Four States Living Magazine December 2021

ON THE COVER - DECEMBER 2021

A foundation of friendship gave Sarah and Lee Medley a solid beginning when they married almost three years ago. Although Sarah’s three kids and Lee’s three kids found themselves in a new environment, they have meshed well and are now known as “The Super 6.” The family looks forward to celebrating this holiday season together and continuing their blended holiday traditions.

See “Family is Built on Love” on page 12.

INSIDE

After receiving a kidney transplant, Pastor Travis Jackson enjoys sharing his miracle with others.

beginning on page 28 FEATURE STORIES

The Way I See It...

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

Why do we get all sentimental at Thanksgiving and Christmas? It is certainly not about the presents or the rush of traffic or the stress that comes from looking for perfection in a constantly changing environment. We become sentimental because the holidays are the times that remind us most of our families, the people who have passed on, and the people who have entered our lives. It’s the time of year when my mother makes candy – Martha Washington chocolates, haystacks, and peppermint bark – that she doesn’t do at any other time of the year. She scents her house with real cinnamon sticks on her stovetop, and has a special gift, wrapped for everybody she loves, even if it is something simple. The point is, her thoughtfulness is beyond any I have ever seen before. Watching my mother (always, but especially during the holidays) is a reminder of the kind of person I still aspire to be. At Christmas, I am ever so grateful for positive female role models in my life, who have made family the top priority.

On Christmas, relatives we rarely see are reunited for a holiday meal and the exchange of family stories. It’s our heritage. It’s the history of our lives.

I’m the picture taker in the family, wanting to document every little thing, from decorating trees to holiday cookies with icing and sprinkles. Looking back at past Christmases, I am struck by the fact

Four St ates Living

that life passes so quickly, even when I don’t feel like that much is actually changing. I don’t feel older, and my tree and décor look about the same as they do every year. But there are subtle things that make me realize a new chapter is coming. Just a few years ago, I had to threaten the kids to get a smile out of all three of them at the same time (usually to the detriment of one crying by the end of “photo fun”).

Nowadays, they are all willing to oblige my camera, as long as I promise not to dress them in identical sweaters (last year, all of our T-shirts said, “Have a Willie Merry Christmas” with Willie Nelson’s face on them; a mom can still try, right?).

My mother, Honey, will keep us all fed throughout the holidays. She’s the real cook in my family, a skill that I am certain she inherited from her mom and my grandmother, Ellen Hart. My grandmother showed love through cooking for others. “Fill the stomach, feed the soul.” My mom enjoys feeding her people like my grandmother did. Now, my children choose to spend an afternoon with Honey preparing their favorite dish with her for our Christmas meal. A Christmas is never complete without those special recipes passed from generation to generation. While the cooking bug skipped me, I’m glad my kids love to cook.

The fun of Christmas and the season has nothing

PUBLISHER Dr. Robin Rogers

EDITOR

Suzy Turner

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kim McMurry

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Victoria Herman

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dr. Robin Rogers

Amy McDonald

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Donnie Spriggs

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Jennifer Jordan

Amy McDonald

Vicki Melde

Ellen Orr

Lisa Porterfield Thompson

Amber E. Willman

to do with getting presents (unless you are a kid), but surrounds the love of family and the memories that are made. For my family, finding the gifts to give is the fun. Shopping for gifts has become an Olympicstyle sport in my world. Gifting thoughtful gifts or creatively selected gifts is so much more important than something terribly expensive or the newest tech item. Last year, my brother had an artist paint my grandmother as a child with her mother (my great-grandmother died at 23, so the painting was from a photo). He for sure won last year.

Family is everything. We are into the last month of 2021, and we are going to celebrate the birth of Jesus with family and friends. Eating, drinking, singing, exchanging gifts, playing cards, and eating some more are part of my plan. I’m also actively patronizing local businesses throughout the month. There are tons of activities planned for December. Get out and support our locally-owned restaurants; take your kids to the parade; see the Symphony. And put the phones away to be present. Gifts will be forgotten, but your presence will not.

I hope you enjoy all we share, and spend as much time as possible with your loved ones this Christmas. Happy holidays, my friends, and as always, thanks for reading FSLM. See you in 2022!

Four States Living Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are $36.00 per year. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material contributed.

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photo by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

FAMILY IS BUILT ON LOVE

by AMBER E. WILLMAN

Blended families are not a new concept. Every couple of decades, Hollywood gives viewers amicable characters, predictable story lines, and warm fuzzies to remind us that family is built on love not blood. The seventies had “The Brady Bunch,” the nineties had “Step by Step,” and more recently Freeform, had “The Fosters.” Unlike Disney, whose wicked stepmothers, and abusive stepsisters, have scarred more than one childhood, these shows encourage viewers to hope for the best. There may be drama, tears, and heartbreak, but there will also be love, laughter, and happy endings.

Lee and Sarah Medley were friends for over 20 years before they married almost three years ago. They met through a mutual church friend, and although their paths crossed occasionally, their friendship was platonic. Then one day, they were both divorced with three kids.

Their foundation of friendship gave them a solid starting point, so they married quickly. Lee and his children moved into Sarah’s house. The kids immediately found themselves in a new, stable environment. Lee’s kids, Marian, 10, Collin, 9, and Caleb, 4, joined Sarah’s kids, Thomas, 10, Coleman, 8, and Marie, 6. Together, they became The Super 6. “Since the kids don’t share a last name, this gave them a sense of family identity and togetherness. They might hate it when they’re older, but right now they take pride in being ‘The Super 6,’” Sarah says.

Unfortunately, about the same time everyone was settling in, the world was shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic. While most of the world dealt with the fallout of isolation and quarantine, this crew enjoyed the family bonding. “Our kids were certainly never bored, and we loved watching their imaginations create games within our house and yard. They created YouTube videos, made elaborate sidewalk chalk creations, drew multi-chapter comic books, created indoor obstacle courses, and spent hours playing in our backyard,” Sarah explains.

Like many families, the biggest blow from the pandemic was the hit to academics. While Lee and Sarah worked full-time, The Super 6 became virtual students. “Virtual school felt virtually impossible. We did our best, but quarantine hit right when one of our kids was diagnosed with dyslexia. So taking him out of school was a huge blow! We were so fearful that the pandemic would put him even further behind, and we worked hard to find online resources to help him until we could get him tutoring in school,” Sarah says.

But transitioning from managing three kids to six was abrupt. As Sarah

NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF BLENDED FAMILIES HASN’T ALWAYS BEEN EASY FOR SARAH AND LEE MEDLEY AND THE SUPER 6, BUT THE CAMARADERIE IS DEFINITELY WORTH IT

All eight family members participated in the Spa City Running Festival in Hot Springs in November.

explains, it seemed like 10 times the work. “Lee and I spent the first year of our marriage sitting down every night to answer the question, ‘How was your parenting today?’ I’m not just saying that; we really did it. It really takes intentional and ongoing planning for helping each child transition and emotionally navigate the world of blended families.”

But it helps to have a great partner. “I knew there were going to be a lot of challenges that I couldn’t predict, but again, Lee and I make an incredible team. We face many difficult scenarios with the kids, but knowing I have a spouse who is going to be by my side every moment until we figure it out is quite comforting and motivating,” Sarah says.

And those scenarios are the kind many families deal with. Each child struggles in different areas. Different houses have different rules. The lack of consistency can be hard for young children. Sarah admits that it takes extra patience and many books. “Books are truly our saving grace at the end of the day. During the pandemic, we latched on to the saying, ‘Books make it better.’ And it is so true! No matter how hectic or stressful the day has been … when we sit down at the end of the day and read aloud as a family, all the stress is stripped away in those moments,” Sarah says.

Every parent knows that the work-life balance is a tricky one. Lee and Sarah live together and work together. They are new owners of Trova Real Estate Services, formerly Columbia Property Management. Trova is a one-stop shop for real estate services, including buying, selling, property management (longterm and short-term rentals), and interior design services. Sarah is also a director for Usborne Books & More. “Outside of Trova, we also invest in and develop real estate projects of our own. We are currently building a 500+ acre tree house nature resort and getaway in Hot Springs called ‘In the Trees,’ which we hope will become a relaxing getaway for people from our region to enjoy,” Lee says.

Juggling so much professionally, how do these two also manage the activities of six children? At last count they had: one piano player, four thespians, two taking virtual animation classes, two gymnasts, one ballerina, five soccer players, two basketball players, four comic book artists, and six bike riders. “That is the #1 question we get asked, and it honestly isn’t easy. The logistics are just insane. In our business, we create systems and procedures for every task, because we know to grow and ‘scale up’ in business, we have to run like a machine. So we run the logistics of our family like the logistics of our business. The kids don’t even realize they are part of a system,” Sarah says.

With holidays fast approaching, Christmas is an exciting time for most families. “Holidays aren’t too difficult once we have to let go of the idea of celebrating EXACTLY on the date of the holiday every

Sarah and Lee were married on February 14, 2019, at the home of Sarah’s parents, Kerry and Alan Ribble. (Photo by Emily Tate)

year,” Sarah says. She explains that holidays with a big family are fabulous. She says it’s been fun learning what each kid’s favorite tradition is from the “pre-blended family” era and combine them into one big set of “blended family traditions.”

“It will probably be years before I make it a holiday season without sending a kid to school in pajamas when it isn’t pajama day, but hey, we are making memories! Oh, and this article you’re reading is now our 2021 Christmas card, so enjoy everyone. It’s all your getting’!” Sarah laughs.

The word family still invokes ideas of a nuclear family. It’s never transporting kids between houses or navigating discipline as a stepparent or having to explain adult concepts to young children. But the definition of family evolving into so much more than a husband, a wife, 2.5 kids, and a dog. Family is brought together by love and affection. Family is making a conscious choice to take responsibility for another person’s physical and emotional well-being.

As Lee explains, “Being a blended family is hard, and it is okay that it is hard. A lot of times the advice we give to our kids is that we aren’t always in the situations we want to be in. We are simply in the situations we are in, and we have to do the best we can from where we are. As parents, our job is simply to love our kids. We love them by trying to give them the tools they need to navigate beside us and eventually to navigate on their own.”

It is parenting in a nutshell. Whether family is whole, half, step, or adopted. Whether family is friends and relations or in-laws and outlaws, the point is making the decision to love and invest in each other. The goal is to raise kids to be productive adults and contributing members of society. If it takes a village, consider moving to The Super 6’s zip code.

Lee reads a book to the boys, Caleb, Collin, Thomas and Coleman.

During the snowstorm of 2021, the entire family enjoyed making their “Snowda” creation.

Sarah, Lee, and The Super 6 enjoyed a floating trip down the Caddo River.

For Halloween 2019, the entire family dressed up as Harry Potter characters. Lee was Dumbledore, Caleb was Hedwig the Owl, Sarah was Prof. McGonagall, Marian was Luna Lovegood, Thomas was Harry, Collin was Colin Creavy, Coleman was Ron Weasley, and Marie was Hermoine Granger.

An active couple, Sarah and Lee repelled down a waterfall in Hawaii last year.

Sarah and Marian sporting their “Books Make it Better” shirts.

Lee, Sarah, and the oldest five children enjoyed the longest zipline in Jasper, Arkansas.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

J. BROWN FOR THE HOME HOSTS JOHN PHIFER MARRS

BOOK SIGNING AND FALL OPEN HOUSE

Jeff Brown, owner of J. Brown for the Home, hosted a book signing on October 28 for John Phifer Marrs in celebration of his newly-published book, “Interior for Collectors.” As a designer, Marrs displays his collections in beautiful and unusual ways.

(Photos by Alamond Photography)

Judge Sherry Jackson Hawkins and Camille McGinnis

Jeanie and Gary Nutter

Judy Morgan and Cassie Jean

Debbie and Cal Partee

Collins Cockerell, Melanie Cockerell, Pat Nance and Mary Ann Oden

Aria Potter and Cassie Jean

Karen Schmidt and Michelle Shores

James Campbell, John Phifer Marrs and Jeff Brown

Stephanie Shuffield and Whitney Fuqua

Doug and Betty Williams

Jimmie Graves, Pat Smith and Tracy Boudreaux

Janis Robbins and Mary O’Farrell

Bryce Lawrence and Kathy Stewart Bennie Phillips and Brenda Williams

Tina Sherman, Debbie James, Jeff Brown and Lou Ann Brown

Becky Bunch, Bertha Shipp, Melissa Keil and Mel Walsh

Mary Ann Oden and Eric Cain

Emily and Gabe Tarr

Joseph Rogers and Tess Baker

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

OPPORTUNITIES FOUNDATION BOARD ANNUAL AUTUMN LUNCHEON

The Opportunities Foundation Board hosted its Annual Autumn Luncheon on November 4 at the home of Judy Morgan. The event was underwritten by Foundation Board Member Dolly Dunklin Marting and benefitted Opportunities, Inc.

Jo Ann Rice and Brittney Brookes

Claudia Bright and Patti Terrell

Lucille Cook and Betty Jo Hays Lesa Asbille and Jess Sparks

Darla Wilf and Robyn Carter

Melissa Harris and Melinda Vammen

Mary Copeland, Collins Cockerell and Beth Pesek

Judge Sherry Jackson Hawkins, Stephanie Wyly, Patti Murphy and Dr. Susan Keeney

Ida Alexander and Amy Havranek

Laura Steele, Tera Wicks, Caroline Cumbie and Rendi Wiggins

Judy Morgan, Sherry Young and Corie Woodman

Corie Woodman, Whitney Fuqua, Danielle Patterson, Taylor Harvey, Char Crane and Sherry Young

Melanie Cockerell and Julia Carpenter

Jamye DeHaan, Becky Bunch, Sylvia Ingram and Mindy Williams

Terri Peavy and Mary Jane Orr

Linda McDaniel and Pam McDaniel

Marianne Hawkins, Katie Andrus and Lyndsey Craig

Cathy Van Herpen, Patsy Morriss, Trish Reed, Louise Tausch and Karen Mittelman

Megan Schroeder and Jeanie Conway

Joan Carter and Judy Morgan

Bess Gamble-Williams and Choctaw Williams

photo by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

In the Right Place at the Right Time

FAITH LIPHAM’S TRAINING AS A NURSE KICKS IN DURING AN OFFDUTY SETTING, SAVING THE LIFE OF A COMPLETE STRANGER

by ELLEN ORR

In 2020, at age 22, Texarkana native Faith Lipham entered the largest portion of the American healthcare workforce: nursing. Despite the occupation’s increasing popularity, the United States has been experiencing a nursing shortage for decades, fuelled largely by an aging population (more demand for health care) and educational bottlenecking (too few resources to educate the many aspiring nursing students).

In addition, nursing is largely undervalued, as is the case with many female-dominated fields. Compared to other careers requiring a commensurate amount of training and skill, care professions such as nursing often offer lower salaries and longer working hours. These factors, compounded by the inherent physical, mental, and emotional difficulty of nursing, contribute to our nation’s deficit of 1.6 million nurses and nursing aids.

Of course, during the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses are up against even greater hurdles. When Faith began her first nursing job in Baylor Dallas’ Cardiothoracic Transplant ICU, “it was like going to war,” she said. “We were super scared. People were dying. Families couldn’t visit. We didn’t know what to expect. It felt like we [new nurses] had been thrown to the wolves.”

At Baylor, many of Faith’s patients were in the hospital for up to six months. Caring for them physically and emotionally during the pandemic was rewarding, educational, and depressing. Faith, who describes herself as “not a city girl,” was exhausted, lonely, and homesick. After talking with her older sister, who is also a nurse, she decided to return to Texarkana, where she took a position in

A close-knit group, Faith and her family took a family vacation to Gulf Shores last summer. With her are her parents, Joe and Becky Lipham; her sister and brother-in-law, Macy and Jake Ackermann with their baby, Henry; her sister, Hallie; and her brother, Cole.

CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System’s Emergency Department.

In August of 2021, after only a few months on the job at the ER, Faith was invited to play trivia at Redbone Magic Brewing one night after work. She drove to the brewery straight from work, still wearing scrubs and that day’s stress. After a couple of hours, right as the announcer was preparing to declare a winner, a woman at a nearby table passed out, falling and hitting her head on Faith’s teammate’s chair. Faith rushed to check on her, and when the woman insisted she was fine, Faith helped her back into her seat—but she didn’t leave her side. “I just didn’t have a good feeling,” Faith recalled. “She said she was fine, but my gut was telling me otherwise.”

Within minutes, the woman went “ghost white.” Her eyes rolled. She was unresponsive to pain, and she had no pulse. “I kind of just went into work mode,” said Faith. She began to perform CPR, all the while instructing someone to set a timer for two minutes. After a full round of CPR, the woman still had no pulse, so Faith continued. “I obviously didn’t have any oxygen or medication or equipment,” she said. “All I had were my hands.” After 3.5 minutes of CPR, the woman was revived.

As EMS carried the woman out of the brewery, staff and other patrons approached Faith, sharing their awe and admiration. Among them was a doctor, who said, “Holy cow, I’m a doctor, but I wasn’t going to get in your way. You didn’t need me. You just took over. You’re a badass.” According to Fox Sports Radio 1400, the Redbone manager said Faith was “clutch”—a term that describes someone who performs under immense pressure.

Faith knows that her experiences in high-stress environments served her well in this situation. “Being in the ICU at Baylor and now having experience in critical situations in the ER at St. Michael have taught me how to respond quickly in life-threatening cases,” she said.

However, for her training and instincts to kick in so quickly and automatically in an off-duty setting surprised even Faith herself. “It is wild

During July 2018, Macy and Jake were married at Ramage Farms in Hooks, Texas. With the newly-married couple are Hallie, Joe, Becky, Faith, and Cole. (Photo by Kendal Dockery Photography)

to me that I made such fast decisions on my own,” she admitted. “I later heard that there were multiple doctors in the area, but nobody came up to me. I just took over. It was such a serious moment, and something clicked in me, like, ‘Oh, yeah, I’ve really gotta do this.’ And so I just kind of threw orders. I was full adrenaline mode.”

As word of the event spread, Faith felt gratitude—not that people were singing her praises but rather that people were reflecting a newfound or renewed understanding of what nurses do every day. “It wasn’t just about me saving a life,” she said. “Becoming a nurse in the midst of a pandemic has felt challenging and even hopeless at many points. This event reminded me to stay inspired, hopeful, and proud to be a nurse. This circumstance, while certainly humbling, really just represents the work nurses do every day.”

Even though being a nurse is very challenging, Faith has stayed hopeful and proud that she has chosen this profession.

Faith and her older sister, Macy, and at Faith’s graduation from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in December of 2019. Both Macy and Faith attended Eleanor Mann School of Nursing.

On September 3, 2019, the Liphams gathered friends and family together at their farm in Wamba for Macy’s gender reveal.

Faith was surrounded by family during her graduation from college. With her are her mother, Becky; brother, Cole; sister, Hallie; sister, Macy; and father, Joe.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

SALVATION

ARMY RED KETTLE AND ANGEL TREE KICKOFF

On Friday November 5, the Salvation Army celebrated its annual Red Kettle and Angel Tree Kickoff at Central Mall. The festivities were held at the Salvation Army Angel Tree Booth in front of the Dillard’s store. In attendance was the Nash Elementary School Choir singing their favorite Christmas songs, the Texas Salvation Army Brass Band from Dallas playing Christmas music, and The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary who adorned the Christmas tree with “ready-to-be adopted” angels.

Alana and Felishia Trotter

Sarah Munoz and Sann Terry

Chris Garvan and Juan Gomez

Angela Taylor and Crystal Smith

Ghodard Diavangama, Sara Elliott, Manny Munoz and Matthew Broome

Clara and Anna Gomez

Sonya Freeze, Noelle King and Khloe Love

Jada Martin, Shan Fulks and Kaleigh Fulks

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

HOSPICE OF TEXARKANA HOSTS VETERANS DAY “CARE-A-VAN”

As part of the “We Honor Veterans” program, Hospice of Texarkana hosted a “CareA-Van” drive-through for five assisted living facilities on Veterans Day with police escort. In attendance were East Texas Patriot Guard Riders, active duty military who provided a military salute to veterans, patriotic service songs, Pledge of Allegiance, antique cars, Hospice of Texarkana military volunteers, and various veterans groups including the local chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America. Facilities included in the drive-through parade included Cornerstone Methodist Retirement Communities, Brookdale Senior Living, The Oaks Assisted Living Center, The Waterton, and Cowhorn Creek Estates.

Reagan Bevers and Maggie Grace

Glen Wilyard and Christine Bevers

Richard Arthur

photo by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

Gift The Gift of Life

AFTER RECEIVING A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT, PASTOR TRAVIS

JACKSON ENJOYS SHARING HIS MIRACLE WITH OTHERS

During this wonderful holiday season of giving, examples of generosity abound. Many are moved to share their blessings with others by providing food, clothing, and gifts for those who need a bit of extra help. While their generosity is quite admirable and certainly makes the holidays brighter for the recipients, in most cases, it isn’t necessarily sacrificial. Sacrificial giving involves parting with something that is very precious to the donor – perhaps a treasured family heirloom.

Many people choose to register to be organ donors upon their death, and while they have made their wishes clear, it is still a sacrifice for a grieving family member to face that decision in the midst of tremendous loss. When a family member or dear friend needs an organ transplant, some even offer to donate a kidney to their loved one. It is quite rare, however, when an individual chooses to be an altruistic donor – one that makes the decision to give a kidney without knowing who the recipient will be. Such an act definitely merits the term sacrificial giving.

A local pastor was the fortunate and immensely grateful beneficiary of such a gift two and a half years ago. Travis Jackson was an active and healthy 29-year-old pastor with a beautiful wife and a fabulous life. Travis and his wife, Whitney, started dating in high school. After high school, he attended Ouachita Baptist University where he played by VICKI MELDE

baseball and football. He later transferred to Texas State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in political science.

Growing up in Hooks, Texas, Travis was raised in a close family which includes his sister, Kelsey. “I have a lot of great memories growing up,” Travis shared. “Most of them center around being around family and friends.” He was a typical teenager – but his life changed at age 17. “I got saved at 17 and started serving at my local church,” he recalled. “I loved Jesus and wanted to tell everyone about His love. In my 20s, as I began to grow and mature in my faith, I felt God leading me more into vocational ministry. God opened several doors for this to happen.” Travis earned his master’s degree in theology from Regent University and is currently pursuing his doctorate. He has been in full-time vocational ministry for over 15 years and can’t imagine doing anything else.

One day, at age 29, Travis began to feel unusually tired. He was shocked when a blood test revealed that he had kidney failure. After a biopsy and testing, he was put on medication to restore some of his kidney function. Unfortunately, this didn’t solve the problem. “At the time, I had 50% function,” Travis explained. “The plan with my doctors was to monitor my blood every three months and, hopefully, the function would remain around 50%. 50% is not great, but it’s not terrible. So that’s what we did for the next three years – we lived a normal life. We had babies, traveled around the word, and just lived life.”

Then one day Travis began to “not feel so good.”  He was tired and had no energy.  He had a low grade fever for several days.  “When I finally went to the doctor, my blood work was really bad, and I was rushed to the hospital for a spinal tap,” Travis remembered.  “After testing, it was determined I had been bitten by a disease carrying tick.  That’s not good for someone with autoimmune disease.  My kidney function went from 50% to 10%.  10% is not good.”

From there the Jacksons met with Dr. Hemphill here in Texarkana.  It was determined that Travis would soon need to get on a kidney transplant list and would need to start dialysis.  “We ended up walking down my kidney function from 10% to 5%, and then I began peritoneal dialysis,” Travis explained.  “I will be honest; this was a gut punch to me.  I never thought I would have to be on dialysis. I never thought that I would need a transplant.  But here I am. I am 32 years old, I have two young children, and I am on dialysis.  I can’t play with them like I want to, and I am always

Even though temperatures dipped down below freezing in February 2021, the Jackson family enjoyed the cold weather while playing in the snow.

tired.  I’m not able to be as active as I want.  I can’t throw my kids in the air.  It was tough.”

Travis continued, “But through the whole process, God was there!  God never said that things would be perfect for the believer, but He said He would be there for us.”  Travis was on dialysis for almost two years, and there were times when he was upset and frustrated, and probably depressed, but God was there. “For years as a pastor, I have prayed with people and walked people through tough situations, but I had never had one myself.  To some degree, I believe that your faith can only be proven through situations that you don’t know the outcome of.  Though these were the two hardest years of my life, they were also a time when my relationship with God was better than any time before.  I truly learned to trust God!”

Travis’s journey gave him a different level of compassion for people that are hurting and going through pain.  Throughout this time, he prayed Isaiah 41:10: Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God: I

The Jacksons say this picture shows 10-week-old Trinity throwing up one last prayer for her father right before Travis was wheeled back for surgery.

Travis meets Thomas, the donor, for the first time unexpectedly in the hospital waiting room one week after his transplant surgery.

will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.   “Things in my life were not perfect; I had a tube hanging from my abdomen to my knee, I had gained 50 pounds, and I was doing manual exchanges every four to six hours.  I felt really slowed down in life, but God was still good, and He was with me. He was still on His throne!”

During the two years of being on dialysis, Travis was also on multiple transplant lists.  He also had over 200 people who were willing to give him their kidney.  Seventy-five people were tested to give their kidneys, but none were a match.  During the spring of 2019, dialysis was not working as well, and they were about to increase the dosage of his dialysis.  “But I got a phone call,” Travis emotionally shared.  “This phone call was from the Transplant Coordinator in Little Rock.  They said they had a healthy man that was donating his kidney, and they thought I would be a good match.”  The next day Travis and Whitney went to Little Rock where he got a port placed in his neck. He underwent a couple of rounds of plasmapheresis, and two days later he received a kidney transplant.  In a six-hour surgery, the problem that Travis had for six years was over.

“As an altruistic donor, the gentleman that gave me his kidney didn’t know the person he was giving a kidney to and didn’t want to know,” Travis explained.   “During my one week post operation appointment, lo and behold I got to meet him!  This was not a planned meeting. He was in the waiting room, and my wife and I were in the waiting room.  I was not feeling good at all. In fact, I was in a wheelchair in a lot of pain.”

People began talking about when they had their transplant.  One man said four weeks ago, one woman said two weeks.  Whitney told the people around that Travis had received his kidney one week ago.  “There was a man sitting across from my wife,” Travis stated.  “She asked him when he received his kidney, and he quietly told her that he didn’t receive a kidney, but gave one.  How awesome is that!  My wife looked at me, and I said aloud, ‘I have yours.’”  Travis immediately stood up and gave him a hug.   A couple of months later, the donor’s family and the Jackson family ate lunch together (and have done this several times since then).  “During this meeting, I asked him why he would give his kidney to someone he didn’t know,” Travis shared. “I can understand giving someone $20, but a kidney?  What Thomas Burchfield said has literally changed my life: ‘I gave the kidney because God told me to.’  I don’t know how people can deny that there is a God.  I am walking, living proof that God still does miracles. When I was really struggling and hurting, God was working it out.”

Not only was God near to Travis during this challenging time, Whitney was by his side though she admitted it was very difficult to watch her “super healthy husband” decline in health so quickly. “I think it’s hard to watch anyone you love walk through something difficult because you feel helpless.  I can remember holding my 1 and 3 year old, praying for him, and thinking, what does the future hold? In that moment, I was reminded by a scripture I just purchased for my wall - Jeremiah 29:11: ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ So I declared every day we would have hope and a future.”

Whitney expressed deep gratitude for Thomas and his wife, Alexis. “Because of his sacrifice, Travis has a new life. He is able to be the best Daddy to our children (Gabe – 8, Aslyn – 6, Trinity – 2, and a foster baby that is 7 months old) and a loving husband to me. Words can’t express how thankful we are.”

She also gives glory to God for being their strength in times of trouble and their peace in the storm. “When Travis’ dialysis was not working well, I can remember crying out to God for a miracle and nothing was happening. Little did I know, like the song says, even when you can’t see it, He is working and when you can’t feel it, He is working. God was preparing a donor for us all along, and in a moment we were able to step into that miracle!”

Whitney shares that Travis is the best father to their children: Gabe, Aslyn, and Trinity. (Photo by Jake Driggers)

Whitney and Travis on the first dialysis treatment he received in October of 2017.

Travis and Whitney are so thankful to God for Travis’ miracle of life.

The Jacksons took their first family trip two months after Travis’ kidney transplant.

This past May, Travis, Whitney, and their kiddos celebrated Travis’ two-year anniversary post-kidney transplant.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

LONESTAR HEALTH & WELLNESS TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

On November 14, LoneStar Health & Wellness celebrated its two-year anniversary. Giveaways and specials took place throughout the day, and Sugar Mill Bakery & Events provided refreshments.

Samantha Stokes and Rachel Rhodes

Abigail Madden and Lisa Madden

Ashley Boone, Rachel Flurry and Michele Harrist

Samantha and Jason Harris

Samantha Hughes, Callie Breshears, Samantha Harris and Justin Horn

Halie Brooks, Clarissa Wilson and Garrah Hanna

Morgan Hinman, Lauren Gortney and Nikki Wilmoth

Courtney Davis, Tina Whitt and Candice McIntosh

Debbie Ibrahim and Melissa Mulholland

Ali Sanders and Magen Smith

Miranda Baugh and Samantha Harris

Emily Pirtle and Lesli Flowers

PHOTO BY AMY MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY

A PROACTIVE PREVIVOR

AFTER LEARNING OF HER HIGH RISK OF DEVELOPING BREAST CANCER, NIKKI KITCHENS MOORE ELECTS TO UNDERGO A PROPHYLACTIC DOUBLE BREAST MASTECTOMY

by AMY MCDONALD

Previvor is a word that is not known by all, but for Nikki Kitchens Moore, this word is powerful, deep and life-altering. With Nikki’s determination to have a bright healthy future and continue to see her son growing up, she is now a previvor. Her perseverance and determination to get through the past year and a half has brought on surgeries, tears, and triumphs!

Growing up in Umpire, Arkansas, Nikki fondly remembers living on the family farm and tending to chickens, cows, goats, horses, among other animals. She would have to do farm chores to receive an allowance or to help pay on her vehicle once she was old enough to drive. Working on a farm as a child, Nikki was raised knowing what hard work truly was.

After her senior year of high school and graduation from Umpire Public Schools, Nikki went on to college at Southern Arkansas University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Business and Agriculture. The years she had spent living on the farm and tending to her chores led her to go in the direction of agriculture in college. Things can change though from the original plan.

A couple of years after graduating college, Nikki knew that she wasn’t on the right career path for herself. She ultimately decided that she wanted to go into Emergency Medicine after spending years as a first responder in her hometown. “My dad and my uncles were volunteer firefighters in Umpire. I love helping people, and when you live where we live, it’s 35 minutes or so for an ambulance. I enjoyed my time as a first responder.” This led Nikki, at the age of 23, to enroll in the EMT program at Texarkana College.

Nikki and her son, Jacob, after the Outlaws won back-to-back conference titles on November 5 at the Dierks football field, The Holler

Since graduating from the EMT program at TC, Nikki has gone on to gain certifications as a nationally registered EMT in Texas and Arkansas and has received certifications in pediatrics, neonate, trauma, geriatrics, advanced medical, stroke care, and advanced cardiac life support. She is currently employed full-time with Pafford Medical Services as a recruiter for all medical positions. And also works part-time with LifeNet EMS and Signature Care ER. “Working in the ER is a whole different type of care than it is working on the truck,” Nikki stated. “I really enjoy it!” Nikki is currently busy trying to recruit for Pafford Medical Services through their Virgin Islands contracts, recruiting all positions for hospitals and EMS there.

As passionate as Nikki is about helping others and working in the medical field, her whole heart, soul, and passion is for her son, Jacob. A senior in high school at Dierks, Jacob is the light of Nikki’s life. Right now, he’s staying busy playing football for the Dierks Outlaws, and Nikki loves showing her support for her son and the team! He’s also preparing for college coming up, and Nikki is emotional about that new path Jacob will begin soon. He has been the main reason she has fought ahead and became a previvor.

In June of 2020, while in the shower one day and having a deep conditioning treatment on her hair, she unintentionally felt something on the side of her left breast. “I felt something that wasn’t normal, and I wasn’t doing a self-breast exam. I was truly just taking a shower and conditioning my hair,” Nikki remembers. “I was like, ‘what is that? That’s not normal. That shouldn’t be there.’ I immediately got out of the shower, covered in soap, with conditioning treatment in my hair and went and laid down on

Dr. Yara Robertson (left), breast surgeon from CARTI Cancer Center, and Dr. Melanie Prince (right), plastic surgeon from Prince Plastics, with Nikki on July 30, the day following her mastectomy.

my bed and did a self-breast exam.”

Nikki had her yearly appointment already scheduled with her OB/ GYN the following week, so she didn’t have to make an appointment after discovering the suspicious spot. Once at her OB/GYN appointment, the doctor agreed that it felt odd and scheduled a mammogram for Nikki at the Wadley Breast Center. “I went in for that mammogram, and they said that they were going to do about 10 images on each breast. And they told me I needed an ultrasound and immediately took me back. I wasn’t expecting that,” Nikki said.

After the ultrasound was completed, the tech went to get the radiologist. Dr. Trippe then let Nikki know that there were some areas that either needed to be biopsied or they could start with a breast MRI and get a surgeon onboard. Nikki agreed to the breast MRI. “I don’t know any general surgeons, so I wanted the best. I asked for Dr. Mark Sutherland, who is in my opinion the best trauma surgeon in Texarkana,” Nikki stated. An appointment was scheduled with Dr. Sutherland, and Nikki visited with him in August of 2020. Because of Nikki’s medical background, she personally knows this doctor and knew he would take excellent care of her. He ordered the breast MRI after an examination. “He told me that my insurance would deny my breast MRI because of my age. There is still very much a stereotype behind that mammograms shouldn’t happen until you’re 40 years old. Even though technically, if you have a family history of breast cancer, you should start getting mammograms when you are 35. And I have significant family history of breast cancer on both sides of my family, paternal and maternal.” The breast MRI was initially denied by insurance, just as suspected. But the doctor had already prepared and filed a rebuttal. Two days after the rebuttal was submitted, insurance approved. And the very next day, Nikki had the breast MRI done at Wadley Breast Center. While waiting on the results of her breast MRI, Nikki had genetic testing done. The results of the genetic testing showed that she was a carrier of the CHEK2 mutation. “I was actually told that my CHEK2 mutation was nothing and that I didn’t need to worry about it. Those are the two main genes associated with breast cancer. And most people only know about BRCA. CHEK2 is not talked about but it is a very prominent gene in breast cancer,” Nikki said. After the breast MRI results came back, along with the genetic testing results, she met with Dr. Sutherland again. “He pulled up his chair and sat down beside me and told me that between my MRI and my genetic testing results, I needed to have a prophylactic double breast mastectomy, because it wasn’t ‘if’ I got breast cancer, it was ‘when’ I got breast cancer. That was really hard to hear. So, I sat there and cried, and he let me cry. Then he told me, ‘I’m going to give you the best piece of advice I can give you as a trauma surgeon. You need to ‘date’ your surgeons, because these are the people who will affect the rest of your life. Because for the rest of your life, you are going to take your clothes off, you are going to look in the mirror, and you will see nothing but scars. You don’t want to hate the person you see in the mirror,’” Nikki remembered. “So I did. I took that piece of advice and I ‘dated’ surgeons. In fact, I ‘dated’ 18 surgeons before I picked who my surgeon was.” She visited with surgeons across the Four States area, all the way from New Orleans to Fayetteville to Oklahoma City. Nikki ultimately decided on one breast surgeon and one plastic surgeon both in the Little Rock area.

Nikki’s breast surgeon, Dr. Robertson, at CARTI Cancer Center is heavily involved in cancer research and understanding genes. As Nikki remembered back, “She told me, ‘You are absolutely making the very best decision that you could make for yourself. CHEK2 is a prominent gene for breast cancer.’ So, for me to have heard that it wasn’t anything to worry about from pretty much every other surgeon I had met to now hearing CHEK2 is a huge deal was very reassuring.”

On February 22, 2021, Nikki had her first surgery, a partial mastectomy. “It was to go in and cut out the areas of concern because I wanted to do

Nikki’s best friend, Michelle Weerts, was a tremendous help to her after her surgery by helping her shower, wash her hair, and change dressings.

a prophylactic nipple-sparing mastectomy. Most cancer patients aren’t able to keep their nipples, but with mine being prophylactic, I wanted the chance to keep mine,” Nikki stated. Then on July 29, she had her complete mastectomy with expander placement. “Recovery was really rough. You don’t realize how much women associate their self-image with their breasts until you don’t have yours anymore. I have expanders placed now, but it’s still not the same,” Nikki added. Sometime this month, Nikki should be having her final plastic surgery with Dr. Melanie Prince of Prince Plastic Surgery in Little Rock. This surgery will be to replace the expanders with breast implants. She is incredibly thankful to have such an amazing and

caring support system of family and friends at home to help her get through her times of recovery.

The definition of previvor, according to CARTI Cancer Center is “someone who has an elevated predisposition to being diagnosed with cancer due to a risk running through their family.” The term is meant to explain how many of these people feel about having a higher chance of developing cancer, and the struggles they go through to navigate the distinction. But for Nikki Kitchens Moore, the word previvor means “the opportunity to still be here for my son. Because I knew that there was something I could do to prevent and not risk taking me away from Jacob.”

Following her surgery, Nikki’s friend, Amber Davis, drove her to get pedicures and to doctor appointments.Two of Nikki’s biggest sources of strength throughout her journey are her son, Jacob, and father, Dennis.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

ENCOMPASS HEALTH REHABILITATION HOSPITAL HOSTS PUPPY PARADE

Last year, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Texarkana found the perfect solution to help lift the spirits of its patients by hosting a fun Puppy Parade. On November 16, staff members and friends once again gathered with their pets to spread “paws-itivity” throughout the Encompass community.

Tiffannee Watson with Ellie May

Kimberly Jones with Desi

Jeff and Billie Pritchett with Shipley

Shane Powell with Simon

Angela Stephens and Harli

Lexie Robinson and Sarah Robinson with Ryker

Cara Jones and Biscuit

Tamere Chafine with Lucy and Makenna Chafin with Bruno

Harlo McCall and Elizabeth Boyd

Morgan Pritchett with Ranger

photo by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

FULL OF HEART

AS PARENTS, BUSINESS

OWNERS, FOSTER PARENTS, AND EMPLOYERS, NICKI AND DAVID OLIVER ARE SELFLESS IN THEIR COMMITMENT TO TAKING CARE OF OTHERS

by LISA PORTERFIELD THOMPSON

When trying to describe Nicki and David Oliver, owners of The Dugout, one word comes to mind: heart. It’s apparent to anyone who meets them they have heart—a heart for their family, a heart for their customers, a heart for their employees, and certainly not least, a heart for helping others.

Together, Nicki and David have a Brady Bunch family. The two married after both were divorced from 18-year first marriages. He had two daughters and a son, she had three sons, and they married in September of 2014 and had one son together.

David was a Navy veteran employed at Red River Army Depot. Nicki was in the midst of raising three boys, (an 18-yearold, 13-year-old, and 7-year-old) when the two started their life together. It wasn’t long after the two got married and united their blended family that David introduced the idea of owning a restaurant.

“He’s not afraid to do anything,” Nicki said. “He had a friend, Randy Latham, who owned Randy’s BBQ and Smokey Joe’s who he helped on his days off. Eventually, when Randy was ready to be out of the restaurant business, it led to an opportunity to

Huge baseball fans, Nicki and David attended a NLCS championship game between the Dodgers and Braves in October 2020 at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

walk into a fully-furnished turnkey restaurant, and that’s just what we did.

“David pushes me out my comfort zone constantly,” Nicki said. “I was six months pregnant and had no restaurant experience other than waiting tables, but hey … why not?” Shortly after opening The Dugout in October 2015, the couple welcomed their son, Deacon, who is now 5 years old.

Nicki grew up in Fouke and worked on the Texas-side before owning the restaurant. “I’d never really explored this side of town,” she said. “I always left home, and drove straight to work, so I never even knew anything existed over here.

“When we started crunching numbers and figured out we needed to sell 75 hamburgers a day, I thought there was absolutely no way. I never believed it would happen,” she said. “And then it did.” The location they started out in was tiny, the former Randy’s BBQ at 3809 East 9th Street. The menu was also small in the beginning, but has expanded over time. “The customers started asking us to fry fish, so we tried it on Fridays, and it really took off,” Nicki said. “We expanded to the weekends, and then the customers started asking for it every day of the week, so now we have fish, every day!”

The Olivers outgrew their original location fairly quickly. “We started seeing people open the door, see the crowd, and turn around and leave,” David said. “So, we knew it was time to find some place bigger. In our old place we’d have standing room only on Fridays and Sundays, and when God opened a door to relocate, we quickly seized it.”

The Olivers went from employing just over 20 people to 48 current employees. “We have a bunch of hardworking people who have been such a blessing,” David said. “They’ve helped us be successful, and

Nicki and David’s oldest son, Nathan Chamblee, married Lucy White on September 28, 2019. Family members pictured are: Ethan, Nicki, Nathan and Lucy, Ashton, and Deacon. (Photo by Lela and Lyla Photography)

The Olivers’ oldest daughter, Madison, married Brett Rhinehart on October 3, 2020. With them are: Nicki, Mallory, Deacon, David, Dawson, and granddaughter Peyton.. (Photo by Lexie Wood Photography)

we couldn’t have done this without our employees.”

Nicki adds that the success of their business over the last few years has been steady and spurred by loyal customers and new ones. “During COVID, our sales went up instead of down,” she said. “The delivery side of things has been big for us, making daily deliveries to several businesses in town. Now we’re faced with increasing food prices, which will cause our menu pricing to change, but we will do our best to keep providing quality food and a great experience.”

“I’ve always wanted to own a burger restaurant,” David said, “and we’re about to expand again.” Plans are currently in the works for the Olivers to add a new pizza restaurant in 2022.

Nicki and David were married in Gulf Shores, Alabama, in September 2014.

Celebrating Christmas is a family affair for the Olivers. In 2017, the entire gang got together for the holidays, including Ethan Chamblee, Nathan Chamblee, Ashton Chamblee, Nicki, Deacon Oliver, Dawson Oliver, David, Mallory Oliver, and Madison Rhinehart.

Deacon, David and Nicki during a Houston Astros game at Minute Made Park.

Expansion on the business front isn’t the only thing keeping the Olivers busy. In March of 2021, the Olivers became foster parents, first provisionally fostering a family member, and then transitioning into one of only eight foster homes in Miller County. “There are over 130 foster kids in Miller County that need a place to stay,” Nicki said. “Since there are so few homes available, a lot of them end up going to Little Rock, away from everything they know. When we went through foster parent training with The Call, and learned that it’s just as easy as giving someone a bed to sleep in for one night to avoid an overnight stay at the CPS office, we knew what we were supposed to do. We’ve had foster kids ever since.”

The Olivers have had six foster children come through their home so far, including two newborns at the same time. “We try to keep the foster kids younger than our son, Deacon, who is 5,” Nicki said.

“He [Deacon] is so great with fostering, rolls right with it, talks about his foster siblings, and has a soft heart,” David said.

“The thing I wish everyone knew is that sometimes these foster children come to us with nothing,” Nicki said. “When I got a call that I was going to foster a newborn girl, I had to go find the items I needed to take care of her. It was like starting completely over, and when you donate to organizations like For the Sake of One or The Call, it really does help.”

The Olivers are full of heart. When talking about their own children, their foster kids, or their employees and customers, its no secret that each of the subjects hits close to home. The couple is selfless in their service to community and others.

“It’s knowing what you’re doing to provide for the child,” David said, “Knowing that for tonight or today or for a little while, that baby has everything he needs— that’s what it’s all about.”

The Dugout received the Four States Living Magazine Best of Texarkana Award for Best Burger in 2021.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

TEXAR PRESENTS LOCAL BANDS, LOCAL BREWS, LOCAL BITES

TEXAR presented Local Bands, Local Brews, Local Bites on November 4 in Downtown Texarkana in front of the Historic Perot Theatre. Musical entertainment was provided by Split Decision, while drinks and dinner were available at Pecan Point Gastropub & Brewery.

(front row) Vicki McDowell, Anita Bland, Kelly Hagan and Lizzie Jones; (back row) Keely Bledsoe, Summer Nelson, David Crenshaw, Bianca Byers, Lorie Owen, Tonya Jones and Cheryl Gildon

WRITING AND PRODUCING

CHRISTIAN MUSIC EARNS

TEXARKANA NATIVE KYLE LEE

MANY ACCOLADES, INCLUDING GRAMMY AND DOVE AWARDS

photo by ELLIOTT EICHELDINGER

Sharing his Gifts with the world

by JENNIFER JORDAN

Dick Clark once said that “music is the soundtrack of your life.” This sentiment aptly describes Texarkana native Kyle Lee. From his roots as a local musician to his current work producing and co-writing award-winning Christian music albums in Nashville, one could say that God and music guide Kyle’s life.

Kyle’s interest in music developed when he was young. “My grandfather Jesse was the first one to put me in front of instruments like piano, guitar, and bass when I was around 5 years old,” he remarks. Kyle’s dad was another influence who shared his love of music and broad tastes with his son. “Those two relationships became the creative bedrock on which everything else was built upon ... a deep love of all genres of music, and a handson experience with instruments, and how they interact to create the music we love,” Kyle states.

Kyle’s family also helped to provide a connection to his future wife, Shelly, whom he met in high school at a Bible study he led out of his home. Shelly grew up in Hooks and graduated from Hooks High School in 2000. Kyle relates, “Shortly after we met and were getting to know each other, we discovered that when Shelly was younger, she used to see a boy on a tractor across the street from the house she grew up in. We came to find out it was me!” Kyle’s grandparents owned several acres of land with cattle across the street, and he spent a lot of time out there helping them. While in high school, Kyle joined the

Matt Redman, Michael W. Smith, Kyle, and Tauren Wells backstage at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 12, 2021. This was a live recording Kyle produced for Michael W. Smith called “Worship Forever” (a 20-year anniversary of the first worship project titled, “Worship”). (Photo by Brody Harper)

Kyle works alongside Michael W. Smith and arranger/conductor David Hamilton while recording the orchestra at Ocean Way Studios Nashville for the “Worship Forever” live recording event. (Photo by Brody Harper)

Texarkana band, Pocket Full of Rocks. He stayed with the band after graduating from Pleasant Grove in 2001, ultimately deciding not to finish college and instead tour with PFOR. He and Shelly married in 2004. Pocket Full of Rocks signed a record deal with Word Records in 2005, and the Lees moved with the band to Nashville in 2006.

After relocating to Nashville, Kyle decided to take a new angle with music. “Shortly thereafter, I left the band and began to pursue my other creative passions of songwriting and producing. Over the years since then, God has opened many different doors and relationships that have turned into a career.” Kyle began writing and producing songs for Christian artists. He elaborates, “My first passion was actually engineering. Engineering bled into producing locally in Texarkana. When I moved to Nashville, engineering and producing became my gateway into things that would later become bigger things. One example would be Michael W. Smith. I began working with him in 2010 as an engineer, and that transitioned into writing lyrics for that album. That was my first time to try songwriting on a large scale. That led to seven of my songs on that album, and an ensuing publishing deal.”

Throughout the years, Kyle has made a name for himself in Nashville’s Christian music scene. Kyle regards Bryan Lenox as a major influence and mentor after he moved to Nashville. He credits Bryan with having “taught me most of what I know today about making proper albums and working with artists in a complex way.” Kyle’s work has garnered him significant recognition as well as the opportunity to partner with many popular artists, such as Lauren Daigle, Natalie Grant, Leeland, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith, Micah Tyler, Phil Wickham, and CeCe Winans. He has won a GRAMMY Award as well as several Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. Kyle won a GRAMMY in 2009 for mixing TobyMac’s Best Rock Gospel Album, “Alive and Transported.” Kyle earned the 2014 Inspirational Album of the Year Dove Award for

This year, the Lees spent their summer vacation in Inlet Beach, Florida. (Photo by Autumn Beury)

producing and mixing Michael W. Smith’s album, “Hymns.” In 2019, he was GRAMMY-nominated in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album category for co-writing, producing, and mixing Michael W. Smith’s album, “Surrounded.”

For this year’s Dove Awards, Kyle won the Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for co-writing CeCe Winans’ “Believe for It” with CeCe Winans, Dwan Hill, and Mitch Wong. Along with co-producer Dwan Hill, Kyle also won the Gospel Worship Album of the Year for “Believe for It.” Kyle was also nominated for Children’s Album of the Year (for co-producing Gateway Kids Worship’s album “Todos Mis Dias” with Julian Collazos and Josh Alltop). In

addition to this recognition, Kyle has co-written, mixed, and/or produced four #1 radio singles, including two by Micah Tyler, one by Michael W. Smith, and one by CeCe Winans.

Currently, Kyle works independently, contracting with record labels on a per-project basis. He travels about twice a month, usually for songwriting and producing projects with churches, and occasionally to work with individual artists. This leaves Kyle time to spend at home with his family. The Lees did spend some time working with Gateway Church in Southlake, but have since moved back to Nashville, where they are building a house, quite the process of patience.

Shelly and Kyle were married June 12, 2004, at First Baptist Church Texarkana. (Photo by Ray Kumpe)

In 2001, Kyle performed at a Pocket Full of Rocks event in Shreveport. He was a member of the band from 20002006 and played acoustic/electric guitar.

photo by

DR. ROBIN ROGERS

Kyle’s greatest reward is Jesus, and his family comes in a close second. He and Shelly have twin 7-year-old boys, Jesse and Alister, who keep them active. There is nothing that Kyle enjoys more than putting Jesse and Alister to bed at night. To relax, Kyle enjoys playing golf. He also assists his local church in songwriting and music development.

Kyle considers Romans 12:1 as his life verse. His hope for the future is to continue to be a good steward of the relationships and the work to which God has called him. By sharing with the world his gifts of songwriting and producing for other Christian musicians, Kyle is certainly living the soundtrack that God has provided for his life.

On August 17, 2021, Kyle and co-producer Dwan Hill recorded a new version of CeCe Winans’ “Believe For It,” featuring Lauren Daigle at Gnome Studios in Nashville. (Photo by Brody Harper)

Kyle on set during rehearsals for the “Worship Forever” recording. TBN captured the event and released the broadcast on September 11, 2021, the 20-year anniversary of the first “Worship” project. (Photo by Brody Harper)

PRESENTING

the2020 TEXARKANA COTILLION DEBUTANTES

Ten debutantes dressed in traditional gowns and carrying bouquets of red roses were presented to society on November 27, 2021, at Texarkana Country Club. John Crisp, master of ceremonies, introduced each young lady as she stepped from the dais. Vicki Carr and Andrea Finley played the chosen debut song for each debutante as she and her escort circled the room. This season was coordinated by Miss Blaire Barlow.

(Photos by Martin Patterson, Patterson’s Camera Shop)

Brooklynn Elizabeth Bearden is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brent Bearden of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Treadway of Texarkana, Texas, and Mrs. Ruby Bearden and the late Don Bearden of Texarkana, Arkansas. Brooklynn is a junior at Baylor University, where she is majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. She is a member of the Theta Kappa chapter of Chi Omega fraternity, where she currently serves on the Recruitment Information Team, is the Homecoming breakfast chair and was selected to perform in Pigskin Revue. She is actively involved with fundraising for Chi Omega’s philanthropy – Make a Wish Foundation. Miss Bearden is a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. She has been named to the Academic Dean’s Honor List for each semester her first two completed years of college. She is a teacher at Joy’s School of Dance in Waco, Texas. She attends Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco and is an active member of First Baptist Church in Texarkana.

Brooklynn was escorted by her brother, Brock, and presented by her father, Brent. She selected the song “Once Upon a Dream” from “Sleeping Beauty” adapted from a theme by Tchaikovsky. She chose a classic sleek ivory ball gown featuring a strapless sweetheart neckline lined in pleated organza with an organza overlay skirt. Fabric buttons covered the back zipper. The chapel length train fashioned into a French bustle finished the look. It was designed by Justin Alexander Sweetheart collection.

Sarah GracE BoudrEaux

Sarah Grace Boudreaux is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Boudreaux of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hamel of West Monroe, Louisiana, and Mrs. Wilma Boudreaux and the late Mr. Tom Boudreaux of Covington, Louisiana. Sarah Grace is a junior Biology major at the University of Mississippi and plans to attend Physician Assistant School after graduation. She is a member of First United Methodist Church, Texarkana, Arkansas.

Sarah Grace is a University of Mississippi Provost Scholar, member of Golden Key International Honor Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Alpha Epsilon Delta Health Professions Honor Society. She is the assistant new member educator and will serve as the Vice President for the Tau Chapter of Chi Omega. Sarah Grace volunteers for Make-A-Wish, Chi Omega’s national philanthropy, as well as Hearts for Homeless, an organization that educates impoverished communities on health-related issues. She is also a member of the American Medical Woman’s Association, which serves the medical needs of women in the Oxford, Mississippi, area. Sarah Grace danced 16 years with Gayle Burrow’s All Stars Dance Center and continues to share her love of dance teaching for Oxford Academy of Dance Arts in Oxford, Mississippi.

Sarah Grace selected “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles for her presentation song, to which her sisters, Mary Claire and Anna Catherine, also debuted. Sarah Grace was presented by her father and escorted by her lifelong friend, Nicholas Graves, son of Dr. and Mrs. Blane Graves of Texarkana, Texas. Sarah Grace selected a Jenny by Jenny Yoo “Cordelia” gown. The luxe taffeta off the shoulder gown featured a timeless fit and flare style. Dainty covered buttons cascaded down the back and continued down the length of the train.

Brooklyn ElizaBEth BEardEn

laurEn taylor huGhES

Lauren Taylor Hughes is the daughter of Mr. Kevin Hughes and Mrs. Dodie Martin of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Davis of Ashdown, Arkansas, and Mr. and Mrs. David Hughes of Texarkana, Texas. She is a member of First Baptist Church Texarkana. Lauren is a junior at the University of Central Arkansas where she is majoring in pre-dental hygiene. She is a member of the Upsilon Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority where she is involved in the chapter’s philanthropy: women’s wellness initiative. She volunteers locally at Haven House, an adolescent women’s shelter, in Conway, Arkansas.

Lauren chose “More Than a Woman” as her presentation song. She was presented by her father and escorted by Quinn Addington, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Mark Addington of Texarkana, Texas. Lauren chose a unique one shoulder design by Sherri Hill, with feminine ruffle details and princess seams on the bodice. The beautiful satin fabric and modest A-line skirt made the perfect combination for her debut.

Gabriel Grace McGuire is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey McGuire of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Daines of Texarkana and Dr. and Mrs. Jim McGuire of Mesa, Arizona. Grace attends the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where she is a junior enrolled in the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing with plans to attend Nurse Practitioner school. She has earned a position on the University of Arkansas’s Chancellors List every semester and is a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success. She is also a member of the National Student Nursing Association where she mentors incoming nursing students. Grace is a member of the Psi Chapter of the Chi Omega sorority, where she is involved with Chi Omega recruitment, Sisterhood Support and their national philanthropy the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She is a member of Walnut Church of Christ Texarkana and attends Crosspoint Church in Fayetteville.

Grace chose “Fly Me To the Moon” as her presentation song. She was presented by her father and escorted by her brother, Jacob Daines McGuire. Grace selected an elegant gown by Justin Alexander. The Faille gown was designed with a cuffed strapless neckline and featured covered buttons at the back and down the length of the train.

Sarah JanE Paddock

Sarah Jane Paddock is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Young and Mr. Brady Paddock. Sarah Jane is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Daines, of Texarkana, Texas, Ms. Shuggie Ward of Hot Springs, Arkansas, the late Dr. William Rowan Patterson, Jr., and the late Mr. Ben L. Paddock. Miss Paddock attends the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where she is a junior enrolled as an honor student in the College of Education and Health Professions and majoring in Communication Disorders with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. She has earned a position on the Chancellor’s List each semester for achieving a 4.0 grade point average. Sarah Jane is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success as well as the UA Chapter of the National Student Speech-LanguageHearing Association. During her sophomore year, Sarah Jane served as an intern at All Aboard Pediatric Therapy in Rogers, Arkansas. She has been recognized by the Fayetteville Center for Community Engagement for the number of volunteer hours served.

Sarah Jane is a member of the Psi Chapter of the Chi Omega Sorority and is involved in both volunteering and fundraising for the MakeA-Wish Foundation, the sorority’s national philanthropy. Sarah Jane served as an Assistant Rush Chairman this past year and is currently a Sisterhood Support Leader. She is a member of First Baptist Church Texarkana.

Sarah Jane chose “Cinderella,” composed by Steven Curtis Chapman, as her presentation song. She was presented by her father and escorted by her cousin, John Daniel Patterson. She selected a Madison James elegant gown featuring spaghetti straps, a V neckline, and vertical seams. The back was detailed with a cut out and long sash bow. It also featured a row of covered buttons that trailed the entire back length of the dress.

Sarah Margaret Rogers is the daughter of Michael and Susan Rogers of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Charles Bruce, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Rogers, and the late Betsy Rogers, all from Texarkana, Texas. Sarah graduated Cum Laude from Arkansas State University in May with a Bachelor of Science. She is an alumna of the Chi Omega Sorority, the Omicron Zeta chapter. Through her sorority, she was actively involved in its philanthropy, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and participated in 5Ks and Bake-A-Wish events. She was also a participant of Cream of the Crop Sorority Row event where Chi Omega took first place. Sarah is currently attending University Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock in the Dental Hygiene school. She is a member of the Arkansas Dental Hygiene Association. Sarah is a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, in Texarkana, Arkansas. Sarah was presented by her father and escorted by her cousin, Thomas Bruce, the son of Robert and Cynthia Bruce of Dallas, Texas. She selected, “In the Hands of Time” by Michael LeGrand, for her presentation song, to which her sisters, Riley and Sidney, and her mother also debuted. Sarah debuted in a stunning, custom-designed ball gown from the private collection of Justin Alexander. The strapless neckline and inverted box pleating were accentuated by the rich butter satin fabric of her gown. A full A-line skirt and fabric buttons cascading the length of the gown added the perfect finishing touches.

Sarah MarGarEt

Julie Elizabeth Sherman is the daughter of Ms. Lauren Clem-Sherman of Oklahoma City and Mr. Kane Sherman of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. Thomas E. Clem and Rebecca J. Clem of Texarkana, Texas, and Ms. Tommie Sue Lynch of Wake Village, Texas, and the late Pete Sherman of New Boston, Texas. Julie is a junior at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where she is a pre-med major and member of the Alpha Omega chapter of Delta Gamma. She volunteers with Service for Sight, Burls Kids, Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter and Special Olympics. She is a member of Crossings Christian Church in Oklahoma City and Life Church in Texarkana, Texas.

Julie was presented by her father, Kane Sherman, and escorted by her brother, Grant Sherman, a freshman at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She chose “Time of Your Life” by Green Day for her presentation song. She selected a strapless silk gown with sweetheart neckline featuring a dramatic pointed bust line and center front plunge, graced with subtle pleating for a contouring effect—while the wide waistband drew in the figure for a classic feminine allure. The ball gown skirt formed a slight box pleat detail for dimension, as the back of the gown billowed out into a lush train for a posh, decadent finish. Worn bustled for her debut, Julie’s gown was designed by Martina Liana of Australia.

Hartley Anne Spaulding is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Spaulding of Texarkana, Arkansas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. David Spaulding, the late Mrs. Betty Spaulding, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Gene Harrell. Hartley is a junior at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she is majoring in Agriculture Business in the Dale Bumpers College. She is a member of the Epsilon chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha, where she served on the slate committee and the special operations recruitment committee. She is an active member of the Agriculture Business Club and interns with the Texas High School Agriculture department, where she mentors students in agriculture-related jobs and opportunities after graduation. Hartley is a member of Cross View Baptist Church in Red Lick, Texas, and attends Cross Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This summer, Hartley plans to explore her opportunities and widen her knowledge of sales.

Hartley was presented by her father, Brian Spaulding, and escorted by Walker Noel Davis, the son of Mr. Skipper Davis and Ms. Leigh Davis. Miss Spaulding has chosen a Sincerity ball gown by Justin Alexander. The satin bodice was unique with a modern cuff neckline and flattering seam details. Her gown featured a bias belt at the waist and a stunning full organza skirt.

hailEy katE WhittEn

Hailey Kate Whitten is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Whitten of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Don Leigh of Texarkana, Arkansas, and Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Rogers of Pharr, Texas. She is a member of First Baptist Church Texarkana. Hailey is a junior at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she is majoring in Communication with a minor in Marketing. She is a member of the Arkansas Alpha Chapter of the Pi Beta Phi sorority where she is involved in the chapter’s philanthropy: Read, Lead and Achieve. She volunteers with various programs including: Champions are Readers, Night to Shine Prom for special needs children, Miracle League, and Washington Elementary school. Hailey chose “Wide Open Spaces” as her presentation song. She was presented by her father and escorted by Marshall Oubre, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Oubre of Texarkana, Texas. She chose a simple and elegant duchess satin A-line gown designed by Morilee. The bodice was accentuated with an elegant V-neckline. The back of her gown dipped into a low square that met classic covered buttons. An ornate beaded and rhinestone belt gave an elegant finish to Hailey’s gown.

Catherine Elizabeth Wright is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Nathan Wright and Juli Wright of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry and Jo Catherine Rice of Texarkana, Texas, and Dr. and Mrs. Nathan and Betty Wright of Texarkana, Texas. Catherine completed her freshman and sophomore year of college at Kilgore Jr. College in Kilgore, Texas. While attending Kilgore Junior College, she was a member of the 80th line of the World Famous Kilgore College Rangerettes. During her time as a Kilgore Rangerette, Catherine performed at both the 2019 and 2020 Cotton Bowl Halftimes, the 2021 Presidential Inauguration parade, in the Virginia International Tattoo Festival in Norfolk, Virginia, and the Birmingham International Tattoo Festival held in London, England. Catherine graduated with her Associate Degree in Fine Arts with honors and on the dean’s list from Kilgore Jr. College in the Spring of 2021. She is now completing her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Business Marketing at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. She is currently a member of the Fashion Merchandising Association at Texas State as well as a dance instructor at First Class Dance Center. She will graduate from Texas State in the spring of 2023. Catherine was presented by her father, Dr. Nathan Wright, and escorted by her brother, Parker Wright of Texarkana, Texas. For her presentation song she selected “As Time Goes By” by Herman Hupfeld. She selected a simple yet elegant Morilee ballgown. Her gown featured a bateau neckline with a stunning jewel beaded belt, offset by equally stunning straps. The Larissa satin fabric and a modest low back completed the A-line silhouette of her gown.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

H&N FLORAL, GIFTS & GARDEN HOSTS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

On November 19-20, H&N Floral, Gifts & Garden held its Holiday Open House. Festive refreshments were served while holiday shoppers enjoyed browsing H&N’s Christmas collection.

Shannon and Bruce Nix

Patsy Bell, FaEllen Yates, Shannon Nix and Julia Mobley

Jennifer Ritchie, Destiny Dodd and Candy Richer

Mitchell Dudley, Jill Hoover, Chase Magness and Tom Foster

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JEFF LOVING ART SHOW

An art show was held November 4 featuring art and refreshments by Chef on the

place at the

Run, Jeff Loving. The event took

1894 Gallery in Downtown Texarkana.

David and Robin Hickerson with Georgia Hubnik Lisa Kern and Kim Hughes

Gabrielle Bachers, Diann Roy and Lou Ford

Robyn and Paul Elkins with Jeff Loving

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

GUARANTY BANK & TRUST HOSTS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Guaranty Bank & Trust hosted the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours event on November 18. Catered by Chef on the Run Jeff Loving, this event brings the community together to celebrate friends and businesses.

Christie Brossette, Liz Cameron, Brittney Frost and Trish Reed

“Cash,” Lauren Boyd, Lupita Colorado, Kasey Lewis and Heather Aguilar

Claudia Soto, Keri Price and Keely Johnston

Mike and Sylvia Ingram

Regulo Olvera, Julissa Lovers and Jeff Loving

Becky Thompson and Pam Sellers

DECEMBER 2020

DECEMBER

2

The 23rd annual Bramlett Beans & Cornbread Community Fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Texarkana Convention Center. Tickets are $5 per person and include tea, coffee and dessert (or six non-perishable food items). All proceeds benefit the Christmas Basket program, a volunteer effort that provides holiday food for Texarkana, USA, citizens who are in need. Call 903-798-3978 for more information.

DECEMBER 2-4 AND 9-11

Jefferson, Texas, will host its 39th annual Candlelight Tour of Homes featuring four lavishly decorated historic homes. Hours are: 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, and 4-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Purchase tickets online at www. jeffersoncandlelight.com.

DECEMBER 3-4

TRAHC’s Holiday Arts Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Regional Arts Center, located at Fourth Street and Texas Boulevard. The event will feature local and regional artists offering original works for sale. Call 903-7928681 for more information.

DECEMBER

3-5

The Texarkana Community Ballet will present four performances of the beloved “Nutcracker

Ballet” at the historic Perot Theatre in downtown Texarkana. Performances are Friday, December 3, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 4, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, December 5 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $15, $13, and $11 and can be purchased at the Perot Theatre Box Office, 221 Main Street, Texarkana, Texas; at 903-792-4992; and at www.perottheatre.org.

DECEMBER

4

Forward Events will host a Pop Up Shop from 12-4 p.m. at 1801 North Robison Road, Suite 10. Call 800-982-4454 for more information.

DECEMBER

4

The ninth annual Farmers Bank & Trust LIVE UNITED Bowl will be held at Texarkana Arkansas School District’s Razorback Stadium with a noon kickoff. Representing the Great American Conference (GAC) will be Southeastern Oklahoma State University and representing the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) will be Emporia State University. Tickets are on sale at any Farmers Bank & Trust location, any Mil-Way Federal Credit Union location, the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, or the United Way of Greater Texarkana office or online at www.liveunitedbowl.com.

DECEMBER 5

Texarkana Funeral Home will host a Holiday Memorial Service at 2 p.m. at its Arkansas location, 4801 Parkway Drive. Call 870-7741200 for more information.

DECEMBER 5

First Baptist Church Texarkana will host Outdoor Christmas Movie Night at 6 p.m. S’mores, hot chocolate, wassail, and popcorn will be served. Call 903-831-6000 for more information.

DECEMBER 6

Main Street Texarkana’s 37th annual Christmas Parade will begin at 7 p.m. in downtown Texarkana. Theme of the parade is “12 Days of Christmas” and will feature three live camels leading the parade. To download an application, visit: www.mainstreettexarkana. org.

DECEMBER 10-11

Historic Washington, Arkansas, will present its 35th annual Christmas & Candlelight event. Historic buildings will be adorned in 19th Century style decorations. Tickets can be purchased at the 1874 Courthouse, 100 SW Morrison Street in Washington.

DECEMBER 11

First Baptist Church Texarkana will host The

Getty’s Irish Christmas Concert, beginning at 6 p.m. Admission is free. Call 903-831-6000 for more information.

DECEMBER 12

The Texarkana Symphony Orchestra will host “Christmas at the Perot” at 4 p.m. Call 903792-4992 to purchase tickets or visit: www. texarkanasymphony.org.

DECEMBER

17

An Unsung Heroes Luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church Texarkana to honor public servants. Call 903-831-6000 for information

DECEMBER 24

A Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion will be held beginning at 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church Texarkana. Call 903-831-6000 for additional details.

JANUARY EVENTS

THROUGH JANUARY 9

The 2022 Bridal Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Texarkana Texas Convention Center. For tickets or information, visit the Bridal Fair Event Page at: www.kkyr. com, www.power959.com, www.kygl. com, www.mymajic933.com, or www. kosy790am.com.

Exquisite INTERIORS

MERRY. FESTIVE. WONDROUS.

by SUZY TURNER photos by KIM MCMURRY

Making spirits bright is the perfect depiction of this beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bath beauty in Rolling Hills Addition. With its many twinkling lights and decorations of red and green, Angela and Drew LeGrand have made their home a cozy place to spend with family during the most wonderful time of the year.

Candy cane-striped lollipops line the walkway leading up to the front door, all decked out with a complementary wreath and red and white garland. Clear lights accentuate the roof line of the home. Baskets of greenery with large red and gold ornaments are strategically placed on each side of the porch stairs. A life-sized Santa Claus sits in a porch chair, welcoming guests to this holiday splendor.

Inside the home, Angela and decorator, Alicia Woodle, leave no stone unturned. Traditional and whimsical holiday décor is abundant in every room. An 8-foot Christmas tree, situated in a corner of the living area, is the focal point of the space. Red metallic sprigs are interspersed throughout the branches, adding texture and depth to this holiday staple. The lighted top hat topper accentuates the tree’s motif and makes a playful statement. Red, white, and neon green ribbon is draped throughout, adding the perfect finishing touch to the cheerful tree. A Santa’s workshop figurine given to Angela by her grandmother when she was in her early twenties sits beside the sofa.

Felt stockings are carefully hung on the mantle, secured by glass ornament holders. A seasonal sign reads, “Welcome to our Christmas Chaos” and is situated on the hearth. A painting of Santa’s face sits above the mantle, keeping watch over the LeGrand family, as well as their Pyredoodle, Cheuy.

An extra dash of holiday cheer is found in the heart of the home – the kitchen. Christmas collectibles situated on the granite island and countertops liven up the neutral space. From a Santa figurine to decorative cookie trays and holiday photos of the family, these frills add extra joy to the room’s décor. Elf characters swing from the pendant lights above the island, bringing in a touch of whimsy. A portrait of Santa, situated above the range hood, makes visitors think that he just might be making a list and checking it twice.

In the dining room, a red and white table runner with swags of greenery add to the holiday vibe. Mr. and Mrs. Snowman figurines brighten the room while the red and green plaid valances coordinate with the seasonal decorations. Natural greenery and colorful ornaments adorn the chandelier which is centered above the table.

The Arkansas Razorback-themed game room showcases the team’s red, white, and black colors, perfectly coordinating with the colors of the season. A Razorback Christmas tree is decked out with playing cards as ornaments and a fun bucket stand which states, “‘Tis the Season to be Jolly!” Cozy sofas in shades of black and gray from Four States Furniture play host to stylish and seasonal throw pillows. The attached bath boasts a copper lavatory with embossed Razorbacks from Moore Supply. Hand towels embroidered with “Merry Christmas” welcome the holiday season.

When it comes to decking the halls, the LeGrands go all out for this magical season. Every inch of this exquisite home, both inside and outside, exemplifies true Christmas charm. Loads of good cheer mixed with time-honored family traditions keep the spirit of the season alive and well for all who embody this special time of giving.

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FAN FARE GIFTS CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

Fan Fare Gifts held its Christmas Extravaganza on November 20. “Santa” and “Mrs. Claus” were available for “Selfies with Santa,” and prizes, refreshments, giveaways, and holiday shopping was enjoyed by attendees.

William Henderson, Madison Anderson, Carter Lyons and Eylan Henderson with Santa

Karen and John Tollett

Rachel Hoover, Arden Razaq and Amanda Razaq

Amy and Todd Maxwell

Lesa Asbille, Jess Sparks, Kaycie Fowler and Katie Shepherd

Kim Polk, Santa and Patty Dinkle

Diane Kranz and Debbie Schlonga

A Pinch of Salt

by Donnie Spriggs

Well, Thanksgiving is over, and I’m sure there were just as many family meltdowns as there normally are: mom’s mad because she burnt the rolls, Granny is upset that the pecan pie didn’t “set” right, and dad is tired of everyone being in his house.

So, to plan better for Christmas festivities, we are doing an adult onlytype of article this month. That’s right! I’m talking an alcoholic beverage for mom and one for dad, and then an appetizer dish that will go with both!

With mom’s drink up first, we will call it “Mom’s Little Secret” because she’s going to be slick about where she hides the goods.

So now that we have the main things worked out to survive this round of Christmas. Let’s move on to the food dish that it going to be something mom or dad can throw in a Crockpot® and step away from.

Ingredients

1 jar (16 ounces) salsa

1 can (30 ounces) refried beans

So, let’s get to mixing:

1 oz. vodka

½ oz. Peach Schnapps

4 ozs. red cranberry juice

½ oz. Midori

Shake in your Yeti cup.

Now, on over to dad’s drink that uses some of the same ingredients to make it a little easier. We shall call this “Dad’s Backup Pack” because he’s going to need it, between the kids and the rest of the family.

2 ozs. Fireball

½ oz. Peach Schnapps

4 ozs. cranberry juice

Again, shake in your Yeti cup.

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon taco seasoning

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

3 green onions, chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Tortilla chips

Directions

1. Mix salsa and beans in Crockpot® Top with chicken; sprinkle with taco seasoning. Cover and cook on low until chicken is tender, approximately 4-5 hours.

2. Remove chicken; shred finely using two forks. Return to slow cooker; stir in cheese. Cover and cook on low until cheese is melted, 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Top with green onions and cilantro. Serve with chips or tortillas.

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

Donnie Spriggs is a longtime resident of Texarkana, Texas. He has been in the restaurant industry since he was 16 and has been with Silver Star Smokehouse since 2014. He is a student at Texas A&M-Texarkana where he is part of the BAAS program. He loves people but likes food even more, mainly because food makes people happy!

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.

AMANDA GRAHAM age: 41

occupation: Executive Director of Academic Services - Texarkana College

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? I would build the most awesome “she-shed” for all my crafty hobbies.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? Clean … there’s always something to clean!

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

A bigger laser for my TAG Loft Designs business. Check it out on Facebook for holiday gift ideas!

DERRICK MCGARY age: 45

occupation: State Farm Insurance Agent

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? I would pinch myself because I would think I was dreaming.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? Usually reading something productive that will help me improve.

If you were allowed to have one wish granted, what would it be? The ability to read anyone’s mind on demand.

At what business could you max out a credit card? Target!

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “She Believed She Could, So She Did.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix? “Homeland.” (When I grow up, I want to be in the CIA.)

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Italy. Food, wine, design, beaches … every girl’s dream.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? Messages. Camera. Google.

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

“

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

Choose a movie title for the story of your life. “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

What are you currently watching on Netflix? “Ozark.” I cannot wait for the final season to begin in January!

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

Area 51. No telling what’s in there.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick? ESPN. Google. Weather.

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

Atlanta Braves baseball! I’ve been a Braves fan since I was a child ... 2021 World Series Champs!

JOYS OF THE SEASON”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION?

Every Christmas Eve that I can remember was spent going to my grandparents’ house to play with cousins and visit with aunts and uncles. Even after the passing of my grandparents, my Aunt Judy continues this tradition, in the same home. We eat, talk, laugh, and reminisce. Family is everything.

I enjoy going around town looking at Christmas lights. My family and I do it every year. It’s not so much about how big and fancy the decorations are, but I like to see how each home, big or small, beautifies in their own special way.