SPRING 2012
Bullying Bullying affects children and adults today.
Let’s stop it now!
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SPRING 2012 /contents
F E AT U R E S 35
Stop Cyber Bullying
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I t ’ s Yo u r T i m e
HELPFUL INFO 38
Financial Focus
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A r k - L a - Te x R e s o u r c e G u i d e
k / COVER
Women’s Health 2012 National Women’s Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority.
Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy Feature Writers / Jane Bouterse, Anne Fruge
Cyber-Bully
The technological world today offers up a myriad of new ways for kids to be targeted online. Check out what is happening with our youth -- and adults -- today! 32
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info@alt-mag.com 200 Heather Dr., Texarkana, TX 75501 (903) 334-9605
©2012 ALT Magazine
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STOP
by Anne Fruge
Cyber Bullying! T
oday, as this article is being read, thousands of kids are carrying a heavy burden along with their backpacks in the school hallways. Though what most people consider “bullying” occurs on playground equipment with teasing and pranks, the technological world today offers up a myriad of new ways for kids to be targeted online. Not only will just a circle of friends hear about it at the lunch table today, kids will be messaging pictures to everyone in their address book, snickering as they walk down the hall, voting on the ugliest kid in their grade on Facebook, or simply posting, “I hate you” as a comment for all the world to see. The world of degradation, anxiety, hopelessness and anger for teens who fall victims to bullying has exploded from beyond the stage of a few friends to the waiting news updates of the hundreds of peers in their schools. Stopcyberbullying.org defines this new term as “anytime a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones.” This type of intimidation has many forms. Bullies are posting cruel or hateful messages online about students, posting pictures of the “fattest, ugliest or most unpopular” kids to be voted on by their peers, forwarding text messages or pictures to hundreds of kids in their address book, or even hacking into other kid’s accounts, pretending they are them and posting mean messages to all
their friends. Stopcyberbullying.com has a list of other ways that bullies are targeting kids and encourage teens and kids with social networking or blog sites to Google themselves often to make sure what is posted about them is true and authentic. The PEW Internet Research Center posted some harrowing statistics for 2011. According to their findings, “90% of social media-using teens who have witnessed online cruelty say they have ignored mean behavior on social media; 35% have done this frequently.” Plus, even though the American Osteopathic Association says that 85% of parents of youth ages 13-17 report their child has a social networking account, Pew’s statistics found that only 7% of U.S. parents are worried about cyberbullying, even though 33% of teenagers have been victims of cyberbullying.1 These numbers prove that this is a rising problem in our society and too few parents are aware of what’s happening or how to keep their child safe. Most teenagers do not open up about daily worries like homework or friends, and they are keeping their parents in the dark about what they read about themselves online as well. Morgan Thomas, a fifth grader at Genoa Central and other members of the school’s Destination Imagination team, the Cyber Dragons, has been working on a project called “Step, Stand and Stay Strong.” This project was set up to raise awareness of the problem of cyber bullying, and was chosen as an area of concern in our community after the group talked to
community leaders and received their input on different problems in our community. Cyber bullying was a problem that kept coming up. “One of the biggest pieces of information that we found was that 4,421 teenagers take their lives every year due to cyber bullying and that was one of the main reasons that we wanted to get the message out,” Morgan says. “For most kids it is so easy to say something on the internet that they wouldn’t say to someone’s face and usually those things are more hurtful because the bully doesn’t see the reaction. But sometimes that reaction that happens ends up being something that the bully can’t reverse like cutting or suicide.” Morgan and the other members of his team, Hayden Hyman, Bethany Hirmer, Emily Anderson, Jolea Johnson, Macy Crow, and Savannah Knotts, even put together a video on Facebook and Youtube to raise awareness for the problem and feature kids talking about the effects of being bullied online. The video is also being used at an upcoming competition where the Cyber Dragons will compete on the state level in hopes of making it to the Destination Imagination Global Final in Knoxville, TN. “If we go to the global competition, we could get the word out to more people about cyberbullying,” Emily Anderson says. “It is my hope and the hope of my team that everyone in Texarkana will take a stand against cyber bullying,” Morgan says. “We have even set up brochures and contracts that people can sign – students April 2012
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and adults - saying that they will be cyber bully free. If you would like to join us in our efforts by signing a contract to remain cyber bully free, you can contact my school – The Gary E. Cobb Middle School at Genoa School District – and we can provide you with information and contracts for you, your families, your schools, your church groups or any other organization you may be a part of so that you can STEP up, STAND beside your friends and STAY STRONG together.” Just a few miles away, Sarah Montgomery is a senior at Pleasant Grove High School. She has been a victim of this type of targeting herself and hopes that she can reach others with her message of staying strong by visiting area schools and youth groups. “My generation doesn’t know how to respond to conflict, they just go straight to fighting and being hateful. I have experience in seeing students from my school doing it to others. I have had it happen to me also,” Sarah says. “I am speaking out to some students at schools in the area about bullying and giving statistics, showing and explaining to them what it is. Sometimes, students get tired of hearing what they ‘should do’ from teachers, but when they have someone they can relate to, it can impact them even more. There is a term known as bullycide, and it’s where a student has enough of being bullied that they ultimately decide that suicide is the only option. I lost a friend that way, and I feel like this mission is something he and God would
want me to do.” Though kids everywhere are beginning to see the problem and live with it on a daily basis, what can schools and parents do to help the kids and to make sure that they are not living in a threatening environment? This kind of online intimidation comes with a new set of rules and consequences. For example, at Texarkana
Independent School District, the district developed an online educational tool called knoMi to individualize education for all students with the goal of providing every student an opportunity to succeed. One of the ways they work to stop cyberbullying is to give students the opportunity to be educated about online content. “Since knoMi is an online system, our focus group decided to emphasize digital citizenship with our students,” Coordinator of Quality Assurance/MIS Kevin McCarty says. “We know our students may encounter a more intricately connected society than
we have today. During our meetings we discussed the current generation of young adults who are seeking professional jobs and how their personality and the way they relate to others is already out there for future employers to see. There was a local employer who was hiring recent college graduates for a professional position. We learned they first reviewed social media sites of their applicants. Then, they eliminated about 75% from the applicant pool based on how they presented themselves online. These individuals may never know why they were not interviewed or how other future employers might perceive them.” They also added a cyberbulling button to knoMi where students could report incidents they had seen in the classroom or online to a safe place where they knew their concerns would be addressed. “Our online bully reporting is working,” Kevin says. “Students are usually only reported once. Our campus administrators take the reports very seriously, and we deal with the issues in the same way as other campus misbehavior.” Misty Van Dam, an elementary counselor for TISD, believes that if children are taught at an early age what bullying is and how it can make others feel, they can take a proactive approach to some of the behaviors being seen at the middle school and high school level. She uses literature such as Melissa Richard’s I Didn’t Know I Was a Bully to show students how small behaviors can really hurt others. She also provides a Bullying 101 Workshop for parents and students to help parents be aware of what to look for. Ann Bishop, a counselor at Texas High School, recognizes that most high school kids have ready access to technology and shows the film “I was Cyberbullied” to all students. Both counselors encourage parents to get involved and to know their children. “The measures taken by the parent really depend on the kid and the relationship they have with them,” Ann says. “Definitely talk to them and make a daily effort to know what’s going on in your child’s life.” So, what things are parents looking for? How will they know if their child is being cyberbullied? Most parents might notice changes in their child such as depression, secrecy, angry outbursts with teachers, or a cutting off of friends that used to seem close. In the meantime, the websites and professionals agree that one of the best things you can do is have an honest talk with your child about the advantages and disadvantages of technology. Encourage your child that you know that cyberbullying is an issue and that they can feel comfortable coming to you. Talk to your child’s school about what they are doing to keep kids safe and how they handle cyberbullying situations on that campus. Be proactive. Be that hero that your child needs on the digitial playground. _________________________________
http://www.internetsafety101.org/ cyberbullyingstatistics.htm
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by Dustin Stringer Stringer Wealth Management LPL Financial www.stringerwealthmanagement.net
Four Steps to Building Your Nest Egg
F
Find us on
or many Americans, financial life seems to be getting more and more complicated. Perhaps that’s because more workers bear responsibility for their own retirement savings thanks to the proliferation of 401(k) and other plans. Or maybe it’s because there’s so much information and so many investment choices to sort through. Whatever the case, here are some suggestions that may help to simplify your financial life.
4. Rely on an Investment Professional
1. Start with a Plan
*Dollar cost averaging involves regular, periodic investments in securities regardless of price levels. You should consider your financial ability to continue purchasing shares through periods of high and low prices. This plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.
A little time spent planning now can benefit you later. First, determine short-term financial goals. Do you want to purchase a home in five years? Are your kids heading off to college soon? Is buying a car a top priority next year? Next, think about long-term goals, such as saving for retirement and, if your children are young, college expenses. Estimate how much money you’ll need to meet each of these goals. 2. Build a Better Budget Next, look at your current monthly net income and then set up a budget. Creating a budget allows you to see exactly where all your money goes and to determine where you can scale back. After making cuts, invest that money to help pursue your financial goals. 3. Invest Systematically You can take time and guesswork out of investing with a systematic investing program. With mutual funds, for example, you can make arrangements to automatically invest a specific amount of money on a regular (e.g., monthly) basis, a strategy also known as dollar cost averaging.* In addition to making investing easier, dollar cost averaging could potentially save you money. You’ll buy more shares when prices are low and fewer shares when they’re high. Over time, the average cost you pay for the shares may be less than the average price.
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While the financial world is far more complex than it was just a few years ago, you don’t have to go it alone. Think about tapping into your investment professional’s expertise before making any major change in your investments. He or she can help you to evaluate how new tax rules and changing market conditions may affect your portfolio and, in turn, your financial goals.
© 2011 Standard & Poor’s Financial Communications. All rights reserved.
by Vincent Senatore
Veggies Like to Be Grilled ,Too...
B
eing born and living in an apartment building in Brooklyn, NY did not present too many opportunities for BBQ or grilling our foods. The New York Fire Department really frowned on the use of fireescapes as a place to “cook-out” (something about a six story building with no elevators and one staircase). Anyway, I was 9 years old when we moved to the country, Edison, New Jersey and I can still remember our first BBQ grill. It was a big frying pan with legs and a metal grill that sat over the big red pan. Then we had to get the coals hot by starting a fire with some stinky liquid and some sticks and paper. Remember, this was 50 years ago and it was very new to my family. We Italians never needed open flames for pasta and meatballs. Now we were grilling hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks and
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sausage. And, we were doing this outside the kitchen. The only time I ever ate a hot dog that wasn’t cooked in water from wagon with a big umbrella was in Coney Island at Nathan’s. They were grilled (but not over an open flame). I remember thinking to myself, “grilling outside, this is awesome. What’s next, putting a man on the moon???” Little did we know that grilling would take on a life of its own! Today, we have gas grills attached to our homes and propane tanks make grilling as easy as turning on the burner to your stove top. In fact, I haven’t even seen a piece of charcoal in years. I’ll bet the Kingsford Charcoal Company must be really angry with the propane companies. However, the best parts of grilling outdoors are the healthy aspect and the fabulous flavors. We just cannot get that same grilled flavor from a meal prepared in our kitchens. In recent years I have become much more enamored to the flavors and tastes found in grilled vegetables and matching them with different meats. We have been grilling beef, chicken and shellfish forever. Now we need to allocate space on the grill surface (next to the meat) for an array of fun vegetables. One of my favorite ways to grill veggies is the bamboo skewer. While this option is time consuming and labor intensive, I really like the look and the way it cooks. Further, I can make each skewer different. (I love to slip in some shrimp to the mix). So, if you don’t like green peppers, we leave them off your sticks. Once you have skewered the veggies, prepare a medium-
hot fire in the charcoal or gas grill. Place the skewers right on the grill grid or on some tin foil. Remember, the denser veggies will take longer to cook. So, you may want to separate the corn, potatoes and peppers from the onions, tomatoes and mushrooms. Then there’s the marinade. I’m a very simple person who loves the flavor and taste of olive oil. The greener and herbaceous the olive oil, the better I like it. So, I keep my marinade simple. I like to drizzle olive oil over the skewers and I dust them with either garlic salt or sea salt. If I’m grilling broccoli or egg plant, I’ll add some lemon. Don’t forget to turn your veggies often and brush on marinade as needed. The best part of grilling vegetables is one does not need to be a vegetarian to enjoy a full meal of just veggies. What? No Meat! Say it ain’t so!!! Try this; Grill a Portobello Mushroom cap in the same manner that you would grill a Rib Eye steak. It’s amazing how Portobellos taste like beef. Further, serve Portobellos with a steak sauce, melted cheeses, or even a Béarnaise Sauce. Then open a bottle of McWilliams Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a wonderful match of food and wine. While we’re on the subject, there are many wines that match up with grilled veggies. With that said, the Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand has the “Corner on the Market” of the Veggie Match… The rich, tropical bouquet and the clean, crisp mouth feel offer a perfect accompaniment for grilled or steamed vegetables. I really like the way texture and aroma of Kim Crawford and Omaka Springs Sauvignon Blancs complement the herbaceous scents of grilled green vegetables. So, let’s finish with a basic marinade that works really well with veggies and lighter meats (like pork and chicken). Try adding fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme and oregano to a few tablespoons of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. Or try using different oils (Sesame or flavored). Then add hints of balsamic or red wine, vinegars. Lastly, if you’re ever stumped, just add lemon juice to your marinade and let the flavors explode. Certainly, marinades will make the “Veggie Experience” exciting and filled with flavor… Fuggetaboudit!!! Remember to consume your adult beverages in moderation.
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FOX SPORTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR IN TEXARKANA! TEXARKANA, Tx.- It’s a sports fan’s dream come true; a radio station with five hours of local sports talk every day and live play-by-play of Rangers baseball, Cowboys football, Razorbacks football, baseball and basketball and Pleasant Grove Hawks football, baseball and basketball. Fox Sports Radio 1400 (KKTK-AM) in Texarkana premiers Monday, April 2nd, and they will carry all the programming mentioned above, along with local drive time news, traffic reports and weather. Freed Am Corp purchased the radio station from American Media Investments for nearly $300,000, Freed Am Corp. President Robert “Bob” DelGiorno said. Fox Sports Radio 1400 AM will begin broadcasting from a studio on Summerhill Rd in Texarkana in April and local radio listeners will be familiar with the local talent. “We hired Chuck Zack, Tony Kirk and Coach Robert Cochran from another radio station (KCMCAM) and they will host ‘Headin for Home’ weekdays from 5 p.m. ‘til 7 p.m. I will host the morning show ‘the Lead Off Man’ from 6 a.m.-8 a.m. and Tracey Karington will be the news anchor in the morning and afternoon drives,” Mr. DelGiorno said. “We’re blessed to have such a talented crew.” Fox Sports radio 1400 will also carry the Dan Patrick Show weekdays from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. and Jim Rome from 11 a.m. ‘til 2 p.m. along with other Fox Sports programming. The afternoon show with Chuck Zack, Tony Kirk and Coach Cochran is huge for Fox Sports Radio 1400 because the program is a sports tradition in Texarkana and with it comes a big listening audience. What makes the show so popular? “After more than 8 years of doing sports talk radio in Texarkana, I think that the input and interaction with callers is the biggest key to our show’s success,” Chuck Zack said. “People love to call in and say what they think and their opinions matter. We want them to feel like they are sitting around their living rooms with their buddies talking about how they think the Hogs are going to do next season, why the Cowboys can’t win a playoff game or if the Rangers will win the World Series.” Tony Kirk enjoys being a sports show radio host. “The thing that I think I have enjoyed the most is getting to meet and visit with other members of the sports broadcast media whose work I have enjoyed,” Tony said. “I have had the good fortune to meet and visit with individuals such as Brad Sham, Randy Galloway, and Jim Nantz. Hearing their stories and ideas has been a blast.” After they talk about it on “Headin for Home” the callers will be able to listen to all the games live, because Fox Sports Radio 1400 will air the Hogs, Cowboys and Rangers games live. “It’s an opportunity that I obviously couldn’t pass up,” Robert Cochran said. I like the programming we have for the Texarkana area and I really like the local owners; they’re passionate about covering local sports. The local owners, Bob and Meghan DelGiorno have lived in Texarkana since being displaced from Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, and they also own KPYN AM-FM in Atlanta, TX., and KWXI AM-FM in Glenwood, AR. Bob and Meghan have been married for 26 years and have 3 children Julie (24), Michael (20) and Anthony (14). Michael graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 2010, Anthony is an 8th grader at PG and Julie, a former Texarkana College Student, graduated from UT Dallas recently, and is getting married on April 1st. Julie is an account executive with CBS radio in Dallas. Michael attends Texarkana College and works part time at the family radio stations. Meghan who graduated from the University of New Orleans and Bob who graduated from Tulane University will run Fox Sports Radio 1400, Texarkana’s only locally owned radio station. “I think that the listeners and advertisers will like being able to talk directly to the owners about their needs and being from here, they can be assured that we will respond to their concerns in a timely manner,” Mrs. DelGiorno said. “We truly want to use this radio station as a tool to make Texarkana a better place to live.” What made the DelGIorno’s decide to buy a radio station in Texarkana? It was Bob DelGiorno’s love for the Texas Rangers. “It ate me up alive that I lived in Texarkana where nobody was carrying the Texas Rangers on the radio,” Bob DelGiorno said. “We carry them at our Atlanta station (KPYN) but at night you can’t pick KPYN up in Texarkana. Rangers baseball in Texarkana was one of the unexplained opportunities open in a city (Texarkana) that loves baseball. I also wanted to give Texarkana another venue for local information 24-7-365.” Carrying 5 hours of local programming daily, with news, traffic, weather, sports, Pleasant Grove play-by-play, and Rangers-Cowboys and Hogs games can be expensive and that’s why others probably haven’t tried to do it. However, that did not discourage Bob DelGiorno who is not only paying for the programming; he will also advertise it on Cable TV, in the print medias and with outdoor advertising. “We spared no expense and we invested every resource available to give Texarkana sports fans what they want,” DelGiorno said. “In life, it’s not how much money you make as much as how much you give back to others. We truly want to serve Texarkana and we know that the local advertisers will reward us for doing that.”
Fox Sports Radio’s owners said that they will give away a lot of Rangers and Cowboys tickets on the air, along with other great prizes. They’re even planning several bus trips on the Fox Sports Southwest Fan Express; luxury transportation to and from the game from Texarkana, with tickets, spending money, and Rangers caps and other gifts included. “Stay tuned to Fox Sports Radio 1400 for details on how you can win,” Bob DelGiorno said. Fox Sports Radio will stream their programming live on their website, and they will also have local news and other local information posted there daily; the website is located at www.FoxSportsTexarkana.com. Anyone interested in purchasing advertising on Texarkana’s locally owned Fox Sports Radio can call sales manager Robert Rankin or account executive Don Peace at 903-255-7935. If you have any questions regarding this story; contact Bob DelGiorno at 870-648-8878. 42
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Arkansas Children’s Hospital Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Chris Walraven, Ronnie Walraven, Karlton Willis, Linda Willis and Dean Ransdell
Five members of Arkansas Children’s Hospital Circle of Friends-Texarkana USA chapter attended the hospital’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at the ACH campus on Monday, March 5. Former President Bill Clinton and Gov Mike Beebe were were guest speakers. A special performance was provided by the AfterSchool Drum Ballet of Hope, AR. In 1912, Horace Gaines Pugh established the organization that would become Arkansas Children’s Home Society, a home for children who were orphaned, neglected, or abused. Ruth Olive Beall was an integral force of change and growth for the future children’s home and
hospital, garnering support from President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife during their visit to Little Rock for the state’s centennial celebration in 1936. The 2012 local chapter fund raising goal is $41,000 which includes: Voices of Miracles Radiothon/Texarkana Radio, Kids Caring for Kids In-School events, Carnival Under the Stars Gala at Ramage Farms on April 14 and a golf tournament. For additional information call 903.276.6764 or 903.701.2212.
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Relax and enjoy! Polywood Outdoor Furniture At Oak Creek Furniture, you will find many different styles of polywood furniture. The material used is water and weather resistant, and most importantly, created from recycled polyethylene. For this reason, our polywood lawn furniture is considered a green product. There is no maintenance required, no cracking or splinting, and the polywood material does not promote bacterial growth or mildew. Choose from many different colors and products such as swings, gliders, benches, deck chairs, table & chair sets, bridges and footrests.
Why is Oak Creek Furniture Different? We have chosen Amish furniture craftsmen who are recognized leaders in the solid wood furniture industry. Amish furniture is made by hand in small Amish wood shops so every piece of furniture receives the same attention to detail. Our Amish handcrafted furniture is built to last.
Make your Spring blossom with Oak Creek Furniture! Warranty...
Our promise...
All of our standard sized heirloom furniture comes with a manufacturers limited lifetime warranty against any defects in materials and workmanship. If anything should happen to your furniture we can carry it back to the very craftsman who made it and have it repaired to as good as new!
We work very hard to keep our overhead very low and therefore we are able to offer you the very best prices found anywhere, EVEN THE INTERNET!! If you do find a better price just bring us proof and we will either meet or beat it if possible!
Almost perfect... Six days a week, Oak Creek Furniture craftsmen make some of the most beautiful handmade furniture known to man. And seven days a week, they struggle to refrain from unseemly pride, which isn’t easy when you’re constantly raising the bar. With beautiful works of art painstakingly shaped from select kiln-dried woods, gently finished in a three-step sanding process and carefully sealed with a varnish that’s practically impervious to water, nail polish remover and alcohol. NEVER will you find a piece of particle board or fiber board on any of our fine furniture.
Don’t fo rget dessert! Hershbe rger homema ’s de Amish P ies!
It’s Your Time.
2012 National Women’s Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority.
What is National Women’s Health Week? National Women’s Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health. The theme for 2012 is “It’s Your Time.” National Women’s Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. It also encourages women to take the following steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases:
Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings.
the body acheive better rest and sleep, maintaining good skin, aiding overall physical fitness and more!
Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress. It is thought that when people get less than 6 or 7 hours of sleep each night, their risk for developing diseases begins to increase.When your body is sleep deficient, it goes into a state of stress. The body’s functions are put on high alert which causes an increase in blood
pressure and a production of stress hormones. Higher blood pressure increases your risk for heart attacks and strokes. The stress hormones also, unfortunately, make it harder for you to sleep.
Preventative measures can be taken in the areas of bone health, breast health, colorectal health, diabetes, heart health, reproductive health and sexual health.
Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.
Get active.
Most people associate smoking with lung cancer, but there are so many other diseases and complications that come from this harmful habit. Smoking can cause damage to the smoker’s heart, lungs, brain, eyes, nose, thyroid, mouth and throat, hands, liver, kidneys, bones and the list goes on and on.
The list of benefits that comes along with staying active goes on and on. Find something you can enjoy such as walking or running, bike riding, doing yoga or even taking a cardio dance class such as Zumba!
Eat Healthy. Eating healthy can be beneficial in weight loss, preventing disease and illness, raising energy levels, helping 48
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Other decisions we make on a daily basis, such as simply buckling our seatbelts or wearing safety gear when being active, can benefit our health or even save our lives.
Why celebrate National Women’s Health Week? We all have a role to play in women’s health. Women often serve as caregivers for their families, putting the needs of their spouses, partners, children, and parents before their own. As a result, women’s health and well-being becomes secondary. As a community, we have a responsibility to support the important women we know and do everything we can to help them take steps for longer, healthier, and happier lives. Women can easily take charge of their health, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, a landmark health care reform law enacted in 2010. This law gives Americans greater choice and better control over their own health care and includes changes that are especially meaningful to women and their families. For instance, new plans cover vital preventive services, including mammograms, colon cancer screenings, and well-woman visits with no out-ofpocket costs. It also ensures women can see an OB-GYN without a referral. To learn more about the law and your health insurance options, visit HealthCare.gov.
When is National Women’s Health Week? The 13th annual National Women’s Health Week kicks off on Mother’s Day, May 13, 2012 and is celebrated until May 19, 2012. National Women’s Checkup Day is Monday, May 14, 2012.
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How is National Women’s Health Week celebrated? The nationwide observance is celebrated across America in communities, neighborhoods, towns, cities, counties, hospitals, health centers, businesses, schools, places of worship, recreation centers, and online. Anyone who wants to promote women’s health can
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celebrate. Organizations large and small hold events, such as free screenings and health fairs, give out educational materials, issue proclamations, conduct media outreach, spread the word through social media, and more.
National Women’s Checkup Day: May 14, 2012
The tenth annual National Women’s Checkup Day will be held on Monday, May 14, 2012, during National Women’s Health Week. The day is dedicated to encourage women to visit their health care professionals to receive or schedule checkups, and to promote regular checkups as vital to the early detection of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health illnesses, sexually transmitted infections, and other conditions.
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Excitement...the word that describes what is happening at Crossroads Business Park in Texarkana, Arkansas! A catalyst for new growth, Crossroads Business Park is bringing new business to Texarkana, Arkansas. Conveniently located north of Interstate 30, between Stateline and Jefferson avenues, this 1,000 acre business park is booming! Two hotels are already serving the areaBest Western Plus Texarkana Inn and Suites, and the Holiday Inn Express. The announcement of a new Holiday Inn Select and Convention Center will add to the choice selection for visitors to our city. The Best Western Plus Texarkana Inn & Suites offers the best in customer service and amenities. This brand new Texarkana hotel features 76 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, each featuring cable satellite television and high-speed Internet access. This 100% non smoking hotel also features an array of amenities including a complimentary full breakfast, free parking, a full-service business center and meeting space accommodating up to 10 people. When you stay at the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Texarkana East, you will have access to a great 24-hour Business Center and 1,200 square feet of event space for your use. Amenities, including an indoor pool, a 24-hour Fitness Center and
free Express Start Breakfast Bar, to make your stay a great one. Each guest room is equipped with free high-speed, wireless Internet access, a 32-inch LCD HDTV and a spacious work desk. You can sleep like a baby in a plush king or queen bed with triplesheeted bedding. The newest addition, the Holiday Inn Select and Convention Center, will be a “hub” for the area. From conventions, to weddings, to reunions, visitors will be able to take advantage of all the amenities that Texarkana, Arkansas has to offer. A water park, connected to the hotel and convention center, will add an additional enticement for young and old! Of course, with hotel growth, attraction to restaurants was inevitable. Copeland’s of New Orleans originated in a place with its own unique flavors, fashions and passions. Over 25 years ago, the tradition began that the family is proud to carry on today: to serve an authentic, hometown New Orleans taste and ambiance to guests who enjoy truly exceptional food and hospitality. A casually festive atmosphere combines New Orleans flavor and comfort with an upscale sensibility. From the Creole favorites that embody the heart and soul of Southern Louisiana, to the flavorful takes on seafood, pasta, salads, steaks and desserts, Copeland’s offers something for everyone. Everything on the menu is made from
scratch with only the freshest, premium ingredients. The chefs take pride in blending mouthwatering sauces and seasonings to bring out the robust signature flavors they are famous for nationwide. And please, enjoy dessert — delicious homemade signature cheesecake is the ultimate in decadent delight! At Copeland’s, the goal is to provide a superlative dining experience like no other -- an experience you will not be disappointed with! Aven Williamson, developer of the property, has met the standards set by the city, including underground utilities and upscale landscaping. Harold Boldt, Texarkana city manager, says, “We are trying to carefully find the right partners. With a a traffic count between 60,000 and 70,000 cars a day on I-30, which is expecting to double in the net few years, it is the ideal location.” With an ideal location, great places to stay, and a new convention center and water park, the decision to locate at Crossroads Business Park is an easy one! Boldt hopes to attract additional businesses to build on the base already in place. Halfway between Little Rock and Dallas, Texarkana is the perfect spot for travelers to stop, enjoy the outdoor opportunities in the area, shop, and relax. Come see what is going on at Crossroads Business Park! April 2012
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Rendering of Holiday Springs Water Park
Rendering of Texarkana Convention Center at the Crossroads
Holiday Springs Water Park With attractions for the young and old, including a lazy river, adult activity and leisure pools, kids pool, a spash pad, rides, tube slides, body slides, whirlpools, changing rooms, lockers, concession stands, rest rooms and gift shops, this park will offer a treat for every member of the family.
Texarkana Convention Center at the Crossroads Once inside the Convention Center, the movable walls and ceilings of this stateof-the-art facility will allow rooms to be configured for large or smaller crowds. Large doors can be opened on the side of the building to allow objects from very small—Volkswagens-- to full size RVs and everything in between to be brought inside the Center for display. This space will prove ideal for flower or bridal shows or arts and craft displays. The Center’s ballroom can comfortably accommodate 1,000 people at one time or be divided into three meeting rooms providing space for about 300 people at a time, and one smaller room for 100 or fewer. 54
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Ark-La-Tex Resource Guide
Air and Heating Central Air 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212 Alterations Bea’s Alterations 2917 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, TX 903-792-2955 Apartments Arista Apartments 3515 Arista Blvd. Texarkana, TX 903.255.7869 Legacy at Pleasant Grove 5911 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 888.763.2676 Richmond Oaks Apartments 2815 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.6150 Summerhill Woods Apartments 4501 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.7888 Westwood Apartments 101 Redwater Rd. Wake Village, TX 903.832.8446 Attire Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088 Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 Banks Guaranty Bond Bank 2202 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.792.8600 Peoples State Bank 5600 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2300 56
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Red River Federal Credit Union 2700A University Ave. Texarkana, TX 75503 903-735-3000 800-822-3317 Texar Federal Credit Union Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.223.5626 Texarkana First Bank 3601 East 9th St. Texarkana, AR 870.772.0222 615 Sam Houston Dr. New Boston, TX 3625 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.6955 Cakes Coldstone Creamery 4228 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2653 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Reception Arts Becky Risinger Ashdown, AR 870.898.5273 Caterers/Private Chef Chappo’s Italian Restaurant 1617 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.791.1726 Chef on the Run Jeff Loving 903.276.8081 Culinary Creations Pam Elliott 903.831.4674 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354
Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903-792-2700
Entertainment Oaklawn Opry 124 Oaklawn Village Texarkana, TX 903.838.3333
Ruth’s Flowers 3501 Texas Bllvd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.6711 www.ruthsflowers.net
Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR 124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX
Event Locations Garrison Gardens Texarkana, AR 71854 870.773.0275 www.garrisongardens.net
Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903-792-2700
Regional Arts Center Cabe Hall 321 W. 4th Street Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.8681 www.trahc.org
Unique Flowers 4801 Loop 245 Texarkana, AR 870-774.1300
Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 Church Highland Park Baptist Church 2401 Hazel St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.6996 Clothing Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088 Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 OMG Lulu 3211 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.8135 116 Polk St. Jefferson, TX 903.665.8855 Dry Cleaning Holiday Cleaners Locations throughout Texarkana Area 870.773.4072
Silvermoon on Broad West Broad at Texas Blvd. Texarkana, TX www.silvermoononbroad.com Twin Oaks Mansion 903.244.7070 www.twinoaksmansion.com Event Planner/Producer Elite Event Production & Rentals 200 Heather Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.334.9605 www.eliteeventproduction. com Financial Planner Dustin Stringer Stringer Wealth Management 1620 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.223.0011 Fitness Centers Anytime Fitness Richmond Road 3415 Richmond Road. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.794.5348 Zumba with Lyndsay Central Mall (Next to Sears) 903.293.3647 Florists Queen City Floral Highway 59 North Queen City, TX 903.796.2891
Furniture Oak Creek Furniture 8024 West 7th St. Texarkana, TX 903.832.0793 Gifts Dot’s Ace Hardware 3411 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0059 Pleasant Grove Pharmacy Baits and Blades 3302 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.832.4545 Queen City Floral Highway 59 North Queen City, TX 903.796.2891 Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.2700 Hair Care Style Studio Lisa Harris 3201 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.1719 Home Designs/ Remodeling G&A Carpet 1019 N. Kings Hwy. Nash, TX 903.832.0553
Hospice Dierksen Hospice 6500 N. Summerhill Road, Suite 2B Texarkana, TX 903.793.6350
Kelli Ashbrook State Farm Insurance 3410 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.8100 www.kelliashbrook.com
Hospitals Christus St. Michael Health System 2600 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.614.1000
Ron Morrow State Farm Insurance 3306 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.832.5505 www.ronmorrowagency. com
Health South Rehabilitation 515 West 12th St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.0088 Wadley Regional Medical Center 1000 Pine St. Texarkana, TX 903.798.8000 Hotels Best Western Texarkana Inn & Suites 5219 Crossroads Parkway Texarkana, AR 870.774.1534 Clarion Lacross Hotel 5100 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.774.3521 www.lacrosse-hotel.com Courtyard by Marriott 5001 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.7400 Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott 4209 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.1000
Jewelers Alexander’s Jewelers 3701 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.832.3557 Blue Isle Expressions 3402 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.791.9992 Micah’s Jewelers 2812 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.735.2336 Make-up Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 Sanctuary Kimberly Parham, M.D. 3502 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8661
Photographer Image Forward Photography 200 Heather Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.334.9605 www.imageforwardtxk. com Kendal Dockery Photography Texarkana, TX 903.733.6444
Impact Realty Cody Sandone 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Suite 104 Nash, TX 903.276.7565 Satterfield Construction, LLC 903.832.4591 www.satterfieldservices. com
Sage Duke Photography Texarkana, AR 870.571.0868
Teresa Liepman Remax 5120 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.276.9464
Physicians Express Care 5483 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.5931
Refreshments Bolls Distributing 700 E. Broad St. Texarkana, AR 870.774.9283
Vision Source 4401 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.9063
Vincent’s Fine Wines 6900 N. Stateline Texarkana, AR 870.774.7217
Plumbing Central Air/Roto Rooter 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212
Rentals Dot’s Rentals 814 N. Robison Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.7011 3413 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0551
Real Estate Impact Realty Bill and Tracy Spradlin 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Suite 104 Nash, TX 903.748.3186 903.748.2477
Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.2700 Restaurants Amigo Juan Mexican Cafe 4301 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.334.6971 1200 N. Hervey Hope, AR 870.777.0006 611 Loop 59 Atlanta, TX 903.796.2400 Bryce’s Cafeteria 2021 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.792.1611 Chappo’s Italian Restaurant 1617 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.791.1726 Coldstone Creamery 4228 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2653
Elite Event Production & Rentals 200 Heather Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.334.9605 www.eliteeventproduction. com
Copeland’s Crossroads Business Park Texarkana, AR Daddy Dougaloo’s 905 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.0172 Dairy Queen Locations throughout Ark-La-Tex
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 4545 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 903.223.0008 TownePlace Suites by Marriott 5020 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.8800 Insurance Farm Bureau Insurance 4413 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.8707 911 W. US Highway 82 New Boston, TX 903.628.3451 Greg Cockerell State Farm Insurance 4807 Texas Blvd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.7502 April 2012
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Ironwood Grill 4312 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.4644 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Shorty’s Donuts 2729 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.6686 Tasty Donuts 1443 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.838.0422 Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.2700 Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR 124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX
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Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 Retirement/Assisted Living Home Edgewood Manor 4925 Elizabeth St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.4645 Heritage Plaza 600 W. 52nd St. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.6700
The Magnolia 4205 Richmond Meadows Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.7319 Roofing Aqua Roofing Anthony Jewell 3523 Locust Texarkana, AR 903.244.5706
Spas/Salons All About You Stacy Tidwell 4100 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.7775
Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 The Sanctuary Kimberly Parham, M.D. 3502 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8661 Sporting Goods Baits and Blades 3302 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.4545 Wedding Attire Bridal Castle 3209 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.3886 Wedding Coordinators Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net
Wedding Favors Pop Pop Shoppe 2011 Mall Drive, Suite B Texarkana, TX 903.793.0209 Wedding Planners Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Locations Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Silvermoon on Broad West Broad at Texas Blvd. Texarkana, TX www.silvermoononbroad.com Ironwood Grill 4312 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.4644
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