Four States Living Magazine August 2021

ON THE COVER - AUGUST 2021

Although she has had to make many sacrifices along the way, 15-year-old Joscelyn Roberson’s dedication to gymnastics has paid off. Currently a member of Team USA, she continues a rigid training schedule, looks forward to the future, and has her mind set on obtaining three goals: international assignments, world championships, and the 2024 Olympics.

See The Possible Dream on page 8.

FEATURE STORIES

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INSIDE

EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

Featuring Distinguished Alumni from the Four States area’s educational institutions. beginning on page 29

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

The Way I See It...

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

My roots are deep in this Texarkana soil. For over 50 years, I’ve watched the landscapes change, ever anticipating the time when outsiders would finally figure out how special our area truly is and flock to this special place in the heart of the four states.

Y’all, it’s happening. Like it or not, positive growth and rebirth are sprouting up in all corners of the city. I choose to like it, while savoring the memories of cows grazing on Richmond Road by the Interstate and a 10-minute commute, no matter where you were headed.

Never before have I realized how poised we are as a community to be truly great. The investments in all areas of Texarkana, USA, by multiple people and companies are exciting and hopeful. I have also never before had such a difficult time choosing a cover for the magazine than this month. Every story was cover-worthy. There are so many incredible people working together and individually behindthe-scenes to make Texarkana a strong educational and economic hub, while preserving the charms and amenities of middle America.

We all want to know our neighbors and watch them grow their families, but we also want the conveniences of state-of-the-art health care and nice shopping. In my head, I’m thinking about the many friends I have who have gone nuts over the sushi at Super 1. How little did that grocery

Four St ates Living

store need to do to get more people to shop there? They cleaned it up and hired someone to make good sushi. What if it was really just that easy in every business or area? Get rid of some of the complacency and clean things up; then see the world with a new set of eyes.

Twenty years ago, I was determined to have my business in downtown Texarkana. The idea of a hip and cool downtown and being among the rebuilding of an area that had declined was exciting. But 20 years ago was the wrong time. Time. That word has plagued me repeatedly throughout my life. Hearing older people say, “Timing is everything,” always seemed like listening to a door slam in my face. Maybe maturity is finally catching me because now I see that timing truly is everything. When the billionaires blasted off into space last month, don’t you know that their plans had been building for decades? How exciting is it to see a dream made possible – all by a lot of grit, determination, and hard work?

So many of us have spent the last couple of years under the covers, dreaming of a way to do more, be better, and make the lives of our loved ones better when the heavy veil of uncertainty lifted. Well, let me assure you; the time is now. If you want to be part of sparking the engine of Texarkana, it’s time to get out of your stretchy pants and dust off the dance shoes. We are getting a new terminal

EDITOR

Suzy Turner

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kim McMurry

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Tina Shearman

PHOTOGRAPHY

Abby Elliott

Peyton Sims

Nichole Holze

Donnie Spriggs

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Jennifer Jordan

Vicki Melde

Ellen Orr

Peyton Sims

Lisa Porterfield Thompson

Amber E. Willman

Amber Zaliski

at the airport, we have new city managers, we have new superintendents, we have new medical professionals, we have a new college chancellor, we have a new hospital breaking ground, we have record growth, and we have regrowth in areas of the city that were once left to rot. Renovations are happening everywhere you look, and jobs are abundant. This is the right place at the right time. For that, I am so thankful that Texarkana is my home and where I chose to live and love.

Joscelyn Roberson was our cover choice because she is the culmination of what a great future looks like. Team USA in gymnastics, Joscelyn spends more hours per week in the gym than I do at work. She is doing what she loves. She is determined to put in the effort to be an Olympic gymnast, and she knows that to reach her goal, practice, stamina, and determination are key. Greatness is only achieved by practice.

Looking ahead, as we send our kids and loved ones back into the classroom, know that great things are happening all around us. We truly have first-class educational systems in Texarkana, full of incredible people. I hope you read the area alumni spotlights and all of the other exciting stories that we share in this issue. There is so much to be excited about! Stay the course y’all; Texarkana is going for the gold!

As always, thanks for reading FSLM

Do You Have a Story or a Photo?

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The Possible Dream

photo

ABBY ELLIOTT

A TALENTED AND DEDICATED GYMNAST WITH TEAM USA, 15-YEAROLD JOSCELYN ROBERSON SETS HER SIGHTS ON THE 2024 OLYMPICS

by AMBER E. WILLMAN

“If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride – and never quit, you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.” ~ Bear Bryant

Joscelyn Roberson, 15, knew at an early age that she was special. Like a lot of children, she started gymnastics and dance when she was 3. She accelerated quickly and when she was executing back handsprings at 31/2, her parents and coaches knew she had rare talent.

By age 5, Joscelyn could do backflips, and at 7, when she made a competitive gymnastics team, Tops Diamond Team, her coaches set her down for a talk. Her coaches, Lloyd and Amy White and Kory Pemberton, of North East Texas Elite Gymnastics, explained that she was a very good gymnast, but if it was something she wanted to seriously pursue, she probably needed to give up dance and spend more time in the gym. Her coaches were Team Gymnastics, but Joscelyn enjoyed Team Dance. Her parents, Jeff and Ashley Roberson, were just Team Joscelyn and let her make the decision.

At her core, Joscelyn simply loved gymnastics. “When you are in the air, it feels like flying. And I can do that anytime I want.” So, Team Gymnastics won.

But it wasn’t until last March, when she participated in the Winter Cup and made Team USA that the gravity of her talent and hard work really hit her. “It was the most amazing feeling ever,” Joscelyn says. “That had been my dream since I was little, so for it to come true was just an amazing feeling.”

This kind of achievement is not without its sacrifices. Making the national team requires an extraordinary time commitment. Joscelyn spends 30 hours a week in the gym. During the summer, she completes two workouts per day Monday through Thursday and one workout on Fridays. The coaches set her training schedule, and it adjusts during the school year. Joscelyn attends an online public school to accommodate this rigorous training schedule. Between school and practice, she spends enough hours to equal a fulltime job.

This doesn’t leave a lot of time for normal teenage activities. She doesn’t get to do the traditional school stuff like prom. “But it’s worth it, because you get to do things that no one else does,” Joscelyn explains. She gets to enjoy things like national and international travel for competitions. She has already traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico, this year with Team USA. As an alternate, she did not compete, but she had the opportunity to train with the team.

Travel, gym time, coaching, costumes … it all takes money. The higher the skill level, the more money it costs to maintain and succeed. “My wife, Ashley, and I both have fulltime jobs, and I work a second job on the weekends to help out. We don’t take expensive vacations and try to stick to a budget as much as possible. That still doesn’t always cover all the expenses. Thankfully, Ashley’s dad, Steve, has helped us whenever necessary,” Jeff says. “We’ve always believed Joscelyn is a special talent, so we find a way to make it work.” There are smaller sacrifices along the way, too. During competition season, Joscelyn tries to eat clean and stick to foods that will give her energy. This tends to be high protein foods, a lot of chicken and eggs. Fortunately, she doesn’t have to follow a strict diet, and she still allows herself a guilty pleasure here and there. “Anything chocolate,” she laughs. Joscelyn tries to spend downtime with friends whenever possible. Through the summer she mostly has weekends off and likes to go to the water park, but also enjoys hanging out at home and watching Netflix. One might think that this kind of commitment would be a huge stressor for a teenage girl, but she has a solution for decompressing. She explains, “I like solving Rubik’s cubes. I can just kind of zone out on everything else and focus on

solving the cube.”

And when things get tough, Joscelyn relies on her support system. “I have my whole family, my parents and two siblings. I have my gym friends. Even my town. It’s a small town, and the people have followed me since I was young.” Joscelyn’s siblings, Jami, 17, and Jack, 16, have no interest in gymnastics, but are both talented musicians. They participate in the high school band.

Right now, Joscelyn and her coaches are working on execution and upgrades for next year. Tryouts for the national team happen every six months. They are practicing new skills to bump up the difficulty for her routines. As she works through this process, she holds on to what inspires her. “All of my goals ... I want them so badly. Nothing stops me. You have to take a deep breath and remember why you are here. Breathing is the number one key in gymnastics,” Joscelyn says.

She also tries to keep a healthy perspective, knowing that younger athletes will look up to her and aspire to be like her. She takes her responsibility as a role model seriously. “I hope to be a big role model one day. As for now, I strive to be the reason people keep going into the sport, especially in the gym,” she admits. “All the little girls look up to me and want to be like me one day.”

Joscelyn advises younger athletes, “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Remember to have fun. If it happens, it happens.”

Someday, Joscelyn would also love to meet her own gymnastics idol, Shawn Johnson. This isn’t as much a goal as a wish list. “I met her once. I was much younger. But I would love to meet her again now that I’m older,” she says.

As Joscelyn looks to the future, she has three goals: international assignments, world championships, and the Olympics, when she turns 16. Her coach, Lloyd White, thinks she can achieve her goals. “There are a lot of things that are impressive about Josc, but the thing I’m most impressed with is her tenacity. Of course, she is an exceptionally gifted athlete; however, there are a lot of very talented athletes that don’t make it to the top levels. Joscelyn has goals. Joscelyn works very hard and stays very focused to make those goals. Sure, she has bad days, but even on days where things aren’t working perfectly, she still strives to make improvements and move toward her goals.”

Team USA will send six women to Tokyo to compete in the Olympics, a four-person team and two individuals. That means six individuals out of the thousands of teenage girls and young women who compete daily will make the team. Team USA is the best of the

Madray Johnson, Kailin Chio, Kaliya Lincoln, Katelyn Jong, and Joscelyn, members of Team USA, during the 2021 Junior Pan American Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico.

This year, Joscelyn became a member of the Women’s Artistic National Team during the Winter Cup in Indianapolis.

Olympian Simone Biles and Joscelyn during the 2019 U.S. Classic in St. Louis.

best, the elite. While the Olympics might be an impossible dream for most, it is a very possible reality for Joscelyn.

William Shakespeare wrote, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” Joscelyn Roberson is an exceptional gymnast and a member of Team USA. She may be a 2024 Olympian.

Six-year-old Joscelyn during the Metroplex Challenge, a huge college meet in Ft. Worth. As an exceptional level 4 gymnast, she was asked to perform her floor routine in front of 5,000 college gymnastics fans.

Joscelyn and her coaches, Amy and Lloyd White and Kory Pemberton, during podium training at the 2021 U.S. National Championships.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXARKANA DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY AND RUNNIN’ WJ RANCH HOST ICAN SWIM CAMP

The Texarkana Down Syndrome Society and Runnin’ WJ Ranch held its iCan Swim Camp July 12-16 at Texarkana Country Club. Part of the iCan Shine program, the camp is held for swimmers, ages 3 and up, as well as teens and adults who have a diagnosed disability. Teaching individuals with disabilities the foundation for safely enjoying aquatic environments and promoting as much independent movement in the water as possible is the goal of the iCan Swim program.

Melissa Massey and Brittany Rogers

Oakley Lonoza and Amy Whitehouse

Jason Carter and Olivia DeRosier

Glenda Attaway and Harper Landreth

Brittany Rogers, Kaleb Notley and Lisa Ruby

Brittany Rogers, Kaylee Nowlin, Heather Layton, Lisa Ruby and Sydney Sheek

Evelyn Hartline and Mallory Lachowsky

Kylee Wilson

Sydney Grace Crossland and Ashley Crossland

Ezekiel Layton

Teagan Neal and Lindsey Sullivan

Lizzie Sharp with Bryson and Brandon Birl

TEXARKANA

REGIONAL AIRPORT

EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR PAUL

MEHRLICH

ACKNOWLEDGES

THAT THE FIVE-YEAR TERMINAL PROJECT IS THE FIRST STEP IN CHANGING THE FACE OF THE AIRPORT

photo by PEYTON SIMS

A Vision to Move Texarkana Forward

by LISA PORTERFIELD THOMPSON

The Texarkana Regional Airport, also known as Webb Field, has been serving the community for 91 years, standing the test of time, surviving economic depressions, natural disasters, and recently, even a pandemic. Amazingly, despite tough and turbulent financial times, the airport seems to be on a forward progression, and there is no doubt that this progress is due in part at least to the leadership of the airport’s new-ish executive director, Paul Mehrlich.

Paul was hired in December 2019, “right before the world shut down,” as he puts it. He, his expecting wife, and young son, arrived in Texarkana just as the national pandemic was shaking the foundations of society as we know it. While this proved to be interesting timing, it was not altogether bad. In fact, Paul found that he arrived on scene just in time to prove his salt to the regional airport in quick fashion. But we’ll get to that soon enough.

Paul grew up the youngest of four children in Provo, Utah, where his parents still reside today. He was the only boy in the family, and his first airport job was at a small municipal airport in his hometown refueling airplanes. Paul went to Utah Valley University and graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in aviation.

As seems to be the trend with Paul, the timing of graduating with a degree in aviation in 2008 seemed to be ominous, as a national financial and housing crisis was unfolding, and airlines were crippled amongst the chaos. Paul decided not to seek employment with an airline, despite having a license as a commercial multi-engine pilot. Instead, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island.

It was there, during officer training school, that Paul sustained an injury that would end his military career. He was honorably discharged from the military with a National Defense Service Medal, sent home, and quickly realized he didn’t have a backup plan.

Paul and his wife, Cynthia, whom he’d met while in college, moved to Florida, where he hoped aeronautical jobs would be plentiful, to seek gainful employment. Paul ended up landing a job working at Planet Hollywood in Orlando at Disney World. He transferred to work at the Las Vegas restaurant and shortly thereafter found himself working as a sous chef in Los Angeles. He would eventually find himself opening a new restaurant for Wolfgang Puck at LAX.

It was there he realized his life was not what he intended it to be. “It was an amazing rabbit trail I ended up on in the restaurant world,” Paul said, “but I was actually getting further and further away from what I wanted to be doing.”

So, Paul looked for an airport job once again, and landed a gig at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego, California. There he worked his way up, and when the airport manager was called into active duty service, he was named acting airport manager. “I knew I had nine months to make a name for myself,” Paul said, “so, I tried to work on the things that would make the biggest impact in the shortest amount of time. I ended up changing the name of the airport while I was there, which ended up being a much bigger deal than I anticipated. When the manager returned from his deployment, I started looking for work elsewhere and found a job as the Environmental Operations Manager at Love Field in Dallas. I was over the noise program and wildlife program.”

When he wasn’t listening to nearby residents complain about the noise of jet engines near their homes, or relocating flocks of birds and ducks from the runway, Paul’s time in Dallas was

Paul and his wife, Cynthia, look forward to raising their son, Ferdinand, and daughter, Katarina, here in Texarkana. (Photo by Chessa Helms)

spent seeking a master’s degree in business from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He graduated with that degree in 2018 and made it his goal to become an airport director. “I’d never been to Texarkana, or even been through it, but when I started looking for jobs again, I was looking for a place to raise our family,” Paul said. “I wanted to raise my son, Ferdinand, who is 6 now, somewhere other than cramped living in a big city, especially with a second child on the way.”

When Paul came to Texarkana for a job interview, he noticed a lot of construction in the downtown area. “I drove around downtown, and I could see lots of projects happening,” he said. “It was clear this community was once great, and something happened along the way to freeze it in time, but the construction projects and progress made it clear to me that something was happening here. I could tell that this community was changing.”

Once he landed on the ground in Texarkana, Paul was thrown into a campaign to save the daily American Airline flights servicing the airport.

“Airlines across the nation were cancelling flights and shutting down services to smaller markets, so it’s really incredible that we kept them here,” Paul said. “They say the biggest causes of stress in life are starting a new job, having a baby, and buying a new house. Well, my wife and I did all three in 2020, and on top of that, an all-out battle to keep American flying.”

Paul and Cynthia welcomed their daughter, Katarina, in April of 2020. “Getting through the pandemic and not losing American was really a huge accomplishment,” Paul said. “We kept flying. We haven’t been cancelled. Not everyone can say that.”

Paul said his plans for the airport are not to maintain status quo. “When I first got here, I had lots of big plans. That’s one of the reasons I chose to move to Texarkana,” he said. “Sure, most people would use Texarkana like a stepping stone to get to Little Rock or XNA or a bigger market, but I see Texarkana as a place I can dive in and make lasting change. Here, I can have an impact on the community I’m living in. I can make a difference and raise a family here, and hopefully make it a place that my children want to call

home.”

Paul’s plans for the airport have been widely publicized in recent weeks, namely with the groundbreaking on the airport’s new terminal project. With a price tag of $36.5 million, there are many moving parts to be tended, but his plans don’t stop with the five-year terminal project. In fact, Paul’s already thinking about upgrading the runway, and developing undeveloped land, and securing long-term lease tenants, and increasing the airport’s capacity to serve the community and potential new business projects. It’s safe to say his plans are big and broad, and just exactly the kind of vision that Texarkana needs to keep moving forward.

“It’s no secret that the Texarkana Regional Airport has struggled,” Paul said. “There were financial hardships, and outside factors. 9/11 happened,

Texarkana Regional Airport’s Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting truck sits outside of the airport’s fire station. The new terminal is being built next to the fire station. (Photo by Tyler Brown)

and then 2008 came, and the airport grew stagnant. The good news is that this terminal project is the first step in changing the face of this airport. We have so many assets here, including undeveloped land, the potential to bring in new businesses, faithful industry customers, a longstanding partnership with American Airlines, and a history of success in the transportation industry in our community. Now it’s time to change the identity of what Texarkana Regional Airport can do, and to become the airport that everyone can call their own.”

James Bramlett, President of Texarkana Farmer’s Bank & Trust, Jay Ellington, Texarkana Arkansas City Manager, Texarkana Arkansas Mayor Allen Brown, Dale Morris, Director of Government Affairs for American Airlines, Paul Mehrlich, Airport Executive Director, Ray Abernathy, Chairman of the Airport Board, Texarkana Texas Mayor Bob Bruggeman, and David Orr, Texarkana Texas City Manager, during the groundbreaking on the new passenger terminal building June 12, 2021. (Photo by Shelia Brown)

Paul, Cynthia, and Ferdinand in front of the Flagship Detroit on June 12, 2021. The Flagship Detroit is the oldest operating DC-3 still in its original American Airlines Livery. The flagship came to TXK as part of the 90th anniversary of commercial operations with American Airlines at Texarkana Regional Airport. (Photo by Tyler Brown)

An American Airlines aircraft sits covered in snow at the Texarkana Regional Airport on February 15, 2021. Another surprise challenge, but crews worked around the clock to get the airport reopened with limited equipment and staffing. TXK reopened before many other airports in the region allowing medical flights to come in during this weather event.

photo by PEYTON SIMS

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MEETING THE MANAGER

JAY ELLINGTON, NEW ARKANSAS CITY MANAGER, BEGINS TO MAKE HIS MARK ON TEXARKANA

Despite a city line that lies between Texas and Arkansas, nothing can divide us –– and our new city manager is determined to live by these words. On June 1, 2021, Jay Ellington officially took the title as the Texarkana Arkansas City Manager. Coming from Ruston, Louisiana, Jay is ready to embrace the changes that come from moving town to town.

“Texarkana is probably as close to my roots as I could come back to. I’ve kind of worked my way up through department heads and administrative management so this position fits my career,” he said. “Ruston is about the same size community of around 30,000-35,000. It has two universities, Louisiana Tech and Grambling State, so it probably has a little higher student population there than what we have here in Texarkana.”

It’s no surprise that a city won’t change for the better all on its own. Through his years of experience, Jay hopes to enrich the city of Texarkana like he’s already done in many other locations throughout his career. “With Ruston being a vibrant city that’s doing something new while attracting people to the area, that helped me be able to manage some big projects for them,” he said. “One was a big sports complex development, and I’ve done some contracts for other capital projects for the city, so I just know on the Arkansas side especially we’ve got some challenges in making our revenues go as far as we can. I’ve had some good experience of working with underfunded services and trying to figure out what’s the best way to utilize what we have.”

Before packing his bags for Texarkana, Jay didn’t hesitate to put his family first. Knowing that his family won’t be but a short drive away made this job that much more ideal. “What attracted

me to Texarkana is probably the close-to-home relationships. I’ve got family in Shreveport as well as other places in Louisiana. My wife has family in North Louisiana also, so being this close to home and being able to apply my management trade is another factor that attracted me to this area. Being able to work with multiple partners and governmental agencies is probably one of my strengths. I just love the uniqueness of this city by itself.”

With any new job that requires a family to relocate and head out of state comes the expected hassles of trying to make a new place feel like home. “My family has always had to follow me around the country. I had to move my kids in high school to other places, so they weren’t really happy with me at first. My oldest son actually moved up here also. My other two children are in northern Virginia with their families and our grandkids,” Jay said. “We’ll be getting back and forth to northern Virginia every once in a while, but we have a nice airport here, and we’re building a nice new terminal, so we’re going to jump on a plane and get to Virginia when we need to.”

While only holding the position of city manager for a little over a month, Jay knows the importance of bringing our entire community together ––because in the end, this mindset can certainly pay off. “My favorite part about my new job so far has been getting to know the people and beginning to create relationships with our partners and our citizens,” Jay said. “We have all been trying to provide the best level of service we can. I would say the future of our city is bright and that we have all types of opportunities in front of us. We just have to figure out the best way to get there.”

Jay with his wife, Kathy, at Yellowstone National Park.

Jay in Virginia with his granddaughter, Landry Burns, and daughter-in-law, Teri Ellington.

While visiting Glacier National Park, Jay enjoyed the rugged mountains and pristine forests.

PEYTON SIMS

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXAR PRESENTS LOCAL BANDS, LOCAL BREWS, AND LOCAL BITES

TEXAR presented Local Bands, Local Brews, and Local Bites on June 24 in Downtown Texarkana in front of the Perot Theatre. Musical entertainment was provided by The Moss Brothers Band, and drinks and food were provided by Redbone Magic Brewing, Pecan Point Brewing Company, and Shell Shocked food truck.

Bradley Schwindt and Sherry Melton

Patrick Wilder and Jay Davis

Lisa Mitchell, Christine Quinn and Wendy Townsend

Kelly Mitchell and Robin Christen

Roger and Debbie Sheppard

Randal Conry and Robby Robertson

Kim Norton and Kelly Rose

David Crenshaw, Tanya House, Keely Bledsoe, Lorie Owen, Rashinda Hampton, Darlene Powell, Summer Nelson and Robin Christen

Keith Richardson and Bill Moss

Bill Scurlock and Jill Thompson

Mark Bledsoe and David Crenshaw

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photo

ABBY ELLIOTT

Setting Fires of Enthusiasm

TEXARKANA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

SUPERINTENDENT DR. DOUG BRUBAKER IS DRIVEN TO ENSURE EVERY STUDENT IS EQUIPPED AND ENCOURAGED TO EXCEL

by VICKI MELDE

Being raised in a family in which education was considered transformative and empowering, the value of education was foundational for Dr. Doug Brubaker. Though he knew from an early age pursuing higher education credentials was an expectation for him and his siblings, there were influences and experiences in his life that led him to consider being an educator as his profession.

Growing up in Ellinwood, Kansas, Dr. Brubaker enjoyed a rather idyllic childhood. “Ellinwood is a small, tight-knit, and rural community in central Kansas where my parents still live,” he explained. “It was a wonderful place to grow up.” Though his parents instilled in their children the importance of education, they also shared with them that they would need quite a bit of support from scholarships to get through college. “As I got into high school, I remember having a sense of urgency to do well academically,” Dr. Brubaker recalled. “I understood that good grades and scores were the key to earning scholarships. I remember having a lot of fun in school and also working hard.”

Those early lessons in a strong work ethic and personal responsibility certainly served (and continue to serve) him well. Following high school graduation, Dr. Brubaker became a student at the University of Kansas. He and his older brother and younger sister are all first-generation college graduates – a part of his background that, perhaps, makes Dr. Brubaker even more committed to providing opportunities for all students to succeed. The words of a favorite teacher, Mrs. Converse, remain with him today – “Every person is a unique individual worthy of respect.” (Dr. Brubaker’s brother became a college instructor and his sister, a nurse, is a Senior Clinical Education Specialist for a healthcare company. Their parents’ value of education obviously took hold in their children.)

“While I was a student at the University of Kansas (KU), I had the opportunity to serve as an instructor at an outdoor education center over a couple of summers,” he recounted fondly. “I led classes for students from a wide variety of backgrounds that featured engaging activities like pond studies, ropes course challenges, and astronomy lessons in an inflatable planetarium. Seeing the faces of those kids light up when they experienced new learning

and being a part of making that happen for them was a ‘very cool role.’ I loved it! That experience really planted the seed to go into education.”

In looking back, perhaps another factor that influenced Dr. Brubaker’s decision to become an educator, and later a superintendent, was his mother’s pursuit of a position in the field of education. “Mom is a great source of insight and one of the smartest people I know,” he shared. “When I was in college she chose to apply for a position as an assistant to the superintendent – she was selected from 89 candidates. She served her district extremely well in this position for over 20 years. That just may have led to my interest in becoming a superintendent.”

After KU, Dr. Brubaker earned a master’s degree in education from Texas Christian University (TCU) and began his career as a fourth grade teacher in Birdville ISD just northeast of Fort Worth, Texas. Not surprisingly, he was selected as the First-Year Teacher of the Year for the district. “Heather and I met about that time and got married just before I started a new job as an assistant principal on a new campus,” he noted. “I also served as a principal, director of instructional technology, assistant superintendent, and

Mason Jane getting into the Tiger spirit with Trocia and Titus during the December 2020 playoff game.

associate superintendent in districts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. (Dr. Brubaker earned his Ph.D. in Educational Computing with a Concentration in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas in 2004.) I then served as superintendent in Fort Smith, Arkansas, for four years before having the opportunity to begin this exciting new role as superintendent of Texarkana ISD in January 2021.”

When asked what attracted Dr. Brubaker to Texarkana ISD, he was quick to laud the accomplishments of the district under its previous superintendents and their teams. “Texarkana ISD attracted me because I sense such a strong drive here to be the best – to lead in providing a world-class education that prepares our students for wherever they want to go and whatever they want to do. We have a nationally-recognized K-12 STEM program. Children as young as kindergarten have the opportunity to qualify to study math a year ahead of grade level, with accelerated classes available through the rest of their schooling,” he explained. “Texas High graduates routinely walk across the stage with dozens of hours of college credit, and growing numbers are completing associate’s degrees. These programs empower our students to begin college, careers, or enter the military with a competitive edge, confidence that they are well prepared, and tens of thousands of dollars in tuition savings. Our graduates excel wherever they go, including at prestigious schools with exacting standards such as Harvard and Stanford.”

Dr. Brubaker emphasized that the ideals of Texarkana ISD align with his educational philosophy. “I believe that the role of schools is to serve as engines of growth and development within a community. It is our mission to ensure that students learn at high levels, develop viable plans for their futures, and graduate equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to begin realizing their dreams,” he advised. “What I love so much about Texarkana ISD is that I see a commitment to these ideals playing out every day of the school year! I sense that our district is on the verge of a new phase of growth and development. There is a drive to continually improve what we offer our students so that Texarkana ISD continues to be the place to be!”

The immense responsibilities of serving as a superintendent require the ability to achieve a balance between the crucial professional side and the priority of family. Just as he excels in his profession, Dr. Brubaker’s dedication to his family is immediately obvious. “I met Heather through some mutual friends in Dallas when we went out to dinner as a group. We were married just over a year later in 1998. Heather is smart, beautiful, kind, and patient … and has been a great partner in life. People over the years have accurately observed that I ‘married up,’” he shared. “We still laugh about the day when she visited the elementary school where I was principal. That afternoon, the staff had thrown a surprise party in honor of my 30th birthday. A little first grade girl approached us in the hall, smiled

Heather, Doug, and Mason Jane “MJ” during December 2020.

sweetly, pointed to Heather and asked, “Mr. Brubaker, is that your daughter?”

The Brubakers have a 9-year-old daughter, MJ (Mason Jane). She attends Morriss Elementary and is a voracious reader. “When she finished one book earlier this summer, Heather and I decided to read it, too, so that we could have a family conversation about it,” Dr. Brubaker noted. “I enjoyed it and look forward to doing it again.” They also enjoy Spring Lake and Bringle Lake Parks (when the weather cooperates) and are “enjoying” the process of renovating the home they recently purchased.

Dr. Brubaker added that this has been a really challenging time for educators –particularly in light of the pandemic. “I rely a lot on my faith. I hold my favorite scripture close – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Prayer helps, and I find that time with Heather and MJ has a therapeutic effect,” he shared. “I am also fortunate to work with a very talented and supportive team in Texarkana ISD.”

Truly wise and effective leaders realize the immense value and crucial nature of the team with which they work – and to seek and take to heart the advice of those who have experiences and life lessons to share. Such is the case with Dr. Brubaker. Upon becoming a principal some 20 years ago, he met with the superintendent of Mansfield ISD, Mr. Vernon Newsom, before starting his first day of work. “I’m glad that I thought to ask him if he had any words of advice for a new principal,” Dr. Brubaker recalled. “Mr. Newsom paused for a moment and said that as leaders, our value is often determined by the quality of the decisions we make. Sometimes, there will be people who will try to force you to make quick decisions that serve their interests, and those interests may not align with those of your students. Always give yourself time to make good decisions.” He continued, “I will always be grateful to Mr. Newsom, who passed away in 2009, for sharing that advice with me. As I have worked with educators who aspire to be school and district leaders, I have passed it along to them.” He is a wise man for asking for advice … and even wiser for putting it in practice daily.

So what is on the horizon for this highly respected school district with Dr. Brubaker at the helm? “I am so very proud of how this community responded to the pandemic … school continued … people learned. I am extremely grateful for our team’s efforts to continue to fulfill our mission. Coming out of the COVID era, I believe it’s time for us to re-examine where we are and where we are going,” he explained. “We’ll be embarking on a collaborative strategic planning process – one that will begin with asking ourselves and

our community what we want our graduates to have. What is our shared vision for our district? We first need to identify our end-goal so we can then thoughtfully develop a plan to achieve those results.

“As I have talked with educators, students, and community members over the last six months,” he continued, “I sense a drive to expand existing learning opportunities and develop new ones for our students. (Texarkana ISD currently has 126 course offerings.) We want our students to have the advantage of exploring various fields to enable them to make knowledgeable decisions about their futures.

“I look forward to my first full school year in the district beginning this fall,” Dr. Brubaker noted. “What a privilege to be in a position where we aren’t putting out fires. We are setting fires of enthusiasm!”

Doug and Heather when he was first named principal at Mansfield ISD in June 2000 at the age of 29.

In 2002, the Brubakers visited Angel Fire, New Mexico.

Education Spotlight Special Section

“When educating the minds of our youth , W e must not forget to educate our hearts .”

- dalai l ama

l indsey Braden g onzalez

• 2016 GRADUATE • u niversity of a rkansas h ope -t exarkana

school -r elated accomplishments

• Spring Hill High School 2014

• University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana 2016 (Associate of Arts)

• University of Arkansas at Little Rock 2020 (Bachelor of Science, Biology)

occupation

• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Scientist- 1-Molecular (2020-Present)

volunteer Work

• Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief (Beaumont, TX, and Baton Rouge, LA)

• I nternational Humanitarian Aid (Honduras)

• R ock Creek Student Ministry

• AWANA Children’s Ministry

accomplishments since graduation

• L ED Dwarf Crop Growth Research

• Coastal Ecology Research

• M ammalogy and Vertebrate Zoology Research

“UAHT has and always will hold a special place in my heart. Not only was I provided with a nurturing environment to learn and grow as a young professional, but I had professors who pursued me and pushed me to academic success. Winning this award is a continuation of the support that UAHT has always shown me. For that, I am grateful and humbled. Ultimately, I want to say thank you to UAHT for providing a foundation that has allowed me to achieve success and go further than I ever could have imagined.”

- Lindsey Gonzalez

dean of WorkforCe and Community & Business eduCation and ViCe president of operations

“Texarkana College is where it all started for me as a college student and really understanding the importance of having a higher education credential. Now, as an employee of TC, I see the vital role TC has played throughout its 90+ years of service to our community building a skilled and equipped workforce. Working with community businesses and local industrial employers to tailor TC’s programs to meet job market demands is so rewarding. TC is for everyone who is ready to start, or start over, on their dreams of a brighter future!”

Brandon Washington

• 2002-2003 Dual Credit Student •

texarkana College

higher eduCation Credentials and alma mater

• Texarkana College Dual Credit Student (Texas High School 2002-2003)

• University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR: Bachelor of ScienceKinesiology (2004 – 2007)

degrees and Credentials

Beyond BaChelor’s degree

• Lamar University, Beaumont, TX: M. Ed- Education Administration (2012)

• Professional Teaching Certification K-12, Administrative Certifications, Principal Certification (EC-12)

• Leadership Texarkana (Class of 2009)

aCComplishments sinCe graduation

• Coming home to Texarkana after college graduation, Washington flourished in his career as an educator. Positions held include Wake Village Elementary Assistant Principal; Texas High School Assistant Principal; Texas High School Assistant Athletic Director, Physical Education Department Chairman.

• Community Service is a top priority to Washington: He has served as a member of boards throughout our community including the Boy Scouts of America- Caddo Area Council, Hands On Texarkana, First Tee of Texarkana, Leadership Texarkana, Texarkana Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council, and Celebrity Conductor candidate for Texarkana Symphony Orchestra.

• Married to Ashley Jenkins Washington and together they have two daughters, Sydney and Olivia

Current employment and position

• Texarkana College Vice President of Operations and Dean of Workforce and Community & Business Education

• Building an educated and skilled workforce has been Washington’s professional priority and focus. Washington says that joining the Texarkana College staff as the Dean of Workforce and Community & Business Education in 2017 ranks as one of the best decisions of his life. In 2020, Washington was promoted to TC’s Vice President of Operations and continues to serve as the Dean over more than 30 skills training programs that lead to high demand careers in our region.

Brandon, Ashley, Sydney and Olivia Washington

p rofessiona L m emberships

• bL aCk Women e DuCaT ion L ea Ders ( bW e L)

• norT heasT Texas a LL ianCe of bL aCk sChooL e DuCaTors

• Texas a LL ianCe of bL aCk sChooL e DuCaTors

Communi T y serviCe

• Taryn Chambers Givan “Each One, Reach One” Educational Scholarship established in 2016

• R EADvolutionary Pop-up Library (free multicultural books for all ages), 3 events since 2020

Con T ribu T inG au T hor

• Sparkle: Powerful Stories of Transformation from Women Who Discovered Diamonds in Their Coal Bucket (2019)

• Promise: A Global Women’s Devotional (2020)

• I ’m Speaking!: Rewritten Rules of Encouragement to Affirm (2021)

T aryn C hambers G ivan

• 1997 GRADUATE • L iberT y ey L au isD

sChooL -r eL aTe D aCCompL ishmen Ts

• Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education L eadership from Clark Atlanta University

• MED, Educational Leadership, Stephen F. Austin State University

• MS, Curriculum & Instruction, Texas A&M UniversityTexarkana

• B S, Education, University of Central Arkansas

Work

h isTory

• Founder & CEO of Divergent Educational Consulting, LLC (website) and Services Specialist with BetterLesson (website)

• P rincipal, 6 years with Texarkana ISD

• A ssistant Principal, 1 year with Texarkana ISD and 3 years with Liberty-Eylau ISD

• Teacher, 9 years with Liberty-Eylau ISD

• A djunct Faculty, Texas A&M University-Texarkana

honors

& aWar Ds

• 2020 Tribute to African-American Women Award

• Awarded by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. & Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

• 2020 MODEL Award

• Awarded by The Texarkana Chapter of Jack and Jill of America

• 2020 Martin Luther King, Jr. Acts of Kindness Education Award

• Awarded by The Ozan-Inghram Iron Mountain Development Corporation

• 2017 A.E. Alton & Mott Mosley Excellence in Education Award

• Awarded by The Greater Texarkana Branch of the NAACP

• 2018 Outstanding Professional Learning Award

• Awarded by Learning Forward Texas Professional Learning Association

• 2016 Woman of Distinction Education Award

• Awarded by Dayspring Family Church Women’s Conference

• 2015 Freedom Writers Institute Teacher

• Awarded by Erin Gruwell, Freedom Writers Foundation

• October 2008 Employee of the Month

• L iberty-Eylau Independent School District

• 2003-2004 Campus Teacher of the Year

• L iberty-Eylau C.K. Bender Elementary

““I am grateful to Red Lick for the education I received in my 7th and 8th grade years. My teachers were incredibly supportive, and their teaching prepared me to move on to Texas High’s AP classes and eventually college. I met some of my best friends at Red Lick, and my years there helped me realize where I stand in my convictions.”

- Anna Kate Cannon

A nnA K Ate CA nnon

• 2013 GRADUATE • R ed L

iCK iSd

SChooL -R eLAted ACCompL iShmentS

• Valedictorian of Red Lick Class of 2013

• Texas High School Class of 2017

• Harvard College class of 2021 with a B.A. in History and Literature, a minor in Ethnicity, Migration, and Rights, and a citation in Spanish

• R ecipient of the John Harvard Scholarship, an honor for students in the top 5% of their class

• Held leadership positions in Natives at Harvard College for three years

• Marched at protests for increased wages and protections for Harvard’s graduate students

• Helped raise money for bail funds and community aid organizations during the Black Lives Matter protests through Natives at Harvard College

• Writer and editor for the Harvard Crimson’s Fifteen Minutes Magazine and Stories from the Border

• Helped organize Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations and protests all four years at Harvard

• Spoke at protests in support of Harvard’s Ethnic Studies program

• W inner of the Karel and Hetty Liem Prize for behind-thescenes contributions to Harvard house life

• W inner of the Nation Building Scholarship for research in Indigenous Studies

• Completed a 97-page senior thesis on responses to violence against Indigenous women and LGBTQ2S people in the United States

• Honorable Mention for the 2021 Ethnicity, Migration, and Rights Thesis Prize

• W inner of the 2021 Student Leadership Award from the Native American Alumni of Harvard University

F utu R e p LA nS

Anna Kate will be working at Dumbarton Oaks and the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings as a Dumbarton Oaks Humanities Fellow for the next year. She plans on attending law school to study human rights law after entering the workforce for a few years.

k im Berly

atienza

• 2020 GRADUATE • l ouisiana tech

school r elated accomplishments

• SFS CyberCorps Scholarship and Service

• Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society

• Collegiate Softball Player for Louisiana Tech University

• Athletic Director’s Honor Roll C-USA

• A ll-Region First Team Selection

• Athletic Honor Roll

• CoSIDA/Google Cloud Academic Award

• Dean’s List

• E aston/NFCA All-American Scholar-Athlete

• A ll-District Team

• Two-time C-USA Champion

• 2nd team All-State by LWSA

• C-USA All-Tournament team

• C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll

• 1st team NFCA All-Mideast Region

• Sand Dollar Classic All-Tournament Team

• L ouisiana Tech All-Decade Team 2010 - 2020 accomplishments since graduation

• PAQ for Air Force Civilian

• Certification for CompTIA Security+ 2020

• Graduated with Cum Laude Honor

• Bachelor of Science and Engineering in Computer Science with Concentration of Cyber Security

“Louisiana Tech University gave me the skills, knowledge, resources, and opportunities to discover the path to my career. The hardship and challenges have helped me connect well with others and shape my character to what it is today. I will Ever Loyal Be.”

- Kimberly Atienza

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXARKANA CHILDREN CHARITIES OPEN

From July 11-17, The All Pro Tour and the Women’s All Pro Tour held its Texarkana Children Charities Open at Texarkana Country Club and Northridge Country Club. Proceeds from the tournament benefitted Runnin’ WJ Ranch. Additionally, on Tuesday, July 13, the golf pros held a golf clinic at Northridge Country Club for special needs friends of Runnin’ WJ Ranch.

Randy Heath and Donald James

David McCreery, Lavera Lloyd and Kody Voss

Emily Orr and Vivian Miller

Sean Romero and Zack Fischer Keegan Richards and Melissa Massey

Sam Clem and Fallon Turner

Luke Otto and Hagan Parkman

Julian Glenn and Brian Grierson

Emily Orr and Mark Van Herpen

Emily Orr, Zack Fischer and Fallon Turner

by ELLEN ORR

PAVING THE WAY FOR OTHERS

DR. CHRISTINE HOLT, NEW UAHT CHANCELLOR, LOOKS FORWARD TO HELPING MOVE THE COMMUNITY AND THE COLLEGE TOWARD ECONOMIC VIABILITY AND VITALITY

By September 1, Dr. Christine Holt will begin her tenure as chancellor of the University of Arkansas Community College Hope-Texarkana (UAHT). Incredibly, she will be the first Black woman to lead a public highereducational institution in the state of Arkansas.

“Certainly I’m honored,” Dr. Holt said. “I hope that [this appointment] will pave the way for others—because it’s not about me but about what this is going to do for others, particularly [those from] marginalized communities, underrepresented communities. I hope that [marginalized] students and faculty will be more willing to take on leadership roles, not just at the school but in the wider community. I think that this is going to be a great thing, and I hope that others in the community will see it as a great thing, too. Being a trailblazer is always exciting, but it’s exciting because it’s opening a door. Hopefully, we’ll see a lot of other firsts, and it won’t be such a surprise.”

Dr. Holt’s entire career has been about opening doors. Her interest in public service was kindled when, as a teen in Cleveland, Ohio, she enrolled in a public magnet school, which specialized in teaching students about law and public service. “It was really life-changing and transformative,” she said.

After graduating as valedictorian and Student Government Association President, she attended a small Lutheran college in Columbus, where she majored in business administration. Four years later, as a first-generation college graduate, she started a career in banking in order to fund a master’s degree in adult education. In her final semester of graduate school, she took a capstone course which was centered on the community college. After speaking with the college president, a spark was ignited. “He explained why the community college was so important, and it just clicked with me. My father didn’t finish high school, but he was a whiz when it came to math, and I often imagine what life would have been like for him if there had been a community college system that he could have enrolled in. He would have completed his high school degree or equivalency, taken some college courses, and maybe even transferred on for accountancy or financial planning. But that didn’t happen.”

Dr. Holt’s first position as an adult educator was as a workplace literacy instructor in North Carolina. Employed by a community college, she taught employees on worksites (and was later promoted to coordinator, overseeing workplace literacy

education in numerous institutions). Some of her students needed life skills coaching, while others learned to read and write. “It was a phenomenal experience,” she said. “Sometimes taxing, but very gratifying. That position solidified my passion for community colleges.”

Even as she pursued a law degree (something that, “since high school, I’d had in the back of my mind that I wanted to do,” she said), Dr. Holt remained committed to facilitating educational opportunities for underserved students. While studying, she also coordinated a school-to-career initiative in Ohio. Leading a team of 27 employees to serve 23,000 K-12 students across eight districts, she managed day-today operations, monitoring nearly $1 million in grants.

After law school, Dr. Holt practiced family law, finding her work as guardian-adlitem for children and elderly people the most rewarding. After a few years of private practice, however, she found herself drawn back to adult education. From 2006 to the present, she has worked in higher-education administration in North Carolina, Virginia, and Missouri, in various roles. “I became known as the great utility player,” she said, referring to the range of positions she’s occupied: Executive Director, Interim Provost, Dean of Academic Administration, Interim Dean of Learning and Technology, Interim Dean of Students, Associate Provost, Interim Chief Diversity Officer, and Chief of Staff.

Dr. Holt’s résumé is long and impressive, a reflection of the impact she has had in other communities. Now, looking ahead, she appreciates UAHT’s accomplishments and sees innumerable opportunities for the College.

Over the last several years, UAHT has made significant strides in the Texarkana area. In 2022, the Texarkana campus will celebrate its 10th anniversary. The campus began in a small building on the Arkansas High School campus in 2012 and now encompasses 22 acres and two buildings, the Campus Center Building and the Professions Building. In addition, this fall, the college is slated to begin construction on a new building to house the welding program, career center, and the Arkansas High Collegiate Academy, among others. The incoming 10th grade class for the Arkansas High Collegiate Academy is the largest since the program began in 2019 with 24 students at the moment. The first class graduated this year. Eight students received their high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously debt free.

“As always, we celebrate all of the wonderful accomplishments of UAHT and realize there is still much untapped potential,” she said. “I want us to be a national leader in academic excellence and student success, and a paragon of innovative excellence. I know affordability is key. I also want to make sure that we’re reaching underrepresented populations and underserved students. We’ve also got to improve our retention. I want us to be at the forefront of business and industry when they are looking for a partner for corporate training. I want our graduates to be civic-minded and a part of the community. But those are grandiose goals. How to operationalize it—that’s going to take all of us to figure out what that means and what’s best for the communities we serve.”

Equipped with expertise, big goals, and faith in the community, Dr. Holt will spend her first 100 days as chancellor with one primary aim: to listen. “I’ll be out in the community at listening sessions,” she said. “I’ll be at the Rotary Clubs, I’ll be meeting with district superintendents, I’ll be at religious organizations. I’m excited to get out there, familiarize myself with the community, and find out what the needs are and how we can work together to address those needs. There are so many wonderful things that I’m looking forward to being able to do.”

Do not mistake Dr. Holt’s humility for vacuity; she has ideas and know-how. One initiative that she is sure will be key to growing the college? Outreach.

“Based on research as well as what I’ve observed, nationally, prospective students aren’t aware that community college is a viable option for them,” she said. “We need to do a better job of outreach, and particularly in communities of color, where we’ve not traditionally been—and that’s for all higher education institutions. I think we have an obligation to work with all members of our society, so it’s our goal to make sure that the community knows, that parents know, that students know that there is an opportunity for those students who may not see that there is a place for them here, to transform not only their lives, but the lives of future generations. I’m passionate and excited about that.”

Part of outreach will be ensuring that people understand how affordable UAHT is; as of publication, it is the most affordable higher-education institution per-credithour in Arkansas. Awareness is only the first step, however. “We need to make [the financial aid process] more seamless for students,” Dr. Holt said, noting that she has led such initiatives at other institutions with much success.

Digging a little deeper into the factors that prevent optimal flourishing, Dr. Holt intends to maintain and expand the various programs at UAHT that address the systemic barriers to higher education for our community members. “It’s always been known, particularly at the community college level: everything is Maslow’s Hierarchy,” she said. “Food insecurity is an issue. Housing is an issue. Childcare is an issue. Mental healthcare is an issue. All of those foundational needs we have to address in order for students to be able to focus on earning a degree or credential. Those are some of the barriers that our students are facing.”

Resources like the Iron Horse Pantry, an on-campus food pantry for enrolled students, are exemplary stopgap measures which address common obstacles. Thanks in large part to philanthropic giving, community partnerships, and COVID-related grants, UAHT is able to address other weak spots, including structural and practical accessibility, which Dr. Holt cites as “a primary need. It’s at the forefront of my mind,” she said.

When Dr. Holt speaks about the future of UAHT, her excitement is palpable. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and help solve problems in order to move the entire community toward more economic viability and vitality,” she said. “I believe this is the right time for me to be a part of this institution, to join a team of people who are just as committed as I am to being a part of this great movement.”

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

CADDO AREA COUNCIL, BSA, RETIREMENT RECEPTION HONORS CAROLYN STURDEVANT

In June, Carolyn Sturdevant was honored during a retirement reception after 48 years of devoted service to youth. She began her career with the Caddo Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, as a student at Arkansas High School, and obtained a BAAS degree from TAMU-T while a full-time employee. Carolyn and her husband, Jerry, also raised three sons who have been honored as Eagle Scouts.

Barbara and Elvis Scott with Shawn and Lisa Vaughn

Carolyn Sturdevant, Charlotte Stucky and Kay Fowler

Blake Sturdevant and Kaylin Sturdevant

Carolyn Sturdevant and Maxine Crow

Michael Studevant, Jon Sturdevant, Carolyn Studevant, James Sturdevant and Josh Sturdevant

Bennie Raney, David Orr, Fred Markham and Mary Jane Orr

Carolyn Sturdevant and Carlos Harvey

Carolyn Sturdevant and Fred Norton

Kathey Graves, Carolyn Sturdevant and Linda Willis

Zoe Nakashian, Lisa Vaughn, Carolyn Sturdevant, Barbara Scott, Jan Richardson and Nicole Leonti

Hunter Cunningham, Howard Glick, Mike Sewell and Gus Kisselburg

Experts Ask the

CARRIE TRUSTY

Director of Marketing, MRC Cornerstone Retirement Community

What are the top three signs a caregiver should reach out for help?

Your own wellness is comprised.  Caregivers often experience a decline in their

2. Your “fuse” is getting very short (theirs too).  If you can hardly cope, and often resort to overreacting, shouting, or regrettable exchanges with your loved one, it’s time to ask for help.

3.  You no longer feel like a wife, husband, daughter, or son…As a caregiver, your relationship with your loved one changes and you often grieve your former role. Find a team of supportive friends, family or senior healthcare professionals to assist in caregiving.

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

EVENTS | CALENDAR

AUGUST

2021

AUGUST 5-7

The 44th annual Hope Watermelon Festival will be held at Fair Park in Hope, Arkansas. Saturday’s concert will feature country music artist, Phil Vassar. Other activities will include axe throwing, car show, rubber duck waddle, baggo tournament, antique engine show, dog show, watermelon contest, fishing derby, Kiwanis BBQ chicken dinner, Lion’s Club fish fry, and much more. Call 870-777-3640 of visit: www.hopewatermelonfest. com for more information

SEPTEMBER

2021

SEPTEMBER 2

Miracle Farms Market will present Shenandoah featuring Marty Raybon live in concert at Hempstead Hall. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the show will begin at 7:30. Tickets are $15-$40. Visit: https:// hempsteadhall.thundertix.com/ events/187588 to reserve seats

SEPTEMBER 28

The Texarkana Regional Chorale will present an Al Fresco Concert at 6 p.m. at the 1894 Gallery, located at 105 Olive Street in Downtown Texarkana. The outdoor concert will feature music by Cohen, Hagenberg, Whitacre, and many more. Admission is free with donations accepted. Email: txkregionalchorale@gmail.com for more information.

AN ALL-TIME COWBOY BASEBALL STANDOUT, DR. LITTLETON FOWLER THROWS THE FIRST PITCH DURING AN OKLAHOMA STATE VERSUS BAYLOR GAME

by ABBY

photo

ELLIOT

IN A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN

by JENNIFER JORDAN

Many people in Texarkana know Dr. Littleton Fowler as an optometrist who has practiced in his hometown for 55 years. Kind, thoughtful, and erudite, Dr. Fowler is devoted to his patients and only more so to his family. However, many people might not know that he is also devoted to baseball, having played for Oklahoma State University on scholarship and winning the Most Outstanding Player award as a pitcher in the College World Series in 1961.

As a teenager in the late 1950s, Littleton Fowler played for Texas High School, proving himself talented enough to play summer baseball for a semi-professional team, the Texarkana Phillips 66 Dusters in the Four States League. Dr. Fowler’s high school pitching statistics were noticed by scouts of prominent major league teams during an era which some sports historians call baseball’s “golden age.” He received scholarship offers to Texas A&M and TCU, but those offers were withdrawn when the schools learned that Dr. Fowler and his sweetheart, Diane Thornton, had married while still in high school. “I was also offered a grant in aid to play at Arkansas State, and I almost did it,” he recalls. “Instead, at the urging of three professional scouts—Hugh Alexander of the Dodgers, Tom Demark of the Phillies, and Fred Hawn of the Cardinals—my dad and I drove to Stillwater and talked to Coach Toby Green, who had just coached OSU to their first and only national championship in baseball. The recommendations of the three scouts were enough to allow me a half-scholarship to become a Cowboy.”

Dr. Fowler enrolled in OSU in the fall of 1959. “At that time, freshmen were not allowed to participate in games or travel with the varsity members, but we were fully engaged in practices,” he states. “I must have done okay because I received a full scholarship for the next three years,” he further quips.

OSU played well enough to reach the College World Series again in 1960, finishing third. In 1961, his sophomore season, Dr. Fowler played in games as a full team member. “I was third in the rotation. The weekend series were composed of two seven-inning games on Friday, then my start on Saturday was a nine-inning game,” he explains. Dr. Fowler demonstrated his pitching success. “My regular season record was 5-0. We won the Big 8 title, the regional series, and advanced to the College World Series. We finished second to the University of Southern California

On the 60th anniversary of being named the Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series, Dr. Fowler was welcomed back to O’Brate Stadium to show off that strike-throwing left arm. (Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State University Athletics)

Dr. Littleton Fowler was named the Most Oustanding Player in the 1961 College World Series.

in the finals. I was the losing pitcher in the 1-0 game.” This loss came after he had pitched three games in five days, each game lasting over seven innings. “This is a stat that probably won’t be repeated these days with limited pitch counts,” Dr. Fowler remarks. For his impressive feat of allowing only 14 hits and 13 strikeouts over 23 innings, Dr. Fowler earned the Most Outstanding Player award for the 1961 series.

Dr. Fowler experienced some ups and downs in his final two years on the OSU team. “I was injured most of my junior year. I had pneumonia pre-season and injured my neck on our first road trip to University of Houston and Rice University. Then, I hurt my back in a batting practice accident and tried to play but was not effective. I finished the season 0-2.” Dr. Fowler’s senior year gave him perspective. “As a senior in 1963, my record was 4-3. But as a pitcher, it was my best year. Our team lost a lot of really good players. The guys played hard, but just didn’t have the same talent as the teams that had gone to the College World Series for three straight years.” Dr. Fowler further comments, “Anyone who has played baseball will probably agree that it is the most humbling game in sports (with the possible exception of golf).”

Dr. Fowler’s senior season brought him the opportunity to continue his baseball career. “I was given the opportunity to play professionally in the St. Louis Cardinals organization but decided to go on to optometry school. The minor leagues would have been a wonderful experience, and in retrospect, I’ll always wonder what might have happened,” he reflects. “It is not, however, a great place for a wife and family.” OSU did not forget Dr. Fowler’s contributions to its baseball program; in 1996, he was inducted into the Cowboy Baseball Hall of Fame.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in business, Dr. Fowler pursued a Doctor of Optometry at the University of Houston. “My father was a dispensing optician for many years in the old Texarkana National Bank Building, so eyecare has always been an interest,” he explains. “However, it was my fascination with contact lenses that drew me to the profession of optometry.”

Dr. Fowler began practicing optometry in Texarkana in July 1966. It started and continued as a family affair. Fowler Eye Care “began as a family enterprise, and my wife was a great part of developing it, as well as my daughter, daughter-in-law, and

Dr. Fowler’s most prized accomplishment is his family. He was married to the love of his life, Diane, for over 60 years, and they have three children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Dr. Fowler shakes hands with Kevin Fite, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Baseball Sports Administrator for Oklahoma State University.

sister, Jo Clayton. My brother, who was the most talented optician I’ve ever known, was my partner for nearly 40 years. He retired about 15 years ago.” Dr. Fowler sold his practice to Randall Glass, OD, in 2006, but continues to see patients at the office on Texas Boulevard. He comments, “I thought I wanted to retire, but I just can’t seem to leave.”

Dr. Fowler credits his wife, Diane, as the inspiration for his life. They were married for 62 years until Diane’s passing this May. They raised three children— Littleton (Gus) Fowler, Jr., Robert Kirk Fowler, who is deceased, and Jamie Kathryn Patton. They also have four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. “We did not have a perfect marriage,” Dr. Fowler states, “but we had a love and devotion to each other and to our family that transcended any issues that arose. She raised a wonderful family. She worked hard to get us started and stayed by my side, even when I probably didn’t deserve it. She was both my inspiration and my treasure. I thank God for her every day.” Dr. Fowler lives by the Scripture, Philippians 4:13 –“I can endure all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

When he is not practicing optometry and spending time with his family, Dr. Fowler enjoys reading, sports, thoroughbreds, Red Dirt country music, the arts, and the outdoors. He is an active member of First United Methodist ChurchTexarkana, Texas. Dr. Fowler also supports Cowboy baseball as a season ticket holder and driving the 10-hour round trip for nearly every game. This past May, Dr. Fowler returned to OSU to be honored, along with the university’s first two African American players, during the university’s series against Baylor. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the first game. It was 60 years after his triumphant sophomore season. “It was quite a privilege to throw the first pitch on the first night. The new stadium was open to full capacity after the Covid restrictions were lifted. It was also another example of how OSU doesn’t forget their alumni players. The athletic department is always staying in touch and including them in numerous activities.” Displaying his characteristic thoughtfulness, Dr. Fowler expresses his gratitude to his alma mater. “I owe OSU a lot. They were there for me when it counted most. I am honored and proud to be a Cowboy for life.”

During the Oklahoma State versus Baylor game on May 14, 2021, Dr. Fowler threw the first pitch of the game. (Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State University Athletics)

photo by

PEYTON SIMS

at the right time IN THE RIGHT PLACE

DR. JASON AND SAMANTHA

by AMBER SMITH ZALISKI

HARRIS SHARE A COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE QUALITY

EXPERIENCES

MEDICAL

IN TEXARKANA

Sometimes you end up in the right place at the right time. While Dr. Jason and Samantha Harris each made their way to Texarkana from different directions at different times, they are beyond grateful to have met here, in a place to call home, and they are excited to settle into building their future.

Jason grew up in Dickinson, Texas, south of Houston, and knew early on that he wanted to go into medicine. Unfortunately, it was the death of a good friend in high school from a car accident that set him on the path to the emergency room. Ultimately, it is a simple desire to help others that leads Jason to work daily in an environment that most of us would like to avoid. Samantha would tell you that Jason is caring, dependable, and supportive above all else, and those same qualities that she fell in love with are what guide him in his work. Jason attended Henderson State University for undergrad before moving on to Ross University School of Medicine and then completed his Emergency Medicine Residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. Jason has been an emergency physician at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System for 12 years and has been the Emergency Medical Director since the fall of 2017.

While Samantha also knew since high school that she wanted to go into the medical field, she says she is still surprised at where her career has taken her. A Hot Springs, Arkansas, native, Samantha attended National Park College and Arkansas Tech Nursing school, and later completed her Master of Nursing degree at Walden University. Samantha moved to Texarkana in 2013 to accept a nursing job in the emergency room at St. Michael, which turned out to be the right decision for many reasons. “Jason and I met in 2014, and we got married June 6, 2015.” While the last several years have been a whirlwind of hard work and opportunities and risks, the Harrises wouldn’t have it any other way.

When Samantha finished her Nurse Practitioner’s degree, she had a different idea for what she wanted to do. “I really wanted to be able to help people that really needed help,” she said, “and I really enjoyed the work I got to do through Genesis PrimeCare.” Eventually, Samantha said yes to another opportunity and began training in the field of medical aesthetics, and then said yes again to the opportunity to open her own clinic and run her own business. LoneStar Health & Wellness opened in November 2019, and despite all of the challenges that came with 2020, Samantha is proud of her growing business. “It’s always a risk to open your own business, but I have to say that the community has been so welcoming and other small business owners in the area have been extremely helpful,” Samantha said. “Of course, Jason is incredibly supportive in so many ways, but this is definitely my baby. Since we opened, we have moved once to accommodate a growing clientele, and we are excited to offer an even bigger and better space in the future.”

Samantha’s passion for helping others look and feel good motivates her every day.

LoneStar Health & Wellness is what Samantha calls “modern health and wellness,” and while she offers many services including wellness visits, bloodwork, and hormone level assessments, her specialty is medical cosmetics including BOTOX®, lip enhancements, and other injectables. “It’s been amazing to see what a positive effect these physical enhancements can have on someone’s mental state and overall wellness. Honestly, a lot of the testimonials that clients text me may not be appropriate to print,” she joked. “But it can be such a confidence boost in helping people feel their very best.”

As medical cosmetics become more mainstream, Samantha is committed to offering her best work and continually learning and improving. “I truly believe it is the combination of medicine and artwork, and I take a lot of pride in my work,” she said. “You know, good or bad, word-of-mouth travels very quickly around here, and I am always honored when clients put their trust in me.” As business continues to grow, Samantha is excited about the future of health and wellness and said her goal is to provide state-of-the-art options for the Texarkana area. “Samantha is one of the most caring people, and it has been amazing to watch her follow her passions,” Jason said. “It is even more amazing to see her determination and work ethic in action.”

While Jason and Samantha both seem to thrive in fast-paced and high-pressure situations and love the work they are able to do, they work just as hard to enjoy their time off. “More than anything, we are proud of our family, and our kids.” Between them, Jason and Samantha have three active kids: Zach (15), Gauge (14), and Callie (11). “Oh my gosh, they keep us busy,” Samantha said, “but we love it! The kids play sports, and I serve on the PGYA board, and we are very excited about football season. We love to cheer for PG!” When they’re not shuffling between games and practices, the Harris family loves to travel, and they love to spend their downtime at their houseboat on Lake DeGray. “We love to be outside. The kids love hiking, riding bikes, fishing, stuff like that. We really appreciate all the natural beauty this area has to offer.”

Dr. Jason and Samantha Harris have a lot in common, and up near the top of that list is their shared commitment to provide quality medical experiences. “I know that Jason’s ultimate goal is always for every person that comes to the ER to have a positive experience,” Samantha said. “That may sound huge, but I feel the same way about every person that comes through my clinic doors.” As the Harrises look forward and plan for the future, they feel confident that they are still in the right place at the right time.

Gauge, Callie, Samantha, Jason and Zach riding horses in Belize.

In 2017, Jason and Samantha basked in the breathtaking scenery in Lake Louise, Canada.

Jason, Zach, Samantha, Callie and Gauge enjoying a beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica in 2019.

AS THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR REDWATER ISD, DR. KELLY BURNS PROMOTES A DISTRICTWIDE POSITIVE CULTURE AND A BELIEF THAT RELATIONSHIPS MATTER

COACH ONCE A COACH, ALWAYS A

by ELLEN ORR

The Texas Rural Education Association named Redwater ISD’s Dr. Kelly Burns as the 2021 Superintendent of the Year. RISD board president Brad Rosiek nominated her, writing that Dr. Burns is “an intelligent, energetic, and motivated leader who has brought a renewed sense of pride and purpose to the district.”

Under Dr. Burns’ tutelage since 2018, Redwater ISD has experienced undeniable success and progress over the last three years. In 2020, Redwater Junior High School won a National Blue Ribbon Schools award for narrowing the achievement gap; they were one of only three public middle schools in all of Texas to receive the prestigious federal award. District-wide, Redwater has become a 1:1 campus, meaning that every student has a designated tablet or laptop. Infrastructurally, she advocates for and oversees improvements district-wide, with a focus on building and renovating so that facilities reflect, in her words, “what the community deserves.”

It is easy to understand why Dr. Kelly Burns has been honored as Superintendent of the Year, but she insists that the glory is not hers. “Let me say this: yes, the plaque has my name on it, but it is not a superintendent award. It is a district award,” she insisted. “What that award means is that our board is very supportive, progressive, and behind the leadership. And the leadership is not just the superintendent: I have an outstanding assistant superintendent in Lee Ann Corbin, who is phenomenal, along with our campus leadership—and, of course, our staff and students. Listen, our students are very successful. I did not teach a single one of them. So, this is a district award and a community award.”

To those who have known her for many years, Dr. Burns’ humble leadership style is no surprise. A lifelong team player, she graduated from Garland ISD at the top of her class, receiving scholarships for her performance in the classroom as well as on the softball diamond. A softball fanatic since age 6, she went on to play

photo by ABBY ELLIOTT

for both The University of Texas at Arlington, as well as Texas A&M University – College Station. Her love of the sport was a primary driver of her decision to become an educator.

“I loved softball so much and had a passion for it,” she said. “I knew I wanted to coach, and I also knew I did not want to be the stereotypical coach, so I became a math teacher as well. I had those teachers and coaches [growing up] who meant a lot to me and really mentored me, and so, at 18, that’s what I wanted to do with my life. I never pictured myself doing anything except teaching and coaching.”

After two years of teaching and coaching in DeKalb, Dr. Burns assumed a teaching position in New Boston. During her five years there, Texarkana College started a softball program, and she became a volunteer assistant coach. When the head coach resigned, Dr. Burns was hired to replace him, as well as to teach math and holistic health. She led the team to win not only the conference championship but also the region championship, which propelled them to competition at the national level. In 2004, she was named Region 14 Junior College Coach of the Year. Her success attracted recruiters, and soon, she was offered a Division I head coaching job at the University of North Texas.

Analytical and naturally driven, Dr. Burns seemed to be perfectly suited for coaching at a more competitive level—and she was. However, her strategic mind and competitive spirit, while important, were not the most critical of her virtues.

“[At UNT], I put so much pressure on myself that it became not as fun anymore,” she said. “I thought, when I went from junior college to Division I, that I needed to coach differently, and that was the biggest mistake I’ve ever made in my career. I pushed too hard and not in the right way. That was probably my worst job performance ever. The program still came up; the program was still better when I left it than when I found it.” (“She has led this program to a level that will attract the quality of applicants necessary to advance Mean Green softball to national prominence,” UNT Athletic Director Rick Villarreal said, as quoted in a 2007 press release.)

“But it wasn’t the full-on success I had always enjoyed,” Dr. Burns continued. “Looking back, it’s because I thought I needed to be a different person, and I shouldn’t

have been. Athletes are our own worst enemies because we dissect everything, and we’re harder on ourselves than anybody else can be. That perfectionism is the part that got in my own way. In hindsight, though, I learned the most from that position. I learned that relationship-building is absolutely everything. I had always believed that, but I wasn’t practicing it. My walk didn’t match my talk at that point.”

After six years of collegiate coaching, Dr. Burns returned to K-12, accepting a principalship at Avery ISD (having completed her principal certification and first of two master’s degrees while coaching). In 2011, she was promoted from the district’s first female high school principal to the district’s first female superintendent. When, in 2018, she was hired at Redwater, she was welcomed with unbelievable

Dr. Burns reads “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” to elementary students in 2018. The book is about spreading kindness and building people up.

Before the pandemic hit, Kelly, Karsyn, and Kevin took a family vacation to Disney World.

kindness. “Everyone was so nice and so warm,” she recalled. “I thought, ‘This place is wonderful.’ But there was that little voice in the back of my head, saying, ‘Well, you’re the new boss, so of course they’re going to be nice.’ But let me tell you: four years later, they are exactly the same. It really was genuine.”

As a smaller district, Redwater must “do a lot of things right to keep from losing good staff and students,” Dr. Burns explained, “and we do those things. Our culture is very positive. Number one, we believe that relationships matter. Kids matter. All of our staff must be learner-focused. We’re here for the kids. If you don’t love kids, you don’t need to be at Redwater.”

Dr. Burns’ other basic requirements for Redwater staff are that they be team players and work to embody a “growth mindset,” an idea identified by psychologist Carol Dweck that refers to an individual’s beliefs about their own talents; someone who believes talents can be developed through effort is said to have a growth mindset, whereas a person with a “fixed mindset” believes their talents are innate and immovable. (She wrote her doctoral dissertation on the phenomenon.)

This passion for growth mindset offers a glimpse into who Dr. Burns is as a visionary educational leader. She is forward-thinking and undeterred by obstacles. “I’m a big proponent of being solutions-oriented,” she said. “Anybody can come in and identify problems. We’re always going to have problems, hurdles, barriers. It’s how we react to those things that really defines us. It’s that whole failing-forward mentality. That’s what solving math problems is all about, and that’s what being a true champion in athletics is all about. How do we pick ourselves up? How do we fail forward?”

While at 18 she never dreamed of superintendency, Dr. Kelly Burns admits that the work she does today is not all that different than the work she did as a math teacher or coach. “I’m still coaching,” she said. “I’m just not coaching a physical sport. I’m coaching my administrators all the time. And, as an adjunct in TAMUT’s doctoral program, I get to coach future administrators. That’s been wonderful, too.

“Once a coach, always a coach,” she reflected. “Once a teacher, always a teacher. I think it’s just in our DNA.”

Redwater board members Bryan Strand and Brad Rosiek with Dr. Burns when she received the Texas Rural Education Association Superintendent of the Year Award this summer.

Lee Ann Corbin (assistant superintendent), Dr. Kelly Burns (superintendent), and Kim Cody (principal) when Redwater Junior High was named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School.

Redwater Elementary Principal Kasey Coggin, Superintendent Kelly Burns, and Middle School

Principal Audrey Shumate made the first pandemic student work pickup loads of fun during March 2020.

A Pinch of Salt

by Donnie Spriggs

Phewwww! What a long month this has been ... well, at least it has been for me. Reopening the restaurant has been a blast seeing all the new and familiar faces back in the building and everyone enjoying themselves.

Now onto what you really want to be reading about ... your favorite new recipe. I was thinking hard on something to show you guys and wanted something easy as we are almost getting kids ready for back to school. Now it is not a chicken tender recipe so for those picky eaters you will have to continue your curbside pickup with Chick-fil-A. This recipe is amazingly simple to make, and you can make it in small or exceptionally large batches depending on how many people you are trying to feed.

You can also change and add things to this recipe; for instance, I like to add steamed broccoli to mine and sometimes substitute the chicken for shrimp or beef skirt steak.

PARMESAN RICE WITH PROTEIN

Ingredients

1 lb. chicken filet

Salt and pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

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!

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon salt, divided

1/2 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc

– Kim Crawford is the best.

Make you a glass while you’re at it!)

11/2 cups jasmine rice (uncooked)

3 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté chicken filet until nicely browned and just cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Add butter, garlic, pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the empty skillet and sauté garlic for a couple of minutes on medium heat.

Turn heat to medium high, and add white wine.

Cook and stir for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside 3 tablespoons of pan sauce to use later.

Add uncooked rice to skillet with remaining butter sauce. Stir well – make sure it is completely covered. Add chicken broth and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring mixture to a low boil then reduce heat to medium-low, cover pan, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.

Stir several times while it is cooking.

Sprinkle Parmesan over rice then arrange chicken tenders in skillet over rice. Cover, remove from heat, then let stand for 5 minutes.

Drizzle reserved 2 tablespoons of pan sauce over chicken filet when serving, and garnish with parsley.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram at pinch_of_salt20.

Exquisite INTERIORS

RUSTIC. IMMACULATE. SPACIOUS.

by SUZY TURNER photos by KIM MCMURRY

For the past six years, Silver Star Smokehouse has been a staple in the Texarkana community. While offering delicious food and topnotch customer service, this eatery is a favorite to many, locals and visitors alike.

Silver Star owner David Alvis originally worked as a sales manager for Orr Acura and BMW in Shreveport. “I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” he shares. “I knew I was going to own businesses.” In December 1996, David received the Guss Orr Award, which is similar to an employee of the year award for all of the Orrs’ companies. “I received that award in December and resigned in January. We’ve never looked back. There is a real Texarkana connection to my entire success. I have been very fortunate.” With the support of many key players in his life, including former employers, David had the opportunity to open three businesses in Bossier City, one in Shreveport, and one in Texarkana.

In 2013, after hearing about the building in Texarkana (where Silver Star is now located) being for sale from some friends, David stopped and looked at it. He liked what he saw, called his banker to discuss it, and learned that it had already sold. After some time passed, he learned the building was for sale again, inquired about it, signed a two-year lease on it, and scheduled a $450,000 remodel. “Long story short, we bought the property in October of 2017. Somewhere in there, our business really started growing ... probably about the time Donnie [Spriggs] took over. We never let off the gas. We had the ability and stability to keep dredging along,” David recalls. “For the first two years, we lost a million dollars. Most people would have thrown in the towel. But it’s not really my personality to quit. We just kept on rocking along, and it got better ... daily, weekly, monthly, annually.”

During 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and shut down dining in for all restaurants. Silver Star employees adapted their focus, worked hard,

and concentrated on their to-go orders, even while operating with a skeleton crew. David admits that even though it was a rough time for many, he also considered it a time to concentrate on getting to know his crew, and he took the extra time to really care for his people.

Like thousands of East Texans during the winter storm this past February, Silver Star sustained damage from the freezing temperatures and massive snow accumulation. Twenty-six pipes burst at the restaurant, flooding the bathrooms, ceilings, kitchen, dish room, and part of the restaurant. The next day, the sprinklers burst, releasing water over the entire restaurant. “Water was literally everywhere!” explains Donnie Spriggs, general manager.

After the damage to the restaurant, David knew that this was the opportune time to schedule a complete remodel for the restaurant. “Otherwise, when are you going to shut down to remodel a restaurant? Never! You just can’t afford to. If you don’t have a lot of business, that is one thing. But we had a lot of business. We were in such great shape at the time.” So the 41/2 month long remodel process began, and one million dollars later, the restaurant is open and thriving.

While traveling west on I-30, you can’t miss this 8,000 square foot ranchstyle building with the backlit Silver Star Smokehouse logo nestled between four dormers. A bright red metal roof adds versatility and durability to the restaurant’s façade. Natural wood columns line the cozy front porch situated along the left side of the building while a covered patio area sits to the right.

Bar tables are positioned throughout the patio area, strategically placed so everyone has a view of their favorite sports team on the flatscreen TV. A vertical wooden accent wall at the end of the patio creates a definite

conversation piece.

Copper gas wall lanterns are mounted on each side of the ornate glass and iron doors, welcoming guests. The enclosed hostess area is nestled right inside the front doors, complete with a beautiful glass chandelier. Call-in orders as well as curbside pickup orders are taken by phone in this area.

New garage doors separate the main dining room from the bar area. Brushed nickel pendant lights are suspended above the granite bar. Two flatscreen TVs are easily viewed from every bar stool and table. Lighted drink machines house “The Duke” and “The Dolly,” two of Silver Star’s specialty frozen drinks. “These drinks are a little bit of a craze up here,” Donnie admits. “On opening night, we sold 70 Dukes and 40 Dollys.” A silver bull mounted on the wall has glowing red eyes and blows smoke out of its nostrils.

Once dark and drab, the neutral color palette now creates a warm ambiance in the dining room. Immaculate and spacious, seating options are available with a choice of tables or a booth/table combo. A large iron chandelier hangs in the middle of the dining room, allowing the perfect amount of light for guests. Custom artwork features David’s daughter and niece when they were 2 and 3 years old (now they are 12 and 13). One painting shows the girls walking along the railroad track and says, “Trackin’ Down the Best BBQ.” Diagonal wooden accent walls border the swinging saloon style doors that lead into the kitchen area. Exposed ceiling trusses blend perfectly with the rustic décor.

A beautiful two-sided stone fireplace sits between the dining area and the large banquet area while sturdy sliding barn doors separate the two rooms. The large banquet area will hold a party of 60, and the small banquet room will hold 35, so Silver Star can host up to 100 guests in both rooms.

The Longhorn Room serves as a banquet room for those who desire a place to host private parties. A “meeting and eating” room, there is no extra charge for the room, and the menu can be customized to fit the needs of the group.

In the kitchen, walls have been moved (and some even removed) for improved functionality. The salad bar area, condiment aisle, dishwashing area, and serving spaces have all been updated and lengthened. Since the remodel, a 4-foot food expo area has expanded into a 14-foot expo area. “We knew that if we could turn out three times as much food as we were, we would be way ahead of the game,” David says. “So that is exactly what we did. Everything we did had to do with building the kitchen bigger so we could turn out a lot more volume.”

Three wrought iron candelabra chandeliers light the hallway leading into the bathrooms. Granite vanities surround the hammered copper sinks while vessel faucets complete the look. Metal artwork features a mirrored cowboy hat, offering a place for guests to tidy up.

Comfortable and clean, Silver Star Smokehouse exudes a country charm that is unsurpassed. And the food is second-to-none. When asked which specialties are their bestsellers, David answers, “Our ribs put us on the map. We have the best ribs on the planet ... and the augratin potatoes. Once you eat them, you are hooked. And our steaks are the best.” What makes their steaks so good? According to David, “You have to start with a great cut of meat. People tend to overcook it, undercook it, burn it, etc. We cook it the same every single day. Everything we do is about consistency.” Cantina favorites have also become popular at Silver Star, including quesadillas, enchiladas, chips and salsa, chips and queso, and street tacos.

Both David and Donnie are pleased that their clientele has patiently waited 41/2 months for the restaurant to open again. “You talk to your family about going out to eat, and you discuss trying new places. You back out of the driveway, and you wind up at one of your three favorite restaurants,” David explains. “You go there, and order the same thing you always get because that is where you are comfortable. We love to build regulars here. Once we get someone to be a regular here, the next thing you know, they are having their birthday party here, we are catering a wedding for them, they are calling Donnie to help with an anniversary party ... it all evolves over a period of time. This becomes their place! Thank goodness, we have a lot of people that have made Silver Star Smokehouse their place!” If you are looking for “your place,” be sure and visit the new and improved Silver Star Smokehouse ... the staff looks forward to showing off their exquisite new restaurant and helping you become one of their “regulars.”

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

FRIENDS FOR A CAUSE FOUNDATION GIRLS GIFTAWAY

Friends for a Cause Foundation held its annual Girls Giftaway, “Back to the ’80s,” on July 16-17 at the Texarkana Convention Center. This two-day overnight event offers a fun time for ladies to shop, fellowship, and enjoy live entertainment. Proceeds from the event are provided to cancer patients to help offset costs that insurance does not cover.

Erica Visser and Amanda Soria Tabitha Nguyen, Christy Cornish and Haven Rainer

Hannah and Manuel Western Suki O’Neal and Brittney Frost

Joyce Coulter, Katie Gentry and Kathy Luce

Jessie Sizemore and Becky Fellers

Ann Gage, Melinda Allen, Laura Beard and Patty Green

Kathy Luce and Britnie Fannin

Mimi Jordan and Britney Hudson Britney Frost and Deneshia May

Deanna Flurry, Brianna Lawing and Melinda Allen

Cassidy Lavender, Paisley Howard, Kayla Howard, Katie Stone, Amy Cornish and Emily Newsome

THE ROAD Tra veled less

BY NICHOLE HOLZE

You’ve heard of glamping, but have you heard of luxury glamping? Welcome to Clear Sky Resorts, Grand Canyon. This resort is the epitome of the glamping experience, while including family friendly amenities that truly set it above the rest.

It’s situated just 20 minutes from the southern entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, and it’s the perfect location for exploring all day and coming back to comfort at night. I was so impressed with the aesthetics of the entire resort; the welcome dome itself looked as though it’s straight out of an Instagrammer’s (or photographer’s) dream. True to the resort’s theme, there are two large telescopes right inside the welcome dome, ready for guests to use and take advantage of the dark skies surrounding the Grand Canyon area.

Just beyond the welcome area, there are multiple lounge spaces set up with all different yard games, seating areas, a fire pit, picnic tables with swings, and our favorite: a disc golf course that lights up at night and light up discs. There’s also a beautiful fire pit with nightly bonfires and s’mores kits, which are included with your stay, along with two complimentary drinks. My tip: go with the IPA from a local brewery.

Hospitality is available to help take your bags to your dome, which is quite helpful because all roads and walking paths are lava rock. Our dome was in an area that is a (short) walk in only part of the resort. We typed in our code to our door and let the kids open the doors first. Their reaction was priceless. The 26 foot dome stretched overhead, complete with a remotecontrolled curtain to open at night and revealed the clear panel of our dome, perfect for stargazing from bed.

One day at the Grand Canyon was all we had because we were out west for a wedding, and one day was hardly enough. June and July are peak visitor seasons for the park, but it’s also when it’s at its hottest. Luckily, we were there on a cooler day and had the pleasure of watching thunderstorms and rain wash over the canyon. A tip: for a taste of hiking the Grand Canyon, take the Kaibab Trail down to the Ooh Ahh point, and be sure to head to one of the viewpoints for sunset. We returned back to the resort that night, completely spent but completely thrilled. Once our children were tucked in, my husband and I relaxed in the cozy chairs, watching the firelight flicker around our dome and the stars twinkle through the skylight in the top of our dome. The perfect ending to a fantastic day spent adventuring.

For a unique stay that’s close to the Grand Canyon, you can’t beat this glamping experience. Be sure to check out Clear Sky Resorts in Montana at their Glacier National Park location as well!

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.

REBEKAH DRENNON

age: 24

occupation: Development at Opportunities, Inc.

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

Tithe 10% to church, setup college funds for my nephews, invest for retirement, and buy a cabin in Colorado (my favorite place to hike, and I love ice skating).

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

To quote Rory Gilmore: “I live in two worlds, one is a world of books.” I am currently reading the Bridgerton series and making my way through some of Dr. Caroline Leaf’s books.

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

To have the ability to relive my favorite moments.

At what business could you max out a credit card?

Nordstrom … unless Disney World counts … I love a good Dole Whip or lapel pin.

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “Friday Night Lights.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

I am rewatching “Gilmore Girls.”

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

Disneyland Paris or Santorini, Greece.

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

Facetime (my sister and nephews live in Alaska so I use it daily). Navigation. Photos.

What’s your favorite sport to watch, and which team do you root for? Football ... Go Cowboys!

Get involved! Texarkana offers an abundance of opportunities for community members to be an influence and make positive changes. We have so many wonderful nonprofits to support. Find your niche, and be an advocate.

MICHAEL STEPHENSON

age: 30

Occupation: Director of Recruiting & New Student Programs, TAMUT

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

Pay off any debt and take a month-long vacation with my friends.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? I usually get lost on TikTok and 30 minutes easily turns into 4 hours...

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

Longer life spans for our pets.

At what business could you max out a credit card?

Probably Lowe’s … so many projects and possibilities!

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix? “The Crown.”

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Turks and Caicos or put me in a time machine and send me back a couple of decades.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? Just take them all from me because I’m horrible at responding or clearing my notifications. But, I’ll go with Amazon, Instagram, and Spotify.

What’s your favorite sport to watch, and which team do you root for? My dog chasing her ball is the only sport that interests me.

MATTERS

Fred Rogers says it best — “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.”