ALT Magazine December 2011

December 2011 . Vol. 5, Issue 12

Family, Fashion, Faith

Thought Provoking Gift Ideas Foods for Cold Winter Nights ALT Dining Guide

Merry Christmas From Our Family To Yours!

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ALT Magazine

D e c e m b e r 2 0 11 / c o n t e n t s

k / FEATURE STORY

32

Angels are Among Us...

We are each of us angels with only one wing; to fly we need only embrace each other...

F E AT U R E S

EVENTS

10 Ta k i n g F l i g h t f o r Christmas

21 Groundbreaking Crossroads

14

Christmas is for Children

22 Blood Drive and Hot Dog Cookout

24

Green Christmas

26 TA M U - T A l u m n i A w a r d s Banquet

69 Operation Meaningful Christmas 70

Save the Children

72

Cars to Help Kids

74

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

EVERY MONTH 8

Editor ’s Letter

60

Financial Focus

89

F i s h Ta l e s

97

Real Estate

62

Resource Guide

94

Second Chances

86

Student Highlights

30

True Light

52 Uncorked

28

Tr i b u t e t o Ve t e r a n s

34 Zeta Phi Beta Archonettes

a n d A m i c e t t e s ’ Ta l e n t Night

D e c e m b e r 2 0 11 / V o l . 5 , I s s u e 1 2

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page, Sherrie Hewitt Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy

78

Fall Festival at Legacy at Pleasant Grove

82

23rd Annual Alzheimer ’s G o l f To u r n a m e n t

Feature Writer / Jane Bouterse

84

Reception for Leon P e s e k , J r.

Contributing Writers / Mike Brower, Anne Fruge, Vincent Senatore, Dustin Stringer

88 Mistletoe Fair Preview Party 90

Te x a r k a n a B o o t s & S a d d l e Awards Banquet

91

M e n o f N u t c r a c k e r Ta k e the Stage!

91

K e n n e l C l u b o f Te x a r k a n a

93 Beaujolais Neuvo Wine Dinner BUSINESS

Caregiver / Mike Brower

If you have an event you would like to include in our Upcoming Events section, please email us at: info@alt-mag.com.

w w w. a l t - m a g . c o m

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

21 Lifenet Announces Changes C U LT U R E

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Calendar of Events

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Dining Guide

Shop With A cop

Arkansas and Texas Police Officers and Firefighters provide a memorable Christmas for many of the city’s children.

ALT Magazine is published the 1st business day of every month. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of ALT Magazine is strictly prohibited. ALT Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are available for $36.00 per year. Contributions from our readers are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material.

©2011 ALT Magazine

THANK YOUS!

The W. Temple Webber Cancer Center at CHRISTUS St. Michael thanks all 19,000 fans who voted for us in the Pink Glove Dance Competition. Because of your support,

WE PLACED FIFTH IN THE NATIONWIDE CONTEST!!!

We also thank all of our “Fireworks” who made this wonderful video possible.

To our Associates, Physicians, Community Supporters, School Systems, and especially our Breast Cancer Survivors, you made our video a huge success!

And the Competition Better Watch Out - We’re Ready To Dance 2012!!

To See Our Entry in the 2011 Pink Glove Dance Competition, visit christusstmichael.org

EDITOR’S letter

The gift of love...

If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give. ~George MacDonald

Love. It surrounds most of us every day -- with friends,

that don’t have loving owners. Those pets need a home. They need

family, members of our churches -- and even our pets! For those of

someone to love and care for. If you are looking for a pet, consider

you who have pets, you understand what I am talking about. I have

adopting one from the many places listed on our Second Chances

never been a cat owner, but I have owned many dogs in my lifetime

article (pages 94-95). You will be blessed beyond belief to have

and they are my sweet babies. They give you unconditional love. No

someone who truly loves you and lavishes you with kisses!

matter whether you ignore them, leave them at home alone for hours,

or shower them with tender loving care, they are there -- waiting for

who are not as fortunate as some of us. Every year, many children

you to allow them to give you their love. And with that love, they steal

-- and adults -- in our city have no family who lavishes them with gifts

your heart.

for Christmas. Although Christmas should be centered around the

birth of Jesus Christ, children, in particular, do not quite understand

It was with much sadness that I had to make the decision

This issue is full of ideas for giving the gift of love to others

to let my Shadow suffer no more. He is in heaven now, running the

when all of their friends receive gifts and they receive nothing.

fields with my other poodle, Alex -- who actually was Jaclyn’s poodle.

They both loved running in the sand at the beach, chasing anything

about choosing an organization to give to. I choose an angel each

Please read this month’s issue with an open heart and think

that moved -- which could include innocent

year from the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree and provide

bystanders at times. We would laugh until we

one of our local Angels with a gift -- sometimes two! It

cried, watching them play. I am sure that is

doesn’t take a lot of time. However, the joy you get from

what they are doing as I write this -- playing

giving will last for the rest of the year.

together like they did for so many years. They

are no longer in pain, no longer suffering,

Christmas, the gift you receive will be there for many

enjoying life in heaven, waiting for us to come

years to come. And come they will -- when you arrive

see them again.

home, when you take them somewhere, when you wake

up in the morning. They will come. And they will make

My friend, Teresa, also lost her baby

Of course, if you choose to adopt a pet for

just a week before I lost Shadow. Misty was

your heart fill with joy.

her walking buddy, waiting each day for her

to come home so that they had their time

Christmas, full of giving to others. You know, that’s what

together. It amazes me at how much our pets

Christmas should be about -- the fact that Jesus came

become a part of our lives -- and how much

and gave the greatest gift of all -- His life so that you

we give to them.

could live.

There are so many pets in our town

I hope each and every one of you have a joyful

May God bless you this Christmas season and all

year long.

Shadow (top) and Misty (bottom) were wonderful members of our families. We miss them.

8

ALT Magazine

Publisher/Editor

‘Tis The Season of Miracles, As Long As You First...Believe.

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by Jane Bouterse

“We are each of us angels with only one wing; to fly we need only embrace each other.”

T

wishes written there--fulfilled. in the larger city. She anticipates, however, hanks to Texarkana’s Salvation Each card lists the first name, that by the time the Tree is unveiled, the Army, each of us has been given the age, gender and sizes along with the needs number will be much larger. Parrish is opportunity this Christmas Season and wants of the person listed. Once the confident “the Lord will provide.” to “TAKE FLIGHT” by “EMBRACING card is claimed the “Angel” donor becomes A major component of the Angel EACH OTHER” via The Salvation Army’s engaged in granting its wishes and may Tree’s success will be the one-winged Angel Tree. The Tree is a Salvation Army earn that other wing. Donors spend as angels who will be able to take flight as they tradition which began early in the Army’s much as they choose and are expected to embrace the needs of their city’s citizens. history. Founded in 1865 the Salvation Army fulfill whatever wishes they can. No one is The Angel Tree, which will be unveiled on addresses the needs of those among us required to supply every item named on Veterans’ Day, November 11 at Central Mall who have limited resources and/or special the card which contains a challenges. “wish list”—just like a letter Texarkana’s to Santa. The Salvation Army Salvation Army chapter is a 501(c)(3) organization; was founded in 1895, and therefore, angels-in-training for many years the Tree should retain a record of their has been a vital part of tax deductible contributions. their program. The 2011 Representatives of The Tree, situated in the middle Salvation Army will record court of Texarkana’s the name and phone number Central Mall, contains of the donor when the card the names of children 12 is chosen from the Tree. and under; seniors 60+ “Some companies,” Lt. years, and disabled or Parrish explains, “will pick up handicapped citizens older multiple cards to distribute than 12 years. Names among their employees. on the Tree reflect the Local restaurants and applications submitted to businesses really help us the Salvation Army which distribute all the cards and does check the validity of collect the gifts.” the information. According After two weeks, to Lieutenant Lacy donors return to the Angel Parrish, this year, by Day Tree at the Mall (where they 3 of the application period, From Left: Sharon Kelly, Lt. Lacy Parrish, Brenda Hogan, Beth Beeman, Ann Johns, obtained the card) with gifts, the Salvation Army had Marinell Hubele (Chairman of Angel Tree Program), Judy Farley (President of Auxiliary). unwrapped and, usually, in the names of more than Linda Reynolds black bags. The gifts will be 1400 children—a number distributed to the families that exceeded the total whose names are on the number of names on the cards, and the recipients will 2010 Tree. Parrish and her wrap them. Parrish explains the wrapping will remain there through December 15. husband have only recently been transferred is an important step in the receivers taking During that time, the cards which adorn the from Houston to Texarkana, and she notes ownership of the gift.

Tree will be removed—any card—and the that 1400 would be only one day’s number December 2011

www.alt-mag.com

11

Since The Salvation Army carefully sorts through the applications before they are placed on the Tree, every person named is in need of some Santa assistance, and no name appears more than once. Currently the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots are working together to prevent duplication among those seeking aid. If comparison reveals that an applicant for the Angel Tree has applied for aid elsewhere, that name is removed from the Tree. “There is so much need, we try to avoid duplications,” Lt. Parrish acknowledges.

For those who may not have the time to shop, monetary contributions are welcomed by the Salvation Army, especially in their familiar red kettles. Donors are encouraged to designate their contributions for the Angel Tree if that is where they prefer the money goes. Kettle monies usually go to Salvation Army programs (and there are many) already in progress otherwise.

As they are collected, the Angel Tree gifts are placed in a warehouse awaiting distribution. On December 15— enter the army of volunteers. Lt. Parrish’s smile affirms her, “This is when we really can use all the help we can get. We rely on volunteers to help us sort through the gifts and bag them for distribution.” Like Santa’s elves, the volunteers work feverishly to meet their December 19 deadline. “December 20 and 21,” Parrish sighs with relief, “the parents or caretakers come to pick up their gifts. We try to be sure no one is left out. I cannot recall how many times I have heard

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ALT Magazine

someone say ‘When I was a kid, the only present I had came from the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree.’”

Although the Lieutenants James and Lacy Parrish have been in Texarkana only a short while, they have already discovered “there are genuinely giving people in Texarkana. You never know the real difference the gifts can make until you hear the stories.

I remember in Houston, Lacy Parrish recalls, we had a man on the Salvation Army Board who told us his dad had died of cancer, and his mom was left a single mom. They had no money, so he and his four siblings and mom had to go to a shelter. They were signed up for an Angel Tree, and he still remembered the football he got for Christmas. Today he is a very successful businessman who is grateful for the help his family received when they needed it.

You just never know.”

“We are each of us angels with only one wing; to fly we need only embrace each other.”

Embrace those occupants of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree and Take Flight.

Salvation Army ANGEL TREE,

November 11 through December 15

Center Court, Texarkana’s Central Mall

by Jane Bouterse

U

nfortunately that is not always the case, and no one is more aware of that fact than Texarkana’s local police and firefighters. For over 20 years the Police and Fire Departments of Texas and Arkansas have addressed the desperate need of the area’s children for whom the promises of Christmas seem remote if not totally removed from their worlds. SHOP WITH A COP AND FIREFIGHTER on both the Arkansas and Texas sides spearhead the efforts in Texarkana to provide a memorable Christmas for many of the city’s children. The SHOP WITH A COP AND FIREFIGHTER Program raises money which is given to those children identified in special need of a Santa assist. Each child is given $100 to spend as he/she pleases, and the child’s policeman and/or firefighter companion monitors and assists with the shopping spree. Children and their special pals work together to share the fun and spirit

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of the Christmas Season.

According to Sergeant Shawn Fitzgerald and Officer Ed Emilia of the Texarkana Texas Police Department (TTPD), the joint SHOP WITH A COP AND FIREFIGHTER Program began in 1996. The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department (TAPD) joined in the Pig Bowl “flag” football game played with the Texas officers. “Flag” has to be “flagged” because the competition tended to be full contact before the game ended (Boys will be boys!).

Ticket sales to the Bowl Game, business sponsorships, and individual donations raised the money that was needed to bankroll the Christmas shopping sprees for the community’s children. The money was split evenly between the departments.

Initially, 50 children—25 from Arkansas, 25 from Texas—benefited from the dollars earned. Eventually the number of children was expanded to 100, then split 50-50.

By 2000, it became obvious to all involved that the Pig Bowl was going to be full-contact and too rough for all the once-a-year football stars. Officer Emilia, who has participated in the program since its inception, laughed, “It never failed. It always rained the day of the game.” A golf tournament at the Texarkana Golf Ranch seemed a workable and less dangerous alternative. Entry fees also generated more dollars than Pig Bowl tickets, but the underwriting of local businesses and individual contributors remained vitally important to the fund raising effort.

In addition the pro-active support of Terry Henderson, a local Texas Walmart executive, provided invaluable enthusiasm and financial support from Walmart.

Although Terry is deceased, the legacy of his efforts continues to assist more children than he could have dreamed. During Terry’s tenure, Walmart stores on both the Texas

and Arkansas sides, although in different corporate districts, were able to earn matching grant monies from the Corporation for the shopping efforts. In addition the stores were opened to the young SHOP WITH A COP AND FIREFIGHTER shoppers to browse and buy at their pleasure.

On the day of the shopping trips, local law enforcement cars from throughout the area joined with fire trucks. With lights flashing and sirens sounding, the parade of police and firefighters drove to the stores where the children gathered. Upon their impressive arrival, each child was matched with a policeman or firefighter who kept track of the child’s $100. Without delay, the shopping frenzy began.

In 2010, Texarkana’s SHOP WITH A COP AND FIREFIGHTER Program was re-structured completely so that the Texas and Arkansas programs now operate separately. Such a split made it possible to include children not only from both sides of Texarkana but also from Miller County in Arkansas and Bowie County in Texas.

Officer Kristi Mitchell directs the TAPD program while Sergeant Steve Shelley serves as point person for TTPD. The Arkansas Walmart remains the shopping partner of the TAPD program while Target has stepped in as the Texas shopping site.

Both businesses have proved patient and cooperative team members and encourage participants and onlookers to become involved in the excitement of shopping day.

Three constants still exist in both

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programs:  First, almost everyone who participates is a volunteer—from store personnel to police and firefighters.  Second, the children, from toddlers to 13 or 14, who participate are survivors. Most of their involvement with policemen, particularly, and firefighters has been during one of their worst days. Many of them have never had anything new.  Third, Eric Schlotter, TT Firefighter noted, “One thing hit me as a first timer. It just brings tears to my eyes. These kids are completely selfless. Even with four and five year olds, they buy for their brothers and sisters and parents before they ever think of themselves. They have $100 and can buy anything they want in the store, and they think of others first.”

His law enforcement counterparts agree.

So where does the SHOP WITH A COP AND FIREFIGHTER project stand on this Christmas 2011?

Kristi Mitchell explains that, like last year, the children who participate in the TAPD program will be selected by Vickey

Johnson at the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services. Johnson, TAPD’s Santa Assistant, completes the paper work for the children suggested to SHOP WITH A COP AND FIREFIGHTER. Any child in Miller County is eligible; some of the chosen children come from the recommendations of TAPD personnel. These are children with whom officers come in contact as they respond to calls throughout the year. Although last year the goal was 50 children, “We had 72,” Kristi confesses. “We made it through thanks to the citizens who have been more than generous with their contributions throughout the year.” As an additional revenue source, TAPD now hosts exclusively the Lt. Ed Worrell Memorial Golf Tournament (once fishing tournament) to contribute to their SHOP WITH A COP AND FIREFIGHTER coffer.

TTPD depends on invaluable assistance from Child Protective Services to determine their participants. Lieutenant Charles Kreidler notes that his dad used to tell him stories about his growing up. His family had no money, but Kreidler’s dad was able to take a brick and a block of wood and, with a little imagination, make them into any toys he wanted. Many of these kids don’t even have the brick and block of wood. “Lots of these people are never seen because they are just barely making it, and the kids really are in need,” Kreidler explains. But addressing that need requires a base funding of at least $5,000. Last year because of the split, TTPD provided

December 2011

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shopping for 50 kids; the goal for 2011 is at least 60 with an increase by an increment of 10 each year until the number reaches 100 again.

Although both departments start with a budgeted $5,000, both groups acknowledge that 90% of the children’s purchases exceed $100. Texas Firefighters do some pavement pounding of their own to assist in contacting business and community contributors. While policemen frequently pull out their wallets to make up the differences between money spent and money available.

Officer Emilia explains, “I discovered a good way to make that $100 enough is to say that I will buy the batteries. I hate to see Christmas money spent for batteries.”

Both groups shop on the same day.

This year that will be Tuesday, December 13. Policemen and Firefighters, in uniform, will assemble in full array at 7:30 a.m. Fire trucks boast banners which list businesses and contributors to the Program. Police cars from throughout the area are invited to join in the parade. All of the participating agencies have made the necessary arrangements to be sure their respective citizens are still protected. Schlotter describes the scene as the 10-15 block long line begins its way toward the waiting shoppers, “Shoppers take notice. The parade pulls people out of businesses. Most people never see this many emergency vehicles in a line unless it’s for a funeral.”

The kids are lined up waiting. “Their expressions are everything from slack-jawed to frozen,” Sergeant Fitzgerald recalls. “The biggest obstacle is that they are intimidated by the uniform.” Each policeman or firefighter is matched randomly with a child.

If a younger brother or sister needs to join the pair, that happens; but every effort is made to maintain a policeman or firefighter and a child twosome. In some cases, kids have pre-shopped, know exactly what they want and where to locate it.

Experienced officers like Fitzgerald and Emilia have an abundance of stories

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about their shopping adventures. For starters, both veterans agree, “We have lots of shopping cart collisions.” Police and firefighters encourage onlookers to join in their frenzy. “We like to see people plan their shopping around the time we’re in the store,” Firefighter Schlotter notes, “just to cheer us on.”

“I had a six year old one year,” Ed Emilia remembers, “who was the most meticulous shopper I have ever seen. Out of all her gifts, she had one for herself; the rest were for her family. She was down to a “T” on what she spent. No list. She just knew.

Then there was another boy who really wanted a toy. He kept looking at it and putting it back. Then he would go touch it again and put it back. The kids sometimes have to deal with quantity or quality issues.

I let the kids choose. Even when this boy was supposed to be all through, he kept going back to look at this toy. Finally, I told him, ‘Put it in the cart.’”

Corporal Kittiele Stewart, TAPD, has been involved with the SHOP WITH A COP AND FIREFIGHTER Program for several years, too. “One year I had a three year old boy who came in with his grandmother (I later found out his mom had been murdered), and he had been preshopping. He picked out one toy—a bike— and rode that around the store for the rest of the shopping trip. He was a really sweet kid.

That trip my shopping was done in ten minutes, but one hour to one hour and a half later, we were still there.”

Oftentimes, the shoppers are shy at the beginning. Many of those parents or caretakers who attend are shy, too. “By the end of the shopping spree,” Fitzgerald observes, “everyone is much happier. I usually talk about my son because I want to talk about who I am, not what I do. These kids don’t talk much about their families.”

Both Arkansas’ Walmart and Target add their own touches of Christmas hospitality. Target provides refreshments for their special visitors, and Santa even takes time from his busy chores to visit. Walmart,

in addition to their $2500 grant, provides breakfast for everyone, and Santa is there to take pictures. For both stores, these opportunities to give back to the community are vital.

For all of those who participate in the SHOP WITH A COP AND FIREFIGHTER Program, the experience is unequaled.

“It means a lot to all the officers,” Mitchell observes, “to provide a smile for a child.

This is the most humbling experience because these kids are so unselfish and appreciative. Almost without exception, they shop for their families first. They already know what matters. It should be the same for all of us.” ****************** The SHOP WITH A COP AND FIREFIGHTER Program can make your Christmas brighter, too. Donations of any size are welcomed all year long by both departments.

Send contributions for Arkansas to: TEXARKANA, ARKANSAS POLICE ASSOCIATION/ Attention: Kristi Mitchell, SHOP WITH A COP/ 100 North Stateline Avenue/ Post Office Box 1885/ Texarkana, AR 75504-1885 Texas Contributions go to: TEXARKANA, TEXAS POLICE DEPARTMENT/ Attention: Sergeant Steve Shelley, SHOP WITH A COP AND FIREFIGHTER/ 100 North Stateline Avenue #16/ Texarkana, TX 75501-5666 or A special SHOP WITH A COP AND FIREFIGHTER account exists at Morris Sheppard Credit Union, 419 West 4th Street, Texarkana, TX 75501 Target Store and Walmart AR are demonstrating their good citizenship in the Texarkana community. Take the time to express your appreciation.

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS all year long IS possible!

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1. Horace G. Shipp 2. Texarkana, Arkansas Mayor Wayne Smith 3. Texarkana, Arkansas City Manager Harold Boldt 4. Lori Yates, Lawerence McCulloch and Tim Smith 5. Dr. Hiren Patel 6. Ground Breaking at Crossroads business park 7. Jeff K. Sandford and Ruth Penney Davis 8. Horace G. Shipp and Kenny Haskin 9. Bharti and Dinesh Patel with Horace Shipp 10. Chris Thomason, Michael Sandefur, James Henry Russell and Paul Hackleman 11. Dr. Raphael Turner, Prissy Hickerson, Chris Thomason and Ron Stovall 12. Milton Shannon, Curt Green, Ken Cowling and Adrin Dansby 13. Burns Barr signs the back of sign with Paul Hackleman 14. Paul Hackleman and John Egger 15. Eston McGee and Teresa Shipp 16. Mayor Wayne Smith, Nila and Dr. Hiren Patel, Horce G. Shipp 17. Charlie McMurphy, Charlotte Hartwell and Debbie Brower

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Blood Drive and Hot Dog Cookout

EVENT

WHERE Red River Federal Credit Union WHEN

11/9/11

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1. Mitch Cobb 2. Flora Jenkins 3. Teri Jo Wisinger and Elizabeth Cunningham 4. Patricia Cunningham, Monica Atkinson and Kristi Shackelford 5. Natalie Smith, Clay Garrett and Jessica Parker 6. Brandy Burns and Andrea Cunningham 7. Jane Richards and Patricia Cunningham 8. Cori Johnson, Carolyn Faoliu, Linda Rankin and Eddie Farnsworth 9. Elizabeth Cunningham, Rhonda Wells and Teri Jo Wisinger

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The Holidays are time for giving, family, friends and total joy, but in the midst of all the celebrating, we often overlook the toll it takes on our planet.

There are many simple ways to steer your holiday traditions in a more eco-friendly direction, and all without losing any of the fun!

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Shop Green

Travel Green

Why fight the traffic and long check out lines? Go green this year, and shop online! One study found that shipping two 20-pound packages by overnight air uses 40% less fuel than driving 20 miles round-trip to a shopping center! When you get ready to brave the crowds and shop for all those holiday groceries, skip the plastic bagging by bringing your own reusable shopping bags! Personal grocery totes are very cute and very earth-friendly!

Traveling is a big part of the holidays for many people, but if you are hoping to go green this year, consider staying home! Avoid using gasoline or burning fossil fuels, and keep yourself safe by staying off of the crowded roads! Instead of one big in-person holiday visit, make frequent phone calls or have video chats with loved ones! If you can’t live without some family face-time, take measures to do what you can to be an eco-friendly traveler. Make sure your car is tuned up and ready for cold weather driving! Under-inflated tires can decrease your gas mileage. For lengthy drives, take refillable travel cups from home to avoid plastic bottle build ups from gas station stops.

Give Green Send Gift Cards! If you are sending gifts through the mail, opt for gift cards instead of big packages. You’ll save time, stress and money not driving around searching for a specific gift. Also, it takes less fossil fuels to send gift cards than transporting boxes that contain packing peanuts, plastic and other items that will usually end up in the trash. Other green gifts can be as simple as battery chargers and rechargeable batteries or as high-tech as E-readers! Consider the longevity of the product and how green it actually is.

Wrap Green I love the ease of wrapping with gift bags. They can be as decorative or as simple as you like, and the best part is that you can easily collect the bags after the gifts have been opened, fold them up and save them for re-use the next year! If you prefer to actually WRAP your gifts, consider some green alternatives to traditional store-bought wrapping paper. You can use pages from magazines or newspapers as wrapping material, or try getting creative and putting gifts in attractive boxes and tins that can be re-used again and again! Of course, if the temptation for the fancy stuff is just too much for you, collect the paper scraps after the gifts are opened, and take them to your local paper recycle bin!

Green Tree Some people believe in artificial trees to save forests.

Others believe in live trees to save landfills and cut down on the use of plastic, lead etc.! A great alternative is to buy live Christmas trees in pots, so that after the season, the tree can be planted and live on! If you do cut down a tree for your home, consider going green by mulching the tree after Christmas, rather than throwing it out. Look for a mulching service near you or DIY! Also, there are ways to go green when trimming your tree! Upgrade to LED lights.

These bright, festive lights use about one tenth the amount of energy as regular Christmas lights, and they last much longer! Keeping your tree on a timer will also save some energy; Have the lights set to come on daily at dusk and then turn them off before bed. If you want to really stick with natural decorations, try stringing popcorn or pinecones to make garland, and if you are feeling extra crafty, make your own ornaments!

Celebrate Green There are some great ways to keep your holiday parties green! Instead of sending paper invitations through the mail, invite your guests with an e-vite or e-card! Guests can even RSVP online and avoid using paper altogether! If you know that your guests are not tech-savvy, look for tree-friendly cards made from kenaf or hemp! Also, use your real dishes instead of disposable. If you are worried about having too many guests for your dish set, ask party guests to bring their own plates and glasses from home! Say goodbye to the trash can full of paper and plastic plates and cups!

Cook Green Who is the hero of your holiday kitchen? The refrigerator, of course! By upgrading to an energy efficient fridge, you can save money, and your old fridge can be recycled! When it comes to cooking, look for locally-grown and organic foods. This is a great way to support your local growers and steer- clear of pesticides and chemicals. Another way to avoid chemicals and toxins is to cook with cast iron pots and skillets. Nonstick and Teflon cookware can emit undesirable gases and particles.

Clean Green With the holidays come lots of eating, and with eating comes lots of dishes! Did you ever think that running your dishwasher would be eco-friendly? Actually, it has been found that often it wastes more water to hand wash a sink full of dishes than to run one cycle in the dishwasher! Relieved, aren’t you?! Another thing you do to “clean green” is make your own cleaning solutions. A simple mix of water and vinegar will do just fine on windows, and a diluted amount of bleach will go a long way on surfaces. When you are cleaning up after the gifts have been opened, make sure you hang on to any cardboard and styrofoam packing materials.

These items will not de-compose in a land-fill, but they can be recycled and used over and over! If you receive a package in the mail, check and see if the carrier will take back the foam packaging! Some do!

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TAMU-T Alumni Awards Banquet EVENT

WHERE

Eagle Hall

WHEN

11/10/11

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1. Julia Mobley, Sonja and Bob Hubbard, Yates Floyd and FaEllen Yates 2. Kim and Jim Yingling with Jerrie Walker 3. Arties and JoAnn Rice 4. Victor Caldwell, Stacia Glenn and Larry Davis 5. Judy Crutchfield, Mary Jo Essex and Bill Crutchfield 6. Paul and Holly Norton, Janis Holiday and Nita Craytor 7. Nita Craytor, Pam McCoy, Dr. Jo Kahler and Eddie Lamb 8. Dr. Jo Kahler and June Hacthett 9. Charlie and Chris Terry, with Dee Reese 10. Anne Fruge, Jaclyn Gooding, Debbie Browers, Miranda Johnson, Charlie McMurphy and Jane Bouterse 11. Suzie and Robert Irwin, with LeAnne Wright 12. Erica Cain, Dr. Cindi Porter and Larry Davis 13. Debbie and Mike Brower 14. Charlie and Jerome McMurphy 15. Dr. Bix Rathburn and Alumnae Honoree Debbie Brower 16. Dr. Bix Rathburn and Alumnae Honoree Cynthia Goerke 17. Dr. Bix Rathburn and Alumnae Honoree Stacy Yates 18. Dr. Bix Rathburn and Faculty Honoree Dr. David Allard 19. Legacy Society Members Truman and Anita Arnold 20. Legacy Society Members James and Kathy Bramlett 21. Legacy Society Members Scott and Jane Bruner 22. Legacy Society Members Mary Ann and Dr. Stephen Hensley 23. Legacy Society Members Gwen and Dennis Huffman 24. Check presentation of $500,000 from the Horace C. Cabe Foundation towards the Student Engagement Center 25. Check presentation of $100,000 from Guaranty Bond Bank towards the Student Engagement Center 26. Honorees: Cynthia Goerke, Debbie Brower, Stacy Yates and Dr. David Allard 27. James Bramlett, Dr. Stephen Hensley and Dennis Huffman 28. Spirited Bartender!

29. Selena and Bryan Jefferies, with Stacia Glenn 30. LeAnne Wright, Debbie Brower, Charlie McMurphy and Victor Caldwell 31. Jon Purifoy, Bob Bruggeman and LeAnne Wright 32.. Tyler and Miranda Johnson 33. Marshall and Jaclyn Gooding 34. Debbie Brower and Rozana Page 35. Rozana Page, Anne Fruge, Jaclyn Gooding, Debbie Brower and Charlie McMurphy 36. Marshall Gooding, David Melson, John Page and Christian Cisneros 37. The band: Split Decision 38. Group of the Alumni recepiants 39. Legacy Society Members Mary Kay and Dr. Gene Joyce 40. Legacy Society Members Becky and George McWilliams 41. Doris and Tom O’Malley 42. Joe and Peggy Kososki 43. John and Rozana Page 44. FaEllen Yates and Dr. Bix Rathburn cutting up the rug!!

45. Dr. Bix and Adrianne Rathburn 46. Kelly and Lisa Mitchell 47. Erica and Eric Cain

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EVENT

Tribute to Veterans

WHERE

Northridge Country Club

WHEN

11/11/11

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1. Mayor Wayne Smith 2. Blair and Captain John Haile 3. SSgt. Michael DeLoach 4. Marine Color Guard: Sgt. Danny Harley, Sgt. Aaron Montalvo, Sgt. Edward Knox and Pfc. Jonathan Yepez 5. Don Raven Bear Libner and Travis Ransom 6. Director John Mullens and Bess Gamble-Williams 7. Rhonda and MIchael Hoover, with Althea Alfie Dixon 8. Lori and Jerry Rochelle with Bess Gamble-Williams 9. George DeLoach and SSgt. Michael DeLoach 10. Mayor Wayne and Brenda Smith, with Steve Harrelson 11. Don Raven Bear Libner and Gene Klein 12. Dr. Charles Fortenberry and Lisa Shoalmire 13. Dr. Robert Jones and Melba Flowers 14. Sgt. Danny Harley, Sgt. Aaron Montalvo, Sgt. Edward Knox and Pfc. Jonathan Yepez 15. George DeLoach and Bess Gamble-Williams 16. Helen Gibson, Shirley King (Niece and Daughter of B.B. King) and Bess Gamble-Williams 17. Jive Band 18. Back row from left: Joe Wynn, Geanenita Kelly, Lorenzo Kelly, Eugene Klein, SSgt. Michael DeLoach.

Front row from left: Bess Gamble-Williams, Captain John Haile and Don Raven Bear Libnerm.

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by Anne Fruge

There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. John 1:9

L

eenetta Tyler arranges flowers for beautiful brides, smiling homecoming queens, brand new mothers and sparkling prom queens. She sees beauty every day as owner of Ruth’s Flowers, but her true mission lies with the women who are not receiving flowers or celebrating momentous occasions in their lives. For the past 13 years, Leenetta has gone every Monday to the Bi-State Justice Building in Texarkana to lead a church service for the incarcerated women there.

“There are so many good hearted people out there that have just gotten on the wrong road,” Leenetta says. “It’s like being in a wreck. We cannot get out of a wreck on our own; we need to call a wrecker, and we need someone to help us. It’s amazing what people can become with some help from Jesus out of the bondage they are in.”

Leenetta grew up with lots of inspiration on how to conduct a church service. As a preacher’s daughter, her family traveled from place to place for her father’s work, but she graduated from high school in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, where she met her future husband, Brazes Tyler at church. They moved to Texarkana in 1972, had three girls, Regina, Cindy and Marsha, and started Tyler Motor Company where Leenetta worked for many years. In 2003, Ruth’s Flowers was on the market and Brazes bought the store for his wife.

“I just love flowers,” Leenetta says.

“I love weddings, proms, homecomings and all the beautiful arrangements for them. Plus, flowers make people happy, and I love that I’m in a job where I can bring a smile to so many faces.”

Leenetta and Brazes began attending Faith Assembly of God where her father, Don Brankle, was pastor for ten years. He has since retired, but the lessons that he and his wife, Neta Brankle, taught their daughter were everlasting.

“I’ve seen more sermons than I have heard preached,” Leenetta says. “My parents have always lived what they taught, and they have been the biggest influence in my life. Everything I am today is because

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of Christ and their example in the Lord.

A ‘christian’ means that I am trying to be Christ-like. So, no matter where I go and what I do, my goal is to be consistent and to be genuine.”

As an active member of the congregation, Leenetta worked with the youth group, taught Sunday school for over 20 years and plays the organ at the church.

However, it wasn’t until a 1998 production of Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames that she found her true calling.

After the Sunday performance of the drama, Leenetta saw an old friend, Pat Spradlin, who she hadn’t seen in over 25 years. Pat asked her to come to the jail with her, and the words kept repeating themselves over and over in her mind. A week later, Leenetta joined Pat at the jail.

“The room was full of girls,” Leenetta says. “I had never seen so much sorrow, regret, heartache, depression and hopelessness on faces before. As I began to talk to the girls, God directed and blessed every word. All of them began to cry, and as they came forward for prayer, the first girl I met with had marks on her wrist where she had tried to take her life. God filled me with a deep compassion and burden for these girls, and when Pat invited me to come back, it was clear to both of us that I would be there every Monday.”

Leenetta began to take a journal for the girls who attend service to sign. She likes to pray for them by name and tries to learn the names of the ones who come every Monday.

“When someone says, ‘I don’t know how you go to that place! ’ I tell them that I don’t think of it that way,” Leenetta says.

“These women need God in their lives. They need hope, and every time I see a Regina, Marsha or Cindy on the list, it touches my heart. I know that but for the grace of God, one of these women could be my own child, and they are all girls God loves.”

For the past eleven years, Leenetta has led the service alone.

She made forty songbooks for the girls and learned the music on a keyboard that her husband bought her. When security became tighter and the keyboard wasn’t allowed, she taped herself playing the music or brought CDs. “There are no padded pews, no carpet on the floor, no stain-glass windows, not even a pulpit, and no offering taken: but in my eyes it is the most beautiful church ever,” Leenetta says.

“Luke 19:10 says, ‘For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.’ That is what church is all about, and I am blessed He chose this path for me.”

Leenetta leads them in worship, delivers a message, and prays for them individually. When trying to decide on her message for the week, Leenetta prays for inspiration and guidance to find the right words to say.

“I only wish the whole world would realize Jesus is the answer to every problem,” Leenetta says. “He truly came to preach the gospel to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, the recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are bruised and oppressed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. I have seen Him do this many, many times on a Monday morning.”

One time, Leenetta started a message about knowing that God is real, and then used an example about suicide. When she was done, three women came up to her and explained that they had been planning on

taking their own lives that very day, but were touched by her message of hope. Leenetta knew that God had directed her message to meet the needs in the room.

“God knows the need and who is going to be there,” Leenetta says. “He knows what needs to be said. I can tell you that I have stood up there, and as I was speaking, something would come out of my mouth that I not planned or even thought about before. I know that it is the Lord.”

Though she started going to the jail in order to minister to women in need, Leenetta has noticed a big change in her own life from the experience.

“I’ve really learned that no matter where you are, whether you are pushing a shopping cart or paying for food in a drive thru window, you are sending a message whether it’s good or bad,” Leenetta says. “Everything we do is a witness, and I want to touch someone for God. I’ve seen so many women who just need a kind word or encouragement. I want to say something to everyone I’m around. I hope that when I walk away, they feel better about themselves. I’ve seen what a difference it can make, and this is how I want to live my life.”

Leenetta’s true compassion and leadership have won over the hearts of the women she ministers to. After leading church for a few months, a group of girls were transferred to a prison in Gatesville, Texas, but she continued to write letters to the girls encouraging them and reminding them to stay spiritually strong.

“I felt like someone had ripped part of my heart out when the girls were moved,” Leenetta says. “I have a big box of letters I have received from them, and they are priceless. From time to time I run into girls all over town who are back home and doing great. That is my greatest reward.”

Over the years, Leenetta has seen many girls accept Christ and turn their lives around. They greet her, come by the shop to see her and always want to show her how much they have accomplished.

“This experience has really driven home to me how true the word of God is,” Leenetta says. “It really changes lives. It’s not just words; it is powerful and life-changing.”

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Merry Christmas Everyone! This year has been great at Runnin’ WJ. It has been great getting to work with such wonderful people. We have 200 students participating in weekly lessons, each of them are such a blessing to work with. Not to mention all of the great volunteers and family members we have gotten to know this semester, over 350 people! What a blast this year has been. We still have the Runnin’ WJ Antique Sale open through the end of the year. Donations are still being accepted.

This year, Runnin’ WJ hopes to facilitate a connection that allows for the distribution of shoes for our children.

We are working with members of the

business community and individuals to meet our goal of 200 pairs of shoes!

Because of tremendous support, we are well on our way to meeting our goal for the Christmas time distribution, but we’re not there yet. With your support, we can make this goal a reality, and keep those little toes warm during the cold winter months.

It has been said, this year has been really amazing and we are so grateful for all the blessings we have been given. Looking forward to 2012, we anticipate a major need by way of hay and feed. As you have probably noticed, the entire region is under a serious drought. This occurrence is unprecedented in the history of Runnin’ WJ. The drought is placing a significant strain on our budget for the coming year. We are only half way through the current fiscal year, and already we have realized feed expenses more than

double the expense for all of last year.

The cost of hay has more than doubled.

Increases in shipping costs have again raised the cost of feed as well.

As you can see in the image on the right, our pastures are almost depleted. This year, perhaps more than ever, community support is more important to our operations than ever before. With the support of volunteers, horse sponsors, and feed sponsors, we can continue meeting the needs of our students.

Your generosity is a blessing to us.

At Runnin’ WJ every day brings a new miracle. Thank you for your support in making miracles happen.

If you would like to get plugged in to volunteer, or sponsor a horse contact our office at (903) 8383223. Additionally, if you would like to find out more about our antique sale, please call (903) 276-9105.

We wish you continued blessings for this year and next...

Runnin’ WJ Ranch 4802 South Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.838.3223

Zeta Phi Beta Archonettes and Amicettes’ Talent Night

EVENT

WHERE

Arkansas Nursing and Rehabilitation

WHEN

11/9/11

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1. 2011-2012 Archonettes and Amicettes 2. Ashyki Paxton and Kanisha Malone 3. Archonettes, Amicettes, and Resident 4. Back row, left to right: Alexandria Nelson, Keyundra Sanders, DeAunna Lester, Bryia Lewis, Donnicia Tate, Precious Kindle, Ketia Russell, Breayah McDonald, and Jacoya Anderson; Front row: Kourtney Miller, Sky’ya Collins, and LaShana Mitchell 5. DeAunna Lester 6. Donnicia Tate 7. Madison Holman 8. Laquesta Kindle, Madison Holman, Arlinda Luckey, and Audrian Kindle 9. LaRhonda Hamilton, Angela Lester, Ramona Keener, and Herise Williams 10. Annissa Perry, Keyundra Sanders, and Melody Buckner 11. Audrian Kindle and Laquesta Kindle 12. Amber Darden, Kourtney Miller, Bryia Lewis, and Resident 13. LaRhonda Hamilton and Resident 14. Precious Kendricks, LaShana Mitchell, and Kourtney Miller 15. Bryia Lewis and LaRhonda Hamilton

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Healthy Holiday Foods ALT Favorite Recipes Resource Guide

Winter 2011 / 2012

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W I N T E R 2 0 11 / 2 0 1 2 / c o n t e n t s

F O O D F E AT U R E S

HELPFUL INFO

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C o o k i n g w i t h A LT M a g a z i n e

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Healthy Foods for the Holidays

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Financial Focus

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Resource Guide

BUSINESS PROFILE 48

Chef on the Run

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower

k / ALT FAVORITE FOODS

Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson

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Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page, Sherrie Hewitt Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy

Looking for something easy and delicious to take to the party you’re going to? Look no further! Here are our favorites!

w w w. a l t - m a g . c o m Right: You CAN eat healthy during the holidays! Check out these healthy choices!

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

©2011/2012 ALT Magazine

It makes one sweet gift for anyone!

This holiday season, give your family, friends or clients the gift basket that’s

"Incredibly Irresistible!"

• Peanut Patties • Cinnamon Pecan-Crete • Gourmet Hot Cocoa Lone Star Candy Co. LLC Texarkana, Texas

(903) 306-9525 SHOP ONLINE AT:

lonestarcandy.org

www.

December 2011

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-Chef DebbieDressing Dip Oyster Cracker Snacks Cheese Soup -Chef JaclynBean Dip Sausage Balls Pizza Muffins

A List of Culinary Specialties From Our ALT Staff -Chef CharlieCrock-pot Chicken Enchiladas Cornbread Salad Grandma’s Favorite Punch

(Believed to be similar to Spero’s recipe!)

Cheese Soup

Oyster Cracker Snacks 3 carrots 3 stocks of celery 1 onion (small) 1 stick margarine or butter 3 cans chicken broth 3 cups cream of potato soup 1 lb. velvet cheese 1 8oz. carton sour cream

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1 block cream cheese 1 package taco seasoning

Sausage Balls

Mix together, chill and serve with salad or as a dip with crackers.

Mix all ingredients together. Put in pan and bake at 350 for 5-15 minutes.

-Chef DustinMexican Veggie Dip

Soften the cream cheese and mix all ingredients together, saving a little taco seasoning to sprinkle on top as garnish. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips!

4 cups Miracle Whip 6 eggs, boiled and grated 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 2 onions, finely grated paprika (to color, if you want)

1/2 tsp dill weed 1/4 tsp lemon pepper 1 tsp garlic powder 1 cup wesson oil 1 Hidden Valley Ranch mix 1 Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch mix 2 bags of oyster crackers

-Chef JaneWassail Frozen Cranberry Salad Asparagus Casserole

-Chef RozanaBanana Split Cake White Chili

-Chef MirandaChristmas Trash

Dressing Dip

-Chef VincentFriuli Style Vodka Pasta Aunt Tess’ Pasta in White Sauce

1 lb. sausage 1 lb. fresh grate sharp cheddar cheese 2 2/3 cups Bisquick 1 tsp salt Mix ingredients together and form small balls (approx. 1-2 tablespoon scoop.) Bake on 425 for 15 minutes, or until browned.

Pizza Muffins

Mince carrots, celery and onion in food processor.

Saute vegetable mixture in 1 stick margarine until tender. In dutch oven cook chicken broth and vegetable mixture over low heat for 30 minutes.

Add cream of potato soup and cook another 10 minutes. Cut velvet cheese into chunks and add to soup until melted. Before serving stir in sour cream.

Bean Dip 2 cans refried beans

3/4 cup flour

3/4 tsp baking powder (I use bread flour) 1 T Italian seasoning pinch of salt pinch of red pepper flakes 3/4 cup whole milk 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese 1 cup mini pepperoni slices 1/2 cup store bought pizza sauce

Mix cereals, pretzels and candies in an extra large mixing bowl. Melt the white chocolate coating over low heat on the stove, or in a microwavable container- STIR OFTEN.

Preheat the oven to 375. Grease mini-muffin sheets. (I use two that make 12 minis each.)

Mix together the flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, salt and red pepper flakes. Stir in the milk and egg. Stir in the mozzarella, parmesan and pepperoni. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Once the trash-mix has dried and the white chocolate coating is hard, it is time to break the mix into smaller pieces and enjoy!

Stir the batter and divide among the mini-muffin cups. Bake until puffed and golden. 20-25 minutes. (I always let mine go on the longer side because I like them a little more crisp.)

Microwave pizza sauce. Serve with the muffins for dipping.

Christmas Trash

Spoon melted white chocolate coating into the trash-mix, and stir until evenly coated.

Spoon out the wet mixture onto a flat surface such as cookie sheets or pieces of parchment paper and allow it to harden.

*Tip: This stuff is great to break up and place in goody-bags as teacher gifts or something to give out to friends, neighbors or everyone at your office!

Crock-pot Chicken Enchiladas 1 lb ground beef, brown 1 can evaporated milk 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 or 2 cans enchilada sauce 1 lb. Velveeta 10-12 flour tortillas Melt cheese prior to putting into crock-pot. Tear tortillas into small pieces. Mix together all other ingredients into crock-pot. If you are in a hurry, you can mix other ingredients into skillet with beef and then add to crock-pot. It will heat faster.

If it needs to sit a while, add 2 cans enchilada sauce so it doesn’t get too thick. Cook in crockpot for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2 cups Cheerios cereal 2 cups KIX cereal 2 cups Rice Chex cereal 2 cups Corn Chex cereal 2 cups mini pretzels 1 (12oz) bag red and green M&Ms 1 (12oz) bag red and green Peanut M&Ms 2 (24oz) packages of white almond bark

1 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sweet pickle juice Prepare cornbread mix according to directions on package. Crumble half of the prepared cornbread into large serving bowl. In another bowl, combine, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion and pickles; mix well. Spoon half of vegetable mixture unto the cornbread. Stir together mayonnaise and pickle juice in small bowl.

Spread half of the dressing over vegetables.Top with half of crumbled bacon. Repeat layering procedure with remaining cornbread, vegetables, dressing and bacon. Cover tightly with Saran wrap. Chill (preferably overnight.)

Grandma’s Favorite Punch 2 large cans pineapple juice 2 large cans frozen pink lemonade 1 small can frozen pineapple juice 1 small can frozen orange juice 1 bottle concentrate Hawaiian Punch 2 bottles gingerly 1/4 cup sugar sprinkle of salt 1 can apricot nectar Mix all together and add gin, brandy, rum, vodka or tequila - as much as you want or none at all!

Banana Split Cake

Cornbread Salad 1 pkg yellow cornbread mix 3 cups chopped tomatoes 1 cup chopped bell pepper 1 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped sweet pickles 12 strips bacon, cooked

1 - tub of cool whip 1 - 8 oz. Cream cheese

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Banana Split Cake Continued...

2 1/2 sticks of butter 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar 1 - box of graham crackers 2 cans of crushed pineapple (drained well) chopped pecan pieces 1 - jar Marciano cherries Hershey’s syrup Graham cracker crust: One box of graham crackers crumbled into tiny pieces. Add one and half sticks of butter stir until all mixed well. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

In a bowl mix 1 - 8 ozs of cream cheese, one stick of butter, 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar together. Cover with Saran wrap and place in refrigerator for time being. Slice 3-5 bananas and place on top of completely cooled graham cracker crust.

Spread half of your cream cheese mixture over bananas. Add the well drained crushed pineapples, then spread the other half of the cream cheese mixture over pineapples. Spread the cool whip on top of cream cheese mixture.

Sprinkle chopped pecan pieces on the cool whip. Place 12 maraschino cherries in the cool whip. Drizzle a thin line of Hershey syrup all over in a random pattern. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours. Cut into squares and serve.

White Chili In a five quart crock-pot add 3-4 chicken breasts, one jar of salsa of your choice, 3 cups of northern beans and add some water. Cook on high for 6-8 hours. Right before serving shred the chicken with two forks. Serve up hot in bowls and garnish with finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese. * for the corn lovers I also add two cans of sweet corn about 30 minutes before serving time.

Friuli Style Vodka Pasta Ingredients: 10 ripe Roma tomatoes 3 oz. olive oil 3 pieces fresh garlic fresh basil 2 oz. half & half 3 oz. grated parmesan cheese Farfalle (bow tie) pasta 3 oz. top shelf vodka (I use Pinnacle)

Boil and salt water for pasta. (It will take longer for the water to boil than the entire sauce to be completed.) Cut up tomatoes in small chunks (8 pieces per tomato). In large

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fry pan, line bottom of pan with olive oil, medhigh heat; fry garlic for 1 min. Add tomatoes and cook until the skins fall off the pulp. Add salt, oregano, fresh basil (1/2 tsp) and fresh ground pepper. When, the sauce is stew-like put the cooked tomatoes in a blender. Add parmesan, and Half & Half. blend on puree for 30 seconds. Taste and add extra salt to taste.

In the same fry pan put 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine, let melt. When pasta is andante’ or you favorite doneness, drain and place in the same fry pan with the butter. Sprinkle 3 ounces of good quality Vodka over the pasta and continually toss over medium heat. Add fresh ground black pepper over the pasta while tossing. Once the liquid has dissipated, remove from the heat and pour the pink sauce over the pasta. Mix well. I blend and serve the Vodka Pasta in the same original pan. Garlic Bread will be needed!

Aunt Tess’ Pasta in White Sauce 3 lb rump roast beef 10 lbs yellow onions parmesan cheese salt and pepper tube pasta (Penne or Ziti) In a large pot, salt and pepper the roast, then brown the roast on top of the stove (in the pot) until all sides are brown.

Then start adding sliced onions (on mediumhigh heat). We slice about 9 to 10 pounds of onions. As they are sliced, start putting them around the roast.

Add salt and pepper. Once the onions have melted and the roast is completely covered, lower the heat to low for about 30 minutes, then to simmer.

Cook for about 3 to 4 hours. (Until fork goes in meat easily). No water is added!

Spoon sauce over the pasta and add parmesan to taste. Slice roast and further add sauce.

Wassail Made in large party coffee urn: 1 large can pineapple juice 1 jar cranberry juice 1 cup brown sugar Mix the ingredients in coffee pot.

In basket place: 2 sticks cinnamon / 4-6 cloves / 1 tsp./1 small package of red hots. Plug in coffee machine and allow it to do its work.

Tasty for the duration of the party!

Frozen Cranberry Salad Combine: 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk + 1/4 cup lemon juice Add: 1 16 oz. whole berry cranberry sauce 1 20 oz. crushed, drained pineapple 1/2 cup chopped nuts (your choice) Fold in: 1 9 oz. Cool Whip Mix all ingredients and freeze. Serves 15. May serve as salad or dessert. Unused portion may be refrozen at least once. (Can be prepared well in advance and carries well.)

Asparagus Casserole 1 can long stem asparagus spears 1 can asparagus pieces (if desired) 1 14 oz. can English peas 1 can water chestnuts 1 10.5 oz. can Cream of Mushroom soup grated cheese 1 stick butter at least 2 slices of day old bread Drain all the cans well. Place the asparagus, english peas and water chestnuts into a greased casserole dish. Cover these contents with can of Cream of Mushroom soup, undiluted.

Grate cheese of choice (Cheddar is good) over the contents of the casserole. You decide on enough.

Melt 1/2 stick of butter in large skillet. Add bread slices and soak until saturated. Pull apart slices of bread into small pieces and scatter over surface of casserole. Bake the casserole at 350 degrees about 25 minutes or until the crumbs are crisp.

Mexican Veggie Dip

Note: Drain everything!

2 cans diced Ro-Tel tomatoes 1 can diced black olives 4 chopped green onions ½ cup Italian dressing *DO NOT use Zesty Italian, it is to strong 2 chopped jalapenos – or to taste ¼ cup cilantro (optional) 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 can of corn chopped avocados to taste *add avocados after you have mixed everything and blend again.

I also put a little lime juice and garlic salt in mine.

Gives it a little extra kick! Tostitos Scoops work the best.

dqtexas.com Offer valid through December 18, 2011, at participating DQ restaurants. DQ and the ellipse shaped logo are trademarks of Am. D.Q. Corp., Mpls. MN Ž Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off. Tx. D.Q. Op. Coun., Š 2011.

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chef on the run

C

hef Jeff Loving wants to nourish your life with delicious, hand-made cuisine.

Chef on the Run offers a full range of catering services and uses only the finest freshest ingredients available to give you the very best food around.

Jeff has worked in every face of the restaurant industry, including corporate and privately owned restaurants. From classical french cuisine, to Italian, to sushi, he has delighted guests with his abilities.

helped him land a position with one of the finer restaurants in Wilmington, North Carolina when he moved back after college.

He learned new techniques and was directly involved with opening three new restaurants, working his way to executive chef. During this time, he learned all of the nuances of cooking, management and employee-customer relations.

Jeff’s love of cooking began early watching his French mother, Elisabeth. Living all over the world with his mother and father, Howard, who was in the Navy, allowed Jeff to see things most people only see on television and influenced his cooking style.

Jeff and Myra Loving

His experience in restaurants began as early as the 8th grade doing odds and ends in restaurants, with his first actual cooking experience in the 11th grade making crepes in a brunch line. After that experience, Jeff was hooked! He knew he had the passion and the drive to cook for others.

College in Pennsylvania and Florida only helped inflame his passion for cooking, where he worked in Italian and Jewish restaurants. Learning about the industry

Family & Personal Occasion Catering •Anniversaries •Birthdays •Christenings •Communions •Church Socials •Dinners •Get Togethers •Wedding/Shower/Rehearsal Dinners

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In early 2003, Jeff was challenged with changing a french restaurant into a steak house in a week and a half, including the menu, employees and food preparation.

After completing that feat, his cousin, Timothy Loving, who is also a great chef, asked if he was interested in moving to Texarkana to open a gourmet restaurant with him, Timothy’s. A single man wanting to get really serious about the business, Jeff gladly accepted.

friends and family. Hence, Chef on the Run began.

In 2009, Chef Jeff Loving catered a friends Christmas party and the rest is history. He has since left the counseling profession and opened two restaurants in Texarkana -- Brickhouse Burger in Central Mall and the Fillin’ Station on Summerhill Road -- both with the help of Mark and Cathy VanHerpen.

Jeff’s passion for cooking is still growing -- as is this town! He now considers Texarkana his home and is looking forward to growing along with the area! He loves being a part of a community that supports local businesses and hard working people.

Learning from the past, making changes when changes are in order, makes life’s choices plain and simple -- and makes Jeff’s delight in cooking come to the forefront! His love of cooking, and his goofball personality, make him super passionate about everything he does.

Returning to college in 2006 The future is bright for Jeff’s to finish his psychology catering and the possibility of degree led Jeff to the love doing something unique and of his life, Myra, now his up to date for all to sample is wife. Jeff graduated in 2009 something he is excited about! and attempted to leave the Jeff with cousin, Tim Loving restaurant business and go And... into counseling children, something he had always wanted to do.

Hopefully something new and exciting is just However, cooking was his lifeblood and he around the corner... began being a private chef and catering for

Corporate & Business Catering •Staff Luncheons •Customer Appreciation •Employee Appreciation •Sales Meetings •Catering for pharmaceutical reps (We will deliver!)

Special Occasion Catering We’ll make your special occasion more memorable than you ever could have imagined.

Give us a call today! (903) 276-8081 Visit chefjeffontherun.com for more info!

December 2011

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Just in Time for the Holidays...

See Our Large Variety of Gourmet Gift Baskets!

Lots of Items on Sale NOW Just In Time For Christmas!

Why is Oak Creek Furniture Different?

Why all the fuss about details?

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.

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.

The Holidays Are Always Bright at Oak Creek Furniture!

Lasting elegance...

Did you know...

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 other’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.

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.

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.

Huge Se lec of Delic tion io Wholeso us me Jams & Goodies !

by Vincent Senatore

W

hile I love the pure joy and merriment associated with the month of December, it’s the anticipation of holiday parties and fancy dinners that really gets the adrenaline pumping and the holiday taste buds agog with anticipation. Let’s face it, there are more diets destroyed in the month of December than any other time of the year. We wait all year to create our favorite dishes and most decadent desserts. We break-out the best china and silverware to bear the contents our finest holiday menus.

red wine will be nothing short of brilliant!

Depending on the cut of beef, your gift of wine might vary in many different directions.

For example, Cabernet Sauvignon or French Bordeaux would certainly be better with Filet Mignon than a Prime Rib. However, a Prime Rib (more velvety in texture) would be more suited to a big, rich Pinot Noir. In this “neck of the woods”, we love our rib-eyes and sirloins.

I vacillate between young, vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon and big, full-bodied Merlot. Either way, you’re a hero for bringing the wine.

a holiday dinner party, this menu might be something special for you and your guests...

Oh! The price tag for this feast could be under $140.00 (including the wine) or, hire one of our local private chefs to do all the work for just a few dollars more... Fuggetaboudit!

Our goal for the holidays is to make the whole world happy; utilizing our culinary talents. And once we get Thanksgiving “Out of the Way,” it’s open-season on the kitchen. In any case, I suspect we will all do our best to recreate our finest holiday menus to share with our family and friends.

The great thing about the December Holidays is the universally correct Nouveau Beaujolais.

While very young, the wine has a stunning color and fragrance. Offering Nouveau as a gift is always apropos. First, there’s a great story (see last month’s ALT Magazine).

Secondly, the wine has a plethora of flavor profiles that match so many different dishes.

Certainly, ham and turkey are a given as ideal matches. But, it’s the rest of the buffet table that benefits from the grace of Nouveau Beaujolais.

Course #1: Shrimp Cocktail served with cocktail sauce (horseradish, of course). 4 large shrimp steamed or boiled. Wine: Clos Du Bois Chardonnay chilled to 56°.

Holidays are upon us and the season of giftgiving has officially begun. I don’t know why, but, I have always found Holiday gift-giving to be very stressful. I believe the best Christmas gifts are the ones that are personal and you get to have a share in. Wine, of course!!!

There will be a parade of culinary delights that will need to be accompanied by great wine. Parties can be greatly enhanced with a gift of a nice bottle of “bubbly.” This year, the “Sparkling Wine World” will be flowing with Italy’s Prosecco. Prosecco is sparkling wine that is rich with the aromas of fresh cut flowers, ripe fruit, and a clean, crisp finish.

Prosecco can be delicate, elegant and easily made into festive holiday drinks like Bellini’s and Kir Royale. Best of all, Prosecco is wonderful with food.

Decant a bottle of Prosecco (to remove about half of the bubbles) and you have created the perfect wine to accompany fresh fish, pasta primavera or a mushroom risotto in a rich parmesan sauce. Best of all, Prosecco is an incredible value. Even the top brands will be under $20. Your New Years Toast will be perfect with Prosecco.

Should you be invited to a dinner party that beef will be the main attraction, the gift of

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If you just want to offer a gift of red wine, Zinfandel has some real “Star Power” as America’s native grape variety and Australia’s big Shiraz’ is the ideal cocktail wine. Zin, Shiraz… Very hard to go wrong, especially with that Christmas Cheese ball!

Now, I see more shrimp in December than any other time of the year. Shrimp are very festive and have so many different options for a great holiday party dish. One can never go wrong with a shrimp cocktail dripping in a seafood sauce with horseradish and lemon. The perfect gift would be a clean, crisp Chardonnay with tad of oak aging and a hint of green apple in the finish. Being 100% Italian, I lean toward the scampi style; dripping with butter and garlic. Make my Chardonnay a big, buttery wine (at least 60% Malolactic) aged in French oak, and a lingering aftertaste.

“Mamma Mia” Delicioso!

Giving a gift of wine doesn’t really require a meal to accompany it, but it’s nice.

Finally, if you are having six friends over for

Start with an “Ice Breaker” wine like Blonde Bombshell White, and serve it with Bel Paese Italian cheese and Emmentaler Swiss. I like to serve a white wine that won’t get in the way of the 5 courses that I would be serving.

Course #2: Tuscan Bean Soup; can be prepared the day before. Serve with garlic crisp.

Wine: Underwood Pinot Noir.

Course #3: Vodka Tortellini; serve large Tortellini with a pink tomato sauce, very delicate.

Wine: Arancio NeroD’Avola Course #4: Beef Tenderloin Slices; garnished with a Gorgonzola or Boursin Sauce and served with grilled asparagus and escalloped potatoes Wine: Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon (pull cork to breath when serving the Shrimp) Course #5: Fresh Tropical Fruit (pineapple, banana, mango) over a slice of pound cake and topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream (or can!).

Wine: Tosti Asti; well chilled and served in Champagne flutes.

Finish with sliced pears, walnuts, Godiva chocolate and a reserve style Port.

Obviously, this meal can be altered in hundreds of different variations. The plan is to have a great time with a minimal amount of work. If you have any questions about the above mentioned menu or a food and wine match, please feel free to contact me.

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The night belongs to

The Phantom...

January 28, 2012 Northridge Country club

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In 1952, Dr. S. A. Collom and a gathering of Texarkana citizens founded the Temple Home for Crippled Children in response to the polio epidemic which was sweeping across our nation.

Since that time, Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center, an Easter Seals affiliate, has evolved and expanded into a premier facility providing physical, occupational and speech therapy for children and adults with disabilities.

On Saturday, January 28, 2012, the Temple Center will be celebrating the ninth annual Phantom Ball at Northridge Country Club. This is an annual black tie gala event benefiting the client services of Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center.

This year’s Phantom Ball will honor a very special man from our community as the “Phantom”. The criterion for “Phantom” is one who gives generously of their time and financial support to the Temple Center and the community of Texarkana. As in the spirit of “Phantom”, the identity of this year’s honoree will not be revealed at this time, in order to build suspense and intrigue for our event.

For more information or tickets please call Anita Carver at 903-794-2705.

(Ballgowns, formal attire, masks and fans are encouraged.)

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On average, a traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner can contain more than 2,000 calories.

We often put our focus on what not to eat, but there are still many nutritional goodies in our traditional dinner that we should not overlook.

Green Beans!

Green beans are probably one of the healthiest holiday foods out there. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K (important in bone health) and manganese. They also contain a good amount of vitamin A, dietary fiber, potassium, folate, and iron. Green bean casserole in a traditional Thanksgiving meal is rather high in calories as it contains butter, cream of mushroom and cheese. Prepare this dish with lower-fat version of these ingredients such as fat-free cream of mushroom and light butter and you will be able to enjoy the yummy taste without the guilt!

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Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A and also provides fiber. Pumpkin seeds are high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (the good fats). Pumpkin itself is quite low in calories and is a healthy holiday food. Pumpkin pie, however, becomes a highcalorie food because it’s made with eggs, sugar, evaporated milk and baked in a high-fat pie crust.

To make a lower-fat pumpkin pie, you may consider using an egg substitute, light cream or low-fat evaporated milk in your recipe.

Go for a pie crust with the lowest amount of trans fat possible.

Better yet, try a home-made pie crust recipe that is not made with shortening.

Pumpkin!

Cranberries are packed with Vitamin C and also provide a fair amount of dietary fiber and manganese.

Cranberries also contain proanthocyanidins, a type of antioxidant that can prevent the adhesion of bacteria to the urinary tract sometimes causing urinary tract infections.

Turkey!

Turkey - In addition to being an excellent source of protein, turkey offers the least amount of fat per serving, among all other meats, if you pass on the skin.

Sweet Potato!

Sweet Potato is a rich source of antioxidants such as Vitamin C and beta-carotene. Similar to the banana, it is also an excellent source of potassium. If you eat the skin, you will also reap the health benefits of fiber, making the sweet potato a healthy holiday food.

Cranberries!

(Information from HealthCastle.com)

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Buying? Selling?

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Each office independendly owned and operated.

Financial Focus...

Submitted by Dustin Stringer Stringer Wealth Management LPL Financial

Annuities May Help Make Your Income Last a Lifetime

W

ith demographic trends pushing the length of retirement to 25 or 30 years and beyond, it’s important to create a retirement investment strategy that generates an income stream that you won’t outlive. If you’re looking for an investment vehicle that promises a guaranteed, lifetime income stream, then you may want to consider annuities. Simply put, annuities can help ensure that you won’t outlive your savings.

long retirement.

Annuities Defined Annuities are insurance contracts that promise future payments.

They’re long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. There are two distinct phases to annuity investing: the “accumulation phase” occurs when you are contributing, while the “annuitization or distribution phase” occurs when you withdraw money.

¹Riders are additional guarantee options that are available to an annuity or life insurance contract holder. While some riders are part of an existing contract, many others may carry additional fees, charges and restrictions, and the policyholder should review their contract carefully before purchasing.

Variable and fixed annuities are long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes; but the variable annuity contains both an investment and insurance component. Variable annuities are sold only by prospectus. Guarantees are based on claims paying ability of the issuer.

Withdrawals made prior to age 59 ½ are subject to 10% IRS penalty tax and surrender charges may apply. Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. The investment returns and principal value of the available sub-account portfolios will fluctuate so that the value of an investor’s unit, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original value.

While annuities may be attractive because they usually impose no contribution limits and offer tax deferral, they also have other appealing features as well, such as their numerous “payout” options in the distribution stage. For instance, during retirement you can receive your money from an annuity in a single lump sum or as a series of regular payments over your life or some other predetermined number of years. Some retired clients find it easier and less stressful to manage their household expenses through a regular income stream, just as they did while working.

But getting a regular income stream doesn’t necessarily limit your options. Today’s annuities offer the flexibility, access and control over your money that often wasn’t available in the past. Product innovations have resulted in optional benefits that provide downside guarantees¹, the ability to capture the market’s upside, inflation protection and cost-of-living increase features, all of which may help investors plan for a

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In short, annuity payouts through a regular income stream may be an important part of your retirement portfolio. If you own an annuity now, you might want to consider using it to potentially generate income.

For more detailed information about the role that annuities might play in your financial future, contact a qualified financial professional.

December 2011

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Ark-La-Tex Resource

Guide

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

Red River Federal Credit Union 2700A University Ave. Texarkana, TX 75503 903-735-3000 800-822-3317

Kraus Heating and Air 200 Industrial Blvd.

Nash, TX 903.831.3912

Texar Federal Credit Union Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.223.5626

Apartments Arista Apartments 3515 Arista Blvd.

Texarkana, TX 903.255.7869

Texarkana First Bank 3601 East 9th St. Texarkana, AR 870.772.0222 615 Sam Houston Dr. New Boston, TX 3625 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.6955

Legacy at Pleasant Grove 5911 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 888.763.2676 Richmond Oaks Apartments 2815 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.6150 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

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Cakes Coldstone Creamery 4228 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2653 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354

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 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 Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464

Reception Arts Becky Risinger Ashdown, AR 870.898.5273

Church Highland Park Baptist Church 2401 Hazel St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.6996

Caterers/Private Chef Chappo’s Italian Restaurant 1617 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.791.1726

Clothing Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088

Chef on the Run Jeff Loving 903.276.8081

Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056

Christine Corley Private Chef 850.728.0900 Culinary Creations Pam Elliott 903.831.4674

OMG Lulu 3211 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.8135 116 Polk St. Jefferson, TX 903.665.8855

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 Entertainment Bounce-A-Lot Texarkana, TX 903.792.0113 www.bounce-a-lot.org Oaklawn Opry 124 Oaklawn Village Texarkana, TX 903.838.3333 Event Locations Garrison Gardens Texarkana, AR 71854 870.773.0275 www.garrisongardens.net Prissy Chrissy Ranch 915 FM 2148 South Texarkana, TX 75501 903.838.6121 www.prissychrissy.com Regional Arts Center Cabe Hall 321 W. 4th Street Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.8681 www.trahc.org Financial Planner Dustin Stringer Stringer Wealth Management 1620 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.223.0011 Fitness Centers Anytime Fitness Richmond Road 3415 Richmond Road.

Texarkana, TX 75503 903.794.5348

Minton’s Sportsplex 5610 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.838.4697 Florists 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 Twisted Vines 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, AR 870-772-2700 Furniture Oak Creek Furniture 8024 West 7th St. Texarkana, TX 903.832.0793 Gifts Dot’s Ace Hardware 3411 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0059 Pleasant Grove Pharmacy Baits and Blades 3302 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.832.4545

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 Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott 4209 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.1000 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 Elite Insurance Tammy McDowell 1705 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.794.0000 Farm Bureau Insurance 4140 McKnight Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.8707

Greg Cockerell State Farm Insurance 4807 Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.7502 Kelli Ashbrook State Farm Insurance 3410 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.8100 www.kelliashbrook.com Kristi Smith State Farm Insurance 418 Walton Drive Texarkana, TX 903.223.3276 Ron Morrow State Farm Insurance 3306 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.832.5505 www.ronmorrowagency.com Jewelers Alexander’s Jewelers 3701 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.832.3557 Blue Isle Expressions 3402 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.791.9992

Queen City Floral Highway 59 North Queen City, TX 903.796.2891 Twisted Vines 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.2700 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 Home Designs/Remodeling Red River Lumber Company Highway 71 North Texarkana, TX 903.794.0039 G&A Carpet 1019 N. Kings Hwy. Nash, TX 903.832.0553 Taylored Home Solutions 2840 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.278.2353

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Crocker’s Jewelers 3117 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.832.8686 Micah’s Jewelers 2812 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.735.2336 Make-up Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 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 Medical Equipment Respiratory Solutions 3101 Kennedy Lane, Suite 1000 Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.2110 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 Ly Gaylor, M.D. Dermatologist Collom & Carney Clinic 5002 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.614.3006 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 Satterfield Construction, LLC 903.832.4591 www.satterfieldservices.com Teresa Liepman Remax 5120 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.276.9464 Refreshments Bolls Distributing 700 E. Broad St. Texarkana, AR 870.774.9283

Dairy Queen Locations throughout Ark-La-Tex Golden Corral 3809 Sowell Lane Texarkana, TX 903.334.8399 Ironwood Grill 4312 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.4644 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354

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

Los Agaves 5100 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.773.2300

Bounce-A-Lot 903.276.2961 www.bounce-a-lot.org 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 Amigo Juan Mexican Cafe 4301 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.334.6971 1200 N. Hervey Hope, AR 870.777.0006 611 Loop 59 Atlanta, TX 903.796.2400 Bryce’s Cafeteria 2021 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.792.1611 Chappo’s Italian Restaurant 1617 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.791.1726 City Blends 600 N. Kings Hwy, Suite 5 Wake Village, TX 430.200.2814

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Daddy Dougaloo’s 905 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.0172

Vincent’s Fine Wines 6900 N. Stateline Texarkana, AR 870.774.7217

Lone Star Amusements 903.949.5802

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

Pop’s Place Highway 67 Texarkana, AR 870.773.4887 Shorty’s Donuts 2729 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.6686 Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227 Tasty Donuts 1443 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.838.0422 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 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 St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.4645 The Magnolia 4205 Richmond Meadows Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.7319 Spas/Salons Hawaii Nails & Spa 4280 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.832.0198 Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 The Sanctuary Kimberly Parham, M.D. 3502 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8661 Sporting Goods Baits and Blades 3302 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.4545 Wedding Attire Bridal Castle 3209 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.3886

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 903.792.3354 Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227

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by Jane Bouterse

T

ell the truth…Are you looking forward to Christmas with delight or dread? Far too many will answer with “dread” not because of the Season’s meaning but mayhem. Too many gifts to buy, cards to mail, meals to plan, parties and programs to attend—too much cleaning to do, company to welcome, scheduling to change—How to get it all done?

ALT has the answer: FOCUS. Choose what efforts really have meaning for you and make your heart happy and days merry. Easier said than done?

Maybe so, but the following suggestions are likely to set you on your road to change.

First, FOCUS on others—especially CHILDREN. Second, FOCUS on developing some NEW TRADITIONS.

Christmas and children belong together, yet many Children not only around the world but in our own United States will have little to celebrate. Poverty, disease, dysfunctional families, lack of basic resources can erode health and hope for those young lives trying to survive.

Why not make your Christmas gift list, then ask those on the list to name the organization for Children to which you can contribute in their honor? Wrap the notice of your contribution in a beautiful package and place the gift under the tree. Your shopping is all done, and your gift continues the tradition begun on December 25, 336 (the first recorded celebration of Christmas). Historian William H. Tighe has commented about the events that celebration

began, “Whatever the ins and outs of Christmas, we are still unwrapping the gift of God’s Son—and what an incentive to generosity and joy that gift is!” Your gift to help a child is the perfect example of the “generosity and joy” of which Tighe reminds us.

The choices for contributing are many, but four genuinely worthwhile for children are Save the Children; Cars To Help Kids as well as TEXANS CAN Academies, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

To facilitate your contribution, information about how to contact these agencies follows.

Next, start at home to consider developing your own NEW CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS. You will probably be surprised at the opportunities.

Finally, find your other wing and take flight with the ANGEL TREE.

Once your choices are made, you will discover that you have had such fun and are in awe of the joy you and your family have shared as you put Others first during this Christmas. Besides the good feelings inside, you still have an abundant supply of energy and smiles to share throughout the Season.

Your Christmas is, indeed, more meaningful and merry than you ever thought possible!

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by Jane Bouterse

www.savethechildren.org/gifts Phone 1-800-728-3843

(Special Holiday Hours: Mon-Sat 8-8pm from Nov. 14 – Dec. 23)

About Us Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children

and families help themselves. We work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining our own independence without political agenda or religious orientation. …As quickly and effectively as Save the Children responds to tsunamis and civil conflict, it works to resolve ongoing struggles children face every day—poverty, hunger, illiteracy and disease—and replaces them with hope for the future.

Funding Distribution In fiscal year 2010, 90% of all expenditures went to program services; fundraising, 6%; Management and general, 4%.

Contributions Check out the web site or obtain a catalogue to discover the opportunities for giving which range from buying goats to bicycles to food to stocking a library or cleaning the water.

The opportunities are endless. Contribute online, by phone or mailer. With every item you order, your honoree will receive a personalized greeting card describing your gift. Order before December 16 to guarantee your gift card delivery by December 25.

Some gifts will be distributed by SAVE THE CHILDREN to programs where they will be combined with other donations to create tangible solutions that help entire communities overcome poverty and achieve self-reliance.

These are, indeed, “Gifts of joy for lasting change.”

SAVE THE CHILDREN, 501(c)(3) organization.

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Now it’s YOUR time to START or START OVER.

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society students

Register now for Spring 2012 classes. Learn more at texarkanacollege.edu or call 903-832-5565 ext. 3272 to get started today. We’ll see you this spring!

TEXARKANA COLLEGE

2500 N. Robison Rd. Texarkana, TX 75599

by Jane Bouterse

info@CarsToHelpKids.org

TEXANS CAN!

www.texanscan.org

So….what do you do with that old clunker which doesn’t run very well, if at all?

What about that fishing boat with the bottom rusted through? Maybe that old RV is too exhausted for any more camping? Computer all done? If you have any of these items, they can be invaluable to two organizations which support children.

Cars To Help Kids exists in all 50

states for the sole purpose of Helping Children.

The donation of your old vehicle—running or not—possesses the potential to lend a hand in changing the lives of disadvantaged and underprivileged children in your community.

Cars To Help Kids is “committed to supporting children’s hospitals, mentoring and educational programs and funding various outreach initiatives.”

A visit to the Cars To Help Kids website answers questions like how to donate a car, boat, motorcycle, RV or property? How to determine your tax deduction? What paperwork is necessary? Is towing free?

How long before the car or other item is towed? ********************************** TEXANS CAN also depends on donations to support their TEXANS CAN Academies for at risk students. “Since 1985 the TEXANS CAN Academies have grown to 10 and have expanded to include not just juvenile offenders but also high school dropouts and non-adjudicated youth. In all, some 70,000 students have been served.

TEXANS CAN has earned the Best in America Seal of Excellence from Independent Charities of America. To learn the options and directions for donating, consult the website. Regardless of where you are located, TEXANS CAN will find a way to retrieve your donation in a timely manner.

TEXANS CAN must raise $5 million dollars annually to make up the shortfall of funding supplied by the State of Texas. A TEXAS CAN graduate will reduce not only the $377 million in annual losses dropouts cost the state but also the deficit by over $330,000 during a working lifetime.

Contributing to either of these 501(c)(3) organizations is a Win! Win! Decision.as

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by Jane Bouterse

“Finding cures. Saving children.” www.stjude.org

ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL fulfills the promise made by comedian, performer Danny Thomas. When he knelt before St. Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes, Thomas begged for a sign to indicate whether he should he stay in show business. “Impulsively, Danny promised to erect a shrine to St. Jude if the saint would show Danny his way in life.”

Danny Thomas succeeded in show business and erected St. Jude Children’s Hospital as the shrine he promised. “The shrine would be a hospital for needy children, a place where they would be cared for regardless of race, religion or ability to pay—a hospital where no suffering child would be turned away.”

How do your donations help?

• Thanks to donors, no child is ever turned away from St. Jude because of inability to pay and family expenses incurred during treatment are paid.

•

At St. Jude, donor dollars help fuel the pioneering research, care and treatment for childhood cancers and other deadly diseases.

How is St. Jude making a difference for sick children?

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• Every child saved at St. Jude means children saved around the world, since discoveries are shared with scientists and doctors everywhere.

• St. Jude developed protocols that have pushed the childhood cancer survival rate –20% when the hospital opened in 1962—to over 80% today.

How are donations used?

• During the past five years, 81 cents of every dollar received has supported the research and treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

•

It costs $1.7 million a day to operate St. Jude, and public donations provide more than 75% of the funding.

How can donations be made? Visit the website • Online or by phone: 800-805-5856 or via. printable forms for mailing •

Questions and concerns? Visit donors@stjude.org

ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL 501(c)(3) organization.

BIG JAKE’S BAR-B-QUE & CATERING COMPANY Fried Pies Made Fresh Daily...

Just Like Grandma Used to Make (But Better...Shhhhh!)

2610 New Boston Rd. Texarkana, TX 75501 Ph: 903-793-1169

603 W. Commerce Hope, AR 71801 Ph: 870-777-1000

1521 Arkansas Blvd.

Texarkana, AR 71854 Ph: 870-774-0099

170 N. Constitution Ashdown, AR 71822 Ph: 870-898-2227

Ask Us About Catering Your Holiday Party!

EXPRESS CARE Let Express Care Give You A Shot Of Protection...

Only $20.00

5483 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503

903.223.5931

WING STOP • Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless Strips • Always Cooked To Order • 9 Special Wing Sauces ~ Something for Everyone • No Heat Lamps, Microwaves or Holding Bins • We Cut Our Fries Every Day From Real Potatoes • You’ll Always Be Greeted With a Smile 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, Texas Open 7 Days A WEEK 11 - Midnight Dine-In or Carry Out

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4501 State Line Avenue Texarkana, Texas

Ask Us About Catering Your Holiday Party!

City Blends of Texarkana/ VIP Nutrition • Best tasting low sugar smoothies • Pre & Post workout smoothies • Nutritional supplements • Fat loss supplements • Proteins & Pre workout supplements • We will place special orders for specific supplement items

We also have a drive-thru space!!

Refer to this ad for 10% off your next purchase!

Limited 1 time use ONLY. 600 N. Kings Hwy Suite 5 Open M-F 10-7 & Sat 10-5 Wake Village, TX

430-200-2814

LLC

INSPECTION GATOR Are you buying or selling your home?

Call us today to schedule your Home

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Your Peace of Mind is Our Business

903.278.5097 www.inspectiongator.com Fully Insured . Texas and Arkansas

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Owner/Lead Inspector Trec#10108 HI#1529

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OAK CREEK FURNITURE We at Oak Creek Furniture 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. Come see our Amish-built bedroom furniture and oak dining room furniture.

We also have a large selection of gluten-free foods, cheeses, and other quality foods that make perfect gifts for your family and friends!

8024 W. 7th Street Texarkana, Texas 903.832.0793

www.OakCreekAmishFurniture.com Mon-Friday 9:30-7:30 Sat 9-4

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EVENT

Fall Festival

WHERE The Legacy at Pleasant Grove WHEN

10/22/11

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1. Barbara Sisk 2. - 3. Misc. games played at the Fall Festival 4. Miriam Mills and Helen Hazelbaker 5. Camellia Lewis and Mike Hazelbaker 6. Camellia Lewis takes a picture of Caitlyn Dyer, Matthew Ash, Matthew Dyer and Deanna Dyer 7. Dayna and Chris Townley, with McKenzie Dellinger 8. Telisha Matney get her face painted by Keshia Dellinger 9. Keshia, Shawn and McKenzie Dellinger 10. Jim, T.J., Mona and Eli Wall 11. Allyah and Angelina Root, Keshia Dellinger, David Thompson and Joshua Rhoden dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller!

12. Parker and Peyton Dox enjoy some cotton candy 13. Jennifer Thomas and Paula Thomas 14. Liz Billock and Beth Fischer making cotton candy 15. Misc. games played at the Fall Festival

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Minton’s Sportsplex: Beating the Holiday Bulge for 25 Years!

T

he holiday season is upon us, and we all know what that means: those pesky holiday pounds find their way into our jeans and sweaters! It’s Minton’s Sportsplex 25th YEAR ANNIVERSARY and in honor of their anniversary they would like to offer a holiday gift to the public, the gift of health! They are offering an ABSOLUTELY FREE MEMBERSHIP to everyone from now until 2012.

Minton’s has been an inspiration to Texarkana since 1986, and you don’t just have to take our word on it. Members are speaking out to tell the public how they have been inspired: We joined Minton’s upon moving here in 1999.

Karen Daniel was at the desk. Amy Cornish and Darryl Magee were there as they are now.

Shortly after, I underwent major surgery for cancer and was diagnosed also with diabetes.

After a three month recovery, Larry Green was extremely kind and considerate, helping me to establish a routine to rebuild. For almost twelve years now, this five day weekly regimen has recovered most of my body and, with strict diet, enabled us to control type 2 diabetes. We are both 79 and the gym routine allows us to remain physically active, mobile, and to live

903-838-7671 mintonssportsplex.com

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independently. (I might add that without the elevator, this would not be possible for Helen.)

The abundant facilities are certainly a plus but the critical elements are the attitude of the staff, the atmosphere, and the unending meticulous attention to cleanliness. We are unfailingly greeted cheerfully every day by virtually every staff member. The relationship with them as well as other clients is like family. Alicia McDaniel, desk clerk at the time, even attended our 50th anniversary celebration on her day off. There is inspiration and encouragement from those conquering weight and rehab challenges. We meet here every day and it is like a pleasantly different world. We are here with those our age all the way to high school. There is plenty of “pumping iron” but it is far from a “jock shop”. The person next to you may be a surgeon, a lawn service worker, or a high school athlete. People are polite and collegial.

Mike and Marsha are to be commended for their vision and for having the courage to make it happen!

For us at least, it is a big factor keeping us here!

-Dr. Jim and Helen Wilson

5610 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX

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23rd Annual Alzheimer’s Golf Tournament The 23rd annual Alzheimer’s Golf Tournament was held Monday, October 17th at Northridge Country Club.

The golf tournament annually benefits the local Alzheimer’s Chapter, originally started by Murray James, husband of Doris K. James, both deceased.

Doris passed of Alzheimer’s disease, having it more than 23 years. Her granddaughter, Stacy James Mayo, promoted Alzheimer’s Awareness as her platform when she won the Miss Texas 2001 crown and raised over $30,000,

Diana James and grandson David Mayo

speaking to hundreds about this devastating disease.

Stacy and Ben Mayo’s son, David Mayo was captured golfing and remembering his great grandmother’s legacy at the Country Club.

David and Diana James also play yearly to remember David’s mother, as well as Royce and Stephanie James and their son Mark James.

“I think playing every year is a symbol of our love for my mother and remembering

Stacy Mayo and son David

Military Appreciation Monday EVENT

WHERE

Golden Corral

WHEN

11/14/11

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how this disease affected our family and continues to effect people nationwide,” David L. James says.

Over 50 people played in this year’s tournament and Texarkana continues to support the Alzheimer’s Association with the Memory Walk and Chili Cook Off Supper to name a few of the fund raisers the association continues to do.

You can reach the Texarkana Alzheimer’s Alliance at 903-223-8021 and is located at 1105 College Drive.

David Mayo with grandfather David James

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Reception for Leon Pesek Jr. EVENT

WHERE

Silvermoon

WHEN

10/27/11

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1. Misc. Photo - Shrimp 2. Misc. Photo - Cheese 3. George and Jan Lavender 4. Flour Child - Shantel Kyles, Tracey Schuster and Amanda Horton 5. Judge Leon Pesek Jr. and Beth Pesek 6. Katie Pesek and John Teed 7. John Stephens, Bess and Jerry Sparks, Gary Strickland and Jim Green 8. Dottie and Ed Miller 9. Judge Jack Carter and Judge Leon Pesek Sr. 10. Jim Cook and Charles Friday 11. Becky Sorsby, Melanie Harris, Deborah Nield and Camille Warren 12. Brent Langdon and Vickers Fuqua 13. Katie Pesek, Judge Leon Pesek Jr., Judge Leon Pesek Sr., Beth Pesek and John Teed 14. Beth Pesek, Debbie Brower and Camille Warren 15. Debbie and Mike Brower 16. Judge Leon Pesek Sr., Tami and Greg Eakin, with Bob Long 17. Thomas Hodge, Judge Leon Pesek Jr., Camille Warren and Deborah Nield 18. Diana and Judge Josh Morriss

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ALT is proud to highlight our area students for their accomplishments in sports and the arts!

Our children are our future...and the future looks bright for the Ark-La-Tex! If you know a student you feel should be included in upcoming months, see below!

KELSEY KEY Parents: Rusty and Jen Townsend and Jason and Kim Key School: Genoa Central High School Senior

If you know someone you feel would be great to be highlighted, please have them submit a photo in their uniform, via email, to debbie@alt-mag.com, along with responses to the following questions:

Sport/Position: Yearbook editor/ photographer, FBLA, Student Council, FCCLA, FFA and Key Club

Name: Parents: School/Grade: Sport(s)/postion(s): Achievements: What motivates you to do your best?

What famous person has been an inspiration to you?

What motivates you to do your best?

Being a role model to my 3 younger sisters, their friends and other kids motivates me.

If they are submitting a professional photo, we will need a release from the photographer to use it.

Note: They do not have to be high school seniors! They must be in the 9th through 12th grades.

Now, meet some amazing young people from around the area!

We are proud of all of you!

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What famous person has been an inspiration to you?

Audrey Hepburn inspires me because she had a good heart about everything she did and she was a very kind and generous person.

SIERRA ORR Parents: Teddrick and Michelle Bailey and Lamont and Chandal Compton School/Grade: Texas High School Junior Sports: Texas High School Drill Team – Highstepper Achievements: Member of Quill & Scroll, National Honor Society, Key Club, THS Publications Yearbook, and Member of AVID formerly REACH Program, Member of Ross Perot STEM Academy, Texarkana Regional Arts Usher, and THS Student Council Member

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.”

What famous person has been an inspiration to you?

Avril Lavigne has been my inspiration since I was a kid in elementary school. Besides looking up to her “no one is going to walk all over me” attitude, I’ve always admired her songwriting - her ability to write lyrics that are honest and straightforward. One dream of mine is to be an opening act for one of her concerts.

Cullen Murray Parents: Randy and Alecia Murray School/Grade: Trinity Christian School Senior Sport(s)/postion(s): Basketball/ Small Forward Baseball/ Left Field Track

What motivates you to do your best?

My parents and especially my little sister, Trinity, motivate me to do my best because I want to do a good job and set a example for her. Trinity always wants to do things that I do so I want her to know if you work hard, you can do and be whatever you want.

What famous person has been an inspiration you?

The actress Zoe’ Saldana inspires me because she is a beautiful, strong, independent woman and she commands respect in all of her roles in the movies and her volunteer activities outside film.

What motivates you to do your best?

My motivation comes from the love I have for my team and school, also, I play to glorify God in everything I do.

What famous person has been an inspiration to you?

J.J. Redick, a guard for Orlando Magic, has inspired me to be a hard worker and awesome teammate.

Sara Skinner Parents: Shelia and Dennis Skinner School/Grade: Pleasant Grove High School Senior Sport(s) and/or leadership postion(s): PAL Club (Players & Listeners) Founding President at Pleasant Grove High School.

Achievements: Through school and music, I have been blessed with many achievements. I’m in the top ten of my class, three National Honor Societies, have been cheerleading captain and president of a club that I helped found. I’ve been granted the amazing opportunity to grace the stage of the famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN twice, and The Bitter End in New York, NY and a numerous list of other venues. I am currently working towards becoming a certified voice and songwriting coach from a prestigious university. My greatest personal achievement has been overcoming my lack of confidence from being bullied since first grade.

What motivates you to do your best?

I want to succeed in life, and be all that I can be. I feel like there is no reason that you can’t be what you want to be, if you actually try. One of my favorite and most motivating quotes is by Marianne Williamson

Ryan Huntze Parents: Rick and Lisa Huntze School/Grade: Trinity Christian School Senior Sport(s)/postion(s): Basketball/guard and Baseball/ pitcher What motivates you to do your best?

What motivates me to do my best is my team. We are all very close, and I know they give their best effort every time they step on the court. I want to return the favor. I also am motivated because this is my senior year, and the fact of never playing at the high school level for Trinity motivates me to do my best.

What famous person has been an inspiration to you?

The famous person who has inspired me is the forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant . He is a perfect example of a Christian athlete, win or lose he always gives God the glory.

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Mistletoe Fair Preview Party EVENT

WHERE

Four States Fairgrounds

WHEN

11/17/11

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1. Mary Collin Marricino, Jill Douglas and Melanie Gloster 2. Michelle Miller, Kelli Phillips and Mary Ellen Young 3. Jamie Friday and Kelli Phillips 4. Kristy Lemmon and Charlie McMurphy 5. Jared Carver, Anita Carver and Debbie Brower 6. Jennifer and Bryan Ogburn 7. Suzanne Bullard, Buddy and Caroline Allen, Travis Ransom 8. Ashley Cooper and Jennifer Ogburn 9. Ben and Stacy Mayo 10. Travis Ransom, Gaol Morlet, Michelle Miller and Richard Reynolds 11. Jean Cogbill and Melinda Vammen 12. Melinda Vammen and Kim Wilson 13. Sandy Varner and Susan Bosse 14. Melinda Vammen, Kim Wilson, Mel Walsh and Anne Douglas 15. Dawna Rogers and Michael Hendrix 16. Rosemary Hardy, Kathy Boyles and Leann Wright 17. Doug and Lisa Sloan 18. Tommy and Jana Hicks 19. Robert and Kelli Alamond 20. Le and Aaron Gaylor 21. Julie Williams and Christal Prince 22. Becky Jackson and Dana Morgan

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by Mike Brower

Dear Santa,

resembled this using crappie jigs -- and we caught schooling bass. Anyway, the Alabama rig has caught fire in the last 2 months. It was used to win the BFL regional on Lake Wheeler -- then the next week to win the FLW tour on Lake Guntersville -- and then the next week to win the Everstart championship at Kentucky lake. The rig got a lot of attention with swim baits, but you could also use fluke, speedworms, grubs or anything else you could think of.

ell, Christmas time is here and I guess I should talk about the new, bigger, badder stuff out there for the fisherman. One of the hottest new baits out there is an Alabama Rig. Now this little ditty is kind of weird to look at. It is basically an umbrella type rig that you can attach 5 swimbaits to and lob out there in order to mimic a school of shad. The neat part is that you could catch up to 5 fish on one cast.

W

Baits and Blades should be getting some soon as demand is sky high.

Now for those who are somewhat older, we used to have a rig back in the late 60’s that

Can someone loan a fellow some money for the tacklebox?

So what have we learned about this new bait?

Well, it could be a scheme by the soft plastic manufacturers to get us to tear up more baits at one time, causing us to purchase in bulk, or it could be a new twist on an old way to catch fish. I’m betting on the scheme and buying in bulk.

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EVENT

Texarkana Boots & Saddle Awards Banquet

WHERE

Smokey Joes

WHEN

11/11/11

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1. Lisa, Larry and Ravyn Hillis 2. Shelby Smith, Madison Bivens and Valerie Smith 3. Colleen Crumpton and Skylar Olive 4. Robin and Jim Morse 5. Rhealey and Dana Knighton 6. Sydney Hopkins, Hannah Griffis and Madison Bivens 7. Bailey Hayes and Missy Hayes (17th in World Barrel’s) 8. Allison Day and Billy Biard 9. Madison Bivens, Brighton Self and Hannah Griffis 10. Madison Bivens, Terri Boswell and Hannah Griffis 11. Madison Bivens, Ravyn Queen and Hannah Griffis 12. Madison Bivens, MaKenzie Adkins and Hannah Griffis 13. Madison Bivens, Shanna Griffis and Hannah Griffis 14. Madison Bivens, Kelsey Cowley and Hannah Griffis 15. Madison Bivens, Ginger Jenkins and Hannah Griffis 16. Madison Bivens, Colleen Crumpton and Hannah Griffis 17. Madison Bivens, Missy Hayes and Hannah Griffis 18. Madison Bivens, Austin Boswell and Hannah Griffis 19. Allison Day 20. Auctioneer

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Men of the Nutcracker Take the Stage!

The Nutcracker is the world’s most famous ballet and thousands of dancers, from beginners to professionals, perform in this beloved classic every Christmas. The 2011 Texarkana Community Ballet production will be the company’s 21st performance of The Nutcracker ballet.

Dancers are athletes as well as artists, and “it’s challenging and fun” say the boys.

Since the first production in 1968, TCB has incorporated Texarkana men and boys into its performances as party parents and guests, the role of ‘rascally little brother’ Fritz, soldiers, the Mouse King, the Nutcracker Prince, the Cavalier and Drosselmeyer.

This year, the role of Fritz is danced by tenyear-old Shelby Sawyer who chasses, sautes

and jetes with great gusto. The Mouse King is danced by Ben Goesl, a Nutcracker veteran.

The Nutcracker Prince and Cavalier roles will again be danced by Nathan Mayfield.

Several sons of the directors have danced major roles, including Matthew Blackburn.

In one recent season, all four brothers in the family of Bill Atchison performed in the ballet.

Local attorney Frank Poff is repeating his role of the magical and mysterious Drosselmeyer.

Only two other men have held the role of Drosselmeyer through the 44-year history of TCB Nutcrackers ~ James Tennison and Martin Beck.

Other dance dads and friends of the arts volunteer their time each fall and winter to make the Nutcracker a successful production. This year, those involved include attorney Michael Skotnik, well-known to local theatre patrons for his extensive work in TEX*REP performances.

Brian Goesl will again perform as the Council President and the host of the Christmas Eve party where the ballet takes place.

Goesl’s wife, Patti, and daughter, Cecelia, are also cast the in the ballet, making the performance a family affair- not uncommon in the Texarkana Community Ballet “family.”

The Nutcracker will be performed December 2-3-4 at the historic Perot Theatre in downtown Texarkana. Ticket prices are $7, $10 and $12. Times are 8 p.m. for the evening performances and 2 p.m. for the Sunday matinee.

Kennel Club of Texarkana raises money to equip local fire departments with pet oxygen masks.

The Kennel Club of Texarkana celebrated their 3rd RDOD event on September 17th, at Spring Lake Park this year. This event was to let people know how to be responsible dog owners, as well as raise money for our local fire departments to equip fire trucks with oxygen masks for pets in need. We were successful in raising enough funds to get a set of masks for all ten of our community’s fire trucks! One set of oxygen mask includes three masks; small,medium and large. We were able to achieve this via drawings of items donated by Terri Galle as well as a flat screen television donated by The Kennel Club of Texarkana.

We had a huge turnout with lots of activities. The Kennel Club of Texarkana had a booth which contained educational materials on all purebred dogs, how to be a responsible dog owner, and t-shirts to help spread the word of responsible ownership. They also had First Aid Training for Dogs. Texarkana,Texas Police K-9 dogs and Schutzhund by Larry Kye out of Little Rock

Arkansas gave incredible demonstrations. Four State Search and Rescue Dogs also gave demonstrations showing how their dogs are trained and able to search for human remains as well as missing children. We also had several firefighters giving tours of their fire trucks and showing how the oxygen masks would be used.

Adoptable dogs were available through several of our rescue groups. In addition Dr. Hendershot from Pleasant Grove Animal Hospital was kind enough to to hold a microchip/rabies clinic at a phenomenal discount. The City of Texarkana also offered free pet registration. Bows and Toes All Breed Grooming offered free toenail clippings for all pets, and Jimmeye Moore, owner of Bows and Toes, conducted K9 Good Citizen Testing and Therapy Dog International Testing. Our agility course was a complete success with the community. Jennifer Freeman demonstrated Weave Poles, Jumps, Tunnel, and Obedience. There was also a conformation demonstration and meet the breeds.

This turned out to be an amazing family event, enjoyable for the entire for the family, including pets. Not only were children at the event educated on how to be Responsible Dog Owners, they also had activities such as face-painting, balloon animals and a coloring contest available. The dogs also had a fun event they were able to participate in. There was tennis ball bobbing which even included a prize for all dogs that completed the task at hand.

Of course no event would be complete without a bite to eat. And to help feed all of our wonderful participants and guest was Hot Diggity Dog! We are proud to announce that the mayors of Texarkana, both Texas and Arkansas side, have officially made a proclamation that the 19th of September of each year is designated as Responsible Dog Ownership Day. Our community worked diligently together to make this an amazing event.

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December Calendar

of Events

December 5

27th Annual Main Street Texarkana Christmas Parade TOYLAND - an “Electric Parade” will roll across state lines led by a trio of live CAMELS and their “shepherd” handlers. Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa, caroling, and buggy rides follow. Buggy rides available throughout the holiday season.

Broad to State Line, ending at US Federal Building/Post Office 7:00PM to 10:00PM For more information, (903) 277-4603

December 9

Live at the Perot Theatre - Miracle on 34th Street, the musical. “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!” A Family Holiday Tradition! Based on the 1947 movie, this is the heartfelt story of a whitebearded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa Claus. Produced by Barter Theatre, the music and inspiration of this story reminds us that we don’t have to be young to believe in the spirit of Christmas. 7:30 to 10:00. For more information, (903) 792-4992.

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December 9-10

TRAHC is having its annual open house and the WFA gift shop will be open during this time.

The gift shop offers many unique items! Come find special gifts for Christmas presents as well as support the arts! For more information call Deborah at (903) 277-0500.

December 25

Christmas Day! December 26-29

Boy Scouts of America Winter Camp at Camp Preston Hunt. For more information, (903) 7932179

Beaujolais Nuevo Wine Dinner

EVENT

WHERE

Julie’s Deli

WHEN

11/17/11

1. Rodney and Linda McDaniels 2. Julie Furlow, Linda McDaniel and Peggy Senatore 3. Jan Goodson, Jim and Sherry Vinson 4. Bill and Linda Scurlock 5. Billy and Patty Mitchell 6. Rick and Vicki Tarter 7. Suzy and Vic Hlavinka 8. Bob and Sandra Furlow 9. Noreen and Phil Freeman 10. Velvet Cool and Michelle Vaughn 11. Pam McCoy and Eddie Lamb 12. Brittany Law, Chelsea Hughes, Brandon Mosley and Danielle Wheatley 13. Brandee Dukes, Lois Corbell and Robert Mosley 14. Vincent and Peggy Senatore 15. 1st course - Roast Chicken and Spinach Crepe w/wild mushroom creme 16. 2nd course - Butternut Squash Ravioli with browned pepper an sage sauce topped with parmesan and asperagus tips 17. Main Course - Applewood smoked bacon wrapped pork tenderloin with sage and chestnut stuffing braised cippolline onions and a pomegranete-beaujolais reduction 18. Dessert - Black Forest Cake Ronlade with Brandied Cherries and Chantilly Cream

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The Texarkana Humane Society is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to re-homing orphaned animals, promoting the human-animal bond, preventing animal cruelty, educating children and adults about responsible pet ownership and preventing pet overpopulation.

In order to reduce the number of unwanted animals and the euthanization of them at the shelter people need to spay/neuter their pets.

The Texarkana Humane Society has a program to help individuals do this and urge everyone to get involved and tell your neighbor, family, and friends to be responsible and do their part in putting a stop to this problem here in our city. Have them contact us regarding our program. Call 903 8386334 and we will be glad to help you.

The Texarkana Humane Society is always needing volunteers as well as foster homes. If you would like to get involved and lend a helping hand they would love to talk with you. They are also needing the following items to help with the care of all the babies that come into foster: Puppy and kitten chow, formula for the babies, animal baby bottles, as well as monetary or debit card donations. We have a big need for individuals who have the time to bottle feed some of these babies. It is so sad when we cannot take any in because we are full and would welcome a few more bottle moms. It is a great expereince as well as very rewarding taking care of these little ones. If you can help with donations or feeding call Sherrie at 903 838-6334.

Volunteers who agree to provide a foster home for our strays are provided with medical care for the animals. The Humane Society pays for all immunizations and spays or neuters the animal.

Texarkana Humane Society

Our goal is to place these animals in permanent homes with responsible, loving pet owners.

All of our services are provided through private donations from our community. Donations are accepted and needed! Our animal friends appreciate you and your donations are tax deductible! (The Humane Society is all volunteers and all money goes towards the animals.)

We’ve got a full house! Please come visit us!

You might find the addition your family has been looking for!

Do you have an animal that needs a new home?

Please don’t neglect it! Call us and let us help you find a foster home. We will list your animal on our Facebook page at no charge. Let us help!

For more information, contact Sherrie Thompson, President, at 903.838.6334, or got to www. texarkanahumanesociety.com. We’re also on Facebook!

Come visit the Texarkana Humane Society at PetSmart on December 3rd from 10:00-3:00 and take a photo with Santa!

Adopt the perfect addition for Christmas!

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1. - 2. Ready and looking for that furever home. These little ones were abandoned out in the country and left to care for themselves. Their shots have been started. For more info on them you can call Jan at (903) 490-0563.

3. Tony is a little male Chihuaha mix that weighs 9 pounds. He is around a year old, neutered, micro chipped and is negative for heartworms and is current on all shots.

If you would like more info on this precious little man call Diana at (903) 838-4965.

4. This beautiful little girl is an 9 month old cur mix. She has been spayed, given all her shots and is heartworm free.

Ziva can be a little shy until she gets to know you and then her wonderful personality will shine. She is very social and loves to play so if you have another dog that would be great with Ziva. For more information on her call Lee Ann at (903) 244-4847.

5. If you are looking for a quiet and calm lap dog,

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Winston, a white Schnauzer, may be for you! Fully vetted and housetrained. He is a little shy, but so adorable.

He is 2 years old and great with other dogs. Please contact Crickett at (903) 832-2321.

6. Columbo is a gentle giant. When he came into foster he was very thin and his eye had been injured and was not able to be saved. Now, he is fully vetted. Columbo is a Great Dane mix and is about a year old. He weighs 88 lbs and is still growing. We are working very hard on leash manners. Columbo is very sweet and laid back and loves belly rubs. For more information, (903) 838-4965.

7. Josie is a very playful and sweet little girl that loves everyone. She gets along well with other dogs. Josie is a Pekingese/Terrier mix. She has beautiful amber eyes that will just melt your heart. Josie is a year old and weighs 15 pounds. She is fully vetted, has a micro chip and is on heartworm and flea prevention. She is doing

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very well on her house training. Josie’s Christmas wish is to have her very own family, with children. Contact (903) 838-4965 for more information or apply on line www. texarkanahumanesociety.com.

8. liberty is our newest addition. When they say dynamite comes in small packages this holds true for her.

She has been fully vetted, around 2 years old, spayed and is heartworm negative and she weighs a whopping 7 1/2 pounds. This little lady is a maltese mix and is grown. She walks well on a leash and is housetrained. For more info you can call her foster mom at (903) 838-4965.

9. Thelma is a spayed terrier/hound mix around 6 months old. She is current on shots and negative for heartworms. She is a gentle and loving girl, good with children and other dogs and ready for a caring home.

Contact Amber Ferguson 807-653-6983 or amberli4@ yahoo.com.

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1. Harley is hoping to celebrate his 1 year birthday on Christmas in his new forever home!

2. Baby is a German Shepard. She is ready to be your loyal new addition!

3. Nemo is a Schnauzer mix and can’t wait to give you his love.

4. Nickel is a Schnauzer mix and is ready to love and play in her new forever home.

5. Spotty is Jack Russel Terrior mix. She needs a loving home and has lots of love to give.

The mission of the Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas is to be a technologically advanced, self sustaining, human and animal friendly facility that specializes in personal customer service from a team of knowledgeable, caring individuals who endeavor to achieve rapid placement of all adoptable animals.

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We are always in need of caring, capable volunteers to assist in with duties at the center, adoption events, fund-raising activities and more.

Your tax-deductible donation will help care for and assist in the adoption of loving animals to good homes!

The Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas is located at 203 Harrison, Texarkana, AR, 71854.

For more information, call Connie Slater at 870.773.6388, or visit www. animalcareadoptioncenter.org.

We’re also on Facebook!

We’re open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 - 5:00.

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We’ve got lots of kittens needing good homes right now!

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6. Zoey is a 1 year old Min Pin/Pug mix and she’sready to be loved in her forever home.

7. Spud is a male terrior mix and can’t wait for you to teach him and love on him.

8. This sweet angel is ready to be loved.

9. All this sweet pup wants for Christmas is love.

10. This fun one is ready to have a loving playmate!

11. Just waiting for a home.

Who else can help?

Artex Animal Welfare, Inc. (mostly horses) 903.824.1990 Three Rivers Animal Rescue 903.490.4048

1. What a happy couple! Than ks so much Dee for giving this wonderful little fellow a forever home.

Jonsey has been waiting for just that special person and now they have each other !

Poodle Patch & Friends poodlepatch@yahoo.com

Please note, all dogs adopted from this shelter MUST be spayed or neutered. Spays cost $89-$104, neuters are $76-$92 depending on the weight of the dog.

2. This is Kobe, an Akita mix that was adopted at our PetSmart adoption even t on Saturday. When Clint and Beth Wright saw him they instantly fell in love with this handsome boy.

Kobe is such a sweet and loving dog and we know the Wrights will enjoy him for many years. Thank you Wright family for adopting this wonderful fella.

Passion for Pooches (mostly small dogs) 903.832.8632 Texarkana Animal League (must leave message) 877.525.4825

3. This is cute little Shiloh that was dumped out in the country. She is now Shilo ha and has a wonderful home with Charles and Grace. Shiloha also has a little chi furbrother name Taco that she keeps very enter tained. Not many of the animals that are left in this situation have such a happy ending. Please be a responsibl e pet owner and spay and neuter your pets! Thanks so much for giving this little girl such a wonderful home!

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Christmas is the season of giving so please do not forget these animals that are in our care. With the cold upon us we can use beds, plastic dog houses, hay, bed warmers, water warmers, and as always we need pet food, heartworm and flea medications, gift cards, and monetary donations. These donations are all tax deductible, as THS is a 501c3 organization.

If your are interested in donating, helping with events, fostering or working fundraisers tickets call Sherrie at (903) 838-6334.

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(Courtesy of the Texarkana Humane Society)

Tails!

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Bill Spradlin Realtor 903-748-3186

Tracy Spradlin Broker 903-748-2477

Jan Williams Realtor 903-277-5771

Karyn Baucum Realtor 903-278-3836

Buying?

Selling?

We Can Help!

1200 N. Kings Hwy., Suite 104, Nash, TX 75569

Happy Holidays!

This home is Exquisite. One of the most Magnificent Luxury Homes in the area. The amenities in this home are superb. Game Room, Media Room, Exercise Room, in ground pool, butler’s pantry, granite countertops, marble floors in entry and formal living area, beautiful custom wood work, immaculate luxury home, sprinkler system, security system and more.

Immaculate 2 Story, PG, 4 bdrms, 3.5 baths, 2 gorgeous fireplaces w/gas logs in place, master bath w/whirlpool tub, tall ceilings throughout, open floor plan, landscaping, in ground pool.

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www.realtyexecutivestexarkana.com

Something for every member of the family. A must see! Beautiful four bedroom 3 and one half bath on 1.2 acres with in ground pool.

Redlick School District.

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Liberty Eylau, new construction, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, open floor plan, beautiful fireplace in family room, wood and ceramic tile floors, covered patio, high ceilings throughout, this home has it all and priced right, call for your showing today.

Reduced Fantastic 2 story home in Pleasant Grove, 2,052 Square feet, 3 bdrms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, 2 living areas, Fireplace, on 0.99 acres.

www.realtyexecutivestexarkana.com billsprad@aol.com spradlintd@aol.com Realty Executives Impact, 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Suite 104, Nash, TX 75569 Each office independendly owned and operated.

Click in 24/7 for all your real estate needs!

2nd Location in New Boston, TX NOW OPEN!

Fabulous Home in Maud, featuring 3 bdrms, 2 baths, 2 Car Garage, Office, CH/A, chain link & wood privacy fencing, covered patio, out bldg, concrete drive & more. Call to view!

Residential . Land . Timber Recreational Property Commercial

903.223.0710

Making life better... with concrete countertops...

Gooding Decorative Concrete is excited to be rolling out a new line of Decorative Concrete Countertops after completing intensive training from one of the leading designers and manufaturers of concrete countertops and furniture in the industry, Buddy Rhodes.

Located in San Fransisco California, Buddy Rhodes has been creating custom countertops and concrete furniture for over 20 years. He has taken his vast knowledge of Concrete Countertops and the materials to create them and passed them on to us!

We decided that if we were going to make Concrete Countertops part of our business portfolio, we were not going to just make the same old countertops everyone else makes. After researching the industry we found that most Concrete Countertop mixes were pretty much the same, you pick a color from about 8 and then had 3 choices of edge design and 1 choice of intregal/surface design.

What we have done is expanded the color options to just about anything, added more edge designs,

and offer 4 intregal/surface options.

Surface Options:

Marshall Gooding, Owner

Troweled: (one solid color) This is by far the most popular countertop look. The surface will have a solid color with no aggregates visible.

Lightly Grinded: With this finish you will be able to see small aggregates(sandsmall quartz) in the countertop.

Grinded/Ground: Similar to the first this finish makes visible more aggregates (sand-quartz-limestone-pea gravel).

With this finish we can add various items to enhance the visual appeal.

Crushed Glass, polished stone, even a college logo just to name a few.

David Melson

Pressed: (two colors) The pressed technique is a process created

by Buddy Rhodes in which two contrasting colors are used to create a look that is quite unique in todays Concrete Countertop Market.

With Concrete Countertops, each project is a one of a kind, handcrafted work of art. We work closely with each client to choose a color and design that is both fitting to its surroundings as well as practical for everyday use.

Christian Cisneros

For a free estimate, give us a call.

We’d love to talk with you!

Other companies may talk about experience -- our quality and experience shows in our work!

We will be happy to travel throughout the Ark-La-Tex! Call us today!

Floors . Countertops . Furniture . Decorative Items