ALT Magazine January 2012 by ALT Magazine

January 2012 . Vol. 6, Issue 1

Family, Fashion, Faith It’s a reason to buy a new dress... It’s a fun time with friends... It’s a true “Winter Wonderland”... It’s for a great cause...

Find out why you, too, should be going to...

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January 2012 /contents

k / FEATURE STORY

Phantom Ball...

This team of creative people has been hard at work all year long to help raise money for children in need. Find out what they, and the fabulous committee members, do to make the 9th Annual Phantom Ball something you will be taking about all year long!

F E AT U R E S

EVERY MONTH

His Name Was Roger

Designer Showcase

Te x a s A & M U n i v e r s i t y D a n c e Te a m

Editor ’s Letter

Financial Focus

F i s h Ta l e s

Real Estate

Resource Guide

Second Chances

Student Highlights

True Light

31 The Resolution Make Over 34

My Plate

Fitness For Kids

4 , 0 0 0 Ye a r s a n d C o u n t i n g

In-Vitro Update!

Superbowl Fun!

48 Uncorked

J. Brown Open House

68 U A C C H Te x a r k a n a S t e e l Signing 69

Circle of Friends Party

H a r v e s t Te x a r k a n a P a r t y

Women for A&M Holiday Lunch Social

C U LT U R E

ALT Magazine

Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy Feature Writers / Jane Bouterse, Anne Fruge

Cuddler / Mike Brower

Sanctuary Medical Spa Holiday Open House

66 Snowflakes and Ta b l e s c a p e s

Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page, Sherrie Hewitt

64 Bunch-Woodview Open House

Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson

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

It’s that time of year again! Time for those resolutions to be healthy and get fit! Find out the best ways for 2012!

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower

EVENTS

19 A LT M a g a z i n e C h r i s t m a s Party

Resolution Makeover

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 2 / Vo l . 6 , I s s u e 1

Calendar of Events

Medical Guide

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

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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.

You are a mom, a wife, a daughter. You are your family’s caregiver. Almost all their healthcare decisions are made by you. This is why w we are committed each and every day to providing you with an exceptional patient experience. Our commitment has earned CHRISTUS St. Michael the honor of being recognized as one of

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We thank you for choosing

CHRISTUS St. Michael as Your Hospital.

MORE.WOMEN. DO.

EDITOR’S letter

Winter Wonderland... Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories. ~From the movie An Affair to Remember

Cold, blustery days. Winter brings about all sorts of

In order to do that, they must rely on the support of our wonderful

memories for most of us. From cuddling under blankets while we

community -- and our community, indeed, supports them! I hope you

attend college championship games, or maybe even high school

are as moved by this month’s story as I was. I must say that Jane

championship games, to cuddling by the fire, memories come flooding

Bouterse has a knack for making me cry -- and she didn’t disappoint

back.

me this month! Jane made the work of Temple real to me and if I

For those of you who lived here during the ice storm in

had not already been willing to help, I would have been now! I hope

December, 2000, the memories were plenty. I remember the sound

you will be, too! Come have fun at the Phantom Ball, enjoy our

of limbs breaking as they became ice laden, much to heavy a load for

Winter Wonderland theme, and help those who are treated by Temple

the majority of the trees in our area to carry. Of course, along with the

Memorial. You will be amazed at what just a little bit of help does for

snapping of limbs came the snapping of power lines -- many of which

those in need.

were out of service for weeks. Luckily for my family, our power was

only off for a few days. We were also lucky that we had natural gas --

resolutions! So many people make those promises to themselves

a luxury which afforded us -- and our friends -- the opportunity to take

to get fit, quit smoking, diet -- and very few ever actually see them

hot showers at a time when most people had no hot water!

through! Last year was a first for me -- I lost weight, started Zumba

classes, worked out at the gym, and in general got fit! You will find

It was definitely a time for cuddling! Sleeping in front of the

Of course, January wouldn’t come and go without

fireplace, cuddled in blankets, with Mike and Jaclyn and our babies,

lots of tips on fitness in this issue -- and lots of interesting information

was almost like camping out! Since our power wasn’t out for long, it

on New Year traditions!

was more of an adventure than a hardship. However, that was not

the case for many in the area. Many were out of power for weeks

sure you dream big and jump! With God’s help, each jump is a little

and after a few days, that’s not nearly as fun! I was truly blessed and

easier! Who knows what the new year has in store for me, but I know

lucky!

God knows! He is in control and with Him by my side, I will be fine!

I will admit that I am a a beach baby -- I love warm weather.

So with winter in full swing, and a new year here, make

He has blessed my life beyond belief!

However, without the cold of winter, the wonderful things that happen

in the spring would not be possible. And of course, in the New Year,

bit down, remember those who are in need -- and you, too, can make

there are lots of possibilities to start afresh. Everything seems to be

a decision to not only help yourself, but help others. Sometimes we

wiped clean and new possibilities abound!

just think we are in bad shape -- until we hear the problems of others

and realize just how blessed we are.

It’s like any new start -- you can be anything you want to be if

you want it badly enough! I truly believe that because it was instilled

So when the cold starts to sink in and you start feeling a little

May God bless you in the coming year. Happy New Year!

in me from the time I was a small child. Anything is possible!

This month’s issue is all about setting goals and DOING

something with your life! Let’s take our cover story. The Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center is in the business helping others.

ALT Magazine

Publisher/Editor

by Jane Bouterse

And it was unimportant that he could not tell me that. His large, brown eyes danced, yet his long, thin, legs which hugged his chair would never dance. The chair’s metal rests comfortably accommodated his very large feet, and his consistently untied tennis shoes begged, “Run, run… with me…walk, walk.” Roger could do neither.

oger’s groping hands seldom stopped moving, even though the large wheels on each side of his chair offered resting places and were within easy reach. Most of the time his bony arms -- absent of muscular configurations -- punched the air uncontrollably. When he was asked to use his ever present tissue for interrupting the constantly flowing stream of saliva dripping from his chin (Roger had to be reminded to swallow), he would exert the enormous energy required to get hand and mouth together. His success was acknowledged by a smile. Oh yes, Roger’s smile. I’ve never seen one quite like it. Roger’s smile extended almost from one side of his face to the other and usually just looked like his open mouth. But there was a detectable difference, a slight curve on one end of those parted lips and a lingering presence. Creating that smile required such concentration that Roger shared it selectively. Roger’s smile was the most precious gift he had to give. I was a student at Texas Avenue Junior High, a member of Mrs. Levonne Rochelle’s Junior Historians. To be a member in good standing required us to

make some history of our own through our volunteer efforts, so I had chosen to work for the summer at the Temple Home. In 1952, Dr. S. A. Collom and a group of Texarkana citizens founded The Temple Home for Crippled Children to deal with those casualties of the nation’s polio epidemic. At that time, the Temple Home was, literally, the transformed Temple Home across the street from St. Michael’s Hospital. The home was large, multi-storied and beautiful with its red brick façade, wrap around whitecolumned porch and multiple entrances. Inside staircases and floors were genuine hardwoods, polished and perfect for an ornate residence; doorways of various sizes were beautifully framed, and small rooms whose tall ceilings were outlined by artistic moldings spilled into each other. Physical Therapist Ms. Beverly Schaefer had guided the extensive alterations necessary to accommodate the Home’s new population— those whose bodies and/or brains needed some assistance to function. She was one of the hardest working, most amazingly patient and caring people I have ever known. When I arrived at the Temple Home to assume my responsibilities, I was given

a tour and assigned some general duties for working with the children. I did my best to attend them all. I was never specifically asked to work with Roger who was older than the others. For some reason I could not resist his cocky, always present baseball hat and TEXAS sweatshirt. I found myself turning from the other children to return to Roger and his wheelchair. At first, he chose to ignore me. He might try to do what I asked; occasionally, I would get that guttural sound that was the only language he had at his disposal. Eventually, he would allow me to tie his shoes and maybe even help him to move his legs, as Ms. Schaefer directed. If the weather cooperated, Roger and I would go outside. I could push his wheelchair around the porch until we found the perfect spot where we would sit and “talk.” Together we would watch the busyness of a growing Texarkana or just admire the territory. Those big, brown eyes of his absorbed everything his unpredictably moving head would survey. As the summer progressed, Roger became my charge and I, his. When it was possible, on the day of my arrival the caretakers would roll him onto the porch to wait for me or place him just inside

Left: Miranda Johnson, Anita Carver, and Jaclyn Gooding have been hard at work for the past year on the 9th Annual Phantom Ball!. The hard work of the entire Phantom Ball Committee make the Ball possible. In addition to Miranda, Anita and Jaclyn, thanks to these members: Sandy Varner, Mike and Debbie Brower, Judge Sherry Hawkins, Kip and Mary Ann Pavey, Frank Poff, Jennifer Crawford Ogburn, Jeanna McDonald, Melinda Vammen, Kim Fowler, Charlie McMurphy, Cathy Van Herpen, Adrianne Rathburn, and Shawn Edmonds. This committee works hard to ensure that the Phantom Ball is a great success!

January 2012

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an event it will be! Expansion comes at a the entrance so that he would be the first The theme of the Ball, carefully price; therefore, the Temple Memorial person I would see. I have never again created and choreographed by Committee Rehabilitation Center is involved constantly known the feeling that swept over me the members Jaclyn Gooding and Miranda in fund raising. Development Director day I arrived at the Temple Home. Roger Johnson, will be Winter Wonderland and will Anita Carver, one of three administrators was waiting, and as I walked toward him his be a black-tie gala—a genuine “red carpet at Temple, is chiefly responsible for the shaking, hug-seeking arms extended toward experience.” Women who attend will have fundraising activities, although almost me, his “uh, uh, uh,” loud and clear and the opportunity to adorn themselves in furs anyone involved with the Center encourages I saw his smile. I had a hard time seeing and gorgeous ball gowns, while the men contributions. Sandy Varner, Executive anything else because the tears which filled don their “ties and tails” to complement their Director, and Anita often laugh together, my junior high eyes clouded my vision. beautiful companions. Masks and fans will “We can’t find people to go to lunch with Roger touched my life as no one ever has. add to the mystery and magic of He helped me to understand each attendee’s appearance. the value of a single life and Many of the women prefer their formulate my definition of Roger touched my life as no one ever has. masks be elaborately decorated “being alive and being of He helped me to understand the value of a single and mounted on colorful stems service.” His short life would so that they can be moved not have been possible life and formulate my definition of “being alive and flirtatiously back and forth and without the Temple Home. elaborate hairstyles will remain “Being alive and being of service.” His short life would not have unruffled. A few lessons have being of service” is what been learned about the masks, the Temple Memorial been possible without the Temple Home. however, as last year one of the Rehabilitation Center (new masks sported feathers which name) is all about. Today, got too close to a burning candle. the building is larger and more Feathers are flammable. Miranda and us. They fear we’re going to hit them up for accommodating than that first Temple Jaclyn have promised no fires this year but something.” Home; Beverly Schaefer has morphed into plenty of snow. Actually, the funding pursuits of four speech therapists, two occupational Jaclyn, the Super Organizer and the Temple Center, an Easter Seals facility, therapists, one physical therapist and a Miranda, the Dreamer-Creator, work all are more open than a luncheon date. The physical therapist assistant, and the patient year developing a theme, exchanging two major events of each year are a golf population has grown to include hundreds ideas, designing decorations and gathering tournament and the Phantom Ball. The golf of children. Two items have not changed: materials. They haunt thrift shops as well tournament is staged during the summer first, no one is turned away from Temple as surf the internet to stay within their Ball months, and the Phantom Ball, during because of inability to pay; second, trained budget while building an inventory to which winter’s grasp. The Ninth Annual Phantom professionals administer to their patients they can continue returning. Even this year’s Ball will be held on Saturday, January 28, with the same caring and concern of their snow can be recycled. Their plans for Winter 2012, at Northridge Country Club—and what predecessors. Roger’s spirit remains real.

ALT Magazine

Wonderland anticipate an entry so WOW that Ball goers will get excited before they ever enter the building. The two are in the process of working with their committee members to develop a signature “blue” drink for the Ball, while designing a photo op area; and using lighting and a Brandon Thrash ice sculpture to create a winter atmosphere without the chill. Silver, white and icy blue will dominate the scene created during three days of decorating. Songs from “Phantom of the Opera” will greet guests as they enter the foyer. A highlight of the evening will be recognizing the Phantom —someone from the community whose enthusiasm and efforts for the Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center deserve recognition. Without a doubt, a special event of the Ball’s evening is the presentation of the “Kid of the Year.” This special child is one of Temple’s unique children who will be the public representative of the Center for one year—from one Phantom Ball to the next. This year’s chosen child is two year old Lillian Holmes. Lillian receives physical, occupational and speech therapy at the Rehabilitation Center which she attends six times a week. Lillian’s blonde hair and blue eyes and enthusiasm for life are inspiring to all who know her, and no one ever doubts how she feels. On happy days, her “Whee! Whee!” shouts can be heard throughout the Center and cheer up everyone within their range. Although Temple Memorial Treatment Center accepts children from birth through age 21, some adults, such as stroke victims, may also receive rehabilitative attention. The children, however, represent the program of the Center best. Today the Center’s program addresses the needs of increasing numbers of autistic children as well as birth defects, orthopedic or neurological disorders, in addition to hearing, speech or mobility impairments. According to Carver, “Our fund raising efforts are essential. We never turn anyone away, yet we lose about $34.05 for every 30 minute visit from 8-5, Monday through Friday. Our clients pay what they can, and we treat them regardless of their ability to pay.

With information like that, the $100 price for each Phantom Ball ticket pales in comparison to the need. Although about 1300 invitations are extended, approximately 250-300 people attend the Ball which is limited by the size of the venue. Many of those invited but unable to attend make contributions. Coupled with the Silent Auction, held during the evening, the Ball usually raises about $40,000. “But we would welcome more,” Anita adds. Cooperative merchants, like Twisted Vines, enhance the Ball experience and donate their services while ingenious efforts (like the decorators’ cutting down dead trees and painting them) pare down many of the costs. Money raised by The Phantom Ball is applied to Temple’s operating expenses. One area of greatest need this year is the Uncompensated Care Fund, the fund which sometimes just helps people meet their deductible. “Last year,” Carver explains, “the Fund ran out of money. We had to find more money and provide more services than we thought we could, but to my knowledge we have never turned people away.” Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center, with its team of Medical Director Dr. Belinda Hutcheson and knowledgeable therapists plus dedicated administrators and volunteers, offers some of the youngest among us services unique to both Texas and Arkansas citizens. Need further proof? Just look at the numbers: 2010, 382 kids were treated in the Center for a total of 11,598 visits, up from 8,636 the year before. But numbers only hint at the story. Anita Carver says it best, “I am one of the luckiest people in the world to get to work here. Miracles happen here every day. I am so lucky to be able to see them.” For 59 years the Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center has been a Center of miracles and has made a difference -- a real difference -- in people’s lives. There have been many Rogers, some now phantoms, many still real. The Phantom Ball provides the community an opportunity to share in the miracle-making and to say “Thank you.” “It’s really like an adult prom,” Jaclyn explains. Miranda adds, “It gives everyone a chance to really dress up and have lots of fun.”

The Night Belongs to… The 9th Annual

Phantom Ball Saturday January 28, 2011 Northridge Country Club For more information or tickets please call Anita Carver at 903-794-2705.

January 2012

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EVENT

Sanctuary Medical Spa Holiday Open House

WHERE The Sanctuary WHEN

12/8/11

ALT Magazine

1. Nikki Anderson, Leslie Nolte, Emily McCasland and Emmanuel Otero 2. Darla Cigainero and Ellen Brennon 3. Renay Turner and Darla Cigainero 4. Carri Campbell, Teri Rice, Michelle Miller and Emmanuel Otero 5. James Rochelle, Chris Ross and William Morriss 6. Paul and Beverly Tye, with Bill Crutchfield 7. Mark Bledsoe, Dr. Kimberly Parham and William Morriss 8. June Hatchett and Dr, Jo Kahler 9. Rita Collins and Annette Veal 10. Rita Collins, Crystal Donelson and Courtney Hodge 11. Kristen Thomas, Brad Crittenden and Lorie Holder 12. Justin Sutton, Stacy Mckee, Christal Browning and Shane Nichols 13. Choctaw Williams, Julie Collins, Aaron Collins, Bess Gamble Williams and Nathaniel Smallbeck 14. Choctaw Williams, Bess Gamble Williams and Amy Cavazos 15. Dana Farley and Jerry Jasper 16. William Morriss, Dr. Bix Rathburn and Ron Collins 17. Steve Weed, Sharon Strawn and Jerry Jasper 18. Dr. Jo Kahler and Dr. Kimberly Parham 19. Back row from left: Renay Turner, Kimberly Parham, Crystal Donelson, Angie Foster and Bethany Samuels; Front row from left: Courtney Kilgore, Shelly White, Rita Collins, Angela Turner, Starr Freeman and Jenna Looney

January 2012

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Bass are very fickle -- love you one day, hate you the next. The Alabama Rig will catch a LOT of fish in 2012. Russian women weightlifters are still UGLY.

by Mike Brower

A Look Back...

ell, we come to the start of another year and it’s time to look back at the past year to see if there is anything we have learned. In my case there are several things. You can’t fish around drunks running limb lines. You can drive through the State of Mississippi without problems if you can get a Sheriff’s pass from a friend who lives there.

ALT Magazine

Wright Patman Lake is back in a big way. The cost of fishing swimbaits will be stupid with the Alabama rig. The EPA is full of idiots. Your outboard motor will blow up after about 300 hours of WOT if you run E85 fuel in it. Those people who look for gold in Alaska are downright goofy. And last but not least: If the Mayans are right we won’t be fishing this time next year -- unless we wear our tin foil hats in the closet under a blacklight while chanting something I can’t remember. Hope you have a wonderful new year full of fishing luck!

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ALT Magazine Christmas Party

EVENT

WHERE Julieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deli WHEN

12/13/11

1. Anne Fruge, Emily Cook and Miranda Johnson 2. Wendy and Dustin Stringer 3. Anita Carver and Jaclyn Gooding 4. David Melson, Marshall Gooding and Christian Cisneros 5. Miranda Johnson and Leslie Bates 6. Julie Fulow, Vincent Sentore and Debbie Brower 7. John and Rozana Page, Sherrie and Billy Hewitt 8. Julie Furlow, Debbie Brower and Jennifer Tanner 9. Julieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deli crew 10. - 14. All the wonderful courses served 15. Anita and Mike White 16. John and Becky Moore 17. Jane and Wayne Bouterse 18. Sherrie and Billy Hewitt 19. John and Rozana Page 20. Jerome and Charlie McMurphy 21. Marshall and Jaclyn Gooding 22. Miranda and Tyler Johnson 23. Debbie and Mike Brower

January 2012

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by Anne Fruge

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

avid Markham started Truth Infusion Ministries so that he could spread the news about his true passion: awakening the church. In the past three months since the establishment of Truth Infusion, David has taught and preached at various local churches, led a revival, and recently expanded his ministry to radio where he reaches a possible population of over 500,000 people. David’s unique call allows him to travel where he is called to reach people through music, the Word of God, and prayer. “I guess most would label Truth Infusion Ministries as a horse of a different color,” David says. “It doesn’t fit into most of the traditional ministry niches of today. I preach, but I’m not just a preacher. I teach, but I’m not just a teacher. I sing, but it’s not just about music. My goal is to infuse truth into the body of Christ by whatever means is possible.” David’s close relationship with the Lord began at the young age of six, and his spiritual connection has been a constant guide throughout his life. “I can honestly say in all humility that God gave me eyes to see things in ways that kids and teenagers usually can’t,” David says. “It kept me from many of the pitfalls that most teens deal with: parties, drugs, alcohol. I screwed up plenty, but I never was able to stray too far from God. In many ways, my heart has been after him since I was a child.” Before he could even read, David’s father was setting him on a stool in front of their church to sing. Some of the first songs he can remember is “Jesus is Alive and Well” and “Step into the Water.” “I couldn’t read so I would listen to songs tilI memorized them,” David says. “I’ve always loved singing for God. It comes easy to me. My approach has always been to preach with a song. I don’t just want to sing the word, I try tell the message. I try to sing as if Jesus is the only person in the room.” After graduating from Hallsville High School in 1998, David attended Kilgore Community College and then University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He graduated in 2009

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from UAMS with a Bachelors degree in Science and Nursing, later became certified in Rehabilitation, and currently works for Kelton Home Health Care out of Atlanta, Texas. “I’m fortunate enough to work for a boss like Ryon Kelton who is a true man of God,” David says. “Now my daily work is just another opportunity to be a servant of God in every capacity of my life. At work, I’m a case manager for about 20 patients, and I see about their medical needs as well as their spiritual needs.”

David began ministering at Partnership Church of Texarkana after he moved back to the area and met his wife, Jennifer, at church one Sunday. They got married six months later and now have three kids: Kollin, 15, Reagen, 8, Taylor 7. “My family is my greatest earthly treasure. They are my first and foremost responsibility and truly the light of my life,” David says. “My wife is a wonderful woman of God and she is my reality check. She is the one that keeps my head out of the clouds and keeps me grounded.” While members at Partnership Church of Texarkana, David helped the congregation forge a praise and worship ministry. For the 12 years that his family served there, David was able to serve in many capacities as an elder, teacher and preacher, but was especially integral in building up a music department. “We formed a very effective and powerful worship group over the years,” David says. “I’ve seen many lives touched and many people worship for the first time. Many people have come to the Lord, through this worship group, and when it started most of the members had never even picked up and instrument.” In September of the last year, David felt that God was leading him in a new direction, and though it was a bittersweet decision to leave Partnership Church of Texarkana, David has been blessed by the lives already touched by Truth Infusion Ministries. This new outlet allows David to utilize his passion for music, the Word and his personal mission to revive churches. “I believe today’s church is asleep at the wheel for the most part. At best we are just preaching to the choir,” David says. “My theory is this: if the church wakes up and becomes the Church again, everything else will fall naturally in place. Families, communities, politics, schools, our nation… the reason everything is in chaos is because the Church is asleep. My desire is to tell the Church that nap time is over. But I don’t just want to startle them awake; I want to show them how.” Recently, David had the opportunity

to lead a revival at First Bikers Church of Texarkana. His untraditional methods are sometimes a surprise for churches, but because of his singular desire to be driven by the Word and God’s calling, his choice to do things differently often leads to the biggest results. “One of the things I requested was some time on Saturday morning to do a simple Bible study,” David says. “That study became the catalyst for the weekend; it ended up lasting 3 hours. They were so pumped that I didn’t even get a chance to preach during the Saturday night service. The Spirit of God was moving and about 7 people came to know the Lord. It was a true movement of the Spirit and I was honored to be a part. To me, revival is that way: it’s not planned or controlled.” David’s radio ministry where he does a sixty second “drive by devotional” began out of KPYN 900 out of Atlanta and then moved to KEWL 95.1, and recently added a frequency out of Indiana where he can reach Lafayette, Indiana, the home of Purdue University. He has hopes to expand to another station after the first of the year. The coming year holds lots of opportunities for David and Truth Infusion Ministries. Tentatively, David will be recording a new music CD, is considering taking a part of a gospel quartet, and has several preaching and teaching events on the schedule. “I know God has a great plan for my family and this new ministry,” David says. “I’m looking forward to seeing individuals, pastors, congregations, and our community revived by the truth.” For more information about Truth Infusion Ministries, please visit Truthinfusion.com. January 2012

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Announcing

Texas A&M-Texarkana Dance Team

exas A&M University-Texarkana recently launched its new club sports program, called Eagle Athletics. The sports being offered to students include soccer, golf, crew, cross country and tennis. Only one sport was featured at the university during the past 40 years. The university hosted a men’s golf team in the early 1980’s. To further enhance Eagle Athletics, the university has also started a dance team. The team is coached by local well known dance instructor Gayle Burrow. Gayle is assisted by her daughter, Ali Burrow, who is an A&MTexarkana student and former Miss Dallas 2010. The dance team is comprised of seven members: Kendall Barajas, Caitlin Clem, Kelsey Davis, Jayme Vaughan, Kayla Rozell, Taylor Granberry and team Captain Lydia Knight. After tryouts were conducted in October, the team immediately began training for performances. The dance team’s first performance was before an audience of about 400 on lookers at this year’s Mistletoe Fair. The team performed before The Texas A&M University System Chancellor, John

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Sharp, during a recent campus visit by the Chancellor. Some of the team members were also introduced to the Women for A&M-Texarkana organization at their holiday social. The team’s next performance will be on January 28 at the Miss Texarkana Pageant, followed by a performance at the Pleasant Grove High School Showstoppers Spring Show.

Gayle, along with Ali’s assistance, has done a marvelous job getting the dance team to where it is today. Gayle is passionate about her love for dance. “I was a ‘Showgirl’ at Texas Christian University and I had a wonderful experience with that,” says Gayle. “I had danced since I was seven years old and found the dance team to be

an avenue to experience school spirit and feel like I was part of the university in more ways than just a student in the classroom.” Gayle also started the Pleasant Grove Showstopper drill team back in the 80’s. Ali is also enjoying her affiliation with the team. “I really enjoy working with the girls on the team,” says Ali. “They are wonderful dancers, which makes my job much easier.” Ali also feels her work with the dance team is rewarding since she is about the same age as the team members. Gayle is looking forward to working with many high school girls in the area and beyond who will be coming to A&MTexarkana and trying out for the dance team. The team plans to attend national competitions, host summer camps and continue to bring pride to the campus. Tryouts for next year’s team will be in May and information will be available soon on the university’s website (TAMUT.edu). For more information about tryouts and becoming a team member, contact Gayle at gb0111@cableone.net or Ali at amb0348@gmail.com.

January 2012

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WINTER 2012

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WINTER 2012 /contents

F E AT U R E S 31 The Resolution Make Over

35 k / COVER

Healthy choices

My Plate

Fitness For Kids

4 , 0 0 0 Ye a r s a n d C o u n t i n g

In-Vitro Update!

HELPFUL INFO 46

Design Showcase

48 Uncorked 52

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

Make healthy choices in the coming year! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help you decide the direction you need to go!

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy Feature Writers / Jane Bouterse, Anne Fruge

Kids and Fitness Kids need to stay fit throughout the year! Here are some great suggestions to help keep your kids in shape all year long!

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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

ÂŠ2012 ALT Magazine

January 2012

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by Anne Fruge

The

Resolution

Make-over

ew Year’s Resolutions have earned a bad reputation over the years, and rightly so. The dawn of the New Year has quickly become a time to exasperatingly rectify our regrets of the past year, and then we shun the list after a few short weeks of struggling to reach our superhuman goals. This is especially true when it comes to fitness goals. As we struggle to button our favorite pants after holiday gorging and vow to never eat again or to work out every day of the next year, we set ourselves up for failure. Therefore, it’s time to give our resolutions a makeover of hope. This year isn’t about achieving the things that we can’t begin to have time for—unless our resolution is also to quit our jobs, stop cleaning our houses or spending time with our family. This year we are going to clear the muddied name of resolutions and replace our shame with accomplishment. The good news is, we don’t have to look far. Opportunities abound locally for the Texarkana citizen to reach their fitness goals, whether it’s to build more muscle,

burn more calories, or find a way to eat healthier.

Break a Sweat Even though its winter and the sweatpants are calling, don’t ignore the urge to get active. Not only will it feel better to get our hearts pumping and break a sweat, but it’s a great way to encourage our families

to do the same. Plus, when everyone in a household is all working toward a healthier lifestyle, choices to work out and eat better will be easier. According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, aerobic activity has life-long benefits for both our body and our minds. Their top reasons to get out and exercise are because it can “keep excess pounds at bay, increase stamina, ward off viral illnesses, reduce health risks, manage chronic conditions, strengthen your heart, keep your arteries clear and boost your mood.” So, join the gym, and check your workplace to see if they offer any gym discounts. Find a walking partner and head to Spring Lake Park or the Four States Fairgrounds, take Fido for a much needed jog, or sign up for a fun exercise class at our local college or gym. With everything from step aerobics to Zumba, there is an exercise class that will fit your fitness goals. Don’t have time to leave the January 2012

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house? Peruse your favorite website or local shopping center for DVDs from professionals who can help you work out at home. There are also personal trainers who will whip you into shape from your own living room. The possibilities are endless, and it only makes it easier to find something that you can stick with because of the vast opportunities to work out in a way that you enjoy. Don’t torture yourself by walking miles on a treadmill if you dread doing it every day. Instead, if we can find a workout that we can look forward to, we will end up sticking with it longer. Change Your Diet Starvation is not an option. Remember, we are doing this the healthy way, which means that we want our bodies to get stronger and feel better, not weaker and sicker. Plus, no one can starve themselves forever, and then we are, once again, facing failure and shame. The truth is, we all know what to do to lose more weight. We need to drink more water, eat less processed and fast food, eat smaller meals throughout the day and make good dietary choices. If you’ve picked up a fitness magazine or watched any talk show in the last few months, you’ve heard the experts say the same things. Now, it’s time to put them into practice, and that can be the really hard part.

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For accountability dieting, there are several great options to help get you started and keep you on track. First, most gyms have trainers who will talk to you about diet plans and take your personal food preferences into consideration. There are also healthy protein and smoothie places around the city where you can pick up a quick meal instead of swerving into a restaurant for a greasy burger and fries at the last minute, which you will inevitably, regret. In addition, appetite suppressants are available at local medical clinics. Another great way to curb calorie intake is through a diet system that either offers accountability through meetings or prepackaged meals. Plus for that last minute party, wedding or reunion, there are places that offer cellulite reduction, body wraps to lose inches, and of course, every woman’s best friend: Spanx. Ultimately, it’s time to make a plan, and not just any list of resolutions, but the kind of plan that we can stick with. The changes that are true-lifestyle changes will stay with us in time to see bathing suit season, instead of being thrown away at the end of January. Let’s be good to ourselves this year and give our resolutions a break; they aren’t miracle workers. But with the right help and a little insight into our true goals, we can make this year a time of hope for a better, healthier future. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aerobicexercise/EP00002/METHOD=print

Your Local Resource Guide All About You 4100 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.7775 Anytime Fitness Richmond Road 3415 Richmond Road. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.794.5348 Christus St. Michael Fitness Center 2223 Galleria Oaks Drive Texarkana, TX 903.614.4441 Express Care 5483 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.5931 Salon Visage Esthetique 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 The Sanctuary 3502 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8661 Training Wheels In-Home Personal Training 903.319.3096 Zumba with Lyndsay (Next to Sears( 903.293.3647

Give these local businesses a call or visit to help you achieve your health and fitness goals for 2012!

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Information found at: www.theglobeandmail.com

Out with the old... Over the years, the food pyramid has taken itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair share of scrutiny and revisions, but all that is over now.

First Lady Michele Obama has taken down the mighty pyramid and replaced it with a much simpler model called "my plate," a simple image of a plate divided into the major food groups people should consume most: fruits, vegetables, grains and protein. Dairy is featured as a beverage to the side of the plate. Many nutrition experts are praising the new design as a major improvement from the confusing and even misleading food pyramid, which critics said was too hard to understand and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t emphasize the right foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

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In with the new...

Others believe the food plate is a marginal improvement to a deeply flawed food pyramid that will likely have minimal effects on what the public consumes. Bill Jeffery, national co-ordinator of the Canadian branch of the Centre for Science in the Public Interest, a consumer advocacy group, agreed the food plate has many flaws. For instance, it doesn’t recommend that people should control how many calories they consume in a day. It also fails to emphasize that people should eat foods that are low in sodium, a major oversight, he said. But at the same time, while not perfect, the plate highlights serious problems with other guides to healthy eating, he said.

Major highlights of the new food plate: Simple design: Instead of a multicolored pyramid, the U.S. is now using a simple image of a plate to show Americans what the makeup of their diet should be.

No minimum amounts: Unlike many food guides, including the one used by Canada, the new food plate model doesn’t suggest people eat a “minimum amount” of servings, which critics suggest leads to confusion because few consumers understand what constitutes a serving. In Canada, the food guide recommends how many servings of various foods people should eat a day, but critics argue few take the time to measure portions to get the right serving size.

Protein, not meat: The food plate suggests people consume protein every day, but does not make mention of meat products. It’s an important distinction because many food guides have been criticized for recommending the consumption of red meat, for instance, which is tied to potential health risks.

Move over, dairy: Although dairy is still included in the new design, it is featured off to the side as the image of a beverage. Some experts praised this move, saying it may emphasize consumption of low-fat milk over, say, cheese. Yet, others suggest dairy shouldn’t have been included as a food group at all. January 2012

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Getting children off the couch and staying fit together

ith obesity in children growing to a critical level many are concerned. Wonder how to promote fitness for kids? Start by getting in the game yourself — and allowing your child’s interests to guide the way.

Encourage your children to get involved in physically active activities like dance, sports and other active interests they may have.

For many kids, biking to the playground and playing kickball in the backyard have given way to watching television, playing video games and spending hours online. But it’s never too late to get your child

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off the couch. Use these simple tips to give your child a lifelong appreciation for activities that strengthen his or her body. Set a good example Your active lifestyle can be a powerful stimulus for your child. If you want an active child, be active yourself. You can’t just “talk” activity — you need to make activity a priority for yourself as well. Go for a brisk walk, ride your bike or take a yoga class. Better yet, invite your family to play catch or to join you on a walk. Talk about physical activity as an opportunity to take care of your body, rather than a punishment or a chore. Praise, reward and encourage activity. Wonder how much physical activity is enough? Consider these guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services: Kids. Children and adolescents age 6 and older need at least an hour a day of physical activity. Most of the hour should be either moderate or vigorous aerobic activity. In addition,

children should participate in musclestrengthening and bone-strengthening activities at least three days a week. Many classic activities — such as playing on playground equipment and jumping rope — cover all the bases at once. Adults. Most healthy adults

Group activities as a family benefit all parties physically and promote positive family life.

need at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, such as running — preferably spread

throughout the week. Adults also need strength training exercises at least twice a week.

a player’s physical movements to control what happens on the screen — boost a child’s calorie-burning power. In a Mayo Clinic study, kids who traded sedentary screen time for active screen time more than doubled their energy expenditure.

Limit screen time A surefire way to increase your child’s activity level is to Establish a limit the number routine of hours he or she Set aside time each spends in front of a day for physical screen — including activity. Get up early television, video with your child to games and online walk the dog or take activities. For a walk together after example, you might dinner. Start small, consider a limit of gradually adding one or two hours new activities to a day and, for a the routine as you better night’s sleep, — and your child — no screen time in become more fit. the hour before bed. To make it Let your child easier, don’t put a set the pace television in your Teaching your child games like hopscotch and other physically For many kids, child’s bedroom, active games is fun and beneficial! organized sports are don’t watch television a great way to stay fit. But team sports while you’re eating dinner, and restrict or dance classes aren’t the only options. computers and other electronic gadgets If your child is artistically inclined, take a to a family area. Also consider limiting

search for activities your child enjoys. Promote activity, not exercise To keep your child interested in fitness, make it fun: Get in the game. Play catch, get the whole family involved in a game of tag or have a jump-rope contest. Try classic movement games such as Simon says or red light, green light. If you don’t remember the rules, make up your own! Try an activity party. For your child’s next birthday, schedule a bowling party, take the kids to a climbing wall or set up relay races outside. Put your child in charge. Let your child choose an activity of the day or week. Batting cages, bowling and neighborhood play areas all count. What matters is that you’re doing something active. Give the gift of activity. Offer activity-related equipment, games or outings as gifts and rewards — both for your child and others. Remember, incorporating physical activity into your child’s life does much

Doing fitness activities with your children makes them feel special and also teaches them by example. Even teaching your child about healthy foods can be a fun and productive activity.

other sedentary activities, such as text messaging or chatting on the phone. If your child plays video games, opt for those that require movement. Activityoriented video games — such as dance video games and video games that use

nature hike to collect leaves and rocks for use in a collage. If your child likes to climb, head for the nearest jungle gym. If your child likes to read, walk or bike to a local library for a book. Or simply turn on your child’s favorite music and dance in the living room. Get creative as you

more than promote a healthy weight. It sets the foundation for a lifetime of fitness and good mental and physical health. Information from www.mayoclinic.com

January 2012

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by Dustin Stringer Stringer Wealth Management LPL Financial www.stringerwealthmanagement.net

A Retirement Reality Check

f you have already retired or if you can count the number of years until retirement on your fingers then please heed this friendly warning: Unless you’re already making the most of your current retirement planning strategies, then it may be difficult to lay the groundwork for a financially secure future. Don’t just take my word for it, though. Look at the numbers: The median income in households of Americans who are at least 65 years old is under $25,000, whereas the median household income for Americans under 65 is more than double that amount.* Is your portfolio on a course that’s destined to lead to a retirement income shortfall? Consider these strategies that can help improve your long-term outlook. During Your Working Years? Determine an appropriate time frame for applying for Social Security benefits. If you plan to apply before your so-called “full retirement age,” then you can expect to receive lower monthly benefits. Delaying your application could increase your benefits. Detailed information about your specific situation is available in the Social Security Statement mailed to you each year about three months before your birthday. Contact Social Security at least three months before retirement to apply for benefits. When You Reach Retirement? Make arrangements for your retirement account distribution strategies. If you participate in a workplace retirement plan, contact your employer’s human resources office to learn what withdrawal options are available to you. Once you have that information handy, you’ll need to decide whether to begin withdrawing money from your taxable accounts first or from tax-deferred accounts first. Keep in mind that the IRS requires most retirement savers to begin taking withdrawals known as required minimum distributions (RMDs) from employer-sponsored retirement accounts and traditional IRAs after reaching age 70½. If you don’t take your RMDs, you could be forced to pay substantial tax penalties. RMD rules recently became less complex, but it’s still important that you understand them and implement an appropriate distribution strategy. All Retirement Investors? Review your post-retirement medical

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Find us on insurance needs. For example, you might want to think about purchasing coverage to supplement Medicare benefits. If you have made all eligible contributions to other qualified plans, then you may also want to consider funding an annuity now in order to receive a guaranteed income stream later in life.** Your retirement security is very important. A smart first step to keeping your retirement strategies on track is to contact a qualified financial professional. *Source: AARP, August 2005. **Fixed annuities are long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Withdrawals made prior to age 59½ are subject to 10% IRS penalty tax and surrender charges apply. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company. © 2010 Standard & Poor’s Financial Communications. All rights reserved.

Get Cozy With Your Valentine! New Year... New Remodel? Visit Oak Creek Furniture! 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.

Why all the fuss about details? Double Rockers, Cozy Quilts, Portable Fireplaces, Delicious Gourmet Foods to Share... Oak Creek Has the Goods for Your Perfect Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day!

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

The Holidays Are Always Bright at Oak Creek Furniture!

Did you know...

Lasting elegance...

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.

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

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

Polywood Outdoor Furniture...

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

Huge Se lec of Gour tion m Gift Bas et k & Good ets ies!

by Jane Bouterse

4000 Years and Counting

e appears often and obviously, so take a look at his hair. President Obama’s once dark hair is now sprinkled with a generous helping of gray—a visible reminder that having the most powerful job in the world brings with it not only perks but also problems. Although there is only President at a time (so none of us have to worry, do we?), his appearance reminds us all that life is demanding. The arrival of a new year, then, is an ideal time for taking inventory of our own demanding lives—What are our priorities?—and resolving to change for the better-- What do we want to do? But first, a look at the history and traditions of the New Year’s arrival builds a base for understanding its importance. Actually, the arrival of the New Year has moved around because of calendar changes—solar calendars, lunar calendars, seasons, manipulation. Since most early societies had no written calendars, they based their definition of a year on agricultural cycles. Four thousand years ago the new year was determined for the Babylonians by the spring and autumn equinoxes, the times for planting and harvesting. Almost 2,000 years ago, the arrival of the Babylonian new year would have been about March 23. When the new year arrived, Babylon was one big party marked by paying debts and returning borrowed goods for starters. Celebrating lasted about 11 days— celebrations which (historians report) make today’s festivities seem tame. The Roman celebration in 153 B.C. followed the Babylonian tradition until tampering by various emperors got the year totally out of sync with the sun. Julius Caesar in

46 B.C. arbitrarily solved that problem when he created the Julian calendar which again established January 1 as the beginning of the new year. Not surprisingly, the Romans started the ball rolling with Janus, their mythical king/god with two faces so that he could look backward and forward at the same time. The face on the back of his head could look back on the past. Because of what he saw, many Romans sought forgiveness from their enemies. On the front of his head his forward face was able to look ahead to new happenings; then the Romans began the tradition of exchanging gifts on New Year’s Eve. The gifts were usually branches from sacred trees for good fortune. Eventually the imprint of Janus on nuts or coins became more common New Year’s gifts. Choosing Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances, as the god who presided over the first month of the new year was an obvious choice. As a tribute to Janus, January—the year’s first month —was named after him. Tampering with the calendar over the centuries may have changed the times of the new year’s arrival, but the tradition of celebrating chances for change has existed throughout societies for at least 4000 years. Most traditions center on the presence or absence of good luck within the household, still a major motivator for new year’s choices. For example --The BRITISH place their fortunes for the coming year in the hands of their first guest. They believe the first visitor of each year should be male and bearing gifts. Traditional gifts are coal for the fire, a loaf for the table and a drink for January 2012

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in Pennsylvania Dutch country along with cooked apples. Southern the master. For good luck, the guest should enter through the front tables groan with Black-eyed peas and cooked Collard Greens door and leave through the back. Guests who are empty-handed or complemented by Buttermilk cornbread. Ethnic traditions abound as unwanted are not allowed to enter first. -- HAITIANS wear new clothing and exchange gifts in the hope that it well. Food traditions in the U. S. may prove difficult to enjoy will bode well for the new year. if followed by a night of revelry. Midnight is the magic moment for – In SPAIN, when the clock strikes midnight, the Spanish eat 12 American celebrants who may have welcomed the New Year with a grapes, one with every toll, to bring good luck for the 12 months kiss as the toll of the New Year’s first moments splits the air. The kiss ahead. PERUVIANS eat the 12 then add a 13th grape for good luck. at the stroke of midnight is derived from masked balls, commonplace – The JAPANESE decorate their homes in tribute to lucky gods. One tradition, kadomatsu, consists of a pine branch symbolizing longevity, throughout history. As tradition has it, the masks symbolize evil spirits from the old year and the kiss is the purification into the new a bamboo stalk symbolizing prosperity, and a plum blossom showing year. nobility. New Year’s revelry in – For the CHINESE New the U.S. tends to look toward Year, every front door is New York City’s Times Square adorned with a fresh coat of 50% of adults in North and the dropping of the ball, a red paint, red being a symbol tradition begun in 1907 when of good luck and happiness. America will make a New the iron ball commissioned Although the whole family by Adolph S. Ochs, publisher prepares a feast for the New Year’s resolution of the New York TIMES, was Year, all knives are put away dropped from a 70-foot flagpole for 24 hours to keep anyone at midnight. That iron globe from cutting themselves, was lighted by 216 electric which is thought to cut the lamps. Today’s 1,200 pound sphere is clad in Waterford crystal and family’s good luck for the next year. carries 30,000 watts of light-emitting diodes. Over 100 cities around Traditions dominate the New Year’s holiday celebrations, the country have created their own versions of the globe drop—still at and many of those extend to the food consumed either on New midnight on the first day of the new year. Year’s Eve or the first day itself. REVELRY is an important part of the New Year’s Eve In SICILY an old tradition says good luck will come to those celebration, but one night of revelry is followed by 12 months of who eat lasagna on New Year’s Day, but woe to those who dine on routine. During those 365 days the new year’s RESOLUTIONS, macaroni, for any other noodle will bring bad luck. i.e. usually plans for changing behavior during the year, must be A special GREEK New Year’s bread is baked with a coin accomplished. buried in the dough. The first slice is for the Christ child, the second RESOLUTIONS begin …. for the father of the household and the third slice is for the house. If First, with an inventory. Maya Angelou, The the third slice holds the coin, spring will come early that year. Phenomenal Woman reared in Stamps, AR, provides a jump start on Good luck food choices in America vary from one region of this project: the country to another. Pork and sauerkraut are absolute necessities

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“I’ve learned,” she writes, “that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/ she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as making a ‘life.’ I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people never forget how you made them feel.”

Obviously our lives are comprised of those things not only learned but also those actions desired. Aha! Therein lies much of the problem, and that has been true for almost 4000 years. Enter: New Year’s RESOLUTIONS for action. Some interesting “Miscellaneous Facts About New Year’s Resolutions” appear on the www.psychologytoday.com web site:

Heatherton 1996, as cited by Koestner 2008, p. 61) (1) Unclear and vague goals. It is better to state “I plan on losing 20 lbs. by June 1st” rather than “I plan on being more healthy.” (2) Failure to gauge one’s progress toward the stated goals. It is better to weigh yourself every Friday morning as a means of gauging your weight loss rather than leaving it to how “well you feel in your pants” or weighing every day. (3) Weak self-control and self-regulation when facing challenges that impede one’s ability to achieve the stated goals. It is better to state that once you go on vacation, you will only have a single plate at any meal at the all-you-can-eat buffet (respective of the offerings) rather than having to respond to the temptations at each meal void of a self-regulatory action plan. Choosing single helpings also assists in self-regulation. Several suggestions may assist in succeeding at whatever RESOLUTIONS are made: First, Write your RESOLUTIONS. Keep them specific and simple. Read them often.

Second, Find a buddy so that you two can share your successes and shore each other up in moments of weakness and weariness Finally, Track your progress. Keep a journal or use www.43things.com Lia Steakley Dicker is a Seattle based journalist and editor of the 43 Things Book: Dream It. List It. Do It. How to Live a Bigger and Bolder Life. She has created the website to assist goal-setters in achieving their goals. Who knows? You may achieve one goal and create yet another As Hallmark reminds us LIFE IS A SPECIAL OCCASION—so live it to its fullest— In 2012…  READ  RECALL  REVIEW  RESOLVE  REVEL  REJOICE IT’S 4000 YEARS AND COUNTING! GOOD LUCK!

 50% of adults in North America will make a New Year’s resolution (Norcross & Vangarelli, 1988, as cited by Koestner 2008, p. 60).  The top two resolutions are behavioral commitments related to improving one’s health namely to cease smoking and decrease one’s consumption of alcohol (Norcross & Vangarelli, 1988, as cited by Koestner 2008, p. 60). Losing weight and implementing a regular exercise program also rate very high.  Some discouraging information: Most people fail in adhering to their stated New Year’s resolutions. Specifically, 22% fail after one week, 40% after one month, 50% after three months, 60% after six months, and 81% after twentyfour months (Norcross &Vangarelli, 1988, as cited by Koestner 2008, p. 60).  Three reasons for failing to achieve one’s stated goals (Baumeister and January 2012

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Design

Showcase

bar stools instead of just two. New flooring was installed, a larger tile on the diagonal. The painters came in next and painted the existing golden oak cabinets in a cream The family has grown and they felt a need for color with a java glaze. The ceilings were more seating, so a larger table in the breakfast painted in a slightly lighter color than the cabinets, accented by white trim. area and more bar stools around the island was the perfect solution. For the perfectly The new wallpaper is a commercial grade coordinating table, we ordered a new table in vinyl. It has a texture and a tone on tone a custom size and chairs in the same finish as the newly painted cabinets in the breakfast look to it, which really adds visual interest. It made the most impact to the room. The fruit area from Oak Creek Furniture. wallpaper that was there just had to go! To bring in the new, more accommodating island, the old island and the desk area in the Copper Canyon granite was installed on the island and a quartz (Jerusalem Sand) was breakfast room had to be torn out. The new installed on the newly painted cabinets. A and improved island, in knotty alder with a walnut stain, was put in to accommodate four combination of ceramic tile, glass and metal After redecorating the dining room two years ago, the homeowner decided recently to update the kitchen.

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made for an interesting look as the backsplash. New appliances, cabinet hardware and lighting in bronze added to the custom look. The window treatments and accessories are the finishing touch. I think the kitchen turned out fabulous and my client is very happy. I love my job!

-Janet, Janet Green Interior Design

1) Cream Cabinets with Java Glaze. 2) New Island with Extra Seating. 3) New Custom Dining Table. 4) Painted Cabinets and Quartz Countertops. 5) New Bronze Appliances. 6) New Large Tile Floor. 7) New Vinyl Wallpaper. 8) New Faucet and Backsplash.

January 2012

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by Vincent Senatore

Starting from the Beginning...

t’s January and time for us to begin a new year with zest and enthusiasm. The holiday lights and ornaments are stowed away and it’s time for us to make the memories that we will be discussing later this year. First, we’ll be making those pesky New Year’s resolutions that will be forgotten by Valentine’s Day. Then we will search for new ways to make our lives more interesting and fun. This is the part, I like. I was thinking about how many new wines and unique foods I found last year (2011). Further, as I thought back through my 35 years in the wine Industry, I was amazed to realize that there were quite a few surprises during 2011 and I suspect there will be equally as many new surprises in 2012. I wish I had a dime for every time I used the expression “This was one of the best dinners, or best wines, or best dishes that I have tasted in years. I was not trying to be nice. I really meant it. From a wine perspective, there are hundreds of wine producing regions from all over the world. Further, there are hundreds of grape varieties and clones of those grape varieties that are planted in many different soils and micro-climates. Each of these grapes will produce a totally different and unique style of wine. That’s why retailers should be very careful in qualifying their customers as to the style of a specific grape variety. If I’m asked for a Chardonnay, I need to ascertain where in the flavor profile my customer wants to be. Basically, most wine is produced in the same manner. When the grapes are ripe and the natural sugar levels are high enough, the grapes are picked and brought to the winery for fermentation. The stems are separated from the berries and the grapes are crushed. Some white varieties are fermented with their skins and some are separated from the

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skin. All red grape varieties are fermented with the grape skins because the wine gets its color from the skins while it is in contact with the juice. Prior to fermentation, all grape juice is clear. Once the grapes are crushed, fermentation begins immediately. Either the natural yeasts that are present on the skins or the addition of cultured yeast will start this process. The yeast will interact with the sugar in the juice and the sugar will be transformed into alcohol and carbon dioxide gas. If the gas is allowed to escape, we have still wine. If the gas is retained, the by-product is sparkling wine. Obviously, there are thousands of variations to the process that I just mentioned. However, this is how wine is produced. As long as there is sugar and yeast present, there will be some sort of fermentation. The fun part of this process is every year there will be a completely different grape grown on the same vines and the weather will determine the degree of sugar present in the grape juice. Remember this: as a vine gets older (12 to 50 years),

the vine produces a more complex wine. Also, the vineyard master (grape grower) will control the quality of the future wine by pruning the buds and the leaves to maintain the maximum concentration of nutrition and photosynthesis for the remaining bunches of grapes on that vine, therefore producing the perfect number of grape clusters and the best growing conditions per vine. When all of the above is “just right,” fermentation is just a process.

The reason I keep getting fascinated by the new wines that come across my desk is because every year they’re unique to the vintage, to the vineyard and the value. It seems to me that as the single vineyard wines get older and the vines are producing higher quality grapes, food seems to work better with the same wines from a newer vintage. One of my favorite examples from 2011 was at a wine dinner that we produced at the Fillin Station Grill with Jeff Loving. I had tasted 2007 Santa Barbara Vineyards Pinot Noir with food earlier in the year. Later that year we tasted Grilled Quail, stuffed with Blue Cheese and Prosciutto. This time, we had the 2008 Pinot Noir and I was absolutely awestruck by the quality and the compatibility with the dish. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for their new wine. It’s 2012 and it’s time for us to renew our palates with some old favorites from new vintages and try them with some old favorites. I’m looking forward to the Santa Barbara Pinot Noir paired with a Roasted pork tenderloin drizzled with a red wine reduction. In fact, with all the great chefs in Texarkana, I’m really looking forward to an extraordinary year of food and wine affinities. All I can say is… “Fuggetaboudit” Remember to consume your adult beverages in moderation.

January 2012

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Update! From The Harris Family

emember our in vetro

On August 1st, 2010 we had the last two of our seven embryos implanted. 39 weeks later, April 13, 2011, Eden Blue Harris came into this world and blessed our family, weighing 6 lbs. 14 oz and 19 inches long. She had a head full of hair! (none of which has she lost). Everyday she changes and grows and gets more personality. She now has 2 teeth, is trying to crawl and walk, and she makes silly faces when she knows you are watching her. We cannot imagine life now without her; she truly completes our family. We feel so blessed after everything we went through and we just want to thank everyone for their prayers and support. And thank you to ALT magazine for sharing our story. We hope that if there are couples out there struggling with infertility that this will give them hope and inspiration and help them to come to a decision that is right for their family.

fertilization article from January 2011? We’re so excited to share with you an update on a few of these families!

The Reardons: Shannon, Kirk, Cooper and Holden

From The Reardon Family

Eden Blue Harris

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It has been an exciting year for the Reardon household. Holden (our first, conceived after in vetro fertilization)

The Harris’: Alex, Lisa, Eden and Jordan

celebrated his first birthday on January 12, 2011. He went from baby to toddler in the blink of an eye and has given us more laughter than we ever could have imagined. I was pregnant (a wonderful surprise by natural conception) most of 2011 and went on bed rest for several months so Kirk did most of the duties during that time, which created an unbelievable bond between the two. We transitioned from baby to toddler and then back to baby when Cooper Dean Reardon was born on August 12, 2011. Weighing in at 7.4 lbs and 19.5 inches, he was a little thing compared to big brother. Holden loves “Tooter” and we have to be careful of his rough love. :) We feel truly blessed with our growing family and sometimes I can not believe I have two under two years when just several years ago, I didn’t know if I would ever be able to have just one. Who knows what the future will bring us. Since Cooper was conceived naturally, we could be a family of 5. For now, I am happy with the wonderful chaos our family of 4 brings.

January 2012

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Ark-La-Tex Resource

Guide

Air and Heating Central Air 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212 Kraus Heating and Air 200 Industrial Blvd. Nash, TX 903.831.3912 Apartments Arista Apartments 3515 Arista Blvd. Texarkana, TX 903.255.7869 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

Red River Federal Credit Union 2700A University Ave. Texarkana, TX 75503 903-735-3000 800-822-3317 Texar Federal Credit Union Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.223.5626 Texarkana First Bank 3601 East 9th St. Texarkana, AR 870.772.0222 615 Sam Houston Dr. New Boston, TX 3625 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.6955 Cakes Coldstone Creamery 4228 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2653 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354

Westwood Apartments 101 Redwater Rd. Wake Village, TX 903.832.8446

Reception Arts Becky Risinger Ashdown, AR 870.898.5273

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

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

Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056

Chef on the Run Jeff Loving 903.276.8081

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

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Christine Corley Private Chef 850.728.0900 Culinary Creations Pam Elliott 903.831.4674

Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227 Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR 124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 Church Highland Park Baptist Church 2401 Hazel St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.6996 Clothing Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088 Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 OMG Lulu 3211 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.8135 116 Polk St. Jefferson, TX 903.665.8855

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

Zumba with Lyndsay Central Mall (Next to Sears) 903.293.3647

Event Locations Garrison Gardens Texarkana, AR 71854 870.773.0275 www.garrisongardens.net

Furniture Oak Creek Furniture 8024 West 7th St. Texarkana, TX 903.832.0793

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

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

Regional Arts Center Cabe Hall 321 W. 4th Street Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.8681 www.trahc.org

Pleasant Grove Pharmacy Baits and Blades 3302 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.832.4545

Florists Queen City Floral Dry Cleaning Highway 59 North Holiday Cleaners Queen City, TX Locations throughout Texarkana Area 903.796.2891 870.773.4072 Ruth’s Flowers Entertainment 3501 Texas Bllvd. Bounce-A-Lot Texarkana, TX Texarkana, TX 903.793.6711 903.792.0113 www.ruthsflowers.net www.bounce-a-lot.org Twisted Vines Florist and Oaklawn Opry Cafe 124 Oaklawn Village 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX Texarkana, AR 903.838.3333 870-772-2700

Financial Planner Dustin Stringer Stringer Wealth Management 1620 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.223.0011 Fitness Centers Anytime Fitness Richmond Road 3415 Richmond Road. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.794.5348 Minton’s Sportsplex 5610 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.838.4697

Queen City Floral Highway 59 North Queen City, TX 903.796.2891 Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.2700 Hair Care Headmasters Hair Salon 3703 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.832.6261

Style Studio Lisa Harris 3201 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.1719

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

Physicians Express Care 5483 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.5931

Refreshments Bolls Distributing 700 E. Broad St. Texarkana, AR 870.774.9283

Home Designs/Remodeling Red River Lumber Company Highway 71 North Texarkana, TX 903.794.0039

Farm Bureau Insurance 4140 McKnight Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.8707

Vision Source 4401 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.9063

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

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

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

Rentals Bounce-A-Lot 903.276.2961 www.bounce-a-lot.org

Kelli Ashbrook State Farm Insurance 3410 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.8100 www.kelliashbrook.com

Real Estate Connie Walker Coldwell Banker United 3001 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.277.0100 903.832.2486

G&A Carpet 1019 N. Kings Hwy. Nash, TX 903.832.0553 Taylored Home Solutions 2840 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.278.2353 Hospice Dierksen Hospice 6500 N. Summerhill Road, Suite 2B Texarkana, TX 903.793.6350 Hospitals Christus St. Michael Health System 2600 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.614.1000 Health South Rehabilitation 515 West 12th St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.0088 Wadley Hospital 1000 Pine St. Texarkana, TX 903.798.8000 Hotels Best Western Texarkana Inn & Suites 5219 Crossroads Parkway Texarkana, AR 870.774.1534 Clarion Lacross Hotel 5100 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.774.3521 www.lacrosse-hotel.com

Kristi Smith State Farm Insurance 418 Walton Drive Texarkana, TX 903.223.3276 Ron Morrow State Farm Insurance 3306 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.832.5505 www.ronmorrowagency.com Jewelers Alexander’s Jewelers 3701 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.832.3557

Teresa Liepman Remax 5120 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.276.9464

City Blends 600 N. Kings Hwy, Suite 5 Wake Village, TX 430.200.2814 Coldstone Creamery 4228 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2653

Dot’s Rentals 814 N. Robison Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.7011 3413 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0551 Twisted Vines Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.2700 Restaurants Amigo Juan Mexican Cafe 4301 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.334.6971 1200 N. Hervey Hope, AR 870.777.0006 611 Loop 59 Atlanta, TX 903.796.2400

Daddy Dougaloo’s 905 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.0172 Dairy Queen Locations throughout ArkLa-Tex Golden Corral 3809 Sowell Lane Texarkana, TX 903.334.8399 Ironwood Grill 4312 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.4644 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354

Crocker’s Jewelers 3117 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.832.8686 Micah’s Jewelers 2812 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.735.2336 Make-up Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056

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

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

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

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

Insurance Brian Purtle Allstate Insurance 3301 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.5881

Satterfield Construction, LLC 903.832.4591 www.satterfieldservices.com

Chappo’s Italian Restaurant 1617 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.791.1726

Blue Isle Expressions 3402 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.791.9992

Courtyard by Marriott 5001 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.7400

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

Impact Realty Bill and Tracy Spradlin 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Suite 104 Nash, TX 903.748.3186 903.748.2477

Bryce’s Cafeteria 2021 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.792.1611

Medical Equipment Respiratory Solutions 3101 Kennedy Lane, Suite 1000 Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.2110 Photographer Image Forward Photography 200 Heather Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.334.9605 www.imageforwardtxk.com

January 2012

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Los Agaves 5100 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.773.2300 Shorty’s Donuts 2729 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.6686 Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227 Tasty Donuts 1443 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.838.0422 Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.2700 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

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Retirement/Assisted Living Home Cornerstone Retirement Community 4100 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 903.832.5515

Sporting Goods Baits and Blades 3302 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.4545

Wedding Officiant Jeff Taylor 903.733.6347 pgccminister@yahoo.com

Edgewood Manor 4925 Elizabeth St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.4645

Wedding Attire Bridal Castle 3209 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.3886

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

The Magnolia 4205 Richmond Meadows Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.7319 Spas/Salons All About You Diana Gregory/Lori Campbell 4100 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.7775 Hawaii Nails & Spa 4280 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.832.0198 Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 The Sanctuary Kimberly Parham, M.D. 3502 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8661

Wedding Coordinators Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net Wedding Favors Pop Pop Shoppe 2011 Mall Drive, Suite B Texarkana, TX 903.793.0209

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Locations Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227

January 2012

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ired of the same old Superbowl party staples? Check out these upgraded takes on traditional Superbowl food and decorations!

Total Time: 3 hr 15 min Prep: 15 min Servings: 30 servings, about 2 Tbsp. spread and 5 crackers each

Total Time: 1 hr 5 min Prep: 25 min Servings: 48 servings

Ingredients: 2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese 1/2 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese 1/2 cup MIRACLE WHIP Dressing 1/4 tsp. pepper 2 green onions, chopped 1 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans 2 Tbsp. pimiento strips RITZ Crackers make it Beat first 5 ingredients with mixer until blended. Stir in onions. Refrigerate several hours. Total Time: 1 hr 30 min Prep: 15 min Cook: 1 hr 15 min Cut the tops off 2 heads garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil and bake at 400 degrees until tender, 45 minutes. Make Onion Dip using the roasted garlic pulp in place of the sauteed onions. Add 6 slices chopped crisp bacon. Onion Dip Saute 1 each chopped yellow and red onion in olive oil over low heat until caramelized, 30 minutes; cool. Mix with 1 1/2 cups sour cream, 3/4 cup mayonnaise and chopped chives and scallions. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.

Form into football shape; coat with nuts. Add pimentos for the lacing. Serve with crackers.

Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups balsamic vinegar 1 lb. trimmed thin cut boneless beef rib-eye steak 1/2 tsp. each granulated garlic, chili powder and dry mustard 1/2 tsp. each dried thyme, basil, kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper 1/4 tsp. each white pepper and cayenne 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 cup sweet onion, quartered, thinly sliced 1 cup red bell pepper, cut in julienne stips, 1” long 1/2 cup each yellow bell pepper and Anaheim chile, cut in julienne stips, 1” long 1 Tbsp. minced garlic 1-1/2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT DELI DELUXE Process Jalapeno American Cheese Slices RITZ Crackers

January 2012

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In a small saucepan, bring 1-1/2 cups balsamic vinegar to a boil, then simmer gently over low heat 40 min. until reduced to 1/3 cup. Cut meat across the grain into ¼”-thick slices, then julienne to 1”-long pieces. In a large bowl, combine dry spices. Add steak pieces; toss to evenly coat. Set aside.

4 slices cheddar cheese, cut into quarters (4 oz.) 4 cherry tomatoes, sliced Mustard, ketchup, dairy sour cream, and/or dill pickle slices

Ingredients: 3 russet potatoes, scrubbed 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 clove garlic, minced 3/4 cup Cheddar 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, warm 1/2 pound pulled pork Sour cream, for topping 2 tablespoons snipped chives, for garnish

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 Tbsp. of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, bell peppers and Anaheim chile and sauté 4-5 min., stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook 1-2 min. Remove to a plate. Heat remaining oil in same skillet. Add steak and cook 2 min. until done, stirring frequently. Add the 1-1/2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar and the Worcestershire sauce, stir to combine. Add the vegetables and cook until heated through. Drain excess liquid. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut each cheese slice into 6 pieces. Place 1 piece on each of 48 crackers, then top with approximately 1 Tbsp. of the steak mixture. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 5 min., or until cheese melts. Place on serving plate and drizzle with the balsamic reduction. Top each with a second cracker.

Makes: 16 snacks Prep: 15 mins Bake: 18 mins Cook: 5 mins Ingredients: 16 large frozen French-fried waffle-cut potatoes (1/3 of a 22-oz. pkg.) 1 pound ground beef or turkey 2 - 3 teaspoons grilling seasoning blend

Taco or Frito Pie in a bag! No mess to clean and very easy!

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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Evenly space potatoes on baking sheet. Bake potatoes for 18 to 20 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned. Remove from oven. Adjust oven racks and preheat broiler. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl combine meat and seasoning. Form into sixteen 1-ounce mini burgers (about 2 tablespoons). In a 12-inch skillet cook burgers, uncovered, over medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until temperature registers 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, turning burgers once halfway through cooking. Drain fat. Top each potato with a burger, cheese quarter, and tomato slice. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted and tomato begins to brown. Serve with mustard, ketchup, sour cream, and/or pickles.

Cute and easy grass/ football cupcakes.

You know we had to put in a plug for our Cowboys, even if it is just wishful thinking!

Total Time: 1 hr 50 min Prep: 10 min Inactive: 10 min Cook: 1 hr 30 min

Choclate covered strawberry footballs.

Carved melon helmet.

Great idea for a table cloth, using the fake turf material with “yard lines.”

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake potatoes on middle rack until fork tender, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and let sit until cool enough to handle. Bake 4 strips of bacon on a small sheet pan in the oven for 15 minutes. Crumble bacon when it’s cooled. Preheat grill to medium heat.

Football deviled eggs.

Turn the classic Mexican layered dip into a football field!

And, if you don’t want to go through the hassle of the fake turf using simple green felt and white ribbon looks great, too.

Cut potatoes in half, lengthwise, and spoon out the flesh, leaving a half inch shell.

mixture over the tops. Bake for 30 minutes.

Melt the butter in saucepan and add minced garlic. Brush potatoes with the butter and garlic mixture. Flip over and butter the bottoms. Place potatoes on grill and cook until crisp, about 4 to 4 1/2 minutes on each side and remove from grill.

Pour water into a small saucepan and sprinkle with gelatin. Allow to soak for a minute of two. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until gelatin is dissolved (about 5 minutes).

Divide the cheese, barbecue sauce and pulled pork among the potatoes. Top potato skins with sour cream, crumbled bacon and chives for garnish. (We think this would also be great to make minis potato snacks with!)

Yields: 12 servings Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni 1 tablespoon butter 1 egg, beaten 1 cup milk 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs 2 teaspoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 to 1 teaspoon truffle oil Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs, olive oil and salt. Cook the elbow macaroni for about 8 minutes; they should still be a little bit firm. Remove from the heat, drain and place in a pan. Stir in the butter and egg until pasta is evenly coated. Reserve 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Stir the remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan and mozzarella, along with some milk and truffle oil into the pasta. Spoon into the prepared muffin tin. Sprinkle the reserved cheese and the bread crumb

2 3 oz. boxes flavored gelatin dessert in team colors (For the Packers, I used Pineapple and Lime flavors - for the Steelers black, I added two drops of McCormick black food coloring before chilling. Sugar free or regular gelatin is fine - sugar free gelatin dissolves very easily!) 2 cups ice cold vodka or rum (separated, and note that flavored liquor is nice but not required)

Makes: 24 servings Prep: 10 mins Freeze: 30 mins Bake: 350°F 12 mins Ingredients: 1/2 17.3 ounce package frozen puff pastry (1 sheet), thawed 1 tablespoon milk 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper On a lightly floured surface, roll puff pastry sheet into a 14x10-inch rectangle. Brush pastry with some of the milk; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and pepper. Starting at a short side, loosely roll up into a spiral, stopping at the center. Repeat rolling up, starting at the other short side. Wrap in plastic wrap; freeze for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or foil; set aside. Unwrap roll and place on a cutting board. Brush with remaining milk. Using a serrated knife and a sawing motion, cut pastry roll crosswise into 3/8-inch-thick slices. Place slices 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets, reshaping as necessary. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until crisp and golden. Transfer to a wire rack; cool slightly. Serve warm. Makes about 24 spirals. from the test kitchen

Pour the flavored gelatin powder into two separate bowls. Divide the hot gelatin mixture and add one part to each bowl. Stir until dissolved. Let cool for a few minutes, then stir in the liquor. Pour into four separate containers to chill - (standard 1 lb loaf pans, about 8” x 4”, work well in order to have relatively symmetrical gelatin blocks.) Chill until fully set, several hours or overnight. Step Two – Creamy gelatin 2 cups water 2 1/2 envelopes Knox gelatin (1/2 envelope is about 1 tsp gelatin powder) 1/2 of a 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk Pour water into a medium saucepan and sprinkle with the gelatin. Allow to soak for a minute or two. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until gelatin is dissolved (about 5 minutes). Stir in the can of condensed milk. Set mixture aside to cool to room temperature. Remove the colored gelatin from the refrigerator and cut into small blocks. Carefully mix the blocks as desired and place in a 9 x 13 glass or non-reactive metal pan (or use two standard 1 lb loaf pans – that’s what I used to make the colors for both Superbowl teams). Return blocks to refrigerator until milk mixture is cool. Once the milk mixture is cooled, divide equally and pour it over the gelatin blocks. Skim off any small bubbles that form. Chill until fully set, several hours or overnight. To serve, cut into squares and plate.

Make Ahead Tip Prepare as directed through Step 1. Freeze for up to 1 month. Unwrap, cut, and bake as directed. (If roll is too hard to slice while frozen, let it stand at room temperature until it’s easy to slice.)

Step One – Team Colors Gelatin 2 cups water 2 envelopes Knox gelatin January 2012

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

Our children are our future...and the future looks bright for the Ark-La-Tex! If you know a student you feel should be included in upcoming months, see below! If you know someone you feel would be great to be highlighted, please have them submit a photo in their uniform, via email, to debbie@alt-mag.com, along with responses to the following questions: Name: Parents: School/Grade: Sport(s)/postion(s): Achievements: What motivates you to do your best? What famous person has been an inspiration to you? If they are submitting a professional photo, we will need a release from the photographer to use it. Note: They do not have to be high school seniors! They must be in the 9th through 12th grades. Now, meet some amazing young people from around the area! We are proud of all of you!

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Parents: Tracy and Cheryl Stovall School: Atlanta High School Junior Sports/Achievements: 1 year Golf; 1 year JV Cheerleader; 2 years Varisty Cheerleader; Student Council, Spirit Club, 2 years Academic Awards; 15 years Dance, Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thanksgiving Day Parade dancer for three years. What motivates you to do your best? What motivates me to do my best is that I know younger children are watching my actions all the time. I volunteer with chidren at my dance studio and in cheer camps. Knowing that they are looking up to me helps me to strive to have a good attitude, keep my grades up, and be a positive figure in the community. What famous person has been an inspiration to you? It is very difficult to pick just one influential famous person in my life. I am surrounded by a successful family and friends who make a difference in my life and our community.

Laura Marilyn Atkins Parents: Shawn and Doris Atkins School: Pleasant Grove High School Senior Sports/Achievements: I participate in softball and plan to continue my career in college. I played volleyball my freshman and sophomore year, and ran cross country my junior year (qualifying for regionals). I have played CoEd softball at Hobo Jungle park where our team was the Division Winner. I have spoken at a Technology Convention in Orlando, Florida about Texthelp. Which is computer software to help accommodate people with Dyslexia. I also have taught students at a summer camp and Southern Methodist University how to use the software. I am a member of the Coastal Conservation Association. I achieved my silver award in girl scouts. I have been accepted and will be attending Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. What motivates you to do your best? I don’t believe anything comes easy, I think you should work for everything you have. I never want anything handed to me. A motivational speaker came to a class I was in and told my class to write down our goals on note cards. So I did. I read them every morning and I will continue to until I can reach every single goal on those cards. I want to be better than my best and I am a firm believer in the quote, “The day you rest, is the day your opponent gets stronger.” What famous person has been an inspiration to you? Mallory Holtman is a girl I have great respect for. She played softball for Central Washington. The reason she inspires me so much is her immense amount of sportsmanship. She was the team leader in home runs her senior year. During a game against Western Oregon a girl named Sara Tucjolsky had never hit a home run in her life, until that game. In her happiness from the bomb she knocked over the fence she skipped first base. While turning around to go back to touch it her knee didn’t twist with her, resulting in a torn ligament. Unable to get up she knew the ruling was if a pinch runner came in it would be considered a single. Mallory Holtman walked up to the umpire to ask if she could carry Sara around the bases and touch her foot to every bag. He gave her a funny look but couldn’t find a rule against it. So Sara got her home run that day thanks to Mallory. Mallory showed a true act of sportsmanship. Even being as good as she was she was still humble. Stories like this one make me love the game even more. January 2012

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EVENT

Open House

WHERE

J. Brown for the Home

WHEN

12/2/11

1. Carly Loving, Stacey Miner and Dr. Quinton Miner 2. Debi Cook, Jim Cook, Trey Connolly and Kim Fowler 3. Jeff Brown and Cathy Lee 4. Kim Polk, Richard Savaus and Sann Terry 5. Brenda Sutton, Trish Reed and Lauren Sutton 6. Colby Belk and Michael Rhodes 7. Stanley Johnston, Maggie Johnson and Tim Johnson 8. Tavo Cruz, A.L. Crawford, Keaton White and Easton Dillehay 9. Toni Nix, Mary Jane Orr and Carolyn Allen 10. William Gage and Carl Mills

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January 2012

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Holiday Open House

EVENT

WHERE Bunch Woodview Center WHEN

12/1/11

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1. Heidi Adams and Michelle Miller 2. Brian Glenn, playing piano 3. Chris Slade, Kandis Jones, Sandy Marvel, Sharon Turner and Jenifer McDonald 4. Chuck Lewis, Shirlena Hanes, Alicia Manley and Steve Matlock 5. Natasha Crabbe, Ben Sandefur and Steve Matlock 6. Chris Slade, Ben Sandefur, Linda Pearson and Rose Skinner 7. Ben Sandefur, Emily McCasland and Leslie Nolte 8. Cindy Marsh, Janet Brand, Heather Kiser, Krystal Gilbreath and Liz Britt 9. Zeke and Kathi Couch 10. Danielle Anderson, Geneva Moore and Natasha Crabbe 11. Mizette Solomon and Shauna Stevens 12. Carrie Trusty and Christal Browning 13. - 14. Photos of Cookies, Brownies and Cheesecakes!

January 2012

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Snowflakes and Tablescapes

EVENT

WHERE

Northridge Country Club

WHEN

11/30/11

1. Trish Reed and Haley Reed 2. Gayle Moore, Nancy Sandefur and Mary Ann Oden 3. Novella Medlock, Marti Newell and Sandra Warren 4. Pat Allen, Penny Attaway and Remica Gray 5. Pam McCoy, Nita Craytor and Remica Gray 6. Mel Walsh and Mimi Fuller 7. Mary Jo Essex, Karolyn Poe and Judy Crutchfield 8. Miranda Johnson, Collins Tuohy and Jaclyn Gooding 9. Francine Francis, Collins Tuohy and Sue Johnson 10. Table decor 11. Patsy Bell and FaEllen Yates 12. Anna Marie Hornsby and Julie Mitchell 13. Mary Fore and Barbara McCash

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January 2012

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UACCH-Texarkana Steel Signing

EVENT

WHERE

Future Location

WHEN

11/30/11

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1. Drawing of UACCH-Texarkana building 2. Rosaland Dunn, Mekisha Johnson and Uana Lee 3. Bobby and Matine Furguson, Katie and Jim Powell 4. Steve Harrelson, Prissy Hickerson and Charles Nickerson 5. Arkansas High School Band and Cheer 6. Charlie McMurphy and Debbie Brower 7. Debbie Brower, Ed Holt and Charlie McMurphy 8. Brian Matthew and Wendy Butler 9. Kathi McFarland, Kaye Cheatham and Marla Hudson 10. Chris Thomason Chancellor of UACCH 11. John Goodson, Gov. Mike Bebee and Dr. Don Bobbit 12. Steve Harrelson and Chris Thomason 13. Gov. Mike Bebee 14. John Goodson 15. Dr. Don Bobbit 16. Mayor Wayne Smith 17. Harold Bolt 18. Ann Nickolas with Charles Dieffenbacher (who donated the land) 19. John Goodson and Ann Nickolas 20. John Goodson, Wayne Smith and Charles Dieffenbacher

EVENT Circle of Friends Texarkana USA of Arkansas Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital Christmas Party WHERE

The Collins Building

WHEN

12/13/11

Although located in Little Rock, Arkansas, Arkansas Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital plays a major role in our region in the care of children with over 4500 patient visits from Bowie and Miller counties last year. The local Circle of Friends chapter has a fund raising goal of $41,000 during 2012. For those interested in more information or joining the Texarkana USA chapter of Circle of Friends, contact Erica Ramage at 903.276.6764. 1. Linda and Joe Strickland 2. Chris and Ronnie Walraven 3. Neal and Winnie Courtney 4. Travis and Whitney Jackson 5. Karlton and Linda Willis 6. Whitney Jackson and Felita Gilmore 7. Bob and Dean Ransdell 8. Laurie and Ray Galloway

Harvest Texarkana Holiday Party

EVENT

1. Brandon Cogburn, Maura Johnston and Jill Whittington 2. Andi Darby, Brandon Cogburn and Jill Whittington 3. Brandon Cogburn Jeff Brown and Jill Whittington 4. Brandon Cogburn, Schlundyra Ivory, Andy Prince, Heather Keith and Jill Whittington 5. Kelly Mitchell, Jill Whittington and Brandon Cogburn 6. Fay J Durrant, Martha Prieskorn and Jeff Prieskorn 7. Andi Darby and Rose Stewart 8. Jeff Brown and friends

WHERE Hands On Texarkana Center WHEN

12/6/11

8 January 2012

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EVENT

Women for A&M Holiday Lunch Social

WHERE The Home of Lisa Mitchell WHEN

12/2/11

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1. Adrianne Rathburn, Mel Walsh and Sandy Varner 2. Camille McGinnis and Florence Crank 3. Jo Ann Rice and Jennell Ingram 4. Bob Bruggeman, Debbie Brower and Victor Caldwell 5. Gayle Burrow, Kayla Rozell, Kendall Barajas, Jayme Vaughn and Ali Burrow 6. Dr. Bix Rathburn and Jordan Robertson 7. Dr. Bix Rathburn and Casey Roberts 8. Dr. Bix Rathburn and Dr. Doug Julien 9. Dr. Bix Rathburn and Ashley Spearman 10. LeAnne Wright and Dr. Bix Rathburn 11. Peggy Kososki and Bob Bruggeman 12. Charlie McMurphy, Debbie Brower, Amy Carwile and Glenda Ballard 13. Judy Folsom, Dr. Bix Rathburn and Sally Patton 14. Lisa Mitchell and LeAnne Wright 15. Judy Davis, Dr. Doug Julien and Carla Snyder 16. Remica Gray and Ruth Ellen Whitt 17. Jon Purifoy and Annell Langdon 18. Barbara Wilson-Whitney and Carolyn Allen 19. Beck McWilliams, Angela Brewster and Gloria Mugno 20. Sally Patton and Joan Carter

January 2012

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The Texarkana Humane Society is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to re-homing orphaned animals, promoting the human-animal bond, preventing animal cruelty, educating children and adults about responsible pet ownership and preventing pet overpopulation. In order to reduce the number of unwanted animals and the euthanization of them at the shelter people need to spay/neuter their pets. The Texarkana Humane Society has a program to help individuals do this and urge everyone to get involved and tell your neighbor, family, and friends to be responsible and do their part in putting a stop to this problem here in our city. Have them contact us regarding our program. Call 903 8386334 and we will be glad to help you.

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

Texarkana Humane Society

Our goal is to place these animals in permanent homes with responsible, loving pet owners. All of our services are provided through private donations from our community. Donations are accepted and needed! Our animal friends appreciate you and your donations are tax deductible! (The Humane Society is all volunteers and all money goes towards the animals.) We’ve got a full house! Please come visit us! You might find the addition your family has been looking for! Do you have an animal that needs a new home? Please don’t neglect it! Call us and let us help you find a foster home. We will list your animal on our Facebook page at no charge. Let us help! For more information, contact Sherrie Thompson, President, at 903.838.6334, or got to www. texarkanahumanesociety.com. We’re also on Facebook!

Come visit us at Petsmart on the fourth Saturday of every month!

1. Bunny is looking for her forever family. She will be 3 years old in February and weighs 16 pounds. Bunny is fully vetted, including a microchip. She is housetrained but does like to be outside. A fenced yard will be required. Contact her foster home at (903) 838-4965 for more information. 2. Columbo is a gentle giant, as a matter of fact he thinks he is the size of a chihuaha. He loves to love and play with everyone. He gets along well with other dogs and loves kids. His eye had been injured and unfortunately the vet was not able to save it and it had to be removed but that hasn’t slowed him down a bit. He is neutered, current on all shots, heartworm negative and is a little over a year old, weighing in around 125 pounds. If you are wanting the big, friendly fella call (903) 838-4965. 3. Jill is one of our newest senior rescues.

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She is a very spunky lady of 9 years and is a very happy dog that loves riding in the car or sitting in your lap. Jill is housetrained and gets along well with other dogs and children. She is a beautiful little blonde Pekingese with a black mask around her face. Contact (903) 838-4964 for more information on her. She was surrendered to our organization due to illness in the family. She is fully vetted and micro chipped 4. foxy is a 12 lbs, 3 year old Yorkie mix. She is spayed and current on all vacanations. She is on heatworm and flea prevention, and micro chipped. Foxy is doing very good on her housetraining. Contact (903) 8384965 for more information. 5. rudy is a lovable Chi-weenie male puppy. He is about 8 weeks old and has been wormed and received his first puppy shots. He is looking for his forever home.

Contact (903) 277-3389 for more information. 6. sweetie is a beautiful hound mix. She is around a year old, weighs 49 lbs, is spayed, current on shots, negative for heartworms and she has been microchipped. This pretty lady is a very loving and friendly dog. She enjoys people and children. For more info please call Susan at (903) 826-9004. 7. Holly is a Boxer/hound mix. She is around 6 months old. She has been spayed, current on all her shots and heartworm negative. She has been microchipped. This little girl weighs 47 pounds. For more info call Diana at (903) 277-33896. 8. This is Jolly, a black lab mix. He is around a year old, neutered, and fully vetted and micro chipped. He is looking for that perfect home. If you would like more info on this wonderful fella call Diana at (903) 277-3389.

1. ace is about 2 years old. He weighs 60 lbs. 2. apollo is about 1 year old and he weighs about 6 lbs. 3. bb is 8 months old and she weighs 10 lbs. 4. booker is about 2 years old. He weighs about 30 lbs. 5. grady is 1 year old and he weighs about 40 lbs.

The mission of the Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas is to be a technologically advanced, self sustaining, human and animal friendly facility that specializes in personal customer service from a team of knowledgeable, caring individuals who endeavor to achieve rapid placement of all adoptable animals. We are always in need of caring, capable volunteers to assist in with duties at the center, adoption events, fund-raising activities and more. Your tax-deductible donation will help care for and assist in the adoption of loving animals to good homes! The Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas is located at 203 Harrison, Texarkana, AR, 71854. For more information, call Connie Slater at 870.773.6388, or visit www. animalcareadoptioncenter.org. We’re also on Facebook!

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

6. jabby is about 2 years old. He weighs about 25 lbs. 7. molly is 1 year old and she weighs about 25 lbs. 8. stoney is 1 year old and he weighs about 15 lbs. 9. Tank is about 2 years old. He weighs about 30 lbs. 10. terri is 1 and she weighs about 15 lbs.

Who else can help? Artex Animal Welfare, Inc. (mostly horses) 903.824.1990 Three Rivers Animal Rescue 903.490.4048

We’re open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 - 5:00. Please note, all dogs adopted from this shelter MUST be spayed or neutered. Spays cost $89-$104, neuters are $76-$92 depending on the weight of the dog.

Poodle Patch & Friends poodlepatch@yahoo.com Passion for Pooches (mostly small dogs) 903.832.8632 Texarkana Animal League (must leave message) 877.525.4825

Want to help but can’t adopt? With the cold upon us we can use beds, plastic dog houses, hay, bed warmers, water warmers, and as always we need pet food, heartworm and flea medications, gift cards, and monetary donations. These donations are all tax deductible, as the Texarkana Humane Society is a 501c3 organization. If your are interested in donating, helping with events, fostering or working fundraisers tickets call Sherrie at (903) 838-6334.

1. Owen finally got his own family with two cute little boys to play with . He has a beautiful fenced back yard, complete with a creek and a few squirrel s to keep him entertained. Thanks to David for sharing his home and his boys with Owen. (Courtesy of the Texarkana Hum ane Society) 2. Tracie and Kelley are engaged to be married this summer, but they already have first addition, Che vy, a very spoiled baby they adopted from the Animal Care and Adoptio n Center. Thank you two for giving Chevy a wonderful home!

Happy Tails!

January 2012

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January Calendar

of Events

January 1

New Year’s Day! January 7

Bridal Fair 2012. Exhibitors with bridal products, ideas and services to plan a wedding. Fashion show displays door prizes. Four States Fairgrounds from 10:00AM to 3:00PM. Call (903) 244-4282 for more information.

January 7

Caddo Area Council OA Banquet at Camp Preston Hunt. 6:00PM to 9:00PM. For more information, (903) 793-2179.

January 8

Willie Nelson at at the Perot Theatre - 7:30PM. For more information, 903-792-4992.

January 13

OA Banquet at Texarkana Country Club. 6:00PM to 9:00PM. For more information, (903) 793-2179.

January 21

Live at the Perot Theatre - The music, the event, the KING! ELVIS LIVES! is a live concert celebration including a multimedia presentation of photos, video and correspondence of the life and times of Elvis Presley. Three Elvis impersonators will take the stage Monday night along with a live band and an Ann-Margaret look-a-like tribute artist that will make you do a double take. Slip on your

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blue suede shoes and join us for the ultimate Elvis tribute concert – sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises and the Presley family. Every ticket buyer will be entered to win a VIP trip for two to Graceland, valued at over $400! Someone in our audience is guaranteed to be a winner. Sponsored in part by BancorpSouth. 7:00PM to 9:30PM. For more information, (903) 792-4992.

January 26

Wild Beast Feast at Camp Preston Hunt. 6:00PM to 9:00PM. For more information, (903) 793-2179.

January 28

The Phantom Ball - On Saturday, January 28, 2012, we will celebrate our ninth annual Phantom Ball at Northridge Country Club. The proceeds of this event will benefit the client services of Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center. This event will honor a very special member 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 Texas. In order to build suspense and intrigue for our event, the identity of this year’s honoree will not be revealed until the night of the Ball. In 1952, Dr. S.A. Collom and a gathering of Texarkana citizens founded the Temple Home for Crippled Children in response to the polio

epidemic which was sweeping across our nation. Since that time, the Temple Center, an Easter Seals affiliate, has evolved and expanded into a premier facility providing physical, occupational and speech therapy for children and adults with disabilities. As a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, the staff and Board of the Temple Center are committed to providing service to clients regardless of their ability to pay. We are asking you to join in our effort to raise funds for the children of the Temple Center. We hope that you will consider supporting this exciting event. If you have questions please feel free to call Anita Carver at (903) 794-2705.

January 30

Live at the Perot Theatre - A young girl’s tale of ‘rags to riches’ comes true…with the wave of a wand and a “Bippidi-Boppidi-Boo!” Direct from Moscow, Russia, this Columbia Artist Production is a beautiful combination of some of Russia’s greatest dancers and extravagant costuming. This is the first time since 2007 that the troupe has performed in Texarkana... follow Cinderella as she searches for her glass slipper in this beautifully choreographed production of “Cinderella.” Sponsored in part by Texarkana Community Ballet. 7:30PM to 10:00PM. For more information, (903) 7924992.

Bill Spradlin Realtor 903-748-3186

Tracy Spradlin Broker 903-748-2477

Jan Williams Realtor 903-277-5771

Stephanie Maddox Office Manager 903-223-0710

Karyn Baucum Realtor 903-278-3836

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

www.realtyexecutivestexarkana.com

ve you! r e s r e t t e b ns to Two locatio200 N Kings Hwy and Nash - 1 ton - 117 NE Front New Bos

Residential . Land . Timber Recreational Property Commercial

1200 N. Kings Hwy., Suite 104, Nash, TX 75569 117 NE Front Street, New Boston, TX 75570

www.realtyexecutivestexarkana.com billsprad@aol.com spradlintd@aol.com

Realty Executives Impact, 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Suite 104, Nash, TX 75569 Each office independendly owned and operated.

903.223.0710 or 903-628-3186

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