Four States Living Magazine October 2021

ON THE COVER - OCTOBER 2021

A man with many talents and interests, David Thomas enjoys being active and staying busy. Between racing his horse, Callie, teaching school, modeling gigs, and serving patrons, he rarely has time to just breathe, much less give back to the community he loves. Somehow, he finds time to use every bit of energy he can muster while carrying out all of these tasks effortlessly and efficiently.

See “Thankful for Each New Experience” on page 8.

Three Texarkana firefighters participate in the 9/11 stair climb as a tribute to their brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice, starting on page 16. INSIDE :

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

The Way I See It...

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

There are thousands of reasons to NOT do things. Don’t get to the end of your life and pull “I wish I woulda.” “I wish I woulda stopped [smoking, drinking, taking drugs, etc.] years ago.” “I wish I woulda spent more time with my family.” “I wish I woulda gone on more vacations.” “I wish I woulda read the Bible.”

If the last 16 months have taught us anything, I hope it’s to love our people and not take anything for granted. Whether you hunkered down and wore a mask everywhere you went, or went about your daily life and hoped for the best, I feel sure you know someone by now who has been seriously ill or has even passed away on a ventilator because of the pandemic that we all have been living with. Maybe you know several people; my hope is that you have not lost a spouse, a parent, a child, a friend, or the love of your life.

I’ve spent a great deal of the last year and a half working to keep my ship afloat and holed up with my daughter, Emily, who is immunocompromised. Sure, it’s been annoying to not get out and socialize with others as much – for her probably more than me – but all my kids find too much time with mom fairly annoying. I have missed traveling the most, whether that’s a drive to the beach, a cruise through the Mediterranean, or a quick trip to see Broadway shows in New York City; exploring different places is just fun.

For certain, life has been different. But different doesn’t always mean bad. It just means that we have to adapt a little to maintain the level of fun we are used to. I can tell you that my Wednesday night virtual Spades game with my girls – one in Ft. Worth, one in Toronto, and one about five miles down the road – via

Four St ates Living

Zoom, is the highlight of my week, and that card game is something that wasn’t happening before COVID-19. Those several hours each Wednesday, I see my favorite people on a screen, and we talk about anything and everything, play cards, and trash talk each other. Before this pandemic, I wouldn’t have ever imagined having meaningful conversations or card games on a computer. Now, it’s something I wouldn’t miss.

And, I personally am not going to argue or debate or insist that my employees or friends get vaccinated, because guess what? What you do with your body is not my business. You have to do what’s best for you and your family, and I will do what’s best for mine. After spending some considerable time talking to my doctor, the guy who went to medical school and has prescribed every medicine I have taken in the last 25 years, my kids and I got vaccinated and then boosted. That doesn’t mean we are totally in the clear, but I feel more safe and confident in living than I have in a while. As soon as I finish this editorial, I’m planning a trip!

Have you heard the phrase “living my best life?” I think Oprah may have coined that phrase and written a book with that name. I’ve spent so much time really thinking about what my best life would look like. My best life does not look like how I am living today, so I need to get on the stick and do something to change that. I don’t want to ever be one of these people who talks about living, but gets so caught up in the minutiae of daily issues, that the living part never happens. I don’t want to be on my deathbed saying, “I wish I woulda.”

Recently, I found a bucket list that I wrote while I was teaching a class at TC back in 2007. Truly, I was

PUBLISHER

Dr. Robin Rogers

EDITOR

Suzy Turner

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kim McMurry

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Victoria Herman

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Bunch

WWW.FOURSTATESLIVING.COM

FOUR

FOURSTATESLIVING

4STATESLIVING

amazed at how many things I have done since that were actually on that list. From hot air ballooning with Emily’s wheelchair to getting my doctorate in education, the list was riddled with things that I thought were just “bucket list” things that would probably never happen. But when we write things down – our ideas, dreams, goals, and bucket list items – we put value on these ideas. I wish I had put my 2007 bucket list on the refrigerator and then celebrated every time something was achieved. Life is for living with the most important people in your world, be those friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors. A rich life has very little to do with money, but everything to do with relationships. My 91-year-old friend Warren (Buffett) says, ”When you get to my age, you’ll really measure your success in life by how many of the people you want to have love you actually do love you.” He added, “I know people who have a lot of money ... but the truth is that nobody in the world loves them. That’s the ultimate test of how you have lived your life.”

This month’s issue is full of stories about people who are truly rich because they are living their best lives. There is nothing mundane about the people we chose to spotlight. David Thomas, the handsome fella on our cover, recently finished a modeling gig for Cavender’s. That was on his off-time from teaching elementary school. Like the others this month that we feature, David is energetic about experiencing new things and living well. There are so many awesome adventures ahead, and hopefully, we are all starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel that has been COVID-19.

Happy fall, y’all, and as always, thanks for reading FSLM!

FEATURED COLUMNISTS

Nichole Holze

Donnie Spriggs

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lindsey McMillan

Vicki Melde

Ellen Orr

Emily Ransom

Lisa Porterfield Thompson

Amber E. Willman

Amber Zaliski

Abby Elliott

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Abby Elliott

Do You Have a Story or a Photo?

We welcome information regarding topics of interest for future publications. If you have a story or photos that in some way depicts living or visiting in the Four States area and would be of interest to our readers, we want to hear from you. Call 903-792 -2262 or write: Editorial Department, Four States Living Magazine, 4106 Summerhill Square, Texarkana, Texas 75503. Comments are also welcome at our e-mail address: info@fourstatesliving.com

Want to Advertise?

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

by

photo

ABBY ELLIOTT

BETWEEN RACING HORSES, TEACHING THIRD GRADE, MODELING GIGS, AND SERVING PATRONS, DAVID THOMAS STILL HAS TIME TO MAKE HIS COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE

Thankful for Each New Experience

by LISA PORTERFIELD THOMPSON

“I never knew how good I had it growing up,” David Thomas admits, but to an outsider, it might sound pretty apparent.

David was born in Crawley, West Virginia, an unincorporated community with about 1,000 people in it located in Greenbrier County, in the south central part of the state. His parents are Lorrie and Jeff Thomas, a state road highway employee and a school teacher, respectively. He has a twin brother, Robert, and a younger sister, Bethany. “I lived on a street that had a bunch of kids my age, and we would always be playing some kind of sport all the time,” David said. “My mom would pull up the window and whistle when it was time to come home. We knew to get running, too. I was very fortunate to be raised by caring and loving parents. I thank God for them every day for never giving up on me, because raising me was no easy task.”

David’s father, Jeff, was a high school coach, and so he grew up in a gym or on a football field his whole life. “I was the quarterback of the football team and shooting guard in basketball,” he said. “During the spring, I’d quit track every year so I could ride horses. After graduating, I stayed home for a year and went to community college, then transferred to Fairmont State University in the northern part of West Virginia. I played rugby for four years in college, wasted a lot of money, and still didn’t know what I

While attending college, David was approached about being a model. He gave it a shot and has modeled off and on since he was 21 years old. (He is now 31 years old.) (Photo by Michael Downs)

wanted to do. So, I decided to come home and just work.”

David started training horses to earn money and earned his personal training certification. He worked at a chiropractic office for a couple years running the rehabilitation and therapy.

But about five years ago, something changed in David. A revelation of sorts led him to make some major life changes, and Texarkana has been the beneficiary of all his endeavors since. “Something hit me, and I just thought to myself, that I have an opportunity for a fresh start,” he said. “So, I decided to be the opposite of the person I was in West Virginia. For one thing, I started working at CASA, and it opened my eyes—probably one of my top three favorite jobs I’ve ever had.”

While working at CASA, David also earned his equine massage therapy certification and enrolled in college again. Not only was he a full-time student, but he held a full-time job at CASA and was massaging horses all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA at the university. It only took him a year to complete his degree at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, earning a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in 2017. Now, he’s working on his teaching certification.

David was not only a model student at the university, but he was also a student who modeled. He was featured in some of the advertising for TAMU-T, and now models for local businesses regularly, recently having completed a photo shoot with Cavender’s for their fall line.

David stays incredibly busy with many adventures, from his day job to night job, and plenty of things in-between. “I teach third grade math and science at Highland Park Elementary school,” David said. “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, because I was able to witness the lives my dad has changed in his 33 years of teaching and coaching. I always said that if I could be half as good as he is then I’d still be doing pretty amazing.”

This is David’s third year to teach. “The most challenging thing about teaching is planning lessons and keeping up with all the data required, but my favorite thing is being around all the kids and the best staff ever!” David said.

In the evenings, David is a server at Twisted Fork. “I’ve been there for about a year now,” he said. “It started as a summer job while I was off from teaching, and it just ended up being a place I loved to work. My Twisted Fork family and customers have turned my bad days into good endings several times, and I’ve really just enjoyed it. My aunt taught

Anyone that knows David knows that 8-year-old Rodee isn’t ever far from him. Whether kayaking, leading a horse, or playing fetch, Rodee goes everywhere with David.

David models for a Cavender’s photo shoot.

(Photo by Scott Slusher)

After David lost his colt, Freezy, his friend, Sammi Damek, offered for him to come get this horse, Callie, and treat her like she was his own. He did just that, and David’s love of horses returned.

me a lot about the restaurant world when I was younger, and I’ve served on and off throughout college. It was just something I missed.”

David’s free time is spent working out and riding horses. “I work out to stay in shape for modeling gigs,” he said. “Last December, I had the opportunity to work with photographer, Michael Downs, doing a fitness shoot. I love it because it’s extra money and helps me keep in shape.”

David is currently getting back in the saddle riding horses after a quadricep repair. “Before my recent injury and surgery, I would ride every day and barrel race every chance I could,” he said. “I’m finally back in the saddle, but just slow riding for now. It will for sure be awhile before I can compete again.”

Between horse racing, teaching third graders, appeasing a camera for modeling gigs, and serving delicious food and drinks at Twisted Fork, David Thomas is moving and shaking in the community, and Texarkana is better off because of it.

sold everything to buy this colt and considered Freezy to be his future golden ticket because he was an own son of a #1 barrel racing sire. Unfortunately, less than 24 hours after getting Freezy, the colt broke his shoulder in the round pen, and David took months away from horses.

Although he has many irons in the fire (teaching, working out, riding horses, modeling, etc.), David also enjoys being a certified equine massage therapist and has had that career for 4½ years.

David

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

RANDY SAMS’ INVITATIONAL BAG TOSS/CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

The inaugural Randy Sams’ Invitational Bag Toss/Cornhole Tournament was held July 24 at Crossties. The tournament was organized by the Randy Sams’ Board of Directors’ Fundraising Chairman Larry Oxford, with additional support from board members and Executive Director Jennifer Lacefield. Randy Sams’ would like to recognize and thank Crossties for providing their event venue for the tournament, Brian Nicholson for managing and scoring the tournament, and all of the businesses and individuals who sponsored and participated in the tournament.

Fifty-eight teams with a total of 114 individuals played in the tournament which was sponsored by local businesses and individuals. Also in attendance were many friends and family of tournament participants who showed support.

First place winners were Ledwell participants Cliff Harvin and his grandson, Xander Green; second place went to Texana Bank’s Frank Halter and Steve Crouch; and third place winners were Ledwell’s Buddy Ross and Cory Clements.

Around $7,500 was raised by the tournament, and will go to support the services of Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter. Randy Sams’ provides shelter, food, clothing, case management, job training, life skills classes, rehousing services, a myriad of resources, and more.

Larry Oxford and Brian Nicholson

Stacy Hart and Jack Pappas with Diana and Father Richard Daly Cynthia Martinez, Daryl and Teresa Powell with Kristie Wickless

Chad Jordan and Josh Martin

Lisa Alexander, Andrew Bell, Brent Hopkins and Kelsi Brinkmeyer

Jennifer Lacefield, Mike Mahone and Robert Irwin

Xander Green, Larry Oxford, Jennifer Lacefield and Cliff Harvin

Steve Crouch, Larry Oxford, Jennifer Lacefield and Frank Halter

Buddy Ross, Jennifer Lacefield and Cory Clements

David and Traci Mims

Robert Sturtevant and Jennifer Lacefield

Dawn Martin and Treasa Jordan

Alston Cameron, Kelli Cameron, Robin Christen and Cheryl Gildon

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

WOMEN OF HOPE & COURAGE CHAMPAGNE SOIREE & CELEBRATION

The Women of Hope & Courage (WOHC) held a Champagne Soiree & Celebration on September 9 at Northridge Country Club. The event was a celebration of 50 years of combined service for CASA and the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center (TCAC) who work collectively to provide hope, healing, and justice to child abuse survivors in the community. The WOHC are ambassadors for children victimized by abuse through increasing community awareness, promoting advocacy, and fundraising on behalf of CASA and TCAC .

Manju Pokhrel and Brianne Harris

Marianne Hawkins and Megan Menefee

Stacy Yates, Sonja Hubbard, Judy Morgan and FaEllen Yates

Tom Moore and Jeff Prieskorn

Judy Morgan, Collins Cockerell, Liz Flippo and Brandy Eldridge

Pam Beck and Amber Lawrence

Cathy Van Herpen, Lisa Sitterley and Myra Loving

Emily Green, Malenda Cree, Missy Davison and Misty Honea

Joan Carter, Sheri Thomas and Judge Jack Carter

Katrina McGinnis, Angela Clark and Jaclyn Thane

Remica Gray, Sara Weber, Rachael Potter and Amy Thomas

Kim Fowler, Jamye DeHaan and Bertha Shipp

photo by JOHN BUNCH

HONORING

THREE TEXARKANA FIREFIGHTERS PARTICIPATE IN THE 9/11 STAIR CLIMB AS A TRIBUTE TO THEIR BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

by VICKI MELDE

For most children, a visit to their local fire station is a highlight of their elementary school years that isn’t easily forgotten. Donning the gear and sitting in a fire truck is simply magical and often inspires dreams of one day becoming a firefighter. But few have what it takes to accept such a calling – because firefighting requires a willingness to place one’s life in danger to ensure others are safe. Those who accept that calling deserve deep gratitude and respect – and merit the term “heroes.”

America recently marked the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our homeland when hundreds of heroes bravely and willingly gave their lives to try to save their fellow countrymen. There have been many memorials and tributes over the years but, perhaps, some of the most meaningful are the annual stair climbs that take place at locations across the country. Firefighters, police officers, and first responders gather to climb 110 flights of stairs in full gear in honor of their brothers and sisters who perished that day – running into the buildings and up the stairs as panicked victims desperately made their way out.

On September 4, three Texarkana, Texas, firefighters participated in the Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Driver Engineer Zachary Flanagan, Captain Eric McCasland, and Driver Engineer Dustin Newman shared that the events of September 11, 2001, influenced their career paths so each of them eagerly accepted the stair climb challenge when fellow firefighter Marty Lawrence shared his experience in the Little Rock 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb a few years ago. Lawrence, a recently retired Driver Engineer with Texarkana Texas Fire Department, served as coordinator for the Fire and EMS division

Eric and Dustin on their way to touch the steel beam from the World Trade Center before they begin the stair climb in Dallas.

of this year’s Dallas stair climb event.

“Marty shared his experience and encouraged our current members to show up and honor those 343 FDNY firefighters that died on 9/11,” Captain McCasland shared. “It was something that I always thought was an awesome tribute to those who lost their lives, but actually climbing … there’s no feeling like that!”

Even though participating in the stair climb was a tremendous honor, all three of the men were quick to admit that it was definitely a challenge. “Training was rougher than I originally thought,” Flanagan admitted. “I knew it wouldn’t be a cake walk, 110 stories is a tough gig no matter how you spin it. There was just as much mental preparation as physical. You had to remember that the guys that day didn’t get to prepare – they had to climb against the stream of people headed down. They climbed essentially into the unknown, and many, I’m sure, knew they probably wouldn’t make it out. I told myself every step I took during training or during the event represented a memory of a loved one lost that day.”

“The majority of us work out while on duty but this was a different kind of beast,” Newman added. “It all comes down to mental toughness/ determination and discipline. You have to be disciplined to prepare yourself and to put in the time. We were very fortunate that Texas A&M UniversityTexarkana allowed us to use their stairways to train in. We would train at TAMUT, at the station on stair climber machines, in the stands at Arkansas High School, and even went to Wright Patman dam to climb stairs. We did this from June to the week before the stair climb.”

“When I registered for the Dallas Stair Climb, I knew climbing 110 floors in full gear was going to be a challenge – it didn’t disappoint either,” McCasland recalled. “One thing I overlooked was the fact that we’d essentially climb over 1,000 floors in preparing for the actual 9/11 Stair Climb. I would compare it to training for a half-marathon. As physical as it

was, a big part is mental. You just have to keep your legs moving.”

As the date for the event neared, it became doubtful that it would actually take place due to the latest round of COVID-19 but the Dallas Stair Climb staff and committees were determined to make the event happen and keep all climbers and volunteers as safe as possible. “The event was an awesome experience,” Flanagan declared. “COVID put a dent in it in regard to families being able to come and be a part of it – but that didn’t change my mind in the slightest on whether I was taking part or not. The event wasn’t about us – it was about the firefighters, EMS workers, and police officers who were killed that day. The organizers and volunteers did an amazing job of keeping that the focus.”

Perhaps one of the most meaningful aspects of the stair climb was that each climber was given the name of an individual who perished on September 11, 2001. “It was a great honor to climb in remembrance of all who perished on 9/11, let alone the individual,” Newman shared. “I had the honor to climb for FDNY Battalion Chief Charles Kasper. To think of the conditions that those heroes climbed in, not knowing what to expect … I really don’t have the words to express how much of an honor it was to climb in remembrance of them.”

Eric McCasland concurred – “I climbed in place of FDNY Firefighter Brian Bilcher. Bilcher was a 10-year veteran of FDNY and assigned to Squad Company 1 in Brooklyn. I knew well in advance who I’d be climbing for. This is a big deal for most climbers. A big part of remembrance is researching the firefighter, his family, and his career. Knowing who’s counting on you to get to the top is the ultimate motivation to get there!”

“I climbed in honor of Captain Thomas Moody from Division 1 FDNY,” Flanagan advised. “I learned Captain Moody reported for duty at Hazardous Materials Operations in Queens that morning. He was 45 years old with a loving wife, Maureen, and four beautiful children, Jessica, Erin,

Dustin, Eric, and Zach after the climb, holding pictures of the fallen firefighters that they each represented.

Sean, and Deirdre. He was part of a fire fighting family – his father, Charles, Uncle William, and both brothers, Frank and Michael, were all members of FDNY. He was a family man who loved to joke around. Captain Moody served 18 years with FDNY. I was humbled and incredibly honored to climb representing this brave man. There were points during the climb that it became my focus. I blocked out how tired I was and focused on finishing for him – after all, it was all for them.”

From the opening ceremonies, speaker, the bagpipes and drums, placing their hands on the I beam from the actual World Trade Center, to finishing the climb and placing the accountability tag on the board with the name of the person they were climbing for on it – every facet of the event was geared toward keeping the memory alive and honoring the fallen heroes, and rightfully so.

In remembering the fallen heroes, it is important to understand what leads a person to the fire service. “It is a calling to be a firefighter,” Newman stated proudly. “It is not a career but a way of life. It is not for everyone (and that’s fine). It is a brotherhood. We spend about a third of our lives living

at the stations, around our fellow brothers – through the good times and the bad times. We live together, eat together, train together. Over time, that bond is inevitable. In the fire service, you have to have trust in one another.”

“It’s the best job in the world! There are a lot of long days and sleepless nights. You will be tried and tested. You won’t get rich, but you will gain a family and a brotherhood like no other,” Flanagan noted. “When you enter a life or death situation, there is no time to contemplate if the person beside you is capable of handling it with you or not. That trust is built at the station, in training, and off duty. You develop bonds that you can’t explain. You really do become family – so you learn not to just trust them on a call or in a bad situation – you learn to treat them like you would a brother.”

When asked what advice he would offer to someone considering a career in fire service, McCasland offered wise counsel. “Make sure your heart is in it. This isn’t a glamorous job. You’ll need a stomach made of cast iron. If you can’t be trusted, you won’t work in a firehouse very long. Trust is what allows us to go home at the end of a shift. “

All three of these men are quick to agree that the rewards of being a

Each climber touched this steel beam that was a part of the World Trade Center as they were beginning the climb as a symbol of honor to those who lost their lives on 9/11.

Texarkana Texas Fire Department was well represented at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Pictured are: Don Rich (volunteer), Eric McCasland, Zach Flanagan and Dustin Newman (climbers), and Marty Lawrence (retired TTFD firefighter and part of the 9/11 team that helped put this event together).

firefighter far outweigh the risks. The danger and safety issue is always present and something they must be aware of on a daily basis. Training and continuing education help to minimize the risk. “There is always a risk that we may not come home; however, we train for those situations, and we work as a team,” Flanagan explained. “Being surrounded by guys who I know have my back no matter what and will stand beside me in those situations helps to make dealing with those situations easier.”

Perhaps Newman expressed their commitment best by stating, “Everyone that enters the fire service knows that they are always potentially going to be faced with an incident/situation that they will have to put it all on the line. I can speak for me that it goes back to ‘it was a calling.’ I was called to do this job/duty. If it comes to the potential to save a life, I will be ready to take the necessary risks. Risk a little to save a little; risk a lot to save a lot.”

May we honor and always remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and be grateful for those who accepted the call to risk their lives for ours.

And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. – Revelation 21:4 (NASB)

Each of the firefighters expressed the essential role that their faith has in their lives and noted favorite scriptures that remind them that they can face any trial and overcome any hardship because God is with them.

Zachary Flanagan

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. – Isaiah 43:2

Eric McCasland

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

Dustin Newman

Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9 (NASB)

Patches were placed on this board to represent each fire or police department that had a member in attendance for the stair climb.

by

photo

Always Moving Forward

CHEERLEADING

HAS ALWAYS BEEN A NATURAL FIT FOR ARKANSAS TECH CHEER SQUAD HEAD COACH JASMINE BRUCE

by AMBER SMITH ZALISKI

What do Hawks, Razorbacks, and Wonder Boys have in common?

If you guessed that they are all mascots, then yes, you are correct. If you guessed, more specifically, that a passion for cheerleading and a love of adventure have led Texarkana native Jasmine Bruce from Pleasant Grove to the University of Arkansas and now to Arkansas Tech, then you would be even more correct. While her path has had some unexpected twists and turns, Jasmine’s selfconfidence and positive outlook keep her moving forward. As the new head coach for the Arkansas Tech Cheer Squad, Jasmine is excited for her new role in the sport she has always loved.

For as long as she can remember, Jasmine has loved dancing, sports, and dressing up for beauty pageants, so when she started cheering in middle school, it was a natural fit. “Cheerleading has always been fun,” she said, “but I’ve also realized that cheering is a sport where you can always evolve. You can always get better. There is always something you can improve, and I really like that about it. I also really love that it’s a team sport. And you can build a sense of family.”

When Jasmine graduated from PG in 2017, she had years of experience as a competitive cheerleader with plenty of titles and trophies to show for it, and she set her sights on joining the Razorback Cheer Squad. “I actually had a lot of people that doubted me, or you know, I was hearing all of the reasons I wouldn’t make it – I’m too tall, I’m not blonde, Texarkana girls never make it … but all of those things just pushed me to work harder,” Jasmine said. All of her hard work paid off, and Jasmine perfected her Woo Pig Sooie as a Razorback cheerleader her freshman year – one of only seven new members to join the team.

“It really felt like a dream come true.”

The excitement that Jasmine felt making the team was only equaled by her disappointment the following year. “I was heartbroken when I found out I didn’t make the team the next year,” she said. “At the time, I thought everything was my fault and was pretty down about it. Later, I was able to realize that there can be a lot that goes on behind-the-scenes, and some situations are out of your control.” Despite the sudden change of plans, Jasmine embraced college life in Fayetteville, made the most of sorority life, and still had fun cheering on the Hogs. In 2021, she had the honor of representing Fayetteville in the Miss Arkansas pageant where she was named first runner-up, and she graduated with a degree in political science and a minor in criminology.

Jasmine had always planned to attend law school after graduation, but as graduation quickly approached, she realized she wasn’t quite as sure about that. “I really never had a backup plan. It was always just law school or nothing, basically,” Jasmine said. “I was getting ready to take the LSATs and started to question whether I really wanted to do that right now, or if maybe I should wait a year. Traditionally, you go straight into law school after graduation, but I’m not a very traditional person anyway, so I decided to trust my own timing in life and enjoy this moment in time.”

Once Jasmine opened herself up to new opportunities, a new possibility practically tumbled right into her lap. “After freshman year, I assumed that my cheer career was over and hadn’t thought much about it in years,” she said. “Two good friends of mine from U of A cheer knew I was still searching for what I wanted to do, and they told me about the coaching position in Russellville and encouraged me to go for it.” While she was flattered and thought it was an interesting idea, Jasmine didn’t do anything about it until she got another message about the position. “I finally decided to apply just to see what would happen.”

Jasmine was offered the head coaching position very quickly. “I knew I would like the job – I love cheer, and I’ve had coaching positions in the past in Twin Cities back at home and with the National Cheerleaders Association – but also, this just felt like such a random opportunity that I’d be dumb not to take it,” she said. “Day one, as soon as I met the team, I fell in love with it!”

As the head coach, in addition to running practices four times a week and game day duties and events, Jasmine is embracing all of the new responsibilities of organizing, scheduling and recruiting, hosting clinics, and learning traditions. “It’s my first big girl job!” she said. “But it’s something I truly love so it doesn’t feel like work. It definitely makes me miss cheering. I miss the adrenaline rush.” All of the qualities that Jasmine has honed on and off the field, she carries with her into her new position. “To be a great cheerleader you have to be confident in your own self, your own skills, and you have to believe in lifting others up. Looking back, I think

Jasmine with members of the 2021-2022 Arkansas Tech University Cheer Squad.

photo by WHITNEY PHILLIPS

I learned even more from the disappointments. I think those experiences will make me an even stronger coach.”

While she is coaching at Arkansas Tech, Jasmine is also working on her master’s degree in multimedia journalism. “During college, I spent some time working and anchoring for UATV news, and I loved it. I’m excited to learn more, and it’s fun to dream about what that could possibly lead to – like, how fun would it be to be a sportscaster or something like that?” In the meantime, she is enjoying all the best that Arkansas has to offer. “I love the mountains, all the outdoorsy adventures, and how naturally pretty Arkansas is. So many people are genuinely nice, and I love being a part of such strong and supportive communities.”

As Jasmine embarks on this next journey, she certainly never forgets where she’s from. “Growing up in Texarkana and having a solid foundation definitely made me want to go and do! I want to learn, and grow, and see everything, and travel the world, and do big things. I definitely give my mom so much credit for how confident and independent I have become. She raised my sister and me as a single parent and always supported us, but taught us and showed us that we have to work hard for what we want, be our own biggest cheerleaders, and to put our whole heart into what we want to do.”

Whether it comes naturally or whether she has practiced it over and over until it has become second nature, Jasmine Bruce looks out at her world with glittery eyes. “I’ve never just sat still. I always try to put myself out there, and I am proud of myself for looking at life from a positive perspective,” Jasmine said. “I’m happy with where I am now, and I’m even more excited to see where this journey leads, and what the next stepping stone will be.”

In May 2019, Jasmine graduated from the University of Arkansas.

Anna-Blair Lawrence and Jasmine served as 2017-2019 National Cheer Association instructors.

During the 2017-2018 Arkansas Razorback season, Jasmine was a part of the cheer squad. Here, she is performing a stunt with fellow cheer member, Ty Conner.

During the 2017 UIL Cheer State Competition, Jasmine visited with her mother, Tara Capeheart; grandmother, Cynthia Hollingsworth; and sister, Joy Bruce.

As long as Jasmine can remember, she has loved dancing, sports, and dressing up for beauty pageants. It was only fitting that she served as Miss Texarkana 2017-2018.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXARKANA COMMUNITY BALLET AUDITIONS

The Texarkana Community Ballet held auditions August 20-21 for its famous Christmas ballet, “The Nutcracker,” at Beech Street First Baptist Church. The productions will be held December 3-5 in the historic Perot Theatre. Tickets will go on sale in November at the Perot Theatre box office.

Chinese - Senior II

Snow Fairies - Junior II

Christmas Trees - Junior I

Spanish - Senior II

Soldiers – Junior II

Mice - Junior I

Party Children - Junior II

Arabians - Senior II

Peppermints - Senior I

Snow - Senior I Angels - Junior I

Russians - Senior II

Bakers - Junior I

Snow Queen and Snow Princesses - Senior II

Mother Ginger – Paige Chambers, Harlequin Doll – Helen Clark Hays and Ballerina Doll – Lauren Friday - Senior II

Reed Flutes and Soloist - Senior II

Dew Drop Fairy and Demi Soloists - Senior II

Waltz of the Flowers - Senior II

Bakers - Junior II

Candy Canes - Junior II

Party Children - Junior I

Party Children and Fritz - Junior I

Sugar Plum – Olivia George, Nutcracker Prince – Will Porterfield and Clara – Rylee McDuffie - Senior II

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

STEWARD HEALTH CARE BREAKS GROUND ON NEW WADLEY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

On September 15, Steward Health Care broke ground on the new state-of-the-art Wadley Regional Medical Center and previewed renderings of the new facility, which will be located at the corner of University Avenue and West Park Boulevard. Wadley Regional Medical Center has served the Texarkana community for more than 120 years, and the construction of the new hospital combined with the ongoing impact of the hospital’s employee base will result in a total economic impact of $408 million in the two-county Texarkana MSA.

The new $227 million facility – which will feature a Medical Office building and offer a full range of hospital services including a 24/7 emergency room with expanded bed capacity, orthopedics, cardiovascular area, neurosurgery, maternity care, and other outpatient services – is slated to open in the summer of 2024. The hospital will have 123 beds with the ability to expand to 291.

Sharon Ferguson and Betty Webb

Karen Wacha, Lisa Buck, Lisa Campbell and Megan Stanphill

Sundi Kissinger and Kim Foster

Dr. Sanjay Shetty and Laney Harris

Dana Telg, Melanie Karambellas and Derrick Stocker

Katie Lorance, Emily Mahar, Susan Tomberlain and Brenda Dudley

Jean Matlock, Mayor Bob Bruggeman and Mary Hart

David Orr, Craig Glenn and Shelby Brown

by

photo

ROBIN ROGERS

HEALTHY SMILES HAPPY PATIENTSCreate

THE SURGEONS AT ORAL & FACIAL SURGERY OF NORTHEAST TEXAS OFFER UP-TO-DATE SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY WITH THE UTMOST CARE AND COMPASSION

by LINDSEY MCMILLAN

The surgeons at Oral & Facial Surgery of Northeast Texas are actively involved and eager to assist their patients with the utmost care and compassion. Each of the five oral surgeons, along with their office staff, are prepared to provide the highest level of care available. Their services range from simple to complex tooth extractions and dental implants to reconstructive surgery, cosmetic procedures, and treatment of a variety of mouth and facial disorders. With comfortable in-office IV sedation most oral surgery is performed in their office. The practice prides itself on providing the most up-to-date services and technology to best serve each patient. Oral and maxillofacial surgery involves a variety of techniques and care. Each oral surgeon is board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a minimum of four years’ training and specialization after dental school. Some practitioners may also have medical degrees and fellowship training. General dentists and other specialists refer to their office when a higher level of care is necessary, often in the instance of complex cases and involving anesthesia and/or hospital admission. The dentists at OMS NE Texas are capable of accommodating patients comfortably in their office and have privileges at both area hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. The practice also serves the larger Texarkana area, Paris, as well as Southeast Oklahoma and Southwest Arkansas. The only oral surgeons in this area, the practice has served the ArkLaTex for several decades.

Dr. Kirby Bunel has lived and practiced in Texarkana since 1993. A graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, he received

Dr. Kirby Bunel

his post-graduate training at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Dr. Bunel is the past-president, first district of the Texas Dental Association, past-president of the Texarkana Dental Society, and past-president of the Texas Component, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. He is also a board certified fellow of the same organization. In addition, he served for four years on the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Dr. Bunel serves as the group’s longest-practicing partner and is readily available for consultation with colleagues and serves as a mentor to others in the practice. He has long been involved in the Texarkana community in a variety of ways and assists his practice in serving those in need. The group takes part in the Texas Mission of Mercy, sponsored by the Texas Dental Association, which provides free dental care at day clinics hosted around the state. Over the past 10 years, Texarkana has hosted several of these events, and although the pandemic has slowed this effort down a bit, on average $100-150,000 worth of care is provided free of charge to those who otherwise could not afford such dental services. Dentists and oral surgeons travel across the state to participate in these events, and it’s a great source of pride in taking part in this worthwhile cause. Dr. Bunel and his wife, Diana, have two grown children.

Dr. Jacob Duke joined the practice in 2009. A native of Searcy, Arkansas, Dr. Duke is a third generation dentist as both his grandfather and father were general dentists, and his mother and sister are dental hygienists. A graduate of Harding University, Dr. Duke then attended the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis, and after graduation completed four years of oral surgery training at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. While growing up, he witnessed his father’s practice and limitations with complex cases and anesthesia, so he naturally gravitated toward oral surgery. Retired group partner, Dr. Joe James, and the late Dr. Dan Moore were part of OMS NE TX when he joined. He was able to practice for four years with Dr. Moore

and became really close to him and viewed him as a mentor/second dad. He explains, “If someone ever needed help, Dr. Moore would take time to assist anyone in need, and those who knew him tried to emulate this.” The unique legacy he left was an important one, and in regard to the practice’s growth and development he states that Dr. Moore would be very proud. For example, Dr. Duke states that back then, on average their practice would perform 350 dental implants per year. Now that yearly figure is approximately 1,200. In addition, they have the capacity to perform larger scale reconstructive surgery versus general oral surgery and more complicated procedures. Dr. Duke is most proud of the fact that patients often remark about their staff and their high level of care and compassion. Many patients enter their office apprehensive, and right away the staff establishes a level of trust which continues throughout the visit. Dr. Duke does several office-based procedures and is very comfortable with major facial trauma for which he had much experience early in his career. He appreciates the input and referral from local dentists which gives their practice the autonomy to help their patients. He and his wife, Christie, have been married 16 years, and they have two boys, Levi and Wyatt, aged 9 and

Dr. Jacob Duke

11, and a daughter, Margaret, who is 3. Outside of work, his hobbies include church and school activities, and his family likes to gather at their property in Magnolia, Arkansas.

Dr. Zachary Legan joined the practice in June 2017. He grew up in Franklin, Tennessee, with one younger sister where his dad is an orthodontist and chairman of the orthodontic department at Vanderbilt University and his mom a nurse. He loved growing up on a farm and after high school attended Vanderbilt University. Then he moved on to the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis. He completed his oral surgery residency in Shreveport at LSU. He was excited to move to Texarkana which was more like his hometown. His wife, Dr. Jessie Liang, is a urologist with Collom & Carney Clinic, and they have three dogs. Dr. Legan likes to travel, fix up old cars and bikes, and is a dirt bike enthusiast. Along with routine dental procedures, he likes to specialize in facial cosmetics, having had more training in head and neck cancers, including facial trauma. Like his colleagues, Dr. Legan finds that first and foremost is patient satisfaction: “I strive to provide patient-centered care. Although most patients come to me with a specific problem and desiring a specific procedure, I like to step back and develop a comprehensive treatment plan for them.”

Dr. Mary Laura Hastings came into the practice in 2018. Growing up in Mobile, Alabama, she too was very familiar with the dental field. Her dad is an orthodontist and her mother a general dentist. She graduated from Auburn University having studied the premed/dental track and continued to the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. After graduation, she was not sure if she wanted to specialize so she entered a general dentistry residency in New Orleans. In the hospital setting, she gained experience treating those with complex conditions, aiding special needs patients, etc. She had a onemonth rotation in oral surgery and really got into it. She knew that would be four-six more years of training, but really enjoyed the oral surgery residency at LSU in Shreveport. She met her husband, Dr. Wesley Carlisle, there as he is an oral surgeon as well. He is originally from Shreveport, and Mary Laura’s sister also practices there as a general dentist. They wanted to stay in the area and she knew Dr. Legan in residency so he encouraged her to come apply in Texarkana. She really likes working with

Dr. Mary Laura Hastings

Dr. Zachary Legan

other colleagues and enjoys the solid dynamic of their practice. She finds the commute to and from Shreveport a time for her to regroup for the work day. Along with her partners, Dr. Hastings shares the importance of moving forward after the Covid pandemic. Early on when their office was closed, they were only able to aid patients on an emergency basis. During those six weeks, the practice treated approximately 150 people. She is glad to be operating normally after the pandemic while taking universal precautions: “We feel that it’s prudent to be safe and take care of our patients.” Dr. Hastings treats routine oral surgeries and has had specific training in jaw surgery and facial trauma. When not busy in her practice her hobbies include cooking, travel, and spending time with her family on the Gulf fishing and enjoying coastal life.

Dr. Matthew Burks joined the group in 2019 and since then has spent the majority of his time here dealing with the pandemic. He too is glad to be moving on with the return of normal patient volume and performing a variety of oral surgeries and procedures. When he came to Texarkana after his residency, he was able to have

eight months of normal practice prior to the onset of the Covid crisis. Dr. Burks is a Hot Springs native and was familiar with the Texarkana area having traveled here for sporting events while in high school. He attended Baylor University and after college moved to Dallas to attend Baylor College of Dentistry. After graduation, he began his six-year oral surgery residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Burks is happy to share about the practice’s progression within the last two years with advanced technology to assist them with treatment plans. For example, their practice has the same capabilities of any academic surgery center which includes a digital oral scanner which can create a 3D model of the jaw and teeth. This, in addition to a CT scan of the face, allows biomedical engineers to create custom metal plates which allows the oral surgeons to make precise cuts in the jaws to correct and reposition the joints. Dr. Burks says this has been a huge leap in temporal mandibular joint surgery making it less traumatic to the jaw and mouth with less recovery time. Dr. Burks loves what he does and like his partners wants to ensure proper care: “I really enjoy taking the time to listen to each patient’s questions and concerns to help insure they are comfortable with the treatment recommended and what to expect during the treatment process. Every patient and situation is different, and I work very hard to insure I provide my patients with the information they need to make an informed decision about their care.” Dr. Burks and his wife, Valeria, have two children, Catherine who is 3 and Thomas, 2 years old. Valeria is also a dentist, and they met while both were in dental school. His hobbies include occasional hunting and fishing, enjoying the outdoors with his family and two dogs, and dirt biking.

Proudly serving the ArkLaTex region, Dr. Kirby Bunel, Dr. Jacob Duke, Dr. Zachary Legan, Dr. Mary Laura Hastings and Dr. Matthew Burks, are dedicated surgeons who assist their patients in obtaining a beautiful, healthy smile that they are proud to show off.

Dr. Matthew Burks

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

OPPORTUNITIES, INC. GOLF INVITATIONAL

The 32nd annual Opportunities, Inc. Golf Invitational was held September 13 at Texarkana Country Club. This year’s guest speaker was Todd Hamilton, a pro golfer currently on the Champions Tour. Todd is best known for his victory in the 2004 British Open.

The tournament was sponsored by 65 local businesses and partners, led by Platinum sponsor, Eagle Dental Center. Aaron Johnson made a hole-in-one and was the winner of a Rolex watch, sponsored by Alexander’s Jewelers. Braxton Langdon, Robbie Carter, Brad Davis, and Jason Ross won first place. Putting contest winner was Jon Sheppard. Clay Roberts is the recipient of this year’s David Pryor Award. This award is given to someone who exemplifies the mission of Opportunities and has a commitment for children and adults that comes from the heart.

Over the years, the Opportunities, Inc. Invitational Golf tournament has raised more than $2.5 million to support children and adults who have developmental disabilities and the elderly.

Dr. Mark Looney, Mike Kennedy, Royce James and Randy Schmidt

Martha Norton, Judy Morgan, Sherry Young and Joan Carter

Bill, Clay and Kim Roberts

Trish Reed and Jon Sheppard

Connor Ribble, Jason Williams, Ben King and Fred Brantley

Ron Copeland, Trevor Munn, Todd Hamilton, Benton Cater and Corey Jerry

Braxton Langdon, Dr. Robbie Carter, Brad Davis and Jason Ross with Sherry Young

Blake and Jessica Rich with Taylor DeBardeleben and Steven Harvey

Christian Ward, Joan Carter, Char Crane and Sherry Young

David Magness and Todd Hamilton

Sara Weber, Mel Walsh, Stephanie James and Christian Ward

George Burks, Jeff McGuire, Jerry Duncan and Howard Glick

Sherry Young and Char Crane

by

photo

ABBY ELLIOTT

The Life of an ARMY WIFE

by EMILY RANSOM

Women seem to be masters of multi-tasking. I’ve been a full-time working mom, a part-time working mom, an online working mom, having three children, two cats, and last year a group of seven “COVID chickens.” Some of my titles are mom, librarian, soccer coach and dance mom, and family chef, house cleaner, calendar organizer. But add in being the wife of a U.S. Army Reserve soldier, and I absolutely have more on my plate than I can handle alone. While I did not originally expect to live in a small town where I did not grow up, along with a husband who is out of town a LOT, being located in Atlanta, Texas, has been a blessing to our family.

Over our 18-year marriage, my husband has been activated or on trainings for months and weeks at random. Sometimes I was alone, sometimes pregnant, sometimes taking off more sick days than I had to keep a sick baby at home, sometimes holding it together for the kids while we missed him at Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthdays, vacations, dance recitals, and track meets. As soon as he leaves, I can count on the dishwasher, the dryer, or a pet to die. We have a binder that he put together with lists of contacts for the electrician, the plumber, the car shop, and on a more serious note: his power of attorney and will. Other hard parts of deployment are the coming and going. For a few weeks prior to leaving, the soldiers’ minds are on the mission. They start to pull away from the family while mentally and physically preparing to leave. Homecoming is good and bad. Everyone is happy and relieved the soldier is safe, but now the family is used to doing everything without him, and he doesn’t know where to fit in. The process to a new normal takes a while. The soldier and the family members had separate experiences during the deployment and aren’t the same exact people they

<<<

During his deployment in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel during November 2020 to July 2021, Command Sergeant Major R. Travis Ransom received the Bronze Star while he served as the Senior Enlisted Adviser on training and deploying a formation that included 427 soldiers and 87 contractors. He will have served 25 years in the United States Army Reserve in May 2022.

Emily couldn’t stop smiling when she was reunited with Travis at the Texarkana Regional Airport on July 8.

were before. Who is supposed to pay the bills, take out the trash, clean dishes? Toes are stepped on, children are in new phases of life, the furniture has been rearranged … it takes time to grow back together as a family.

While Travis traveled around the world multiple times from Bosnia to Thailand to Germany and most recently Afghanistan, I had the advantage (or disadvantage) of staying home. If he were Active U.S. Army (full-time), we would be living on a military base like Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, or abroad in a foreign post. I love to travel, and sometimes wish we had the built-in support system of other military families living together with common journeys. But what I do have staying in a small town without other military spouses is stability. We don’t have to move homes and schools every three years. I have family in Texas that helps and supports me. I have an amazing church family and a circle of “mom friends” who really stepped up to serve our family while Travis continues his military service.

Sometimes the well-intentioned questions are frustratingly repetitive: “How is Travis? Heard from Travis? When he gets back will he retire from the Army?” Over and over, we say, “He’s fine and wants to stay in the Army Reserve until they kick him out for old age!” The children don’t like to be reminded that he’s not here and missing things. Some days you cry. Others, you get to talk to him and are cheered up.

I thought after all these years, with the children being older and more selfsufficient that this deployment would be easier. He left around Thanksgiving, and two days before Christmas, I stepped off a curb and broke my foot and ankle. Add to that Snowpocalypse with eight inches of snow, no water for days, and broken pipes. For the next 2-3 months, I couldn’t drive. One friend took my older daughter to cross country practice before school for the rest of the school year. The other daughter started riding the bus and found out she loves the predictability of the schedule, and the two drivers are men who attend our church. Friends made us dinner, picked up groceries, brought over a Christmas

Travis with all three of his girls during a surprise homecoming party held in his honor on August 24 at Crossties.

tree, took me to appointments, and kept our family on prayer lists. I can’t thank everyone enough for lifting our burdens.

There are several helpful organizations for military families. Military OneSource offers free counseling and resources such as free tax prep and spouse education and career scholarships. The mission of Our Military Kids is to “support military children (ages 3 - 18) by funding sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities while a parent is deployed with the National Guard, deployed with the Reserve, or recovering from severe injuries sustained in a post9/11 overseas mission. Participation in these activities helps military children cope with stress and build self-confidence during an otherwise difficult time in their lives.” I’ve participated in trainings for spouses of senior leaders that enable me to help other soldiers’ families.

My advice for those looking to support a military family during a deployment is to reach out. It’s a lonely time. The girls and I were a great team but also got tired of just being the three of us! Ask them to dinner or to join you for a movie night. Drop an encouraging card in the mail. Tell them you are praying for them. Ask them if there’s any small house repairs or errands you could do to help them. Those small things mean a lot to the family and the service member. The days seemed endless during the deployment, and now that I’m on the other end of it, I can sort through the events and exist in less of a survival mode. I did not know what to expect marrying a member of the Army Reserve, and there have been ups and downs. But I am proud of the commitment my husband has to the safety and security of our country and the well-being of people under attack in other countries and try to do my best to allow him to fulfill this calling.

Emily Ransom is a librarian at Texarkana College, board member of Leadership Texarkana, the Atlanta ISD Education Foundation, and the Pineywoods Youth Soccer Association, past-president of the Junior League of Texarkana, mom of Coyt, Lucy, and Anna, and wife of Travis.

Travis’ son, Coyt, a graduate student at The University of Texas at Arlington, enjoyed seeing his dad during Travis’ welcome home party in August. This was the first time the two were together since Thanksgiving.

After his recent deployment, Travis surprised Lucy and Anna when the girls completed summer camp at Brookhill Ranch this past July.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TOUGH KOOKIE FOUNDATION ART UNVEILING

The second annual Tough Kookie Foundation Art Unveiling was recently held in the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council’s ArtSpark, located in downtown Texarkana. Family members and friends painted murals in honor and in memory of breast cancer and childhood cancer survivors.

Michael, Kim and Jim Yingling

Mike, Gail and Jimmy Cobb

Darlene Taylor and Katina Levingston

Que’Von Epps and Sha Rowe

Rhonda Dolberry, Katina Levingston and Kay Thomas

Linda and Rodger Hailey

Debbie Nicholas, Georgia Hubnik and Kathy Hudson

by ABBY

photo

ELLIOTT

Cancer Data: A Valuable Tool

AFTER 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OTHERS, CANCER REGISTRY

SERVICES OF TXK, LLC, OWNER DIANNE KETCHUM LOOKS FORWARD TO FOCUSING ON FAMILY DURING RETIREMENT

by AMBER E. WILLMAN

Six letters. It affects most of Earth’s population in some way. Just hearing the c-word strikes fear in folks. It finds an entry point to your body, takes over, and spreads. It holds you and your loved ones hostage. It’s known by many names, but only one name really matters. Cancer.

Your world is turned upside down, and your new oncologist rides in like a knight in shining armor wielding treatment plans and solutions. But before you cast all your hope on this superhero in scrubs, you might be interested to know that he isn’t working alone. Just like Batman has Alfred, medical professionals also have a team who is compiling the details, recording the data, and providing the statistics that go into determining the short- and long-term plans for your treatment. This team doesn’t have a fancy cave or cool gadgets. What they do have is dedication, determination, and passion because what they do matters.

Dianne Ketchum started her career 31 years ago as an abstractor for the Texarkana Cancer Registry. Laws mandate that all malignant cancer cases must be reported to state and national registries. Working to maintain the records of cancer cases from both CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System and Wadley Regional Medical Center, the registry was placed under the umbrella of UAMS with the two major hospitals and 10 area hospitals forming the Regional Cancer Program UAMS-SW Cancer Registry.

In November of 1991, the registry received their first approval from the Commission on Cancer. Dianne’s team “coordinated weekly tumor board meetings at both hospitals where patients’ information could be discussed by a multi-disciplinary group of physicians, and

Dianne and Larry celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 22, 2018.

consensus of care was established for the best possible outcome for the patient.”

“The benefit to the patient is that cancer registry data is sorted by cancer site and stage or extent of disease at diagnosis. This allows physicians and administrators to look at the data and develop quality studies to provide action plans for improvements, such as lung cancer being diagnosed at AJCC Stage 4, and a Lung Cancer Low Dose Screening program was implemented to find lung cancers at an earlier state of disease,” Dianne says.

In 1999, Dianne received a grant from the Arkansas chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The process would take a year, but the goal was to compare local data against regional and national data for breast cancer surgeries and mastectomies. “Data is powerful, and this grant’s activities provided an opportunity to initiate change in the management of breast cancer treatment locally,” Dianne explained.

Further accolades for her work came in 2005. A Japanese film crew chose CHRISTUS St. Michael in Texarkana as a CoC-approved cancer program because of their “approval with commendation” status with the CoC. Because UAMS-AHEC-SW coordinated the cancer program for CHRISTUS, Dianne was asked to coordinate the agenda for the film crew.

Dianne created mock tumor board meetings and mock cancer committee meetings for the film crew to witness. The crew filmed and interviewed the registry staff, and at the end of their visit, they were presented with a key to the city of Texarkana. The documentary aired in Japan, with the cancer registry segment making it to “Good Morning, Japan.”

Toshi, the producer, wrote a book about his experience working with the registry and the hospitals. In a letter to Dianne, Toshi expressed his gratitude, stating that he firmly believed the segment “Questioning and Revising Cancer Medicine in Japan, Part 2” greatly impressed their viewers and “helped further promote cancer medicine in Japan.”

In 2012, Dianne and her team of 15 professionals from various organizations worked together to create a cancer-focused Community Needs Assessment (CNA). This was required by the CoC to meet standards for accreditation. The assessment was first presented to the Arkansas Cancer Registrar’s Association State Meeting and then to two prominent national organizations, The National Cancer Registrar’s Association (NCRA) Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California, in May 2013 and the Commission on Cancer (CoC ) Survey Savvy Meeting in Chicago, June 2013. Her presentation was so impressive, the American Cancer Society requested permission to use it to teach other facilities how to create a community needs assessment.

“The CNA Statement of Need was ‘to identify the needs of the population we serve,

In March 2005, Dianne and Larry visited with the Japanese film crew at Bryce’s Cafeteria.

Dianne with Donna Marlar, Emily Mahar, and Tammy Turner, during her last Cancer Registry Services of Texarkana team photo.

In remembrance of her 31 years of service to the cancer registry, Dianne received this plaque from her staff.

to improve cancer health disparities, and to identify gaps in the resources available to the cancer patients in our community.’ This Community Needs Assessment was intended to assist healthcare organizations and professionals in the pursuit of improving the health and support of the cancer patients in the Texarkana area,” Dianne says.

In 2013, a change in the tide allowed Dianne the opportunity to start her own company. She owned and managed the Cancer Registry Services of TXK, LLC until her retirement August 31, 2021.

“No one wakes up one morning and says, ‘I want to become a cancer registrar when I grow up.’ Most people have never heard of a cancer registry or the duties of a registrar. They normally have not given thought of how the incidence or stage of cancer is reported to both state and national organizations. The work of the cancer registrar is very detailed and requires consistent training and education as research for cancer treatments are always evolving. I have always felt complete and accurate data collection to be such a valued part of the work cancer registrars accomplish since collecting excellent data provides researchers with the information they need in pursuit of the best treatments,” Dianne says.

After 30 years of service to others, Dianne is looking forward to retirement. She and her husband, Larry, have been married for 53 years. They have two children, five grandchildren, and one greatgranddaughter. They look forward to traveling and focusing on their family.

Perhaps Dianne’s staff said it best with the words inscribed on her retirement gift. “May you be proud of the work you have done, the person you are, and the difference you have made.”

Instead of allowing a six-letter c-word to paralyze us with fear, let us replace it with a six-letter d-word that inspires hope. Dianne.

Kathy McDaniel, Christy Dabbs and Donna Marlar, members of the cancer registry team, with Dianne when she spoke at the National Cancer Registrars Annual Meeting in San Francisco in May 2013.

The Arkansas Chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation awarded a grant to Options for Early Breast Cancer in 1999. Pictured are: Dianne, grant director; Joanne Allen, UAMS cancer registry director; and Rebecca Hyatt, UAMS research and grant writer.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

ANGEL FUND FOUNDATION’S PUTT FOR A PURPOSE

The Angel Fund Foundation held its Putt for a Purpose on September 18 at Texarkana Country Club. The Angel Fund Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps local cancer patients financially with their medical treatments.

Drawdown winners were Danny Maxey and Perry Steitler, who split the prize and donated half of it back to the Angel Fund. The Fun Putt winners were Heather Roberts and Troy Branch. Lori Hambleton and Robert Guillory took home the prizes for the longest marshmallow drive. Danny Maxey & The Barn Katz served as the musical entertainment.

Danny Maxey and Perry Steitler

Libby White, Kate Poret, Whitney Burt and Corey Baumann

Tony and Lisa Mize with Tabatha Baker

Tina Babb and Kristi Harris

Bristol and Jennifer Adams

Amber Lawrence and Samantha Mitchell

Lori Hambleton, Beth Morgan and Kim Glass

Stacye Magness and Kelly Payne Jordan, Lani, Kevin, Eugene and Melissa Plunk

Michaelyn and Torin Marracino with Travis and Amber Fenix

Brad Davis and Martha Merrill

Melanie Brookman and Anya Patterson

Allee and Steven Griffith

photo by ABBY ELLIOTT

An Advocate for Children

by ELLEN ORR

WHILE WORKING IN VARIOUS ROLES AT THE CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER, MISSY DAVISON’S GOAL HAS ALWAYS REMAINED THE SAME: TO SUPPORT YOUNG VICTIMS OF ABUSE

For 16 years, Missy Davison has worked for the Children’s Advocacy Center in various roles— family advocate, forensic interviewer, therapist, director. Within an imperfect judicial system and world, Missy has spent the bulk of her career supporting children through the aftermath of abuse.

Growing up, Missy didn’t even know that the Children’s Advocacy Center existed, let alone dream of a career there. In fact, it wasn’t until she took Psychology 101 as a college elective that she realized she wanted to become a mental health counselor. Inspired by a dynamic and caring professor, Missy earned a bachelor’s degree in counseling/psychology from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in 2003.

After working at a youth eating disorder treatment center in Arizona, Missy’s commitment to working with young people was solidified. In 2005, she returned to Texarkana and became a part-time family advocate and then a full-time forensic interviewer at the CAC.

The job of the forensic interviewer is to elicit the most accurate information from young victims of abuse,

without causing further trauma. As of publication, Missy has conducted over 2,000 interviews. The center sees almost 1,000 children per year, a number that has steadily grown over the past two decades. About 85 percent of cases concern child sexual abuse. The remaining 15 percent of cases mostly concern physical abuse and neglect, witnessing violence, and drug endangerment.

“The whole purpose of [forensic interviewing in this context] is to create a safe environment, where [the victim is] not having to tell their statement multiple times, not having to go to law enforcement, not having to go to Child Protective Services and tell what happened. They come [to the CAC], and they only have to tell it one time,” Missy explained. “Giving their statement to the interviewer—that’s hopefully a step toward getting them into a safe environment and a step toward healing.”

Alongside her work as an advocate and interviewer, Missy pursued her master’s degree at Texas A&MTexarkana from 2005-2008. “I loved that program,” Missy said. “I had the best professors you could ever imagine. I was so blessed to be there. I really learned so

much, and I owe a lot to them as far as the therapist I am today.”

In 2008, upon becoming licensed, Missy added “counselor” to her list of jobs at the center. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), becoming nationally recognized in 2020. TF-CBT is only one of multiple therapeutic modalities which she uses; play-based, sand-tray, and art therapies are other ways she helps children survive the debilitating effects of developmental trauma. “I’d describe my style as eclectic,” she reflected. “I like TF-CBT as my basis, sure, but ultimately, I’m just going to do whatever is best for the child in front of me.”

In 2010, Missy became the Program Director. (This year, due to administrative reshuffling, her title has officially changed to Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center.) As an administrator, she supervises all CAC services, offers counseling, and supervises the nonprofit’s

In 2019, Missy was recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for the work she did as a forensic interviewer on a federal child-abuse case. While she does believe that the judicial system sometimes “works for kids,” Missy recognizes that what happens in the courts is largely out of her control. “Justice,” then, cannot hinge upon a verdict.

“Justice, to me, is when a child [comes to] know that [the abuse was] not their fault, that they’re okay, and that they can live a happy, healthy life; knowing that traumas may still come their way, but that they’re a survivor, and they can overcome,” she said. “[Justice is] when a child recognizes and says, ‘This isn’t my fault, I did nothing wrong, and I can let this piece of trauma go away.’ They don’t have to forgive, but they can let it go, and it doesn’t control them. They learn that they can overcome anything and

During a trip to the Smoky Mountains in June 2019, all of Missy’s sisters, nieces, nephews, and parents enjoyed a family vacation and made it up the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower.

Missy and her coworkers during the second annual Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center’s Child Abuse Conference.

become anything they want. Of course, we know that trauma never truly ‘goes away,’ but when it’s not slapping them in the face every day and controlling their emotions and behaviors, when it’s just a little shadow, when they are surviving and healed and moving forward—that is justice.

Missy (second from left) with her parents, Ernestine and Bobby Stout, and sister, Tammy Mason, in April 2019, when Missy was honored by the U.S. Department of Justice for her hard work in helping the U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District Office prosecute a child abuse case.

Gunner, Baxter, and Dudley are Missy and Billy’s “kids with paws.”

Missy and her husband, Billy, with their Border Collie/ Australian Shepherd mix, Gunner, during Thanksgiving 2020.

Missy with her mother, Ernestine Stout, and father, Bobby Stout, at her college graduation after she received her bachelor’s degree in May 2002.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXARKANA REGIONAL ARTS & HUMANITIES COUNCIL (TRAHC) HERO AWARDS

The Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council honored the recipients of its 2020-2021 Hero Awards on September 11 before The Muses’ performance of “Broken Standards” Fascinating Rhythm. These annual awards honor and recognize individuals in the community who work as leaders and advocates for the arts.

This year’s award winners were: Leadership Award – Ron Mills, Arts Partner Award –Patterson Troike Foundation, Arts Champion Award – Treva West and Darlene Taylor, Arts Educator Award – Katy Hays, ArtsSmart Award – Chris Thomas, Young Cool Creatives Award – Jes Weiner, Women for the Arts Leadership Honorees – DeAnna Craytor and Lynn Whitt.

Dr. Charles Fortenberry (TRAHC board president), Darlene Taylor, Katy Hays, Treva West, Chris Thomas, Ron Mills, Deanna Craytor, Lynn Whitt and Jennifer Unger (TRAHC interim executive director)

by

photo

ROBIN ROGERS

Motivated to Make a Difference

IMPROVING THE COMMUNITY PROPELS

SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS ARTS COUNCIL’S LINDSEY HONEA TO STAY INVOLVED

by ELLEN ORR

When Hope-raised Lindsey Honea moved back to her hometown with daughter, Sophia, in tow, she consciously decided that they should be active in community service. Her intention was in-line with the famous JFK-ism: ask not what your small town can do for you but what you can do for your small town. “I thought, ‘Okay, if we’re going to live here, we should try to be more involved,’” she explained. “‘If there’s a chance to do something that might improve the community, then we should just go ahead and do it.’”

As she raised Sophie from infant to preschooler and helped run her family’s business, Main Street Cleaners, Lindsey tried to volunteer as much as she could. But, once Sophie was in grade school, Lindsey felt the tug to dive more deeply into community service.

So, in 2017, when Lindsey was asked to join the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council, she just said yes, despite feeling somewhat insecure about what she had to offer. “I wondered, ‘What could I bring to this organization?’” Lindsey recalled.

Lindsey did not let her humility impede her volunteerism. For the first year, she mostly just did what was asked of her, which was often grunt work—setting up for the annual Holiday Bazaar, for example. However, as a talented organizer and communicator, she was quickly put to work on various committees, connecting skilled people in the community with SWAAC projects.

Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t long before she was convinced to join the Executive Board as first vice president—and then vice president, and then president, and now past-president.

Under her leadership, SWAAC has flourished, even throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last two years, SWAAC has live-broadcasted multiple productions by their new theatre troupe, solicited and distributed kid-made cards for healthcare workers, begun the process of creating a gallery of therapeutic art

for children in the foster care system, and much more. All of this has been made possible in part because of Lindsey’s innate ability to connect with, inspire, and support community partners: the local television station handled the theatre broadcasting, the card project was facilitated with FEMA and the state health department, the arttherapy initiative will be in partnership with Southwest Behavioral Counseling.

As if her work with the Arts Council isn’t enough, Lindsey is also

Several Paint the Pavement community events have taken place at the ARTpark on Division Street in Hope. The goal of the project is to have the sidewalks and parking lot covered with artwork.

Southwest Arkansas Arts Council’s Lindsey Honea, Jason Campbell, and Amanda Lance stand in front of the Kindness Travels exhibit displayed at the State Capitol last March.

During Easter last year, Lindsey spent some quality time with her daughter, Sophie, who she admits is her “happy thought.”

Each week, Lindsey, Jennifer Block, Amanda Lance, and Jennifer Cunningham host a podcast, “Hope Grown,” which features events happening around Hempstead County.

involved in the Junior Auxiliary of Hope and acts as a co-host of the weekly “Hope Grown” podcast, produced by THRIVE Hempstead County.

Community service comes naturally to Lindsey. Her mother, Mary Moses, was a public health nurse who passionately promoted health literacy, often bringing along a young Lindsey to help with tasks like pamphlet distribution. “I honestly hit the jackpot as far as family goes,” Lindsey said. “Both of my parents are some of the nicest, sweetest, most outgoing people. Years ago, around Christmastime, my mother was rear-ended at a stoplight by a lady who had a young son in the car. My mom refused to be seen [by the paramedics] until she knew that the young boy was okay. Then, later on, she learned that the lady did not have auto insurance. Instead of being upset about such a thing she was like, ‘If she can’t afford auto insurance, she can’t afford Christmas for her son.’ So we had to go out and buy toys to make sure that this child had Christmas gifts.”

Lindsey’s mother died in 2017, but her father carries on her spirit of generosity. Combining his own passion for service with his love of barbeque, he and Lindsey formed a 501(c)(3) called Main Street Smokers in 2019. He holds fundraisers for other nonprofits as well as individuals who might need money for things like emergent health care. “In March, when he fundraised for the Unity Youth Group, we sold out 250 plates in an hour and 15 minutes,” Lindsey said. “When this community gets involved in something, they really get involved.”

It’s that eagerness—that “if we’re going to do this, let’s really do this” energy—that most motivates Lindsey. “When I see how hard other people are working to improve our community, that’s what drives me,” she said.

In July, this group of clowns was part of a play called “Calamity at the Circus” which was a Southwest Arkansas Arts Council production involving community theater, arts, and education programs.

Lindsey spent Christmas 2016 with her close-knit family who she admits are some of the best people she has ever known. Pictured with her are her mother, Mary Moses; father, Larry Moses; brother, Eric Honea; nephew, Christian Honea; and daughter, Sophie Finigan.

OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 1

HandsOn Texarkana will host its 13th annual Tapas & Wine event, “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” from 6-9 p.m. on the grounds of the Collins Home. Live music and dinner by Chef Jeff Loving will be featured. Dressing up in 1920s costumes is fun, but optional. Call 903-798-3211 for more information.

OCTOBER 2

United Way of Greater Texarkana will host its annual Battle On The Border at 5 p.m. at On the Border. The Moss Brothers Band will be the opening act, and Desperado, an Eagles tribute band, will be headlining the event. Call 903-794-3105 for additional information.

OCTOBER 2

Oktoberfest 2021 will take place in De Kalb, Texas. Vendors will be set up from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A parade will begin at 10, and a variety show will take place at 5 p.m. Follow De Kalb Oktoberfest Facebook page for more information.

OCTOBER 5

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Golf Tournament will take place at Texarkana Golf Ranch. The event will benefit the United Way of Greater Texarkana. Call 903-7943105 for information.

OCTOBER 9

The 2021 Gathering of Authors will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Circle J Cowboy Church. Activities will include: two dozen authors, kids’ corner, prizes, live auction, food and drinks, a treasure hunt, and vendors. The event will benefit autism awareness. For more information,

visit: www.gatheringofauthors. com or call Tammy Thompson at 903-701-1205.

OCTOBER 10

Temple Memorial Pediatric Center will host its second annual Cornhole Tournament at 1 p.m. at Crossties. For more information, call 903-7942705.

OCTOBER 16

The Texarkana Symphony Orchestra will present “Heroic Voices” in the historic Perot Theatre. Violinist Sharon Roffman will be featured. Purchase tickets by calling 903792-4992 or visiting: www . texarkanasymphony.org

OCTOBER 16

The 2021 Alzheimer’s Association® Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place at Spring Lake Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with an opening ceremony at 9 and the walk following at 9:30. Register at: www.alz.org/walk or contact Scott Finley at scfinley@alz.org

OCTOBER 16

The Tough Kookie Foundation Breast Cancer 5K will be held at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. For information, call Katina Levingston at 903-293-7093.

OCTOBER 19

Runnin’ WJ Ranch will host its 20th Anniversary Party, beginning at 5 p.m. at Twisted Fork. For more information, call 903-838-3223.

OCTOBER 30

The second annual Downtown Fall Festival will take place from 1-5 p.m. at Crossties, 324 E. Broad Street in Texarkana, Arkansas. Activities will include fun for the entire family with games, vendors, pumpkin painting, food trucks, contests, and more.

NOVEMBER EVENTS

NOVEMBER 12

The Texarkana Area Veterans Council (TAVC) will host its annual Veterans Day parade, beginning at 11 a.m. at East Broad and Hazel Streets. Theme of this year’s parade is: “Welcome Home, Afghanistan Veterans.” For more information or to confirm participation, please call

870-773-8279 or 870-773-1078 or e-mail: USMCgreg@aol.com

NOVEMBER 15

The United Way of Greater Texarkana’s seventh annual Uncork Your Support will be held from 6-9 p.m. at Crossties. Tickets are $30/person or $50/couple. The Moss Brothers will provide musical entertainment, and there will be a silent auction and raffle items. Call 903-794-3105 for details about the event.

NOVEMBER 16

The Texarkana Regional Chorale will preset “Requiem” at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The performance will feature soprano

Candace Taylor, baritone Thomas Irwin, and the Chorale Orchestra. Admission is free with donations accepted. For more information, email: txkregionalchorale@ gmail.com

NOVEMBER 20

This year’s Arkansas Country Music Awards Female Vocalist, Mae Estes, will perform at Hempstead Hall. Tickets are on sale through Hempstead Hall’s website (https://www.hempsteadhall. com/events/mae-estes) ; they range from $25 to $35. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the show will start at 7 p.m.

FOR MORE EVENTS

Be sure to subscribe to FSLM’s Feature Friday email to receive more events and last minute announcements. Sign up today at www.fourstatesliving.com

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

NATHAN REITER MAKES HIGHEST SCORE ON THE UNIFORM BAR EXAM IN ARKANSAS

On July 27-28, the Uniform Bar Exam was administered in Arkansas. All applicants who successfully completed the Bar Examination, the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), and completed all other requirements, will be certified to the Clerk of the Arkansas Supreme Court for admission as attorneys licensed to practice law in Arkansas.

Nathan Irving Reiter, from the Bowen School of Law, made the highest score on the UBE administered in Arkansas. A native of Hooks, Texas, Nathan lives in Benton, Arkansas, with his wife, Savannah (Stussy), who is a Texarkana native.

Experts Ask the

CARRIE TRUSTY

Director of Marketing, MRC Cornerstone Retirement Community

What is one of the biggest myths about living in a retirement community?

Most people wait for a life event or health crisis before they make the decision to move to a retirement community. The truth is, you don’t come to a retirement community to die, you come to live and thrive! This is the time to exchange what you have to do with things you want to do. Just think, no house upkeep, yard maintenance, and cooking or cleaning. Suddenly, you begin to realize how much freedom and enjoyment your life can have. Residents at Cornerstone Retirement Community all say, “I wish I would have done this sooner!”

Nathan Reiter

Exquisite INTERIORS

FUNCTIONAL. INNOVATIVE. TIMELESS.

by SUZY TURNER photos by KIM MCMURRY

Pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, and chrysanthemums in shades of orange, yellow, and brown are signs that autumn is finally here. Registered nurse Dana Szymanski and business owner Zack Clapp have embraced the cooler autumn days and transformed their beautiful home into a seasonal wonder by using foliageinspired colors and natural elements throughout.

Built in 2016 by Dakota Taylor Custom Homes, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath beauty is nestled on the outskirts of Texarkana and combines traditional styles with a modern flair. Dana, along with decorator Alicia Woodle, combined their talents to showcase a fall-ready vibe, indicative of the harvest season. Glazed concrete floors by Kyle DeLaughter create durability throughout the entire home.

Since Dana spends quite a bit of time in the kitchen cooking meals, baking pies, and preparing charcuterie boards, her spacious kitchen is a chef’s dream. The massive turquoise island offers a useful food prep space, as well as a place for friends and family to congregate during a meal. Spherical pendant lights from Logan Electric illuminate the area, while granite countertops and stainless appliances add functionality.

The elegant dining table offers seating for eight. Autumnal blooms are used as napkin rings while a coordinating fall centerpiece adds to the tablescape. Gorham crystal and Waterford

china create a formal table setting that catches the eye.

The master bedroom reflects the personalities of the owners. Mementoes from their travel adventures and family photographs are strategically placed all around the room. Neutral tones and geometric patterns are used to create a fashion-inspired mood while the ambiance of the room exudes serenity and tranquility. A beach theme is carried throughout the adjoining bathroom. Seashell prints stand out against the light turquoise walls. A spa tub is situated in a corner offering a reprieve from a hard day’s work while a walk-in shower lends an open and airy feel.

In the center of the home sits the comfortable living area where the family can congregate together to talk about their day. The seating areas are filled with sofas and armchairs placed around the coffee table. Subtle shades of gray and turquoise accent the neutral palette. The brick and stone fireplace serves as the focal point of the room while the mantle is decked out for the season.

Fifteen-year-old Anna Claire’s room is a teenager’s dream. She and her mother recently redesigned her room to fit her emerging needs. White and gray hues create a calm aura while special mementoes are displayed all around her white Ashley Furniture bed. The crown and sash she won as Teen Miss Redwater 2021 are proof of her commitment to her community. Blue cheer

pom-poms are showcased on the shelves, showing her dedication to her school and the Redwater Dragons.

At the front of the home sits 10-year-old Zack’s Texas-themed room, decked out in an orange and navy color scheme. His favorite personal treasures are seen all around his room ... ranging from books, “Toy Story” figures, Legos, toy tractors, and a farm set. His bedroom suite from Glen’s Furniture features a Texas throw pillow and adequate storage drawers beneath it.

A nautical-themed guest bath sits between the kids’ bedrooms, in the chosen colors of red, white, and blue. Red anchor hooks offer a place to hang towels, while a nautically-inspired print reads, “Life is better on the boat.”

The hallway between the bedrooms features photographs and collages of Anna Claire and Zack as children. Both of them have a framed collage of baby items, including outfits, rattles, bibs, booties, and sonogram photos.

A house like this wouldn’t be complete without a great outdoor space. Several wicker seating areas provide great places for entertaining guests or relaxing with family. An outdoor fireplace and outdoor kitchen complete this cozy outdoor living space.

Autumn brings with it a sense of comfort, energy, warmth, and reflection. The timeless design of this traditional home celebrates this solitude of the season while spotlighting its distinctive architecture, innovative furnishings, and the many memorable moments shared by this close-knit family.

by

photo

ABBY ELLIOTT

A Pinch of Salt

by Donnie Spriggs

Whew! What a September. Little life update: I received my diploma this week from Texas A&M-Texarkana, and I can officially close that chapter of my life. It was a long eight years to get a bachelor’s but it has successfully been done. I guess I need to look for my next adventure! I had a lot of people message me on Instagram about this month’s food write-up, all mainly wanting something for Halloween. So, I’ll do two different things: one for the adult Halloween party, and one for the moms and dads helping with homerooms for the kiddies.

First, let’s do something for the homeroom. Now before we get started, if this is something you feel like you just can’t do, always remember to support your local bakery!

We have Dracula’s Dentures recipe to the right. (Well, that’s what my mom used to call them.)

Donnie Spriggs is a longtime resident of Texarkana, Texas.

DRACULA’S DENTURES

Ingredients:

1 tube chocolate chip cookie dough (Toll House is the best)

1 can vanilla frosting (or you can make cream cheese if you’d like)

Red food coloring

Mini marshmallows

Slivered almonds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Roll cookie dough into 1½” balls, and place on baking sheets. Bake until golden, about 12 minutes. Let cool completely then cut in half.

2. Add a few drops of red food coloring into vanilla frosting, and stir until smooth. Spread a thin layer of red frosting onto each cookie half.

3. Place mini marshmallows around the round edges of half of the halves. Place the remaining halves on top, then stick a slivered almond on each side to create fangs.

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!

Now time for the adults!

CANDY CORN SYRUP

Ingredients:

½ cup candy corn

½ cup water

1 tbsp. honey

Directions:

Combine ingredients in saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring continually. Let simmer until candy corn is dissolved. Remove from heat, and let cool.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. Candy Corn Syrup (See instructions above.)

1 tbsp. pineapple juice

Club soda

Vodka

Directions:

Use honey around the rim of the glass, and dip into orange sugar sprinkles. Combine candy corn syrup and pineapple juice and 2 ozs. of vodka in a shaker with ice and shake until cooled. Strain mixture into glass. Add the club soda to finish it off.

As always, I hope y’all enjoy these recipes. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram at pinch_of_salt20.

THE ROAD Tra veled less

BY NICHOLE HOLZE

Fall in the ArkLaTex is a beautiful thing. We’ve begun calling it the “summer we can actually enjoy,” when the humidity dials back, and it’s pleasant to be outside once more. It’s still warm enough to enjoy our favorite lakes and rivers, but cool enough to sleep in a tent and actually sleep rather than sweat in misery all night long.

One of our favorite autumn escape day trips is Cossatot Falls State Park. The river is striking, the turquoise colored water rolling against the huge slabs of granite and marble that mark the rapids. The park itself extends for 12 miles along the river. When the river is high enough, usually after copious rainfall, the area of the falls turns into class IV white water, meant for experienced paddlers only. However, for most of the year the river runs mildly through the falls area. It’s a remarkable place year-round; however, the colors of autumn really set it apart.

Start your trip off with a quick stop at the state park visitor center, located east of Wickes on Highway 278. There you can pick up some maps, learn about the flora and fauna you’ll see while exploring, check out the nature center, and enjoy the wildlife viewing room. There is also a playground and brief nature trail at the visitor center.

From there, head east again on Highway 278 until just past a bridge, and you’ll see a turn off onto a gravel forest road (Weyco Road 52600). It is a bumpy ride, but it’s worth it. Follow the road and the signs for the falls area. At the falls parking lot there is a small campground available; however, there are no hookups and a limit on trailer length. Take a quick bathroom stop then take the trail to the left of the parking lot and go on an adventure! I recommend packing towels, lunch, snacks, plenty of water, sunscreen, bug

spray, and a good book in a waterproof backpack bag. That way you have all you need for a great day of exploring, and your hands are free to scramble to your spot for the day. Water shoes with a strong grip are important, as well as life jackets, even if your children are experienced swimmers. There are some swift moving currents and small rapids in places, and a life jacket is a good idea.

One last tip: stay until the sun dips below the trees and the sky starts to change to the oranges and pinks of sunset. You won’t be disappointed.

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.

MITZI LYNN DOWD age: 48

Occupation: Marketing Director for Ashley HomeStore, Four States Furniture and America’s Mattress

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Call a travel agent and start packing. There are so many places I’d love to see!

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? Right now, I’m always on Houzz or Pinterest!

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? I would wish for a life full of health and happiness for my girls.

TIM O’NEAL age: 57

Occupation: Business Owner

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Give 50% to nonprofits in our community.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? Doing anything productive outside.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? Peace on earth.

At what business could you max out a credit card? Dillard’s.

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “A Very Lucky Girl.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix? Well, nothing on Netflix right now. I’m rewatching “Yellowstone!”

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

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? Pinterest. Life360. Target.

What’s your favorite sport to watch, and which team do you root for? When I have to, it’s probably golf ...

At what business could you max out a credit card? Scheels in Frisco, Texas.

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “Grit.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix? “The Walking Dead” and “Money Heist.”

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

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? Pandora. YouTube. Weather Bug. “

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

I enjoy New York Yankees baseball.

GO-GETTERS AND HEAVY HITTERS ”

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF A MOVER AND SHAKER?

A mover and shaker is someone with infectious energy and attitude, who always has ideas and is welcoming to others. They do what they say they are going to do with integrity and have a genuine desire to influence the projects and the people around them in a positive and lasting way.

Movers and shakers are much more than being financially successful. They are a family-oriented people who are comfortable with who they are. They desire to see others grow and be successful no matter what their nationality or financial status.