Four States Living Magazine July 2022

ON THE COVER - JULY 2022

Specially trained to take care of our furry best friends, Westridge Animal Hospital’s Dr. Randy Murray is beloved by pets as well as their owners. Throughout his 37 years of being a veterinarian, he has witnessed technology vastly improving and so many aspects of medicine changing. He and his sidekick, Oshi, look forward to what the next 10 years hold for him and his family while insuring the Texarkana community that he will continue to be available to those who need his services.

See “Trained to Care for Our Best Friends” on page 8.

Christal Phiffer Prince enjoys showing Akitas and teaching others about responsible dog ownership. See article on page 42.

About Town

17, 25-26, 41, 49-50, 52, 62, 69, 71, 73

The Way I See It...

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

Last year when we were planning the issues for 2022, I had seen a magazine in another state that had done an issue totally about dogs. The stories made me smile. The photos made me smile. In a world full of bad news, dogs can do just about anything, good or bad, and humans will smile. At my house, on any given day, there may be four dogs playing together, chasing squirrels, catching frisbees, or conjuring up how to dig out or jump over the fence.

I’m not running a kennel, mind you. With adult children who like to travel, Emily and I are the pup sitters when anyone needs us. Thinking back over the years, the canine escapades at my house, even the ones that were not always funny at the time, make me laugh now.

To start, I did not grow up with dogs. So it wasn’t until I got married, in my twenties, to a man who drove around with a golden retriever in his truck that I began to loosen up about shedding, the smells, the slobber, and the incessant need for attention.

Cats had always been more my speed. They wander around silently, let you love on them when they need it, and then disappear to curl up in an open drawer or closet.

As time passed with my dog-loving man, I grew to enjoy the dog nuzzles and the games of fetch, and the way the big, beautiful cantaloupe-colored boy dashed to greet me when I pulled in the driveway and got out of my car. Honda (the dog) was a loverboy, and without knowing him, I might not have ever tried to be a dog mom later in life. The time, energy, commitment, and expense that go along with pet ownership is real, and until people are ready to do right by an animal, they should wait to have one.

Thanks to Honda, I met Dr. Randy Murray (on the cover) at Westridge Animal Hospital. This was in the early nineties, so we were all really young back then, and Dr. Murray had a great attitude and a solid confidence in his veterinary abilities. A proud Aggie, Dr. Murray always seemed happy to see Honda and explain all things medically important to his owners, in addition to A&M game scores or the success or failure of a

recent fishing excursion or hunt. Over the years, Dr. Murray and his wife, Alecia, had children about the same time we did, and our kids attended school together. The Murrays are good people, and choosing people you trust to handle your pets is as important as finding a good family physician, because believe it or not, our pets ARE family.

And sadly, if life goes like it’s supposed to, we outlive our pets, and that is the worst part of pet ownership.

Honda was an older dog when I met him, and he began to slow down after our first daughter was born. His hip dysplasia, not uncommon for older retrievers, hurt him more and more. When his bad days far outnumbered his good days, Dr. Murray helped us make the sad decision to let him rest. Honda had only been in my life for a fraction of his life, but to my then-husband, putting him down with Dr. Murray and burying him was a solo task, as he said goodbye to a great friend and longtime companion. Now, close to 30 years have passed, and I still remember how devastating it was for our family and how kind Dr. Murray was throughout it all. Honda taught me how to love dogs, and I wonder what my life would be like now without the love and affection of the furry mutts in my life who need me as much as I need them.

I LIKE BIG MUTTS AND I CANNOT LIE!

So, Honda, this magazine is dedicated to you. Without you, there would only be a cat in the house. Molly Parton, Willie Nelson, Luna Tuna, and Stubby Miller owe their comfort and treats to you, also! It’s paws-itively wonderful around here.

This month’s issue has been so much fun to put together. The stories are about some great people who are loving, training, vetting, photographing, and grooming canines throughout the “Dog Days of Summer.” I hope you have a great July. I hope you adopt before you shop for a pet. I hope you keep your pets hydrated and shaded if they are outdoors; it sure is hot. And, as always, thanks for reading FSLM!

Four St ates Living

INSPIRE THE PESSIMIST ELEVATE THE OPTIMIST STIR THE MIND ENTERTAIN THE SOUL

PUBLISHER

Dr. Robin Rogers

EDITOR

Suzy Turner

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Shane Darby

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Victoria Herman

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER

Dr. Robin Rogers

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Kierstyn Harris FOURSTATESLIVING

FEATURED COLUMNISTS

Velvet Hall Cool

Nichole Holze

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Jordan

Lindsey McMillan

Vicki Melde

David Orr

Lisa Porterfield Thompson

Amber Smith Zaliski

Do You Have a Story or a Photo?

Want to Advertise?

Advertising rates may be obtained by contacting the Sales Department at 903-7922262, writing to Four States Living Magazine, 4106 Summerhill Square, Texarkana, Texas 75503, visiting our website www.fourstatesliving.com or emailing our Sales Department at info@fourstatesliving.com

Smitty Cat (the lone diva)

Stubby Miller

Luna Tuna Consuela

Molly Parton

Willie Nelson

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photo

DR. ROBIN ROGERS

TRAINED TO CARE FOR OUR BEST FRIENDS

For the past 37 years, Westridge Animal Hospital’s Dr. Randy Murray has served pets and their owners with compassion

by JENNIFER JORDAN

Four States Living readers may remember that in last month’s issue, I opened musician Hailey Wright’s story with a statistic about childhood dream jobs. Being a rock star is certainly in the top 10. My research indicates that there is one dream job that ranks repeatedly as number one. That is veterinarian. Family pets, wildlife, strays—animals tug on the heartstrings of people worldwide. For this reason, children and pet owners esteem veterinarians greatly, for these are the folks trained to care for our best friends.

Over the last 37 years, Dr. Randy Murray has found his way into the hearts of his patients and their families as a local veterinarian. Prior to establishing Westridge Animal Hospital in 1989, he practiced at Wisdom Animal Clinic for four years. For Randy, becoming a veterinarian was natural. In the early 1970s, his father, Herb Murray, together with Dr. Walter Barns and Dr. D.W. Wisdom, purchased a farm of about 400

acres south of Myrtle Springs Road in Red Lick. “My exposure to Dr. Wisdom working cattle along with my love for farm life was what caused me to consider veterinary medicine,” Randy attests. “I would say I was in the 12- to 13-year-old range at the time. By the time I was 15, I quit sports, and my dad got me a hardship driver’s license (economic pressures of the cattle business) and I started running the farm. I custom baled and hauled hay for folks all over Red Lick and the west Texarkana area through high school, even leasing my own land and selling hay. I also showed cattle and was very active in Vocational Agriculture at school but still stayed in what was termed ‘college bound’ classes at that time.” Randy graduated from Texas High in 1978, at which time he also earned his American Farmer degree, of which he is very proud. He then enrolled in Texas A&M and completed his undergraduate degree in three years and attained his DVM in 1985.

Dr. Murray visits with a couple of his longtime Westridge clients.

“As long as my wheels will haul me room to room, I intend to keep practicing. I still love it!

”

by

photo

DR. ROBIN ROGERS

Upon graduating, Randy returned to Texarkana to work with Dr. Wisdom, married Alecia Ratley in 1986, and started a family with son, Cullen, and daughter, Meredith. “I graduated vet school really not knowing a blessed thing about practice, but Wendell taught me patiently and thoroughly in the four years I was there,” he says. It had always been expected by both Dr. Wisdom and Randy’s father that Randy would eventually purchase the clinic. “For a variety of reasons, none of which I really now consider to be particularly reasonable nor important, I was dead set on charting my own course by 1989 so Alecia and I purchased the land we still occupy today.” Randy reflects upon how his life would have turned out differently had he remained at Wisdom Animal Clinic as planned, but concludes that “God is good and faithful, so my hardheaded and willful nature ended up being an asset more than liability over the long term. Dr. Wisdom taught me vital lessons without which I would never have been successful, and I owe him a great deal.”

Randy credits much of his success to others, particularly his parents, Herb and Mary, and his high school Agriculture teacher, Dwight Duncan. “My dad instilled in me the sense of responsibility to people in general to do what I said I would do, always do it with a passion for excellence, and work hard to make up for what I lacked in other areas. Whatever business success I have enjoyed is almost totally due to his dedication to making his kids understand these principles. I miss him terribly.”

Since 1985, Randy has had a standing Friday lunch date with his mother, where she and he “talk life and Bible, which have no separation for her, or me these days. She is a treasure like no other, constantly challenging me simply by the way she lives her life. She probably has knee issues today at 87 because of the constant prayer for me and my siblings (older brother, Bob; younger brother, Brent; and little sister, Amanda). She is a stalwart with great, great faith and still serving faithfully as a greeter at Heritage Church where we attend,” he remarks. Randy tries to emulate his mother in studying the Bible. “I have found through her example that this is most gratifying, rewarding and a necessity to grow in God’s grace,” he says. The second chapter in Paul’s second letter to Timothy is particularly meaningful for Randy: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of the truth.”

Teaching God’s word is equally important to Randy, and he and Alecia serve as group leaders at Heritage. “We have four families that are part of our community group and therefore part of our lives. They’re like another set of kids, and we love doing life with them. I have a men’s group (we call it 318 at Heritage) and those guys are a very important part of my life (2 Tim. 2:2).”

Dwight Duncan influenced Randy in his youth, not only as a teacher, but also like an associate dad. “Dwight pushed me to excel through

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in 1989 for the original 24x60 building that housed Westridge Animal Hospital. That same building was donated to Sugar Hill United Methodist Church in 1997.

Top: Dr. Murray graduated from Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985.

Facing page: Buck (the big fella) and Oshi were happy to hop into the photo, but they weren’t very interested in posing for the camera.

Way back in the early days at

No matter how many people are waiting or in exam rooms at the clinic, Dr. Murray will stop what he is doing to visit with his mother, Mary.

agriculture, but he also reinforced everything dad taught me on a ‘realtime’ basis through the many adventures we shared in showing cattle as well as his role of influence at Texas High. He and my dad were cut from the same cloth,” Randy says. “I still talk to Dwight fairly often today, but perhaps not as often as I should.” Agriculture is still an important aspect of Randy’s life; he and Alecia keep a few cows on 80 acres west of town, and they also keep a small farm outside of Foreman where he farms a little and is mainly a gamekeeper together with some close friends nearby. “I’m a hunter, specifically bow-hunting, but I love squeezing a trigger also. I delight in riding cutting horses (I’m not very good, but still like it) but just haven’t had the time or opportunity over the last two years. I hope to return to that discipline in the future.”

Dr. Wisdom taught Randy that veterinary medicine includes both the arts and sciences. “He stressed this often to me in my early years –never leave off the arts. What are they? He always said, ‘If someone thinks there is something wrong with their pet, then there is … don’t let them ever leave here without listening attentively. You’ll learn almost as much as you will putting your hands on their pet.’ Dr. Wisdom was

the vet clinic, Dr. Murray took time out of his day to visit with his children, Cullen and Meredith.

big on getting to know both people and their pet. He was correct! Still is!” Randy took this advice to heart, as it forms an essential part of his daily practice. “I take great pleasure still today after 37 years of practice in helping folks manage their pet’s health,” he comments. Randy notes that veterinary medicine has changed immensely over the years, especially with regard to the amount of information available to the professional community. “Technology is so vastly improved and has changed in my practice lifetime, but so has many aspects of medicine. Keeping up with all that is very difficult and yet in many ways, essential. I cannot imagine what the next 10 years holds!”

Randy wants to ensure the Texarkana community that he will be around for the next 10 years or longer. “I am not retiring!” he avers. However, he intends to take off more time due to “probably the most beautiful girl baby ever born.” Cullen, and his wife, Amanda, gave Randy and Alecia the gift of a granddaughter, Charlotte Frances, last December. “We burn up the road between here and Frisco,” Dr. Murray quips. “We have big plans at Westridge in the coming months that I will be announcing but it will involve adding tremendously to our exam room space and hopefully emergency capabilities. We also have an additional doctor coming September 1.” This doctor will join Randy, Dr. Lisa Morgan, and Dr. Dean Burns, a vet school classmate of Randy’s who has been practicing for the same length of time. Dr. Patrick Murray also practices at Westridge part-time in a relief role. Randy plans to practice 3½ days starting in September, and then resume his regular schedule next spring during the busy months. “As long as my wheels will haul me room to room, I intend to keep practicing. I still love it!”

Celebrating Alecia’s 60th birthday in Dallas was a family affair for the Murrays. Pictured are: Randy and Alecia with their son, Cullen, and his wife, Amanda, and their daughter, Meredith.

It is easy to see that Dr. Murray’s first grandchild, Charlotte, has stolen his heart.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

GREATER TEXARKANA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS TO FOUR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

Greater Texarkana Young Professionals recently announced four local high school graduates have won a total of $4,000 in scholarships to pay for their first semester of college. The four students were selected from a pool of 48 applicants. Each student had to meet a rigorous criterion to be considered for the award. The four winners were KeeYonece Butler (Arkansas High School), Nistha Neupane (Pleasant Grove High School), Gavin Bailey (James Bowie High School), and Madison Whatley (Genoa Central High School).

“Since the creation of the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals, we have been offering this scholarship to local high school graduates,” GTYP Board Member and Scholarship Committee Chair Heather Buster said. “We started by spending our own funds, and now we have partnered with Commercial National Bank to grow the number of scholarships offered. This year we offered four $1,000 scholarships – $2,000 was donated from our own funds, and CNB donated another $2,000. We are beyond excited to have awarded these four well deserving students with financial assistance, and we are planning to grow the number of scholarships available next year.”

The Greater Texarkana Young Professionals Scholarship award is meant to recognize graduating seniors who will be selected from a pool of student applicants from Bowie, Miller, and Little River County. Recipients of this scholarship will be chosen by the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals Board of Directors based on selection criteria.

The scholarship applications will open again in March 2023. High school graduates who are interested in applying next year can find information about the scholarship at www.texarkana.org/gtyp or by email at gtypchamber@gmail.com.

Pleasant Grove – Jakob Martin, Natalie Copeland, Nistha Neupane and Chint Murdock

Arkansas High – Jakob Martin, Chris Bradfod, KeeYonece Butler, Heather Buster and Chint Murdock

Genoa High School – Jakob Martin, Heather Buster, Chris Bradford, Madison Whatley, Natalie Copeland and Chint Murdock

James Bowie – Warren McDaniel, Gavin Bailey, Natalie Copeland and Heather Buster

City Launching New Initiative To Encourage Residents To G et Involved

by DAVID ORR

you remember what it felt like the first time someone asked you for advice? Maybe you were at work and one day you realized you were the most senior member on staff. Perhaps you were in college and came home to visit your parents who suddenly trusted your formal education and the knowledge you’d gained. It might have been more recently than that, when your grown children finally telephoned to ask for help fixing a car, or baking a cake. We’re all experts at something, and truth is, it feels good to be helpful and lend our expertise to others.

It’s with that premise in mind that I’m asking you to consider lending your expertise, or even your interests, to your community. Your city needs you.

The vision of the City of Texarkana, Texas, is to be a thriving regional center for education, business and culture which attracts and serves our residents and visitors. To accomplish our vision and mission, it takes a network of selfless volunteers, who advise the city on board and commissions. These volunteers not only have a significant impact towards identifying the needs and future plans of our community, but they often provide invaluable feedback to city staff on current initiatives as well.

Because of the vital role these volunteers hold, we have recently revamped our boards and commissions application process to encourage more community members to become actively involved in local government. A new webpage is also now available that provides descriptions of each board, commission and committee along with term dates, duties, residency requirements and meeting schedules.

The City of Texarkana has several City Council-appointed boards, commissions and committees, and occasionally City Council appointed ad-hoc committees for special purposes. As a part of this year’s process, city staff has proposed to restart Keep Texarkana Beautiful (KTB) which was organized in 2010 for the purpose of promoting the beautification of the Texarkana community.

Some boards, commissions and committees have residency requirements or require special skills and knowledge, while others do not. Board, commission, and committee members are required to attend regularly scheduled meetings. A current list of each board and commission, along with current appointments and openings can be found at www.ci.texarkana.tx.us/370/Boards-and-Commissions.

If you are interested in serving on a board or need more information, please contact Jennifer Evans, Texarkana, Texas City Secretary at 903-798-3930 or email: j.evans@txkusa.org. The City will receive applications annually from persons interested in serving, generally during the summer months. To begin the process of filling these vacancies, an altered schedule may be necessary the first year and applications will be accepted until July 15. Applicants to boards and commissions that are currently full will be held for City Council consideration for the next available vacancy.

David Orr is the City Manager for Texarkana, Texas. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Arkansas and a doctorate degree in Higher Education from Stellenbosch University. David is actively involved in the community in various roles, including serving as chairperson of the Texarkana Arts & Historic District, a member of the Wilbur Smith Rotary Club and an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University- Texarkana since 2009. David’s family includes wife, Laura, a son and two daughters.

photo by ERIC ETHRIDGE

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

STROKE REUNION 2022

On May 26, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital and Wadley Regional Medical Center collaborated to host their annual Stroke Reunion at Encompass Rehab. Dr. Khalid Malik, neurologist, and Dr. Mark Wren, medical director of Encompass, were the guest speakers. This event is held for stroke survivors and their caregivers to be lifted up by other survivors who have experienced a stroke. This group meets monthly for lunch and hosts a guest speaker on various topics. If you or a family member are interested in being a part of the stroke support group reach out to Tiffannee Watson at 903-735-5000.

Tiffannee Watson and Tamera Chafin

Trudie Spencer and Laura Spencer

Leigh Ann Scates and Sher Fomby

Cara Jones and Sarah Robinson

Drew Burns and Tracy Graf

Kenneth and Ruby Dildine

Mary Crowell

Ruby Smith and Minnie Singleton

A SUCCESS IN BUSINESS AND LIFE

Local entrepreneur Tavo Cruz shares his love for pets and their people

by VICKI MELDE

For some, childhood experiences have a profound effect on their adult lives – even influencing career paths. Often, children who survive serious illnesses choose to enter the medical profession to help others and share the knowledge they gained. Others whose families relocated often due to military service or other factors find themselves longing to embrace different cultures and locations. For local entrepreneur Tavo Cruz, losing a beloved pet as a child in Mexico sparked a lifelong bond with animals that is evident in his professional and personal life.

The baby of the family, Tavo grew up in the small town of Veracruz, Mexico (Agua Dulce), with his parents (mostly his mother), a brother and two sisters. He played with local cousins and the ones coming for a visit from Mexico City, and his family often spent Christmas dinners with their close neighbors. Tavo fondly recalls trips to the river with family members on holidays and going to el Rancho (farm) with his tio (uncle) Pancho. “My tia (aunt) Elena was always sharing her food with me,” he reminisced. “I was always hungry and loved her food! Still do!”

Though he has many fond childhood memories, Tavo recalled life was not easy. “We grew up poor – Mother was always working to support and feed us,” he shared. “We were always helping her, working at a very young age.” Tavo explained that in Mexico families have to pay for school. “I was a good kid – I always wanted to study and loved school,” he said. “We did go to early school but couldn’t afford the rest of our education.” After school at the age of 12, Tavo took lessons for two years to become a tailor. “When I have time, I do some sewing,” he commented. “I used to make my own shirts – I was always creative, learning things.” For those who know Tavo, his creativity is evident.

Tavo moved to the United States at age 15. “My sister was not in a good marriage in Mexico, and she desperately wanted a better future for her and her kids,” Tavo shared. “Mother didn’t want her to travel by herself with the kids. Although I was just a kid myself, I felt mature enough to come with her to help her.

“We moved here with a cousin who took us in on the Arkansas side,” Tavo continued. “The Spanish teacher (Diana Alexander) where we enrolled the kids in school had a friend who worked in a restaurant –Vejitos. He told Diana about a couple looking for someone to work for them.” The couple was the Aarons – Jo and Wesley – who started Paw Paw Patch Pet Grooming. They gave Tavo and his sister’s family a place to live on their property, and his sister began working for them. Four

to five months later, they hired Tavo to start bathing, brushing, cleaning cages, etc. Soon he moved into cutting, answering phones, talking with customers, etc. The foundation was laid for his future business through this chance connection with the Aarons.

Paw Paw Patch had opened in 1981, and Tavo began working with the Aarons in 1989. After about six years, the business was sold to Curtis and Loretta Rose with the understanding that Tavo would remain as an employee. “I also worked for them for five or six years, but they wanted out, too!” Tavo admitted, “I really couldn’t see myself running the business for someone else.”

What began as a somewhat traumatic childhood memory when Tavo was a little boy and came home from school to find that his dad had given away his puppy because of its barking led to an innate way with animals that serves him well as the owner of a successful grooming and boarding establishment. When asked what has led to his success in business, Tavo noted that 33 years is not easy for a small business to survive. “It takes a lot of patience,” he admitted. “You have a dog who almost falls asleep while getting a haircut. But you have another

Tavo with his mother, Coco Morales, celebrating her birthday four years ago.

one who requires two people to hold it while it’s trying to bite your hands off! Some groomers don’t like to deal with this behavior. It takes patience to work with the dogs and give them a chance to get to know you.”

Not only the longevity of Paw Patch but the loyalty shown by Tavo’s clients is a testament to his success. “I love what I do,” he shared proudly. “We love animals – you have to in order to work in this business. You must be professional with your customers and get to know each dog. We do the very best we can in every aspect of the business – but we

know we can’t please everyone. If a client isn’t pleased, we do our best to resolve the situation in a very professional way.”

The pet grooming business as a whole has grown tremendously. Tavo recalled that 20 years ago they didn’t have a great deal of customers. Now they make every effort to accommodate everyone who calls for an appointment although they are completely booked four weeks out.

Tavo’s personality and temperament serve him well in a field that is so highly dependent upon building relationships and customer service. He is often described as honest, kind, sweet, and very loyal to

Since 2005, Paw Paw Patch has won Best Groomer in Four States Living Magazine’s Best of Texarkana™ Readers’ Choice Awards. Pictured with the shop’s 2020 plaque are: (clockwise) Tavo, Marta Rodriguez, Teresa Leyva, Chelo Gonzalez, Rolando Yanes, Adriana Medrano, and Coco Morales.

a friendship. He also has a wonderful sense of humor. When asked the best advice he’d ever been given, he quickly stated, “There are three things you don’t talk about with people – politics, religion, and money!” Perhaps “wise” should be added to the list of Tavo’s attributes.

With a life of dealing with others’ pets full-time, one might wonder if Tavo chooses to have pets of his own. Well, a true animal lover – he currently has five dogs and two cats. His in-house dogs are Howard, his 13-yearold Westie, and Niño and Chiquito who are Great Pyrenees mixed rescues. “Chiquito just showed up in my backyard while I was decorating for Christmas on a Black Friday a few years ago,” he explained. “And a customer found Niño in the middle of the road. I took him to foster but no one claimed him.” The home menagerie is rounded out by Biscuit, his overweight cat (no pun intended), whom he got from a customer. “He eats all the time kind of like me,” Tavo quipped.

During Halloween, Tavo’s dogs, Niño and Chiquito, dress for the occasion and greet customers in front of the groom shop.

Facing page: Obviously, Elwood, one of Tavo’s boarders, loves the care he receives at Paw Paw Patch.

Paw Paw Patch wouldn’t be complete without the shop pets – Chance, a boxer mix rescue, Hawk, who was abandoned as a pup on the Pleasant Grove football field near Tavo’s backyard, and Kitty who also just showed up in Tavo’s backyard. Chance and Hawk are best friends. It seems even area strays somehow know where to find a place they will be cared for and loved.

Tavo is a success story both in business and in life. His hard work and dedication to his clients – both the furry ones and their people –has made him a Texarkana icon. It’s always a delight to see good people do well!

Tavo’s cat, Biscuit, gazes at a photo of Tavo that was published in Four States Living Magazine in 2013.

Three and a half years ago, Tavo was finally able to go visit family. It had been 30 years since he had been back to Mexico.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

CADDO AREA COUNCIL, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, PRESENTS DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD TO DAVID ORR

On June 2, the Caddo Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, held a special event at the home of Mel and Ray Walsh to thank their “Friends of Scouting” for the local support of the Council. David Orr was presented the 2022 Distinguished Citizen Award which honors individuals who share Scouting’s belief in leadership, determination, and values, and have contributed significantly to the growth and vitality of our community.

Martha Norton, Barbara Glick and Judy Jones

Mary Jane and David Orr

Adam Orr, Alex Orr, Maurice Orr, David Orr, Jason Orr, Mary Jane Orr and Joel Orr

Joan Carter, Judy Morgan and Mary Ellen Young

Fred and Martha Norton

Mary Jane and David Orr with Bill and Barbara Miller

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

WOMEN FOR A&M-TEXARKANA MEMBERSHIP CELEBRATION

Women for A&M-Texarkana held its Membership Celebration on June 9 in the Lois & Cary Patterson Student Center on the college campus. Women for A&M-Texarkana is a dynamic group of women working to enhance the economic development, cultural enrichment and funding initiatives for scholarships and degree programs at A&MTexarkana. The group’s mission is to support and promote the many ways the college enhances life in Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas.

Sylvia Ingram, Catherine Lawrence, Dr. Emily Cutrer and Wanda Ingram

Coach Madeline Halford, Kathryn Montgomery and Amber Galvan

Beverly Carter, Suzanne Smith and Susan Nawrocki

Amber Galvan, Coach Madeline Halford and Judy Morgan Amber Spence and Armenia Hawkins

Athletic Director Michael Galvan and Laura Spencer

Jodi Pompa, Lekia Jones and Kayla Brown Lucille Cook, Betty Hays and Martha Prieskorn

A PASSION FOR PETS AND PHOTOGRAPHY

by AMBER SMITH ZALISKI

Hannah Wren Milhorn has been an animal lover for as long as she can remember, and while she never imagined photography as a career, it is a calling that has captured her heart. As she has pursued her passions, Hannah has found her niche as a professional sport dog and family pet photographer, and she is grateful for every opportunity.

“I’ve always been an animal lover,” Hannah said. “I’ll never forget the time my dad surprised me with my first dog in second grade. After begging him for weeks about a new dog, one night he came home with a puppy in his arms at my grandparents’ house. That’s when my love for all things dog began.” A Texarkana native, Hannah knew she wanted to return home when she graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2018. “One of the things I love about Texarkana is the amazing people and all of their incredible stories. From discovering what I’m passionate about and finding my calling from God, to building a business, I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I’m grateful for the journey I’m on.”

Hannah was first introduced to the sporting dog industry in 2016 when her boyfriend (now husband) Greg Milhorn embarked on his new dog training business. At Red River Retrievers, Greg and his business partner, Lawson Barker, specialize in basic obedience, gun dog training, hunt test training and field trial training. “I’ve always supported Greg in his dog training business and loved helping out,” Hannah said. “In the beginning, I would volunteer in the field and help throw birds, and I would use my iPhone to create content for their business page for social media.”

photo by HANNAH WREN PHOTOGRAPHY

As a professional sport dog and family pet photographer, Hannah Wren Milhorn gets to hone her skills as a photographer while capturing every pet’s personality

Hannah and her husband, Greg, pro trainer and co-owner of Red River Retrievers, LLC, currently live in Texarkana, Arkansas, with their five black Labs: Beaux, Clyde (pictured), Grizz, Honey and River.

Top photo: Mesa inside a YETI cooler for a themed commission session with Hannah Wren Photography.

In December of 2016, Greg’s mom surprised Hannah with her first DSLR camera for Christmas. “I was excited to explore photography with my new camera and continue creating retriever content. The next summer, I traveled to Colorado with Greg and Lawson for their annual training trip. I used my new camera and photographed the dogs in training and at hunt tests for two solid months in the Rocky Mountains. I was hooked.”

It wasn’t until 2021, however, that Hannah decided it was time to pursue her passion. While Hannah knew she liked taking pictures of retrievers, she had never considered photography as a career option –she studied public relations and marketing in school and didn’t have any hands-on professional photography training – yet. “In 2021, I took some time out for myself. I knew I needed a change. During my time off, I discovered the things I was most passionate about and eventually, my camera ended up back in my hands taking pictures of working dogs. I started telling people about my interest in taking pictures, and I got some great advice early on: just keep practicing. So, that’s what I did and haven’t looked back.”

In the fall of 2021, Hannah wanted to grow her photography skills and traveled to Montana to attend a field photography workshop by one of the country’s top photographers of working retrievers, Mark Atwater. “Mark’s workshop enabled me to take better photos with the camera equipment I had, and I learned how to better capture with my camera what I saw with my eyes,” Hannah said. “Mark is one mentor and friend that I have learned and continue to learn from. He is always there for advice and wisdom.”

Jewel retrieves a bumper during a commission session with Hannah Wren Photography during May 2022.

“Capturing the Intensity of the Dog” is a tagline that Hannah uses frequently when photographing retrievers.

This December 2021 cover of Retriever News magazine featured cover photography by Hannah Wren Milhorn. (Magazine courtesy of Retriever News)

photos by HANNAH WREN PHOTOGRAPHY

Scout fetches a mallard duck during his commission session with Hannah.

photos by HANNAH WREN PHOTOGRAPHY

Hannah captures the Douglas family during a family pet photography lifestyle session last month.

An amazing opportunity presented itself last fall when Hannah was asked to work as the official photographer of the 2021 National Retriever Derby Championship. “I said yes and was honored to photograph this iconic event and work and meet with some amazing, talented people and incredible dogs,” Hannah said. “I am looking forward to Mark’s upcoming Montana field photography workshop in August to continue learning new techniques and skills and then being able to travel to Sedalia, Missouri, again this fall as the 2022 NRDC official photographer as well as working with Mark at the upcoming 2022 HRC International Fall Grand in Nashville, Tennessee. There is so much I love about this work – traveling, meeting new people and amazing dogs, and there really is just something about capturing the intensity of the dogs that play this game.”

When Hannah isn’t traveling for retriever events, she is happy to offer private photography sessions locally or make travel arrangements outside the greater Texarkana region. “My sport dog commission sessions are private working retriever sessions that focus on capturing the intensity of the dog and delivering photos of your dog like you’ve never seen before,” Hannah said. “I strategically select the location, lighting, background, and time of day, so my clients receive spectacular images of their dog(s). I offer clients a variety of images such as portraits, land action shots and a series of water action images. I can also make arrangements to hunt with clients.” And if you’re looking for beautiful family photos, pups included, Hannah is happy to offer those sessions as well.

Hannah Wren Milhorn feels blessed to be doing something she loves. “At the end of the day, I give God all the glory, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to meet so many amazing people and their dogs, and to create a business I am so incredibly passionate about. My husband and family have been 100% supportive, and I can’t thank them enough. Now that we’re in the same industry as a husband and wife, it’s exhilarating to be behind the lens while Greg is on the line running dogs at hunt tests and field trials. It is truly amazing to see things that I have prayed for coming true.”

Hannah with Mark Atwater, one of the country’s top photographers of working retrievers, during his field photography workshop in Donalsonville, Georgia, in December 2021.

Greg and his support crew – Hannah, Bonnie, Clyde, and Beaux – while he was running dogs in a UKC Hunt Test in 2018.

GUIDE TO LOCAL BANKING

Special Section

WHEN YOU BANK IN THE COMMUNITY, YOU ARE SUPPORTING THE GROWTH OF THE COMMUNITY. THE FOLLOWING PAGES FEATURE SOME OF THE BEST OPTIONS FOR LOCAL BANKING HERE IN TEXARKANA.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXARKANA COLLEGE PRESIDENT DR. JASON SMITH HONORED DURING AWARD PRESENTATION AND RECEPTION

Texarkana College recently honored TC President Dr. Jason Smith for receiving the prestigious W.W. Scagel Award presented by the American Bladesmith Society (ABS) at the 2022 International Blade Show held in Atlanta, Georgia. The award is presented annually by the ABS Board of Directors for meritorious service to the craft of bladesmithing in education. A local award presentation and reception was held on Thursday, June 9, in TC’s Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing located on the east side of Texarkana College’s campus.

Dr. Smith was nominated for the prestigious award by longtime bladesmithing advocate B.R. Hughes, one of the founding fathers of the American Bladesmith Society and former dean of students at Texarkana College. Hughes helped establish the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing in 1987 as one of the only schools of its kind in the nation for many years. The school, which is run in connection with Texarkana College, was named after Bill Moran, the first smith of the twentieth century to successfully forge Damascus steel. The school, now located on the campus of Texarkana College, teaches the craft of bladesmithing, and certifies knife makers at journeyman and master bladesmith levels.

Don McIntosh, TC bladesmith instructor, said President Smith is worthy of the award because of his dedication to the mission of the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing and relocating the school on the Texarkana College campus in 2019 from its previous location in Washington, Arkansas.

Mike Williams, TC Bladesmith Instructor, with Dr. Jason Smith

Dean B.R.Hughes, Dr. Jason Smith and Don McIntosh

Dr. Jason Smith, Carolyn and Dean B.R. Hughes and Brandon Washington

Mendy Sharp, Dr. Kasey Coggin and Holli Easley

FOR THE LOVE OF THE BREED

by LINDSEY M c MILLAN

by

Christal Phiffer Prince enjoys showing Akitas and teaching others about responsible dog ownership

photo

DR. ROBIN ROGERS

Grand Champion Silver Champion Akiko’s Back to the Future is one of the most highly decorated Akitas in the country. But despite the long formal name he is known simply as Marty. Christal Phiffer Prince, owner of Bandera Ranch, has owned this large, beautiful, and stately dog breed since 1994. She fell in love with them while on a circuit of horse shows which she was involved in for many years. Her first Akita was a male named Beauregard, and he lived 11 years. Then she had a female named Tobi for nine years. Marty came along as her third one, and in 2016, he and Christal began an adventure that’s been quite a journey since.

Christal had become connected in showing dogs through friend Nancy Fisk who lives in Virginia. Christal got Marty when he was a 16-month-old pup. Christal and friend Becky Garrett drove cross country to pick him up, and shortly thereafter, began showing him. A professional handler was found, and then Christal and Marty were headed out to competitions across the country, making many new friends along the way.

Much education and countless lessons have been learned over the experience which Christal says has been so worthwhile. Frames of many awards adorn the walls of her home, complete with distinguished photos and colorful ribbons. Marty has been named one of the top five Akitas in the country, along with the American Kennel Club (AKC)’s Reserve Best in Show, and various group placements and wins in the Working Breed. He shows at the Akita Nationals every year.

Akitas are an ancient breed, originally from Northern Japan and used to hunt bears. They are considered a national treasure, and since their instinct is to hunt, their commanding appearance makes them seem intimidating and aggressive. But in fact, they are very lovable and extremely loyal.

Marty isn’t the only champion gracing Christal’s home. She also has Sofia, age 4, whose registered name is Champion Sondaisa So Haute I’m on Fyre. She came from a breeder in Oregon when only 14 weeks old. She, too, is already on the road to many wins, including two different ones at the Akita Nationals.

In 2019, Sofia won the Best of Winners during the Akita Nationals in Denver, Colorado.

Marty and Sofia have two females who will be 2 years old this month. Their names are Austin and Dallas, or as they will be professionally known, Champion Sondaisa Haute Flames of Fyre and Bandera’s You Don’t Have To Call Me Darlin. Austin has already earned her championship, along with some other honors and is currently on the Grand Champion show circuit. Dallas has achieved her majors and is very close to her championship.

The name of Christal’s kennel is Bandera’s Akitas. Her 60 acres of space is always adapting for her show dogs, as well as the quarter horses she still owns. She no longer shows horses but is happy and content just riding. Now her time is absorbed with grooming, prepping for the next show, and transporting the dogs to whichever event is next on the calendar.

As busy as this sounds, this is not Christal’s only job. She has served as the Executive Director of the American Red Cross for the past three and a half years which services 17 counties across Northeast Texas. Christal grew up in Texarkana and was a dancer and active youth with 4H. She owned and operated Christal Phiffer’s School of Dance for 23 years. She is also the president of the Kennel Club of Texarkana, Inc. which locally presents AKC dog shows and community events.

Handler Paul Levesque with Champion Sondaisa Haute Flames of Fyre (Austin) during the Akita Nationals in Topeka, Kansas, in 2021. This Akita is Christal’s first home bred champion from her Champions Marty and Sofia.

Facing page: During Akita Nationals Top Twenty Black Tie Invitational in Massachusetts in 2018, Marty stole the spotlight.

The most important message she wishes to share is that of responsible dog ownership, particularly in the realm of purebreds. She has seen over the years how many purebred show owners receive a negative reputation in the procreation and care of dogs. If one wants to own a purebred dog, it is imperative she says that proper research be done to find reputable breeders who are conscious of good bloodlines and healthy pedigrees. She highly suggests not buying any dog online or sight unseen. She also encourages potential owners to get all information about the breed, breeders, and other important condition. She says, “A good breeder will take you through the back door no matter what.” She also says her role as a show owner emphasizes that “the dogs are companions first and competitors second. Show people breed to create a better, healthier dog, not for the purpose of making money.”

Marty won Best in Show during the Large AKC Show in Gonzales, Louisiana.

Facing page, top: Marty and Sofia after doing their favorite thing –snow plowing.

Facing page, bottom: Christal used this ad for promotional purposes which featured Marty.

Christal is also involved in the rescue community with her time and effort. She assists with Akita Rescue as well as the local AKC. The group is hosting a Responsible Dog Owners Day on September 17 from 10-4 at the Spring Lake Park dog park. This is an event open to the public and an invitation to learn more about ownership. There will be vendors, helpful resources, training demonstrations, and photo opportunities. Children are welcome and all vaccinated dogs on leashes. More information will be coming in August. The Kennel Club of Texarkana, Inc. will be hosting a three day show in February 2023 at the Four States Fairgrounds. For information about the sport of AKC purebred dogs and membership please visit them on Facebook under Kennel Club of Texarkana.

Christal is thankful for her animals and Bo Slider, her partner of 20 years. Without his love and support she says the constant juggling of travel and shows would not be possible. She’s also thankful for the journey she has been able to embark upon thanks to Marty. “It’s been a great ride,” she admits. “We took the leash and opened up a whole new world for me.” This is the joy and love of ownership and perpetuating a loving relationship between these Akitas and their human mom.

During a show in Alexandria, Louisiana, in January 2020, Christal is all smiles as her dogs won first and second place in a very large class. With Christal (holding Marty) are Akita judge Joe Gregory, and handler Chuy Moreno holding Sofia.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TALIMENA RALLY CRUISIN’ FOR ST. JUDE 2022

The Talimena Rally Cruisin’ for St. Jude was held May 26-28 at the Arkansas Convention Center. Friday’s ride featured “Riding the Hills thru the Hills of Arkansas.” The Dusty Rose Band was the featured entertainment that evening. On Saturday, the group rode the “Queen Wilhelmina Ride” and entertainment for that evening was the Big Dam Horns Band. All proceeds from the event benefitted St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Mary and Randy Weeks

Amanda and Scott Fielder

Sherry Jeansonne and Snoopy Conly

Jon Lee and Marti Lagasse

Suzy and Mike Turner

Carol Jones and Trish Williams

Ronnie and Kay Reynolds

Ben Anderson and Kim Gates

Justin Benoit

Sharon and Don Robinson

Rhonda and Mike Fiene

Brenna and Jennifer Prentice

Charles and Marissa Ross

Leonard and Nusa Messer

Neil Jones, Fallon Turner and Jason Springer

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

CLAY’S GOLF AND GUITARS 2022

The eighth annual Clay’s Golf and Guitars was held May 21 at Northridge Country Club. A golf tournament was held thoughout the day, and the evening’s musical entertainment featured Sail On, a Beach Boys tribute band. This year’s event raised $190,000 for Haven Homes, a local nonprofit organization that provides a safe transition, temporary housing, and life-changing support services for women and men healing from addiction and homelessness.

Kristy Smith and Kristi Willis

Larry Bunn, Steve Vicars, Joanne Bunn and Becky Vicars

Monica, Anna Scott, and Collins Bruner

Ricky Wright, Mark Nelson and Austin Zuniga

Tim and Terri Godfrey

Dwayne and Kelly David

Sam and Sarah Codemo

Lisa Ledwell, Lynlee Harvey and Anthony Pinkham

Ashley Eddy and Natalie Haywood

Debbie Schimming, Laurie Booker, Lucy Sarrett and Deirdre Smith Donna and David Dailey

Hunter and Katie Hill

Mason White with Lisa and Rob Sitterley

Jimmy and Cathy Roeser

Sara and Dr. Brian Barry

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TSO AND TRAHC HOST A VIP CELEBRATION BEFORE THE SATISFACTION CONCERT

Texarkana Symphony Orchestra and Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council teamed up in collaboration to present SATISFACTION, The International Rolling Stones Tribute Show, on June 17 at the historic Perot Theatre in Downtown Texarkana. Before the show, VIP guests were given the chance to enjoy a meet and greet with the band, as well as enjoy a complimentary beverage from the theatre’s bar in the mezzanine.

Kyler Jones and Lexie Anderson

Maria and Joe Brennan

Steve and Stephanie Jones with Tiffany and Chris Williams

Gwenn Malone and Nancy Malone

Rashinda Hampton, Jennifer Unger and Andrew Clark

Alison Farley and Bill Hardwick

Carl and Gwen Bigner

Debbie Williams and Christie Lammers

SATISFACTION: Jimmy Babu, Chris LeGrand, Joe Rotondo, Dominick Lanzo and John Wade

Shelia Cook and Betty Nix

Joseph and Kelly Johnson

PARTNERS IN TRAINING

Nathan Sloan, owner of Muddy Wing Retrievers, enjoys building relationships with his clients and helping them reach goals with their dogs

by LINDSEY M c MILLAN

photo by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

Nathan Sloan started Muddy Wing Retrievers in 2015, and it has grown considerably ever since, becoming a premier dog training outfit in the Four States area. Nathan works hard to accommodate clients from all over the country, taking in various dogs for training in basic obedience to progressive hunt testing which has consistently earned them high honors each year. They kennel and care for approximately 45 dogs year-round, and this number may vary with ones coming in for various training purposes. Nathan reports that half of their clientele is seeking training for gun dogs (hunting retriever) and the other half for hunt testing and achieving hunt test titles. MWR is located outside Texarkana in Genoa, Arkansas, and has 3,200 square feet of indoor kennel space along with outdoor training areas. The dogs also travel to other properties for experience with different terrains and conditions. Nathan says he has been blessed and humbled by their success as it has exceeded his expectations, consistently growing since their inception. With countless titles achieved in hunt tests, MWR has a high percentage of passing scores over the past seven years.

A native of Texarkana, Nathan grew up in Fouke, Arkansas, and was raised on a cattle farm with his two brothers and parents, Terry and Lanita Sloan. He helped work the farm from an early age, participating in sports and FFA. He particularly was fond of showing cattle and also an avid waterfowl hunter. He graduated from Fouke High School in 2008 and headed to Southern Arkansas University to earn a degree in Agricultural Business. He took a few years off from school, taking the opportunity to work with show cattle on ranches. He returned to SAU and completed his degree in 2015. It was then that he realized that his passion for duck hunting and hunting retriever dog training was something he wanted to do full-time. Growing up with Labrador Retrievers, Nathan had always been astute to the breed and their keen capabilities. He explains, “I can remember my dad carrying me across creeks that were too deep for me to wade or riding in an old flat bottom on the bayou to get to the hunting spot which is where my waterfowl hunting obsession started. I had raised several litters out of some of my hunting dogs as well. This led me to wanting better hunting dogs

Nathan and Bill coming off the line after the 5th/final series of upland at the HRC International Grand.

Katelyn and Nathan display their winnings after the Master National in South Carolina during the fall of 2019.

Nathan and Katelyn take Major on a hunt at Bois d’Arc Lake.

Nathan runs a hunt test with Scarlet, a client’s retriever.

and pushing them more in training and learning more about it.” He became involved with the Four States Retriever Club while in college and worked with trainer Roger Gray who helped him get comfortable with training dogs for running hunt tests. Nathan took on some dogs for retriever training during this time, and it simply grew from there. He recalls that he couldn’t imagine it would grow to where it is today. “My passion for duck hunting and working with dogs is what led me to this career path, but I will always be thankful for cattle and the foundation it gave me,” he admits.

It was also through his traveling while showing cattle that he met his wife, Katelyn, in 2010 while on a trip in Kansas. They married in 2016 and daughter Gracie arrived in 2020. MWR is definitely a family business, as Katelyn and Gracie join Nathan on many trips for hunt tests and help as his support team.

Gracie loves working with the dogs, and Katelyn helped Nathan out with various jobs and training until he hired an assistant to join him. Trent Liggin serves as his assistant trainer and another employee, Railey Williams, helps with the kennels and operational duties. Dogs of various retriever breeds are brought in as pups of about six months of age and stay on-site for training anywhere from five months to a year or more. “In our program, we can train dogs from the basics of obedience,

Copper was instrumental in lighting the fire for Nathan to train better and eventually run hunt tests.

basic gun dogs, and all the way up to fully finished gun dogs. Now the majority of the dogs we have come in are to run hunt tests as we have expanded running tests that are part of Hunting Retriever Club (HRC), American Kennel Club (AKC), and Super Retriever Series (SRS) all over the country,” he says.

Nathan serves clients by being the dog’s handler and works with them as they achieve different levels of titles. Any breed is welcome for basic or general obedience and as Nathan puts it, “We also offer a head start program for the hunting and test prospects for when the owner doesn’t have the time to build their drive and get them going.”

While most of his kennels are used for dogs across the ArkLaTex as well as from across the country, Nathan has five personal dogs who also compete. Most notably Bill, his 8-year-old, has many titles and made it into the HRC Hall of Fame. Another of his dogs, Major, is 9 years old and has taught Nathan a lot about the sport. The name Muddy Wing Retrievers came about in a unique way and best sums up their philosophy of preparing dogs to be at the top of their game in the sport of waterfowl retrieving. “I was trying to come up with a good name for the kennels, and while hunting one morning in a mud flat, the dog kept bringing the ducks back with mud dripping off the wings.” MWR is proud to have a strong client base and besides having a Facebook page and various product sponsorships, the main form of advertising they use is by word of mouth. The dogs they train speak for themselves at hunt test events which are held in various places throughout the year. For example, in 2021, MWR attended hunt testing in Idaho, and next September, they will be in Oregon. Last fall, they had an impressive showing. “Grand and Master Nationals is where our crew went 50%

Facing page: Nathan with his first two Grand Hunting Retriever Champions, Bill and Major.

Bill and Nathan while on a hunt at Mercer Bayou.

The trailer has storage for equipment, dog food, a water tank, and is insulated well and has fans to keep the dogs comfortable.

with five passes at the Grand and 66% at Nationals with six passes,” he acknowledges. In April, Nathan had a group of dogs at the HRC International Grand in Natchez, Mississippi. Hunt tests are held all over, and most recently, MWR has joined the SRS, or Super Retriever Series, participating in the Red River Shootout this past May placing fourth and sixth. Nathan takes the opportunity to be involved with the community in regards to hunting retriever enthusiasts by collaboration with Ducks Unlimited-Texarkana Chapter Banquet and Dream Hunt Foundation. He also works with youth through organizations such as the Four States Retriever Club’s Youth Handlers Camp, Texas HRC Youth Hunter Camp, and Southern Sportsmen Foundation’s Outdoor Extravaganza. His primary goal is a simple one and one that he hopes will continue to expand the sport and training capabilities. He says, “We always strive to train the best dogs that we can while building great relationships with our clients and helping them to reach all their goals with their dogs.”

Below: Gracie and Nathan with the retriever crew after her first HRC International Grand in the fall of 2020.

GRHRCH(5) Beau MH QA2, GRHRCH Doc MH, and GRHRCH Jed MH with Nathan in front of his 20 hole Deerskin dog trailer which allows the team to travel safely all across the country to train and run hunt tests.

photo by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

JULY 2022 AUGUST 2022

JULY

2

The Texarkana Museums System will present a Living History performance of “The Talking Dead: Military Tribute” at State Line Cemetery at dusk. Tickets can be found at: www.texarkanamuseums.org/events or by calling 903-793-4831.

JULY

9

Game Night in the courtyard will be hosted by the Texarkana Museums System at the Museum of Regional History at 219 North State Line. Checkers, chess, hula hooping, and other games and musical entertainment will be part of the fun. Make reservations at: www.texarkanamuseums.org/events or by calling 903-793-4831.

JULY

9

Join the Texarkana Museums System at the Texarkana Arkansas Recreation Center for a day of MakerGirlGoesMobile! 3D printing and activities will keep the STEM process flowing! Sessions are available at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Spots fill quickly! Register at: https://makergirl.us/makergirlgoesmobiletexarkana-ms.

JULY

10-15

The Texarkana Down Syndrome Society and Runnin’ WJ Ranch will host the iCan Swim Camp. For information, contact 903-293-7734.

JULY

16

Join the Texarkana Museums System at the Ace of Clubs Lawn for painting with RichArt! Wine and refreshments will help bring out the natural artist in all as they work on a shoe- and pursethemed portrait. Make reservations at: www.texarkanamuseums.org/events or by calling 903-793-4831.

JULY

23

The Texarkana Museums System wants to help everyone get a jump start on Christmas with Canned Christmas Creations over the next few months. Starting this month, TMS will show attendees how to make wonderful homemade treats for friends and family and how to create cute jars and lids suitable for gifting! The fun will begin with rummed fruit Rumtopf. For tickets contact TMS at 903-793-4831 or www.texarkanamuseums.org/events

JULY

30

The P. J. Ahern Home and Texarkana Museums System will present another 5th Saturday Murder Mystery! Dust off your spyglass and notebook and come prepared to be the victim, slay the victim, or stop the criminal! Ticket information can be found at: www.texarkanamuseums.org/events or by calling 903-793-4831.

AUGUST 4

Temple Memorial Pediatric Center will host its Drawdown and Casino Night event at 6 p.m. at Crossties. Dinner will be prepared by Pop’s Place. Tickets are $100. Call 903-794-2705 for more information.

AUGUST 6

The Texarkana Museums System will host “The Talking Dead Living History” performance at Rondo Cemetery. Join TMS for the first tour of this historic 1800s cemetery steeped in history. Tickets can be reserved at : www.texarkanamuseums.org/events or by calling 903-793-4831.

AUGUST 13

Another fun Game Night at the Museum of Regional History will take place in the courtyard. Board games and musical entertainment will create a Family Friendly Night Out downtown! Save a spot at: www.texarkanamuseums.org/events or by calling 903-793-4831.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXAS MISSION OF MERCY DENTAL CLINIC

CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System, in conjunction with Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation (TDASF), hosted a Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM) Mobile Dental Clinic to deliver pain-relieving dental care at no cost to underserved Texarkanaarea residents on June 17-18. The event was held at Texas High School Tiger Gym with more than 25 volunteer dentists and 150 volunteers from the dental profession, partner businesses, hospital associates and community groups providing charitable care to hundreds of people. The services, which are free of cost, included basic, pain-relieving and preventive procedures such as dental cleanings, fillings, and extractions.

Ryan Pickelman, Keaton Russo and Steven Olson

Suki O’Neal, Pam Beck, Paula Burrage and Nathan Jennings

Dr. Susan Jolliff, Luke Bunel, Dr. Kirby Bunel and Dr. Milburn Haynes

Susan Landereaux, Mary Catherine Haynes, Linda Grace and Tom Sadowski

Ashlie Nails, Kimberlee Belyeu, Becky Allday, Dr. Micheal Giesler, Rhonda Purifoy and Dr. Cody Giesler

Beth Murphy and Melissa Silvey

Chris Ritchie,Jennifer Wright, Jennifer Skinner and Stephanie Stewart Father Lawrence and Jason Adams

Vanessa Bonilla and Jami Yeager

Lindsay Price, Sue Johnson and Louise Thornell

OFFICER BY DAY, PUP BY NIGHT

K-9 Absurd, along with his handler, Officer Aaron Lewis, helps the Texarkana Texas Police Department keep the community safe

by LISA PORTERFIELD THOMPSON

unicipal employees, like those who work for any other organization, come in all shapes and sizes. Some are talented in strategic thinking and writing, while others flourish with data and analysis. This story is about a four-legged, furry employee who responds well to commands, is highly-trained, and is very, very good at his job.

Absurd is a 2-year-old mixed-breed. He is a K-9 officer for the Texarkana Texas Police Department, and has been employed by the City of Texarkana, Texas, for about a year. His partner, Officer Aaron Lewis, and Absurd work in the narcotics division, helping TTPD identity and find illegal substances in many different circumstances. “Absurd and I train constantly in all kinds of environments,” Aaron said. “From city streets to bathrooms to factories to schools, I try to expose him to as many different environments as I can, and then I ask him to do his job in those environments. “

photo by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

When I’m not working, I’m spending all my time with my family and my dogs. We like to take weekend trips often and vacation a few times a year.

”

Absurd is a narcotics detection K-9, which means that he is trained to detect certain types of narcotics. Once he detects a substance, he goes through a specific change of events to indicate to Aaron that he is in the odor of the narcotics which he is trained to find.

Aaron and Absurd have trained specifically for this role within the department, certifying as a drug detection team at Pacesetter K9 in Liberty Hill, Texas, and gaining national certification through the United States Police Canine Association this past year.

Aaron laments that Absurd is still a puppy, so while he knows how to work hard, he plays hard, too. “A typical day with Absurd begins with about 10-15 frantic laps around my yard in the morning,” Aaron said. “Sometimes I can be heard screaming at him to let go of the water hose, but all-in-all its normally an uneventful morning. Most days we try to train at least 30 minutes of obedience drills and then at least 30 minutes of detection work. We are always also available to assist our patrol units and any other surrounding agency that request us. We have assisted other agencies numerous times successfully and have good working relationships with other departments.”

Absurd lives with Aaron and his family. “He has a large kennel outside, but normally runs the fence line, or is inside in his indoor kennel, especially lately,” Aaron said. “He’s only 2 years old, so he acts like a big puppy at the house. He knows when his collars aren’t on that work time is done, and now it’s play time. He spends most of his time playing frisbee or tearing a tennis ball into about 200 pieces.”

Officer Lewis recalls one of his and Absurd’s first calls that has left a lasting impact. “When Absurd and I became a team around a year ago, we got called to a traffic stop on Interstate 30,” Aaron said. “I had only been training with Absurd for a week or so, and we were still very new to each other. I was asked to deploy Absurd around the exterior of a vehicle that was stopped, and that led to Absurd alerting on the vehicle for narcotics. Absurd has a very specific (trained) mannerism that I have been trained to interpret. After we searched the vehicle, we discovered around 26 pounds of cocaine that had been hidden in a false compartment bolted to the bottom of the vehicle. This was our first deployment together and happened on Absurd’s first night in Texarkana. We haven’t looked back since.”

After

a long day of work, Absurd gets time to play with the frisbee in his backyard.

Facing page: During the warmest of days, Absurd enjoys relaxing in Officer Lewis’ home.

Officer Lewis and Absurd during one of their training routines in detecting work at Pacesetter K9 in Liberty Hill.

Bottom: When Officer Lewis is out of town and can’t take Absurd with him, the K-9 enjoys being boarded at Happy Tails Boarding.

Officer Lewis has held many positions for the Texarkana Texas Police Department, including Patrol Officer, a Problem Oriented Police (POP) team member, Narcotics Investigator, K-9 handler, Defensive Tactics instructor, TCOLE Instructor, and more. Most of his career has been spent investigating narcotics offenses and related issues.

Officer Lewis grew up in the Texarkana area and graduated from DeKalb High School near the top of his class. He joined the military shortly after high school and ended up in the 82nd Airborne Division as an airborne infantryman. He served in the United States Army for several years and was deployed to Iraq several times. He is married to his wife of five years, and together they have a 2-year-old daughter. “When I’m not working, I’m spending all my time with my family and my dogs,” Aaron said. “We like to take weekend trips often and vacation a few times a year.”

Experts Ask

CARRIE TRUSTY

Director of Marketing, MRC Cornerstone Retirement Community

What are some benefits to seniors having pets?

Researchers have determined that older adults who are pet owners benefit from the bonds they form with their four-legged companions.  Pets help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and decrease depression and loneliness.  Pets can provide a way to have increased social interactions and physical activity that can contribute to longer, more fulfilling lives.  Many retirement communities allow pets as companions, or have some kind of pet therapy, so older adults can continue to benefit from the bonds they develop and the lasting effects on their overall health and well-being.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXARKANA DRAGON BOAT RACE FESTIVAL 2022

HandsOn Texarkana presented its annual Texarkana Dragon Boat Race Festival on June 11 at Bringle Park. Presenting sponsor for this year’s race was CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System. HealthCARE Express’ team, Dirty Oars, received first place and the prestigious Golden Gator Award.

Jasmine Giles

Justin Moore, Westin Norment, Zach Norment and Rose Lopez

Myrna Montes and Bria McCartney

Sabrina Pierce, Krista Moilanen, April Reynolds and Candace Mangus

Brittney Haynes and Paige Eaves

Tanner and Lauren Freeman with Angela Fleming

Keith Burris, Ty Cobb and Cassady Sharp

Alex White and Heather Robinson

Amy Lemley and Susan Whitten

Bailey Rogers, Grace Wagner, Brian Murphy and Becca Dodick

Debby Hernandez, Carol Flores and Sheri Anderson

Mitzie Corbin, Cory Flowers, Kathy Bockman and Donna Coker

Haleigh Alexander, Dr. Spencer Reynolds, Mariel Pickett and Jakie Arellano

HISTORY HAPPENS...

BY VELVET HALL COOL Board President of the Texarkana Museums System

History happens to permeate almost every aspect and facet of our lives. Truth be told, history was one of my least favorite subjects in school. I personally would never have envisioned a nonprofit tied to history as something that I would enjoy and be passionate about. My first foray into volunteering was with the Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties because English and reading were favorite subjects of mine when I was a child. My father would take the time every night to read to me as a child, punctuating the stories with accents and artistic flair.

As I have looked at what it was about history that kept it from being a favorite of mine growing up, I realize that a great deal of my history education was what I would term rote memorization. What year was the Civil War? What year did Columbus sail the ocean blue? What are the ranks in the military – in order? Factoids that I would hold onto but for a moment, for a test, then discard to make way for the next tidbits I was being asked to learn. The stories were being left by the wayside in too many instances.

When I began volunteering with the Texarkana Museums

System, I suddenly had the need to hear the stories and digest more of the stories than I had in the past. And the stories … those fascinate me to no end, especially when the stories strike a personal chord and intersect with an experience I have firsthand knowledge of or know someone who is connected to the narrative. Our history can be heart-wrenching, humorous, humbling – and sometimes all of those at once.

One favorite event of mine that the Texarkana Museums System hosts takes an anecdote and weaves it into a story that makes a love of history blossom in our community is the monthly Living History Performances that take place the second Saturday of each month around dusk. The Talking Dead Living History Cemetery Tours rotate throughout the historical resting places of our loved ones, and at each event, guests encounter performers who pass along the life story of their characters.

Through these living history performances, we learn about Dorothy Shaver from tiny Center Point, Arkansas, who became the first woman in the United States to head a multimillion dollar firm. We step back in time with Oratio D’Arrigo from Italy who became a grocer. We hear from the Spirit of the Paragon, one voice speaking for over 25 unidentified

souls buried in a mass grave from a fire that claimed 48. We learn how mothers, fathers, servicemen dedicated their lives and the lives of their beloved in the many battles, wars, skirmishes our community has felt since the 1870s. We pay homage to and garner respect for all those who have helped sculpt our community.

And I get to see the impact that the aspect of history that matters the most to me also has on our community. I see stories driving the volunteer actors to request that they be allowed to research

their own characters and have our staff fact check their scripts. I see the stories impacting tour guests to fill workshops on cemetery maintenance because their desire to care for the cemeteries they visit has increased. I see the stories encouraging the same familiar faces to sign up for multiple tours because they enjoyed the first one greatly.

So if you’ve shied away from history – maybe you just haven’t ever had the right exposure to what history can touch in your heart … everything.

NOTE: The Texarkana Museums System hosts The Talking Dead the first Saturday of each month. July 2 will be a Military Tribute at State Line Cemetery with each story focusing on how military service impacts the lives of our community in multiple ways. More information and tickets, call 903-793-4831 or visit: www.texarkanamuseums.org/events.

Drs. Tom and Emily Cutrer portray characters during a Living History Performance.

Ornate markers at the gravesite of Otis Bruce in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Born and raised in Texarkana, Velvet Hall Cool has strong ties to both Texas and Arkansas but will always consider herself a Class of ‘87 Razorback. She loves to share stories of her nine wonderful grandchildren. When it comes to listening, you can always perk up her ears with stories that speak to personal history and the lessons we learn during our lifelong journey.

Dorothy Shaver (photographer unknown, book editor was Winfield Scott Downs (1895-1958), public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXARKANA ARKANSAS MAYOR ALLEN BROWN

ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION BID

On Tuesday, June 7, Mayor Allen Brown announced his re-election bid to over 200 supporters at Crossties in downtown Texarkana, Arkansas. Introduced by Robin Hickerson and preluded by a video showcasing accomplishments during the past 3½ years, Mayor Brown was enthusiastic about his desire to seek a second term as the mayor of Texarkana, Arkansas.

With a financial background, Mayor Brown sited one of his accomplishments being a strong fund balance and financial stability. One of the things he is most proud of is being able to budget salary increases for every City employee for the past two years. Per the Texarkana Gazette, this had not happened since 2012. “Employees are the backbone of any organization, and the City of Texarkana, Arkansas, is blessed to have many truly dedicated people who work hard and want the best for our City,” Mayor Brown said.

Mayor Brown thanked his family for their continued support. He jokingly said he listened mostly to his grandchildren as they looked on. He also said they were a driving force in his decision to run again. “I told you almost four years ago that I was committed to our City, and I felt like I could make a difference,” said Mayor Brown. “I hope I have proved worthy of your support and that you feel like I have made a positive impact.”

Tiffany amd Kenneth Wilson

Troy Daffern, Terri Rogers and Bill Moss

Earnest Keck, James G. McPherson, and Steve and Sue Johnson

Mayor Allen and Shelby Brown

Anne Douglas and Rep. Carol Dalby

Brad Thomas and Jaimie Alexander Bryan and Stephanie Wright

Les Munn and James Bramlett

Sonny and Freida Brainerd with Danette and Jim Murray

THE ROAD Tra veled less

BY NICHOLE HOLZE

Itfeels like the brutal heat of summer in the south has arrived early to the Ark-La-Tex. All of the spring plants in my garden have withered away or gone to seed, and watering is part of my daily routine. It’s that time of year when we like to escape to the Ouachita mountains and the cool waters of the mountain streams and rivers.

One of our favorites is the Cossatot River in Cossatot River State Park. There are multiple areas to play along the river, for but cooling off or walking up the river to fish, we like to park at the Sand Bar Camping area (you can find it on Google Maps). It is an hour and a half drive from Texarkana, but it’s usually a bit cooler and feels a world away, with beautifully clear turquoise water, granite lined boulders, and towering trees. Sunday afternoon is a great time to go, even if you arrive around 3-4 p.m., there’s plenty of daylight left. Be sure to bring a backpack with water and snacks, microfiber towels (they pack down small), swimsuits or clothes that can get wet, and shoes that can get wet. Goggles and flippers make it extra fun.

We park at the day use swimming area parking spot. It’s a small lot so you may need to park along the road. Then we like to walk down and across the small bridge to work our way down river. On our last visit, the water was so high it created a bit of gentle rapids. The plan was to get some fishing in, and after I got a lure snagged (I jumped in with my daughter’s goggles and retrieved it), we moved on toward the rapids. On the second cast, I got lucky with a hard strike from a small mouth bass.

The boys kept fishing and pulled in some nice fish, but I won the day with the big bass. We ended our day with letting our kids ride the “rapids” ... my husband sending them off and me catching them just a bit farther down. There was much laughter, from everyone. With each turn, they sent themselves deeper into the currents, flying toward me faster and faster. On the seventh ride, my daughter sailed to me then abruptly stopped herself and stood up (it was not too deep) and exclaimed, “I didn’t even need you that time, Mom!” It’s a pretty amazing thing to watch your children grow confident right before your eyes.

I’ll be forever grateful for this river ... this piece of peace that we can keep coming back to, again, and again. Don’t forget to get your fishing license and remember that kids fish for free in Arkansas!

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.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

DEBUTANTE COTILLION CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT TEA

On Tuesday June 14, the Debutante Cotillion Club of Texarkana held its annual Announcement Tea at Texarkana Country Club to honor the 2022 debutantes. This year’s debutantes are Charlotte Norma Jeanne Hueter, Johanna Leonora Hueter, Evelyn Grace Patterson, Reagan Elizabeth Potts, Jane Elizabeth Rounds, Holly Ann Thornton, Trinity Marie Tutolo, Lily Kate Sewell, and Mary Claire Wright. The sponsor is Blaire Barlow.

Ellison Davis and Helen Clark Hays

Jan Wright, Hannah Barnette, Mollie Barnette and Sandra Massanelli

Megan and Sutton Brown with Shelby Brown

Melanie and Kaitlyn Flanagan

Whitney Thornton and Lily Buck

(front row) Reagan Potts, Evelyn Patterson, Trinity Tutolo, Janie Rounds and Lily Sewell; (back row) Mary Claire Wright, Johnni Hueter, Charli Hueter and Holly Thornton

Barrie Thomson and Ruth Ann Woods

Nita Blaylock and Lois Patterson

Katherine Weber, Martha Patterson and Mary Katherine Weber

(front to back) Deacon and Kynleigh Barnes, Melanie Flanagan, Saralyn Barnes and Susan Flanagan

Amy May and Anna Cate May

Ava Harvey, Denise Wright and Lynlee Wright Harvey

Mary Harris, Brenda Ghio and Rebecca Harris

Bobbie Guillot and Charlotte Hueter

Paula Hawkins, Emily Meunier and Stephanie Hawkins

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.

BECKY PIRKEY

Age: 46

Occupation: RN and Homemaker

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? I don’t play the lottery, but if I did and won, I would give to my church, make sure that my family is financially secure, and travel.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? I play the piano.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? I would wish that everyone would know the love and grace of Jesus.

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

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “Cheaper by the Dozen.”

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

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

I would love to go to Hawaii.

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

What’s your favorite sport to watch, and which team do you root for? I don’t watch sports. I spend most of my time taking care of my family and home.

PRESTON MOSS

Age: 31

Occupation: Store Manager – Starbucks Coffee Company

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? I would put most of it away for my family, pay off my house, and maybe have enough left over for a full tank of gas.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? Free time is a precious commodity with five kids, but when I find it, I usually spend it practicing an instrument.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? An end to homelessness.

At what business could you max out a credit card? Sweetwater music supply, I may or may not be speaking from experience.

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “A Beautiful Ride.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix? I finally got caught up on “Stranger Things!”

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

I have been very lucky to travel quite a bit, in the states and Europe, but I would love to make it up to Canada at some point.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? Facebook, Graphing Calculator, and the “Amazing Slow Downer” which is my favorite app for learning new songs.

What’s your favorite sport to watch, and which team do you root for? When it comes to football, Green Bay Packers all the way.

“ DOG DAYS OF SUMMER ”

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SUMMERTIME?

My favorite think about summer is having my kids home. I love warm weather and spending time outside with my family.

I love lounging in the pool with the kids and going to Albert Pike with the family and my dog, Bonnie.