he aims to be. He says, “Through medical school and residency, I know how difficult it to understand the complexity of the diseases we encounter daily. As a result, when I finally saw the big picture, I was eager to share my knowledge with everyone, colleagues and patients alike.” His flourishing practice alongside his colleagues in a busy clinic keeps him hustling, especially after settling in during a pandemic.

When he’s not busy working, Roshan enjoys cooking, running, and biking. In fact, 10 years ago he participated in a group who biked from San Diego, California, to Washington, D.C. It took them two months to complete, and they averaged biking 70 miles per day. This trek was a fundraiser for Ride for World Health in aid to children in Africa. The group pedaled from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, covering 3,300 miles and raising $80,000 for the organization. He and Sharon look forward to meeting new people, exploring their new city, and becoming parents. He commends Collom & Carney for the opportunity and looks forward to helping patients across the community.

The Georges look forward to meeting new people, exploring all that Texarkana has to offer, and becoming parents.

Roshan and Sharon were married in 2016 in Patterson, New Jersey.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

WILLIAMS SCHOOL HOSTS WALKING FOR WILLIAMS

The second annual Walking for Williams was held April 25 on the church grounds of Williams Memorial United Methodist Church. Activities included live music, carnival style kids’ games, food, and refreshments.

Ashlee Felipe and Siu Tang

Pollyanna Ferguson and Blair Bowden

Kyana Watson and Cyrah Jones

Emersyn Taylor, Carter Marie Stone, Brittanie Stone, Jenn Taylor, Willow Manning, Stella Manning and Melissa Manning

Paxton Taylor, Emersyn Taylor and Cooper Stone

Lorie Son and Mendy Crumpton

Carter Marie Stone and Sarah Hall

Kasey Butler, Karla Fry and Nicole Sterling Laney Son, Piper Son and Taylor DeBardeleben

Sarah Hall, Mendy Crumpton, Karla Fry and Ashlee Felipe

Ava Aumiller, Taylor DeBardeleben, Wyatt Aumiller, Brown Harvey, Steven Harvey and Ava Harvey

Nolan Ames, Jordan Ames, Zander Ames, Melody Norton and Owen Ames Carolyn Terry and Allison Thomas

Katelyn Herring, Melody Norton, Allison Thomas, Rachel Johnson, Madison Moody and Brenda Thomas

SML i ES on faces putting

THE

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF TEXARKANA PLACES BOOKS IN THE HANDS OF KILPATRICK ELEMENTARY STUDENTS AS PART OF ITS SPRING INTO READING PROGRAM

“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered as a precious gift.” – Kate DiCamillo

For nearly a century, the Junior League of Texarkana has remained unwavering in the commitment to develop exceptionally qualified leaders who can identify community needs and address them with meaningful initiatives. Members of the League continue to be at the forefront of tackling some of Texarkana’s most pressing issues, such as poverty, childhood hunger, and illiteracy. However, once the great impact of COVID-19 arrived, nonprofit organizations took a massive hit, and the Junior League of Texarkana was no different. “We had to evoke the League’s emergency clause in order to conduct operations,” stated Whitney Hall, 2020-2021 President of the Junior League of Texarkana. “It was not a simple task – especially during a stressful year for our members both personally and professionally. At a time when individuals needed each other the most, it was still our duty to lead intelligently; we could not put members or the community at higher risk of infection.” Due to social distancing guidelines and several other factors, the board of directors was forced to cancel Mistletoe Market 2020, the League’s largest annual fundraiser that has been a local tradition for more than three decades. Additionally, they made the difficult decision to cancel three of the five community action projects. President Hall stated, “Without a proper income or the fate of the pandemic in sight, it did not make fiscal sense to engage in these in-person projects. It was really tough to swallow, but the board of directors knew it was the direction the organization needed to take.”

Spring Into Reading served as one of the community action projects that was canceled for this fiscal year. This unique concept was originally established in 2006 to encourage elementary students to expand their interest in reading. Generally,

the Junior League of Texarkana partners with an area school district to include a pep rally with spirit groups and athletes that promote literacy. Along with the exciting celebration, coaches and high school students serve as mentors by sharing motivational speeches to the children and explaining the importance of reading and pursuing a strong education. Following the assembly, the children return to their classrooms to hear stories read by Junior League members, high school students, and other school district heroes. Each student is also given new books to keep.

When the news was delivered that the event was called off again for the new year, the Spring Into Reading committee members, Megan Griffin, Jessica Plant, Whitney Ribble, and Chair, Amanda Holley, were disheartened. The pandemic forced schools to cancel in-person classes after Spring Break until further notice, and only students and employees were allowed on campus once fall arrived. “It was disappointing to share the news with the project committee,” President Hall quoted, “for they had begun planning in July 2020. Yet, they were dedicated to making it happen – somehow, some way, and it was inspiring to witness.”

Kilpatrick Elementary and Spring Into Reading held a special place in the hearts of the committee members. Megan previously taught both Language Arts and Fine Arts to elementary students, and Whitney was a kindergarten teacher. Additionally, Jessica and Amanda attended elementary school at Kilpatrick Elementary. Inspired by her late father, TAPD Officer John Holley, who never left home without a book or Kindle, Amanda knew this event was important and hoped that these young scholars would develop the same love for reading. Presenting this event would also give the League an opportunity to physically serve within the community, something many members have missed so very much this year.

In January 2021, Amanda approached the committee with an idea to

make Spring Into Reading a virtual celebration. Whitney, Jessica, and Megan enthusiastically supported the idea, although they understood this would require a lot more commitment than what they had originally planned for. Even with many unknowns and risks in place, a proposal was developed and approved by the board of directors. Making Spring Into Reading happen would be a challenge, nonetheless, but it was one that the women of the Junior League of Texarkana were ready to face.

The committee wasted no time in getting to work and quickly contacted the principal of Kilpatrick Elementary, Dr. DeMarcus Green. He understood that although no promises could be made, he was onboard with the plan. Dr. Green appointed the elementary librarian, LaVonda Skinner, to be the liaison between the school and the Junior League of Texarkana. She was a valuable asset as the committee ventured into uncharted territory.

The next step was to address the problem of having no funds to purchase books for the Kilpatrick scholars. Usborne Books & More Consultant, Sarah Medley, hosted a Virtual Book Fair, which gave the League valuable book credits with every book purchased. She generously offered a 50% matching grant for each dollar donated. In February, a check from a grant awarded by the Arkansas Community Foundation for this event arrived. Although the committee was ready to do anything to bring joy and passion to the project, no one was prepared for what was about to happen.

The next fundraising effort focused on reaching out to the community. With so many businesses struggling to recover from the pandemic, the committee was prepared for Spring Into Reading 2021 to potentially be very small. Two days after e-mails with event details were sent to the League’s general membership, personal checks started coming in. Donations from local businesses, a retired Kilpatrick educator, and more have steadily arrived with many who chose the option to make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one. These special donations included a book with the honoree’s name that will be placed in the permanent collection of the Kilpatrick Elementary Library.

The Junior League of Texarkana was also honored to accept a generous donation from Farmers Bank & Trust which was named the single Grand Bibliophile Sponsor. “We are so glad to partner with the Junior League of Texarkana and Kilpatrick Elementary to provide books for our local students to enjoy this summer. Great partnerships like this continue to make Texarkana a great place to live,” said James Bramlett, Texarkana Market President of Farmers Bank & Trust. “One of the core values at the heart of the company is the promise to diligently seek to exceed the expectations of the employees, the customers, and the communities.” Farmers Bank & Trust Marketing Director, Rachael Potter, added, “Farmers Bank and Trust is proud to have a giving mission to help fund educational projects at our local schools. Donating to provide books is a natural fit for Farmers and our community.”

Committee members also worked with the Texarkana Public Library to provide information about the annual summer reading program, children’s event calendars, and various library resources to the Kilpatrick scholars to further encourage reading. Several Junior League members gathered at the League office to fill drawstring backpacks donated by the University of Arkansas Hope – Texarkana with three

Alissa Flanagan, Usborne Books & More Consultant Sarah Medley, Kilpatrick Elementary School Principal Dr. DeMarcus Green, Spring Into Reading Committee Member Whitney Ribble, Spring Into Reading Committee Member Jessica Plant, Spring Into Reading Committee Member Megan Griffin, Junior League of Texarkana Sustainer & Spring Into Reading Sponsor KT

(above) Farmers Bank & Trust presents a $2,500 check to the Junior League of Texarkana for their Spring Into Reading project, benefiting Kilpatrick Elementary. Pictured are: Kilpatrick Elementary School Librarian LaVonda Skinner, Spring Into Reading Chair Amanda Holley, Farmers Bank & Trust Marketing Director Rachael Potter, Farmers Bank & Trust Texarkana Market President James Bramlett, Junior League Member Kelly Harvin, Farmers Bank & Trust Training Specialist & Junior League Member

Deloach and Junior League of Texarkana President Whitney Hall.

beautiful books from Usborne Books & More for the Kilpatrick Elementary students. More than $6,725 in donations have been received and 1,317 books valued at nearly $9,000 have been purchased to date.

On May 14, 2021, two weeks after watching over 400 mysterious red bags arrive, and wondering what could be inside, Kilpatrick scholars were able to celebrate Spring Into Reading. Although the Junior League members were not able to physically share in the excitement, it was reported that the children were overjoyed with their new books, and they thoroughly enjoyed a video of Megan reading one of her favorite books. Amanda hopes the Kilpatrick students and faculty believe the Junior League of Texarkana, local businesses, and people of the community value education and literacy of every child. Holley shared, “So many people and businesses put a lot of love into making this event possible despite the challenges. The educators and students have overcome many obstacles to meet high goals set for them while adhering to stringent safety mandates.” The Spring Into Reading committee and devoted civic leaders were willing to do everything possible to prevent the Kilpatrick scholars from having to wait yet another year to experience such a meaningful event. Together, they have created supportive and exciting literacy initiatives by placing inspiring books in students’ hands and smiles on their faces!

Through generous partnerships with local community members and establishments, the mission continues to assess and advocate for the needs of this Ark-La-Tex area while improving the potential of its members as knowledgeable, civic leaders. The Junior League of Texarkana, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Texarkana is part of an international network of more than 290 Leagues, composed of 140,000+ women, which provides an incredible and supportive system of resources. To learn more about how the Junior League of Texarkana serves the community, to donate, or become a volunteer member, please visit www. jltexarkana.org.

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LITERACY COUNCIL OF BOWIE AND MILLER COUNTIES SPELLING BEE

On May 8, the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties held its annual Spelling Bee in the Truman Arnold Center on the Texarkana College campus. Winners included: first place – Texarkana College; second place – Texarkana Gazette; and third place –Cooper Tires. Other awards were given for: Best Dressed – Cooper Tires; Most Facebook Likes – Texarkana College; Silent Auction Sales – Texarkana College; Biggest Virtual Audience – Leadership Texarkana; and Buzz Out Award – Texarkana Radio Center.

Pronouncer Taryn Givan and Executive Director Jenny Walker

Texarkana College – Joe Stark, Madeleine Russell and Jesse Hausler

Texarkana Resources – Cassandra Freeman, Tanya Dunlap and Leigh Cheek

Texarkana ISD – Amber Merrick, Tucker Douglass and Meagan Hensley

Judges – Beth McHenry, Traci Pitman, and LaMoya Burks

Texarkana Gazette – Aaron Brand, Andrea Miller and Karl Richter

Cooper Tire Team – Rosemary Weems, Gary Mason and Shannon Wood

Friends for a Cause – Keith Beason and Suki O’Neal

The House that Jack Built – Rhonda Dolberry and Beverly Webb

Leadership Texarkana – Randy Stevens, Jennifer Teeters and Bill Owney

Texarkana Radio Center – Fabienne Thrash, Derrick Keener and Dawn Parker

Texarkana Arkansas Schools – Naoma Riordan, Amber Sloan and Jason Tatom

INTERIORS EXQUISITE

DISTINCTIVE. TRANQUIL. METICULOUS.

BY SUZY TURNER. PHOTOS BY KIM MCMURRY

A professional organizer and productivity consultant, Barbara LaFleur is extensively trained to be detail-driven. Since her goal is to help her clients customize and simplify their homes, she kept all of that in mind when designing her own custom built home in 2018. Her “less is more” mentality has kept her 2,500 square foot home immaculately clean ... and stunning.

The front entrance of this estate is covered in stone and stucco. A wooden barrel vault ceiling greets visitors outside and continues inside the entryway. To the left of the entry sits Barbara’s comfortable study. Its coffered ceiling adds height to the room while custom-built bookshelves line both sides of the double glass doors creating depth and warmth. “Be still and know that I am God” is stenciled on a wall in the study, indicative of Barbara’s steadfast faith. A prayer closet offers a private space where Barbara can go to pray for her friends and just to meditate after a busy day. To the right of the entry is the dining room, complete with a splayed ceiling, beautiful window treatments by Clark’s Upholstery, and a table to accommodate six people.

A striking granite island in shades of black and cream is situated in the center of the functional kitchen. Open spaces allow for easy maneuvering throughout the contemporary kitchen. Black stainless appliances from Lafferty’s Home Center add a sleek contrast to the linen glazed custom cabinets. The decorative range hood brings an ornate look while crystal chandeliers hang over the island, adding an eclectic flair. Located directly behind the kitchen is every cook’s dream ... the large walk-in pantry. Small appliances, snacks, recipe books, and spices are tidy and organized on open shelves. With everything labeled, sorted, and in its place, Barbara’s knack for organizing is obvious.

The windows in the cozy living area are enhanced with custom valances allowing the maximum amount of light to flood the room without disrupting the view to the outdoors. Sitting space is abundant with a leather sofa and two matching leather rocker recliners. A stone fireplace serves as the focal point in this relaxing space. A distressed white cabinet sits to the left of the fireplace, displaying the flatscreen television.

Barbara’s corner office contains two large windows, the perfect vantage point

for watching wildlife frolic and play outdoors. Stylish and practical, the office is tucked away toward the back of the house, offering a cozy spot for Barbara to get her work completed, answer emails, or provide a Zoom session for her business, Creating Organization.

Every sewing supply has its own place in the combined craft/laundry room. Natural light floods the space while ample storage space offers a clutter-free environment. Everything is tidy and neat in Barbara’s craft closet, with baskets and cubbies housing extra supplies.

A feminine flair makes up the master suite with its neutral tones, plush carpet, and clean lines. An antique trunk reminds one of yesteryear while the traditional four poster bed adds serenity to the room. An ornamental archway leads into Barbara’s spa retreat. Ambient lighting automatically appears under the vanities when walking into the bathroom. Marble counters and beautifully detailed drawer pulls add elegance to the space. A built-in corner seat in the massive shower allows an ideal spot to sit while the soaking tub provides a relaxing retreat at the end of the day. A spacious walk-in closet is everyone’s dream, featuring custom shelving, ample drawers, and plenty of hanging areas for clothes. Written above the doorway is the perfect Bible verse for Barbara to see while preparing for each new day: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Located on 2.25 acres in Queen City’s Wildwood Estates, this stunning home was built on a strong foundation of faith. Knowing that she wanted her home blessed by God’s Word, Barbara took the time to write Biblical scriptures on wall studs in every room during the framing process.

Clean lines, a neutral color palette, angled arches, and a mix of new and vintage accessories combine here to create perfect French Country design elements. The mastery of contractor Mauricio Dean of Dean’s Trim & Cabinet Company and the proficiency of architect David Wallace, combined with Barbara’s God-given talents for decorating have created a beautiful and pristine showplace, surrounded by love and grace.

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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S DIAMOND FOR DOORWAYS

Habitat for Humanity of Texarkana hosted Diamond for Doorways on May 14 at Silvermoon on Broad. Heavy hors d’oeuvres were served by Chef on the Run Jeff Loving, and a silent auction was held. Linnette Baker was the winner of the Simon G. ring from Crocker’s Jewelers.

Caleb Mudford, Matt Galloway, Holly Jones, Sanel Thomas, Joe Sloan and Zeus Espinoza

Judge Josh and Diana Morriss

Margaret Seymour, Greta Alexander and Amy Schulz

Katherine Morgan, Jenny Dodez and Thresa Amison

Misty Parker, Heather Wright Deaton, Becky Easley and Theresa Baker

Marion Criddle, Amanda Henderson, Melissa Douglass and Shelby Purifoy

Amber Brown and Jeff Loving

Suzanne Phillips and Holly Swecker

Ryan Bennett, Deidre Arnold and Zenobia Martinez

Danny Maxey, Mary Wormmington and Perry Steitler

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TEXARKANA ARKANSAS SCHOOL DISTRICT SPRING JAZZ

CONCERT

The Texarkana Arkansas School District hosted its Spring Jazz Concert on April 22 in the historical Municipal Auditorium. The Middle School, Junior High and Senior High performed during the event. The students were honored to play on the very stage where Elvis and Johnny Cash have performed.

Heather Thompson and Debbie Watson

Jamie Finley and John Vutech

Judy and Jeff McKerlie

Darren and Natasha Crabbe

Crayuon Morgan and Oliver Gholson

Alana Bryant and Thelma Giles

Rick and Brenda Williams

Alma Rosa and Blanca Allyson Ruelas

TASD Band Directors: Lauren Eckstein, Ryan Hadaway and Richard Eckstein

Christy and Archie Shipp

THE ROAD Tra veled less

Southern Utah has a certain, special magic about it. I’ll never forget the first time my children and I explored there. I’d stumbled on a “safari tent” glamping experience while searching for a place to get a good night’s sleep. We were in the middle of a three-week sojourn out west and had been sleeping in our DIY camper van, built into our minivan, thanks to my husband. The days leading up to our stop in southern Utah had been filled with exploring national parks, dancing through the desert, staying up too late painting light pictures with long exposures on my camera, howling at the moon in the middle of the midday dark of the eclipse, and chasing adventure from sunup to sundown.

We bounced along the dirt road leading to Basecamp 37º and my children gasped out loud with excited surprises when they saw where we would be staying. Two years later, we returned to spend more time exploring all that southern Utah has to offer, making Basecamp 37º our home base for a few days. I enjoyed sharing a bottle of wine with the owner, Amy, who is the kindest of hosts, while my children chased the jackrabbits around the property and the sun slowly sank, washing the cool evening in shades of pink. There is a community house, with two full bathrooms, an indoor kitchen, and an outdoor kitchen, along with a fire pit, hammocks, horseshoes, and even a cowboy pool in the warmer months.

Kanab, Utah, is well-situated to take off for

BY NICHOLE HOLZE

days of adventure, being only 30 minutes to Zion National Park, an hour and a half to Cedar Breaks National Monument (the top of the Grand Staircase collection of parks), and also home to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

Our adventure day started at Willow Canyon Outdoor, a gear shop, bookstore, and coffee shop. From there, we drove north to hike to Cascade Falls, the headwaters of the Virgin River, which plummets out of the side of a rock wall. After that, we went up to Cedar Breaks to check out the alpine wildflowers and a climb up to a (freezing cold) 11,000 feet elevation Brian Head peak, just to have a snowball fight.

On our way back to Kanab, we made a stop for ice cream at a roadside rock shop. One last detour took us to Coral Pink Sand Dunes, where we ran and tumbled on the fine pink sand as the sun started to drop again. I called in an order for dinner from Wild Thyme Cafe, where they had a wonderful vegan menu available. That night, as we snuggled together in a king size bed in our tent, we fell asleep to the sounds of the coyotes howling and yipping as they made their way through the arroyos around camp ... the perfect end to our whirlwind, action packed day of adventure. Just the way we like it.

For even more tips for your trip to southern Utah, check out my friend Arika’s blog at: www. zionadventurephotog.com.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Nearby Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Sunset at Basecamp 37º

Safari tent

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.

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.

NATASHA CRABBE

age: 49

occupation: Real Estate Agent, Better Homes & Gardens Infinity/Home Renovations

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

I would build a state-of-the-art after-school care for children ages 5-15.

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

I FaceTime my grandson.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be?

My wish would be to end violence and division in the country.

DAVID ALEXANDER

age: 58

Occupation: Owner & CEO of Alexander’s Jewelers

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

If I won the lottery, I would give money to everyone in my family and close friends first and then I would find charities to help over the rest of my life. This is very unlikely since I so rarely play the lottery.

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

When I have 30 spare minutes of free time, I try to figure out what needs to be done either at work or at home. My parents always showed me by example that you can rest at night when you go to bed. During the day there is always something to do.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be?

If I had one wish, I would wish there would be a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

At what business could you max out a credit card?

Only one? …. lol ... Pottery Barn.

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “A League of Their Own.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix? “Virgin River.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Bologna, Italy ... it’s the culinary capital of Italy (yummy).

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? Google Maps. Supra eKEY. Mobile Banking.

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

I generally don’t watch sports on TV. But I love to watch the Texas Rangers in person.

At what business could you max out a credit card?

I cannot think of anything that I want or need that would max out my credit card. The closest I can think of would be clothes.

Choose a movie title for the story of your life.

The title of a movie that best reflects my life is “Keep Looking Up” by Director Christophe Anagonostopoulos.

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

The series I am currently watching is “Outlander.”

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

The place I would love to visit more than any other is the Holy Land and walk the roads where Jesus walked.

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

Three phone apps I could not do without … Camera. Safari. Weather. “ LOCALS LIVING LARGE ”

I have always been proud of how our community supports our locally owned businesses. It seems we as a community step up and do our part as patrons. As our area grows, we maintain a friendly and welcoming hometown feel.

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

My favorite sport to watch is tennis. But my favorite team is The Alabama Crimson Tide football team … Roll Tide Roll!

The characteristic of Texarkana that I love the best is how the people of our community come together and support causes and how giving the people are.