ALT Magazine January 2011

Family, Fashion, Faith January 2011 . Vol. 5, Issue 1

Buzz Barron Stosh Skinner

Bill Spradlin

January /contents

10

k / FEATURE STORY

The votes are in...

And the winners are here! Check out who our readers chose as the Most Handsome Men in the Ark-La-Tex!

EVENTS 65

Dancing Hands Reach Out

66 JoAnn Rice Reception and Birthday Party 74

Sanctuary Medical Spa Open House

76

Opportunities, Inc. Christmas Party

77

Literacy Council Open House

78

Women for A&M Luncheon

80

A LT M a g a z i n e C h r i s t m a s P a r t y

82

Christmas Parade

84

Mayor Shipp Reception

86

Circle of Friends Celebrate Christmas

90 Te a c h e r Ta k e W i n g G r a n t Presentations BUSINESS

EVERY MONTH

70

Profile - Oak Creek Furniture

8

Editor ’s Letter

81

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

54

Financial Focus

88

Profile - Gooding Decorative Concrete

68

F i s h Ta l e s

72

From His Heart

91

Real Estate

6

ALT Magazine

C U LT U R E 30

M e e t t h e K i d o f t h e Ye a r

33

Medical Guide

90

Calendar of Events

www.alt-mag.com

7

EDITOR’S letter

ark-la-tex’s premiere magazine

I t ’ s a N e w Ye a r . . .

J a n u a r y 2 0 11 / V o l . 5 , I s s u e 1

We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential. ~Ellen Goodman As I sit here writing this, I have can truly say that 2010 has been a wonderful year. I am going to miss it -- but I believe 2011 is going to be even better! I will be looking for lots of potential to make it the best ever! However, before I can say goodbye to 2010, I must continue my tradition of a Top 10 List of the Best of 2010! Here goes: 10.

As I write this, there are still a few days left, but I think it might be safe to say that my husband will not have to go into the hospital due to having a heart attack while I am 9 hours away on my first day of vacation. For that, I thank God! 9.

My family is my world -- and my mom has been through a lot of difficult times this year. In 2010, she was been diagnosed with cancer and survived blood clots in her lungs.

She remains strong and positive. What a role model for me and my children to have! Love you, Mom! 8.

This past summer, we added a new poodle to our herd -- a beautiful, black standard poodle named Libby, who was a year old. Although she was somewhat shy when we first got her, she has blossomed under the tender loving care of everyone at my home! She is a delight -- even if she does love her daddy Mike better than anyone else!

7.

With the addition of my new dog, and Jaclyn’s new standard poodle, also, we have learned that all items on the kitchen cabinet must be removed or moved our of reach of naughty dogs who wants to take anything they can get to outside to play with.

6.

Of course, that doesn’t leave out the toy poodles! I love all four of them -- 2 that are mine and 2 that are Jaclyn’s. However, I also learned that underwear in the dirty clothes basket is considered a toy by them and therefore it must be kept under lock and key if I don’t want customers to show up and have it laying around on the living room floor!

5.

Decorative Concrete -- what a beautiful floor! I don’t think I have ever been more surprised at how much I love these floors! Marshall, my son-in-law, is amazing -- and will be applying his amazing-ness to my house the week after Christmas! (It should be done by the time you read this.) I can’t wait to see the results! I learned a lot about flooring in 2010!

4.

Grandchildren grow up way too fast. One day they are little, and the next they are getting fake nails and being “in a relationship” on Facebook. Where does time go?

3.

Big dogs, who love your husband, can be quite possessive. Libby, who loves Mike with all her heart, feels like she should be between the two of us anytime I decide to kiss him goodbye, goodnight -- or just anytime. He evidently now belongs to her. It is a game we now play to see who can get to him first -- me or her! He’s loving that!

2.

This year, I have realized, once again, how amazing my staff truly is! Each and every person has their strengths and as a team, we all have melded to make several amazing products -- from ALT, to Image Forward, to Gooding Decorative Concrete!

1.

ALT Magazine’s readership and sales have increased tremendously thanks to the loyalty of so many of you! Thank you so much! May God bless all of you! Happy New Year!

Publisher/Editor

8

ALT Magazine

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page, Sherrie Hewitt Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy Feature Writer / Jane Bouterse Contributing Writers / Mike Brower, Shawn Edmonds, Jeff Schreve, Dustin Stringer Protected One / 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

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

by Jane Bouterse

The Votes Are In! Our readers have chosen their favorites -- the Most Handsome Men in the Ark-La-Tex! With over 27,000 votes cast, this contest was a great success!

Meet our winners, our finalists, and of course, all the men who were nominated! They are all handsome guys who are loved and cherished by their family and friends.

Congratulations to all our nominees -- and our winners! What better way to start off the New Year than to talk about Handsome Men!

Enjoy!

Stosh Skinner, Category One: 21-35

“Work smarter instead of harder”

“M

y idea of exercise is a good brisk sit.” That’s not a surprising idea coming from Phyllis Diller. More than likely, however, Stosh Skinner could change her mind.

Stosh is a 5’9”, 26 year old with green eyes and brown, curly (he says “frizzy”) hair that he manages by keeping it short. His 200 pounds are noticeable only because they are muscles—no fat here.

Stosh smiles easily and frequently interrupts his conversations with friendly waves and a “Have a good one.” Not surprisingly, Stosh is THE WINNER in Category One: Ages 21-35 of ALT’s 2010 Most Handsome Men in the Ark-La-Tex Competition.

Stosh feels right at home surrounded by the treadmills, ellipticals, spin bikes, stair steppers, weight machines and other pieces of equipment which populate the gym. He knows how to use each piece wisely and unhesitatingly directs those people who choose not to sit but workout at the Anytime Fitness on Richmond Road.

“Work Smarter instead of harder,” is his constant reminder for his clients as well as himself. Although Stosh manages the facility, he will quickly explain that he is among the really fortunate folks who get to work at doing what they most enjoy in the place they want to be.

Texarkana is that place--home for Stosh, as he and his sister Makenzie “porkchop” Skinner were born and reared here. Stosh graduated from Arkansas High School, attended Texarkana College then transferred to Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas. While he attended school, he worked at ICON Health & Fitness Center, then moved to Anytime Fitness.

Currently Stosh has only six hours to go before he completes his degree in Fitness Management. With that degree he gets the best of both worlds: the world of physical fitness, i.e. courses like kinesiology (the study of human movement) and nutrition along with business courses. His position with the Anytime Fitness gyms seems the perfect place to implement what he is learning.

Implementing is not new to Stosh, as he has been involved in physical fitness since he was in high school. Growing up, he was “big” into soccer and pretty good at it. However, along came baseball, so he swapped the big round ball with the large black patches for the much smaller, white orb with the red seams. His contact with the

baseball came most often in center field.

During his junior year in high school he played in the running back position for the high school football team, the Razorbacks.

Although his performance in each of these sports was commendable, he somehow got distracted.

Stosh began lifting weights and spent all of his spare time in the gym. “I didn’t know what I was doing,” he explained, “but I loved being there with the people who were there. I liked to pick their brains and follow their advice.” Football was over for Stosh.

Although he was not quite sure what he had discovered, he knew whatever it was—it was for him.

When his buddies John Clack and Stew Scott eventually took him under their wings, they

explained to him how the gym worked and what he needed to do to benefit from the time he was investing. Stosh was introduced to body building. “When I did what I was supposed to do, it was so great to see my body respond. It’s exciting to benefit from the work you do. People always think that work in a gym is a workout. It’s not always.

A real workout is determined by what you do while you are in the gym. I learned that the hard way.”

Today, Stosh is both a practitioner and a disciple of physical activity and fitness, even though, like many, he is still working on the definition of fitness. Because people’s bodies and needs differ so markedly, the formal definition of physical fitness is still relative. However, the federal government’s HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010 report (http:// www.healthypeople.gov) clarifies why Stosh remains so enthusiastic about movement rather than brisk sitting:

“Evidence of the multiple health benefits of regular physical activity continues to mount. Regular physical activity can help to prevent and manage coronary heart disease, hypertension, noninsulindependent diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, obesity, and mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety).

16* Regular physical activity has also been associated with lower rates of colon cancer 31 and stroke 34 and may be linked to reduced back injury. 7 On average, physically active people outlive those who are inactive. 27 Regular physical activity can also help to maintain the functional independence of older adults and enhance the quality of life for people of all ages. 18” (*numbers within the text refer to chapters within the report).

As a student of fitness, this is not news to Stosh who stays so busy helping others that he can work out only whenever he gets the chance. That’s a familiar story to almost everyone who gets started with a fitness program. The trick is to develop a plan and make a commitment. Personal trainer Stosh www.alt-mag.com

11

recommends physical activity at least three to five days per week for maximum benefit.

Some tips for success: •

Decide what you want—What are your goals?

•

Write down your goals—People who write their goals accomplish more

•

Put deadlines on those goals—No deadlines, more wishes than goals

•

Get started today—Inside, open all the time

•

20 minutes per day is a great start—gradually expand the time

Stosh helps his clients determine where they are, what they want and develops a plan.

His recommendation for a workout generally combines cardiovascular and resistance training. That requires the use of a treadmill, the spin (or stationary) bike, or ellipticals, free weights or machines;  Warm-up with cardio exercises, slowly - 5-10 minutes  Weights (resistance training) - 20 minutes  Cardiovascular (treadmills, bikes, ellipticals) - 10-20 minutes

12

ALT Magazine

 Cool down-cardio - 5-10 minutes “We have personal trainers who go back and forth between clients to be sure they are getting the best use of their time. We want them to benefit.” Stosh’s voice rises as he becomes more enthusiastic about his subject. He genuinely believes in what he is doing. His eagerness grows as he talks about his plans for the implementation of Anytime’s “Design Your Best Year” program.

This program will combine the talents of trainers and clients and include emphasis on nutrition as well as training. “Anyone who is teachable, coachable will be able to participate in this program,” Stosh explains.

“We are all in this with you. We will set you up to succeed.”

Stosh remembers the hours he spent in the gym working but not achieving results. “I just didn’t know what to do. So many people come into the gym, but there is a lot more to it than just showing up.

Working out is a science—Work smarter instead of harder,” he smiles. “When you work out according to your plan, you can tell a difference in 30 days. Energy levels go up; self-confidence improves; stress may not disappear but will certainly be minimized.

Losing weight is only one benefit of a physical fitness program designed for each individual.

“It’s really important,” he continues, “to realize exercise has to become a lifestyle change. When someone begins to see results, that’s great!” Stosh understands

and constantly emphasizes the importance of “staying with the program”—regardless of the changes. Our bodies are always changing, especially as we age—metabolic rate gets slower; we are more prone to injuries which don’t heal as fast as we would like. We have to cope with those challenges” To listen to physically fit Stosh, at age 26, talk about the changes of aging seems almost ridiculous, but he obviously understands how the body works and the necessity of making exercise a lifestyle choice at any age.

Believe it or not, Stosh does leave the gym. His free time, to no one’s surprise, is filled with action. “I like riding the Harley, dirtbike and mountain bike— anything with 2 wheels,” Stosh has been aboard 2 wheels for a while now, thanks to not only his extended family—Papaw, aunts, cousins, uncles—but his parents, Tracy and LaVonda Skinner. As a youngster, Stosh rode in Motocross which is a form of motorcycle sport or all terrain vehicle racing held on enclosed off road circuits.

Tracy Skinner still maintains at their home a Motocross track that he grooms for riders.

“On weekends we may have 15-20 people come to my parents’ house to ride and hang out, and my mom cooks for us.” No wonder Stosh enjoys hanging out with his buddies, racing, “jumping stuff,” riding his Harley and enjoying home cooking.

Every year Stosh and his buddies mount their motorcycles and head to Fayetteville for the Bikes, Blues and Bar-B-Q weekend. This year the caravan left on a Thursday morning and returned on Sunday.

“There were at least 200,000 bikes there.

We’ve gone for years,” Stosh reports, “and I’ve never even heard a bad word.” Stosh and all his friends appreciate the variety of people who ride motorcycles and, like many, think motorcycle riders get a “bum rap” in the legendary court of public opinion.

Stosh blames his buddy, Ray Tate, (“now gone” ) for his love of motorcycles. “I started working for Ray when I was in high school. We had many trips, many good times. One year we went to Florida for the Daytona Bike Week. What really happened that week was that I knew I had to have one of those motorcycles.”

The motorcycle Stosh had to have is a 2010 all black, Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide. “The motorcycles of the Dyna Glide line are the performance leaders amongst Harley’s ‘big twins,’” writes Harley rider Chuck Hawks. “They combine a Sportster front end with their own unique chassis. Dyna Glides are the lightest, best handling, and most versatile of the big twins….Generations of individual customizers have built Dyna Glides of every imaginable type and style.” Stosh understands the Dyna Glide’s popularity in the customizing department. He admits, “I enjoy customizing. I don’t think there is anything stock on my bike. Dad is a mechanic, and he loves this stuff.”

With his busy schedule—school, career, riding—“Stosh is a single one.”.

Probably any woman who catches his eye

faces a good bit of competition. His recent move to share the new house his friend, Adam Dixon, has built means that he has now added housekeeping and cooking to his multiple activities. “We enjoy the same things—always having a good time, bikes, lifting,” Stosh laughs. “Not much cooking going on.” With the beginning of his nutrition class, however, Stosh may be forced to get in the kitchen more often.

Any time spent with Stosh is time well spent—especially if the time revolves around Anytime Fitness. “I’m here and lovin’ it,” he delightfully declares. Stosh and his devotion to a lifestyle that includes movement are unarguably important to him.

He is aware that some of those people who walk through their doors are there only after they have driven around and around to muster the courage to come in. “Ninety per cent of those people who come to the gym are scared to death,” Stosh observes. “It’s up to me to make them feel comfortable and confident and to love to come. That’s what I love—how you build relationships.” For Stosh, the relationship building began years ago in the Boot camps at ICON. In those settings, he was able to work with small groups and began to make a difference in attitudes as well as behavior. “I always run into people I’ve worked with before, and I feel good that I was able to help them.”

Without a doubt, Stosh’s work as a personal trainer has also been relationship building. “Stacy Metts was my first client, and I still train her. She shows up to work

out knowing she is about to accomplish something.”

Likewise, “Making a difference” is central to Stosh’s attitude and behavior.

Like Mark Zuckerberg, founder of facebook nation, Stosh believes relationships, which connect people are not only changing but crucial to the world’s future. Stosh is working one client at a time to “make a difference,” too. He long ago—with the help of his buddies—discovered the benefits of workouts designed specifically for each person with whom he works. No doubt he is also aware that finding an exercise buddy enhances attendance and efforts. With that understanding, he has also determined that a part of his job is to increase public awareness of all the potential benefits of exercise.

“Exercise does ‘make a difference’ in people. It helps at home, in the family and workplace, and—perhaps most significantly—is contagious. The greatest challenge is that exercise also provides people the opportunity for freedom. As people work physically, they begin to relieve the stress of challenging situations.” They also feel more free to vent, so the gym is a good venting spot. I’ve heard it all,” Stosh shakes his head. “I know about people, and I’ve learned how to function. It’s crazy.” Just being there for people is a very important part of Stosh’s job, but he also knows how he handles the situation is more than a job: it reflects caring. “It’s like giving somebody a Christmas present,” he acknowledges. “It

makes you feel better.”

Occasionally, Stosh leaves Anytime Fitness, but the facility is open 24/7. Members have security cards which allow them entry whenever they can come.

The building along with the entire area is well lighted, and a security button is easily accessible to patrons. “Although we haven’t had any incidents that required using the security button,” Stosh explains, “the button has been pushed by mistake. When that has happened, the police have gotten here before I did.” Anytime also has convenient showers available, so that patrons can get cleaned up any time for their next project.

Physical inactivity—the sit, regardless of how brisk—remains one of the greatest threats to our personal, thus national welfare. Stosh Skinner is succeeding at building the legacy he desires: “I want to be remembered,” he has written, “as someone who made a difference in someone else’s life.” He is well on his way.

Go for it, Stosh, and have fun along the way!

Congratulations!…

WINNER…

Stosh Skinner

www.alt-mag.com

13

Bill Spradlin, Category 2: 36-50

“The Price of Passion”

T

wenty-one percent of the 29 hunting accidents in the State of Texas in 2009 occurred during deer hunts, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Statistics like these can be overlooked easily, i.e. until YOU become one of those numbers. Bill Spradlin understands how it feels. Right now Bill has been named THE WINNER of ALT’s Most Handsome Men in the ArkLa-Tex Contest, Category Two: Ages 36-50. Under ordinary circumstances, Congratulations could be extended to Bill without fear of interfering, but not now.

Bill has become one of Texas Park and Wildlife’s uncomfortable statistics because of—deer hunting, so his appreciation of his ALT victory is blurred a bit. His usually brisk movements have been slowed significantly by a fall from his deer stand. To repair the three ligaments he has torn in his knee requires reconstructive surgery. “The doctors say I’ll be off six to eight months after the surgery,” he squirms a bit in his chair trying to find a comfortable position. “Mentally, I can’t do that.

Just tell me I can’t do something, and that’s like a red flag. I will do it. I’ve hunted all my life, and I never had anything like this happen to me before—sure put a stick in my spokes. I’m always active and independent.

I can’t stand the fact that I owe somebody a favor for help.” Obviously, his mind is focused on his plight and his pain. The months ahead will prove a juggling act for this man of many hats.

One of the hats he wears is that of a firefighter for the Texarkana, Texas,

14

ALT Magazine

Fire Department. He can drive either of the two ladder trucks included in the department’s inventory. When he is on duty at the firehouse, he usually fills the role of station cook—to the delicious delight of his colleagues. Another of his hats is that of farming family man. He runs cattle on the farm he and his wife Tracy and daughter Megan occupy.

Their other two daughters and son are away in schools. Six years ago, Bill decided to join his wife Tracy in the real estate profession—just so he could support his hunting habit. Now, they are the realtor/owners of Realty Executives (formerly Impact realty group).

Therefore, he has had to choose

carefully how he will spend his time. But making choices about which route he needs to take has been a major component of Bill Spradlin’s life.

A native of Hooks, Texas, Bill joined the U. S. Navy shortly after his Hooks High School graduation, and he spent 12 years as a Navy Man. Actually, he did consider making the military his career as he moved rapidly through the Navy ranks. He served aboard the USS INDEPENDENCE CVA-62, the fourth and last ship in the FORRESTAL class of aircraft carriers, spent four years in the military police, and because of his performance was listed as #13 on the Navy wide list for the LDO (Limited Duty Officer) Program. This was a program in which enlisted men could be commissioned as officers. Bill’s performance, which included the supervision of 80 men, earned him the attention and support of his superiors; however, in 1990 the bubble burst. When he expected to be commissioned as an officer, only two men were chosen throughout the entire Navy because of cutbacks. Bill was devastated. Although he “bought” the military mentality for job performance: •

By the book

•

No IFs, ANDs and BUTs

•

Always the same hereafter.

His girls were three and six years old, and he had missed many of those years because of his duty stations, therefore, he decided it was time to head for civilian life.

He took advantage of the Navy’s early buyout program and headed home.

“It’s really hard in business and life to have a military mentality,” he grudgingly admits. “’My way or the highway’ won’t do for the real world. People will tell you to go pack sand.” This was a painful lesson Bill had to learn after some civilian experiences and reflection.

As anticipated, Bill returned to Bowie County and began to look for a job. Because of his military police training, he began working for the Bowie County Sheriff’s Department. After six months, he decided to take the Civil Service Exams for both the police and Fire Departments in Texarkana, Texas. The Fire Department had an opening first. When Bill realized he could work 24 hour shifts then was off for 48, he was sold. With a schedule like

that he had time to do some of the many other things that he enjoyed—and do them well. Wherever and whatever he does, his perfectionist nature tends to emerge.

Seventeen years have come and gone since that Fire Department opening when Bill became a fireman. He is stationed on Richmond Road at Station #3. For him the Fire Station is a unique place because not only are there unique jobs to do but the people who do them are special. He quickly acknowledges how privileged he is to work with his fellow firefighters. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” a smile breaks through his somber expression. “The guys in the Fire Department are the greatest bunch of guys you would ever want to meet!” He pauses and shifts his weight in the chair. With a sigh, he looks away, “I’m gonna’ depend a lot on ‘em….a lot.” The pain he is feeling now is not just in his knee.

Bill Spradlin is made of sturdy stuff. Even though he is devoted to the business of helping others in devastating circumstances and does so with both his heart and his hands, his accepting help will be one of the most challenging tasks he has ever undertaken. He may have traveled throughout the world, hunted deer year after year, fished for crappie until he ran out of bait, rounded up cattle in the roughest weather, soothed broken hearts, administered aid to the hurt and helpless… not much you can name that he hasn’t done.

BUT, beyond his childhood…he has never been forced to depend on anyone else to help him complete those everyday activities often taken for granted. As we talk, he slowly and painfully lifts himself from the chair and limps to the opposite corner of the room to change the time on the clock. “I’m sorry. I’m not a sit still person,” he apologizes.

When Bill returns to his chair, his conversation about the Fire Department resumes. In a way, he has grown up with the department. All the certifications required, he has earned. After all his years at the Fire Department, he recollects “There’s one incident I’ll remember forever,” his voice grows softer as he speaks, and the words come slowly. “It was Christmas Eve, 13 or 14 years ago, and I was on the rescue truck.

We got a call to the site of a wreck. A four year old girl had been standing in the front seat of her dad’s welding truck. Her dad lost control of the truck. She was ejected and killed. As soon as I could get to a phone, I had to call my girls to know they were safe. I always call.

“I still wake up smelling smoke.”

Assignments in the Fire Department are made on the basis of seniority. As Bill gained more experience, he was assigned to drive a ladder truck. The Texarkana, Texas Fire Department has two of them: one at the Richmond Road station; the other, at Central Fire Station downtown.

When an alarm comes in, the signal goes to all alarms. Since each fire is completely different, ladder trucks go to almost all the fires. The responsibility of “driving the truck” means more than just being behind the

steering wheel. It requires that the driver  Gets the fire fighting apparatus to the fire scene safely  Knows all the roads in the city which requires lots of map study and driving (There is a map which divides the city in half and indicates the protocol for responses and locations.)  Brings water supply to the fire  Operates the pumps on the truck  Knows the pressure for the hoses  Knows where the rescue equipment is, how to use it and when  Above all—Makes sure the crew has enough water for their protection  After the fire, do all the check off to be sure everything is back in place and ready for the next alarm.

experiment for his appreciative diners. There is only one thing no one should ask for from the cook—a recipe.

Bill has no written recipes, rather he makes up his combinations every time he cooks. He does admit that, like all good cooks, he just seasons to taste. “I’ve never had anything not good,” he explains. “I do heat by the people who eat. If it’s a bunch of guys, I’m gonna’ boost heat with lots of jalapenos and cayenne. Anything that’s too hot is not good anyway.”

Even now, Bill’s winning chili combo remains a mystery, but he does confess to a few ingredients. Of course, the meat is crucial. This is where Bill’s hunting expertise is really appreciated. Whether wild hog or venison, he has the meat ground into what he calls “breakfast sausage.” Once the hog and deer are turned into ground meat, beef is added to the ingredients for fat and flavor.

This combination supplies the backbone for Bill’s chili which he may then season to move in whatever direction he chooses.

Firehouse chili is famous as splendid fare, and each firehouse seems to have its own collection of mixtures. Texarkana, Texas Fire Department enjoys the same privilege.

Another of Bill’s specialties is using his smoker to cook a whole hog—not unusual for Hawaii but a novelty for East Texas. Once again—the hunter. The process begins, of course, with bagging the hog (and he has plenty on his farm), this time a smaller one, 60-70 pounds. After the carcass is cleaned and ready for roasting, Bill stuffs

“Have you ever seen a dirty fire truck?” This is not a trick question. “It’s not a requirement of the job that those trucks be cleaned; it’s just the firemen’s pride in their job. Firemen are probably the proudest group of guys you’ll ever know.”

Perhaps the hungriest, too— especially when they have Bill as their cook.

“I am often the station cook,” he acknowledges. “Lots of jokes are made about cookin’ around the fire station. That’s OK. I like cookin’ anything people will eat. I did win the chili cook-off last year. There were 12 or 15 entries. I used the venison from the deer I shot.

My family won’t eat any wild meat, so my fire buddies get the benefit of my hunting.”

That means that Bill’s fire buddies get to enjoy not only venison but hog as well. Since Bill enjoys hunting and is so successful, the supply of wild meat is plentiful, and the Blizzard, DQ and the ellipse shaped logo are trademarks of Am. D.Q. Corp., Mpls. MN ® Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off. Tx. D.Q. Op. Coun., © 2011. cook is willing to © 2011 Great Lakes Dairy Queen Owners Marketing Group, L.L.C., All Rights Reserved.

www.alt-mag.com

15

the empty cavity with cabbage, onions, celery—he interrupts himself with “lots of stuff”—wraps the hog in cheesecloth and places it into his smoker. The process takes a while and involves careful monitoring, but when the meat is ready—Bill and his firehouse buddies can really “chow down.”

Still—no written recipes.

Although his hunting and cooking are accomplishments which please Bill, his career and association with firefighters is by far the achievement of which he is most proud. He has written, “Firefighters do not do the job for which they are called upon for the money. It is in their blood to do everything they possibly can to protect property and save lives. In fact, most firefighters are required to work 2 jobs in order to support their families and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The true meaning of dedication and devotion to duty lies deep within the heart of a firefighter.”

Bill exercises that same dedication to his second job. Six years ago, he joined his wife Tracy Spradlin in the real estate profession. Just over two years ago, they opened their own company-- Impact realty group (recently changed to Realty Executives) He earned his real estate license to take care of his hunting expenses and assist Tracy who worked day and night.

“I still don’t think I’ve helped her. “ Now he and Tracy work together as realtor/owners of the business. Bill’s primary focus is on land, and his work ethic and knowledge have earned him a reputation as a reliable man

16

ALT Magazine

with whom to do business He smoothly shifts the focus, however. “Tracy is amazing!” he confirms.

“She is a strong, strong woman—a force to reckon with, and we’re both a lot alike. I wish I could keep up with her. She has an endless supply of energy, multi-tasks every day-- 10 things at a time. Now she has to do my stuff, too. She has been really good to me since this happened.” The frustration and dread of his accident and the temporary loss of his independence dominate most of Bill’s thoughts these days.

Nonetheless, Tracy and Bill are an excellent team. Their success is evident not only in the volume of their business but in the numerous certificates recognizing their status, since they started, in the top 10% of Texarkana realtors.

Silence grips him for a moment as he lowers his head and wrings his hands.

When he looks up from his contemplation, a smile governs his expression. “I am more proud to say I’m a firefighter than a real estate agent. It’s amazing. If you find something you like and you put your mind to it, what you can do. Right now is a time to hustle. The time to sit on your hands is not here anymore. I love dealing, but I love firefighting more. My passion is firefighting and firefighters. They are one-third of my life away from my family.”

Bill’s dedication to firefighting is obvious, but that same dedication is a part of everything he does. “I am addicted to work, and I can work in a group or

as an individual. I’m loyal to my friends, a perfectionist for myself, not others. If someone else is doing the job, “good enough” can be acceptable. Believe it or not, I hate being serious. My friends recognize my tendency to sarcasm and humor. I’m really a fun-loving guy.” His fun-loving temperament will probably be more evident when he has recovered and is having fun again.

Bill Spradlin is a man of many interests. His sense of fun and strong work ethic have enabled him to succeed in whatever jobs he undertakes. He is a tribute to his family and the firefighters he so admires. His selection as THE WINNER in Category Two: Ages 36-50, ALT’s Most Handsome Men in the Ark-La-Tex competition proves others recognize that fact and wish to say “Thank-you” and “Atta Boy” for his significant contributions to his country and community. Here’s hoping for his speedy recovery, too!

Congratulations!....

WINNER…

Bill Spradlin

Buzz Barron, Category 3: 51+

“A Man of Mind and Matters”

M

ethodist Hospital in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas, Texas, has not been the same since September 20, 1945. On that day, William Merrill Barron-William (the name of a deceased cousin) Merrill (his granddaddy)-- was born. He was a surprise. His mother had only considered a girl’s name, so his name was a combination of spontaneous decisions.

Too many of his mom’s former boyfriends had been named William or Bill, and Merrill was only used by his grandmother when she was angry at his grandfather, so his mom would use neither one.

Sharing the hospital room with his mother was a lady from Minnesota who had named her son Buzzie.

His mom thought the name was cute and got permission from her roommate to call her son Buzzy, (he changed the ie to y) In spite of the difficulties imposed by a nickname, he has been Buzzy or Buzz for 65 years.

Congratulations to William M.”Buzz” Barron—THE WINNER in ALT’s Most Handsome Men in the Ark-La-Tex Competition, Category 51+.

Buzz left the hospital with not only a memorable name but also a powerful

predictor, the Sun Sign—Virgo. When a Virgo is personally confident within himself, he is the most successful, structured and creative of all the signs. Although Virgos do tend to be perfectionists, an in-tune Virgo is a treat to meet. In addition, most Virgos can be found working diligently in “services to others.” Ingenuity is also a characteristic of reliable, kindhearted and conservative Virgos who believe in and enjoy people. Virgos understand human frailties better than most because they are deep and reflective.

Anyone who lists a Virgo as a friend can be confident of a comfortable, caring relationship. The life pursuit of an intellectual, analytical Virgo is doing the right thing.

As a youngster, Buzz might have pushed the boundaries of a “treat to meet.” He was so mischievous he was grounded much of the time. The only exceptions to his restricted movement were Boy Scouts, church, and throwing the Dallas Morning News. At the age of 12 he began his lifelong involvement with the Boy Scouts of America (he could get away on weekends) and the Methodist Church.

For Buzz high school and home were not places he enjoyed; therefore, immediately upon his graduation from South Oak Cliff High School in 1963 (“I was just good enough to get out.”), he joined the Air Force.

The Air Force quickly identified his reliable intellectual and analytical skills; therefore, Buzz was trained as an F

105 Thunderchief mechanic, then sent to a base in Korat, Thailand. He was responsible for keeping the supersonic fighters, nicknamed “Wild Weasels” in the air. Buzz writes, “We had them, Weasels, assigned to our Squadron to maintain, which was my job…put the gas in, fix what was broke, and configure them with the weapons. Weasels were a big deal, two seats, and with all sorts of Top Secret Electronics and radars. The back seat had a pilot/weapons officer, and that’s what I was supposed to check out on Test Missions…and that’s a whole ‘nother story.” At least a part of the “’nother story” is that Buzz Barron has twice flown faster than the speed of sound, and he has the October 9, 1966, certificate signed by Oscar Frazer, the WW pilot, to prove it. “There are no words—it’s just not possible—to describe the adrenaline rush that comes from a supersonic flight.

“These guys would lead on a mission, which had as many as 100 or more hitting a target. The targets were heavily defended by surface to air missiles and Triple A guns, like the one Jane Fonda manned so famously. Weasels went in first, to try to get the North Vietnamese to bring up their radars, on both the guns and missiles. Of course the North Vietnamese knew this, and would do tricky things, but if a Weasel got a lock on a site, even momentarily they launched a missile down their throats. These guys were first in and last out. Always waiting for enemy radar to come up….One must realize we were daylight bombing, with a large fighter aircraft not designed for this type mission and our losses were probably as great as the 8th Air Force in WWII. [“In the course of the conflict 382 F-105s were lost to all causes, representing 46% of the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderchief fleet”] Men that flew Weasel missions are the bravest of the brave, and generally on their second tour of 50 missions, voluntarily.”

No wonder that Buzz, upon reflection, describes Vietnam as “character building.” When his tours of duty were completed, he entered college because he wanted to go back and fly. He earned a degree but failed his flight physical. What to do now?

Ingenious and practical Buzz began looking for another direction. What did he know about? The Boy Scouts of America.

Did the Boy Scouts need volunteers? www.alt-mag.com

17

Always, so he went to the Boy Scout office to volunteer. His sense of structure and creativity paid off. When he came out, he had a job—a definite “service to others” job-at which he worked for 30 years, 16 of those as a CEO. During his tenure, he actually moved a lot (each move represented a 15% pay raise) and performed (an appropriate verb for this speech/drama major) seven different jobs. He worked at least three nights every week and half of each month’s weekends. He was constantly being attacked by media about homosexuals in the Scouts, and from 1985 on he presided over the removal of an average two pedophiles a year. Scouting is so much more than backpacks and camping; however, those skills have come in handy for him.

The worlds of Buzz Barron have created a varied collection of stories. “I could be Richie Cunningham [of HAPPY DAYS fame]” he notes. One of these days, when he “retires” from some of his duties, he intends to write about them. His only problem is Where to begin? With his 70,000 miles of motorcycle adventures? Maybe his Cowboy cooking and poetry? Perhaps he might write the mechanic’s version of Vietnam to partner with the pilot’s version— WHEN THUNDER ROLLED—written by Ed Rasimus? At least the little book he carries in his back pocket will contain those ideas he doesn’t want to get lost. Until he gets ready, however, his readers will have to be satisfied with his facebook page.

Meantime, Buzz is convinced that

18

ALT Magazine

accidents are just a part of God’s plan for him. The discovery of his cancer was no accident any more than getting his BSA job was accidental. His surprise reunion with Frazer at the opening of the Tyler Air Museum was no accident. Buzz had assisted in the restoration of an F-105 for display at the new museum. To his surprise Oscar Frazer, his WW pilot, now a retired resident of Granbury, was also there. It was also no accident that his “lost” high school friend working on a class reunion was able to locate him in Davenport, Iowa. Their renewed relationship has added delightful companionship to his life. He does thrive on being surrounded by people and undertaking new challenges, and that’s where he shines.

For example, he decided he wanted to learn to sail—something he had never done—so he bought a catamaran and headed to the library. As Buzz notes, “One thing I learned in college is that you don’t have to go to college to get an education.”

Books have always been among his best friends. For 10 years, Buzz and his buddies raced the catamaran. “We got pretty good, too,” he notes. Likewise, as a CEO for the Boy Scouts in Harlingen, Buzz noted that the star study section of the Advanced Adult Leader Training Course was habitually overlooked. The problem? No one knew anything about the stars, and there was no syllabus to provide study directions.

Once again, Buzz headed to the library.

Within his six month window, he discovered astrophysics, and string theory and…. He

wrote the syllabus, and the stars at night became big and bright for the BSA leaders deep in the heart of Harlingen.

Friendship and challenge were also the motivators for the purchase of his turquoise and white, 97 Fat Boy Harley.

“I call her Esparanza, and sometimes, Fat Girl,” he explains. “She reminds me of a beautiful older Spanish lady. After I removed the mufflers and installed straight pipes (really a safety issue), she became an older Spanish lady with an attitude.” A friend persuaded Buzz to buy the bike even though he had never ridden a motorcycle.

“The hardest part about buying the cycle, “ Buzz smiles, “was telling my mother I had one. Her reaction? ‘When am I going to get a ride?’ Sorry Mom, I’m 57 years old. I don’t do rides.” Once again, Buzz learned, so he and his riding buddy Dean rode some 70,000 miles, chiefly on backroads, to bike rallies all over the country—Sturgis twice. They rode loops like the one from Chicago →Duluth, MN, on Lake Michigan →Thunderbay, Canada (“beautiful”) across the land of a “billion” lakes →the headwaters of the Mississippi River → International Falls →North and South Dakota, even visiting the Badlands and back again.

Along the way, people entertained them. They met them in campgrounds (BSA camping skills were invaluable) or maybe in mom and pop operations or even random stops like the gas station almost covered by 100+ motorcycles. When Buzz went in to pay for his gas, a mountain-of-a-man biker, covered in tattoos, dressed in worn, dirty leather, straggly hair and beard, basically the Canadian version of a Hell’s Angel, was attempting to ask a question. “Do you have a spanna?” he pleaded, but his Canadian accent blurred the word “spanner,” and he was not understood.

“I have a 10 inch Crescent Wrench that fits one bolt on a Harley,” Buzz contributed. With a sigh of relieved skepticism, the biker and Buzz retrieved the tool. When Buzz approached the biker’s machine, he was surrounded by a large group of “mountain men”—all of whom appeared threatening but were, in fact, cordial and grateful for his assistance. In addition to the tool, Buzz provided duct tape and baling wire for bike repairs which enabled the group to continue their journey.

“A couple of days later we met in a South Dakota bar, and we were never allowed to buy our own drinks.”

“Bikers are nice people,” he explains, as he recalls his Biker rule #11: Don’t give no “stuff;” don’t take none either.”

For Buzz, the motorcycle provided not only a means of movement but also a stimulus for personal reflection. “You can feel the machine and the life within it,” he contemplates. “She responds to your touch, and senses seem so alive—smells and the feel of the wind—almost like living in slow motion even though you may be going 85 miles an hour.” The cycle also has its own rhythm, so Buzz occasionally had to stop and write the poetry he had imagined in response to the bike’s movement. His

road buddies were sometimes annoyed; however, they understood the importance of the moments to Buzz. The poetry became prolific as they headed toward the Cowboy Symposium, an annual Columbus Day Gathering in Ruidosa, NM. One year Buzz was named Poet Laureate of the Diamond A Wagon and received the rusty tin can filled with all the poems as his “trophy.”

A major component of the Symposium is feeding at least 40 people at the chuck wagon cook-off by cooking a meat (no Bar-B-Q), bread, potatoes, beans and dessert over the campfire in cast iron dutch ovens. (Again assists from BSA.) One year Buzz was the pie-man, but his recipe for apricot cobbler got left in an atlas in Post, TX. He remembered the recipe called for stewing the apricots and adding some cheap bourbon, but how much? He started with a cup, then tasted…needs a bit more… another taste…perhaps just a shot. What the heck? Several gallons of cobbler deserve at least the full quart of bourbon.

When the attendees sampled his cobbler, the reviews were deliciously favorable. One little lady returned to Buzz’s campfire and pulled him aside to ask whether she tasted a hint of bourbon in his cobbler. “I have a $100 bet with my husband that there is whiskey in your cobbler,” she confided. “Wasn’t there a little bit?” Buzz thoughtfully considered her question, then responded, “Ma’am there was not a little bourbon in that cobbler.” Her face fell as he paused. “I put the whole bottle in.”

“I won!” The cobbler didn’t win any prizes, but the little lady sure liked it as she collected her $100.

Eventually, Buzz decided riding his bike and living in his cabin on Lake Palestine were not enough to keep him interested. He had worked in service industries with volunteers all of his life, and he missed them. Practicality dictated that he make a job out of looking for a job, so he had to learn how to use the computer.

Eventually on Monster.com he found the posting for Executive Director of the American Red Cross office in Texarkana, TX. “I had never been to Texarkana,” Buzz reports, “just driven through on the way to Murfreesboro.” Jack Gooding from the Red Cross Board of Directors and the Caddo Area Scout Council called Buzz who came to town, interviewed and on May 15, 2006, reported for work.

Today, Buzz sits behind a large desk dominated by his computer. The diagonal position of the desk permits easy movement. Visitors are greeted by his firm handshake and relaxed smile as he rises and steps forward to meet them. He is obviously comfortable in this space and in his own skin—a model Virgo.

“Texarkana is the best place I have ever lived,” he declares. Leaning back a bit in his office chair, “Funny thing about working after you’re retired is you don’t have to work…so it’s all fun.” His fun has included opening or assisting 26 new shelters—the most of any RC chapter in Texas—and

accommodating over 1600 refugees from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. “I try to be helpful to every nonprofit in town... I spread myself pretty thin but I do what I can…I’ve always thought if everybody did what a difference it would make in the world. I figure you have to walk the talk…people need to see me out there, and perhaps they can be inspired to do their thing.”

For Buzz, his life-- though not without bumps—has been the result of Divine Intervention. “I really didn’t get to do what I wanted to do, but my life seems so perfect. That’s because God is driving the bus.”

William M. “Buzz” Barron is a man of faith and service to others with a spirit of mischievous adventure and the intelligence, caring and energy to create exciting results.

His leadership of the American Red Cross and presence in Texarkana benefit our entire community.

Congratulations!....

WINNER…

Buzz Barron

www.alt-mag.com

19

by Shawn Edmonds and Debbie Brower

Meet Our Finalists!

Category One: Ages 21-35

Burns Barr, Jr.

Burns Barr’s parents inspired him to be involved in community service. With parents who believed in serving others his entire life, it is no surprise that Burns has followed in their footsteps.

When his dad began volunteering at the TV station (KLFI), teenager Burns began helping him, doing such services as pulling cable and other various things at football games. Eventually that volunteerism became a position at the television station he loves so much. “I was excited at the opportunity that I was given to work full time at something that I have always enjoyed doing.”

The motto at KLFI is “Sharing Life with Texarkana.”

Everyday life is covered through shows such as “Heart to Heart” and “Hometown Magazine.”

Burns says, “We share the Gospel of Jesus with our community through broadcasting.

The great thing about working in television is that I get the opportunity to have “AHA” moments on a regular basis. Nothing is more fulfilling to me than to hear a person say they enjoy our service or it has benefited someone or something in some way. I enjoy what I do and hope that many people enjoy the wholesome programs that we air on KLFI TV.” Burns encourages others to volunteer by being telling others about the blessings and enjoyment he has gotten.

Burns is currently Production Manager at KLFI and Webmaster of Beech Street FBC’s website, in addition to doing much of the graphic design for the church.

“I appreciate the opportunity that ALT Magazine has given me to get the word out about KLFI TV. I know this is a handsome man competition but most people who know me know that I am a behind the scenes kind of person. That’s why I stay BEHIND the camera. I would also like to thank all the people who voted for me.

It is greatly appreciated and it is very flattering. Thank you and may God Bless.”

Thank you, Burns!

Chad Sparkman

Local restaurateur Chad Sparkman knows that a community doesn’t work well unless its citizens are involved. This is especially true with local businesses. Chad appreciates how Texarkana’s citizens have supported him and he feels that he needs to repay that support by doing whatever he can to served this community.

“I have always felt that giving to the community that has given to me is the right thing to do,” says Chad.

Chad knows that he needs to lead by example. He does

20

ALT Magazine

this by getting involved with activities at his church. He also works with local organizations that may need services that he and his restaurants, The Green Tomato and Daddy Dougaloo’s can provide.

Chad doesn’t serve for selfgratification, but he definitely feels like that serving makes him a better person.

“It always makes me feel better about myself when I am able to serve others,” says Chad.

Greg Schwartz

Greg Schwartz serves the Texarkana community in his Pleasant Grove High School classroom. He understands how important it is to prepare the young people of Texarkana to be the leaders of the future. Greg feels that some might think that teaching is not an act of service, but he takes the responsibility to shape his students quite seriously.

“…if you don’t think [teaching is] a service, then you need to spend a week in my shoes,” says Greg.

Greg was encouraged to pursue service through teaching by his college mentor, Dr. Scott Holsclaw. He credits Holsclaw as the one person who lead him to a teaching career. Greg feels that this shows how an individual truly can have a positive impact on another person.

“The simple act of having a conversation with a student and encouraging them to keep moving and not give up was one of the many traits that made [Holsclaw] an incredible person,” says Greg.

As PGHS technical theatre director, Greg has the opportunity to touch many lives. He thinks that reaching out to students and encouraging their success should be a primary goal. Greg is mindful of the fact that he can serve kids with just a simple compliment or a simple conversation.

“Most [students] just want to be heard…,” says Greg.

Greg also feels like he benefits from student success. It helps to make him a better teacher re-energizing him when he sees that his students “get it.” Even more importantly, Greg knows that it raises his students’ self-esteem, which is a huge benefit for everyone.

“Its always a great moment when a student comes up to you and thanks you for your hard work, but when faculty and parents take

time out of their busy schedules to tell you that you’re making a difference in the students lives, that’s a huge boost to keep you going,” says Greg.

Josh Davis

For Josh Davis, community service has been a part of his life as far back as he can remember. Family, of course, were always involved. Josh says, “However, I was blessed to have outstanding role models such as scout leaders like Davis Orr, Bill Miller and Don Kyle. Baseball coaches David Whatley, Marty Filogamo, Joe Blagg and Judge Joe Griffin are just a few that taught me that giving to others could mean so much to those who imitated and benefitted from their examples. Role models were my best inspirers.”

A firefighter with the Miller County Fire Department, Josh discovered what he wanted to do when he was in the eleventh grade.

“I volunteered with the Miller County Fire Department. Seeing how much I enjoyed helping people in distress, Fire Chief Joe Martin encouraged me to pursue a career in firefighting. He reminded me that our being on the scene of a disaster helped make a difference in someone’s life, and at that moment, I discovered what I was called to do in life.”

Josh enjoys volunteering in many activities throughout the year, including serving as MDA coordinator for the fire department.

For a monetary contribution, a citizen could participate in “The Get Your Goat” fundraiser. Carrying a baby goat to Mayors, bankers and citizens earned a great deal of money for MDA and gave a lot of folk, as well as Josh, a big laugh.

Josh now enjoys serving the citizens of Ward 6 on the Texarkana Texas City Council. Josh says, “I listen to voters concerns and try to resolve any issues they have. Most times there aren’t many laughs in this service - no baby goats - but I enjoy it none the less.”

Josh hopes to be an inspiration to others to encourage volunteerism. So does he think he benefits more by giving then receiving? “Hands down, I benefit most by serving, because even when I listen to a ward member’s complaints, I always leave believing I’ve just made a new friend,” Josh says. “Also, if I am able to effect a solution for a complaint, that ward member benefits from my efforts.”

Josh Douglas

Josh Douglas is co-owner of two restaurants in the Texarkana area -- the Green Tomato and Daddy Dougaloo’s. He learned a lot about community service as a college student at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. Josh says, “I was a member of the fraternal organization Pi Kappa Alpha. Despite what Hollywood depicts as fraternity life, many good things can come from it.

Community service was one of our leading attributes to the Little Rock community.”

One of Pi Kappa Alpha’s tasks of community service was to gather as many new and used books as possible and deliver them to underprivileged children. Reading one of these books to a child in the waiting room of the office we delivered them to made him www.alt-mag.com

21

realize what a difference volunteering makes to everyone in the community.

Josh also participates in canned food drives for the hungry, but sponsoring children from third world countries through World Vision has been the most life changing for him. “When you read your sponsored child hand written letters and updates, the feeling of knowing that you’ve helped completely change a life is overwhelming,” Josh says.

So how does Josh feel about encouraging others to volunteer? “I was once on the receiving end of a ‘pay it forward’ incident. It changed my views on human decency and hopefully my paying it forward can and will do the same.”

Josh enjoys making a difference in others people’s lives and hopes that those he is trying to helping truly benefit from his actions, otherwise his actions would be pointless and completely self-serving.

For Josh, self-serving isn’t in the equation. He loves helping others and it shows!

Editor’s note: In Josh’s interview questions, he made the following note, which I am sure he didn’t think we would publish! However, here you go! He is not only a great volunteer for the community, but a really smart guy!

Q. Is there anything else you would like to add? A. Debbie is the sexiest woman in the magazine business! (What a great joker! HAHA!)

Justin Matlock

Justin Matlock tries to live by the mantra “treat people as you want to be treated.” He enjoys serving the neighborhood where he grew up by serving with his dad at the Newtown Reunion. This allows him to give back to people who helped him as he grew up there.

“My father inspired me to do community service. He and a few of his friends started a community gathering for our neighborhood,” says Justin.

This community even encourages people to come together to clean up the neighborhood’s streets and park.

“I had an “a-ha” moment when I saw people in the community picking up trash. It really made me smile to see [community members] making an effort to keep our neighborhood

22

ALT Magazine

clean,” says Justin.

Justin also believes that people never get a second chance to make that crucial first impression. He hopes his work with his father on the Newtown Reunion will help show younger members of the community how to keep the neighborhood clean and safe. He wants this project to make an impression and he wants to show kids how to lead by example.

“I believe if you get out and show [people] what to do and how to do it, it makes a big difference,” he says.

This GM Certified Sales Consultant at Orr Chevrolet believes that he should live each day to the fullest and he does it by showing young people how to make a difference in their communities.

Category Two: Ages 36-50

Doug Warren

As the Vice President of Alaska’s Healing Hearts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of America’s wounded soldiers in the backdrop of Alaska’s Great Outdoors, Doug Warren manages programs, fundraising, awareness and celebrity involvement. Helping others is as much a part of his life as breathing.

As Doug explains, “I am fortunate in that I have the a-ha moments every day, having had the honor of working with and befriending so many of our wounded soldiers over the years I spend a good portion of my day communicating with many of them, hearing about the first apartment and couch, injury updates and even new girlfriends. Although these may seem to be simple conversations, to these wounded heroes these accomplishments are milestones.” With these soldier programs, Doug gets the chance to meet and help in the physical and mental therapy of America’s finest, our true heroes.

Community involvement is something Doug credits his parents for instilling in him, from annually helping to decorate the local VA hospital at Christmas to taking part in newspaper and aluminum can pickups with local civic groups for their fundraising efforts.

Doug’s philosophy is simple. “Volunteering is just that, a simple giving of your time, energy, resources etc for something you feel strongly about and believe in. Nowhere in the definition of the word volunteer does it say you have to have money or special skill to be of assistance, if you have a passion towards breast cancer make that call and they will put you to work and you will never look back. The same applies to helping our soldiers; organizations all over the country could use everything from a simple hand helping someone in a wheelchair on a project on up to fundraising to continue beneficial programs and everything in between.”

The upcoming purchase of a riverfront lodge in Alaska will allow Alaska’s Healing Hearts to provide year round confidence and rehabilitation programs for our wounded heroes. Doug will continue his work to help those who are in need.

Dustin Robnett

Dustin Robinette loves working with some of Texarkana’s students through the Southwest Arkansas High School Rodeo Association. He provides a support system for young men in the rodeo who might not otherwise have any kind of encouragement in their lives.

Dustin credits his son for encouraging him to become involved in the SWAHRA community.

“I have sort of adopted these bright young men as my own. All of this became possible through my son’s interest in the association,” says Dustin.

Dustin believes that his service has the possibility to help keep kids involved and off the street.

He sees how the SWAHRA gives students a goal and something on which to be focused. Dustin’s “a-ha” moment came when a young bullrider showed him appreciation for the support he provides. “[This rider] looked at me with so much pride and joy in his eyes and said ‘thanks for all you do big guy (Dustin’s nickname)…

I couldn’t have done it without you’,” says Dustin. “I had no idea

what I do for these guys meant so much to them.”

While Dustin’s whole goal for service is to benefit kids in Texarkana, he feels like he benefits and grows from working with them. The superintendent for Altech, Inc., he has been involved in overseeing the construction of many buildings in Texarkana including the Sullivan Performing Arts Center and the Morriss School. While this job is important, Dustin feels that his role as a dad and a mentor is his most crucial one.

“…being known as man that children can depend on is the greatest honor of all,” says Dustin.

Jeff Pritchett Jeff Pritchett has been inspired throughout his life by those that took their time to help him. Parents, coaches and teachers gave their time and knowledge, based on their own successes and failures. They celebrated his successes and helped him through his failures.

It’s no wonder that Jeff loves volunteering. Jeff states, “I know that the services I provide helps others but it probably helps me more. I spend a large part of my time giving to others and it makes me feel very useful.” Serving as President of his local firefighter union, soccer coach, fundraiser for MDA, Camp

www.alt-mag.com

23

Sunshine and others, Jeff spends far more time doing things for no pay than for pay. “But the compensation for volunteer activities far outweighs any amount of money I can make. I truly feel it is my calling to donate my time to others,” Jeff admits.

For Jeff, the a-ha moment came early in his career as a firefighter. Jeff frequently gave safety speeches to children in local school. The children looked to him for direction in a field that he had knowledge and trusted him to guide them down the right path to ensure their safety. “I knew then that I could make a positive difference in peoples lifes,” Jeff says. “The most precious gift is not always monetary. The most precious gift is to give yourself to another.”

Jeff has served the city of Texarkana, Arkansas, for 15 1/2 years as a firefighter, earning the rank of Lieutenant. He is also the owner of Metro Fire Extinguisher Company and Aquarium Images.

“To all my buddies who keep giving me a hard time: I know as well as you that I am not that handsome, but thankfully this contest is for more than good looks. My wife and daughters think their husband and dad is pretty handsome and I think that’s good enough for me. (Editor’s note: It’s good enough for us, too!)

Tim Montgomery

Tim Montgomery learned about serving others by example.

His father was a pastor in Memphis who modeled service to Tim throughout his life. Tim’s dad taught him to serve people, not just financially, but through hands-on practical acts.

“These acts of kindness [by my father] were not just isolated incidents scattered over 80 years, but rather a way of life,” says Tim.

One of the ways that Tim’s dad encouraged him to serve was through his visits to a local nursing home. At 15, Tim found himself filling in for his father at an informal “church service” for the residents. After this service, he met an elderly African American woman who needed help getting back to her room. Tim formed a bond with that woman when he took the time to help her back to her room that would last for two years until the woman passed away. Tim learned a lot about their cultural differences as they spent Sunday afternoons together. This time sharing with someone with whom he seemingly had nothing in common gave Tim his “a-ha” moment. This elderly woman shared her life with Tim in a way that no one else ever had and he offered her dignity and respect that she had never received before.

“Simple acts of kindness and listening to her had set her heart free from years of racism and hate. I have never been the same,” says Tim.

As pastor of Heritage Baptist Church, Tim serves the Texarkana community on a daily basis now. He knows how important it is to set the example for his congregation when it comes to service. If Tim doesn’t serve, his congregation probably won’t. He also makes

24

ALT Magazine

sure the church provides lots of ways for its members to serve. While he enjoys participating in many service activities, one of his favorite is Laces of Grace. This local board provides new school shoes for the children of Texarkana.

“To see the look on the face of a small child when he gets a new pair of shoes is priceless and to hear the heartfelt thanks of parents who only want the best for their children is heart-warming, too,” says Tim.

Tim loves that his service is beneficial to others and that he is able to follow Jesus’ command to serve others. These are the things that motivate him to stay active in the Texarkana community.

“I get the benefit of that great feeling of living outside myself [when I serve] and of honoring the Lord Jesus with my obedience to His word,” says Tim.

Trent Hanna

Trent Hanna strives to make Texarkana a better place to live. His inspiration for this is his wife Bethany. They have both been involved with Main Street Texarkana, which helped support and improve local arts organizations like TRAHC and Tex*Rep. “The birth of our twin boys has slowed our ability to serve considerably, but eventually we will be a team of four instead of the two we used to be,” says Trent.

While Trent wants to make organizations like TRAHC and Tex*Rep successful, he feels like his most important work is with his students.

He is the technical theater teacher at Texas High. Trent loves seeing his students succeed and he says he has seen great progress in the year since the John Thomas Theater has opened. Trent’s “a-ha” moment also involves his pride in the success of his students. He enjoys having tangible proof that he has made a difference in a student’s achievement. “[My ‘a-ha’ moment came] when one of my former high school students from Pleasant Grove called me to let me know that the things she had learned from me had placed her at the top of her theatre class, and earned her a paying position in the college she is attending,” says Trent.

Trent also knows that the best encouragement for volunteerism is done by example. He hopes that his success with a program like Main Street Texarkana and the restoration he has done with the Texarkana Museum System will help others get involved in the community. Trent knows that groups of volunteers get the work done if everyone is committed to the activity and then everyone benefits.

“…you’ve got to all have a shared interest and commitment to what you’re doing, which can be a very validating and rewarding experience,” says Trent.

Category Two: Ages 36-50

Chuck Guilbert

Chuck Guilbert believes that service is a process. It is a process that he learned from his parents as they helped people in positive ways when he was young. Chuck’s house was always open to others. He learned that when he did a little something for others and he was able see results, it inspired him to do a little more. This inspiration has continued throughout his life.

Chuck currently serves as the Minister of Music at Highland Park Baptist Church. He loves the opportunity he gets to work with the senior citizens of his church.

“They are the sweetest, most loving group of people,” Chuck says. “They have lived a life of sacrifice that inspires me.”

Chuck has used his ministry and service throughout the years to inspire others, too. He often hears about the young people of his former churches who are now involved in service. Several serve as youth pastors, worship leaders and in other capacities in their churches. Learning about these young people and their service in their communities really presents Chuck with an “a-ha” moment.

“…I feel privileged that I was part of their young lives,” says Chuck.

Chuck loves serving the Texarkana community. He knows that service presents great opportunities, but that these opportunities are not always easy. They can sometimes be disguised as “insurmountable problems.”

“I am called to simply trust God, live in obedience to His word and He promised to take care of everything and He always does,” says Chuck.

Texarkana JC’s, his volunteer “a-ha” moment came when he was a student at Arkansas High School. As a member of Key Club, Curt was asked to help distribute Christmas baskets to Texarkana’s needy families.

“The excitement and smiles from the children really made an impression on us high school boys,” says Curt.

Curt loves to help others because he realizes service provides essentials to other people’s lives. He also knows that the benefits run both ways.

“If we as volunteers do not receive great personal satisfaction, our volunteer careers are usually short lived,” say Curt.

Curt loves Texarkana and he is glad that he grew up here. He also loves that he has the opportunity to raise his children here. He has not only been able to start a successful commercial real estate business in Texarkana, but he has been able to participate in the volunteer activities that he loves.

“I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to actively participate in many great volunteer organizations,” says Curt.

Curt Green

Curt Green started volunteering after college with the Texarkana Junior Chamber of Commerce. He loved serving the Texarkana community with the JC’s. He feels like this award winning organization really sparked his commitment to volunteerism.

“The JC’s were a great group of guys and the fellowship plus the personal satisfaction of volunteer service started me … on a long but happy road of volunteerism,” says Curt.

Although Curt started volunteering regularly with the www.alt-mag.com

25

Frank Poff

Frank Poff loves representing people, and has been doing so as an attorney for the past 28 years. Helping others comes naturally for this Arkansas guy.

“I grew up watching my parents serve their community of Hot Springs, Arkansas; my dad was the executive director of the YMCA and my mom was the executive director of the YWCA. Their example was, and is, my inspiration,” Frank says.

Frank has served in lots of organization, but he was recently elected to the position of the National Chairman of the Easter Seals House of Delegates and therefore is an ex officio member of the Easter Seals National Board of Directors.

This allows Frank to not only have interaction with wonderful people from all over the country four times a year, but to have serious input at the national level for a mission that is so wonderful and helps so many people: improving the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

From the Temple Rehabilitation Center, Texarkana’s

26

ALT Magazine

own Easter Seals facility, where Frank started volunteering as, of all things, a blackjack dealer at a fundraiser, to a national position has been quite an exciting and fulfilling journey for a small town Arkansas guy.

Although Frank believes he receives more from volunteering than he gives, there was a particular pro bono (for free) case where he representated a sweet young lady who had been an abuse victim of her father. As Frank remembers, “I represented her for 10 years before the Arkansas State Parole Victim Board to help her face and voice some horrific memories to keep her attacker behind bars; during this hard period, she became like a daughter to me, and honored me by asking me to give her away at her wedding. We are still very close.”

So, how does Frank get others to volunteer? By example.

“My wife, Theresa, is an Occupational Therapist and she does things I can’t do. People like me that can’t heal, fix or assist those in need in some medical way, can always find uses for our own skill-sets, and I am always willing to help someone find their own niche so they can help! Pretty soon, like my own experiences show, their own positive feelings about helping are all the encouragement others need!”

James Keeton

For James Keeton, it is an honor to be recognized as being one of the Most Handsome Men! Deeply humbled by his nomination, James, an Arkansas borne country boy, became an instant celebrity at home. “Nowhere but the Ark-La-Tex could this have ever happened,” James says.

While growing up, James’ family had fallen on hard times, as did many others in his community. According to James, “What people did in those days were share their gifts and talents, providing a service to help compensate those needs where one could survive or make do. This was my first desire to do community service.”

Upon my return from overseas in the Army (1970), James was offered a position with a poverty program called Community Action Resource Service (CARS) under the Leadership of Mr. E. E. Collins. As Community Organizer and eventually Director of Delivery of Services, over a span approximately eight years, James and his volunteers would go in each community, find their needs, then find resources to fulfil those needs. That was a joy, seeing the faces of despair turn in to faces of hope.

James’ most memorable a-ha moment came while assisting his brother (Jesse) coach Boys Club Baseball. They were given the boys no one wanted because of bad attitudes, negative character, etc. “We were successful in turning those boys around through character building, motivating, building self esteem and respect, the old fashion way, through tough love. Many of those guys went to college and succeeded.

Some even played college football on national TV. The years we coached, we always won First Place, with those boys nobody wanted. That is my AHA MOMENT,” James proudly states.

James enjoyes his tenure as a member of the Board of Trustees of Liberty Eylau ISD, currently serving as Secretary of the board in his 14th year of service. “It’s a blessing being a voice for the community and working with such a cohesive board that has

no hidden agendas. Our main focus is providing the best education available for all students. Our goal is to assure all students are successful by providing them with the necessary tools to do so. After all, these young men and women are our future.”

James is a firm believer that both the giver and the receiver benefit from community service. “When the people I serve are successful in their endeavours and I helped in some small way, I have succeeded.”

Mike Carter As President of Central Air Conditioning and Plumbing Company, Mike Carter is a busy man. However, he is not too busy to help others in need.

Helping others began when Mike started coaching Dixie Baseball when his son was 9.

He was asked to join the board of directors of the Baseball Association shortly after, being responsible for the Concession Stand. The next year Mike was elected President where he served for almost nine years. “I met a lot of great kids and parents and got involved with other organizations,” Mike says.

Mike found out that In public service, there are many rewarding moments. One that stands out happened recently. The Viet Nam Veterans local chapter, of which Mike is a member, called and asked if he could help locate a window unit for a disabled Veteran whose wife had just gotten home from having both legs amputated. Due to the heat wave, almost everyone was out. “I was able to locate one and told the chapter that I would donate it myself so the chapter would not have to use their funds. I took it by their house and it was a very emotional moment for him and his wife. Needless to say, it was emotional for me also,” Mike says. He found out that the man had lost his job due to a service related injury that finally rendered him unable to work. He was still waiting for the VA to finalize his disability. They had no income and would have had to suffer through the 100+ heat.

“It is hard to convince someone to give of their time and money, but once they do they are usually hooked on community service when they see the joy it brings to others,” Mike states.

However, according to Mike, the feeling you get when you see the results of your service far outweighs that experienced by those served.

13 y r a u n a J , Thursday 7:30pm

www.trahc.org 903.792.4992 Congratulations to all our Handsome Men Winners, Finalists and Nominees!

You are a blessing to our community!

Thank you! www.alt-mag.com

27

Congratulations to all of our Most Handsome Men Nominees!

Ben Mayo

Chad Edgington

David Magness

Frank Pryor, Jr.

Greg Schwartz

Mark Duch

Mason Lafferty

Micah Harp

Shane Holland

Travis Jackson

Zachary Lawrence

Blake Carlow

Bob Bruggeman

Brent Carmony

Brian Purtle

Chet Nichols

Donald Benning

Doug Sloan

Dustin Stringer

Jeff Phillips

Jeff Tanner

Justin Ingram

Mark Brine

Philip Poteete

Scott Hines

Bix Rathburn

Damon Young

David James

Eddie Daines

Jason Vanderhoof

James Bramlett

28

Billy Lavender

ALT Magazine

Jeff Brown

Kip Pavey

Freddie Contreras

Richard Reynolds

George Carpenter, Jr.

Robert Bunch

Horrace Shipp

Ron Morrow

Meet the “Kid of the Year,” Corwin Lee! Corwin Lee, 7 year old son of Tracy Turner of Hope, Arkansas, will be representing Easter Seals East Texas, Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center as our “Kid of the Year” for 2010. Corwin was born with spina bifida, a serious birth defect that occurs when the tissue surrounding the developing spinal cord of a fetus does not close properly. The nerve tissue that is damaged or lost cannot be repaired or replaced, nor can function be restored to the damaged nerves.

Corwin started working with Brenda Reid, a physical therapist at the Temple Center, when he was thirteen months old. He and Ms. Brenda have worked to maximize and improve his functional abilities and he is currently able to ride a bike with no training wheels. Corwin currently wears braces on his legs but never complains because he says that he can run fast in them and he really, really loves to run! The proof can be seen every time he comes in for therapy as he races his Mom from the car to the front door.

Kristi White, an occupational therapist at the Temple Center, also works with Corwin on his fine motor skills and dressing skills and he is making significant strides in both.

30

ALT Magazine

interested in helping Corwin and other children with disabilities in our area, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Easter Seals East Texas, Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center. Your donation increases our ability to provide the latest technology and therapy options to these special children.

Corwin originally would tell Ms. Kristi, “I can’t do that” but now he says, “Let me show you that I can do that.” Ms. Kristi says that Corwin is becoming more independent by choice and is gaining more and more confidence as he progresses. His independence is a beautiful thing!

Spina bifida occurs in about 1 out of every 1,000 newborns in the United States and the average cost of caring for a child with spina bifida is around $636,000 and there is currently no known cure. If you are

On Saturday, January 15, 2011, the Easter Seals of East Texas will be celebrating their eighth annual “Phantom Ball” at Texarkana Country Club. The proceeds of this event will benefit the clients and services of Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center.

This year we are asking you to join in our effort. We hope that you will seize this opportunity to “Earn Your Wings” and become an “Angel of Change”.

For sponsorship information or to purchase tickets, please call Anita Carver at 903.794.2705.

You can change a life. Please donate today!

Plan on attending the 2011 Phantom Ball on January 15, 2011. Proceeds from the Ball benefit Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center. Call Anita Carver for information and reservations - 903.794.2705.

www.alt-mag.com

31

FOR NEONATAL , INTENSIVE CARE KEEP THE ONES WHO ARE CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART,

CLOSE TO HOME Beth and Ali Shelton of Dierks, Arkansas

Beth Asked for Us.

MORE. MOMS. MOMS. DO.

CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System provides Level III Neonatal Intenssive Care for high-risk infants so that babies born before they are ready to face the world can thrive close to home.

We know how very much it means for all families to know these tiny patients can get the best care right here. With our in-house, board certified neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners providing care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, more moms and dads choose to receive their babies’

care from our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) specialists.

Women & Children’s Health Services

903-614-2688

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

F E AT U R E S

BUSINESS

38

The Whole Staircase or One Step at a Time

48

46

Super Foods

50

Lose Weight, Feel Great!

56 Hysterectomies 57

P r o f i l e - B o w s a n d To e s

HELPFUL INFO 54

Financial Focus

58

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

Hot Flashes

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower

k / COVER

30 38

Babies and Infertility Fertility is a serious issue for many people throughout the world, including the Ark-La-Tex. These couples share their journeys.

36

ALT Magazine

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

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

Š2011 ALT Magazine

Our Ratings Speak for Themselves

WADLEY, the ONLY hospital in Texarkana to receive all of these national recognitions.

by Jane Bouterse

Shannon and Kirk Readon’s son, Holden Vincent

T

he letter arrived unexpectedly after the publication of ALT’s Special Edition! Health and Fitness, September 2010. “I want to approach you with a subject that is rarely broached,” the spare, informed sentence stated. “I am emailing you about this after much thought and the realization that this is a large problem here in Texarkana. The number of women that I personally know that are struggling… is now in the double digits.”

In today’s world--awash with media and messages—does a “rarely broached” subject actually exist?

Katrina Thrash, the letter writer, not only knows the subject’s existence but also understands the necessity for increased awareness. The subject is Infertility.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “about 10 percent of women (6.1 million) in the United States ages 15-44 have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant.” About one-third of infertility cases are women’s problems; one-third, male and one-third caused by a mixture of male and female or unknown problems. Katrina and her husband, Tim have weathered the challenges of infertility and have joined three other couples—Lisa and Alex Harris; Shannon

38

ALT Magazine

and Kirk Reardon and Ginger and Johnny Mitchell-- to share their experiences. All of these couples have ridden the emotional roller coasters created by their intense desires for biological children and their inability to conceive. Their willingness to describe the various features of their experiences is prompted by their hopes for helping others—testimonies of their faith and courage. Although the tears and fears, even the pains and progress, of their choices are similar, their rides have been quite different.

Lisa Harris and her husband Alex were stunned by the existence of an infertility problem, since Lisa, at age 17 had conceived naturally and delivered her daughter Jordan, prematurely. Lisa had been a single mom for several years when she married Alex. After two years of marriage, 36 year old Lisa and 35 year old Alex decided that it was time to have a child of their own, and they began in earnest. Lisa laughs softly and almost as though she is talking to herself, “The first time I was young, totally unprepared and scared. This time, every detail had been planned. I was so excited, so ready.”

Nothing happened. Most specialists recommend a year of trying, but women

35 or older are encouraged to see their doctor if conception has not occurred after 6 months. “A woman’s chances of having a baby decrease rapidly every year after the age of 30.”

Doctors rely on multiple tests for both the woman and the man when an infertility problem seems to exist. Lisa’s tests began first and immediately revealed that her fallopian tubes (the transports for the egg to the uterus) were completely dilated and about to rupture. The poison liquid within these blocked tubes can be deadly if released, but Lisa made it to Baylor in time for surgery. Her life was actually saved by her failed attempts to get pregnant. Six weeks later Lisa and Alex took the first of many trips to the Center for Fertility in Shreveport and eventual in vitro fertilization, one type of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Alex and Lisa have been fortunate, as the cause of their infertility problem was quickly identified and resolved. Often identifying the cause or causes of infertility can be a long and emotional process.

Katrina and Tim Thrash were married in 2003, and one year later decided they would begin their family.

Katrina was anxious, since she had a

medical history of irregular periods and pain. “I think I developed endometriosis (when the uterine tissue implants and grows outside the uterus causing pain, scarring, inflammation and often infertility) in high school, but the doctors just put me on birth control pills” After an unsuccessful year of trying, Katrina and Tim sought medical advice. Three years and six doctors later, they were still seeking answers.

A friend referred the couple to an OB/GYN in Plano. By now, Katrina was begging for a hysterectomy because of pain and felt like a complete failure.

She even encouraged her husband to leave her and marry someone who could give him the family he wanted. Katrina was denied the hysterectomy and the divorce; instead, they were directed to the office of Dr. Putman, an infertility specialist at Baylor Medical Center. Their world began immediately to change.

Tim was referred to Dr. Buch, a male infertility specialist. “I didn’t know there was such a thing,” Tim still speaks with a touch of surprise in his voice. Tests determined that Tim had problems with the motility of his sperm “and that was after he has been told by two separate doctors he was OK,” Katrina writes. “[Dr. Buch] told us we had only a 3% chance of conceiving…so this information floored us!

He recommended surgery and explained that my husband’s recovery would take 9 months. I was recovering from my second surgery for endometriosis, and I had only an 18 month window in which I could get pregnant. With his 9 month recovery

period, this put us near the end of my window of opportunity. The waiting was awful.”

Katrina and Tim Thrash’s twins, Abigail Marienne and Jared Deene

“Now, I always ask if the husbands have been tested,” Tim adds.

After 6 months, Tim was declared fit, so the couple could move on to their last procedure, but their roller coaster was just beginning to gain speed.

Causes of infertility in both men and women vary, but major factors for both include age, lifestyle choices— alcohol, smoking, obesity, caffeine; health—disease or physical problems, medicines, treatments; exercise; STDs; family history or stress.

Another couple was just boarding their roller coaster. Shannon and Kirk Reardon love their Jack Russell Terriers, Kramer and Milo, but they wanted children

For More Information Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Phone Number (s): (888) 463-6332 Internet Address: http://www.fda.gov The Centers for Disease Control/ Division of Reproductive Health Phone Number(s) (800) CDC-INFO (232-4636) Internet Address: http://www.cdc.gov/Reproductivehealth/DRH/ index.htm American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Resource Center Phone Number (s): (800) 762-2264 Internet Address: http://www.acog.org

to complete their family circle. After trying for a year to get pregnant, they sought medical advice. Kirk was tested first, and he was pronounced OK. When Shannon’s tubes were examined in Texarkana, she was referred to the Arkansas Fertility and Gynecology Associates in Little Rock; one of her tubes was a bit cloudy. The real problem was endometriosis, but a laparoscopy (minor surgery to see inside the abdomen) successfully removed most of the implant from her ovaries. After six months of trying again on their own, Shannon discovered she was pregnant but five days later, miscarried. By now they both needed some recovery time, so they suspended their efforts and enjoyed some R&R in Mexico. Four months later, the couple began IUI treatments (15-20% chance of getting pregnant), but after four unsuccessful procedures, realized that IVF was going to be necessary. The cycle of shots, medicines, sonograms, blood work began again.

“When I got my medicines,” Shannon explains, “I felt like we could open our own pharmacy. I was a walking hormone.”

Both Shannon and Kirk had to give up all caffeine for six weeks prior to the IVF process. “We were both horribly scared to do this [IVF]. It was a huge risk.” Shannon confesses.

Finally, the long process reached the moment doctors and the couple had been working toward—harvest day.

Everything had to be done on a precise schedule. Fourteen eggs were retrieved, seven, fertilized. Then the “fun part,”

American Society for Reproductive Medicine Phone Number(s): (205)978-5000 Internet Address: http://www.asrm.org/ RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association Phone Number(s): (888)623-0744 Internet Address: http://www.resolve.org American Fertility Association Phone Number(s): (888)917-37777 Internet Address: http://www.theafa.org Fertile Hope Phone Number(s): (888)914-HOPE (4673) Internet Address: http://www.fertilehope.org U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Phone Number(s): 1-800-994-9662 or TDD: 1-888-220-5446 http://womenshealth.gov www.alt-mag.com

39

according to Shannon, began as daily calls track, but like all the others are doing Katrina and Tim Thrash decided from Little Rock relayed the status of her whatever it takes to make their dreams of early on that IVF was not an option for “embabies.” Five days after retrieval, three a family their reality. them. If IUI did not work, they would fertilized eggs were ready for transfer.

After a diagnosis of infertility, consider adoption—which they did.

The Reardons’ doctor recommended only hormones, eggs, and timing become a With emotions soaring one moment one egg be couple’s major and plummeting the next, the thought of transferred. issues along “throwing in the towel” occurred to them Kirk and with needles, more than once.”

Shannon an extensive Once the decision is made, the wrestled with pharmacopeia, hormones begin. The woman’s body must this decision sonograms, bed produce eggs which are healthy and all the way to rest, blood work harvestable. The eggs are fertilized to Little Rock. and highways. If produce embryos which become healthy Shannon was the decision has children. Sounds so simple, but it is one on the gurney, not already been of Nature’s most complex procedures. ready for the made, the time In a natural procedure, the chances of transfer, when is now for the becoming pregnant during one ovulation they told the couple to decide cycle are only 20%. Those chances are doctor, “We on the desirable appreciably reduced when medicine is just want to procedures for manipulating the procedures, so a stiff go for two.” getting pregnant. regimen is followed. To grow the eggs Ten days later, The loss of any and produce the hormones that allow the they learned of the basic body to accept the eggs requires months they were equipment requires of shots to the stomach and hip. Many of pregnant. After the husbands an uneventful become pregnancy, experts at Holden giving the Vincent shots while Reardon, some of the a healthy 8 women prefer pounds, joined giving them to his mom and themselves.

Katrina and Tim Thrash, with twins, dad on January These are Abigail Marienne and Jared Deene 12, 2010. hormones Shannon and that the body Kirk’s courage, emotional, physical and that alternative would naturally financial commitments and sacrifices have measures produce, but been rewarded. be taken to the body does Ginger and Johnny Mitchell assist Mother not know it are virtual newlyweds. A native of Nature. Those is pregnant.

Daingerfield, Johnny met Ginger in June measures fall When the 2008, shortly after his move to Texarkana. into two basic eggs are An outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and categories: ready, the fishing, Johnny took Ginger fishing at Lake The first is woman may Wright Patman on their first date. Ginger Intrauterine be injected just smiles when she admits, “After that Insemination with sperm date, I was hooked.” Johnny teases, “I (IUI). “This in IUI or Lisa and Alex Harris caught a 35 lb. catfish on a line on the is an infertility harvested and same date, “but he also admits he caught treatment that fertilized in IVF. the love of his life, too. From the beginning is often called artificial insemination. In Embryos now exist, and their of their relationship, Ginger was honest. this procedure, the woman is injected with growth and well being is carefully During her junior year in high school, she specially prepared sperm. monitored by regular sonograms and began to gain weight and have period The second category is assisted blood work from the day pregnancy is problems. Three doctors diagnosed her reproductive technology (ART). “ART determined . Both Lisa and Shannon problem as Polycystic ovary syndrome works by removing eggs from a woman’s and their husbands have known the (PCOS), a hereditary disease. “In PCOS, body. The eggs are then mixed with loss of fertilized embryos while Ginger your body produces too much androgen sperm to make embryos. The embryos and Johnny have had their hopes high hormone, which affects ovulation. PCOS is are then put back in the woman’s body.” and been disappointed when bleeding also associated with insulin resistance and Several methods of ART exist, but the appeared. The entire process is a complex obesity.” Surgery of a blocked fallopian most common and effective is IVF (In medical procedure, but the outcome is just tube was eventually required, but Ginger vitro fertilization). IVF involves fertilizing as miraculous as when Mother Nature is in knew the PCOS also significantly reduced the eggs outside the woman’s body, then charge. the possibility of her getting pregnant implanting the embryos into the uterus 3 to Today, Lisa, Alex and Big Sister naturally. Currently, Dr. Goldstein, her 5 days after fertilization. Chances of more Jordan Harris are expecting a little girl to Dallas fertility doctor says, “The question is than one baby are increased with IVF arrive on April 20. Katrina and Tim Thrash not IF [you will get pregnant] but WHEN.” because multiple fertilized eggs are often enjoy the busy life of three year old twins, The Mitchells know the I 30 Texarkana to implanted to increase the chances one of Abigail Marienne and Jared Deene, and Dallas corridor as their own roller coaster them will develop into a baby.

Shannon and Kirk Reardon are learning

40

ALT Magazine

from Holden Vincent Reardon. Ginger of conception, men inhabit their own today…I wouldn’t trade a minute of it. and Johnny are still making those trips to strained emotional worlds. For example, I’ve loved spending all this time with you.

Dallas “Not IF but WHEN.” Lisa remembers the day she and Alex You are my best friend, and I love you so Internet information on Infertility returned to Shreveport to have their much!’ I just cried, and I knew no matter and Treatment is abundant and thorough embryos implanted. “It had been such an what I was already so blessed because I [NOTE the Sidebars]. What is left out of ordeal getting to this point, “ Lisa recalls. married the most wonderful man I could the internet information, however, are Both Alex and have ever asked the personal struggles of both these Lisa were clad for.” women and men who have shown a kind from head to toe Laughter of courage and commitment—to each in scrubs then— and appreciation other and to their dream—that rarely what else?-- put are important. exists. They are a special group who in a room to wait.

Shannon laughs at offer themselves and their experiences to “Out of nowhere,” the “Clean freak” anyone who needs them.

Lisa writes, “Alex her husband, The a microbiology physical major, has become challenges of where Holden is the infertility concerned. At the procedures are same time she invasive, painful, enjoys watching repetitive and how Holden brings exhausting. From out traits in his beginning to dad that Shannon conclusion the has never seen process is time before. “I want this consuming and child as much as expensive, but you do,” Kirk had these are people told her. In spite of with a dream a busy schedule, and a willingness Kirk manages to regardless of give Holden his what it takes-- to last bottle each Shannon and Kirk Readon with son, Holden day. This new have a child.

Vincent Even though dad also tends careers are to be “obsessive” looks at me and pursued—Lisa is according to Shannon about having says ‘This isn’t a cosmetologist/ Holden’s ears covered outside, and socks exactly what I owner of Style and shoes always on his feet. Shannon pictured when I Studio; husband admits she and Kirk are even closer Ginger and Johnny Mitchell imagined getting you now because of the prayers, faith and Alex is a coach pregnant, so much and teacher. friendships that provided vital support for romance!’ We both just died laughing, Katrina practices occupational therapy during their ride. “I’m telling you,” Shannon then Alex added, ‘No matter what happens affirms, “Kirk is my rock. He is the most while Tim works at Red River; Shannon is a para-legal for David Ruff while husband, Kirk has his own almost 24/7 Everyone’s looking for an encouraging sign in today’s business. Johnny Mitchell economy.

The fact is, they’ll see one in over 17,500 locations works graveyard at Cooper across North America. Because for over 86 years, Tire, and Ginger has ® decided to devote all her State Farm agents have been there helping people protect energies to their pursuit the things that matter most. That’s why more people trust of pregnancy. During their State Farm. And we consider that a very good sign. infertility procedures, these women and men are always on notice and must be connected to employers who are willing to work with their mood swings on the job as well as their abrupt departures and absencs.

Therefore, attention must be paid to their coping and support efforts.

Their greatest support comes from each other. Although women tend to be the focal points of the pregnancy experience, regardless of the method

A GOOD SIGN EVEN IN TIMES LIKE THESE.

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, STATE FARM IS THERE.

®

Ron Morrow CLU ChFC LUTCF, Agent 3306 Richmond Rd Texarkana, TX 75503 Bus: 903-832-5505 www.ronmorrowagency.com PROVIDING INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES State Farm, Bloomington IL

P087082 11/08

www.alt-mag.com

41

positive person I know. I could not have made it through this without him.”

Katrina acknowledges that Tim was amazingly patient with her during the entire process. “We know we can get through anything together. We made it through this. With support for each other and prayer, we can make it through anything.”

Ginger and Johnny are building their relationship, too, as they endure the same regimen of meds and shots and blood work and sonograms the others know so well. “I’ve had days when I asked Johnny to divorce me because I’m stealing his future,” Ginger explains, “but he just says, ‘If I didn’t want to be with you, I wouldn’t have been with you.’ He keeps me calm.”

These husbands have learned the importance of giving shots, spending time in doctors’ offices, dealing with the emotions of the day, and having an abundance of patience and encouragement.

One of the most difficult components of the entire process are those contacts of everyday encounters.

As Katrina observed, “Resorting to invasive and expensive medical procedures is not something you just talk about. People don’t know what to say. Infertility is just such a complicated subject. You would be surprised at some of the advice I’ve gotten: ‘Get a 6 pack of beer, just relax. It’ll happen when you least expect it.’ or ‘Stand on your head.’

These are the most frustrating. I just want

to say, ‘Don’t you think I’ve tried? You would turn red at some of the things I’ve tried.’”

At some time during the process, most of the couples have questioned God. “Why are You putting us through this?”

The support from their church families and faith has been an invaluable source of strength for them.

Another source of strength has been the discovery of people who have been or are going through the process.

Tim discovered a high school friend whose wife was taking the same ride as Katrina.

Finally Katrina called her, and “It was the best thing I ever did,” she declares.

“Unless you have experienced infertility, you can’t understand. Emotions I didn’t even know I had came to the surface.

COPING AND SUPPORT

has been shown to reduce anxiety and increase optimism during IVF.

professional help if the emotional impact becomes too great.

The emotional burden on a couple dealing with infertility is considerable, and plans for coping can help.

• Practice relaxation – Cognitive behavioral therapy, which uses methods that include relaxation training and stress management, has been associated with higher pregnancy rates

• Failure – The emotional stress of failure can be devastating even on the most loving relationship and people for people who have prepared for the possibility of failure.

Planning for emotional turmoil

• Set limits – Decide in advance on the emotionally and financially acceptable procedures and attempt to determine a final limit.

• Consider other options – Determine options as early as possible in the process.

• Talk about your feelings – Locate support groups and/or counseling services before and after treatment.

Managing emotional stress during treatment

• Acupuncture – This ancient therapy

42

ALT Magazine

• Express yourself - Reach out to others rather than repressing guilt or anger.

• Success – Even if fertility treatment is successful, it’s common to experience stress and fear of failure during pregnancy.

• Stay in touch with loved ones – Talking to your partner, family and friends can be very beneficial. The best support often comes from loved ones and those closest to you.

• Multiple births – Multiple births introduce new medical complexities and the likelihood of significant emotional stress during pregnancy and after delivery.

Managing emotional effects of the outcome

• Whatever the result of your fertility treatment, you’ll face the possibility of psychological challenges. Seek

www.mayoclinic.org/infertility www.mayoclinic.org/infertility/DS00310 www.mayoclinic/health/male-infertility/ DS01038

Friends are so important.” Because Katrina now understands the importance of being able to talk with someone who understands, she has an e-mail address specifically for people who need an understanding ear: infertilitysupport2010@windstream.net. “I’m here if you want to talk.”

Ginger also invites contact with those who want to talk at ginmitchell313@aol.com.

Two other areas must be addressed in this snapshot of the infertility problem. One is money. The entire process can exceed $30,000. Because most insurance companies do not cover infertility, and infertility insurance is very expensive, many couples must depend on financial assistance from an outside source—usually family. Drastic measures are often required.

Lisa and Alex sold their home to raise the money. Insurance paid for the procedures of only one couple in this piece. As a group they agree: changes need to be made in insurance policies.

A second area is doctors themselves. Mayo Clinic advises that potential candidates should ask their doctors questions like:  What are the possible reasons we haven’t conceived?  What kinds of tests do we need?  What treatment do you recommend trying first?  What side effects are associated with the treatment you’re recommending?  What is the likelihood of conceiving multiple babies with the treatment you’re recommending?  For how many cycles will we try this treatment?  If the first treatment doesn’t work, what will you recommend next?  Are there any long-term complications associated with this or other infertility treatments?

Likewise, couples should be able to supply answers about their medical history and current practices. They should also ask questions at any time about matters they do not understand.

Katrina who works in the medical/social environment observes, “I appreciate when a doctor tells me ‘I can’t help you, but I know someone who can,’ rather than trying to treat me-unsuccessfully. Doctors should get respect, but it’s no loss of respect to say, ‘I don’t know.’” She also describes the doctor who listened but didn’t understand her, so he just wrote in his report that she did not appear to be depressed, “and I was sobbing all the time. A level of compassion on the doctor’s part would be helpful.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. advised, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” ---One step at a time.

Shannon, Kirk and Holden Vincent Reardon; Lisa and Alex Harris; Ginger and Johnny Mitchell and Katrina, Tim, Abigail and Jared Thrash are living the truth of Dr. King’s wisdom. The subject of infertility is broached, and Shannon probably speaks for the entire group with her enthusiastic “I’m passionate about it, and I want people to get it.”

Editor’s Note: In a visit with the Reardons just prior to publication of this issue, Shannon and Kirk revealed that they were expecting a second bundle of joy in August, 2011. Surprise! No fertility experts needed for this one! God is good! www.alt-mag.com

43

44

ALT Magazine

1) Low fat or fat-free plain yogurt

is higher in calcium than some other dairy products and contains a great package of other nutrients, including protein and potassium.

It can also be enhanced with other good-foryou substances. “Yogurt is a vehicle food that can be enriched with probiotics for a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, and beneficial, heart-healthy plant stanols,” says Dr. Eliza Zied. “And lactose sensitive people may tolerate yogurt better than milk.” Look for plain yogurt fortified with vitamin D, and add your own fruit to control sweetness and calories. Versatile yogurt can also be used in entree and bakery recipes, in dips for veggies, etc. Don’t like yogurt? Skim milk is another super dairy food that has only 83 calories per cup and is easy to slip into coffee to help you get one of the recommended three servings of dairy each day. “Dairy foods contain practically every nutrient you need for total nutrition -- and in just the right balance,” says bone health expert, Robert Heaney, MD. “No other food group in the diet is as complete or as economical.”

2) Eggs make the list because they are

nutritious, versatile, economical, and a great way to fill up on quality protein. “Studies show if you eat eggs at breakfast, you may eat fewer calories during the day and lose weight without significantly affecting cholesterol levels,” says Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD, author of The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to the New Food Pyramids. Eggs also contain 12 vitamins and minerals, including choline, which is good for brain development and memory. Enjoy them at any meal or hardcooked as a portable snack.

46

ALT Magazine

3) Nuts have gotten a bad rap because

of their high fat content. But their protein, heart-healthy fats, high fiber, and antioxidant content earn them a place on the top 10 list. The key to enjoying nuts, experts say, is portion control.

“All nuts are healthful in small doses, and studies show they can help lower cholesterol levels and promote weight loss,” says Today Show nutritionist Joy Bauer, MS, RD. “I like pistachio nuts because they also contain plant sterols and it takes longer to crack the shell and eat them, making it easier to control the portion.

Whether you prefer pistachios, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, or pecans, an ounce a day of nuts help fill you up. Nuts add texture and flavor to salads, side dishes, baked goods, cereals, and entrees. They taste great alone, too. Zied recommends putting together your own “100-calorie packs” of nuts for easy and portable snacks.

4) Kiwis are among the most nutritionally dense fruits, full of antioxidants, says Ward.

“One large kiwi supplies your daily requirement for vitamin C,” says Ward. “It is also a good source of potassium, fiber, and a decent source of vitamin A and vitamin E, which is one of the missing nutrients, and kiwi is one of the only fruits that provides it.” The sweet taste and colorful appearance of kiwis makes it easy to slice in half, scoop out with a spoon and enjoy alone, or slice it into desserts, salads, or side dishes. Kiwifruit can also have a mild laxative effect due to their high fiber content.

5) Quinoa is now readily available in many supermarkets and is one of the best whole

grains you can eat, according to Zied. “It is an ancient grain, easy to make, interesting, high in protein (8 grams in 1 cup cooked), fiber (5 grams per cup) and a naturally good source of iron,” she says. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) also has plenty of zinc, vitamin E, and selenium to help control your weight and lower your risk for heart disease and diabetes, she says. Quinoa is as easy to prepare as rice and can be eaten alone or mixed with vegetables, nuts, or lean protein for a whole-grain medley. Try to make at least half your daily grain servings whole grains.

In addition to quinoa, try barley, oats, buckwheat, whole wheat, wild rice, and millet.

6) Beans, beans, good for your heart -- really! Beans are loaded with insoluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, as well as soluble fiber, which fills you up and helps rid your body of waste. They’re also a good, low-fat source of protein, carbohydrates, magnesium, and potassium.

Bauer favors edamame (whole soybeans) because they also contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Beans can easily substitute for meat or poultry as the centerpiece of a meal, says Bauer, but they also work as a side dish, or tossed into soups, stews, or egg dishes. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend 3 cups weekly.

7) Salmon is a super food because of its omega-3 fatty acid content. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help protect heart health. That’s why the American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish like salmon twice weekly. Salmon is low in calories (200 for 3 ounces) has lots of protein, is a good source of iron, and is very low in saturated fat. You can simply grill or bake it, top it with salsas or other low-

fat sauces, or serve it on top of salad greens.

If you don’t like salmon, experts recommend eating other kinds of fish, like canned tuna. And what about the mercury content? (Mercury is known to accumulate in fish.) “The benefits of eating salmon or other fatty fish twice weekly far outweigh any risks, but if you are concerned, check with your doctor,” says Zied.

8) Broccoli is one of America’s favorite

vegetables because it tastes good and is available all year long. It’s a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and bone-building vitamin K, and has plenty of fiber to fill you up and help control your weight.

“Some people think beta-carotene (vitamin A) is only found in orange and yellow vegetables, but broccoli is an excellent source,” says Ward. You can eat broccoli raw, lightly steamed, stir-fried, roasted, or grilled. Eat it as a side dish, or toss into grains, egg dishes, soups, and salads.

9) Sweet potatoes are a delicious

member of the dark orange vegetable family, which lead the pack in vitamin A content.

Substitute a baked sweet potato (also loaded with vitamin C, calcium, and potassium) for a baked white potato. And before you add butter or sugar, taste the sweetness that develops when a sweet potato is cooked -- and think of all the calories you can save over that loaded baked potato.

“If we eat more foods like sweet potatoes that are rich sources of potassium, and fewer high-sodium foods, we can blunt the effect of sodium on blood pressure and reduce bone loss,” says Zied.

Other dark orange vegetable standouts include pumpkin, carrots, butternut squash, and orange bell peppers.

10) Berries pack an incredible amount of nutritional goodness into a small package. They’re loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, low in calories, and high in water and fiber to help control blood sugar and keep you full longer. And their flavors

satisfy sweets cravings for a fraction of the calories in baked goods. Blueberries lead the pack because they are among the best source of antioxidants and are widely available. Cranberries are also widely available fresh, frozen, or dried. All can add flavor and nutrition to numerous dishes, from salads and cereals to baked goods and yogurt.

Healthy eating is an effective weight loss solution. You can lose as much as 20 pounds after several weeks of following a good healthy diet. You need not starve yourself or take medication. If you stick to healthy foods, you can eat and still lose weight!

Healthy eating is your all in one pharmacy on a plate. This is because you can effectively fight and prevent diseases if you eat healthy foods. It is a known fact that most diseases today are caused by an unhealthy diet.

Healthy eating can also increase your energy levels! You can become more productive and socially active if you will stick to healthy foods!

For more tips on super foods and healthy eating, check out these websites: www.webmd.com www.eatinghealthyfoods.org

www.alt-mag.com

47

Kinect for the XBOX 360 brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways without using a controller. With Kinect, technology evaporates, letting the natural magic in all of us shine.

Ready to shed holiday lbs? What if you could do something fun, and in the process successfully lose weight? Well, it doesn’t get much more fun than dancing! Check out Zumba fitness for the PS3 Move.

The popular Brazilian aerobic exercise program that mixes Latin music and international dance steps comes to the world of games for the first time in Zumba Fitness.

Players can tone their muscles and build strength and endurance as they practice nine different hip-swaying dance styles, including Reggaeton, Merengue, Salsa, and more! There are 30 different music tracks, each corresponding to a unique dance routine. Four different difficulty levels cater to dancers of all skills, and multiplayer fans can join up to three friends for co-op dancing! Although also available for Wii and Xbox, Zumba for PS3 Move allows up to 4 players to dance! Fun and Effective, check out Zumba fitness for Move!

50 ALT Magazine

With Your Shape- Fitness Evolved, experience the most advanced fitness technology your way. It will help you work up a sweat with the most advanced fitness technology available.

You’ll be able to personalize your workout, challenge your friends, and share your progress online while achieving real results.

And they’re all designed by fitness experts to provide precise and effective real-time feedback.

Easy to use and instantly fun, Kinect gets everyone off the couch and moving, laughing and cheering!

By now, many of us have a Wii system. The Wii Fit Plus is a great way to tone up!

Jillian Michaels: Fitness Ultimatum 2011 is the only official video game series developed

by Jillian Michaels. The game features her voice, likeness, and exercise form, taking personal training to a whole new level. The game is designed by Jillian for all levels of fitness, from beginner to advanced, with workouts catering to everyone.

Jillian Michaels: Fitness Ultimatum 2011 also features a large selection of exercises using the optional Wii Balance Board and Wii MotionPlus, where players can monitor their fitness goals with Fitness Ultimatum’s resolution-based tracking system and all new High Intensity exercises that offers the most challenging workouts in the series. *Of course, encouragement and information from a knowledgable source is always important in losing weight and shaping up.

Check out the resources at your local gym to get the best tips and support on nutrition and fitness!

Have a healthy new year!

www.alt-mag.com

51

52

ALT Magazine

Financial Focus...

Submitted by Dustin Stringer Edward Jones Investments

Smart Financial Moves for New Parents

I

f you’ve just had a new baby, your life is filled with more joy (but less sleep). You’re probably already aware of the time and effort you must invest in raising your child, but you may not have thought as much about another aspect — the financial one.

Consider this: The average cost of raising a child to age 17 is now $222,360, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report on how much middle-income, two-parent families spend on their offspring. And this is the amount you might spend before your son or daughter heads to college. Clearly, you need to start making the financial moves necessary to take your child from diapers to a degree. Here are some suggestions for doing just that:

• Purchase sufficient life insurance. When it was just you and your spouse, it was a good idea for you to have life insurance — but now that you have a child, it’s an absolute necessity. If you have any doubts about the value of life insurance, just look again at that $222,360 figure above, and then tack on the costs of four years of college. If you or your spouse were to die unexpectedly, would the survivor earn enough to raise and educate your child? In this day and age, that’s not likely — so make sure you have adequate life insurance in place.

• Prepare a will. Obviously, you hope to enjoy a long life — one in which you see your child grow to adulthood. But none of us can predict the future, so it’s essential that you draw up a will to provide for the care of your child, both financially and physically. When you create a will, you can name a guardian to step in and take care of your child, if necessary, and you can make sure your child receives your financial assets. However, many people go beyond writing a will and establish a living trust, which gives them more control over how and when they want their assets distributed. Your legal advisor can help you prepare a will and determine if a living trust is appropriate for your needs.

• Maintain adequate cash. To help pay for all those expenses related to child rearing, keep enough cash on hand. By having enough resources available in liquid accounts, you can avoid having to dip into your long-term investments to pay for short-term needs.

• Save early and often for college. It’s never too soon to start saving for the high costs of higher education. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged vehicle and may be a great option for your college savings. Contributions to a 529 plan are made with after-tax dollars, and have the opportunity to grow tax-free. Withdrawals used for qualified higher education expenses are also tax free. Furthermore, your 529 plan contributions may be eligible for a state tax deduction or credit depending on the plan and state.

• Stay balanced. As we’ve seen, it takes a lot of money to raise a child. But even as you’re meeting these expenses, think about your own future, particularly your retirement. Strive to strike a balance between the money you spend on your child and the amount you invest in your 401(k), IRA and other retirement-savings vehicles.

You can’t put a price-tag on your child’s future, but when it comes to taking care of that child, you’ll want to know the costs involved — and be prepared for them.

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

54

ALT Magazine

What Is a hysterectomy?

Why do women have hysterectomies?

A hysterectomy (his-tur-EK-tuh-mee) is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus or womb. The uterus is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. The whole uterus or just part of it may be removed. After a hysterectomy, you no longer have menstrual periods and cannot become pregnant.

A few reasons a hysterectomy may be needed:

During the hysterectomy, your doctor also may remove your fallopian tubes and ovaries. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones. The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. The cervix is the lower end of the uterus that joins the vagina. These organs are located in a woman’s lower abdomen, as shown in the image below.

Fibroids. Fibroids are non-cancerous, muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. Many women with fibroids have only minor symptoms and do not need treatment. Fibroids also often shrink after menopause. If medications or procedures to remove the fibroids have not helped, and a woman is either near or past menopause and does not want children, hysterectomy can cure problems from fibroids.

How is a hysterectomy performed?

There are different ways that your doctor can perform a hysterectomy.

It will depend on your health history and the reason for your surgery.

Abdominal hysterectomy. This is done through a 5- to 7-inch incision, or cut, in the lower part of your belly. The cut may go either up and down, or across your belly, just above your pubic hair.

Vaginal hysterectomy. This is done through a cut in the vagina. The doctor will take your uterus out through this incision and close it with stitches.

Laparoscopic (lap-uh-ro-SKOP-ik) hysterectomy. A laparoscope is an instrument with a thin, lighted tube and small camera that allows your doctor to see your pelvic organs. Your doctor will make three to four small cuts in your belly and insert the laparoscope and other instruments. He or she will cut your uterus into smaller pieces and remove them through the incisions.

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). Your doctor will remove your uterus through the vagina. The laparoscope is used to guide the procedure.

Robotic surgery. Your doctor uses a special machine to perform the surgery like laparoscopic surgery. It is most often done when a patient has cancer or is very overweight and vaginal surgery is not safe.

Cancer of the uterus, ovary, cervix, or endometrium (en-dohMEE-tree-um). Hysterectomy may be the best option if you have cancer in these organs.

Endometriosis (en-doh-mee-tree-OH-suhs). This health problem occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic or abdominal organs.

You might need a hysterectomy when medications or less invasive surgery to remove the spots of endometriosis have not helped.

Adenomyosis (uh-den-oh-my-OH-suhs). In this condition, the tissue that lines the uterus grows inside the walls of the uterus, which can cause severe pain. If other treatments have not helped, a hysterectomy is the only certain cure.

Keep in mind that there may be ways to treat your health problem without having this major surgery. Talk with your doctor about all of your treatment options.

How common are hysterectomies?

A hysterectomy is the second most common surgery among women in the United States. The most common surgery in women is childbirth by cesarean section delivery.

How long does it take to recover from a hysterectomy?

Most women stay in the hospital from 1 to 2 days for post-surgery care. Some women may stay longer, often when the hysterectomy is done because of cancer.

The time it takes for you to resume normal activities depends on the type of surgery. If you had: Abdominal surgery. Recovery takes from 4 to 6 weeks. You will gradually be able to increase your activities.

Vaginal or laparoscopic surgery. Recovery takes 3 to 4 weeks.

You should get plenty of rest and not lift heavy objects for a full 6 weeks after surgery. About 6 weeks after either surgery, you should be able to take tub baths and resume sexual intercourse. Research has found that women with a good sex life before hysterectomy can maintain it after the surgery.

*Read more at www.womenshealth.gov

56

ALT Magazine

*Read more at www.webmd.com and www.wikipedia.org

To prevent hot flashes, avoid these triggers:

What Are Hot Flashes?

A hot flash, sometimes called a hot flush, is a momentary sensation of heat that may be accompanied by a red, flushed face and sweating. Hot flashes, a common symptom of menopause and perimenopause, are typically experienced as a feeling of intense heat with sweating and rapid heartbeat, and may typically last from two to thirty minutes for each occurrence. The cause of hot flashes is not known, but may be related to changes in circulation.

Why Do Hot Flashes Occur?

Hot flashes occur when the blood vessels near the skin’s surface dilate to cool. This produces the red, flushed look to the face.

A hot flush is a hot flash plus a visual appearance of redness in the face and neck.

A woman may also perspire to cool down the body. In addition, some women experience a rapid heart rate or chills.

Hot flashes accompanied with sweating can also occur at night. These are called night sweats and may interfere with sleep.

Younger women who are menstruating or expecting to menstruate soon (the premenstrual period typically lasts one week) may encounter hot and/or cold flashes.

These episodes do not usually last long, with feelings of cold and heat alternating over the course of as short as a minute.

Hot and cold flashes for younger women tend to occur only during times of menstruation or pre-menstruation (when estrogen is typically lowest). If they occur at other times in a young woman’s menstrual cycle, then it might be a symptom of a problem with her pituitary gland; seeing a doctor is highly recommended. In younger women who are surgically menopausal, hot flashes are generally more intense than in older women, and they may last until natural age at menopause.

--Stress --Caffeine --Alcohol --Spicy foods --Tight clothing --Heat --Cigarette smoke Other things you can do to keep hot flashes at bay include: --Stay cool. Keep your bedroom cool at night. Use fans during the day. Wear light layers of clothes with natural fibers such as cotton.

--Try deep, slow abdominal breathing (six to eight breaths per minute). Practice deep breathing for 15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes in the evening and at the onset of hot flashes.

--Exercise daily. Walking, swimming, dancing, and bicycling are all good choices.

Ways to Prevent Hot Flashes.

--Chill pillows; cooler pillows to lay head on at night might be helpful.

While it may be impossible to completely avoid hot flashes during menopause, there are certain triggers that may bring them on more frequently or cause them to be more severe.

Talk to your doctor about taking short-term (less than five years) hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. This treatment prevents hot flashes in many women.

www.alt-mag.com

57

Ark-La-Tex Resource

Guide

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

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

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

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

Apartments 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 Three Fountains Apartments 1915 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.9801

Reception Arts Becky Risinger Ashdown, AR 870.898.5273 Silver Spoon 5530 Scottsdale Drive Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.4648 www.silverspooninc.com Caterers Chappo’s Italian Restaurant 1617 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.791.1726

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

Culinary Creations Pam Elliott 903.831.4674

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

Fuzzy’s Tacos 4809 Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX 903.791.8226

Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056

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

Lil’ Pink Hippo 3402 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.255.7864

Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056

La Fogata 3401 Genoa Road Texarkana, Ar 870.773.1879

Banks Guaranty Bond Bank 2202 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.792.8600

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

Cosmetic Surgery Carmony Oral, Facial and Dental Center 5305 Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.791.8405

Texar Federal Credit Union Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.223.5626

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

Westwood Apartments 101 Redwater Rd. Wake Village, TX 903.832.8446 Attire Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088

58

ALT Magazine

Event Locations Garrison Gardens Texarkana, AR 71854 870.773.0275 www.garrisongardens.net Northridge Country Club 120 Bill Rodgers Dr. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.794.6196 www.northridgecountryclub.net The Pavillion at Elk Meadow 8 Miles West of New Boston on I-30 382 PR 42042 DeKalb, TX 75559 903.319.5130 Prissy Chrissy Ranch 915 FM 2148 South Texarkana, TX 75501 903.838.6121 www.prissychrissy.com Raindrop Hill Farm 4300 N. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 903.832.7913 Regional Arts Center Cabe Hall 321 W. 4th Street Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.8681 www.trahc.org Fitness Centers Anytime Fitness Richmond Road 3415 Richmond Road.

Texarkana, TX 75503 903.794.5348 Florists Queen City Floral Highway 59 North Queen City, TX 903.796.2891

DJ Services Fabienne Thrash Deejay Service 903-585-9993

Ruth’s Flowers 3501 Texas Bllvd.

Texarkana, TX 903.793.6711 www.ruthsflowers.net

Dry Cleaning Holiday Cleaners Locations throughout Texarkana Area 870.773.4072

Scooter Raney at J. Brown for the Home 121 College Drive Texarkana, TX 903.793.4114

Twisted Vines 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, AR 870-772-2700 Furniture Oak Creek Furniture 8024 West 7th St. Texarkana, TX 903.832.0793 Gifts Dot’s Ace Hardware 3411 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0059

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

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

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott 4209 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.1000

Mixing Bowl 4014 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.794.4014

Hampton Inn & Suites 4601 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 903.832.3499

Queen City Floral Highway 59 North Queen City, TX 903.796.2891

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 4545 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 903.223.0008

Scooter Raney at J. Brown for the Home 121 College Drive Texarkana, TX 903.793.4114

TownePlace Suites by Marriott 5020 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.8800

Table Manners 3205 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.3538 Twisted Vines 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, AR 870-772-2700 Hair Care Headmasters Hair Salon 3703 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.832.6261 Style Studio Lisa Harris 3201 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.1719 Hospice Dierksen Hospice 6500 N. Summerhill Road, Suite 2B Texarkana, TX 903.793.6350 Hospitals Christus St. Michael Health System 2600 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.614.1000 Health South Rehabilitation 515 West 12th St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.0088 Wadley Hospital 1000 Pine St. Texarkana, TX 903.798.8000

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 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

Vision Source 4401 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.9063

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

Plumbing Central Air/Roto Rooter 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212

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 Pet Groomer Bows & Tows 254 E. New Boston Rd. Nash, TX 75570 903.223.3647 Photographer Image Forward Photography 200 Heather Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.334.9605 www.imageforwardtxk.com Physicians Express Care 5483 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.5931 Ly Gaylor, M.D. Dermatologist Collom & Carney Clinic 5002 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.614.3006 Philip Hahn, M.D. Advanced Foot Care 5606 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.1222 Jon Northam, M.D. 6 Woodmont Crossing Texarkana, TX 903.791.1044 Mark Wren, M.D. Physiatrist 3510 Richmond Road, Suite 400 Texarkana, TX 75503 903.831.6275

Real Estate Annette Kilker Remax 5120 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.277.3744 Impact Realty Bill and Tracy Spradlin 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Suite 104 Nash, TX 903.748.3186 903.748.2477 Jason Thomson Remax 5120 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.794.5250 Teresa Liepman Remax 5120 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.276.9464 Refreshments BJ’s Refreshment Center 3260 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.774.5931 Bolls Distributing 700 E. Broad St. Texarkana, AR 870.774.9283 The Villa Liquor Store 5108 N. Stateline Texarkana, AR 870.772.2100 903.277.1239 razorbackbilly@cableone.net Rentals Big Event / Atlas Game Room 2837 New Boston Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.334.7444 Dot’s Rentals 814 N. Robison Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.7011 3413 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0551 Freeze Frame Photo Booth Rental 1005 Brown Dr. Wake Village, TX 903.224.2391 903.691.9046 Twisted Vines 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, AR 870-772-2700

www.alt-mag.com

59

Restaurants Amigo Juan 2004 Hampton Road Texarkana, TX 903.794.2300 Amigo Juan 4301 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.334.6971 Chappo’s Italian Restaurant 1617 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.791.1726 Daddy Dougaloo’s 905 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.0172 Dairy Queen Locations through Ark-La-Tex Fuzzy’s Tacos 4809 Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX 903.791.8226 Golden Corral 3809 Sowell Lane Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8399 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354

La Fogata 3401 Genoa Road Texarkana, AR 71854 870.773.1879 Shorty’s Donuts 2729 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.6686 Silver Spoon 5530 Scottsdale Drive Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.4648 Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227 Tasty Donuts 1443 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.838.0422 Timothy’s 4115 N. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 903.831.5999

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

Wedding Coordinators Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net

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

Wedding Favors Pop Pop Shoppe 2011 Mall Drive, Suite B Texarkana, TX 903.793.0209

Sitters Sitters Kathryn Norwood/Karen Schmidt Texarkana, TX 903.277.2191 Spas/Salons All About You Diana Gregory/Lori Campbell 4100 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.7775 Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 Sanctuary Kimberly Parham, M.D. 3502 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8661 Tanning B Tans 3423 Richmond Road, Texarkana, TX 903.223.0331 300 E. New Boston Rd., Nash, TX 903.223.9300 Travel Vickie’s Tours PO Box 682 Hooks, TX 903.547.3030 Videographers Over The Edge Studios 5002 Woodgate Texarkana, TX 75503 903.831.6837 www.otestudios.com Wedding Attire Bridal Castle 3209 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.3886 Reed’s Bridal and Formal 2501 N. Stateline Texarkana, TX 903.793.7333 Traditions 4038 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.793.1570

60

ALT Magazine

Patty Park 3102 Buchanan Loop Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.276.2573

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 Silver Spoon 5530 Scottsdale Drive Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.4648 www.silverspooninc.com Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227 Timothy’s 4115 N. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 903.831.5999 Weight Loss All About You Diana Gregory/Lori Campbell 4100 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.7775 Jenny Craig 4258 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.831.5366 Richmond Nutrition 3316 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.832.0437

www.alt-mag.com

63

Dancing Hands Reaching Out

1. Jeanne Burden, Cindy Peterson, Hellen Burden and Reagan Burden 2. Chris, Krystal, Blakely and Kanon Garrett with Joyce A2rVizu 3. Kanon and Chris Garrett, Kris Kringle BA Freeman, Blakely and Krystal Garrett 4. Debra Stanley, Pat Wilson and Donna Stephenson 5. A. R. D. A. - Dancers and Instructors 6. A. R. D. A. - Teachers and Volunteer’s 7. “Kris Kringle” BA Freeman sits on Thelma Kirkland’s lap 8. Mellissa James and Abigail Beach 9. Misc. photo 10. Angie Smith with Sherrie Thompson, Vice President of the Texarkana Humane Society 11. - 12. Donated dog supplies

EVENT

Benefitting the Texarkana Humane Society WHERE

LE Middle School

HOSTS All Rhythm Dance Ally WHEN 12/11/10

1

2

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

3

4

www.alt-mag.com

65

JoAnn Rice Reception and Birthday Party

EVENT

WHERE TISD Services Building WHEN 11/30/10

66

ALT Magazine

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1. Marilyn Wilborn, Rev. and Mrs. L.B. George Jr. 2. Josette Rice, Arties and JoAnn Rice 3. Doris Walker, Gladys Walker and Lue Vern Walker 4. John Harrison, JoAnn Rice and Julie Ray Harrison 5. Hattie Edwards and Essie Dodd 6. Cynthia Taylor and Melinda Yates 7. JoAnn Rice, Ron and Julie Collins 8. Leatrice Haskins, Jeremiah Page and JoAnn Rice 9. DeAunna Lester, DeKelton Lester, JoAnn Rice and Lacy Lester 10. Ermmer Pondexter and Tony Favors 11. Ken Reese, Tony Favors, JoAnn Rice and David DeFoy 12. Larry Oxford, Ron and Julie Collins 13. Al and Delphynne Davis 14. James Henry Russell presents an appreciation award to JoAnn Rice 15. Twisted Vine Florist 16. Sheree Williams, JoAnn Rice and Ken Morehouse 17. Lenn Lee and Linda Nickerson 18. TISD Catering: Barbara Boyd, Bryan Ogburn and Gert Leaks 19. William Morriss, JoAnn Rice and Nita Fran Hutcheson 20. Dean Ransdell and Linda Willis 21. Dan Haskins, Linda Willis and Leatrice Haskins 22. R. Andrew Clark, Remica Gray and William Morriss 23. JoAnn Rice and Jennell Ingram 24. JoAnn Rice and Babe Ruth Stokes 25. LaTonya McElroy, Skye Duckett and Mindy Gennings 26. James Henry Russell and Derrick McGary 27. George Moore and Bill Kimbro 28. Ronald Nard and Michelle Bailey 29. Lillie Young, Maxine Crittenden, Tertha Harper, Delphynne Davisand Marietha Neal 30. Kaye Ellison and Patsy Morriss 31. JoAnn Rice and Donald Nelson

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31 www.alt-mag.com

67

Fish Tales

by Mike Brower

Still Cold? More stuff...

W

ell, I was asked to talk about cold weather and how to combat it a little bit more so here goes:

1. Carry some small hand warmers with you, they work great for hands or feet.

2. Drink plenty of fluids (not beer) believe it or not you will get dehydrated in the winter just like summer.

5. Don’t forget to eat a snack.

Your body needs fuel to help keep you warm.

Your motor needs help when it’s cold, too, so try these tips to help keep your motor from going POW! 1. Always let your motor warm up for about 3 minutes first thing in the morning to keep the pistons from “cold seize.”

2. Think about using synthetic oil or a synthetic blend. Synthetic oil does not get thick like regular outboard oil does in the cold so your motor is better protected.

3. Keep your tank full in the winter and use a fuel stabilizer to help keep water from mixing with your fuel (condensation).

4. After you have warmed the motor up first thing in the morning, ease up to cruise speed. Don’t jam the throttle to full. Again, this helps ”cold seize” from happening.

5. Watch out for icebergs and the like.

3. Keep an extra pair of gloves -- the 99 cent brown jersey gloves are 6. ALWAYS trim your motor down after it’s loaded on the trailer so the perfect -- so you will have a dry pair to use. water in the foot can escape. You don’t want water to freeze in the foot and damage the seals.

4. To help keep your face warmer and to keep wind / winter sunburn to a minimum, wear sunscreen. It really helps.

68

ALT Magazine

Cuddle up...

Amish bedroom furniture brings to mind the simplicity and elegance of another era. The skills of the Amish furniture makers have been honed, developed, and handed down over generations.

Now, we as consumers have the opportunity to have the same beautiful furniture in our homes as the Amish have in their homes.

Our Amish furniture is made of SOLID Oak, Cherry, Maple, Hickory or Quartersawn Oak and is built to last.

Lasting elegance...

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.

for s t f i tg Grea casions! all oc

Did you know...

That most of the furniture made today uses substitute materials such as particleboard. Because particleboard is made from wood fragments bonded with resin, it is considered an all wood product BUT IT IS NOT solid wood.

Why all the fuss about details?

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

Our Amish furniture is made of SOLID Oak, Cherry, Maple, Hickory or Quartersawn Oak.

Why is Oak Creek Furniture Different?

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.

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.

For everyone in your family...

Choose only the best for your bouncing, beautiful baby with this exceptionally well-built children’s furniture handcrafted to the highest standards. All furniture comes in a generous offering of finished-toperfection hardwoods.

Polywood 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.

by Jeff Schreve

And behold, the LORD was passing by! But the LORD was not in the wind. But the LORD was not in the earthquake. But the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire, the sound of a gentle blowing.

1 Kings 19:11-12

T

he great prophet, Elijah, was fleeing for his life. Wicked Queen Jezebel had vowed to kill him. Elijah fled to the mountain of God called Mount Horeb (another name for Mount Sinai where Moses received the ten commandments). Elijah was so depressed and fearful that he prayed for death. He desperately needed God to reveal Himself to him and speak to him. And God did, but in a strange way.

God brought a great rushing wind that broke the rocks apart, but God was not in that ear- piercing wind. Then God brought a mighty earthquake that violently shook the mountain, but He was not in that either. Then He brought a blazing, roaring fire. But God was not in any of the BIG, NOISY displays of power. God was in the gentle blowing, in that still small voice.

HOW DOES GOD SPEAK? Does God shout at His children?

Does He speak in thunder clap tones that shake us to the core?

He surely can speak loudly like that if He desires, but the truth of the matter is He rarely chooses that method. God’s primary way to speak to us is in a soft-toned whisper. Why is that?

Think about it for a moment. If I speak to you in a whisper, you have got to do two things in order to hear me: 1. GET QUIET God speaks in a

72

ALT Magazine

whisper so we would get quiet before Him. He wants us to turn off all the outside noise and distracting sounds so that we can give Him our focused and undivided attention. Young Samuel got quiet before the Lord and prayed, “Speak LORD, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). Are YOU listening today?

2. GET CLOSE - God speaks in a whisper so we would draw near to Him. More than anything, that is what God wants from us. He wants us to get close to Him, close to His heart. The Apostle John had such a close relationship with Jesus that he literally laid his head on Jesus’ heart at the last supper. When you and I are that close to Jesus, we can hear every whisper that falls from His lips. How close are YOU to Jesus today?

THE CHALLENGE Will you take time today to get quiet and get close? God wants to reveal Himself to you. He wants to speak to your heart. He invites you into His open arms. The promise is clear, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

The ball is in your court. The King of the universe, the God in whom nothing is impossible, stands ready to lovingly guide, counsel and empower you. What is your answer to Him?

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

www.alt-mag.com

73

Sanctuary Medical Spa Open House

1. Dave and Renay Everett 2. Mark Bledsoe, Nita Fran Hutcheson and Charles Nickerson 3. Renay Everett, Amy Coleman, Karyn Wielenga and Theresa Poff 4. Robin Jester, Bethany Samuels and Jenna Looney 5. Theresa and Frank Poff 6. Katie Turner, Angela Turner and Shelly White 7. Brandon Cogburn, Jerry Sparks and Louise Tausch 8. Sheri Lusk and Renay Everett 9. Dave Jones, Pamela McCann and Jeff Sandford 10. Amy Coleman and Renay Everett 11. Kim Parham and Reeves Ingram 12. Perry and Renay Brown 13. Kim Parham, Ravi Ubriani and Dolly Ubriani 14. Katheryn Schmidt Norwood and Karen Schmidt 15. Jo Kahler and Theresa Poff 16. Betty Feir and Mike Richardson

EVENT

WHERE

3502 Richmond Road

WHEN

12/9/10

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

74

ALT Magazine

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

www.alt-mag.com

75

Opportunities Inc. Christmas Party

EVENT

WHERE

Opportunities Inc.

WHEN

12/16/10

76

ALT Magazine

1

2

3

4

1. Jennifer Futruel and Judge Leon Pesek Sr. 2. Joan Carter and David Williams 3. Nancy Sadowski, Frances Holcomb and Tom Sadowski 4. Pam Williamson, Jan Lavender, Janelle Williamson, Frances Holcomb 5. Ashley Fielding playing keyboard, Sandra Zieschang and James Hawkins 6. James Hawkins reads a poem to Judge Pesek Sr. and Santa 7. Altrusa of Texarkana- Jan Lavender, Alice Coleman, Dorothy Schelkopf, Christie Schelkopf, Santa, Pam Williamson, Janelle Williamson and Frances Holcomb 8. Joe Crane, Carol Dalby and Jeff Prieskorn 9. Alan Harrell, Judge Leon Pesek Sr., Jeff Prieskorn, Jerry Sparks and Larry Oxford 10. Joan Carter and Patty Smith 11. Carol Dalby, Jerry and Janice Martin 12. Jeff Prieskorn, Larry Oxford, Mary Wormington and Stephen Morriss 13. Misc photo Santa greeting the children 14. Melissa Nelson, Cohen Bates, Malorie Bates and Bryson Bates 15. Dr. Jo Kahler and Pam McCoy 16. Allan Harrell and Judge Josh Morriss 17. Judge Leon Pesek Sr. and Judge Leon Pesek Jr. 18. Linda and Jerry Womble 19. Richard Reynolds and Dr. Jo Kahler 20. Buddy King and Judge Leon Pesek Sr. 21. Tom Daniels and Clay Roberts 22. Melanie Gloster and Lisa Kern 23. Santa and Brittna Sumler 24. Ashley Fielding plays a solo on keyboard 25. Spencer Hawkins, Glenn Moses and Katie Hawkins

5

6

7

8

9

11

14

15

16

WHERE

600 Walnut Street

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

12

13

Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties Open House

EVENT

10

1. Jane Davitt and Jan Lavender 2. Elizabeth and Mike Ingram 3. Robbye Magee and Rebecca Epps 4. Judy Kinsey, Jerecka Atkins and Janet Jones 5. Robbye Magee, Jason Christian holding Jason “J.J.” David Christian 6. Gloria Kleinschmidt and Kyla Lowery 7. Pam Johnson, Richard Seymour and Jane Richards 8. Texarkana College Choir Performs

WHEN 12/6/10

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 www.alt-mag.com

77

Women for A&M Luncheon

EVENT

HOSTESS LeeAnn WHEN

78

McCulloch

12/3/10

ALT Magazine

1. Mary Jo Essex, Wanda Henry, Olivia Taylor and Charlotte Nyman 2. LeAnne Wright and Jon Purifoy 3. Carolyn Allen and Judy Morgan 4. Summer Nelson and Judge Sherry Hawkins 5. Chris Terry and Peggy Kososki 6. Mary Jo Essex and JoAnn Rice 7. Jennell Ingram, Mary Jo Essex, Charlotte Nyman and JoAnn Rice 8. Bob Bruggeman. Berdene Rhodes and Betty Feir 9. Susie Fisher and Linda Day 10. AshLee Spearman and Kirsten Giles 11. Adrianne Rathburn and Trish Reed 12. Mel Walsh and Linda Larey 13. Judy Morgan and Martha Morriss 14. Jillian McCulloch and LeeAnn McCulloch 15. Students of Texas A & M: Victor Vera, Ryan Baker, Kaitlin Mayfield, Justin Jantz and Jason SooKoor 16. Dr. Bix Rathburn and LeeAnn McCulloch 17. Lacy McMillen and Nita Craytor 18. Table decor and food

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

ALT Magazine Christmas Party

EVENT

WHERE

Julie’s Deli

HOSTS Mike and Debbie Brower WHEN 12/14/10

1

2

3

4

5

6

1. Tyler and Miranda Johnson 2. Peter Johnson, Marshall Gooding and Christian Cisneros 3. Jennifer Hughes Tanner, Julie Furlow and Debbie Brower 4. Anne Burke and Theresa Fruge 5. Anne Burke, Charlie McMurphy, Rozana Page, Debbie Brower, Shawn Edmonds, Jane Bouterse, Miranda Johnson and Jaclyn Gooding 6. The fabulous Julie’s Deli Staff with Vincent Sinatore 7. Shawn and Dan Edmonds 8. Jaclyn and Marshall Gooding 9. Jane and Wayne Bouterse 10. Mike and Debbie Brower 11. Jack and Ann Gooding 12. Mike and Anita White 13. Chef Jennifer Hughes Tanner preparing Bananas Foster 14. Charlie and Jerry McMurphy 15. Isa Covio and Laird Markland 16. John “Cowboy” and Rozana Page 17. Charlie McMurphy and Debbie Brower 18. Debbie Brower and Rozana Page

For 13

14

advertising information in ALT Magazine, call Charlie

7

8

9 15

16

McMurphy, 903-9075797.

10

80

ALT Magazine

11

12

17

18

Twin City All Stars Twin City All Stars consist of four

competitive cheerleading squads coached by Shera Hopkins. The squads have had a very successful beginning for this season. Seventy three girls and one guy work very hard to achieve the goals that they have set for themselves.

Alll the squads practice one night each week to perfect the routine and make any changes that need to be made. They also work on tumbling skills one night each week. It is very important that each member be dedicated to the sport of cheer.

Twin City All Stars attend seven or eight competitions each year.

Usually the competitions are in Shreveport, Little Rock or the Dallas area.

All of the competitions in October, November and December are regionals.

The competitions in January, February and March are Nationals and the squads will compete two days for a National title. During the regional competitions, National bids are given to squads that have had an

outstanding performance. This bid helps pay for their competition fee at the National Competition. As of this date, the squads of TCAS have received over forty National Titiles!

They are excited about our chances of winning more this year.

So far, the Mini squad has won a first place throphy at Louisana State Fair, NCA Small Gym Classic and

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Competition.

They also placed second at Christmas Classic They have received three National Bids and received All Around High Point at the State Fair Competition

The Junior squad have won first at the Louisana State Fair which they also won high point for their level, first at the NCA Small Gym Classic, Third at the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading Competition and Christmas Classic. They won their bids at the first three competitions.

The Senior squad has also had a good start this season. They won first place at the NCA Small Gym Class where they recieved a paid bid to the All Level Internationl Competition, won high point and best jumps for the entire competition. They won second at the Christmas Classic.

All the squads are very talented and have accomplished many things this year. They have learned to work together as a team and when they do - good things happen. The squads will be attending their first National Competition with ACA on January 15-16 in Dallas, Texas. Coach Shera stated “ I have a wonderful bunch of kids that are hard workers and deserve the best. I think they have represented my gym and the Texarkana area well. I am very proud of them!�

The Youth squad has started out great as they won first place at the Louisana State Fair Competition and The Christmas Classic, second at the NCA Small Gym Classic and fourth at the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Competition. They have also recieved three National Bids to the All Level Championship.

www.alt-mag.com

81

EVENT

Christmas Parade

WHERE

Downtown Texarkana

WHEN 12/6/10

82

ALT Magazine

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

1. Danette Perkins, Robby Smith, Lisa Barr and Betty Nix 2. Jaclyn Gooding, Jay Butler, Frank Poff and Debbie Brower 3. Aggie and Dwayne Butler with Michelle Miller 4. “Fabienne” with Frank Poff 5. Girl Scout Troop 2229 6. Rozana Page, Frank Poff and “Fabienne” 7. J.C. and Serena Markham 8. Delmarquis Hillis, Kimberly Reece, Jamarquion Reece and Jacorian Reece 9. Start of the Christmas parade 10. Camels on Stateline Ave. (Bob Bruggeman, Jeff K. Sandford and Texarkana, Ar. Mayor Elect Wayne Smith 11. Kim, Brandon, Allie, Caleb and D.J. Kihega 12. Misc. photos of Christmas Parade 13. Cub Scout Pack 7 float 14. - 15. Misc. photos of Christmas Parade 16. Teresa and Mayor Horace G. Shipp 17. Diana and Judge Josh Morriss with grandsons Joshua Linnett and Isaac Linnett 18. - 19. The Osborn Family and Friends float 20. Ron Morrow’s car with mascot 21. - 22. Mo-bil Antique Car Club 23. Boy Scouts of America Pack 86 - WUMMC 24. Misc. photo of Christmas Parade 25. Girl Scout Troop 2518 26. Fuzzy Taco Shop Limousine 27. Misc. photo of Christmas Parade 28. Texarkana Regional Airport float 29. Circle J Cowboy Church float 30. Richard the Camel with his handler 31. Lighting of the Downtown Christmas tree 32. Cheer Elite All-Stars float 33. Garrison Gardens carriage 34. Wafley Regional Medical Center float 35. Misc. photo of Christmas Parade 36. Miller County Sheriff “pulling over” Mason cars 37. Santa arrives!

38. Texarkana Mayor Elect Wayne Smith, Mayor Horace G. Shipp, Nita Fran Hutcheson and Teresa Ship 39. Misc. photo: Christmas carolers

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39 www.alt-mag.com

83

Mayor Horace G. Shipp Reception EVENT

WHERE

Texarkana Country Club

WHEN

12/14/10

84

ALT Magazine

1

2

3

4

1. Judge Sherry Hawkins and Mayor Horace Shipp 2. Denis Washington, Shirley Pinnix, Mayor Shipp and John Ulmer 3. Dorothy Pree, Mayor Shipp and Janet Johnson 4. Smitty Smith, Mayor Shipp and Evie Smith 5. David Haak, Mayor Shipp and Boots Thomas 6. Dan Boyles, Mayor Shipp and Kayla Wood 7. Pat Williams, Mayor Shipp and Carolyn Turchi 8. Mary Turner, Mayor Shipp and Lisa Parker 9. Mike Hackworth, Mayor Shipp and Sandra Hackworth 10. Ron Stovall, Mayor Shipp and Bob Harrison 11. Brenda Smith, Mayor Shipp and Mayor Elect Wayne Smith 12. Herb Crumpton, Mayor Shipp and Carol Durden 13. Judge Carlow, Mayor Shipp and Mrs. Carlow 14. Cyril Hubnik, Mayor Shipp and Georgia Hubnik 15. Ermer Poindexter, Mayor Shipp and Ann Nicholas 16. Sue Ulrich, Mayor Shipp and Steve Ulrich 17. Charles “Decker” Barnette shouts “Mayor Shipp was the best Mayor!

18. Dr. Bix Rathburn and Mayor Shipp 19. Ruth Davis and Mayor Shipp 20. Christopher Allen, Melanie O’Rand, Mayor Shipp and Christal Prince 21. Dean Lynn, Mayor Shipp and Sonja Hubbard 22. Tom Sadowski, Mayor Shipp and Nancy Sadowski 23. Jack Glover, Mayor Shipp and Iretha Glover 24. Barbara Walker and Mayor Shipp 25. Kirk Patton and Mayor Shipp 26. Richard Reynolds and Mayor Shipp 27. Ruth Ellen Whitt, Mayor Shipp and Micki Wright 28. Mayor Shipp Family: Julie Shipp Davis, Mayor Horace G and Teresa Shipp, Justin, Araceli and Ethan Shipp 29. Jeff Weaver of Congressman Mike Ross’s office presented this American flag to Mayor Horace Shipp. It was flown above the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. 30. Jeff Weaver of Congressman Mike Ross’s office presented this American flag to Mayor Horace Shipp. It was flown above the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. 31. Texarkana, Ark. City manager Harold Boldt presents Mayor Shipp with an “Outstanding Mayoral Award, recognizing all his acheivements through out his 8 years as Mayor and for the sevaral years for his public service to the City of Texarkana, Ark. 32. Heather Barnette, Rebecca Harris and Teresa Shipp excepts her award 33. Mayor Shipp and Teresa Shipp react with laughter to a few stories being told by a few speakers

5

6

7

8

17

24

29

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

18

25

30

20

21

22

23

27

28

32

33

19

26

31

www.alt-mag.com

85

Circle of Friends (COF) Celebrate Christmas

1. Laura Davis, Jane Portis, Ronnie and Chris Walraven 2. Travis and Whitney Jackson, Neal Courtney 3. Winnie and Neal Courtney 4. Dean Ransdell, Erica Ramage, Linda Strickland 5. Sherry Yakley, Dena Yakley 6. Karlton and Linda Willis 7. Joe and Linda Strickland 8. Caleb and Erica Ramage, Whitney and Travis Jackson 9. Neal Courtney, Vicki Angel

EVENT

HandsOn Texarkana Collins Building WHERE

WHEN 12/14/10 Choosing to volunteer on behalf of Arkansas Children’s Hospital has proven to be something to celebrate for the Circle of Friends Chapter. Two community events have given them reason to cheer. The Cable One Silent Auction netted over $1,700, and a Radiothon on KPGG, 109.3FM, raised $11,000.

Members celebrated at a chapter party held at Hands on Texarkana in the beautifully restored Collins Home. COF membership is open to all. Dues are $25 per year. Join us, support ACH, and assist in benefitting current and future patients of Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

1

2

4

5

3

6

7

8

9

86

ALT Magazine

Making life better... from the ground up.

W

ondering if there is anything you can do with that worn and unattractive concrete patio or driveway? Building an outdoor kitchen and interested in having concrete countertops, cabinet cases and flooring?

Remodeling your home and looking for a rich, beautiful and unique floor covering?

Want to put your logo in concrete at the entry to your business?

Consider decorative concrete!

strength of cement with the durability and bonding power of polymers and acrylics. Colors are added to enhance the beauty of these durable products.

Stains and dyes, along with engraving equipment are used to score decorative patterns into your existing concrete surfaces. A penetrating cure and seal is applied to provide superb durability, weather and UV resistance and ensure a long product life.

Gooding Decorative Decorative concrete overlays Concrete’s and staining mission is to

by Gooding transform your Decorative existing concrete Concrete can by providing transform your outstanding existing concrete customer service, into beautiful, delivering one-of-a-kind excellent results surfaces. and employing Using overlays talented and and stamps, dedicated men Ask us about our water features for your home or and women. stains and dyes, office! pigmented Marshall concrete sealers Gooding, owner, and epoxies, templates and engraving has extensive experience in the … and your imagination … you no construction industry. His interest in longer need to tear out, hide or cover the industry began with the influence your worn and unattractive concrete. of his mother, Ann Gooding, an We can transform it into a beautiful and durable surface.

The overlay systems combine the

88

ALT Magazine

Marshall Gooding, Owner

interior designer. He has built homes, cabinets, furniture, arbors, and water features. Our staff, including Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, and Miranda Williams, all graphic designers, have a combined total of more than 30 years of experience.

Gooding Decorative Concrete is a small family owned and operated contractor business specializing in staining, engraving, overlaying and stamping established concrete. The business center is located in Texarkana, Texas, with easy access to all residential and commercial sites in the Ark-La-Tex and surrounding area.

Gooding Decorative Concrete makes it possible for customers to convert their dreams and ideas into plans. We take those plans and convert our customer’s dreams into reality.

For a free estimate, give us a call. We’d love to talk with you!

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

www.alt-mag.com

89

January Calendar

January 8

Bridal Faire Showcasing products and services for weddings, honeymoons and more.

Four States Fairgrounds Arena, 10:00AM-3:00PM For more information, 903.244.4282

January 14

Opening Ceremony - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 25th Year National Holiday Celebration Sponsored by the Ozan Inghram Iron Mountain Neighborhood Development Corporation Tower of Power Gospel Ministries, 1500 Kline Street, 6:00PM

January 15

Prayer Breakfast - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 25th Year National Holiday Celebration Ozan-Ingrham Iron Mt. Neighbor Center, 1100 Couch Street, 7:00 AM Tickets 12 & Older $8.00 / Under 12 $5.00 Special Advance Ticket Purchase Mon, Jan 3, 2011 thru Sat Jan 8, 2011- $5.00

January 15

Eighth Annual “Phantom Ball,” hosted by the Easter Seals of East Texas.

The ball will honor a very special member(s) of our community as the “Phantom”. The criteria for “Phantom” is one who gives generously of their time and financial support to the Temple Center and the community of Texarkana.

This year we are asking you to join in our effort. We hope that you will seize this opportunity to “Earn Your Wings” and become an “Angel of Change”.

The proceeds of this event will benefit the clients and services of Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center.

Texarkana Country Club Cocktails: 6:30PM, Ball: 7:00PM For sponsorship information or to purchase tickets, please call Anita Carver at 903.794.2705.

Teacher Take Wing Grant Presentations

EVENT

Junior League of Texarkana

BY

Throughout the month of November close to $20,000 in grants were presented to 7 different school districts and 46 recipients.

90

ALT Magazine

1

2

3

4

of Events January 16

Gala and Awards Banquet - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 25th Year National Holiday Celebration Recognition of Outstanding Service Tickets - $50 Texarkana Country Club, 7:00PM

January 17

Commemorative Service - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 25th Year National Holiday Celebration Lonoke Baptist Church, 1841 Lonoke Avenue, 10:00 AM

January 29-30

20th Annual Texarkana Home Builders Association Home and Garden Show Four States Fairgrounds Arena For more information, 870.773.2941

1. Red Lick - Marci Phillips, Sheri Taylor, Stacy Wiltshire, Beverly Copeland 2. TASD - Amber Sloan, Cordia Metcalf, Jennifer Jordan, Natasha Dowd 3. St. James - Summer Floyd, Robert Primm, Stephanie Fussell, Elle Floyd, Dixie Wilder, Cindy Young 4. TISD - Kneeling on the front: Elle Floyd, Summer Floyd, Natasha Dowd, Wanda Boyette. The full list of TISD teacher recipients who are also pictured: Donna Sturdivant, Kimberly Teer, Sonya Freeze, Susie Williams, Ruth Ellen Hopper, Kinsey Sipes, Jennifer Singleton, Sandy Siratt, Cindy Jones, Belinda Carpenter, Kelli Thomerson, Jenny Rankin, Michelle Turner, Maria Primm, Donna Hunt, Tonya Chavez, Brandy Latham, Susan Pride, Lindsey Holly, Angela Creek, Ann Drummond, Sonia Brown, Roslyn Keeton, Nathan Upchurch 5. LEISD - Front Row: Ashley Cooper and Carla Franklin; Back Row: Scott Hanes, Wilma Gibbons, Zahnela Claxton, Vearnita Paxton; Not in picture: Michelle Allen and Jacquelyn Henderson; League members in picture: Beverly Copeland, Summer and Elle Floyd.

92

ALT Magazine