ALT Magazine February 2015 by ALT Magazine

ALT magazine

covering the ark-la-tex

February 2015 | Vol. 9, Issue 2

Emily Crews

A GIRL WITH CANCER

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ALT

February2015

CONTENTS

magazine

FEATURES

covering the ark-la-tex

14 A Girl With Cancer 26 It’s All About Love 32 To m W i t h e r m & S t a c e e B u r s o n 32 Jeff & Jennifer tanner 33 Bob & Jackie Bruggeman 34 Kip & MaryAnn Pavey 34 Shaun & Jennifer Dierksen 62 Special Home & Garden 64 Spring Cleaning 66 Beginner’s Guide to Gardening 74 A Malfunctioning Heart 80 I Can See Clearly Now

WEDDINGS 41 48 52 56 57 58

Ricky & Kali Rushing Colby & Anna Lee Powell B r a d & Ta m a r a M o r g a n Jason & Ashley Prejean Josh & Ayla Stevens Cody & Hannah Smith

February 2015 Vo l . 9 , I s s u e 2 Publisher/Editor Debbie Brower Associate Editor Jaclyn Gooding Sales & Marketing Manager Charlie McMurphy 903.908.5797

k / On The Cover

Emily Crews - A Girl With Cancer Photo by: Kevin Goodman

Graphic Artists Lindsey Gordon Photography Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Lindsey Gordon, Sylvia Jennings Feature Writers / Anne Fruge, Lindsey Gordon

ENGAGEMENTS

EVENTS

46 Brittany Sartin & Bylan Davis 46 Jessica Day & John Bolton 50 Ashley Stout & Hunter Sears 50 Lauren Stanley & Frank Allday 54 Nicole Sterling & Brant Fowler 54 V i c t o r i a C u p p & Ta n n e r Shirley

Cowhorn Creek Veterans

REGULARS 72 78 70 802

A Degree of Distinction Calendar of Events Financial Focus Second Chances

Contributing Writers Mike Brower, Chad Matthews, Lisa Myers, Georgette Peckham, Dustin Stringer Fabulous Foster Dad Mike Brower

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

w w w. a l t - m a g . c o m info@alt-mag.com 200 Heather Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 (903) 334-9605

Stacey and Ben Hendershott... It’s All About Love 6

ALT Magazine

February 2015

ALT Magazine is published the 1st business day of every month. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of ALT Magazine is strictly prohibited. ALT Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are available for $42.00 per year. Contributions from our readers are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material.

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KEEPING IT REAL From The Publisher

Pray hardest when it is hardest to pray.

Throughout my life, I have been blessed with family and friends who have been by my side, whether I was in great

distress or celebrating huge success. Sometimes things seem to all be going right. Others, it seems nothing is working like it is should. Only God knows why.

As an admitted control freak, I am often told that only God is in control. I can’t tell him what to do and He doesn’t care

about my timeline. This is one of the most difficult things I accept daily, to give up control to Him. At other times, it seems like He knows exactly what needs to happen and when it all comes together, you know it could only happen with divine intervention.

One of the most difficult things to accept is when something bad happens to someone you love -- or even yet, to yourself.

You wonder why? What did you did wrong? Why are you being punished? We can only learn to trust that God has a plan and sometimes that plan is not the same as ours.

When I spoke to a friend of mine about doing this month’s article on Emily Crews, I thought about how unfair it is to have

someone so young be burdened with cancer. I have seen several of my friend’s children suffer and don’t claim in any way to know how they feel. I have known the Crews family for many years. Their faith is what has gotten them, and Emily, through this crisis. Her story, told mainly by her own writings, is one we relished working on. She is an amazing young woman and her story needed to be known. God has done a great job in her! She is such a beautiful, loving person, sharing her story for others to understand.

Love is always in the air in February -- and we have lots of stories to tell this month! I hope you enjoy reading about

your friends and family. I always love seeing the brides and grooms -- and this month we have several couples I am sure you will know! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Stacey and Ben Hendershott. They are such a close-knit family -- working and playing together. Many would love to know the secret to their success!

Please always remember to make sure your family knows that you love them. Pray for those who need help. Be a shining

light for others.

May God bless you in the New Year!

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February 2015

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A Girl With Cancer The Story of Emily Crews

WORDS BY LINDSEY GORDON EXCERPTS FROM EMILY CREWS BLOG “A GIRL WITH CANCER”

It is the middle of the night, January 2012, and Emily’s sisters awake to her frantic movements. Emily cannot control her body, her arms are flailing and her eyes are rolling back in her head. Her sisters, Rachel and Lillian, are worriedly calling out her name, but cannot get a response. After a few minutes, the spasms are over and Emily is finally able to respond. Her speech is still slurred. “One of my sisters, Rachel, [tells] me to stop talking like that, but I [can’t],” Emily explains. She is tired and weak but works up the strength to go and wake up her parents, Emily is a bit hard headed and does not give up easily. Her parents have no idea what just happened to their 15-year-old daughter, but they begin praying and crying together and eventually fall asleep, all in the same bed. “It [is] very squished,” Emily jokes, “two teenagers and two adults in a queen size bed? I didn’t sleep at all.” A couple of months pass without any more spells, then in April 2012, Emily awakes again in the middle of the night with uncontrollable spasms. “This time I black out,” she says. She finally comes to, and can hear her mother on the phone with the ambulance in the background. Her dad and sister, Rachel, are talking beside her, “I think about me,” she says, “I think they were laughing.” Emily finally comes to her senses and is taken to the couch by her parents. They explain to her that she has had a seizure. “Wait… What?!” Emily exclaims. They go on to tell Emily that they will be taking her to the hospital in the next couple of days for an EEG and MRI. “In my life, I have never gotten a shot or even gotten stung by a bee. I have never gotten seriously sick. That was always my other sister, Grace. I was the healthy one!” At the hospital, Emily runs into a friend of hers, another Emily, who is going through a similar thing -- she also has seizures and they don’t know why. They did an EEG on both girls. Emily’s comes out normal, her friend’s does not, so the girls part ways. Next for Emily is the MRI. “I hate MRI’s with a passion,” Emily says. “They take you out of the machine after 30 minutes and stick you with a needle. Then they put you back in and tell you not to move a muscle or they will have to do it again. It’s torture!” February 2015

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After all of the tests are finally finished, they don’t tell the Crews family if they have found anything, just that they will need to see someone else. “One problem, no neurologist in Texarkana sees people under the age of 18,” Emily explains. On the way home from the hospital, they get a phone call. Someone will see them. “God will provide,” she says. (No, I didn’t think of this when I was first going through this.” -- Emily). At the first appointment, the Crews family waits and waits, “what seemed like for hours,” Emily remembers, although it was actually only an hour as they worked Emily into the schedule. When the doctor finally calls them back, he shows them the MRI’s, “I was shocked that that was MY brain,” she says. The doctor tells them that the measurements of the tumors they found are like two golf balls and a pea. “I tried to hold back my tears, but it was impossible when you basically get a death sentence. I cried all the way home. I’m not that big on crying, I hardly ever cried. Little did I know….” It is the end of April and Emily gets into UT Southwestern Dallas for a brain biopsy, just to make sure that it is really cancer. Before this, Emily does not even recall having a shot, “now I’m having surgery,” she says. Emily questions, “Why God? Are you really real?” After the surgery, the doctors explain that the cancer is rare, with Emily having three oligodendroglioma brain tumors intertwined with her brain, something that they usually only see in older people. At the time of the diagnosis, Emily was told it was inoperable. “Well poop,” Emily says. She has a quick recovery, “Thank goodness,

because I wanted out of that hospital,” she says, “I don’t like being tied down to a bed.” After they return home, she has to sleep in their lazy boy sitting straight up for about a month, because of the staples in her head from the surgery. Depression was a reality for her at the time. “I was really ugly because of this goop in my hair that I couldn’t get out. I was frustrated and confused. Was everything I knew a lie? How did this happen? Why did this happen? God?” Emily begins to cope a little better, but she’s still sad. One of the things she loves to do has now been taken away -- she’s not able to ride her horse. “I [don’t] want to,” she says, “what if I have a seizure?” Emily’s life is changed drastically. The head strong, passionate, daring girl was now living a life full of “what ifs.” It’s like she just set her life on automatic, not in the mood to do anything, including going to church. “I am tired all the time,” Emily explains. “No one understands completely what I mean. I’m tired physically because my body is fighting cancer and mentally because my mind is fighting cancer.” Emily is now having seizures about once a month, always at night. “I don’t know why,” Emily says. She and her family continued going to different doctors. Alternative doctors are the only ones open to doing something at this time, instead of just waiting for the cancer to start growing and spread. Emily does a treatment in Georgia that stops the seizures for a few months, but then they start back. “I still don’t know why,” she says. “I started getting really, really frustrated with God and very unhappy. Like seriously! Why did you put cancer in my life, to make me suffer?? Why did you give me this personality of wanting to run, ride, to… have a life? It’s terrible.” In 2012, Emily decides to go to the IHOP (International House Of Prayer) Conference in Kansas City. It helps her to grow closer to God, and it opens her eyes to better understand herself, her disease, and why God put her where she is. “He really does love me. He really does care. If I wasn’t diagnosed, I would still be the immature child I was (I’m still not that mature). I wouldn’t have been able to meet all of the people I have met or to see all of the things I’ve seen. To grow closer to the people I love and to look at things in a different way than I did before. It’s amazing to look back at my life.” Throughout this time, the cancer does not grow much, but it is still growing slowly. She is still having seizures, but decides to start riding her horse again. “I never want to stop riding,” Emily explains, “I feel free from everything.” Riding gives Emily the opportunity to forget she has cancer for that moment in time, something she never wants to give up. As she continues to go through the motions, she turns to God. “It [is] hard, no doubt,” she says, “but sleeping at night became easier because I became confident in God.” She reads her Bible as much as possible and tries to read encouraging verses. She still has days where she feels lost and alone, that no one understands her or cares to listen. “And I [don’t] want them to listen, I [don’t] want them to take my burden,” she

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explains. Emily kept her feelings very close; she did not want anyone know why?” going through what she was going through. “If you have a loved one Emily hopes to use her life as a story for others, this is why or know someone going through cancer, be there for him or her, but in the middle of her questioning, she decides to begin a blog, a place don’t crowd them,” she says. It is important to Emily to be treated the to voice her questions, her experiences, her happiness and her pain. same. “We are still people,” Emily says. She even got to do a High She strongly believes in free will, that God gives us the option to School Rodeo again in 2013. choose what we do with our lives. “I can choose for it to be positive 2014 brings the hardest days so far for Emily. January she or not,” she explains. “Everyone goes through a hard time. Everyone. has her first seizure during the day, “the most worst thing ever,” she Whether it be friends, family, health or just life. In the end it is all the describes. It was not the seizure that was so bad, but the thoughts of same.” it. “Am I getting worse?” she questions. Emily began worrying about The growth of Emily’s brain tumors has accelerated everything. Has the cancer grown? What if she’s riding her horse and drastically in the past six months. She is now up to about six she has another seizure? What if she’s seizures a day and is going to have to out in public somewhere? “I won’t be able undergo two extensive brain surgeries to drive or go anywhere by myself ever to remove the two largest tumors at MD again,” she stresses, “I’m trapped.” She Anderson in Houston. After surgery, she feels as if her freedoms have been ripped will endure six weeks of radiation and from her again. She begins praying every one year of chemo. The cost of these night, “Lord I pray tonight I don’t have a surgeries and treatments is extensive. seizure.” Although insurance will reimburse some February passes by with no of the expenses, the family will have to seizures, then here comes March. It’s put up a 70% minimum payment before Spring Break and Emily is at Fellowship they can even begin the treatments. The Bible Church helping out with BASH. payment for the first visit and testing left She’s helping get the kids signed in their accounts empty. They will need to when she feels her face stiffen. She is have the required funds in hand in order unable to respond and quickly rushes to to get the treatments started. Not only The Crews Family a different room, alone. She sits down on will they have the costs of the treatments to the couch and begins to pray. “I don’t need bear, but expenses of travel and lodging to a seizure Lord, please! Not now. Please…” She begins shaking all and from Houston as well as sending their other two daughters to over. Another volunteer finds her and hurriedly goes to get the youth college and having three children still at home. Emily’s parents are pastor. He calls Emily’s mom and she comes to take her home. “I self-employed, making their income very sporadic. They have set up cry,” she says, “Life… It’s wonderful.” Emily gets really mad and a fund in Emily’s name for donations to help cover these costs. So really frustrated with herself and with God. She does not understand far they have raised over ten thousand dollars since beginning the why she had a seizure even after she prayed to God not to have funding January 12, 2015. one. “Why?” she asks, “God has a plan, God has a plan. People always say that. He does, and I believe that, but I would just like to To donate, visit: http://www.youcaring.com/emilycrews

ALT Magazine

February 2015

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Posts from Emily’s Facebook Blog November 12, 2014: “Wow.... Haha... If you told me three years ago that I would be here right now diagnosed with cancer, having seizures randomly, (like I had one in the shower just the other night yay... I didn’t get hurt I was able to walk out with a towel on thank you Lord), or even two years ago that my seizures would transfer from having them at night once a month to instead having them in the day once a month. If you told me that I would be able to get this far without dying? I wouldn’t have believed you... I would have thought you were crazy! Me having cancer? Pshh!.. I never get sick... That’s impossible... I will probably die. But right now. I’m okay with where I’m at. Am I happy with it? No. But I’m okay. The Lord has taken me through some rough rides and He hasn’t failed yet! And He won’t. That’s one of the cool parts about God. He doesn’t fail. It’s not the end, just the beginning. With all these things going on right now, and my name being shown everywhere I look, and my biggest weakness shown in bright lights on top of my head with a big, flashing arrow pointing at me... It’s not a secret anymore... My inoperable brain cancers are out of the bag and so are my seizures.  At first I was embarrassed that I had cancer, that I had problems. I didn’t want to seem weak. I wanted it to be a secret to hide so people would still treat me the same but that didn’t work out because I couldn’t treat myself the same. I wanted to, but I couldn’t no matter how hard I tried. I was/am different, I do have issues; I shouldn’t be embarrassed I should be proud. I can do something others can’t, live with cancer. And sadly it’s taken me two years to get that straight. Yes I’m still on the edge and if you ask me a personal question about my walk at the wrong moment I might get misty eyed. But that’s who I am now (I can’t keep everything inside, it’ll over flow). I will keep trying to change into the person I want to be. But I’m okay right now. If I’m supposed to be here and let everyone know who I am. So be it.  But I still can’t speak. In front of cameras, on stage, being interviewed, etc. (I’ll try my best though!) But I can type. Not well.. But I can type. Let this be my voice if I can’t get over speaking. Lol” December 10, 2014: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4 NIV) Even though we go through pain, suffering and fear all the time, we can always count on one person to forever be there. No, it’s not your friend or parent. It’s God. This week has been really hard for me. Almost kinda like getting over surgery but only the 20

ALT Magazine

February 2015

Art piece by Emily Crews. Since her diagnosis and biopsy Emily has continued pursuing her love of horses. She says she loves riding because it makes her feel free. In 2014 she placed 5 th in barrels for the Southwest Arkansas High School Rodeo Association (SWASHRA) and in the top ten for pole bending. She also won rodeo queen competitions in Foreman, Arkansas and New Boston, Texas. She carried sponsor flags at the Four States Fair and Rodeo in Texarkana, Texas and the Springhill, Louisiana Rodeo. In December of 2014 she rode a cutting horse at the National Cutting Horse Finals in Ft. Worth Texas with the training of Clint Allen and help of the David McDavid family and Western Wishes. Emily began painting after her diagnoses and went on to win art shows in New Boston, Texas and Ashdown, Arkansas. She placed 3rd in the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC) art show and also placed in the Western Art show at Rodeo Austin in Austin, Texas. A print of this piece was auction at the ACHA event, bringing $35,000. That money was donated back to Emily to assist her with medical expenses.

Would you like to help? Please visit

www.youcaring.com/emilycrews

thoughts. The thoughts of being alone, never being the same again (each day you change; you’re never the same person you were yesterday), has the time already came, God doesn’t love me, I did something wrong, he doesn’t care enough even though I’ve called to him many times, is He really here? It’s almost time for me to go...... But it’s all lies! Dumb lies! And we start to believe them. And we always need to remind ourselves that, we are never alone. Just because we don’t always feel the presence of God, doesn’t mean he’s not there or a guardian angle isn’t there. You don’t have to feel his presence to know that he is there. Some people came over today to pray for me, and this one lady, like every word she said was what I needed to hear. God is in this room He hasn’t left you. Don’t you ever think He’s left you. Don’t give up. This is not over. Surrender it all (and many other things). That last one is one of the things I needed to hear. I’ve surrendered my life and some of my things, but not all my worldly possessions I own. I’ve always wanted this one thing to be mine and only mine. So I can put my name on it and no one can touch it... It’s quite stupid to hold on to things when all they are ever going to do is break or die. So why hold on to them? Why hold on to your life so bad when your going to die? We hold on because we are afraid of what might happen or we’ll miss something on this earth or we didn’t get to do everything we’ve wanted to do. Now I’m not saying give up on life. I’m saying stop and smell the roses. Enjoy it, live it, give God glory for giving you the chance to take your life and do whatever you want to do. You have one chance what are you going to do?  Back on track now... the entire group just helped me get my head back on straight, to get me back on my feet and keep going. We all need people to help us up again when we have fallen. Don’t be prideful and think you can do it all on your own. You can’t. I’ve tried. We can’t do this alone and we definitely can’t do it without God.” December 19, 2014: “Sorry I kinda disappeared for a while... It’s been a long week. After I had that big seizure a week ago, the Sunday before the cutting, I have had probably two to three seizures a day- not big ones! But my face and throat react and sometimes it’s hard to breath. But that hasn’t been the entire problem... We went to the doctors in Fort Worth on Friday, the day before the cutting. They looked at the MRI and the EEG (or the EIG, I can never get it straight), I had a seizure during

the EIG but they didn’t really say anything about it. But the MRI was different... They said the right tumor had grown twice the size it usually does (half a centimeter to a hole), that’s why I had been having all those seizures everyday... And the doctor said to my face “you will die from this cancer…” “… Two months or tonight, I don’t really know, but it could happen any day now…” Those words really slapped me in the face, down a flight of stairs, into a brick wall...They were able to get the seizures under control for the night of the cutting with a steroid but they couldn’t use it forever. So that night I only had one seizure at the end (that’s why I left so sudden Mrs. Allen). It wasn’t bad just like the others, just my face then I was fine. Maybe a little more tired but fine. But that’s what I’ve been thinking about this last week those words that doctor said. It’s hard to hear and not believe them when you are having a seizure probably 2-3 a day.  But at the same time, you can’t always trust a doctor...You can’t always trust those scans... You can’t always trust a seizure. The doctor is just saying what he MIGHT know. The scans are not in control. You are not in control. God is in control. Even if the world is 100% against you (like it already is) if God is with us who can stand against us? Cancer can’t! It’s a tiny little bug compared to God. God can squish it whenever He wants (I pray it’s soon), but God is in control. Like that old saying, “Your mother brought you into this world and she can take you out,” but with a twist. “God brought you into this world and

He can take you out.”  No, not everyday is easy right now. Your faith is tested every day. You hear those words ringing in your ears all the time. And it will take some time to get on your feet again. But I am (and you are) going to make it through this. This will not be the end. Hey! You die you go to heaven! What could be better? But I’m not dying, you’re stuck with me for a little while longer.” January 10, 2015: “Okay... So... Talked to the doctors, one practically said he’d need to talk to the surgeon before he could tell us any specific info. He was kinda like the chemo radiation doc that just got everything in order, (that’s what my parents said in so many words). And he didn’t have the results from the functional MRI just the advanced one. So he couldn’t say anything still without the surgeon, just look at my brain... Met the surgeon he said he could

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February 2015

So... Cons: I could be paralyzed on my left (or both I don’t remember, wouldn’t be surprised) for a little while or not, I could have weakness on my left that goes away after a while or stays and I’ll have to walk with a cane or maybe even a wheelchair. It won’t get rid of the cancer they say, but it will slow down the growth and give me more years to live. I’ll have bald spots on my head due to radiation that won’t grow back, I could have a stroke and I could wake me up during the surgery. Pros: I’ll live longer. I’ll have an awesome scar across my head; the radiation and chemo will work better on a smaller area and maybe get rid of the seizures or calm them down. As you can tell the con list is bigger then the pro list... but what matters is what’s on the list. What is the most important thing on the list? Yeah you could come out a totally different person with a new body but you could live longer. Do more things, see more things, and see what God has in store. The question that goes through your mind “is it worth it?” Is it worth the suffering you could have if you go through this? But you’ll never know unless you do it and find out... and if it is the worst, suck it up and move on (easier said then done), but you’ll never know. Do you want to look back and think “I wish I did this instead of that?”

  

Miller

do the surgery, still a possibility of me being paralyzed on my left or all over, or weakness on my left. He didn’t have the functional MRI either so he couldn’t be 100%, but by the way I am able to walk and look at him he said he’s pretty confident that the tumor isn’t in the movement area. We did look at all my MRIs, he had them all, which was very nice, and with the MRI I took the day before they could see where my nerves were in my brain and how close the tumor was, it wasn’t around it but it is close. He also said that even if we didn’t do surgery I wouldn’t be dead in 3 months but if we did nothing I would become paralyzed. I don’t remember if it was just my left or both.

Making this decision to have surgery is a loooonnnngggg bumpy road with many potholes probably around every corner. It will be a tough one. One I wish I didn’t have to take. But I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (It’s irritating when you are reminded of that verse when you really don’t want to do something because you say you are too weak and can’t, or it’s impossible - all things are possible if you believe). We’ll be talking to the doctor on Monday about plans and what not. They will want to do surgery as soon as possible. So excited... (Sarcasm). So prayers, lots of them, while we go down this road, not just for me but for my family as well, and strength physically, spiritually, and mentally, happiness because its easy to get down on times like these. But I don’t want to be a ball of sunshine that ain’t me and might scare my family.

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February 2015

Love it’s all about

WORDS BY ANNE FRUGE

“Since we met, we always knew we would work together, that we had the kind of relationship we could make work ALL the time,” Ben Hendershott, Vet Tech at Pleasant Grove Animal Hospital says. Ben works with his wife, Stacey Hendershott, Veterinarian at Pleasant Grove Animal Hospital. The couple works together every day before they go home and raise their two beloved children, Trevor, 6, and Riley, 2. They even work with Stacey’s mother, Charlotte, a bookkeeper at the clinic. In the evenings, both of the Hendershotts walk out to their separate cars and drive to the same house. Only, on the way there, the first thing they do is call each other. “It’s our quiet time together before we walk in the house and spend time with the kids,” Stacey says. But one of the first questions the couple is often asked with is “How do you work with your spouse?” often spoken with a grimace and raised eyebrows. “Honestly, we feel like we hardly see each other,” Ben says. “We are SO busy during the day, but truthfully, we just help each other. We make it work with a lot of respect for each other.” Ben has had several people in the past ask him, “How do you handle working under your wife? She’s the boss!” Ben says he turns to them, smiles and says, “I bet your wife is too!” “Honestly, Ben is always one step ahead of me,” Stacey says. “He knows my protocols so well that he knows what I need before I have to ask for it. We work together like a glove and a mitt, I kid you not. I stress out when Ben isn’t here.” The couple says that they balance each other out, a quality that most can observe from meeting them even for an instant. Stolen glances, smiles, holding hands, and a general feeling of trust and understanding permeate the room around the couple. “We balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses. I’m too softhearted, and Ben is practical. I’m the voice of true knowledge, and he’s the voice of reason!” Stacey says laughingly. Most people would be surprised to know that Ben and Stacey only dated seriously for two months before Ben proposed. The couple jokes that Ben was enamored with Stacey’s sandwich ordering skills. “I swept him off his feet!” Stacey says. “No really, I know what did it. One day at school, we had been working all day,

and we were both hungry. I went to get Subway, and Ben had a very particular order. He was surprised when I returned, and I had gotten all the details correct. You know the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” The two met while going to school at Oklahoma State University. Ben was already a veterinary technician working in the ICU at the veterinary teaching hospital, and one day, when Stacey was making a rotation through the ICU, she saw him and wondered who he was. Then, one day, a puppy was brought into the ICU that had been attacked by another dog, and the doctor asked Ben to adopt it because the owner did not have the money to pay for treatment. If Ben didn’t want the dog, it would have to be euthanized. “I said, ‘Yea, I’ve been looking for a dog’ and decided to keep it,” Ben says. “That night Stacey came into the ICU, and we took a box and made a bed for the puppy and doctored it. We got to know each other and started talking about our dreams for the future.” Stacey told Ben that one day she really wanted to move back to Texarkana where her family lived and run her own veterinary clinic, get married and have a family. But, Ben said that he was never getting married or having kids. “Before I met Stacey, I thought, ‘Well, there’s a lot of girls out there. Why get married?’” Ben says. “But, once I met her, there were no other girls. She was the one. We still have the puppy we worked on that night. Her name is Dingo.” Stacey’s grandfather told her that she loved animals from the day she could walk, and she spent hours feeding and spending time with the animals on her grandfather’s farm in Gilliam, Arkansas. She started out at Texarkana College, attended OSU for her bachelor’s degree and then attended the veterinary school there. “Animals don’t have a voice of their own. Maybe that is why I was always so drawn to them,” Stacey says, “Plus, in Genesis, God tells man to take care of the animals. It takes a special touch to tend to their care. Most pet owners come in to the clinic and don’t understand what their animal is trying to say, so we try to meet those needs.” Ben had actually attended Amarillo College to become an opera singer, but he soon discovered he loved music, not necessarily February 2015

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being a music major. During a break from school, Ben decided to rediscover his first love of animals. His family had cows in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and his granddad had beagles that ran in field trials. He also volunteered at a veterinary clinic while in junior high. “I remember one day, I stopped to help a dog that had been struck by a car. I saw the dog had another dog companion waiting on the side of the road, and I loaded them both up to take them to the vet,” Ben says. “I just love animals and love helping animals.” Ben got his associate degree in veterinary technology from Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, before going to vet school at OSU where he met Stacey. “We went on two dates, and then I left to go on a trip to Colorado,” Ben says. “I left thinking of her the whole time. I was in love when I went to Colorado.” Stacey returned home to Texarkana during a break to visit her family and decided to tell her mom about Ben. She remembers vividly that they were driving over the Richmond Road bridge over I-30 when Stacey’s mom asked the name of the man who had captured her daughter’s interest. “I said, ‘Ben Hendershott,’ and my mom slammed on the breaks and almost came to a complete stop,” Stacey says. “She asked me to say it again and I did. She said, ‘Oh my god. Do you remember the story I told you about the girl in high school that I named you after?’ I told her that I did, and she said, ‘Her last name was Hendershott.’ We love that story because my mom named me after this girl that she admired named Stacey Hendershott, and now, that is my name!” When Ben’s family met Stacey for the first time, they all knew that they were meant for each other. So, two months after their

first Halloween date, on December 31, 2006, Ben and Stacey went to Ardmore, Oklahoma, to bring in the New Year. Ben had worked night shifts leading up to the day and had only about two hours of sleep, but he still took Stacey out to a sports bar and grill to celebrate. When the ball dropped, Ben got on one knee. “Something I will tell my children when they are older is, ‘When you meet the one, you will know it,’” Ben says. “If you aren’t sure, then it’s probably not the one. You will have no doubt about it.” Later that evening, the couple sat down to plan a date. Ben wanted something in the summer after Stacey’s graduation on a date that was easy to remember. So, the two were married at the Garrison-McClain House on July 7, 2007 at 7 p.m. The wedding was a Victorian affair with its own collection of funny memories. Stacey had wanted a carriage, but it rained every day leading up to the wedding, so they cancelled it. Of course, their wedding day was the only day it did NOT rain. Then, after the wedding, as the couple was leaving the ceremony, they walked outside and saw what they thought was a mannequin in the bushes. “I thought, ‘Who is playing a joke on us?’” Stacey says. “But, actually my aunt had passed out! So, we had the paramedics there on a wedding day. It’s funny now when we look back on it.” The couple settled in Texarkana to be near Stacey’s family, and Stacey got a job in Dekalb. “I have always wanted to love someone for who they are and not change them, but I knew in my heart that I wanted to be close to family,” Stacey says. “I didn’t want to move across the world. Family is everything you have. Luckily for me, Ben was thrilled about moving here. The previous Christmas when Ben came and visited, we were outside grilling in short sleeves while it snowed in his north Texas

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hometown of Perryton.” While Stacey was working, the recession began to slow the practice. “We were faced with the option of Stacey either finding an associate veterinarian position in town or having to move,” Ben says. “Faced with moving, I told the guys at my Bible study to pray that we would not have to leave. I walked in from that Bible study, and Stacey said, ‘You will never guess who called.’” Stacey received an offer to buy out Dr. Merrell’s practice in Texarkana. “This was our dream. We had always wanted a clinic of our own,” Stacey says. “Here we were, I had only worked for two and a half years, we were still newlyweds, we were new parents to Trevor, who was a year and a half old. We wondered if we could do this. But, we prayed about it, and God truly blessed us. Somehow, everything fell into place.” Now, Stacey and Ben have owned the clinic five years as of January 14, 2015. Their children have grown up in the clinic. Stacey had a bassinet for Riley in the office only two weeks after she was born. They started with only a receptionist, a groomer and two part time workers, and now the couple employs nine full time workers and several part time. “God has truly blessed us with the growth of our practice,” Stacey says. “We love our jobs. We work in a high-paced field, and Ben and I have just learned to pick each other up. The work we do can be very difficult, but we are all family here at the clinic. All of our workers are cherished and valued, and we have a lot of respect for each other.” After work every day, the couple heads home to spend time with their children and their fur-babies, all rescues. There’s Dingo,

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the dog the couple saved on the first night they ever talked; Wilson, a dog who was dumped over the office’s fence when Dr. Merrell owned the clinic; Gabby, a maltipoo whose owner never came back to get her; Tator, a cat that was hit by a car and found in Minton’s parking lot; and Tiger, a cat that came in on an emergency and had rubber bands on his leg embedded down to the bone. “A lot of people ask me how we have time for family with as much as we both work, but the answer is we truly value and cherish every second we can spend time together,” Stacey says. “When we get home, we talk to the kids about their day, we pray at the table, we can’t kiss them enough! We are an extremely close-knit family. We value every second and never take it for granted.” When the couple isn’t working, they love to go trail riding on ATVs, fall asleep on the couch with their children, and attend First Baptist Church in Wake Village. Ben likes to duck hunt, and Stacey loves to garden. “I’m thankful for a spouse that I can pray with,” Ben says. “I’m thankful that my wife is not only my best friend, she’s my partner. We aren’t quite where we can read each other’s minds yet, but we are working on it.” Though the two don’t have much time for date nights, they keep their relationship strong through their faith in God and commitment to each other. They also follow several rules: never go to bed mad, be quick to forgive and show unconditional love. “You go through life and even though you are in love, you will have these ups and downs,” Stacey says. “The important thing is, if you follow those rules, you will get through it and have your best friend holding your hand.”

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Tom and Stacee were friends at an early age. Their families only lived about a mile apart, Stacee even baby-sat for Tom’s cousins growing up. They attended the same church where Stacee played the piano when Tom’s Aunt Shirley was not able. The two graduated from Ashdown High School and dated for a short time when Stacee was in from college. “He had curly hair, dreamy brown eyes and gentlemanly manners,” Stacee describes. Tom was attracted to her “Dorothy Hamill hair-do” and her smile, “well originally anyway,” Tom explains, “that hair-do is long gone now, but the smile is still there.” They eventually parted ways when she went back to school and did not see each other for the next 30 years. They finally “friended” each other on Facebook and several months after, Stacee saw Tom at her 50th birthday. “He brought me a sock monkey to cheer me up,” Stacee explains, “I thought it was for my dog,” she laughed! Shortly after her 50th birthday, Stacee had a major health scare. She decided to go for a second opinion and Tom was right there by her side. “He showed me love and support like I had never known,” Stacee says. A month later, Stacee had to have surgery for a different health issue, and Tom was again, right by her side. “He was my rock,” Stacee exclaims, “I knew from that moment that I wanted him in my life forever. Not long after, during the fireworks on Waikiki Beach, Tom got down on one knee and proposed. The two now enjoy spending their time at the lake or the beach or just with a good company of friends. Stacee is an orthodontist and owns Orthodontics by Dr. Burson while Tom is responsible for I.T. and information systems for E-Z Mart Stores. They have five children, Haley Burson (27), Jake Burson (23), Cole Withem (27), Sarah Withem (24) and Sean Withem (23). The two know that the key to a successful marriage is patience and to remain focused on each other. They hope in the next ten years to travel and see their children find their soul mates just as they have.

TOM WITHEM DR. STACEE BURSON Married 2 years and counting!

Jeff and Jennifer had a very exciting, exhilarating first encounter. “We were swimming with sharks, wait no. Climbing Everest? No, that’s not right either... Skydiving?” Jennifer jokes, “Oh I remember, we knew each other from a past life.. Or something like that.” Jeff is always full of surprises, Jennifer describes, when he proposed, “He literally swept me off my feet,” she says. It was a busy Saturday at the restaurant, Julie’s Deli, where Jennifer is the Executive Chef, when all of the sudden, a crew of firemen in full gear came rushing through the door. Jess is a Captain with the Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department. He carried Jennifer out of the kitchen, got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. Jennifer knew he was the one and the last four years have more than confirmed that. “He always keeps me laughing and is such an amazing dad to Emily,” she explains. Emily is their three-year-old daughter. The two are avid readers and love being able to just sit together, have a cocktail and enjoy a good book. “It is pretty close to perfection as far as these two nerds are concerned,” Jennifer says. They understand the importance of communication and honesty. “You have to be open with one another, even when it is a tough conversation to have with someone you love,” she explains. Jennifer is greatly attracted to Jeff’s honesty along with his generosity and kindness. In the future the two hope to travel the world together. “We want to see and do everything,” Jennifer explains, “come on lotto numbers!!” They also have other hopes for the world in the next ten years... “We decided ‘Achieving World Peace’ is the only acceptable answer,” she replies when asked what they would like to accomplish. These two love birds have a honest, fun-loving relationship that will last through the ages.

JEFF JENNIFER TANNER Married 4 years and counting!

BOB JACKIE BRUGGEMAN Married 30 years and counting!

Bob and Jackie were in a Corporate Finance Class when Bob first saw sparkling brown eyes. Between his wit and humor, he won Jackie over. The two spent every available minute together. “We were crazy for each other and enjoyed each other’s company,” Bob says. It was not until Jackie and her family were involved in a head on collision on Interstate 30 that Bob decided to propose. “He was afraid he was going to lose me,” Jackie explains. Luckily Jackie recovered and the two have now been married for 30 years. Bob is a Business Development Officer at the Bank of the Ozarks as well as Mayor of Texarkana, Texas. Jackie is currently a teacher of the visually impaired at Texarkana ISD. The couple have two beautiful daughters, Liz Bruggeman Friday (25) and Olivia Bruggeman (12) as well as a son-in-law, Micah Friday (25) and granddaughter, Ava Friday (1). The two believe that the key to a successful marriage is to do whatever it takes to make each other feel loved and respected and to do fun things together on a regular basis. For Bob and Jackie, they find fun in looking at houses, buildings, churches and cathedrals. “We both love architecture,” Bob says. They hope to someday travel to Italy to see and enjoy all of its buildings, arts, museums and culture. Bob also jokes that, “experiencing the pleasant weather in Hawaii sounds good right now too.” After 30 years of marriage, Bob and Jackie are still more and more attracted to each other with every passing day. Bob says, “I still love her brown eyes, but I am also attracted to the mind and soul behind those eyes as well.” Jackie still finds comfort in Bob’s wit and humor. “He still knows how to make me laugh, even in tense situations,” she explains. In the next ten years, the two hope to get their youngest through college and “live a more adventurous life, tuition free,” Bob says.

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Kip and Mary Ann Pavey met on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. Mary Ann was immediately attracted to Kip and his wonderful sense of humor, an attraction that grew into love over the next six years. “I really always knew he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with,” Mary Ann explains. After six years of dating, Kip spontaneously proposed at their home one night. Mary Ann of course said yes! The couple now have a total of 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Kip has two sons, Blake and Taylor, and Mary Ann has 1 daughter, Amy. Kip is a Chemical Engineer for Revere Company while Mary Ann is the owner and Esthetician of Salon Visage Esthetique. As a couple, they do everything together, but their favorite activity is cooking. “We love to cook and have friends over,” Mary Ann says, which is why they are planning to build an outdoor kitchen at their home in the next few years. Along with cooking, the couple love trying out new wines and hope to someday travel to Italy to experience wine country at its finest. When asked what advice Mary Ann would give to newly engaged couples, she said, “Don’t be in a hurry to rush into marriage. Be together long enough to know that things are right and that you are with the right person.” Mary Ann also explains that it is important to just “be happy with being you.” She believes that if you are truly happy with yourself, the rest will fall into place.

MARYANN KIP PAVEY Married 5 years and counting!

Shaun and Jennifer met at Timothy’s. Shaun was immediately attracted to Jen’s smile and he knew right then, this was the woman he was going to marry. “It was love at first sight,” he explains. He proposed one night while the two were having dinner at Park Place. The couple have four children, Jordan (15), Bronson (14), Jack (11) and Kaitlyn (10). They currently own Dierksen Hospice, SRS Medical Equipment and Texarkana Yoga. Through the years, their attraction for each other has grown. Shaun admits he is most attracted now to Jen’s enthusiasm and “her willingness to put up with me,” he says. The two love watching TV together and just relaxing and hope to someday travel on a mission trip to Africa. “We love to help others,” Shaun explains. They believe the key to any successful marriage is communication and to love each other unconditionally. Marriage is a commitment, not a promise,” Shaun says.

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RICKY KALI RUSHING November 24, 2014

WEDDING PARTY:

Parents of the Bride: Jim and Tammy Davenport Parents of the Groom: Alicia Rushing Matron of Honor: Brittni Hardie Bridesmaids: BreAnna Brackman, Jacqueline Brackman, Kacie Barnwell, Ashley White, Holli Bennefield Best Man: Zach Fowler Groomsmen: Josh Attaway, Rob Bennett, Andrew Gilliam, Brad White, Keith Allen Ushers: Drew Davenport and Matthew Davenport Flower Girl: Taryn Robinson Ring Bearer: Terrell Robinson, Tyler Soderling, and Abraham Rushing Pastor/Officiant: Bro Mike Lovely

WEDDING VENDORS:

Photographer: Stephanie Nunley Flowers: Persnickety Too Invitations: Kali Rushing Hair: April Robinson at A Cut Above Makeup: Natalie Smith at A Cut Above Musicians: Dwight & Julie Ferrell DJ: Vernon Hinesley Bridal Jewelry: Micah’s Jewelers Caterer: Smokey Joe’s Wedding Dress: Low’s Bridal, Brinkley AR Tuxedos: Squire’s

“Our favorite part of the wedding was the ceremony. There’s nothing like making a covenant with God to cherish the one you love for the rest of your life. We had so many special moments that made our day one to remember, not only for us but for our guests as well.” -Kali Rushing 42

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February 2015

The Love Story...

He was the coach; she was the photographer. They didn’t talk much, but Kali vividly remembers catching some blue eyes from across the field when the season was over. What she didn’t realize was that the man across the field saw her too… and asked some of the other coaches about her. Soon, he discovered that he was coaching her little brother, and never in a million years did Kali think that her 16 year old brother would conspire to try to set her up on a date. But he just would not leave her alone about talking to this mysterious coach, so she added him on Facebook and thought she would leave it at that. But they just couldn’t leave it at that. Finally, with a little bit of help and intervention from a certain brother, Kali and Ricky ended up at the same place at the same time after a game one night. They found themselves dancing together occasionally… and watching each other from across the dance floor when they weren’t. Ricky tried to impress Kali with fancy two-step spins… but little did he know she was already rather impressed. That night was the beginning of a sweet season of their lives as acquaintances who became best friends that would eventually fall in love. Their personalities were the perfect balance for each other, and before they knew it they had been together for over a year. On Christmas day, surrounded by their families as Kali set up the tripod for a family picture, Ricky got down on one knee with a beautiful diamond ring and asked her the best question she had ever heard. Kali was in disbelief, and while she doesn’t even remember actually saying yes, it was all over her face, her body, her heart. Yes, she would marry him, without a doubt in the world.

JESSICA DAY

JOHN BOLTON

“I had an unforgettable experience at Micah’s Jeweler’s. The day I went to pick out Jessica’s ring was so easy going. Micah and his staff were so helpful and kind. Micah even offered to deliver the ring to me in Dallas if necessary. Even the thought of someone being willing to literally go the extra mile to make our experience a memorable one meant the world to me. - John

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February 2015

“My ring turned out perfect. The stone in my ring has been passed down in my family for five generations and yet it’s the perfect blend of modern and timeless. The two-toned ring fits my personal style and I’m still in awe when I look down at my hand and remember I’m engaged! I’m so grateful that John and Micah worked together to create the most important piece of jewelry I’ll ever wear. - Jessica

Every couple has a love story, Let me tell yours.

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Owner: Jeff Loving 20 years experience 903.276.8081 jeffploving@hotmail. com chefjeffontherun.com (903) 293-4428 WWW.SJPHOTOGRAPHY-SYLVIAJENNINGS.COM

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February 2015

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COLBY ANNA LEE POWELL September 20, 2014

WEDDING PARTY:

Parents of the Bride: Brad & Lasha Carter Parents of the Groom: Terry & Brenda Powell Maid of Honor: Adelyn Carter Bridesmaids: Lauren Ragland Hill, Lauren Coker, Laney Kelly , Makenzie Moore, Olivia Skinner, Morgan Linn, Stacey Bennett, Katie Brown & Brooke Anderson Best Man: Terry Powell Groomsmen: Tanner Tyree, J.B. Blackwood, Braxton Bennett, Blake Hill, Wesley Watkins, Andrew Guercio, Rob Franques , Lance Norsworthy & Eric Godwin Ushers: Andy Paladino, Colt Wright Flower: Lela Ann Carter, Olivia Jane Tyree Ring Boy: Owen Shaw, Beckett Paladino

WEDDING VENDORS:

Venue: Aldas Magnolia Hill Flowers: Zimmerman- JZ Floral Music: Central Arkansas Entertainment Programs & Invites: Dollar Outlet, Paris, TX Cake: Harps Bakery Caterer: Catering Creations Video & Photography: Sterling Imageworks Wedding Dress: The Royal We Wedding Head Piece: Rue 21 Hair Stylist: Valerie Sunderberg, The Loft, Hope, AR Tuxedo: Paul Morrell

Photos By: Julie Paddie and Ashley Stout

Brides Parents: Mickey & Pam Stout Grooms Parents: Terry & Hope Sears Julie Paddie

ASHLEY STOUT

HUNTER SEARS

October 17, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Hope, AR

LAUREN STANLEY FRANK ALLDAY

“Our experience with Micah was absolutely incredible. His staff was very professional and their attention to detail made the entire process easy and the results are stunning.”

ALT Magazine

February 2015

BRAD TAMARA MORGAN Ceremony: September 27, 2014

ALT Magazine

February 2015

Reception: October 11, 2014 Parents of the Bride: Zeke Seighman & Lynne Tussey Parents of Groom: Harold Morgan & Becky Prince

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our intimate ceremony with Elvis made it a memory we will never forget and getting to celebrate back home with our family and friends, after our return, made it an even more special memory. â&#x20AC;&#x153;

WEDDING VENDORS: DJ: Vernon Hinesely with Nonrev Entertainment Venue: Ceremony: The Little Vegas Chapel Reception: The Barn at Barkman Creek Cake: Karen Branske Arrangements, signage, and decor: Britnee Morgan, Sharon Hays, & Lynne Tussey Caterer: Big Jakes BBQ Rentals: Dots Rental Invitations: RockStar Press Photographer: Ceremony: Michael Kelly- Little Vegas Chapel; Kali Rushing- Reception February 2015

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Photos By: Matt Cornelius

Bride’s Parents - Ronnie and Nora Sterling Groom’s Parents - Joe and Robin Fowler (Father and Step Mother Julie Smith (Mother)

Nicole Sterling Brant Fowler Bride’s parents - William and Maresha Cupp Groom’s parents - Ed and Sherri Shirley

Happily Ever After

Victoria Cupp Tanner Shirley June 20, 2015 First Baptist Church, Atlanta

ALT Magazine

February 2015

Photos By: Krystal Henley & Miranda Johnson

December 5, 2015

&KALI RUSHING

RICKY

11/22/2014

“Micah and his staff were such a joy to work with. We know for a fact we couldn’t have gotten better customer service, nor a more perfect engagement ring and wedding ring elsewhere! Thank you Micah for making our experience one to remember!”

February 2015

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JASON ASHLEY PREJEAN November 29, 2014

WEDDING PARTY:

Parents of the Bride: Danny and Teresa Whatley Parents of the Groom: Sherry and the late Lee Prejean Matron of Honor: Kayla Judd Maid of Honor: Lyndsi Kretz Bridesmaids: Lexie Calhoon, Emily Harper, Britani Chambless & Brooke Fisher Best Man: Heath Prejean Groomsmen: Leith Anderson, Mike Calhoon, Joey Anderson, Matt Chambless & David Hamilton House Party: Crystal Anderson, Cassidy Whatley, Jana Anderson, Hannah Smith, Lauren Hill, Sandra Hill, Cathy Colvin, Claire Chambless, Abbi Fisher, Destiny Carrico, Haylee Ladner & Lizzie Prejean Ushers: Brodie Whatley & Phillip Judd Flower Girl: Maggie Prejean 56

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Ring Bearers: Landon Prejean & Pacer Judd Pastor: Eric Fisher

WEDDING VENDORS:

Photographer: Hollie Henderson Photography, Arkadelphia, Arkansas Coordinator/Flowers: Marlon Ward Venue: Bethany Baptist Church, Hope, Arkansas Cake: Sweet Rose Bakery, Ashdown, Arkansas Rentals: Dots Rentals, Texarkana, Texas Wedding Invitations: Honeycutt Printing, Hope, Arkansas Wedding Programs: Southwest Arkansas Educational Cooperative. Hope, Arkansas Music: Kim Powell Wedding Dress: Proposals Boutique, Little Rock, Arkansas Wedding Jewelry: Crockerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewelers, Texarkana, Texas Tuxedos: Squires, Texarkana, Texas

JOSH AYLA STEVENS October 25, 2014

WEDDING PARTY:

Man of Honor: Brandon Davis Best Man: James Smith House Party: Chad King & Sarah Boules, David Teague & Megan Wagoner, Sean & Katie Cox, Timothy & Nikki Foster, Tyler & Kathryn Geiman, Cory & Tia Cooper, Tad Hill, Emily Sparkman, Tony Hight & Cory Clements Ring Bearer: Gavin King Flower Girl: Averi King Officiant: Tino Foster

WEDDING VENDORS:

Venue: Twin Creeks Lake Pavilion Texarkana, AR Cake: Albertson’s Bakery Texarkana, AR Photographer: Emily Sparkman Decoration: Melissa Massey with Burlap & Lace Wedding dress: Sunday’s Bridal Richland Hills, TX

“All of the hard work our family and friends poured into making our wedding beautiful and meaningful to us was our favorite thing about our wedding. It was amazing to see it all come together.” -Ayla Stevens

February 2015

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CODY HANNAH SMITH June 6, 2014

WEDDING PARTY:

Parents of Bride: Scott & Cathy Colvin Parents of Groom: Jerry & Kay Smith Maid of Honor: Ashley Noel Bridesmaids: Kayla Judd, Heather Munson & Magen Jack Best Man: Cory Jack Groomsmen: Tyler Alston, Jacob Powell & Trent Bedwell Ushers: Heath Colvin & Colt Colvin Flower Girl: Madison Munson Ring Bearer: Grant Munson Officiant: Jimmy Alexander 58

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WEDDING VENDORS:

Flowers: House of Flowers – Springhill, LA Venue: Groom’s Parent’s House – Lewisville, AR Cake: All in Good Taste – Texarkana Caterer: Sabrina Purifoy Rentals: DOTS Rentals – Texarkana Photographer: Jenna Millwood – Jenna Lane Photography Wedding Dress: Her’s Bridal – Minden, LA “Our day was very special to us because we were surrounded by our family and friends as we expressed our love for one another.” -Hannah Smith

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February 2015

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CELEBRATING VETERANS COWHORN CREEK ESTATES Cowhorn Creek Estates, an active senior civic complex, in Texarkana, TX, proudly honors the men and women who have served in our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s armed forces. Your role in guarding and protecting our country and others in the world is so important and we cannot applaud you enough.

Cowhorn Creek Estates invites all veterans every Friday at 9:00am for fellowship and camaraderie. It is a time of sharing about past experiences and even current things happening in the lives of our military and veterans. No reservations needed. There is a bottomless cup for coffee, about the same amount of gab and even some homemade cinnamon rolls.

ALT Magazine

February 2015

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HOME

garden SHOW

March 7th - 8th

SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM | SUNDAY 1PM - 4PM

TEXARKANA Convention Center

4610 Cowhorn Creek Road | Texarkana, Texas

Tickets $5 - include all activities 62

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SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER! TIME TO GET OUTSIDE! The Texarkana Home Builders Association invites you to attend our 2015 Home and Garden Show at the Texarkana, TX Convention Center on Cowhorn Creek Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, 2015. Show hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. You will have the opportunity to talk with professionals in the Home Building, Remodeling, and Landscaping business in our area. Suppliers of building materials, flooring products, granite and solid surface counter tops, lighting, heating and air conditioning, appliances, furniture, outdoor kitchens and decorative landscaping ideas, security systems, entertainment systems and products, fencing, swimming pools, outdoor fireplaces, among many others. In addition you can get information from mortgage lenders regarding current interest rates, qualification requirements, and any targeted programs for first-time home owners. If you are considering building or remodeling in the near future this is the place to interview contractors. The builders and remodelers that are members of the HBA of Texarkana are the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Professionalsâ&#x20AC;? in this area. The membership of the HBA of Texarkana is made up primarily of family-owned businesses that are rooted in Texarkana. There will be drawings and door prizes, free gifts, and lots of fun! The Texarkana Home Builders Association is affiliated with the National Home Builders Association, The Texas Association of Builders, and the Arkansas Home Builders Association. If you would like more information please contact us at www.texarkanahomebuilders.com, or on the Texarkana Home Builders Facebook page.

Phone: 903-223-0422 | E-mail: hbaoftxk@aol.com

February 2015

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Spring CLEANING

Disfunctional Closets De-Clutter Your Small Spaces This Spring & Tailor Your Closet

1. Clean out anything you have not worn in the last year. You can donate your old clothing and shoes or sell it. 2. Begin with adding build in shelves and/or drawers to add space and organization to any closet, large or small. 3. First, organize clothes by season. You can even store out of season clothing and shoes in air tight bags or containers/boxes on top shelves of closets or under the bed for more space. 4. Divide clothes into sections: jeans, dress pants and khakis, dresses (long & short), skirts, dress shirts, casual tops, sweaters/cardigans and jackets. 5. Other clothing items such as workout pants/shorts and tops, t-shirtrs , pajamas and under garments can be folded and placed in drawers.

6. Color cooridinate your clothing so that you can easily find what you are looking for on those rushed mornings before work and school. 7. Place the stuff you wear most towards the front of your closet, where it is easiest to grab. Fold jeans and hang on bottom rack or on single rod closest to the wall. 8. Use the single rod side for long dresses, skirts and pants. 9. Use built in shelves for shoe storage and for out of season accessories. 10. Place out of season accessories in decorative baskets and store on top shelves. 11. Also use top shelves for storage of extra blankets and/or pillows. 64

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February 2015

Beginners guide to GARDENING

Getting started in gardening is easy & fun.... Begin with simple annuals. Annuals provide color through spring and summer with only occassional attention. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For Southern gardens in particular, where summer lasts so long, annuals are indispensable,â&#x20AC;? says Troy Marden, garden designer and flower expert with Moore & Moore West Garden Center in Nashville, TN (Southern Living, Southern Gardening Guide). Annuals are almost effortless to plant and keep looking consistently fabulous all season long. Getting Started: Decide where to plant your annuals. You can just about plant them anywhere, some annuals particularly like shade, others sun. They can be planted by themselves in the ground, in hanging baskets or added pops of color mixed in with perennial blooms. To Plant: 1. Loosen the roots of the annual with your fingers 2. Plant in well-drained soil 3. If planting directly into the ground, make sure and apply a weed preventer and mulch the area 4. Work a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time 5. Water every few days until roots become estabilished then continue watering on an as-needed basis (more sun and heat = more water) 6. Encourage new blooms by cutting or pinching off the dead blooms. 66

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February 2015

Call us for a free estimate 903.838.7595

COME SEE US AT THE 2015 HOME & GARDEN SHOW | MARCH 7-8

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to stop by the

Home & Garden Show March 7th & 8th at the

Texarkana Convention Center

4211 Jefferson Ave, Texarkana, Ar | (870) 774-9808 617 East 6th Street, Texarkana, AR | (870) 773-5506 February 2015

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February 2015

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“I got into this business because I love the work, and I have stayed in this business because it is my calling. Your life, your personal situation, and ultimately your property matter to me.” - John Harris, John Harris Construction

Architectural & Interior Design by Mignon Hervey Design 903.733.0587

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• Gourmet Kitchens • Luxury Baths • Roofing • Siding, Hardie and Vinyl • Painting • Custom Cabinetry • Custom Homes • Curbless Walk-in Showers • Walk-In Bathtubs • Stairlifts • Barrier Free Kitchens and Bathrooms • Walkways and Ramps • Room Additions February 2015

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

Where do you rank as a taxpayer? Ever wonder how your income stacks up against your fellow workers? Do you make enough to put you in that at-once extolled and excoriated 1% of richest Americans? In the bottom 50%? Somewhere in between? And, no matter how “rich” or “poor” or “middle class” you are, are you bearing your “fair share” of the nation’s tax burden? Do you have the faintest idea what portion you pay now . . . beyond a gnawing feeling that it’s too darn much? To help answer such questions, we created a tool to show how the nation’s taxable income and the country’s federal income tax bill are distributed among its citizens. Are the wealthy coddled with tax favors? Is the middle class unfairly burdened? Our tool uses the latest IRS data to shine a bright light into what are too often murky shadows. We’ll also show you how your own income stacks up with that of your fellow Americans. Are you ready to see where you fit in? With our simple calculator , enter a single number from your latest tax return and you’ll instantly know the answer. What the numbers show The latest numbers from the IRS--based on just released data from 2012 tax returns-show what it takes to be among the top 1% of income earners: adjusted gross income of $434,682 or more. That’s almost $50,000 more than it took to buy into this rarified status a year earlier. The 1.4 million Americans with this elite status reported 21.9% of the total adjusted gross income reported on 2012 returns. 70

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That’s right. One percent of taxpayers reported almost 22% of all income. And that same tiny group kicked in 38% of all the federal income taxes paid. (A year earlier, the top 1% of earners kicked in 35% of all taxes paid.) How much do you need to make to be in the top 50% of earners? Just $36,055. Fall below that level and you are in the bottom half, along with about 68 million of your fellow taxpayers. All told, that group earned just 11.1% of the AGI reported on 2012 federal returns. And they paid 2.78% of all the income taxes paid. Use our calculator to see if you’re in the top 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50% . . . or bottom 50% of income earners. Our income and tax-burden breakdowns come from information reported on 2012 individual income tax returns. Income categories are based on adjusted gross income. (Note that these figures include only federal income taxes. According to one study, more than half of all wage earners pay more in Social Security and Medicare taxes than they do income tax. The percentage of those paying more payroll tax than income tax soars to nearly 90% if you count both the employer and employee share of those levies.) For historical perspective, back in 1986, the top 1% of earners reported 11% of all income and paid 26% of the income taxes; the lower-earning 50% made 17% of the income and paid 6% of the nation’s individual income tax bill. *The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which course of action may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. LPL Financial representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial.

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Giving Credit Where It’s Due WORDS BY LISA MYERS

Family. It’s what makes a place on the map a home, and to Army veteran Justin Reid, it’s what has been important to him since he was a little boy. In fact, he unashamedly admits that his family is what has motivated him to be the man he is today – a husband, father, friend, Red River Army Depot employee, and soon-to-be Texas A&M University-Texarkana BAAS graduate. Back when Justin was a young boy playing baseball in the hot and dusty evenings in New Boston, Texas, he would sometimes imagine what it would be like to have his own family one day, to be a father and actually “get to coach his own kids and be a big part of their lives.” Yes, that kind of dream is the kind most people don’t even begin considering until they are much older, but Justin’s dream of family carried him all the way through high school, and not too long after graduation, he took the first step toward realizing his dream of being a family man by marrying his high school sweetheart, Melissa. That same summer, Justin decided to leave his hometown roots and joined the U. S. Army where after completing basic training, he went on to train as a Signal Support Systems Specialist. How important is this job to the Army? Simply put, without these specialists, the Army would not be able to direct the movement of its troops. The Army looks for people who are problem-solvers to fill this role, and in Justin, they were not disappointed. After Justin graduated from the program, the Army transferred him to Ft. Campbell where he served in the 101st Airborne 72

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February 2015

Division and learned, possibly for the first time, just what he could accomplish, which was far more than he ever thought himself capable. He explains, “All of the learning I had completed the previous six months in basic had only scratched the surface of what I needed to know to be able to accomplish my job. On-the-job training is where it was for me; it was the best teacher. In the field, I came upon situations that could not have been duplicated in the classroom. I was learning with real problems that were not staged, and the only possible option was to complete the mission, period.” That kind of resolve led Justin to his next assignments where he transferred and put to work all the skills he’d garnered over the previous years. In Kosovo and later in Iraq, his learning proved invaluable as he traversed foreign soil accomplishing his role to the best of his ability. With each new mission, he became more cognizant of his own abilities to accomplish difficult and demanding tasks, and his confidence in his ability to conquer any hardship grew with each passing day. Today, looking back on his time of service, Justin credits the Army with teaching him life lessons that still resonate today, lessons that he intends to pass on to his two sons, Mason and Brian. Lesson One: It is not acceptable to do just what you have to do to get by. Your best is the standard, and nothing less will do. Lesson Two: Appreciate what you have; there are millions of people who have never thought about, let

alone experienced, the comforts and blessings you enjoy. Lesson Three: Don’t expect success when you push someone into something; if you really want them to go, you must lead them there. In fact, these three lessons led Justin to the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) program in which he earned college credit for his military experience, and it’s not too hard to see his three lessons at work even as he walks the halls of the university. First, he believes doing his best means earning a college degree, and Melissa is his biggest supporter! Second, he believes that appreciating the opportunity that the Army afforded him – mainly its paying for his education – means utilizing the Army’s offer to its fullest. Third, and most important to Justin, he believes he can’t expect his boys to go to college if he isn’t willing to go himself. If he really wants them to achieve this level of accomplishment in their lives, he must lead the way – and Justin is doing just that, for himself and for his family. Thank you, Justin, for being a part of the A&M-Texarkana family and allowing us to serve you.

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February 2015

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The Malfunctioning Heart WORDS BY CHAD MATTHEWS

I am following a stranger through the busy parking lot of a fast food restaurant, the world turned grey and blurry by sheets of rainwater falling from a circle of charcoal clouds hanging suspended above town. I have no idea where he is taking me, only that he’s having car trouble and needs help. “Right over here,” the man turns to say, but he appears to be wandering aimlessly across the parking lot, making abrupt turns to nowhere. I zip my jacket and pull the hoodie over my head. Rain continues to fall. The cold air burns my throat. The man pauses at the entrance of the parking lot, in the way of cars attempting to pull into the fast food restaurant. I stand beside him waiting for direction but he appears to have none. He looks up into the sky and begins to rub his beard, his mouth twitching, the top right of his lip rising and falling in quick succession. The man turns and looks at me, confused. Thick webs spread from his eyes, extending down his cheeks before disappearing into the unkempt jungle of his facial hair. Mid-fifties. Greying hair. Yellowing eyes. He’s wearing a khaki jacket made for a man three times his size. The soles of his shoes flap with each step. “Thought the car was here,” the man says. Cars begin to honk. The man waves at them and nods politely, but does nothing to move. “This is where I remember leaving it.” “Where?” I ask. He considers the question then points to the other side of the street where a condemned house leans amongst a tribe of dead trees. “You sure?” His lips tighten, rainwater dripping from his nose and beard. He pulls at the collar of his oversized jacket then hugs himself. Another car honks and he spins around and salutes the mounting traffic caused by his presence in the parking lot entrance. The chilled rainwater has soaked into my clothes now. I feel it on my skin. My hands are stiff––I look down and see them hanging at the end of my arms, but I cannot feel them. They are someone else’s hands. Foreign. You’ve been colder, Chad. I have? 74

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February 2015

Yes, remember that time up north? On the streets of Cincinnati? Remember? Yes, yes, I remember. That was cold! But this! There is water involved! It rained some there, too. And you were outside for hours and hours. Do you remember? No! It wasn’t this bad. Then you don’t remember! I am talking to myself. I have swallowed too much cold air, taken on too much freezing rainwater, and now my mind is malfunctioning. The man is smiling at me. “I think I may have parked the car on the other side of the restaurant.” Feeling the jingle of my keys hanging from my belt-loop, I glance at my parked car. I could leave. I could get into my car and turn the heat to high. I could go home and take a hot shower then change into warm clothes and sit in front of the fire and drink hot chocolate and never see this man again. “You okay, young fella?” the man says. I’m outside in the freezing rain following you around as you try to remember where you left your car. I cannot feel my hands or feet. I am tired. I think you are lying to me. You are wasting my time. I shrug and manage a laugh. “I guess so.” He pats me on the shoulder and looks at me apologetically. I notice for the first time how dejected the man appears. He has the eyes of a man who has numbered his days––a man weary and vacant, existing in some other dimension until he works up the courage to end what he believes never should have been started. I feel something shift in my chest. The man’s eyes begin moving erratically from one end of the parking lot to the other. He points at the restaurant. “Back there.” “On the other side of the restaurant?” I ask. He nods. “Yeah––you know, young fella, when you get my age, you’re liable to get turned around once in a while.” The man walks close by now, no longer leading me across the parking lot but walking shoulder to shoulder with me. “You from around here?” he says. “Born and raised,” I say. “All right!” he laughs. “Married?”

“Yup. You?” He looks down at his feet. “Nah. Was once, though.” “Must have a lot of family here, yeah?” I ask. He shakes his head. “Nah, no family really.” * Loneliness causes the human heart to malfunction. It pushes a man to the edge, makes him say and do things he wouldn’t normally say or do. God created us to be together, for constant community, so when we get separated from the pack, we cannot properly function. Things go awry. We turn inside ourselves and listen to the monsters that live inside our heads. * We turn behind the restaurant to an empty field illuminated orange by a nearby street lamp. There is no car, only a yellow waterhose snaking through the overgrown grass and a dog eating from an overturned trashcan. There was never a car, I know now. I look to the man. He’s squinting, lips pursed, head slowly nodding. “Now I’m thinking I didn’t drive.” * When we submit ourselves to Jesus, we become the physical demonstration of His love to a broken and lonely world. Have you considered the ramifications of that? The responsibility of it? The dying world needs Jesus. So go. It may be cold and uncomfortable. Go anyways. * The man and I are inside my car, our bodies gravitating towards the warm air pouring from the vents. “Hungry?” I ask. He nods. “Yeah I am.” We drive through the fast food restaurant and buy a bag of burgers, then spend the next two hours watching God sew threads of blue electricity across the night sky.

February 2015

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Dogs,Cats

Cowboy Hats

The Texarkana Friends of the Shelter is pleased to announce the

First Annual Fur Ball

March 28, 2015 6:30 pm at

Silvermoon on Broad If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Brower, debbie@alt-mag.com, or call 903-334-9605. With your support, the 2015 Fur Ball will be an event that will continue to help from year to year! 76

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February 2015

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The Animal Care and Adoption Center (ACAC) is in need of funding for many projects. They are dedicated to improving the lives of the homeless and unwanted pets that come into their care by providing shelter and medical care while finding loving and responsible permanent homes. Please visit the shelterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website for more information -- www.animalcareadoptioncenter.com.

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Texarkana Friends of the Shelter (TFOS) is a non-profit corporation that is dedicated to assisting with necessary funding for the ACAC. All funds raised through events organized by TFOS are directly given back to ACAC. We hope to raise funds for local low-cost spay/neuter clinics, animal sponsorships to assist in adoptions, as well as many other necessary funds to help the shelter with upkeep. For our sponsors, your donations will be a contribution to help the homeless and unwanted animals of our area. We thank you in advance for your willingness to help! Texarkana Friends of the Shelter Carri Blackwood Debbie Brower Jaclyn Gooding Natalie Leach Anita McCullough Daphnea Ryan Becky Shinn Amy Steed

Fur Ball Committee Members Beverly Carter Rita Coe Anne Fruge Lindsey Gordon Ashley Harris Jordan Hendrix Jackie Hughes Klancy Johnson

Miranda Johnson Richard Jones Jacqueline Julien Rochelle Knighton Kae Lever Myra Loving Charlie McMurphy Kim Polson Rene Smith Fabienne Thrash

DRESS IS WESTERN COCKTAIL (BLACK TIE OPTIONAL) Individual tickets will be $75.00/per person Sponosorships are available! Featuring: the SoulTones February 2015

www.alt-mag.com

February Calendar of Events THROUGH MARCH 8

X-ray Vision: Fish Inside Out at Discovery Place 2.0 Children’s Museum. The Texarkana Museums System is proud to present X-ray Vision: Fish Inside Out organized by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). This exhibition features 40 black-and-white digital prints of several different specimen of fish. Arranged in evolutionary sequence, these X-rays give a tour through the long stream of fish evolution. The X-rays have allowed Smithsonian and other scientists to study the skeleton of a fish without altering the sampling making it easier for scientists to build a comprehensive picture of fish diversity. 903-7934831

FEB 2-28

TAAC Presents... Athletes Who Changed Sports and the World. This TAAC sponsored event will feature biographical informational panels about regional African American athletes and their contributions to the sports world and how they affected their communities overall. Reception - TRAHC’s African-American Committee’s 4th Annual Special Saturday Afternoon, Saturday, February 14, 12 pm to 3:00 pm, Cabe Hall, Regional Arts Center, 321 4th Street, Texarkana, TX 75501

FEB 7

GET ON UP at the Texarkana Public Library DAVID NELSON MEETING ROOM from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Texarkana Public Library recreates the movie theater experience for free! Everyone is invited to join us for *Movies at the Library.* Per IMDB, Get on Up is a “chronicle of James Brown’s rise from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history.” Rated PG-13 Biography/Drama Run time 139 min. 903-794-2149.

FEB 7

JAMISON BUILDING: History of an African-American Landmark documentary screening at the Texarkana Public Library DAVID NELSON MEETING ROOM from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Learn more about Texarkana history! JAMISON BUILDING: History of an AfricanAmerican Landmark is a documentary (run time 24 min) produced by Sky Over Yonder. Join us at Texarkana Public Library for three free showings at 1:00pm; 2:00pm; and 3:00pm on Saturday February 7th. Marvin Williams, producer and director will be available during the Q&A and discussions following each screening. Light refreshments served. Contact Lee McQueen at 903-794-2149 x108 or lmcqueenATtxar-publib.org for questions. 903-794-2149

FEB 7

Texarkana Symphony Orchestra Pops III at 7:30 PM . The perfect evening for you and your Valentine. Enjoy great romantic standards like: Cole Porter’s Night and Day; Holland: How Sweet It is (To Be Loved by You); Prince: Kiss; and Rodgers/Hart My Funny Valentine. Featuring: Tony DeSare, singer/pianist “He is two parts Sinatra to one part Billy Joel, meshed seamlessly…A Sinatra acolyte in his early 30s who sings Prince as well as Johnny Mercer,” --the New York Times. Saturday, February 7, 2015 Concert: 7:30PM Tickets: $52, $44, 78

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February 2015

$30; half-priced student tickets available in all sections Group Discounts (10 or more tickets) are available by calling (870) 773-3401.

FEB 13

Jeanne Robertson at the Perot Theatre from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Jeanne Robertson is from Burlington, NC. and was named Miss North Carolina in 1963, and competed in the Miss America Pageant where she was named Miss Congeniality. A graduate of Auburn University, Jeanne taught physical education and coached basketball for nine years before going into professional speaking on a full-time basis in 1976. Jeanne served as President of the National Speakers Association and is a recipient of that organization’s most prestigious honor, “The Cavett Award,” given for long-term contributions to the speaking profession. She was the first woman to receive this honor. She also has been honored with Toastmasters International’s “Golden Gavel Award,” presented annually to one individual for achievement in communications and leadership. While Jeanne is a humorous speaker, she takes quite seriously the business of being a professional speaker. The Southeastern Conference recognized her business skills when it named Jeanne Auburn University’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2000. The North Carolina Press Association named Jeanne the North Carolinian of the Year 2001. And the National Speakers Association honored Jeanne with its 2010 Master of Influence Award. Jeanne has produced seven DVD and CD humor programs and can be heard daily on Sirius XM satellite radio’s family comedy channels. This lets millions nationwide know she speaks two languages fluently: English… and Southern. “There’s just something striking about Jeanne Robertson. Maybe it’s her beauty… Or maybe it’s that she’s six-feet-two inches tall… Regardless of what it is, once you hear her speak, you’ll remember her that is, if you can quit laughing long enough to catch your breath…” – Southern Lady Magazine. Tickets: $45, $40 and $35* with half-priced student discounts in the balcony. (903) 792-4992

FEB 14

Ballroom Dancing Workshop - 10:30 AM-1:30 PM. This beginner ballroom dancing workshop will cover the waltz and fox trot. Young love and old will have a chance to exercise some new steps before a Valentine’s Day night out! Come prepared to have fun and wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Ages 10+ and $15 per person / $25 per couple. Location: Regional Arts Center, 321 4th Street, Texarkana, TX 75501. Call 903-792-8681 for more information.

FEB 14

Love Is... at the Texarkana Convention Center at 2:30 PM. Made plans for Valentine’s Day? Show your Valentine how much they mean to you. Choose a package and treat your sweetheart to a day filled with fun, love, and romance. Join us as we celebrate a day of …”Love.” 870-216-2706

FEB 19

FROM THE ROUGH from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. You’re invited! Texarkana Public Library recreates the movie theater experience for free. Movies at the Library From the Rough Rated PG Sport/Drama Run time 97 min David Nelson Meeting Room Snacks/drinks allowed. Schools and groups welcome. Children under 13 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. 903-7942149.

FEB 21

Puppetry Workshop - 10:30 AM-1:30 PM. Join Puppeteer and Storyteller Patricia Carreras in this FABULOUS AND FUN workshop where YOU will bring to life and perform with MANY types of puppets. Simple improvisation and theatre games will be used to create believable puppet characters. Students may bring their own puppets (though not required). Ages 10+ and $15 per person / Non-profit rate of $25 for team (up to 4 people.) Location: Regional Arts Center, 321 4th Street, Texarkana, TX 75501 Call 903-792-8681 for more information.

FEB 21

The Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties will celebrate “For the Love of Literacy” by hosting a Silent Auction, Draw Down and Dinner at 6:00 PM at Silvermoon on Broad. Draw Down tickets, including dinner for two, are $100 each and insurance for a second pull can be purchased for $20. Dinner tickets may be purchased separately for $20 each. To donate an auction item or purchase tickets, contact 870-774-0188.

FEB 24

Lecture: Wenonah Hauter, author of “Foodopoly: The Battle Over the Future of Food and Farming in America” at Texas A&M University Texarkana-Eagle Hall (UC) from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. (903) 223-3194.

FEB 26-MARCH 1

Silvermoon Children’s Theatre production of Into the Woods. Tickets can be purchased at www. silvermoonkids.com All of your favorite characters (Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, and the Witch) meet and interact in this whimsical original story. The musical centers on a baker and his wife who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the king’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse and wind up changed forever. 903-278-9077.

FEB 28

Join us for a free drop-in art workshop from 1 to 4 pm for a come-and-go, open-ended art making session. Geared towards children ages 5 - 10, a parent or guardian is required to be present (no drop-offs please.) Dress for a mess! No advance registration is required and this class is free! Located at the Regional Arts Center, on the corner of Texas Blvd and 4th Street.

FEB 28

Phantom Ball. In 1952, Dr. S. A. Collom and a gathering of Texarkana citizens founded the “Texarkana Crippled Children Society” 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. The Temple Center will be celebrating the eleventh annual Phantom Ball at Hilton Garden Inn and Texarkana Convention Center. This is an annual gala event benefiting the client services of Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. Silent auction item donations are appreciated. For more information contact Anita Carver at 903-794-2705.

puppy love

nice to meet you.

Visit texarkanaanimalleague.org to learn how you can forever change an animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life as well as your own.

I can see clearly now... WORDS BY GEORGETTE PECKHAM, TEXARKANA ANIMAL LEAGUE

She was just so sad.....beautiful, but oh so very sad. Her name was Zipporah, and I first met her at Petsmart. I volunteer with Texarkana Animal League, and work with the kittens/cats who are placed at Petsmart for adoption. She had moved from our foster program to Petsmart to be adopted, and this was the first time I had volunteered since her arrival. She kept to herself, shying away from all the other kittens. She seemed to prefer a dark, quiet place - usually over in a corner under a shelf. I started putting her back in her cage once I had cleaned it because she seemed so uncomfortable out. Bright lights seemed to bother her. When she looked up, she squinted, and her eyes looked a pinkish color. Her diagnosis was “distichia.” She was born with a double row of eyelashes, and one of the layers grew back into her eyes causing a constant irritation and the danger of scaring her cornea. She was presently being taken to our vet, Stacey Hendershott, who would pluck her lashes to prevent further damage. This process had to be repeated every four to six weeks. A special note here: It was said Elizabeth Taylor had the same condition, 80

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February 2015

but her’s all grew outward - hence the beautiful eyes and eyelashes! As I volunteered the next few times, I couldn’t get over how sad she looked, and neither could the rest of our volunteers. Some of us wondered if there wasn’t something that could be done to permanently end Z’s torture. I started doing research, and found there was a procedure that would most likely solve the issue. All my research suggested the procedure would cost around a thousand dollars. I contacted my daughter’s vet in Dallas whom I had used in the past, and his office referred me to a specialist there in Dallas - an animal ophthalmologist. By this time I knew my daughter, several TAL volunteers, and some TAL friends were willing to donate money to the cause. In this way, no monies would be taken from Texarkana Animal League’s organization. During this time, we were bringing several more kittens to Petsmart, and there was really no space because Z pretty much needed to be isolated from other kittens. A bit of a back story here: My Donnie has always supported me in anything I wanted to do - he loves kittens and cats too! But, when I started volunteering with TAL,

he told me there was one thing he absolutely could not do - and that was foster kittens, because he knew he would not want to let them go. Georgette and I were at Petsmart that day, and it was obvious there was “no room in the inn” for our Z. She asked if I wanted to take her home and let Donnie love her. I said I’d call him and ask. He said ok, and two days after she was at our home, he said we were keeping her because he wasn’t going to take a chance on her not having a good life from here on out. So, off to Dallas we go for Z’s initial visit. I had prearranged with the doctor that if Z was a good candidate, we would proceed with the procedure once there. Sure enough she was a candidate for a procedure called Cryo Distichia which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the hair follicles, thus preventing more hair growth. And the doctor said no actual surgery was needed. After Z was put to sleep, the follicles were frozen, thawed, and refrozen. We picked her up that afternoon, and headed back to Texarkana to start two weeks of keeping the eyes cleaned and putting ointment in them three times a day. And as those of you who own pets are familiar - two weeks of the dreaded hard plastic collar. I’ll just say it for Z - ugh! We received good news at our two week checkup. The procedure had been a success!!! There is a 90% chance the lashes will never grow back. Even some of the scarring the doctor had seen on her cornea, had lessened. The doctor was very pleased, and so were we!!! Her name is now Sophie - she has a new name to go with her new life. She was always a beautiful girl. She’s a Siamese mix, cream color. Sometimes we refer to her as sweet cream, and she is the sweetest and most grateful little girl. We have other furry babies here, and it is such a pleasure to see her play and have fun with them. Many, many thanks to the generosity of those who helped make sure Sophie could enjoy a happy life: volunteers Georgette Peckham, Camille McGinnis, and Vicki Porterfield, the caring ladies at the law firm of Dunn, Nutter and Morgan, and last but not least to my beautiful daughter, Toni Sircely. ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ is not only the title for this article, but the name of a song written and recorded by Johnny Nash which was released in 1972. The following words are referenced in the song, and I feel, particularly relevant to Sophie’s story:

Oscar Lloyd’s Beer and Wine is Texarkana’s only alcoholic drive thru in Bowie County. We sell beer, wine, and tobacco products, and provide free ice!

We are also proud sponsors for the Animal Care & Adoption Center. Remember to Rescue!

Billiard Maintenance Over a Decade of Experience.

I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It’s gonna be a bright bright sunshiny day. Oh, yes I can make it now the pain is gone. All of the bad feelings have disappeared. Here is that rainbow I’ve been praying for. It’s gonna be a bright bright sunshiny day.

Marshall Gooding - 903.277.0307

Look all around, there’s nothing but blue skies. Look straight ahead, there’s nothing but blue skies. Sophie will be a year old April 1, 2015. Thanks to the help of so many, she has a beautiful bright future filled with blue skies, rainbows, and lots and lots of love! There are so many animals out there. And, many have special needs. If you are unable to adopt or take care of a pet, you might consider a monetary gift to help a pet in need. Donations can be made through non-profit organizations, allowing benefits at tax time. If this gift interests you, won’t you consider helping an animal in need?

Leveling Felt Replacement Cushion Replacement Generic Repair Moving

February 2015

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WHO ELSE CAN HELP? ARKLATEX COCKER SPANIEL RESCUE www.facebook.com/ArklatexCockerSpanielRescue ARTEX ANIMAL WELFARE, INC. (mostly horses) - 903.824.1990 ATLANTA ANIMAL LEAGUE www.facebook.com/AtlantaAnimalLeague BOXER RESCUE OF TEXARKANA www.facebook.com/BoxerRescueOfTexarkana

FAITHFUL FRIENDS RESCUE www.facebook.com/FaithfulFriendsTXK

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

JEFF TARPLEY RESCUE (mostly Dachshunds) JeffTarpleyRescue.Petfinder.com on Facebook

TEXARKANA ANIMAL LEAGUE www.facebook.com/TexarkanaAnimalLeague

LITTLE PAWS RESCUE www.facebook.com/LittlePawsRescueTexarkana

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

MUTTLEY CREW RESCUE (mostly German Shepherds)

www.facebook.com/MuttleyCrewRescue

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

POODLE PATCH www.facebook.com/ThePoodlePatch

STRAY CAT ALLIANCE - TEXARKANA www.facebook.com/TexarkanaStrayCats

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 903 838-6334 and we will be glad to help you. For more information, contact Sherrie Thompson, President, at 903.838.6334, or go to www.texarkanahumanesociety.com. We’re also on Facebook!

1. BOOTS is hoping 2015 will be his year and he will find his furever home! He is approximately 6 months old and is completely vetted and is neutered. He is a mixed breed of shepherd and terrier and love to play with his brothers and sisters. A fenced yard is required. For more info give Jerry a call at (903) 824-8272 TODAY! 2. PETE is a beautiful Staffordshire Terrier weighing 56lbs. He is a year and a half old, neutered, current on shots, heartworm negative and is microchipped. Pete is in obedience training and is learning commands quickly. A fenced yard is required. For more info call Rebecca at (903) 838-3647. 3. SASHA is a cute little Dachshund/Basset mix. She was born in January, 2013, is spayed, current on shots, and microchipped. Sasha gets along great with kids and other dogs, rides well in the

ALT Magazine

February 2015

car and she is housetrained. She would be a great addition to any family. A FENCED YARD is required. For more info call Sherrie at 903-838-6334. 4. We’d like you to meet BUDDY. He is a terrier mix weighing in at only 28 pounds. He is grown and is as big as he is going to be. Buddy was born around July 2012. He is neutered, fully vetted, chipped, and house-trained. He is a little shy but once he gets to know you he is a love bug. He gets along good with small dogs and is learning different commands. For more info on this cutie call Rebekkah at 903 838-3647. 5. SPUDS was born in March 2014. He is current on shots, heartworm negative, neutered, on heartworm preventative and microchipped. He gets along great with other dogs and is doing

good on his housetraining. He is hoping for his family to celebrate his 1st birthday. Fenced yard required along with an $85 adoption fee. For more info call Andrea @ 479-283-8264 6. Are you looking for Mr. Right? Look no further...here is OZZIE! He is about 7 months old, all shots are up to date, neutered, and loves people of all ages. He gets along with other cats, dogs, kids, and adults. Give Erin a call at (903) 293-2488 if Ozzie is your Mr. Right! 7. This little lady is just what your home needs! MISS HARVEY is lovely inside and out. She is approximately 7 months old, up-to-date on her shots, and is spayed. She gets along with other cats, dogs, kids, and adults. If you would like to add a little beauty to your home, give Erin a call at (903) 293-2488.

CHICA

ERIK

CHUMMY

LIZZY

You may have heard that there are some big changes taking place at the Animal Care and Adoption Center! Please stop by and see us! 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. Check out our facebook page to see who is waiting for the forever home: www.facebook.com/ AnimalCareAdoptionTXK

ELOISE

DUSTY

TIANNA

TIPSY

STORMY

We are always in need of caring, capable volunteers to assist in with duties at the center, adoption events, fund-raising activities and more. If you would like to volunteer or find out more ways you can help please join our volunteer Facebook page: Volunteers for Texarkana Animal Shelter. Your tax-deductible donation will help care for and assist in the adoption of loving animals to good homes! Please contact our Friends of the Shelter group to find out how you can help! www.facebook. com/friendsoftheshelter

BROOKS Faithful Friends

TYLER

We’re open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 - 5:00. (But, check our facebook pages for updates! Our hours will soon be extended to provide more time for adoptions!) Please note, all dogs adopted from this shelter MUST be spayed or neutered. Spays cost $89-$104, neuters are $76-$92 depending on the weight of the dog. We also have SPONSORED dogs and cats! This means someone has already paid for their vetting! Come see who’s waiting!

The Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas is located at 203 Harrison, Texarkana, AR, 71854. For more information, call 870.773.6388, or visit: www.animalcareadoptioncenter.org.

ALICE Boxer Rescue of TXK

BLITZ Passion for Pooches

TOKYO

MAX Muttley Crew Rescue

SAMMY Arklatex Cocker Spaniel Rescue

RINGO & BELLA Poodle Patch Rescue

PRECIOUS, SNOOPY & DOMINO Little Paws Rescue

BRYSON Atlanta Animal League

February 2015

HAZEL Texarkana Anim al League

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Want a New Home in the New Year?

Call today to find out how much you can afford.

Jason Cree

Branch Manager NMLS #209270 | AR #17523

If you’re thinking of buying a home, call me first to learn how much you might be qualified to borrow. Knowing how much you can afford can put you in a stronger position when you negotiate your purchase contract.

903-223-5632 office 903-277-2726 mobile jcree@SWBC.com

Even if another lender has provided a quote, call me. We’ll perform an apples-to-apples comparison to ensure you are receiving the best financing for your situation. This is a complimentary service so there’s nothing to lose—and the straight facts to gain.

Visit my website to apply online www.jasoncree.com Providing exceptional service to Texarkana and surrounding area borrowers for more than 15 years.

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ALT Magazine

February 2015

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