March 2016 by ALT Magazine

March 2016 | Vol. 10, Issue 3

Top 10

High School Seniors

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M 2016

Cover Reads & Hot Topics 12

Fur B all H onor ar y C hair m en Ron & Julie Collins

Look at Me N ow! Bobby Player

H igh S chool S enior s C ontest R aelyn Brawn R ichardson D evin Rebecca Koger Bailey Adalyn Yocom L illy Annette Garcilazo Abby L ayne Clark Conor Patrick O liver D ig gs Celeste Paige Fortune Hannah Gail Piazza Hannah Brianne Perkins R achel Nicole Har ris

FE R N ished by Love Kim Spaulding

2016 H om e & Gar den

Regulars Letters

ALT magazine

covering the ark-la-tex

March 2016 Vo l . 1 0 , I s s u e 3

Financial Focus

Fish Tales

A nim al R escue

C alendar of E vents

Fr om the P ublisher

Fr om the E ditor

PUBLISHER Debbie Brower EDITOR Amy Jones ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jaclyn Gooding SALES & MARKETING Amber Mason, Debbie Brower, Tim Johnson, Amy Jones 903.334.9605 GRAPHIC DESIGN Amber Mason, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Amy Jones, Cindy Shirley

ALT Magazine|March 2016

PHOTOGRAPHY Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Sylvia Jennings, Studio 5A FEATURE WRITERS Debbie Brower, Anne Fruge Granado CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mike Brower, Tyler Snell, Dustin Stringer If you have an event you would like to include in our Upcoming Events section, please e-mail us at: info@alt-mag.com.

A LT- M AG . c o m info@alt-mag.com 101 Slaton Dr. Nash, TX 75569 (903) 334-9605

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 $42.00 per year. Contributions from our readers are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material.

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From the Publisher

Debbie Brower

Let’s Talk About Fur Ball

Julie Collins is my hero. She saw a need and she gave her all to make sure she fulfilled that need. Reading her story this month made me appreciate even more all that she has done for our community. However, her good works align with mine to help animals who are hurting by assisting the Friends of the Shelter with our annual fundraiser, the Fur Ball. She and her husband, Ron, are our honorary chairpersons, and we could not be more excited! The Fur Ball, held at Silvermoon of Broad, was a huge success last year, and this year is proving to be even bigger and better. The members of the Texarkana Friends of the Shelter work for months creating an event that helps fund needed vet expenses, to help animals that end up in our local shelter go to new homes. With the sponsoring of vet expenses, the cost to adopt a cat is only $20, and a dog only $40. It is now affordable for most people. In addition, so many other projects have been funded throughout the past year. We are excited to share that with our supporters this year! This year’s event, to be held on April 2, 2016, again at Silvermoon on Broad, will have a James Bond Theme! We are excited to have the Vintage 15 Band, from Austin, Texas, here – a Big Band style 15 piece band that is absolutely amazing! You can sit and enjoy the music, food, and good company, while bidding on silent and live auction items. And we already have so many items for you to bid on! If you would like information on sponsoring, donating, or purchasing tickets to attend, please visit our website – www.texarkanafriendsoftheshelter.org.

Publisher 8

ALT Magazine|March 2016

From the Editor

Amy Jones

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

Story of the Month

Send Us Your Stories

Last week my 3 year old son and I were at Wal-Mart in Texarkana, Arkansas. He was in the cart while I pushed. A very sweet lady stopped us and asked if she could give him a dollar. I thanked her and told her she really didn’t have to do that. She insisted and said it was a very special dollar. She then told me about a man named Ike Osborne, who was very wealthy, who had recently passed away. Everyone at his funeral (I believe is what she said) was given twenty $1 dollar bills and asked to pass them out and tell people his story. She told us that she folded her dollars into hearts with the words “In God We Trust” showing because that is what Mr. Osborne had done. He had trusted God and gave his life to him, and in return he was able to invest wisely and have wealth to help those less fortunate. This was a great teaching lesson for my son and has lead him to want to participate and do more to help others.

We believe there are some really great people who do good things for the citizens of this community. ALT Magazine is searching for your stories! Please post the good things people have done, whether you knew the person or not! We want to feature these amazing stories each month and talk about the people who are making a difference.

Posted by: Jaime Clapp Knighton 10

ALT Magazine|March 2016

HOW TO SUBMIT: Join our group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ randomactsofkindnesstexarkana. Stories submited to our page will be used at random. If you story is chosen we will contact you.

WHEN YOU STAND AND SHARE YOUR STORY IN AN EMPOWERING WAY, YOUR STORY WILL HEAL YOU AND YOUR STORY WILL HEAL SOMEBODY ELSE -IYANLA VANZANT

For more information on Mr. Osborne you can visit http://m.arkansasonline.com/obituaries/2016/ feb/04/milford-osborne-2016-02-04/.

Texar

RON & JULIE COLLINS

unny California, a place where many people would love to spend their vacation. In fact, there are lots of people from this area who have taken the leap and moved there. For Ron and Julie Collins, it was just the opposite. Spending their childhood in California allowed them to meet, fall in love, and form a lasting marriage that

would span decades. Ron grew up in San Carlos, on the San Francisco Peninsula, with Julie growing up in Southern California. When in the seventh grade, Julie’s family moved to the San Francisco Bay area, and finally when she was in the 7th grade, they moved to Belmont. A handsome, young Ron caught her eye when she began attending Carlmont High School, and they two started dating when they were juniors, graduating in 1960. Both chose to attend the College of San Mateo, then transferred to Southern Methodist University as juniors. They decided to marry between their junior and senior years of college, and will celebrate 52 years of marriage this May. Their four children, Robin, John, Aaron, and Summer, as well as four grandchildren, Patsy, Amanda, Micah, and Allyson, are some of their greatest accomplishments. 12

ALT Magazine|March 2016

“We humans have a great responsibility to the animals of our world... Story by Debbie Brower

In the summer of 1976, the couple decided to move to Nash, Texas, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “Ron joined my father and mother, James and Gladys Morriss, in the start-up of JCM Industries, Inc.,” Julie explains. This year JCM celebrates its fortieth year of being incorporated. JCM is located in Nash, Texas, but sells its products to repair and connect all sizes and types of pipe to worldwide markets. With the death of Mr. Morriss in 1996, Ron became President and CEO of JCM. “Our first location was in Texarkana in a grain warehouse building that was owned by Bob Torrens of Mayflower Moving in the New Town area,” Julie continues. “After three years we bought property on Old Boston Rd. in Nash and built our first factory building. Through the years we have had several additions to the operations and have tripled our factory space.” Julie also has an important role in the success of the company, in the position of Sr. V.P. of Human Resources.

ALT Honorary Chairmen

For both Julie and Ron, the move to Texarkana was a blessing. A blessing they should share. “The people of Texarkana area were extremely supportive to our start as a new company and to our success. We have always felt that we have a great responsibility to give back to our community with our service.” JCM supports the volunteer efforts of its employees and encourages them to be active in the community. Ron and Julie try to live their lives according to the Scout Laws. A recipient of the Silver Beaver and the Silver Antelope awards, Ron earned the Quartermaster Rank in Sea Scouts and has been an active member of the Boy Scouts of America for over fifty years. Currently he is an assistant Scout Master for Troop 16, and is a past president of the Caddo Boy Scout Council, and is a long time member of the Southern Region of the Boy Scouts Executive Board. He is also a past president of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce and has served for many years as a board member for Tex-Americas. He is a member of the Nash Economic Development Board, the Better Business Bureau, and a past president of the Wilbur Smith Rotary Club. Ron and Julie attend First Methodist Church, Texarkana, Ark. In addition, they are both active members of the Executive Council for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Giving back to the community is a part of their lives. The list continues… Julie has served on the North East Texas Work Force Board, The Wadley Foundation, and The Literacy Council Board. Currently she is on the Board for The Randy Sam’s Shelter and Hands on Texarkana. Now, in addition to all of this, she and Ron have chosen to give back to help the animals in need in our area. “I have always loved animals,” Julie states. “I grew up with family dogs, and cats. My grandfather, “PoBoy” Morriss, was a livestock commission dealer and auctioneer in Douglassville, TX and I learned to ride horses and appreciate livestock and cattle at an early age.” Ron grew up without dogs and cats but he enjoyed snakes, frogs and lizards as a young boy. When he married Julie, he was introduced to her need for pets right away. Their first pet was a parakeet named Charlie

Brown. Then they had the first of many orange cats when Peaches came into their life. When they bought their first home, Julie’s grandmother sent a housewarming check for fifty dollars. “I know she expected me to purchase something for our home,” Julie says as she smiles, remembering. “I did. I bought a mahogany miniature dachshund that I named Corporal.” Next came the opportunity to take care of her sister’s Samoyed, Samantha, while she and her husband were with the Army in Germany. They fell in love with the Samoyed breed of dog and Ron bought one for them so when they had to give Samantha back they would not be without their own Sammy. Then Tiffany came into their

Germany and reclaimed Samantha. Julie then realized how much Artic dogs love and need snow while living there. Moving to Nash in 1976 gave Ron and Julie the opportunity to provide horses and dogs and cats for their family and children. They grew up learning to care for them and just how much a pet can mean to its family with the unconditional love and acceptance that it gives. “I have always said that I need my animals because they ask no questions and offer no criticisms no matter what I may tell them,” Julie shares. “They are the best therapists in the world. Whenever I am worried about things or sad I talk to my animals and let all my feelings out to them. They listen and seem to understand. I know that my

“I challenge each and every one of you to look into the eyes of a needy dog or cat at our shelter and turn away without feeling guilty, knowing that they need so little in order to survive.” lives and Julie decided to breed her and raise Samoyeds. Laughing, Julie says, “We moved to Northern California because of a job transfer and in one car we had a cage full of Parakeets, a cat, a desert tortoise, our miniature dachshund and three Samoyeds. In the other car were our two young children and Ron.” Exciting times followed as they met many wonderful dog people and entered the AKC Dog Show world by showing their Samoyed, Temuchin. Ron learned to take him into the show ring and Julie learned to groom him and take care of the animals. Eventually, when they moved again, this time to Pittsburgh, PA, with Ron’s job, they were only able to take Temuchin. Tiffany went to Nash to live with Julie’s mother and dad. Cynthia and her husband had returned from

neighbors have wondered sometimes when they have seen me sitting in our horse pen having an earnest conversation with my filly Mable Lena.” Last July, Ron and Julie’s American Bulldog, Bossy, brought home a lost dog, a Malamute Husky. In the heat of the summer here they were, presented with an Artic dog who was shedding his undercoat and was hungry and lonely for love and affection and security. It must have been meant to be that he found Ron and Julie because who else in Nash would understand what to do to make him comfortable by combing out bags of undercoat. Julie was able to make contact with his past owners through Facebook and it was decided that she could either find a home for him or give him a home. That is how Maxx came to be part of their ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

ALT Honorary Chairmen

family. He was so appreciative of the love and care that was offered that they were unable to say no to his needs. He has become Julie’s dear companion who looks at her with all the trust and love a dog can give – one that knows where he was and how far he has come to find a loving home. He even won over Ron who had said quite adamantly that with five other dogs there were enough dogs in their life. “We are looking forward to the Fur Ball and being Honorary Chairmen this year,” Julie states. “It is a positive fundraiser for a great cause.” “We humans have a great responsibility to the animals of our world. Throughout history we have domesticated the wild out of our cats and dogs, horses and cattle until they truly cannot fend for themselves. They look to us for their very survival. Too many of them are mistreated, malnourished, and abandoned every day in our area. You only have to look at social media to see how many are in need of caring homes and families who will keep them safe and healthy. If each of us gives what we can to our local shelter, it will make a huge difference in helping turn the tide of indifference and suffering that is all around us. I challenge each and every one of you to look into the eyes of a needy dog or cat at our shelter and turn away without feeling guilty, knowing that they need so little in order to survive. We can make a change for them by adoption or by giving a contribution to their upkeep that will allow them to be there for a family that wants them in their lives.” “Our animals ask so little from us and give so much in return. The partnerships that we form with our pets help us stay healthy and positive so that we can continue to be active and productive even into our ‘golden years.’”

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Look At Me Now

BOBBY PLAYER

Story by Anne Fruge Granado

Bobby Player is getting her bachelor’s degree at age 75.

ust one glance at late-night infomercials will reveal the truth that we are all still seeking the fountain of youth, the secrets of life. However, in the search, we know the inevitable answer: there are no “easy” buttons, no magic pills. Life is what we make it, and this is immediately

ALT Magazine|March 2016

evident in Bobbie Player’s story which starts as one of seven children in a small, rural town and continues today as a seventy five year old woman seeking a bachelor’s degree, winning poetry contests and writing a novel. All I was told before I arrived at her lovely home was that Bobbie Player was going back to get her bachelor’s degree at age seventy-five. A beautiful and charming woman greeted me at the door, and I had to confirm that yes, she was seventy-five years old. I would never have believed it. I immediately asked her how she maintained her youthful looks. She replied that “quality of life,” both mentally and physically, was one of her main concerns. She had worked on her novel that morning, worked with her trainer, Zach Looney, at Anytime Fitness this afternoon and after I left, she would have homework to complete before classes the next day. Her description of her day was matter-of-fact, her manner was professional and her words were wellchosen. As she perched on her couch near a classic photo of her at seventeen years old, it seemed she had aged only a few decades, and yet her walls told

a different story. Every available space was filled with plaques, awards and certifications. My first question sought to understand what I could tell was a complex story. I asked her to describe herself in just a few words. After a little thought she replied, “I’m compassionate. I love everybody, and I leave myself open at all times to continue learning.” These statements are the foundation for Bobbie’s philosophy of a life well-lived. Bobbie was born in a town that she does not think is currently on the map: Homan, Arkansas. When she was five, her parents moved to Mandeville, Arkansas, and even in that small town, there were more people than Bobbie had seen in her life. Though Bobbie’s parents, Alice and Daniel Johnson, raised seven children, Alice never played favorites. Alice only had an eighth grade education and Daniel only had a third grade education, but Alice was the children’s first teacher. Alice taught Sunday School and worked to ensure a spiritual foundation for her children. Bobbie’s father was a hunter, a farmer, and a construction worker at Wright Patman. They were hard workers who sought to instill that value in their

children. A lovely oil painting of Alice is hanging in Bobbie’s home, and in her stories and poems, Bobbie credits her with nurturing and encouraging her strong sense of character and self. “I didn’t realize at the time that we were poor,” Bobbie says. “It wasn’t until later that I realized we weren’t ‘poor,’ we were ‘po!’ But, so much love generated from my mother in that house. She is such a major part of my life.” Bobbie’s mother always made time to help other people in the community, and she would drag her daughters along with her to help teach them compassion. Bobbie remembers Mrs. Woolrich, a woman who had a stroke and couldn’t care for herself. Alice made the girls help clean her up, prepare her food, make her bed, put her in her chair, feed her. “It’s comical now, but it wasn’t then. Mother made us remove Mrs. Woolrich’s teeth and put them in a glass by her bed,” Bobbie says. “I was finally able to do it! But, my mother cared for those who weren’t able to help themselves, and I find myself doing the same thing today.” When Bobbie started high school, she

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had to be bused to Washington High School in Texarkana, Arkansas, where she was often ridiculed for being “country.” Bobbie’s mother encouraged her with a statement that has stayed with her throughout many other times of conflict. She said, ‘You are as good as anybody else, but don’t think of yourself as better than anyone else.” So Bobbie set out to prove herself. She raised the most money in a band competition and earned the title of “Band Queen.” “I persevered to make good grades. I was a majorette and though these two girls would jeer at me from the sidelines, they didn’t know that God gave me something to overcome the negativism of other people; they didn’t know my determination,” Bobbie says. In school, Bobbie loved math, English and home economics, but most importantly, she started a habit that carried her throughout the rest of her life: she observed people. She worked in the office as an assistant, and while taking memos and announcements, she bonded with the teachers and staff. She interacted with other students beyond classroom discussions. “I don’t meet strangers. People fascinate me,” Bobbie says. “I learned from a young age to be inquisitive. There were things I didn’t know, and I would just ask. I learned to ask the person I felt could give me the right answer.” Bobbie graduated in 1958, and though she had the dream of continuing her education, her scholarship to Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, only covered some of the necessary costs, and Bobbie went to go to work at the Coffee Cup instead. “I kept my college education in the forefront of my mind,” Bobbie says. “Then, I had a son, Steve 22

ALT Magazine|March 2016

Anthony Johnson, and he became my first priority. I always said that if God blessed me with a child, I would raise him the same way I was raised. I was determined to get him through school. I knew that as a man, Steve needed to be prepared to take care of his family. He ended up graduating from the University of North Texas and has since retired from the U.S. Probation Office as a Firearm Safety Supervisor in Plano, Texas.” Over the next few decades, Bobbie held a myriad of jobs--each one gifting her with a different set of skills. She was a “salad girl” and breakfast cook at Howard Johnson; she worked at D & Z ammunition plant for thirteen and a half years and often didn’t know if she would come home with all her fingers and toes. When they reduced their staff, she was let go. To make matters worse, her husband left her. Constantly moving forward, Bobbie started applying for jobs as a bank teller, a job that would help combine her love of math and meeting new people. However, Bobbie says that it wasn’t “the right time” for her; there weren’t any black tellers at that time in Texarkana. Instead, she was hired on at Texarkana National Bank in the bookkeeping department, a frustrating appointment since she often had to help the tellers balance their own drawers. This interest in banking prompted her to apply to Red River Credit Union on the base. In three months, she was promoted three times. “While at work, I would talk to people in different departments. I talked to people in the bathroom and in the breakroom; I became a sponge,” Bobbie says. “When an opening was posted at the Summerhill Road branch, I was transferred as a loan counselor and was eventually promoted to loan officer, the first black loan officer in the loan department. I had a boss there that put a lot of extra work on me. I think he was trying to break me, but I wouldn’t be broken. I worked on his extra projects in between seeing members and/or during my lunch break.” Bobbie also sold cosmetics for Lynell’s Cosmetics for a time, sold her own line of skincare and cosmetics, and worked as an insurance agent. Through it all, she was a faithful member of St. Paul Baptist Church where Bobbie continued her spiritual education. “My spiritual foundation is the basis of my education. The Bible is the light that guides us, the food that supports us and the comfort that cheers us,” Bobbie says. “I attribute all my 24

ALT Magazine|March 2016

knowledge to my spiritual understanding. We should love others. There are so many who practice negativism, and there are so many times in my life where if I didn’t forgive, I could have been controlled by that. I used to worry and stress, but I don’t anymore, that caused problems in my physical being. I want quality of life, so I choose to rise above it and to be positive. I choose to trust God.” Eventually, life carried Bobbie to another calling, being a realtor. She told her second husband about her dream and plan to go back to Texarkana College to take classes to prepare for her realtor’s license. He immediately got angry and said that she could not and would not go to school. “Well, he shouldn’t have said that,” Bobbie says. “I try to get along with everyone, but I am not one to be controlled. On Sunday he was mad, and on Monday morning when he went to work, I went to Texarkana College and registered.” Bobbie passed all her courses and tests to sell properties in Texas, Arkansas and, by happy accident, Louisiana. She took a job at Century 21 Page 1 and began a journey as the only black realtor at that

firm. “I crossed racial lines and became a pioneer in more ways than one,” Bobbie says. “I showed blacks homes in white neighborhoods; I sold homes to any race. It didn’t matter to me what color they were. I would sell to anyone that breathed! I didn’t really have anyone to help me or show me the way, so I just fell back on everything that had worked for me before. I prayed to God. I started passing out cards and meeting new people. I started reading the top salesperson’s closed files. I stopped near her door to listen to the terminology she used on sales calls. I was determined to be respectful, competitive and to treat others the way I wanted to be treated.” When Bobbie made a sale, she asked her clients to give her the names of 3 others who might be interested in a new home because she learned that about 1 in 10 tips would lead to a new sale. She started putting her clients’ pictures in the paper next to their new home and discovered that people enjoyed seeing themselves in the paper. These tactics lead her to be awarded with many honors including “Top Selling Agent in 1994” and “Two Million Dollar Producer in 2004.” “The path I traveled, my jobs in finance and insurance

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prepared me to be successful as a real estate agent. I had an advantage over the average realtor because these jobs had prepared me to deal with people, and I wasn’t afraid. I just treated everybody as somebody,” Bobbie says. However, Bobbie felt burned out after a few years in the difficult world of real estate, and to take a break, she started running the office at her godson’s detail shop. Another divorce had left Bobbie feeling that she would never marry again. The abuse in her previous relationships left Bobbie clinging to God’s word and His promises. “I loved the person I had become, and I couldn’t let anyone change that,” Bobbie says. “I had gained so much in my spiritual life; God helped me get through it all without losing my mind, so I decided I didn’t want to be with anyone else. If I felt like someone was going to approach me, I would always walk away. I was financially secure, I was debt free, I could go where I wanted to go, and I took my work life and my church life very seriously.” In August of 1999, when Bobbie was working at the detail shop, a man walked in wanting to get his car “de-bugged”

after a long drive from California. His name was Victor Player, and he was an educator and coach at Lincoln High School in San Diego. His mother, who lived in Texarkana, had taken ill, and Victor had made the trip to check on her while school was out for the summer. He taught for 39 years and 34 of them were at Lincoln High School. He taught American history, world history, AP history and black history over his thirty four years as an educator. He coached track, cross country, football, and soccer and helped names such as Marcus Allen, Terrell Davis, Akili Smith and Damon Allen get the scholarships that would change their lives and help them achieve success in the NFL. But, Bobbie didn’t know all this when Victor asked if he could call her sometime. She just knew that she should say “yes.” They began dating in 1999 and were married on August 5, 2000. “Nothing good ever came out of marriage in Texarkana for me, so we were married in the home of his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. George Long Sr., in Escondido, California,” Bobbie says. “My mind had been made up, but God stripped me down and showed me that this was what he had predestined for us. I’m so thankful

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ALT Magazine|March 2016

I listened. He is the love of my life.” Bobbie moved to San Diego with Victor and spent her days as a loving homemaker. She cooked three meals a day, and she became active in Bayview Baptist Church. Most importantly, she learned from and was inspired by her husband. “This mild-mannered, humble man was a dynamic teacher,” Bobbie says. “I sat in his class one day to listen to him. I had never liked history in school; I didn’t see any point in learning about the dead, but he brought so much life to his history class. I tried to help him grade his papers, and I would read him his lessons when he was tired after a long day. He would just lay there with his eyes closed and I would ask if I was even helping him. He always said, ‘You don’t know how much!’” It was at this time that Bobbie began thinking about her dream to continue her own education, and Victor encouraged her. “He said that he would put me up against any of his coworkers. He always told me that I wasn’t aware of my standings and credibility,” Bobbie says. “He also encouraged me to write. He had a great vocabulary; he was the most intellectual person I ever knew. But, he liked my writings and encouraged me to get them published.” In 2004, Victor retired from La Jolla High School, and the couple moved back to Bobbie’s home in Texarkana. They spent a lot of their time traveling. Bobbie would drive, and Victor would navigate. Every trip was educational as Victor would fill in historic details about the places they would visit. His stories made history come to life for Bobbie. He also worked diligently on their land by planting beautiful flowers around the trees so that Bobbie could see them from the kitchen window. He planted roses and brought them to her every day. But, in July 2008, Victor was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer, and he passed away on October 15, 2008. Since his death, Lincoln High School has named the stadium Vic Player Stadium. Then, at La Jolla a scholarship was set up in his honor; Bobbie travels to their home in San Diego to bestow the scholarship every year. “We were married 8 years, 2 months and 10 days, and I still feel the effects of our relationship and the love we had for each other,” Bobbie says. “Maybe one of the reasons why I love life so much is because I know how quickly it can slip away. I began writing

more, and that was a major part of my healing process. My book of poetry, Because of You, Victor, I Write, was published in 2012. Now, I am working on a nonfiction novel about both of our lives. It’s called The Love We Always Needed but Never Had...Until Now.” In 2012, Bobbie finally took the step to fulfill her dream of a college degree, and she enrolled in Texarkana College to earn her Associate’s Degree. Though she was still grieving, “it was the right time.” She decided she wanted to take classes in behavior science. She was fascinated by psychology and the study of how the mind works. Even though Bobbie was 72 and in a wheelchair for the whole first semester due to some torn tendons in her foot, she never missed a day of classes. “The first day of class was different, but I soon realized that I could be as much a help to my younger classmates as they were to me,” Bobbie says. “They had respect for me, and I would take notes for them when they had to miss or get them their assignments. I’m so thankful I chose TC; they became my extended family. I bonded with the students, faculty and all divisions on campus. So many of them would tell me about being depressed or wanting to drop out, and I encouraged them. I told them how much an education would enhance their lives.” Bobbie’s professors helped open her eyes to new possibilities. “Texarkana College professors are second to none, and I wouldn’t have traded mine for anyone,” Bobbie says. “I loved my sociology, federal government, world civilization and psychology classes. My biology classes taught me about anatomy and gave me insight into how we came into existence. My classes helped me focus on things I’d never thought of before.” Bobbie became involved with student government as a senator and historian at Texarkana College. Last year, she wrote a poem for the state competition and won first place. Her scrapbook won fourth place. She keeps these awards and many others in the garage she converted to a library. The paneled walls display with pride the photos, books, awards, collages and framed poems that show Bobbie’s growth and experiences. At Texarkana College, she also joined the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. “I learned that I could be competitive with myself and that I still had the drive, determination and dedication I had in high school to 28

ALT Magazine|March 2016

succeed,” Bobbie says. “Learning allows your brain cells to expand. Since I’ve been in school, I don’t forget as much as I did before. There’s a clarity and a sharpness in my mind, and my retention and comprehension is better than what it was. I encourage anyone who finishes high school to pursue a college education, and if you didn’t finish high school, get a GED and go to college or learn a trade. If you close off the door to education, you close off that growth. Read something, and leave yourself open to learn.” Bobbie earned her Associate’s Degree in December of 2015 and is currently enrolled at Texas A&M UniversityTexarkana. She is also gearing up for her first trip to Europe this spring. She is traveling with other members from Texarkana College on a Roads Scholar’s trip to Italy. “What’s next? Well, I’m going to continue my education till God says ‘Enough,’ Bobbie says. “I just want to help others who are stagnated or stuck. I want to tell them they don’t have to be stuck in anything. If you believe in yourself and God, you can move out of your ruts. Anything is possible.”

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High School Seniors You Voted and We Have Your Top 10

Layout Design by: Amber Mason

Raelyn is the daughter of Time and Jena Richardson. She currently attends Prescott High School, is involved in FCCLA, and is a member of National Honor Society. After high school, Raelyn plans to attend college to be a psychologist. She enjoys hunting, fishing, and hanging out with her friends. On Wednesdays, Raelyn attends church. She looks forward to helping those in need and traveling the world in the future. Her advice to upcoming seniors is: “Take the ACT as much as you can, and don’t stress out. Your life is just beginning!” After graduation, Raelyn looks forward to being independent and working towards her success. Her greatest memory of her senior year is being able to cheer and her favorite TV show is Keeping up with the Kardashians. Raelyn’s favorite quote is “God will never give me more than I can handle.”

Photography by: Keith Powell

Raelyn Brawn Richardson

Top 10

ALT High School Seniors

Devin Rebecca Koger

Photography by: Wild Light Creative Photography

Devin is the daughter of Reed and Becky Koger. She currently attends Prescott High School and is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), National Honor Society , EAST, and Key Club. After high school, Raelyn plans to attend college at Henderson State University. Devin enjoys volunteering in her community and helped with the town’s fall festival last year. She was voted “Outstanding Senior” by teaching staff and is Vice President of her senior class. She enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, and wants to have a job that makes an impact on people’s lives. Her advice to future seniors is to not take a second for granted because before you know it, it will be over. After graduation, Devin looks forward to spending the summer with her friends before heading off to college at HSU in the fall. One of her favorite tv shows is “The Bachelor” and her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

DKR

Bailey Adalyn Yocom Bailey is the daughter of Jody and Bren Yocom and currently attends Spring Hill High School. She plays basketball, softball, runs track, and is a varsity cheerleader. She also is involved in Fellowship for Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, and Beta Club. She was the 2015-2016 Spring Hill High School Homecoming Queen and was awarded 2 year all conference basketball, 1 year all conference softball, 3 year all conference state track, 2014 2A Basketball State Champion, 2015 2A Softball State Champion, 2014 2A High Jump State Champion, 2013, 2014, 2015 2A State Champion 100 & 300 Meter Hurdles. After high school, Bailey plans to attend college at Southern Arkansas University to run track and pursue a career in the medical field. Outside of school, Bailey enjoys hunting, fishing, modeling, & running. She models for a local clothing store and waitresses at a local restaurant in Hope. Her advice to upcoming seniors is: “Don’t wish it away, enjoy it, and let your light shine.” After graduation, Bailey looks forward to going to Hawaii on her senior trip and getting a car. Her greatest memory from her senior year was being selected as homecoming queen, and her favorite quote is “Work hard, be humble, do your best, and let the Lord take care of the rest.”

BYA

ALT Magazine|March 2016

Photography by: Keith Powell

CONgrats!

Top 10

ALT High School Seniors

Lilly Annette Garcilazo

Photography by: Mandy Bright

Lilly is the daughter of Iris Garcilazo. She currently attends Hope High School and is a member of the Ladycats soccer team, Student Council, and National Honor Society. This year, she has completed several college courses and became a Certified Nursing Assistant. She is graduating a year early, at only 16, and has managed to achieve a GPA of 4.0 fall semester. Her hobbies include playing soccer, running, listening to music, and traveling. After high school, Lilly plans to move to Conway, Arkansas and attend UCA, majoring in Criminology. Outside of school, she is involved in soccer training, works, and loves learning about cosmetics. A few things on her bucket list are: traveling around the world, going to the next World Cup, and buying a car. After graduation, Lilly looks forward to vacationing in California. Her advice to upcoming seniors is, “Just have fun. Join clubs, make friends, go to all the dances, and try your hardest in everything you do. Don’t live your senior year just trying to get through. Make those days count and make sure you have more better days than bad.” Her favorite quote is, “Pain is temporary, pride is forever.”

LGA

Photography by: Keith Powell

Abby Layne Clark Abby is the daughter of Lacy and Wayne Clark and currently attends Lafayette County High School. She is involved in FFA, FBLA, Cheerleading, Softball, FEA, Fire Marshall, Student Council, Interact Club, judging teams, show team, and sports. Abby was named All American Cheerleader, Captain of the Cheer Squad - Jr and Varsity, FBLA President, Student Council President, FFA Vice President, awarded 1st place in FBLA Public Speaking, awarded 1st place and Grand Champion show heifer. She enjoys singing, hunting, and fishing,shopping, and spending time with family. After high school, Abby plans to attend college at Arkansas Tech University to pursue her career as a Physical Therapy Assististant. Her advice to upcoming seniors is to cherish the time you have during your senior year because it will be over before you know it. Focus on your grades, STUDY, even when you don’t want to. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Enjoy the time you have with your friends and make lots of memories. After graduation, Abby looks forward to a new chapter in her life while focusing on her studies, making lots of friends, and enjoying her college experience. Her favorite TV shows are Grey’s Anatomy and Pretty Little Liars, and her favorite scripture is, “She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.”Proverbs 31:25

AC L

ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

Top 10

ALT High School Seniors

Conor Patrick Oliver Diggs

Photography by: Rikki Hatfield

Conor is the son of Roland and Helen Diggs. He currently attends Texas High School and is a member of National Honor Society, Quills & Scrolls, Texas High Tigersharks, and 200 IM Relay 2016 IV-5A Regional Champions Team. Conor is also involved in ATAC, The First Tee of Greater Texarkana, and likes to volunteer with the Texarkana Museums System when possible. He has been named Team Captain of the Tigersharks and 2015 & 2016 Region IV-5A 100y Breast Stroke Champion. Outside of school, Conor enjoys fishing, computer games, writing, spending time with his girlfriend, swimming, running, weight lifting, and smart eating. After high school, Conor plans on going to college at The United States Merchant Marine Academy or Howard University to pursue his dream of being a Psychiatrist or Dentist as a Military Officer. Conor’s bucket list includes visiting any Asian country, Norway, Sweden or Finland, traveling on a ship, ocean fishing, and climbing a mountain. His advice to seniors? “Relax! Senior year is supposed to be fun! Do not overwork yourself and do stop to smell the roses.” His favorite quote is “Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.”- Sun Tzu

CD P

Photography by: Julia Fortune

Celeste Paige Fortune Celeste is the daughter of Daniel and Christy Mayfield and currently attends Queen City High School. She is Varsity Co-Captain Cheerleader, head of the DASH program (Drug, Alcohol, Safety, Health), and in National Honor Society, Power Lifting, and Student Council. Celeste was All-American Cheerleader for 3 years, all A Honor Roll for 3 years, Power Lifting Regional Qualifier, and won the Pin It Forward award 2 years in a row. She loves working out, spending time with her boyfriend and family, and wake boarding and knee boarding at the lake. Her favorite scripture is “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

CFP

Photography by: Trisha Sears

Hannah Gail Piazza

Hannah is the daughter of Ryan and Linda Piazza and currently attends Atlanta High School. She is an All-American Varsity cheerleader and a member of Student Council, has received various academic awards, and was on Homecoming Court. After high school, Hannah plans to attend Texas A&M in college station to pursue a career in the medical field. She loves going to Lake Greeson during the summer and riding four wheelers in the winter. Hannah looks forward to the next chapter of her life that pushes her towards her career. Her favorite motto is “Y.O.L.O... You Only Live Once.”

HPG ALT Magazine|March 2016

ALT High School Seniors

Photography by: Lori Lawrence

Hannah Brianne Perkins

Hannah is the daughter of Julie and Grant Davis, and Torrey and Becky Perkins. She currently attends Queen City High School and is involved in Varsity cheer and One Act Play. Hannah was awarded Outstanding Student English Award and enjoys cheering, watching her little brother play sports, going on fun trips with friends, and spending money. She is enrolled in the Cosmetology program at Texarkana College and plans on finishing her license after graduation, then continuing her college education and majoring in Psychology. Her advice to upcoming seniors is “Make every moment count, especially during football season.” Hannah looks forward to going to college with her best friend, and her favorite motto is, “Love yourself.”

HPB

Photography by: Suzie Hariis

Rachel Nicole Harris Rachel is the daughter of Mike and Suzie Harris, and currently attends Pleasant Grove High School. She is involved in theater, and has performed in “Bye-Bye Birdie”, “School House Rock”, and the Pleasant Grove Follies. Rachel’s hobbies include: hunting with her dad, riding four wheelers, spending time with friends and family, working at Martha’s Hallmark, and attending church. Her advice to upcoming seniors is, “Don’t wish your senior year away. Take lots of pictures! You’ll cherish the memories some day.” Her greatest memory from senior year is dancing all night at Homecoming with her friends and her favorite TV show is Criminal Minds. Her favorite quote is, “Just keep swimming!”

RH N Honorable Mentions Texas High School Chelsea Villanueva Tyler Snell Kyrian Williams Kristen Anderson Luke Calhoon Esther Roeder Pleasant Grove High School Alli Holt Hannah Rainer Skyler Gatlin Kayne Robinson Liberty eylau High School Destiny Hawkins Emily Childs Hooks High School Catey Hicks Dani Smith Redwater High School Madison Pierce Summer Rivers Ashlyn Brennan Carlie Michelle Cheek Emily Lummus Atlanta High School Isabella Rowe Shelby Sims Maud High School Lauren Clark Triston Carlow Allie Elizabeth Liles Makayla Daniels

Arkansas High School Caleb Mcgregor Nichola McCann Anna Claire Timmons Kate Gilliam Madeline Harris Tori Grace Wilson Lakyn Medford Lacy Feutral Madeline Harris Bailey Graves Brady E. Martin Ashley Baker Genoa central High School Deven Michael Ferguson Macayla Sepulvida Jake Benefiel Fouke High School Darcy Crabtree Morgan Johnson Gabriella Bellew Makayla Brown Ashdown High School Mia Johnson Meghan Brown Amee Parker Danielle Ford Magnolia High School Jordan Duran

Queen City High School Syndey Lane Slayton Alyssa Wiley Lauren Buster Kylee Fincher Candice Hodges Maggie Lee Megan Law Lacey Parker Hope High School Payton Belasco Brandon Cole Joe Dansby Skyler Howard Bloomburg High School Felicia Owens Kildare High School Christina Roberts Blevins High School Brianna Lee Horatio High School Madison Tudor

Columbia Christian High School Claire Kendall Colten Lindsey Lafayette County High School Lauren Clark Foreman High School Ashley Berton Julia Frye Lauren Lovewell Morgan Jones Garrett Memorial High School Sadie Backus Bridge City High School Chelsey Chaffin Crossett High School Rachel Brook Langley Camden Fairview High School Sarah Grace Murphree

El Dorado High School Molly Vickers

ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

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ALT Magazine|March 2016

Happy Easter from All of Us at ALT!

ALT Fernished by love

Story by Tyler Snell

Mrs. Spaulding

FERNished by Love

Horticulture teacher finds joy in spreading seeds of love for agriculture to her students.

“C

l ass how do you think our crawfish are doing?” she asks. “Are we going on a field trip Mrs. Frizzle?” a student inquires. “Why yes class we are,” Mrs. Frizzle replies. “To the bus.”

The students file onto the yellow bus before being shrunk down into the size of crawfish to go on a field trip to learn about how these creepy animals live. They all scream as the bus shrinks and Mrs. Frizzle drives the bus into a swamp. While this might not be a real Magic School Bus, this is Mrs. Spaulding’s version. “Class how do you think our crawfish are doing?” the teacher asks. “Are we going to check them Mrs. Spaulding?” a student replies. “Why yes class we are,” Mrs. Spaulding says. “To the greenhouse.” The students file into the the greenhouse to inspect how their crawfish are looking. They see if they are healthy and making progress all while learning the importance of caring for livestock. Each one leaves the greenhouse with bright 44 ALT Magazine|March 2016

eyes and talkative mouths about how cool it is to watch their crawfish mature. The greenhouse warmth of Texas High Horticulture teacher Kim Spaulding’s lessons are what have inspired kids for 19 years. A graduate of Pleasant Grove, Texarkana College and Texas A&M University-Texarkana, Spaulding dabbled in the world of agriculture before setting her heart on education. “When I went off to college, I was misdirected, and I took classes in wildlife management which were actually about managing the forest around the animals. I was like dang I’m taking tree classes,” Spaulding said. “I wanted to take animal classes. I’m more interested in wildlife biology.” Spaulding struggled to find her purpose in life throughout her college experience, but one thing continued to call her back - education. “Everytime [I changed my major] education kept calling me back. I couldn’t get away from it. It was in my blood. I had to do it, and I love it,”

Spaulding said. “With my job now, I have my two main loves- animals and kids all in the same place.” When Spaulding was just making her way out of college, she stumbled upon two squirrels. She decided to rehabilitate them despite having vets tell her it would be impossible. “I found out later that everything I did to raise them was wrong, but I did raise

ALT fernished by love

“My days are never boring. I’m never going to tell anyone my job is boring” them both successfully and eventually [reintroduced] them into the wild,” Spaulding said. “That got me really interested in the wildlife. I used to joke growing up that I’m going to be Jeff Corwin.” As Spaulding grew into her teaching career, she experienced the spontaneous life of running the Horticulture department. “We try to run this department like a business even though I might have curriculum planned,” Spaulding said. “I may be teaching about skull structure and someone comes to the door and they want to buy ferns, so I’m sending two kids out to the greenhouse when we have customers to deal with.” Many students deem Spaulding’s classes as the “stuck in classes,” but she is making it her mission to make them glad to be there and encourages them to make connections and be involved. “[Students] kind of realize that they may not be in the same class together, but sometimes when they are up here for plant sales together, they realize they have something in common with a shared experience,” Spaulding said. “At this campus, the students still have a shared bond that they can experience together that builds a closeness.” A tighter bond with her students has allowed Spaulding to bring forth the forgotten knowledge of agriculture and its unforgotten role in society.

“Agriculture is forever, and I try to expose them to things that are real world,” Spaulding said. “There are a lot of social impacts that go on behind the scenes that a lot of people don’t know about or just don’t care about because

Tyler Snell

we are 100 years removed from the farm in our society.” Spaulding has also brought her students closer to success in the agriculture field by instituting a veterinarian technician certificate next year. She also explains that what her students learn in class will help them secure jobs in the future. “A lot of these kids can graduate and get jobs doing what they learn out here like landscaping,” Spaulding said. “With the vet tech certificate, maybe they don’t want to be veterinarians, but it’s a good stepping stone or a job for them to have in college.” As Spaulding looks back on why she fell in love with teaching the ways of the Earth, she credits how her family is centered on farmers and subsistence farming. “Even though my grandfathers worked, they had to farm at home to provide food. Farming is important for my roots because that is how you fed everybody,” Spaulding said. “There was a time when if you wanted to eat, you better get out there and grow otherwise there would be some times when you went hungry. That’s something I want the world to remember because people are forgetting that.” Spaulding has devised a system to include people in the community with her horticulture department by providing different outreach programs. Her students sell flowers, clean flower

gardens, make Homecoming mums and have even been approached by the Chamber of Commerce for their ferns. However, she says that all of this could not be done without the kids that make everyday eventful and linked to the Earth. “My days are never boring. I’m never going to tell anyone my job is boring,” Spaulding said. “Everything you do daily you can trace back to agriculture. Whether you eat it, wear it, live in it and even to an extent drive it. Everything goes directly back to agriculture 100 percent. That’s what I want to inspire in [my students.]”

About the Writer

is a senior at Texas High School who plans to attend college in the fall. He has been a member of the varsity swim team for four years and is team captain this year. He is also class Vice-President and has been involved with student council for four years. As print editor and chief, Tyler is responsible for overseeing the school newspaper and was awarded two gold circles from Columbia Scholastic Press Association last year. When he’s not at school, Tyler is active at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church where he teaches the 3 and 4 year old class on Wednesday nights. At home, he raises chickens and has become a small-time farmer. ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

ALT Magazine|March 2016

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THE HEART OF CUSTOM

3500 FM 1398 | Hooks, TX 75561 | O. 903.547.9406 | C. 903.278.5703 | GaryStricklandConstruction.com SPECALIZING IN CUSTOM HOMES, ROOM ADDITIONS, REMODELING, STORM ROOMS AND BARDOMINIUMS.

Thirty years ago, I was a fireman doing construction on my days off. The part time job over took the full time job and the rest is history. My wife, Cathy, and I are a design and build team. She works full time drawing houses and I take the dreams and turn them into reality. We committed from the very beginning of our career in the building business to give honest, realistic bids and quality workmanship. We have built over 300 homes and offices and have customers that we have worked on multiple projects for over the years. Our specialty is building the last house you ever want to live in—the house where quality matters the most. That house can be large or small, but in either case, it is the house where the fine details are paid attention to. We use subcontractors that are local and will be here when a need might arise. Our reputation is one that says we service the product. We are just a phone call away. Our home owners are our friends and we treat you as such. We do not use a superintendent. Gary personally oversees all the work himself. You and your project are the most important things to us. The best advice we can give you when you are looking for a contractor to build your home, is to find one that you feel comfortable with. You will be spending a lot of time with them and they are helping you on the largest investment you may ever make. Check them out with the suppliers, the bankers and with customers they have worked for. Get a list of subcontractors and ask how long they have worked for the contractor and how timely the contractor pays his bills. Ask the contractor if he supplies you with a list of what he is paying and copies of all invoices. Is the contractor insured—general liability and worker’s comp. How often will you have to pay the contractor? Look at the allowances that he gives you on his estimate and see if they are realistic. Shop those items to see if you can be happy with the amounts he has given you for appliances, light fixtures, flooring, counter tops, etc. Ask how many times a day he will be checking on your job. Inspect their work. Talk to friends that have built. Do your homework! There are many decisions that must be made during the building process; choosing the right builder for you is a very important step in this process. Do not take it lightly. We do not take lightly the job you have asked us to do. When you choose the right builder, you will be able to let him take on a lot of the responsibility and that will make your job easier. Let us be that person. We have that experience you need to draw from. We look forward to working with you!

GaryStricklandConstruction.com GO CUSTOM. ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

ALT home & garden

SPRING Must Haves! This month ALT Magazine is coveting all things Spring!

Beautiful Decks

Bird Baths

Swimming Pools

Outdoor Lighting

Fire Pits

Outdoor Kitchens

Curb Appeal

Cute Patios

How To Create Your Perfect Garden Garden landscaping ideas are always handy when planning garden designs. Be it a flower garden, herb garden or even a water garden, there are some basic principals you should follow. The first step is learning how to utilise the space you have. As the saying goes - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the size you have but what you do with it that counts. There couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a better statement in gardening terms. Many small town gardens have some truly stunning designs. When planning your garden design, start by writing a list of all the things you like. Are you one for barbecues? Do you like to cook with fresh herbs? Do you need a low maintenance option? Do you prefer dainty flowers or clean-cut modern lines with an organized look? If you have a family with young children you will obviously need to keep your garden design practical and allow somewhere for them to play. Getting all of your ideas and plans in place all comes down to imagination. It may be hard work in the beginning but your time and patience will be more than worth the wait.

ALT Magazine|March 2016

ALT home & garden

ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

5 Tips For Saving on Your Garden

Mix It Up- When you are designing your home and garden area, use a variety of colors and patterns. Consider using a theme for the room or garden area and then all you have to do is shop for items along that theme. This is a great way to save money on clearance racks and closeout sales. While you may not find six matching linen napkins, you can probably find six green linen napkins. You can also mix up your plates. Instead of a matching set that costs hundreds, buy individual plates along the same theme. Shop Exclusively- Forgo the department stores and shop at stores that exclusively have what you are looking for. While everyone knows large retail stores are known for cheaper prices, it is often easy

to find even better deals at a specialty store. Consider the bedding you need for your home. When you shop at a bedding store, you will have a larger selection and there will be more markdowns and clearance items as well. Compare Prices Online- Use comparison tools online to find the best prices on your must-have items. These sites will crawl through the web and find every site that is offering the item you are looking for. This can save you a lot of time and money in your search. You might even check out online auction sites to look for a specific item; many businesses list their inventory online. Shop Out Of Season- For garden items, you can find great deals if you shop during the winter months. Garden furniture and decorations are often marked down up to 50% off. Buy items that need to be put together and save them for great spring

projects. Many plants can be bought in the off season as well. Since these items are less popular in the off season months, you can find great deals. Coupons Are Worth Their Weight in Gold- While it can be a pain to use coupons, you can save hundreds on a project if you will take the time to use them. Look for coupons that are a set amount off of purchases or coupons for free shipping if you are ordering online. There are many great sites online that offer coupons for many different stores. You can download or print coupons for many different stores all in one place. Take Your Time- Impulse buying can cost you a lot more than if you take your time. If you take the time to shop around, you can often find items at much better prices. You might even be able to find a similar item to the one you saw in the store for a much better price online. ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

ooding G decorative concrete

Custom Pergolas Wood and Trex Decking Counter Tops Pet Feeders Custom Furniture Pressure Washing Acid Stains and Scoring Indoor/Outdoor Overlays

903.277.0307 www.goodingdc.com

ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

903-831-4482 | 114 South Lelia Ave. | Texarkana, TX 75501 | www.ccimill.com Contemporary Concepts, Inc is a leading design and manufacturing company proudly serving a five (5) state area. This includes, but is not limited to, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi. CCI is located in Texarkana, Texas and was founded in 1984 with the vision of providing quality services and products to our customers. Since its inception, CCI has become a â&#x20AC;&#x153;leader in architectural cabinetsâ&#x20AC;?. The CCI team has over twenty years experience in all fields of cabinetry. Employing state-of-the-art computerized equipment, skilled craftsmen, advanced fabrication techniques, combined with first-rate customer service, Contemporary Concepts, Inc transforms complex designs into fine residential and commercial millwork. We will work diligently with you to develop any project your company needs to stand out in the crowd. CCI combines leading edge woodwork with old time craftsmanship to provide customers quality products at competitive prices. We also pride ourselves in our unique residential work and specialize in granite countertops. At CCI, we are committed to being the best cabinet company in the area and beyond. Innovative cabinet concepts, quality materials, and professional installation have always been our goal. With our company, we pride ourselves on our fine reputation and the stream of satisfied customers remains to grow as CCI continues to expand with innovative ideas to improve the quality

ALT Magazine|March 2016

903.831.4482

Contemporary Concepts Inc. IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, WE CAN DO IT.

STATE-OF-THE-ART

With our state-of-the-art computerized equipment, skilled craftsmen, advanced fabrication techniques, and first-rate customer service. Let us work with you to make your vision become a reality. Look at our showcases and please contact us for any estimates. 903-831-4482 | 114 South Lelia Ave. | Texarkana, TX 75501 | www.ccimill.com ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

NEED A

LIFT?

When Your Building Needs a Helping Hand

Stabilizing foundations with steel piers since 1974 Steel Piers driven to bedrock No extensive excavation

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Perma Jack of Texarkana for your Foundation Repairs • • • • • • • • • •

The Perma Jack System is the original retrofit steel piering system Name brand product from long running, family owned business Materials are made in the USA, with steel produced in the USA Materials are examined for precision and accuracy The Perma Jack System virtually eliminates call-back expenses Bypasses problem soil for long lasting support Foundation repairs require minimum excavation System allows the flexibility to suit your needs The Perma Jack System is installed by trained personnel Field proven stabilizing homes since 1974

All these benefits mean COST and TIME savings to you! The Perma Jack System is a patented process designed to stop settlement of residential and commercial buildings. It is a permanent, fast and economical solution.

Joshua McNatt | 903.733.3786 | PermaJack.com | jm7845@gmail.com Like us on Facebook!

ALT Magazine|March 2016

903.223.0710 1356 N. Kings Hwy. Nash, TX 75569 www.impactrealtyonline.com billsprad@aol.com spradlintd@aol.com

Things are heating up outside, make this spring sure you stay

cool

Krause Service Company, Inc.

Heating & A/C Service & Installation New Construction Add-On Replacement

903.831.3912

200 Industrial Blvd. Nash, TX 75569 TACLA20659E (TX) HVACR2114040 (AR)

ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

Billiard Maintenance Over a Decade of Experience.

Marshall Gooding - 903.277.0307

Leveling Felt Replacement Cushion Replacement Generic Repair Moving

Salon Visage’

903.794.4007

Esthetique face & body salon Get Glowing Skin This Spring

WITH

Real Science. Real Results. Anti-aging • Facials • French Wax Hair Removal Glycolic & Salicylic Acid Exfoliators • Non-Surgical Facelifts Medical Grade Diamond Fusion Microdermabrasion Aruba Air Brushing Tanning • Body Wraps 4506 Summerhill, Texarkana,TX 66

ALT Magazine|March 2016

Tuesday-Friday: 10am-6pm

Owner/Esthetician, Mary Ann Pavey

Social Security Tips for Surviving Spouses Find us on

Submitted by: Dustin Stringer Stringer Wealth Management LPL Financial StringerWealthManagement.net

hen it comes to claiming strategies, Social Security has been shaking up a lot of couplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; plans (see Some Social Security Loopholes Will Still Be Around in 2016 ). But even though some of the strategies for claiming Social Security spousal benefits are changing, the rules for maximizing survivor benefits are not. A few key decisions can help you lock in a more generous payout -- and knowing how much you are eligible to receive will help you create a financial plan for when you or your spouse passes on.

How big a benefit? The size of a survivor benefit is based on two factors: the amount your spouse had been receiving (or would have received) when he or she died, and your age when you take the benefit.

No double-dipping. If you qualify for benefits based on your own work history, you can coordinate the timing of the two benefits to maximize your payouts over the long term. For example, you can take survivor benefits anytime after you turn 60 and let your own benefit grow to the maximum at age 70, then switch to your own benefit at that point, if it is higher. Or, if your own benefit is modest, you may want to start your own reduced benefit as early as age 62 and then switch to the survivor amount at full retirement age. (The survivor benefit does not continue to grow beyond full retirement age.)

If your spouse dies after claiming Social Security, your maximum survivor benefit is generally the amount your spouse was receiving. The longer your spouse waits to take benefits, the larger his or her own benefit will be and, thus, the higher your survivor benefit.

Taking your own benefit early does not affect the size of the benefit you can receive as a survivor.

After your spouse dies, you have a choice: You can either get survivor benefits or receive benefits based on your own work history. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take both benefits at the same time, but you can take one type of benefit first and let the other grow, then switch to the higher payout later.

If your spouse dies before full retirement age and has not yet claimed Social Security benefits, the survivor benefit will be based on the amount he or she would have received at full retirement age. If your spouse dies after full retirement age but waited to sign up for Social Security to earn delayed-retirement credits, your survivor payouts are based on the amount your spouse would have received at the time of death. The second factor determining the size of your survivor benefit is when you choose to take it. You are eligible for the full amount your spouse was receiving if you claim it at or after your full retirement age (currently 66).

You can take survivor benefits as early as age 60, but the amount will be reduced based on the number of months remaining before your full retirement age. (There are special rules if you are disabled or if you are caring for a child younger than age 16.) Your survivor payouts may also be reduced if you take them before full retirement age and are still working.

ALT Magazine|March 2016

LPL Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. The information contained in this report should be used for informational purposes only. The appropriate professionals should be consulted on all legal and accounting matters prior to or in conjunction with implementation of the plan. Securities and Advisory Services Offered Through LPL Financial - A Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA / SIPC.

Real . Unique . You

Pets

Wedding / Engagement

Portraits / Headshots

ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

DebbieBrower.com / 903.278.4444 / 903.334.9605 / Award Winning Photography

FISH

Date Night

TALES

As the spawn approaches, I would like to throw something out there. This time of year we are thinking of the time of year that bass have “date night.”

need arises. It is not uncommon to find the females anywhere from 2 to 5 feet out from the bushes sitting in the open or around a stump or piece of brush.

Something we need to remember is that not all bass move into the shallow bushes to spawn or move to the bushes as we get some warm temps. The male “buck” bass are moving up a lot sooner and shallower than the big females, who tend to stay a little deeper (3-4 feet) until they are ready to spawn. Even then they may spawn in that same depth of water. If they are up around the bushes, they are likely to be on the outside edge of the bushes, ready to move deeper if the

So as the spawn approaches, put your bait up to or just inside the bushes and be ready for the strike as the bait comes out of the bushes into the open. Or you can disregard this post and it will self-destruct in one month. Good fishing!

Texarkana, TX (903)832-2698

You Do the Hitting, We do the Fitting.

5035 West Park Blvd. Texarkana, TX 75503 70

ALT Magazine|March 2016

ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

ALT Pet Rescue

a good rescue... How to Recognize

By Debbie Brower

We here at ALT Magazine are all about rescuing animals from bad situations. We try to help however we can, including giving our local, reputable rescues a page in the magazine each month, highlighting an animal of their choice. Information on each rescue is included for our readers so that they can easily contact them to adopt an adorable pet to add to their family. I hope all of you will consider helping in one way or another! Although we have a lot of great rescues here, there are also a few not so great ones. How do you recognize those that are not as good? Here are a few warning signs that will help you identify a bad one, which could mean the difference between life and death for one or more animals. In addition, giving money to a bad rescue means it takes the money away from the good rescues (listed on the next page). •

Does the rescue network animals locally? Our local rescues host adoption events at PetSmart each Saturday. Please come out and support their events by adopting, donating, or volunteering.

•

Do other local rescuers recommend adopting from the rescue?

•

If the rescue does not make adopters do an application, vet check, and home-check, sign a contract, and/or check on the adopter, foster, or rescue that they plan to send the animal to. You should not be allowed to walk up to a rescue on a Saturday, complete an application, pay your money, and walk out with an animal if you do not have a prior application on file that has been completely checked by the rescue. They are not rescuers -they are brokers if that is what they are doing.

•

If the rescue does not post follow-up information and photos on their website of the animals after they are adopted. Follow-up photos should not just be taken just at the time of adoption, but also while at the foster home 72

ALT Magazine|March 2016

until adopted, and then an update and photos with their new family following adoption. •

If the rescue has been reported for complaints or cited for any violations.

•

If the rescue does not report how many animals they have and adopt out as they are supposed to on their website and or Facebook page. They should have multiple photos of each animal taken from good angles. Also make sure the photos are not just of them with the pet, because that is also a bad sign. In addition, if they do not have pictures with follow-up information on all of the animals they have rescued.

•

If the rescue is always complaining about how broke they are, what bills they have, and they are always saying how they need money. Especially, when the rescue complains about all of their personal bills all the time and wants help paying them. If they are really always that broke, then are the animals getting the proper

care at home and by a vet that they should get? Legit rescues do fundraising and get donations and do not usually need to beg for funds. •

If they are affiliated with any known animal abusers or rescue scams.

The most important thing is that you ask questions. Don’t just pay your pledges without any information. Verify that the animal is truly rescued and safe per information and photos. One way to avoid this worry is to rescue and donate locally. By rescuing locally you can visit the rescue and get to know the people operating it. In addition, you can also check on the animals yourself. When you find rescues you like locally, start donating money or supplies to them to help them to care for and to keep saving more animals. Remember, the animals are counting on us to keep them safe. They cannot speak up but we can. Ask questions and get answers or do not work with them. There are plenty of legit, good rescues that are more than happy to provide you with all the information that would love your support.

ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

ALT Pet Rescue

KILO

HERSHEY

EDGAR

AVA

JUDE

NEVIL

TONI

QUIVER

TWIX

The Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas is located at 203 Harrison, Texarkana, AR, 71854. For more information, call 870.773.6388, or visit: www. animalcareadoptioncenter.org or www.facebook. com/AnimalCareAdoptionTXK. We are always in need of caring, capable volunteers to assist in with duties at the center, adoption events, fund-raising activities and more.

HARRY

TAWNY

ASHES

cue

Poodle Patch Res

ARK-LA-TEX ANIMAL RESCUE www.facebook.com/Ark-La-Tex-AnimalRescue-1712510318970169 ARKLATEX COCKER SPANIEL RESCUE www.facebook.com/ArklatexCockerSpanielRescue ARTEX ANIMAL WELFARE, INC. (mostly horses) - 903.824.1990 ATLANTA ANIMAL LEAGUE www.facebook.com/AtlantaAnimalLeague

DILIGENCE

Your tax-deductible donation will help care for and assist in the adoption of loving animals to good homes! Please contact our Friends of the Shelter group to find out how you can help! www. facebook.com/friendsoftheshelter We’re open Monday-Friday from 11:00 5:00 and Saturday 11:00 - 2:00. Is your pet microchipped? If not, come

ALLIE Boxer Rescue

LACY Muttley Crew Rescue

MICAH

GUS

Cocker

ue Spaniel Resc

DAX

Texarkana Animal Lea

gue

KIKI

BRADLEY ROBIN

BAILEY

have this done for only $20! 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. We also have SPONSORED dogs and cats! This means someone has already paid for their vetting! Come see who’s waiting!

POPPY

Texarkana Humane Society

LILLY

ches

Passion for Poo

TANNER

x Ark-La-Te scue Animal Re

MAE Kitties Pad Rescue

BOXER RESCUE OF TEXARKANA www.facebook.com/BoxerRescueOfTexarkana

PASSION FOR POOCHES (mostly small dogs) www.facebook.com/passionforpooches

KITTIES PAD RESCUE https://www.facebook.com/thekittiespad

TEXARKANA ANIMAL LEAGUE www.facebook.com/TexarkanaAnimalLeague

MUTTLEY CREW RESCUE (mostly German Shepherds)

www.facebook.com/MuttleyCrewRescue

TEXARKANA REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN RESCUE www.facebook.com/TkReptileRescue

POODLE PATCH RESCUE INC (903) 244-9137

TOBY’S TALES (mostly wildlife) www.facebook.com/Tobysname

www.imageforwardpublications.com 74

ALT Magazine|March 2016

LEGE N D A R Y F irearms INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE - CLASS 3 DEALER

903.336.6139

101 SLATON DR., NASH, TX NASH BUSINESS PARK OFF HWY 82.

OPEN TUES-SAT: 10:00-7:00, SUN: 1:00-6:00

ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

ALT Magazine|March 2016

March 12

Calendar of Events

On Saturday , March 12th the Margaret Daniel Foundation Dinner will be held at Ashdown High school at 7pm. The dinner will be prepared by Culinary Chef Lois Corbell. With Jack Madden and Chef Powell assisting. Soultones will provide the entertainment. A silent auction will take place during the dinner as well. The Foundation has raised over $200,000 since the Foundation’s inception in 2005. Grants are awarded to teachers throughout the school district for innovative ideas that challenge our students beyond what local, state and federal funds provide. Many opportunities for our students have been afforded as a result of the many grants awarded in past years. Tickets for the event are $50. They can be purchased from any board member or from any of the schools and Central Office. For more information you may call KAY York at the high school orcell: 993-824-7043.

March 15-20

The Texarkana Chamber of Commerce will hold the Chamber Classic Pro-AM Golf Tournament with a Professional Golf Tournament Thursday, March 15th - Sunday, March 20th. There will be events every day: Tuesday- 9 Hole Shootout, Junior Clinic and Pro-Am Party Wednesday- Pro-Am Tournament and Dinner Party Thursday- Pro Tournament begins and St. Patrick’s Day Party Friday - Sunday- Pro Tournament Sunday and Awards Ceremony For times, sponsorship inquiry, and general information, contact the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce or call (903) 792-7191.

March 25-27

Pink Ride of Texarkana will be held March 25-27 on Front StreetDowntown Texarkana. It is a three dy event. On Friday, the event will kick off with the Pink Ball at 6 p.m. at Elks Lodge #399-4701 Garland Ave. There will be Live music, Food and Live Auction by Tracy Trivillion and most Important remember to wear your PINK!!! On Saturday, registration opens at 8 a.m. Kickstands up at 10 a.m. Rain or Shine. TEAZUR will perform at 6 p.m., followed by Jawbone at 8 p.m. There will be a Jeep & Motorcycle show. Just want a shirt? $20 per shirt. Pre-order to get your size. Come join us for fun, games, beer, food, and entertainment. Your generosity will make a difference in our community by allowing us to continue in our mission to raise money for the local people of Texarkana, who are fighting the battle of cancer.

March 26

On Saturday, March 26 at 10:30 AM, Williams Memorial United Methodist Church will have their annual Easter egg hunt in the back parking lot. Games and pictures with the Easter Bunny will begin at 10:30am. The Easter Egg Hunt will start at 11am.

March 28

Teen Court of Texarkana will hold their annual TeenCourt Dinner Monday, March 28th at 5:30 pm at Northridge CountryClub. Tickets to this event will be $25 per person. This year’s fundraiser, presented by Texarkana Bar Association, should be a fantastic evening with wonderful entertainment and a silent auction. Please make reservations by calling the Teen Court office at 903.798.3941 or emailing at: teencourt@txkusa.org Teen Court of Texarkana is a non-profit organization with a presence in Texarkana for nearly twenty-five years. The mission of Teen Court of Texarkana is to benefit our youth and community by providing positive alternatives for juvenile offenders in Bowie and Miller Counties. We reduce juvenile crime by allowing participants to take responsibility for their actions and develop individual citizenship by working in the community as restitution for minor offenses.

April 2

On Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 6:30 PM, Texarkana Friends of the Shelter will be hosting the second annual Fur Ball themed “Martinis and Mutts”! Join us for lots of fun at Silvermoon on Broad! Vintage 15, a “Modern Big Band”, will be performing.. Get ready for a night of great jazz standards and martinis...” There will be a silent auction, dinner, live music, dancing, casino style gaming, and martinis. Texarkana Friends of the Shelter (TFOS) is a non-profit corporation that is dedicated to assisting with necessary funding for the ACAC. All funds raised through events organized by TFOS are directly given back to ACAC. If you have any questions, please visit our website: TexarkanaFriendsOfTheShelter.org, or call 903-334-9605. Dress is Cocktail Attire (Black Tie optional) Individual tickets will be $75. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

ALT-Mag.com|March 2016

Create new memories in your new home this spring!

Bill Spradlin Realtor 903-748-3186

Tracy Spradlin Broker 903-748-2477

903.223.0710

1356 N. Kings Nash, TX 75569

Jan Williams Realtor 903-277-5771

Tara Whelchel Realtor 903-293-1429

Karyn Baucum Realtor 903-278-3836

Stephanie Maddox Realtor 903-701-1341

Karen Hammonds Realtor 903-293-2020

Payton Laney Realtor 903-278-9176

Lee Hammonds Realtor 903-748-8858

www.impactrealtyonline.com billsprad@aol.com spradlintd@aol.com

Happy Healthy

It’s all hands on deck during National Patient Safety Awareness Week as we Set Sail for Safety at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Texarkana. With clear goals on the horizon, rehabilitation teams chart a course for successful patient rehabilitation outcomes, maintaining a safe environment.

SAFETY FAIR Wednesday, March 16, 2016 2-4 p.m.

MARCH 13-19, 2016

HealthSouth Texarkana Cafeteria Refreshments Provided Open to Public

A Higher Level of Care®

515 West 12th Street • Texarkana, TX 75501 903 735-5000 healthsouthtexarkana.com