ALT Magazine - April 2011 by ALT Magazine

April 2011 . Vol. 5, Issue 4

The Busy-ness of Caring Jena Howell proves that caring about others makes life wonderful!

April is National Donate Life Month!

Our Medical Guide, inside this edition of ALT, honors donors who have provided others with a second chance for a healthy life! We hope to encourage others to share this precious gift of life!

Family, Fashion, Faith

April /contents

EVERY MONTH 8

Editor ’s Letter

Financial Focus

F i s h Ta l e s

From His Heart

70 Second Chances from the Kennel Korner 73

Real Estate

EVENTS

k / COVER

Senior Spotlight

Emily Little and Dani High (on cover) are featured in this month’s Senior Spotlight!

F E AT U R E S T O R I E S

Kiwanis Pancake Day & 5K Race

Minton’s Celebrate Fitness

Tribute to African American Women Awards Banquet

Mardi Gras at Cornerstone

R e c e p t i o n f o r H o n . L e o n P e s e k , J r.

1 2 t h A n n u a l Ve t e r a n s C h i l i C o o k - O ff

Tw i n C i t y A l l s t a r s

BUSINESS 40

Profile - Oak Creek Furniture

57 Joni’s Gymnastics, Dance & Cheer Centre 62

Silver Spoon

Profile - Gooding Decorative Concrete

The Busy-ness of Caring

Senior Spotlight - Dani High

Senior Spotlight - Emily Little

Medical Guide

The Greatest Gift of All

Calendar of Events

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C U LT U R E

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EDITOR’S letter

ark-la-tex’s premiere magazine

Change...

A p r i l 2 0 11 / V o l . 5 , I s s u e 4

If you want to make enemies, try to change something. ~Woodrow Wilson

Change...it strikes fear in so many people’s minds. I don’t know how many times I have heard that something can’t be changed because it has always been done a certain way. Well, does that mean that it always has to be done that way? Or could there possible be a new, better way? I mean, we have made great strides in improving our quality of life throughout the 50+ years I have been alive! Change can be a good thing. Think of the change that comes into someone’s life who needs comfort, or shelter, or just someone to talk occasionally? Jena Howell changes people daily. She brings joy into the lives of so many that she has helped. You see, she found out early in life that change was not such a bad thing. Change also comes to those who are graduating -- whether from high school or college, something is going to be different. Will it be good or bad? That probably depends on the attitude of the person whose life it is affecting. And for those who are on transplant lists, the change from being on the “list” to being a recipient makes the difference between life and death. April is National Organ Donor Month. The stories included in this month’s magazine are such an inspiration to me. For someone to be willing to share a part of their life, their body, their being, with another person is absolutely one of the most selfless gestures that a person can make. For years, I have had a notification on my driver’s license that tells medical professionals that I would like my organs donated to someone in need if possible. Helping someone else spend just one more day, week, month or year with their loved ones just seems to be the right thing to do. God tells me that I won’t need those body parts when I am in Heaven! And after reading these stories, I know that I made the right decision. I hope that if you have not made the same decision, you will change your mind! Change can certainly bring about a lot of emotion -- sometimes that can be a good thing, and sometimes it can be a really bad thing. I have always had the opinion that I will give new ideas a chance. Some would say that I have been the instigator of change many times! I am always looking for ways to streamline and organize everything. With that comes change. Does that make me uncomfortable? Of course not! Does it make everyone around me uncomfortable? Well, who knows! All I know is that if we quit changing, we might as well stay at home and sleep. (Which doesn’t sound like such a bad idea sometimes!) Change brings interest and excitement! It is something that keeps us going from day to day. Give change a chance. You might actually like what happens! God bless you!

Publisher/Editor

ALT Magazine

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy Feature Writer / Jane Bouterse Contributing Writers / Mike Brower, Anne Burke, Jeff Schreve, Dustin Stringer Probation Officer / Mike Brower

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by Jane Bouterse

he always sat in the back. Since her name was Stone, her alphabetical slot determined the seat she would occupy in her Highland Park classrooms. Few can imagine the life-altering experiences this position dictated. For Jena Stone, however, the back of the room shaped her life. Beginning in the first grade, Jena’s teachers resorted to a number of actions to encourage the inattentive, lazy child to change her behavior. For example, she frequently was required to stand in a circle in the front of the room to be judged by her classmates. “When I would go home with my test results, I got lots of whippings because my mom thought I was not paying attention,” Jena remembers. Although she was not able to medically diagnose her problem, she knew she could not hear so she did figure out how to get around the handicap. She taught herself to read lips. Years later, her employer the Dallas VA Hospital sent her to lip reading classes, but she was quickly dismissed because there was nothing they could teach her. On occasion, however, lip reading would not suffice; then she became creative. When she was attending Texas High School, for instance, Jena took Spanish—different language, different lip configurations. The most serious problem was that the Spanish teacher talked to the board as she taught, so Jena could not see her lips. Her friend Gloria (Edmonds) Mugno saved Jena. She wrote large enough for Jena to see her notes, and they both made it through Spanish successfully. Jena shakes her head and

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chuckles as she moves around her office, taking advantage of this opportunity to do a bit of straightening in both her present and her past. After the birth of her second child, Jena’s hearing—what little she had— worsened so that she could not hear her baby cry at night, a problem lip reading could not resolve. An examination at the University of Illinois identified a neurological problem, and defined her hearing loss as moderate to severe. Hearing aids were prescribed, and for many years, Jena has relied on their assistance, but her lip reading skills still serve her well. Her “lazy” problem, on the other hand was not diagnosed until some 47 years after her first classroom. When Jena was hired as a nursing instructor by Texarkana College, her department head, Dr. Shirley Finn noticed the bluish coloration of the skin around Jena’s mouth. Dr. Finn encouraged her, “Jena, you need to go see a doctor,” and Jena did as she was told. Chest x-rays revealed that she suffered from Atrial Septal Defect. “In other words, I was running on three cylinders, instead of four,” Jena explains. The congenital heart problem accounted for Jena’s so-called “lazy” behavior, which she had struggled all her life to overcome. Her father had died at 61 with heart disease. Thanks to Dr. Hurley, at the time a newcomer to Texarkana, the problem was diagnosed and surgically repaired. Jena’s hearty, easy laughter--her constant companion-- almost smothers her “I tell you, God has taken care of me. I am a miracle.”

Jena (Stone) Howell has never taken that “miracle” for granted. She is all about people and sharing with others—of all ages—the blessings she has been given. From the classroom to the chapel, the church to the gym, the hospital to the support group, the neighborhood to foreign lands, the caretaker to the companion—her missions take her in many directions and always with a smile and a laugh. “See, I think God planned all this, so I can be available to other people,” she speculates. To understand the extent of Jena’s “busy-ness,” perhaps the best starting point is the classroom. Primarily the result of her own ingenuity, she mastered the classroom environment and graduated from Texas High School in 1958. After locating some tuition money through the Josh Morris Fund and the Doctors’ Wives Club, Jena enrolled in Texarkana College. In 1962, she graduated in TC’s first Associate Degree Nursing class and began her nursing career at Children’s Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Unlike most college students, Jena had known since she was ten years old that she wanted to be a nurse. Among those elderly neighbors she visited as she grew up on Highland Park’s Short Elizabeth Street was Mrs. Palmer, a retired nurse. “She was always telling me I would be a good nurse.” Jena’s grandmother in Waldo, AR, helped with mid-wife duties, since she was the only resident with a surrey, and Jena thrived on her stories; her mother worked at Texarkana’s Smith Clinic. “I really believe,” she confidently declares, “I

was called to be a nurse.” Nothing was going to stand in her way. While at Children’s, she passed the National Certification Licensure Exam which earned her RN (Registered Nurse) designation. When she applied for employment at Dallas VA Hospital, she was welcomed by a confused Associate Director. “Wait a minute,” the Director instructed as she disappeared into a maze of offices. Jena recalls that the Director was gone for a long time because the administrators wanted her to work but had no idea where to place her on the pay scale. She fell between a diploma and baccalaureate program. “I’m very historical,” her enthusiastic laughter fills the room once again. Next, this historical figure married, had a daughter, Kathryn, moved to Peoria, IL, where her family grew by two boys, James and John, and one bachelor’s degree from Bradley University. One of her Peoria area jobs was at Zeller Mental Health Facility where for a year and a half she assisted in developing nursing plans that helped place people from the Facility into nursing homes. Perhaps it was here that Jena actually realized the individuality of caretaking and the necessity for compassion, creativity and common sense—not subjects addressed often in classroom settings. “There was one woman in the Facility,” Jena thoughtfully recalls, “who could play the piano.” The woman had been born and grown up in the Facility. When her behavior was good, she was allowed to do her favorite activity—go to the local pub and play the piano. One night at the pub she went bonkers—washing her hair in the toilet, etc. “I told her for two weeks she could not go to the pub and play,” Jena explains. “Her behavior was perfect.” Jena discovered a way not only to control the woman’s behavior but also to make her happy. Another of her patients was a young www.alt-mag.com

man who had unsuccessfully jumped off a bridge in Mexico; as a result, he was a quadriplegic. “There was nothing wrong with his mind, and I just couldn’t see him wasting away.” So Jena works with a local college to teach him how to draw with his mouth. “One of my students fell in love with him,” she shakes her head, “so I went through counseling with them.” The girl’s father was Superintendent of Schools and did everything he could to prevent their union. “They married, moved to Chicago; he got a job drawing for a card company, and they have one child. They are still married and very happy. You just don’t forget blessings like that!” Eventually, Jena and her family returned to Texarkana to assist in her mother’s caretaking. She was employed by Texarkana College where she taught for 26 years. She retired in 2001 as a Professor of ADN Nursing with a Master’s in Psychiatric Nursing. Her activities on the College campus were never limited to the classroom. During her tenure she started and gained certification of the CADAC, an alcohol and drug abuse counseling program, and for 21 years has been an advocate for the Texas Peer Assistance Program (TPAPN). In fact, Jena still works with TPAPN nurses in a support group at her church. Jena currently teaches a TC Continuing Education Course for Certified Medication Aides (CMA). “It’s hard to say NO,” she admits. “They’re such little babies.”

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Almost as an afterthought , “This is my only paying job, too.” At no time during our conversation has Jena been still. The place she calls her base these days is an office at Highland Park Baptist Church, the church home of her 92 year old mother as well as Jena. “Our Pastor, Kevin Myers puts up with all my craziness.” She laughs as she moves a large poster from the top of her desk to stand on edge against the cabinet behind. F A T, large, bold letters dominate the top of the poster. Immediately, Jena grasps the poster on either side and holds it in front of her. F A T / FAITHFUL / AVAILABLE / TEACHABLE / “Jesus wants all his disciples to be F A T,” her intensity evident. Jena uses this slogan to motivate those folks who participate in the Fit For Him exercise class she and Physical Therapist, Robert Smith (now deceased) developed for anyone who wants to take it. The exercises are low impact and designed to maintain muscle tone, which age or disuse takes away. “Class members use 1, 2 or 3 lb. weights with chair exercises first,” she explains like the teacher she is. “I don’t like the class to be boring, so we co-ordinate our movements while chanting ‘No/No/No’ or ‘Yes/Yes/Yes’ or ‘Kick yourself/ Kick your neighbor as yourself’. We remind ourselves with wall exercises to ‘Breathe/breathe.’ The whole idea is to keep people active. We meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. at Highland Park Baptist Church, and anyone can come at no charge. On each

third Tuesday, we go to Central Christian for their Lunch and Learn Program. We have a good time.” The exercise program counts toward her 20 hours as a Mission Service Corps Volunteer. What is the Mission Service Corps? “Well, when I was teaching at the College,” Jena begins,.”I saw a brochure advertising a program to be a parish nurse.” During spring break, Jena checked out the Corps and discovered it was yet another way to give back to her community, so she took the Basic Parish Nurse course. All she needed was a committee in her church to support her financially. Highland Park almost agreed, but the first time the program was proposed, liability was an issue. Eventually, however, the church board approved her participation, and on October 2, 2001, Jena was commissioned to the Mission Service Corps. She is expected to contribute 20 volunteer hours each month. “Some say I overdo it,” she shrugs as she laughs. Later she attended Loyola University in Chicago to acquire the Parish Nurse Educator certification. TC paid all Jena’s expenses for the course, and she returned to teach Parish Nursing at Texarkana College for the Continuing Education Department. During one of her continuing education classes, a chaplain from Wadley came to speak to the class. Jena asked about the process and duties of becoming a chaplain, and 10 years later, she still serves as a Wadley chaplain. Her office now back in order, Jena wants to show me something. We walk to the door of the room next to her office. The opened door reveals a space filled with wheelchairs, crutches, support equipment-even a “Pulse-Ox” machine. “This belongs to LINCARE,“ once again her spontaneous chuckle as she points to the instrument, “They told us to use it and bring it back when we are through. That was eight years ago.” Her arm sweeps in front of her, “This is all donated, and I have some things in use. We use this equipment for people who have no insurance and are not eligible for government assistance.” She repeats as though in awe herself, “All of our equipment is donated.” As we walk toward a map tacked to the opposite wall, Jena’s voice assumes a sprightly tone, “I tell you. I just wander around and things happen. That’s the truth.” She points on the map to the names Anne and Brenda, now serving as missionaries in East Asia. “When Brenda was applying to be a missionary, she was overweight. I ran and ate salads with her until she lost the extra weight.” Then she turns away from the wall and points to her earrings, “This is my name in hieroglyphics. I am wearing them because I am so worried about a Coptic Christian nurse friend in Egypt. I went to Egypt with a group of nurses and took nursing books with me. You would have thought I had taken a million dollars. Egyptian nurses get paid for 13 months, and the 13th month pay is their only retirement. I am so worried about her.”

Jena’s international concerns are expansive. When she moved into her current duplex with her mom, her new neighbor told her he was going to marry a girl from the Ukraine. He brought to the U.S. a Ukranian wife and her daughter. Eventually Jena invited Olena Romenska, the daughter, to live with her. With Jena’s encouragement, Olena worked as a Monitor Tech at St. Michaels until she graduated from high school and left for the University of Arkansas , Fayetteville. She now attends medical school at Little Rock. Olena’s cousin, Vladimir, moved into the space she vacated at Jena’s. During the four years he lived with Jena, he attended school and worked at Wadley as a Mental Health Tech. “I wanted him to get an idea of what the medical environment is like before he left for Henderson,” Jena observes. Because of Jena’s influence, both of her Ukrainian “children” are headed for careers in medicine. After circling the room, Jena returns to her office and…she sits down, a move that allows her to contemplate a bit. While I marvel at her dedication and energy and now blonde locks, she looks at me and smiles, then she yields heartily to the humor of the moment. The blonde locks? One of her Ukranian friends is attending cosmetology school, and Jena is her laboratory. “I may be some other color by next week. That’s OK.” Change is an important part of her life, and she handles it well. Thus, she can move from her monthly meeting with the TexArk Chapter HLA (Hearing Loss Association) to her work with the Texas Peer Assistance Program helping nurses. “I recently got a text from a male nurse about a job. ‘What do you suggest I do?’ www.alt-mag.com

Pray was her answer.” Her participation as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor extends from Little Rock to Austin, and she is still hoping that funds will be found to reopen Texarkana’s Community Free Health Clinic where, of course, she volunteered. Eventually, she wants to return to the hospice care she once administered and enjoyed…..On and on…she moves. Uncharacteristically, Jena becomes thoughtfully somber, “Harold Hatchett [a Professor at Texas A&M-Texarkana] was my uncle and my cheerleader,” she begins. “When he was dieing in Little Rock, I asked him, ‘What am I going to do without you?’” “You’re going to keep doing what

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you’re doing right now,” he replied, “helping people.” Jena Howell is, indeed, involved in the Busy-ness of Caring. Some call her an “Angel,” although she would probably reject that notion. To list her many considerate efforts is to emphasize two significant points: 1.

The Power of One, motivated by faith, is awesome….and…

Opportunities for volunteering are everywhere. They foster not only a more thoughtful community but individuals whose lives are purposeful

and rewarded. As Jena has declared, “I tell you. I just wander around and things happen. That’s the truth.” “Things happen” because Jena Howell sees with her faithful heart as well as her eyes, and our world is so much better for her presence. To access some of Jena’s programs: Fit for Him Exercise Program: Highland Park Baptist Church, 903 792-6996 Hearing Loss Association of Texarkana, Contact number 870-330-0449. Texas Peer Assistance Program: 903 3069117, Ask for Melissa

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Parents: Anthony and Davida Cellers School Activities: I participate in varsity cheerleading and student council. Hobbies: My hobbies are reading, shopping, and dancing. Plans for College: I plan to attend the Millennium Dance Complex in LA this summer for two weeks. This is to decide if I can really be away from Texarkana, ”all by myself”. If it is not too painful, then I will attend college in San Fernando Valley and dance with a group of professionals. I could get the chance to work with great music artists, actors and serveral professional auditions. If I decide I need more time, then I will attend Texas A&M in Texarkana for a year.

What made you choose the college you plan to attend: The college in LA is all about my passion for dance. Texas A&M, Texarkana, is about giving myself time to grow and adjust to being out of high school.

What qualities do you look for in a friend: To me, a good friend is someone who is always there for me. Someone I can talk to and who can keep my secrets. They understand my moods and know that I am very passionate about dance. A good friend is someone that I don’t have to hang out with every day, yet they still know that I care. What is the best advice you ever received: The world is watching you. Always be on your best behavior. You never know when someone is watching you!

What is your favorite possession: My favorite possession is my I Phone. It keeps me on schedule, I can locate music quickly, contact friends and family and look up important facts, and always be in contact with facebook!

What person do you most admire: The person I most admire is Kattie James, my late Great Grandmother. She was a friend and a very strong person. She loved her family and loved to watch me dance. I was her favorite great granddaughter. Who is your favorite musical group: I don’t have a favorite music group. I love music. I listen to country, rap, R&B and techno. They are all my favorites!

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Funniest moment: Goodness, my funniest moment would be getting stuck on my head trying to do a dance trick at convention with all these people staring at me, or getting to a pageant and realizing that one shoe was a 61/2 and the other was an 8, when I actually wear a 7! So many moments...so many laughs! What three words best describe you: Determined, dedicated, and hardworking. What are your three favorite movies: Despicable Me, Madagascar and the Twilight Series are some of my favorites. What is your idea of “fun”: Today, fun is having a tank of gas to ride around with friends and visiting the mall, watching my brother Rian play baseball with his serious face, and just “chillin” at home having fish tacos. Family time with my people. Describe your “Dream Date”: My dream date is with Justin Bieber. Just the two of us in my Granny’s VW Beetle, with the top down, on a nice Saturday evening. Riding around town and showing him off to my friends. Later a nice dinner and movie. Sorry about it Team Jacob, maybe next time. Lol! www.alt-mag.com

Parents: Nita and Steve Little School Activities: Student Council, Key Club, Senior Class Treasurer, Art Club Secretary. Hobbies: I love spending time working out, scapbooking and baking. Plans for College: I plan to start at Texarkana College to get my basics, and then I want to transfer to a bigger college to start my major in Education. I would like to finish with a Masters Degree. What made you choose the college you plan to attend: I would like to still live at home while going to college. What makes you a good friend: I am very dependable, and trustworthy. What is the best advice you ever received: My papaw told me that “It’s not what you make, it’s what you save.” I always think about that when I think about him. What is your favorite possession: My car! My mom bought me a 2011 Kia Sorento for my 18th birthday, and I absolutley love it! What person do you most admire: My Mimi.

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What is your favorite book and why: Ellen Foster is my favorite. It deals with a real life story of a child.

Funniest moment: Last summer, we dressed my brother up like a girl and took him out to the movies in Destin, Florida. What three words best describe you: I consider myself to be laid back, dependable and organized. What is your idea of “fun”: I enjoy going shopping with my mom, or putt putt! I LOVE to play putt putt! Describe your “Dream Date”: I am pretty old fashioned! My dream date is going to a nice restaurant and seeing a movie.

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Financial Focus... Submitted by Dustin Stringer Edward Jones Investments

“Stress Busters” for the Sandwich Generation

ou may be too busy to realize it, but April is Stress Awareness Month. Sponsored by the Health Resource Network, a nonprofit health education group, Stress Awareness Month is designed to promote awareness about ways to reduce stress in our lives. And if you’re a member of the socalled “Sandwich Generation,” you may well have plenty of stress to deal with — especially financial stress. And that’s why you may want to look at this month as an opportunity to explore ways of “destressing” yourself. To understand the scope of the problem facing people in your situation, consider this: One out of every eight Americans aged 40 to 60 is raising a child while caring for an aging parent, according to the Pew Research Center. The definition of “eldercare” can

range from having the parent living in one’s home to helping pay for the parent’s stay in an assisted living or nursing home facility. When you consider the costs involved in this type of care, added to the expenses of raising your children and possibly even providing some financial support to them as young adults, it’s easy to see how you could potentially face enormous strains, both emotionally and financially. To help ease this burden, consider these suggestions: • Save. As a Sandwich Generation member, you’re probably within shouting distance of your own retirement — so you need to save for it. This may not be easy. You don’t know how much financial support you may someday have to provide your elderly parents — and even after your children are grown, they may need some help from you. Unfortunately, in helping these “boomerang” children, many people disrupt their day-to-day cash flow and raid their savings. That’s why it’s important to try to “pay yourself first” by deferring part of each paycheck into a 401(k) and by automatically moving money each month from your checking or savings account into an IRA. • Talk. Many people in the “Greatest Generation” (over age 80) have not even prepared a will. If your parents are in that group, you may want to talk to them about taking action. Also, find out who, if anyone, is handling their investments. And ask if your parents understand how Medicare works and if they need to add supplemental health insurance, such as Medigap. Plus, you need to find out if your parents have created a power of attorney or health care directive. It’s best to have these conversations sooner rather than later. • Delegate. You eventually may have to take some responsibility for your parents’ care — but you don’t have to do it alone. You could, for example, work with a financial services provider that offers trust services, which can be invaluable if your parents are incapacitated and useful even if they aren’t. A professional trust officer can, among other duties, help manage your parents’ investments, pay their bills, keep their records and supervise distribution of their assets to beneficiaries. In short, a qualified trust officer can make life a lot easier for you. Stress Awareness Month lasts only 30 days, but by taking the right steps, you can de-stress yourself for many years to come. After all, just because you’re in the Sandwich Generation, it doesn’t mean you have to be “squished.”

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors can not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal professional regarding your particular situation.

ALT Magazine

Fish Tales by Mike Brower

Spawn

he time of year I wait on is here again -- SPAWN -- the time of year when the fisherman, not the fish, gets stupid. We as fisherman don’t get to fish for visible fish but once a year and we become mesmerized by the sight of a fish on the bed and the thought of seeing that fish smashing our lure. If you are fun fishing, that is a cool thought. But if you are fishing a tournament, it could be a time waster. Catching a bass off a bed can be quick and easy, or hard and time consuming. The mood of the fish is the key factor here. If you happen upon a fish that seems like it’s taken a dose of Prozac, it’s a good idea to keep moving.

How can you tell if you have a catchable fish? Watch the movements of the fish and answer these questions: • Does the fish swim 10 or so feet away from your bait when presented? • Does it take more than a minute for the fish to return? • Does the fish pretty much ignore your bait? • And finally, does the fish show any sign of aggressiveness? If you answer: yes,yes,yes, and no to these questions …..”MOVE ON!” Let some dumb schmuck like me spend too much time with that fish. If you have a fish that shows an aggressive behavior, then you should spend some time with that one. As a rule bass do not spawn in very shallow water, so spend your time looking for them in clear water about 3-5 feet deep where they feel more protected. Bass that spawn a little deeper are not as spooky as those that spawn in water less than 3 feet. Around here, being able to see more than 1-2 feet is possible. However, if you want to get the full spawning experience, you should trot up to Degray or Ouachita where the water is clearer -- and watch ’em smack your bait around.

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S P R I N G 2 0 11 These people received life as a result of a selfless act of courage. April is National Organ Donor Month.

Read their stories inside. And consider giving the gift of life.

S P R I N G 2 0 11 / c o n t e n t s

F E AT U R E S

BUSINESS

The Greatest Gift of All

Allergies - Home Remedies Can Help

HELPFUL INFO

All About Donation.

From His Heart

A r k - L a - Te x R e s o u r c e G u i d e

Profile - Oak Creek Furniture

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson

k / COVER

The Greatest Gift of All APRIL is NATIONAL ORGAN DONOR MONTH. Please celebrate by becoming an Organ Donor……You have the power to DONATE LIFE— The Greatest Gift of All!

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Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy Feature Writer / Jane Bouterse

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info@alt-mag.com 200 Heather Dr., Texarkana, TX 75501 (903) 334-9605

by Jane Bouterse

he Christmas tree was decorated, and dinner was done when the call came shortly after 5 p.m. on December 1, 1996. Somehow both Patsy and her friend DuBose knew the ringing signaled the anticipated—yet unanticipated—call from Sandy, the pre-transplant nurse. “ When Patsy answered the phone, Sandy’s voice: “‘Patsy, we have a liver. Are you ready for this?’” Patsy nodded agreeably, “’We are ready.’” For almost three months, Patsy had been living with DuBose, who had built her Houston home much sooner than originally planned to accommodate Patsy and her team. All the while, Patsy’s husband, Gary, had gone back and forth between his business and family in Corpus Christi and Patsy in Houston. Months earlier, these two super organizers—Patsy and Gary Poelma-had signed all the legal papers and formed a Support Team. They had met several times with the team to make sure everyone understood their jobs when the call came and arranged their schedules to assume the

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Patsy Poelma, pictured here with her husband, Gary, received a liver and is now enjoying what she calls her “Second Life.”

hospital responsibilities Patsy’s transplant would necessitate. The Team included David who was to stay with Gary at all times in case the surgery did not go as planned and Phyllis whose yummy dinners would feed the support team and Larry who occasionally would transport Gary from the hospital to a golf course. The balance of the team included carefully chosen family and other friends needed to sit and reassure and support and administer. Every possible preparation had been completed, communicated, discussed and reviewed. For Patsy, who had been building up to this moment for over 10 years, was about to begin what she has called her Second Life. According to Pam Silvestri , Public Affairs Director of Southwest Transplant Alliance in Dallas, “There are currently over 100,000 people nationally and more than 10,000 in Texas awaiting organ transplants. While more than 30,000 people do receive the organs they need each year, about 18 people die every day before the organs they need become available.” Dramatic

increases in organ donations both nationally Italian accent and piercing and in Texas have not been able to offset brown eyes of the “very the dramatic increases in those who need handsome anesthesiologist.” the eyes, tissue, or organs that can be When her eyes opened next, retrieved for donation. One healthy donor— it was all over. “Amazing” potentially-- can donate life or enhance the They agreed to allow lives of up to 50 people. the MORNING NEWS to Two points about organ donation document the surgery, so are crucial to know and remember: First: there are photos: no one is killed for the purpose of obtaining organs for transplant. “Potential organ Photo Link: http:// donors must pass away in a hospital on a www.dallasnews.com/ ventilator.” “…blood and oxygen must flow incoming/20110117-a-gift-ofthrough the organs until the time of recovery life.ece?ssi mg=105080#ssTOP105081 to ensure viability.” (www.donatelife.net) Second: organs and recipients are matched only on the bases of need and compatibility. “The TV crews came the Race, gender, profession, religion etc. are next morning and Jennifer never considerations in recipient selection, and I finally got to see each Pam Silvestri, left, donated one of her kidneys to her friend, but age ranges may be considered for a other. She looked so healthy Jennifer Cox. better match. For example, Texarkanian and beautiful and happy. And Polly Dowden is African-American and had she had so much energy. hers, but she and Tiffany were not a blood just turned 37 when she began her second What a gift to be able to give to my good match; however, after 15 years Jennifer’s life with the heart of a 15 year old Anglofriend who’d given so much more to me.” kidney had begun to fail. Once again, Pam Texan girl. Both organ donors and recipients tried, and she and Jennifer were a match. Organ donations—like kidney, must be carefully examined prior to either As they were celebrating their good fortune a portion of the liver, lung, intestine or donating or receiving. With demand for and the book tour for Jennifer’s upcoming pancreas-- can be made by living donors. organs exceeding the supply, every attempt book about caring for a child with a chronic Deceased donors, i.e. those whose brain is made to guarantee the success of the illness, daughter Tiffany unexpectedly died. death has been declared can donate any transplant. According to the United Network From the celebratory heights to viable organ capable of being transplanted. for Organ Sharing (UNOS), “A person who the depths of loss was a short fall for the Donors and donor families can be unknown may benefit from an organ transplant is two friends, but Jennifer reassured Tiffany’s and choose never to meet the recipient, as referred by his or her doctor to a transplant many mourners that she and her daughter was the case with Patsy’s liver, or they can center, which evaluates the patient. The had said what they needed to say, and both be strangers who become friends. Polly and transplant center runs a number of tests and knew they were loved. She encouraged Robert, her husband, have become close considers the patient’s mental and physical those listening to be sure their relationships friends with the grandparents of Cassie, health as well as his or her social support were “where they needed to be”…. For Pam, her donor. Pam Silvestri donated one of her system.” Candidates must be acceptable the encouragement was a life changing kidneys to her friend, Jennifer Cox. Pam in all areas of the examination before they one, as she spent the next few months tells their story this way: are added, unranked, to the national patient getting her family relationships in order. Jennifer received a kidney from waiting list for organ transplants. “Thanks to Jennifer,“ she writes, “I now have Toby Jones, a deceased donor, on July The United Network for Organ truly meaningful 29, 1995. She was so Sharing, 2010, explains that “Waiting time relationships grateful that she contacted for transplantation varies widely depending with my family Southwest Transplant on factors such as the organ needed, blood members.” Alliance (STA) and became type and the degree of the patient’s medical After a volunteer. “Since she urgency. Some candidates are transplanted that came the was working at one of the less than a day after listing; others may wait obligatory medical largest minority churches years for a transplant. Median wait times and psychological in South Dallas, she include three to eight months for a heart, tests to be sure began reaching out to the eight to 15 months for a liver,15 months to they were not area’s black churches on two years for a lung, and three to five years only a physical behalf of organ donation. for a kidney.” match but also that Jennifer did an amazing Patsy Poelma, a Title I First grade Pam was acting job and ultimately came to teacher, for example, retired early on of her own free work with STA as minority medical disability. The suspected culprit will. Prayers were community advocate. She in her liver’s malfunction was hepatitis. ”I offered in their also befriended her donor’s rocked along for 10 years,” she explains, behalf, and the wife, Beverly, and they are “until in 1994 I turned a light shade of Dallas MORNING good friends to this day. yellow, started bruising all over and was NEWS even ran “Over the years, very, very tired.” The wife of one of her their story. On the Jennifer and I also husband’s golfing buddies was an Internist, day of the surgery, became good friends. We so she ran a series of tests which revealed Jennifer’s family discussed our marriages, Patsy had Liver Cirrhosis. Shortly thereafter was gathered at our families, our most Patsy’s dermatologist suggested that the the hospital where private thoughts….It was an lichen planus [a recurrent rash due to they all hugged amazing place to share.” inflammation] she was suffering could be and laughed and Eventually, symptomatic of liver disease. Patsy and cried, then the two Jennifer’s daughter, Tiffany, her husband Gary were in shock, so they friends adjourned Perry Smith was ready to give up when the a Lupus patient, needed traveled to Memorial Hermann Hospital in news came that a heart had been located to their rooms. a kidney transplant. Pam Houston seeking a second opinion. and his needed to come to the hospital for The last thing Pam offered to donate one of Dr. Joseph Galati confirmed the transplant surgery. remembers are the www.alt-mag.com

Polly Dowden received her heart from a Burkburnett 15 year old healthy, funny, athletic and smart Cassie McKee, whose grandparents chose to give the gift of life to four recipients, shown here “feeling” Cassie’s heart beat in Polly.

diagnosis and told Patsy she would need a transplant. He and his team were going to watch her for a while and would tell her when it was time. A long year crept by before that “time” for her to go on the transplant list, then another eight months had to be endured while she waited for the December 1 call. Patsy was lucky. Texarkanian Perry Smith was 55 years old when he had a massive heart attack at his class reunion in Longview, Texas. He had no history of heart disease. At the time Smith, an accomplished pilot, also smoked at least four packs of cigarettes a day, a habit that had grown from his first smoke at age 13, through the Air Force and accompanied him into any cockpit he piloted. He quickly adds, “They cannot prove smoking caused this.” Nonetheless, Smith began a round robin of medical routines: a stint, an almost fatal defibrillator and pacemaker installation when he contracted a staph infection in his lungs followed by 20 days of medicine at $500 a dose. Eventually, he traveled to Little Rock for surgery—5 by-passes. His condition worsened. By 1959, he was placed on a transplant list through the Arkansas

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Regional Organ Recovery Agency. For three years while he waited for a heart, he traveled every week to Baptist Health Center in Little Rock (“They have the best heart department in the country,” Smith believes.) to receive a six hour IV. Perry Smith was grounded. He slept in his chair because he had to keep his head above his chest, or his lungs would fill with water and he would drown. The inability of his heart to get oxygen into his body made him too tired to do anything. He endured gallbladder surgery, shingles, an aneurysm in his aorta, blood clots, morphine pills, MRIs, a new stint….the picture is clear. After three years of waiting, he had had enough, so he told his wife to call the Health Center to tell them, “I’m done. I can’t stand any more.” The morning following his decision, his wife awakened him to take his heart medicine before she left for work. “I told her, ‘I’m not going to take it anymore,’” but he had scarcely gotten the words organized when he heard the phone ring. “Christy [a pre-transplant nurse at Baptist] wants to talk to you,” his wife explained as she handed him the phone. Christy told Perry to come

ASAP. “I’ll have to take a shower first,” the words just tumbled out of his mouth, as he could hear his team gathered around the speaker phone in celebration. His long wait was finally over. Polly Dowden was working at Christus St. Michael’s Rehabilitation Hospital. In 2000, she had just been named Hospitality Team Leader after 12 years of employment. Her first incidence of heart problems occurred in the late 90s when, at 27, she developed a shortness of breath at work. She drove herself home and lay down but soon changed her mind and drove herself back to Christus St. Michael ER. Almost immediately after her arrival, her heart completely stopped. Shortly thereafter she was diagnosed with Acute Viral Cardiomyopathy or “a cold in the heart.” Simplified, the cold virus attacks the heart instead of the lungs. Immediately, Polly was sent to Dallas for a pacemaker-defibrillator. Even with the mechanical help, her heart was able to work at only about 30% capacity. Meantime, Dr. Minakshi Patel monitored her medications in Texarkana, told her she would need a transplant and put her on a

list. In 2004, the day before Thanksgiving, Polly was stricken again. From her house to the hospital, paramedics told Polly, she coded several times. When she was stable enough, she was airlifted to Baylor Medical Center. Polly, the lady with the sparkling eyes, smiles, “Lucky me. I had two cardiologists at the same time—two doctors taking care of the same heart.” For eight days she was on life support before moving to a room. By this time, her heart had gotten worse and was only functioning about 10%. Her Dallas doctor induced a coma to insert a balloon to enlarge her arteries. By 8 a.m. the next morning, Polly realized her status on the transplant list was “needs now.” There was little time to check all her paper work before her heart arrived at 10:30 p.m. She had been in the hospital fewer than 24 hours, so pre-transplant work had not been done. “They did tons of tests as quickly as they could,” Polly explains. “The donor’s rare blood type and mine were a perfect match—a miracle. The doctor even came to my bedside to talk to me, and the nurses were in awe. He never did that. But he told me that in 10 minutes, my life was going to change.” Fourteen hours after being named a recipient, Polly received her heart from a Burkburnett 15 year old healthy, funny, athletic and smart Cassie McKee who died from smoke inhalation and burns. Cassie’s grandparents knew her love of life but wished they had talked about organ donation with her. Nonetheless, they made a choice which gave four people a new chance at life. Time may be an even more difficult component of the transplant environment than the disease from which the recipient suffers. The wait is like a roller coaster ride, as many recipients –like Perry Smith who missed three hearts-- and donor organs just do not match for some reason. The process of making the transplant has been gradually refined and improved so that, barring any problems, the actual organ transfer can be completed usually in two to three hours. The medical drug regimen, including the immuno-suppressant drugs among many others, begins immediately and continues throughout the lives of the recipients. So who can give this precious gift of life? ANYONE. “It is an honor, “ Silvestri explains, “for us to work with families that… can step out of their grief to be able to think of other people …they may never even meet.” Polly Dowden’s donor was a teenager whose grandparents contacted Polly three months after their gift. They wanted the chance to meet her and feel Cassie’s beating heart. Dowden was happy to comply. “’Grateful’ is not good enough,‘ Dowden acknowledges. ‘I don’t even know if they have a word.” Today both families enjoy a unique friendship. Patsy’s donor was also young-- a young man, but his grieving family has never wanted to establish contact. Donors’ wishes regarding contact with www.alt-mag.com

recipients are always respected. Young people are a very important group who should clearly make known their wishes regarding organ donation, as their sense of “invulnerability” tends to put them at risk. Donors of any age, however, are needed and welcomed. “It doesn’t take as much as most people think to become a donor,” Silvestri notes. With the new Donate Life Texas registry (in place since 2006), simply sign up at www. donatelifetexas.org or go to your local DPS office to register. For more information, folks can call

800-788-8058 or visit WWW.ORGAN.ORG. “While public opinion polls show that 80% of people are aware of donation and think it’s a good thing and would be willing to donate, many people still do not take the time to officially register, leaving family members to make this decision at an already difficult time. The most important thing anyone can do to help increase the number of organs available is to be a registered organ donor, and to share that decision with family members.” Making the decision to be an

organ donor requires a selfless resolve. Remember, however, that donors can be living or deceased, but each one of us possesses the power to donate life to someone else. The list of recipients includes the famous—Steve Jobs, Natalie Cole, Billy Graham, Pat Summerall as well as people whose names will remain unknown. Both donors and recipients are courageous people who are willing to give and receive the greatest gift of all-- a new chance at life by people helping people. Technology can make a transplant happen—even create a temporary substitute or overcome problems—but life exists only in the organs themselves. In truth, the stories of Patsy, Polly, Perry and Pam (what a coincidence), are filled with humor and heartache, faith and determination and would make an inspiring book. Each story, albeit different, does show the importance of loving support, technical expertise, astounding generosity and courage as well as a touch of “miracle.”

APRIL is NATIONAL ORGAN DONOR MONTH. Please celebrate by becoming an Organ Donor……You have the power to DONATE LIFE—The Greatest Gift of All!

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The word ‘allergy’ means abnormal or altered tissue reaction which occurs if the body tissues are sensitive to the allergen. Some allergic symptoms include migraines, recurring headaches, irritability, dizziness, depression, nervousness, conjunctivitis, neuralgia, hay fever, eczema, diarrhea, sneezing, stuffy nose, asthma, urticaria, vomiting and swelling of eyes and face. But no need to worry, you can get rid of these allergies by following some home remedies using foods and other tools to protect yourself and your loved ones against ominous allergens.

Friendly Foods:

Around the House:

Relieve Stress- Relieve Allergies:

Bananas

Air Conditioning

One or two bananas a day are useful for those who are allergic to certain foods and who consequently suffer from skin rashes, digestive disorders, or asthma, The fruit does, however, cause allergic reactions in certain sensitive persons and they should avoid it.

Using Air conditioning is a good way to address problems with pollen. By keeping humidity low, keeping dust mites and mold under control and acting as a filter, air conditioning is very effective- especially if you have an air cleaner installed. Keep the windows closed and the pollen out!

Stress is your body’s response to situations, inside and out, which interfere with the normal balance in your life. Virtually all of the body’s systems -digestive, cardiovascular, immune, and nervous system -- make adjustments in response to stress.

Castor Oil

Hard Surface Flooring

It is found that five drops of castor oil in half a cup of any fruit or vegetable juice, or plain water, and taken on an empty stomach in the morning, is beneficial for allergies of the intestinal tract, skin, and nasal passages.

Allergens are sticky particles and cling to soft surfaces. This means, lots of carpeting is extremely unhealthy for those allergic to dust mites, pet dander and mold. The initial investment towards Installing hard flooring will likely prove to be worth it when your allergies are kept to a minimum!

Lime Lime is considered an effective remedy for any kind of allergy. Half a lime may be squeezed in a glass of lukewarm water and sweetened with a teaspoon of honey. It can be taken once daily first thing in the morning for several months. This remedy not only flushes the system of toxins but also acts as an antitoxic and antiallergic agent. However, those who are allergic to citrus fruits should not take recourse to this remedy. www.onlinehealthtips.net

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Bleach Mold and mildew can be devastating to those who suffer from allergies. Bleach is a simple mold-killer that’s available at almost every market. Try using a bleach/water mixture to wipe down bathroom surfaces, floors, walls and household appliances. After applying the beach mixture, let it sit for five minutes before rinsing the surface with plain water. www.home-remedies-for-you.com

When you’re all stressed out, your body releases hormones and other chemicals, including histamine, the powerful chemical that leads to allergy symptoms. While stress doesn’t actually cause allergies, it can make an allergic reaction worse by increasing the histamine in your bloodstream.

Lessen the Stress Identify and remove or reduce the source of your stress. If your stress is from overwork, learn to delegate, especially during allergy season. If your stress is from overextending yourself, rethink your priorities. Get plenty of sleep every night, not just on weekends. Getting in bed and resting can restore the body’s balance and help the allergic body heal. Exercise daily. Even if you only have time to take a walk, exercise helps reduce stress hormones that may cause you to feel keyed up. And remember, exercise produces epinephrine, which acts as a natural decongestant, helping you breathe better.

www.livestrong.com

www.webmd.com

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Com

es EXP ee our SHO ANDE new D WR OOM !

for s t f i tg Grea casions! all oc Welcome

Spring

Into Your Home... With Polywood Outdoor Furniture...

Polywood Outdoor Furniture... At Oak Creek Furniture, you will find many different styles of polywood furniture. The material used is water and weather resistant, and most importantly, created from recycled polyethylene. For this reason, our polywood lawn furniture is considered a green product. There is no maintenance required, no cracking or splinting, and the polywood material does not promote bacterial growth or mildew. Choose from seven different colors and products such as swings, gliders, benches, deck chairs, table & chair sets, bridges and footrests.

Cuddle up... Amish bedroom furniture brings to mind the simplicity and elegance of another era. The skills of the Amish furniture makers have been honed, developed, and handed down over generations. Now, we as consumers have the opportunity to have the same beautiful furniture in our homes as the Amish have in their homes. Our Amish furniture is made of SOLID Oak, Cherry, Maple, Hickory or Quartersawn Oak and is built to last.

Why is Oak Creek Furniture Different?

For everyone in your family...

We have chosen Amish furniture craftsmen who are recognized leaders in the solid wood furniture industry. Amish furniture is made by hand in small Amish wood shops so every piece of furniture receives the same attention to detail. Our Amish handcrafted furniture is built to last.

Choose only the best for your bouncing, beautiful baby with this exceptionally well-built childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s furniture handcrafted to the highest standards. All furniture comes in a generous offering of finished-to-perfection hardwoods.

Why all the fuss about details?

Lasting elegance...

Because the Amish craftsmen build furniture that your children and grandchildren will be proud to inherit. Come see our Amish-built bedroom furniture and oak dining room furniture. The selection of the boards and the grade of the hard wood, along with dovetailed drawers, mortise-and-tenon construction and the multi-step finish are all just small parts of the build process that add up to an heirloom quality piece of oak or cherry furniture.

There is no better place to sit for a meal than around Amish dining room furniture. Amish dining room furniture is made for a family to sit around and enjoy not just the meal, but each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company, as well. All of our dining room furniture is sturdy and durable - your family and future generations of your family will be able to sit at and around our dining room furniture for years to come.

Did you know... That most of the furniture made today uses substitute materials such as particleboard. Because particleboard is made from wood fragments bonded with resin, it is considered an all wood product BUT IT IS NOT solid wood. Our Amish furniture is made of SOLID Oak, Cherry, Maple, Hickory or Quartersawn Oak.

All About Donation.

You could make a difference. Here’s how. Types of Donations Blood (or Whole Blood) Donation

Double Red Cells Double red cell donation is done with the help of an apheresis machine which collects the red cells but returns most of the plasma and platelets to the donor.

This is the most common type of donation, during which approximately a pint of ‘whole blood’ is given.

Red cells are the most transfused blood component, and certain blood types are often in short supply.

The blood is separated into transfusable components – red cells, plasma, platelets and/or cryoprecipitated AHF.

Double red cell donations from Type O donors and donors with Rh-negative blood types play a very important role in maintaining blood supply levels.

This type of blood donation usually takes about an hour, though the actual donation takes about 8-10 minutes. You are eligible to donate ‘whole blood’ every 56 days.

Platelet Apheresis During this type of donation, an apheresis machine collects the platelets and some plasma and returns the red cells and most of the plasma back to the donor. Platelets are a vital element of cancer and organ transplant treatments, as well as many surgical procedures as they help prevent massive blood loss. A single donation of platelets collected by apheresis can constitute one or several transfusable units, while it takes about five whole blood donations to constitute a single transfusable unit of platelets. The donation takes approximately one anda-half to two and-a-half hours.

Plasma Apheresis During a plasma apheresis donation, the blood is collected by a machine, which separates the plasma, red cells and platelets and returns the red cells and/or platelets back to the donor. While donors with Type AB blood can only give red cells to other Type AB recipients, they are the universal plasma donors. The ‘right type’ donation for AB donors may be an apheresis donation of plasma or plasma and platelets. The donation takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

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Donors need to meet slightly higher hemoglobin and body height/weight requirements in order to be able to give a double red cell donation. Double red cell donations take approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, though the actual donation takes about 30-35 minutes, and allow you to give two units of red cells. Available in most donation centers and some blood drives. Donors are eligible to give double red cells every 112 days.

Tips for You

Facts About the Supply and Demand of Blood: Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. A total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S. (2006). The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints. The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O. The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs. More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment. A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

Come prepared: Have a light meal and plenty to drink. Bring your donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification. Bring the names of medications you are taking.

Some Benefits for You: You will receive a mini physical to check your: Pulse Blood pressure Body temperature Hemoglobin

The number of blood donations collected in the U.S. in a year: 16 million (2006). The number of patients who receive blood in the U.S. in a year: 5 million (2006). Share of the U.S. population eligible to give blood: Less than 38 percent. Blood cannot be manufactured – it can only come from generous donors. Type O-negative blood (red cells) can be transfused to patients of all blood types. It is always in great demand and often in short supply. Type AB-positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all other blood types. AB plasma is also usually in short supply. *Find this information and more on: www.redcrossblood.org

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by Jeff Schreve

If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. John 13:17

ike many people, I had a goal to hit the New Year with a diet and exercise plan. I was going to cut carbs, get on my newly purchased elliptical machine four times a week, and lift weights three days a week. I was going to be a specimen by the end of the first quarter. Hmmm. As I write this, my elliptical machine is gathering dust, and I am heavier than ever. Now we all know “why” my diet and exercise plan is not working. It is not working because I am not doing it! The Bible says, “A good understanding have all those who DO His commandments” (Psalm 111:10). Jesus told us that the blessing is not in the knowing but in the doing. AT HOME In the Christian life, the rubber meets the road at home. Without question, marriage and family are critical to our lives. It matters little how high you climb on the ladder of success in the business world. If your marriage and family is a disaster, everything else really rings hollow. And why do so many who claim to follow Christ have such dissatisfying home-life situations? It is because the elliptical machine is gathering dust, so to speak. People often know what to do, they just don’t do it. They want to have a great marriage and family without doing the things necessary to have a great marriage and family. They want to have a deep walk with God without doing the things necessary to have a deep walk with God – things like time in His Word, time on your knees and time with a small group who can hold you accountable and help you grow. Debbie and I are privileged to get to share at Family Life Weekend Marriage Getaways around the country. We share proven, biblical principles for experiencing a wonderful marriage and family. But you know what? Even though we teach on this stuff and know what the Bible says about it, we don’t experience oneness in our marriage UNLESS we DO what we know. The blessing is not in the knowing, it is in the doing. HOW ARE YOU DOING? There are some people I know who study the Bible and can give you chapter and verse on

this doctrine and that doctrine, but those same people are mean, cruel, selfish, jealous, and bitter. They are just like the Pharisees of old who studied God’s Word and taught God’s Word, but they never really obeyed God’s Word. They merely gave lip service to the commands of God. Could you be guilty of the same? As you look over your life, are you doing what God says to do? 1. Are you seeking first the Kingdom of God, or do you have God on the back burner? 2. Are you forgiving people who hurt you, or are you holding on to grudges and bitterness? 3. Are you loving your wife, even if she is not very loveable right now, or are you ignoring her and doing your own thing? 4. Are you respecting your husband, even if he is not very respectable right now, or are you constantly chipping away at him with disrespectful barbs and snide comments? 5. Are you disciplining your children and training them up in the fear of the Lord, or are you too tired to really enforce any loving, healthy boundaries? My friend, the time is NOW to start doing what God says to do. Does Christianity work? YES! But it does not work unless you do it. Start doing His will by obeying His Word. You will be amazed how the blessings will start to flow as a result. Remember, “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them” (John 13:17). Will you start today? Now as for me, I’m off to the gym to start doing my exercise program. Debbie is looking forward to a whole new me, one who takes up less of the bed.

Jeff Schreve Pastor www.fromhisheart.org jeff@fromhisheart.org

Jeff Schreve is Senior Pastor of FBC Texarkana (www.fbctexarkana.org) and Founder of From His Heart Ministries (www.fromhisheart.org).

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Ark-La-Tex Resource

Guide

Air and Heating Central Air 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212

Apartments Legacy at Pleasant Grove 5911 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 888.763.2676

Cakes Coldstone Creamery 4228 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2653

Silver Spoon 5530 Scottsdale Drive Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.4648 www.silverspooninc.com

Alterations Bea’s Alterations 2917 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, TX 903-792-2955

Richmond Oaks Apartments 2815 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.6150

Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354

Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227

Reception Arts Becky Risinger Ashdown, AR 870.898.5273

Timothy’s 4115 N. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 903.831.5999

Silver Spoon 5530 Scottsdale Drive Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.4648 www.silverspooninc.com

Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR 124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX

Summerhill Woods Apartments 4501 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.7888 Westwood Apartments 101 Redwater Rd. Wake Village, TX 903.832.8446 Attire Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088 Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 Banks Guaranty Bond Bank 2202 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.792.8600 Texar Federal Credit Union Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.223.5626

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Caterers Chappo’s Italian Restaurant 1617 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.791.1726 Culinary Creations Pam Elliott 903.831.4674 Fuzzy’s Tacos 4809 Texas Blvd. Texarkana, TX 903.791.8226 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 La Fogata 3401 Genoa Road Texarkana, Ar 870.773.1879

Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 www.wingstop.com Clothing Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088 Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056

Cosmetic Surgery Carmony Oral, Facial and Dental Center 5305 Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.791.8405 Dry Cleaning Holiday Cleaners Locations throughout Texarkana Area 870.773.4072 Event Locations Garrison Gardens Texarkana, AR 71854 870.773.0275 www.garrisongardens.net

Scooter Raney at J. Brown for the Home 121 College Drive Texarkana, TX 903.793.4114 Twisted Vines 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, AR 870-772-2700 Furniture Oak Creek Furniture 8024 West 7th St. Texarkana, TX 903.832.0793

The Pavillion at Elk Meadow 8 Miles West of New Boston on I-30 382 PR 42042 DeKalb, TX 75559 903.319.5130

Gifts Dot’s Ace Hardware 3411 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0059

Prissy Chrissy Ranch 915 FM 2148 South Texarkana, TX 75501 903.838.6121 www.prissychrissy.com

H&N Floral 7801 N. State Line 5708 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.1417 903.832.2000

Raindrop Hill Farm 4300 N. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 903.832.7913 Regional Arts Center Cabe Hall 321 W. 4th Street Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.8681 www.trahc.org

Lane’s Gifts & Collectibles 720 Realtor Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.773.2123

Mixing Bowl 4014 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.794.4014 Queen City Floral Highway 59 North Queen City, TX 903.796.2891 Scooter Raney at J. Brown for the Home 121 College Drive Texarkana, TX 903.793.4114 Table Manners 3205 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.3538 Twisted Vines 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, AR 870-772-2700 Hair Care Headmasters Hair Salon 3703 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.832.6261 Style Studio Lisa Harris 3201 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.1719

Hospice Dierksen Hospice 6500 N. Summerhill Road, Suite 2B Texarkana, TX 903.793.6350 Hospitals Christus St. Michael Health System 2600 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.614.1000 Health South Rehabilitation 515 West 12th St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.0088 Wadley Hospital 1000 Pine St. Texarkana, TX 903.798.8000 Hotels Best Western Texarkana Inn & Suites 5219 Crossroads Parkway Texarkana, AR 870.774.1534 Clarion Lacross Hotel 5100 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.774.3521 www.lacrosse-hotel.com Courtyard by Marriott 5001 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.7400

Fitness Centers Anytime Fitness Richmond Road 3415 Richmond Road. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.794.5348 Flooring G&A Carpet 1019 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.832.0553 Lighthouse Flooring 6223 Mall Dr. Nash, TX 903.793.2047 Florists H&N Floral 7801 N. State Line 5708 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.1417 903.832.2000 Queen City Floral Highway 59 North Queen City, TX 903.796.2891 Ruth’s Flowers 3501 Texas Bllvd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.6711 www.ruthsflowers.net

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Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott 4209 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.1000 Hampton Inn & Suites 4601 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 903.832.3499 Holiday Inn Express & Suites 4545 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 903.223.0008 TownePlace Suites by Marriott 5020 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.8800 Insurance Brian Purtle Allstate Insurance 3301 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.5881

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Elite Insurance Tammy McDowell 1705 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.794.0000

Jewelers Alexander’s Jewelers 3701 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.832.3557

Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007

Farm Bureau Insurance 4140 McKnight Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.8707

Blue Isle Expressions 3402 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.791.9992

Greg Cockerell State Farm Insurance 4807 Texas Blvd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.7502

Crocker’s Jewelers 3117 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.8686

Sanctuary Kimberly Parham, M.D. 3502 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8661

Kelli Ashbrook State Farm Insurance 3410 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.8100 www.kelliashbrook.com Ron Morrow State Farm Insurance 3306 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.832.5505 www.ronmorrowagency.com

Micah’s Jewelers 2812 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.735.2336 Make-up Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056

Medical Equipment Respiratory Solutions 3101 Kennedy Lane, Suite 1000 Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.2110 Pet Groomer Bows & Tows 254 E. New Boston Rd. Nash, TX 75570 903.223.3647 Photographer Image Forward Photography 200 Heather Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.334.9605 www.imageforwardtxk.com

Physicians Express Care 5483 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.5931

Rentals Big Event / Atlas Game Room 2837 New Boston Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.334.7444

Ly Gaylor, M.D. Dermatologist Collom & Carney Clinic 5002 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.614.3006

Bounce-A-Lot 903.276.2961 www.bounce-a-lot.com

Philip Hahn, M.D. Advanced Foot Care 5606 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.1222 Jon Northam, M.D. 6 Woodmont Crossing Texarkana, TX 903.791.1044 Mark Wren, M.D. Physiatrist 3510 Richmond Road, Suite 400 Texarkana, TX 75503 903.831.6275 Vision Source 4401 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.9063 Plumbing Central Air/Roto Rooter 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212 Real Estate Connie Walker Coldwell Banker United 3001 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.277.0100 903.832.2486 Impact Realty Bill and Tracy Spradlin 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Suite 104 Nash, TX 903.748.3186 903.748.2477 Teresa Liepman Remax 5120 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.276.9464 Refreshments BJ’s Refreshment Center 3260 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.774.5931 Bolls Distributing 700 E. Broad St. Texarkana, AR 870.774.9283 The Villa Liquor Store 5108 N. Stateline Texarkana, AR 870.772.2100 903.277.1239 razorbackbilly@cableone.net

Dot’s Rentals 814 N. Robison Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.7011 3413 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0551 Twisted Vines 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, AR 870-772-2700 Restaurants Chappo’s Italian Restaurant 1617 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.791.1726 Daddy Dougaloo’s 905 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.0172 Dairy Queen Locations throughout Ark-La-Tex

Timothy’s 4115 N. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 903.831.5999

The Magnolia 4205 Richmond Meadows Texarkana, TX 903.838.7319

Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR 124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX

Sitters Sitters Kathryn Norwood/Karen Schmidt Texarkana, TX 903.277.2191

Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 Retirement/Assisted Living Home Cornerstone Retirement Community 4100 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 903.832.5515 Edgewood Manor 4925 Elizabeth Texarkana, TX 903.793.4645

Spas/Salons All About You Diana Gregory/Lori Campbell 4100 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.7775 Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 Sanctuary Kimberly Parham, M.D. 3502 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8661 Travel Vickie’s Tours PO Box 682 Hooks, TX 903.547.3030

Fuzzy’s Tacos 4809 Texas Blvd. Texarkana, TX 903.791.8226 Golden Corral 3809 Sowell Lane Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8399 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 La Fogata 3401 Genoa Road Texarkana, AR 71854 870.773.1879 Shorty’s Donuts 2729 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.6686 Silver Spoon 5530 Scottsdale Drive Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.4648 Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227 Sonic Locations throughout Ark-La-Tex Tasty Donuts 1443 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.838.0422

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Wedding Attire Bridal Castle 3209 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.3886 Reed’s Bridal and Formal 2501 N. Stateline Texarkana, TX 903.793.7333 Wedding Coordinators Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net Wedding Favors Pop Pop Shoppe 2011 Mall Drive, Suite B Texarkana, TX 903.793.0209 Wedding Officiant Jeff Taylor 903.733.6347 pgccminister@yahoo.com Wedding Planners Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Locations Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX

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903.792.3354 Silver Spoon 5530 Scottsdale Drive Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.4648 www.silverspooninc.com Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227 Timothy’s 4115 N. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 903.831.5999 Weight Loss All About You Diana Gregory/Lori Campbell 4100 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.7775 Richmond Nutrition 3316 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.832.0437

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Joni’s Gymnastics & Dance Centre’ offers both a recreational and competitive dance experience to children and adults alike. From beginning to advanced levels, Joni’s offers excellence in training to students with the best variety of dance styles available in the Ark-La-Tex. Also offered are recreational classes for dancers of all ages as a fun, athletic hobby as well as competition dance team for those dancers with a higher commitment level, wishing to pursue dance on the next level. Regardless of your chosen involvement, every dancer matters. Courses offered include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, HipHop, and Musical Theater. The recreation dance program is for girls and boys ages 3 to 19. This program allows students to participate in all courses offered once a week. There are also performance opportunities available to recreational students. Each year, classes perform in the annual Mistletoe Fair at the Fair Grounds and Joni’s has an annual Spring Recital each year open to the public. While the main intent for recreational dance classes is to have a fun, positive learning environment, Joni’s also teaches students the joy and art of dance.

Joni’s Dance Team is a competition and performance group for girls and boys ages 5 to 19 led by choreographers and instructors Marti Clary and Joni Crabbe. This program is for students that show an exceptional dedication and talent for dance. These dancers will be selected through an audition process and extensively train in all areas of dance. Team dancers will grow both technically and stylistically each year with their participation. The Dance Team will perform at various competitions, conventions and local venues and will have the opportunity to train with the top educators and dancers in the business. The 2010-2011 Dance Team has 49 members and will compete in at least 3 regional competitions this Spring. Team members also attend dance conventions to take classes from some of the top teachers in the industry. While attending the conventions and competitions, dancers have the opportunity to audition and receive scholarships. Joni’s students have won numerous scholarships to New York City, Los Angeles, and Branson over the years, just to name a few. Each summer, several students travel to these cities to compete and audition for higher scholarships.

Last summer alone, Joni’s had three Junior students, Alana Lindsey, Angel Smith and KateLeigh Wright, attend a convention in New York City where they were all awarded “VIP scholarships”. They were able to take classes from prestigious teachers and learn dances to perform in an off-Broadway show in the theater district in New York. Joni’s also had Madison Duncan attend a convention in New York City the following week where she was awarded the “Pulse Protégé” scholarship at the convention. This has allowed her to travel around the US this year to attend conventions as an assistant. And finally, Abby Knight attended the “GoPro PreProfessional Workshop” in Branson, Missouri. She took classes all week long while learning different dances to perform as the opening act for many of the shows Branson puts on each summer. Joni’s already has several dancers excited about attending these events, plus more this summer! Joni’s dance recital is scheduled for June 4, 2011 at the Sullivan Performing Arts Center located on the Texas High School Campus.

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Kiwanis Pancake Day & 5K Race EVENT

WHERE

Corner Stone

WHEN

3/5/11

Just like every year, great community volunteers pitched in to help, including the Aktion Club, the Boy Scouts, Texarkana College and many others. The success of this event involves the entire community! Funds raised will then be distributed to several child service based organizations across our community.

1. Aktion Club 2. Boy Scouts 3. Bryan Rogers 4. Michelle Miller and Kendall Barajas 5. Race Begins 6. Suzanne Brown and Paul Ronan 7. Don Capshaw and Don Morriss 8. Girl Scouts 9. Jayson Ferguson, Nita Fran Hutchison and Bob Bruggerman 10. Kids Fun Run Participants

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Mintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Celebrate Fitness Wine & Dinner EVENT

WHERE

Mintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pulse Cafe

WHEN

3/3/11

1. Alan McDaniel, Sherri Waters and Vince Senatore 2. Tiffany Earnest and Amy Cornish 3. Mike Minton and Damon Earnest 4. Judge Nancy Talley, Judge Ed Miller and Dottie Miller 5. Judfge Ed Miller and Mike Brower 6. Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding and Charlie McMurphy 7. Charlie and Jeromeo McMurphy 8. Debbie Brower, Vince Senatore and Charlotte Hartwell 9. Darrell Magee, Head Chef Dorothy Ross and Tiya Ross 10. Marshall and Jaclyn Gooding 11. Debbie Brower and Rozana Page 12. Jamie Bockman and Leigh Sadler 13. Anita Hackleman and Stephen Collier 14. Ann Morgan and Charlotte Hartwell

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Tribute to African American Women Awards Banquet

EVENT

WHERE

Truman Arnold Center

WHEN

2/19/11

1. Annette Forte, Zedia Lane and Cynthia Henderson 2. Maxine Crittenden, Lillie Young and Zedia Lane 3. JoAnn Rice and Jennell Ingram 4. Denise Thomas, Leatrice Haskins and Angela Lester 5. Fredarick Wilson and Aaron Cash 6. Aaron Cash, John Warren and Kenneth Link 7. Mary Dancer, Kenneth Link and Kendall Link 8. Angel Johnson, Charles Williams and Verna Davis 9. Gamma Kappa Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. 10. Community Service Award - Paula Austin 11. Mary McLeod Bethune Educational Award - Delphynne Jones Davis 12. Sojourner Truth Award - Dee Dee Woods 13. Humanitarian Award - Treva West 14. Elenora Payton and Ruth Smith 15. Misc. Table center piece 16. Scholarship recipient - Robert Jackson Liberty Eylau High School 17. Mary and Henry McDonald 18. Rita Williams and Ernestine Williams 19. Sherrie Green and Carol Lawson

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by Anne Fruge

Eight years ago, Donna Howell was working as an accountant, and today she is busy in the kitchen with her family putting together elegant and towering cakes, delicious chicken salad and house made sundried tomato vinaigrette among other wonderful treats at the Silver Spoon. The restaurant actually began in Donna’s home when Donna agreed to make an inexpensive cake for a friend’s event. The delicious cake was a hit, and soon Donna was getting orders for wedding cakes, birthday cakes and everything in between. When the space in her home became too limited, Donna’s husband bought her a vacant lot off of Moore’s Lane, and Donna was able to build her dream restaurant. The Silver Spoon, while known for its delicious and customer-friendly catering, is also a wonderful place for lunch and a quick stop for dinners that will have everyone thinking you’ve been working in the kitchen all day! The dining room is only open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but the store is open until 5:30 so that busy professionals and parents can pick up gourmet that they don’t have to feel guilty about feeding to their family. Why get fast food when your family can

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enjoy homemade spaghetti, chicken salad, pimento cheese, lasagna, spinach artichoke dip or chicken pot pie? Donna’s husband, Larry Howell, and parents, Buck and Eva Morgan, all work with her in this family owned business to create wonderful food daily that is both convenient and beautiful. Stepping into the elegant dining room of the Silver Spoon, patrons are greeted with the scent of hot, fresh cobbler and homemade cookies. Try what local fans call “the best chicken salad,” southwestern potato cheese soup, and homemade pimento cheese. For those with a heartier appetite, try the Southerwestern Chicken Cheese Steak, Italiano Panini or the Jalapeno Cornbread Turkey Panini. Silver Spoon incorporates fresh, quality ingredients into all their fare and seek to aid those who are trying to be health conscious with low fat options and a large variety of gluten-free choices. However, if you are ready to indulge your sweet tooth head straight to the cobbler, homemade brownies or giant cookies, lemon layer pie, fresh strawberry pie, carrot cake with buttermilk glaze and cream cheese frosting, Italian crème cake, or chocolate Italian cream cake that will leave you wanting more. Right

now the store is filling with delicious Easter basket stuffers including homemade cookies and candies and “not your mama’s rice krispie” treats which are dipped in everything from chocolate, marshmallows, coconut, sprinkles to M&Ms. Evenings, the Silver Spoon becomes a host for a variety of parties, events, fundraisers and receptions. Silver Spoon takes care of everything so that guests can enjoy the special event in their lives. They will deliver, set-up and serve if needed. Gourmet menu choices include chicken focacia, bacon wrapped pork filet, roast beef, pork tenderloin with a dark cherry glaze, southwestern tilapia and prime rib. They also do buffet dinners and hors d’oeuvres for lighter fare as well as custom cakes that fit customer’s personalities. Silver Spoon will make the towering layered wedding cake the bride has always wanted or a cake in the shape of a burger because it’s the groom proposed at a particular fast food restaurant. No matter what your taste or need, Donna Howell and the others at Silver Spoon will work hard to make sure that you go home happy and with a full stomach.