ALT Magazine November 2011

Page 1

From Arkansas

World TO THE

November 2011 . Vol. 5, Issue 11

Family, Fashion, Faith






November /contents

F E AT U R E 10

From Arkansas to the World

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A Surprise ... The Annulment

EVERY MONTH

k / COVER

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From Arkansas to the World Haley Allison Colbert is unique—an adventurer, a perfectionist, a dreamer, an artist, a friend, a hard worker, a pacesetter—an Olympic Champion.

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Design Showcase

8

Editor ’s Letter

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Financial Focus

21

F i s h Ta l e s

79

High School Leaders

97

Real Estate

58

Resource Guide

94

Second Chances

26

The True Light

86 Uncorked EVENTS 22

Jeans & Bling

30

Ta s t e o f Te x a r k a n a

34

Pasta Party

36

Bikes, Blues and BBQ

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TA PA S F u n d r a i s e r

85 EggFest

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The Annulment Like John Grisham, this promising Texas writer-- A. Ben Henderson-- leaves his readers wanting more. They will not be disappointed.

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Senior Day

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To u g h E n o u g h t o W e a r P i n k

C U LT U R E 32

Thanksgiving Fun Facts

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A LT B r i d e s

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Holiday Advertising Section

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Turkey Fun Facts

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Calendar of Events


Your Family Your Health Your Experience

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EDITOR’S letter

Details... Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another. ~Ernest Hemingway

I

t’s the details that count. I try to tell myself that every day as I work diligently to make sure everything in my world is in perfect order. Sometimes I achieve what I set out to do, sometimes I fall short. I am, to some extent, a perfectionist. I want things to be the way

they should be. That doesn’t mean I want to be the one that makes them that way. I just somehow want to wiggle my nose and it all just happens! Somehow that just doesn’t work!

It’s in the details that we find those who distinguish themselves from others. Let’s

take Haley Colbert. Haley is young by most everyone’s standards, but she has decided to perfect a technique that has earned her honors and distinguished herself among her peers as one of the top 9 trapshooters in her age group in the United States. Did it take hard work? Sure it did. Was it worth it? According to Haley, it is worth every minute of practice and time spent away from other pursuits that are typical of teenagers today. This young woman is driven to achieve something only a few others have done. She has certainly distinguished herself among those in her sport.

Of course, Ben Henderson is just beginning his career as a writer and has done

an excellent job with his first effort, The Annulment. Hours and hours of research, writing,

ark-la-tex’s premiere magazine

N o v e m b e r 2 0 11 / V o l . 5 , I s s u e 11

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page, Sherrie Hewitt Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy Feature Writer / Jane Bouterse Contributing Writers / Mike Brower, Anne Fruge, Janet Green, Vincent Senatore, Dustin Stringer The Caffienator / Mike Brower

re-writing, and editing go into any book. Although I have often told myself that one day I am going to write a book about my life and the people I have met -- and the many funny things that have happened along the way -- I just can’t make myself start it. (My friends should all be applauding now because they won’t have to worry about me telling their secrets! HA!) However, Ben didn’t sit back and relax. He decided to go with his heart and his book is excellent -- with a surprise ending that you

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

just might not be able to guess! (And it’s available in all kinds of formats -- so for those of you who are Kindle or iPad readers, he’s gotcha covered!)

As Hemingway stated, the details of life are

what distinguishes one person from another. Everyone’s life ends at some point, but what you do in your lifetime is what is remembered. I have recently joined Highland

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ALT Magazine is published the 1st business day or every month. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of ALT Magazine is strictly prohibited. ALT Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are available for $36.00 per year. Contributions from our readers are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material.

©2011 ALT Magazine


Park Baptist Church here in Texarkana. I had been struggling with

repeatedly just to have them register in my brain! LOL)

many things in my spiritual life and when I walked through the door to

Highland Park, I just knew it felt right -- you could feel the presence of

university -- Texas A&M University-Texarkana. I have been asked

the Lord in the church! And, as most of you know, I absolutely LOVE

to speak several times at their ring ceremonies -- and I think they

to sing in the choir -- and boy do they have a choir! There are some of

only ask me because they know I’ll cry when I talk about graduating

the absolute best singers I have heard in years that attend Highland

from TAMU-T and they all like to see their students emotional! The

Park and I have enjoyed worshipping with them -- and the other 400+

degrees I received were for me -- not for a job, not for my parents

worshippers! Between the pastor, Kevin Myers, my new Sunday

-- just for me. (Insert emotional part here!) However, receiving

School teacher, Kevin Jones, our Choir Director, Chuck Guilbert, and

this award means that someone noticed that I love my school, that

all of the wonderful friends I have there (both old and new), I feel very

I have taken what TAMU-T gave me and done something for our

blessed. It is amazing how God can work in your life when you are in

community and our citizens. Again, what an honor!

the place you know you are supposed to be, worshipping in the way

He wants you to. Blessings abound, and my life has been blessed

our University felt I was worthy of this award. I do not take it lightly.

beyond belief.

I will make MY University proud! Thank you from the bottom of my

heart to everyone who has helped me achieve my goals -- and that

The most recent blessing came unexpectedly this past

Those who know me know that I absolutely love my

I am so very humbled to know that a group of people from

week. In the middle of deadline week, I received a phone call from

includes you, our readers. They are the real winners. Without their

my wonderful friend, Bob Bruggeman, advising me that I had been

love and support, I am nothing.

honored as one of the three 2011 Distinguished Alumni for Texas

May God bless you.

A&M University-Texarkana. Oh my gosh! What an honor! I am sure Bob’s ears are still ringing from my screams when I finally realized that he was trying to tell me I was one of the winners for 2011! (Sometimes in the middle of deadline, I have to be told things

Publisher/Editor

November 2011

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by Jane Bouterse

From Arkansas

World TO THE

Was it luck or chance or fate or fulfillment? That answer will never be known. What is known is that the events of that crisp fall 2008 day changed the lives of an entire family without their even anticipating it.

T

he Colbert Family, Jeff and Melinda and their daughters Haley and Madison had chosen to spend the day with their Grands— parents, that is. The autumn temperature and colors beckoned Haley and her granddad to an outside adventure. It was just the kind of day to do something that had never been done before. For Haley, that “something” was firing a gun. In fact, Haley had never even held a gun before. After her grandfather provided minimal explanation, Haley moved the 12 gauge to her shoulder and cheek and pulled the trigger. “Dang, Haley,” her grandfather exclaimed, “you’re a good shot. You ought to join some team.” The next week, ninth grader Haley Colbert tried out for the Texarkana Razorback Trapshooting Team at Arkansas High. Apparently, the Razorback coaches—John Smedley (the founder) , and John Wilson, Bill Brock and Gary Nolte agreed with her grandad. Haley not only made the senior division “A” squad, but also earned the position of captain by having the highest overall total score from all the team’s practices. This all happened within the first year of her participation. Her success and desire in trapshooting meant good-bye to soccer and softball. The Texarkana Razorback Trapshooting Team is a participant in the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program (AYSSP). The program, sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, has two divisions: junior and senior. The junior division is for grades 6-8 and the senior division, grades 9-12. Trap shooting is the sanctioned sport of the AYSSP, and any group— schools, 4-H Clubs, Girl or Boy Scouts, etc. may field at least a five member team. Competition is by 5 member squads, and a team may field as many squads as it can fill. The competitive season for AYSSP teams begins February 1 and ends July 31. Certain requirements must be satisfied by each team:

Participants must take part in at least five team practices held on different days. In the beginning, the Razorbacks conducted their practices once a week standing among the cow patties in the middle of Coach Bill Brock’s cow pasture. Today the team has their own range on Sulphur River Waterfowl property.

Regional and state competitions do not count as practice.

Each participant must shoot at least 25 targets at each practice.

Each team must register with the AYSSP state coordinator. • Any type of shotgun action is allowed, as long as the bore is 12 or 20 gauge. Release triggers are not allowed. Trap machines that throw targets at unknown angles are used. Although some 46 states in the USA now sponsor their own Youth Shooting Sports Programs, Arkansas with its 5000+ participants leads the nation in number of competitors. During their designated season in Arkansas, squads compete in regional meets, i.e. a competition among shooting squads from a geographic area that are trying to qualify for the state championship. Excelling in Regional Competitions qualifies squads for

State Competitions. Since only squads can compete in AYSSP, shooters quickly learn the wisdom of “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” Nonetheless, in 2009 Haley’s squad qualified at Regionals for the State competition and repeated their feat in 2011. She smiles her shy smile as Haley admits, “I was nervous, but I think I did pretty good.”

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By now, Haley and her family had begun to realize that her grandfather had predicted accurately. She was an exceptional shot, and she could go much farther than AYSSP competitions. Her entire family— father, Jeff; mom, Melinda and younger sister, Madison— have organized in support of Haley. Jeff, a National BB Gun Champion at age 13 and devoted gun collector and hunter, has assumed responsibility for Haley’s ammunition and guns (which he cleans). He purchases the cases of shells Haley uses for both practice and competition and stays busy reloading spent shells. As Melinda acknowledges, “Competitive shooting is not an inexpensive sport.” Although AYSSP does provide some team support, if Haley wanted to move beyond her school squad to individual competition—the expenses became hers. Melinda has become the organizer. She

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does the paper work, makes reservations, determines schedules, and encourages while she attends to all the family’s needs. In short, she has become an even busier mom. Madison, currently a College Hill Middle School student has become her sister’s loyal and enthusiastic supporter. The Texarkana Razorback Trapshooting Team provided Haley an excellent platform, so she was prepared when she decided to expand her individual participation in Trapshooting, the sport at which she excelled. That opportunity for expansion quickly presented itself. January 2011. Haley had earned the privilege of applying for the National Junior Olympic Shotgun Team. According to Mom Melinda, 10 athletes were ultimately selected from across the country, only two of them were women. To be selected to this team, an athlete must be nationally ranked. Selections

are based not only on the athletes’ shooting scores or ranking but also on their school involvement, school GPA and volunteer activities. Haley’s excellent ranking was a matter of record. In 2010, Haley competed in the Arkansas Junior Olympics and was the Gold Medalist. This year she earned the silver medal, but still finished with overall top points which earned her a spot at the National Junior Olympics. She also doublequalified by shooting the qualifying score at the National Championships. This summer she competed in the 2011 USA Shooting Shotgun National Championships and also the invitation-only National Junior Olympics in Colorado Springs, CO. Haley has only recently returned from Kerrville, TX, where she competed in the first leg of the 2012 USA Olympic Trials in Shotgun. She finished ninth in the nation in Junior Women’s Trap. On October 3, 2011, Haley and her family received word that her national ranking has improved from 19 to 15, so she is now ranked 15 in Women’s Trapshooting in the USA. Her academic and volunteer records speak loudly and proudly. Haley is an A student at Arkansas High (currently in the Top 15 of her class), a member of the National Honor Society and a graduate of Arkansas Girls State. She is an awardwinning artist whose work has been included in the Arkansas Young Artist Exhibition in Little Rock; therefore, she is active in the high school Art Club. Other activities include participation in the Foreign Language Club, NIKE, Yearbook Staff, Student Council Representative and past Class President. The National Shotgun Coach and the selection team are looking for future Olympians when they make their choices for membership on the team. Haley exceeds their highest expectations. Since Haley has been selected for the National Junior Olympic Team, she proudly wears the USA Vest. USA Shooting is the national governing body for all USA Olympic Shooting Sports and is based in the Olympic Village in Colorado Springs, CO. In addition to the Vest, she gets support from USA Shooting for ammunition and training from the National Shotgun Coach along with the National Team Members. “Being on this team,” Melinda writes, “Haley enjoys competing side-by-side with National Team members, even former Olympians. She is


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November 2011

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learning so much from them and is starting to be recognized as a MEMBER of this shooting sports family.” The competition remains stiff, however, so Haley must participate in all national matches to maintain her national ranking. Her USA Vest must be worn at all national matches, as she represents the USA. Athletes from all over the world attend these matches— Canada, China, Mexico, for starters. She is expected to conduct herself in a professional manner— characteristic of the Olympian she hopes to become. “In 2011, so far, Haley has spent 47 nights away from home in competition.” That means her family’s suitcases have also been packed, for each time Haley competes, whether in a USA or American Trap Shooting Match, her family is there to lend their support to her victory. A few points of information may assist in understanding the enormity of the Colbert Family’s dedication to this sport: understand the tools and the rules; review the requirements; anticipate the goal, and put everything in perspective:

Characteristics For the novice Trapshooter or Trapshooting fan, the most amazing feat of all is that Haley and her family have been able to negotiate the maze of governing bodies, competitions, scoring and ranking. Not everyone has to compete to enjoy the sport. So, to begin at the beginning: Trapshooting involves shooting clay targets (referred to as “birds” or “pigeons” because passenger pigeons were the original targets). The targets may travel at speeds of up to 90 mph. As many authorities have emphasized, trapshooting is enjoyed by millions around the world and neither age nor gender are limiting considerations. “It is a very challenging sport that is easy to learn, but very hard to master.” Associations There are three major governing bodies in the world of trapshooting: American Trapshooting is governed by the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA). International Trapshooting is governed by USA Shooting in the U.S., and they follow rules set by the UIT (Union Internationale de Tir)—the

International Shooting Union. International Trap is also called Olympic Trap because it is the sport shot in the Olympics. “The basic difference between the two games is that the International discipline offers a larger challenge to the shooter than does the American sport. (NOTE Sidebar for comparisons) Gun Selection The choice of a gun is left up to the shooter. American Trap Shooters generally shoot with a 12 gauge, single-barreled shotgun, while guns used for bunker shooting (Olympic) tend to be double-barreled Perazzis, Berettas or Krieghoff. They all have to be double-barreled to hold two shells. Haley began shooting with a Browning over and under 12 gauge shotgun. Since she has become an Olympic competitor, she has been carefully measured so that the over and under, double-barreled Perazzi MX2000 she shoots is uniquely fitted to her. Competition rules dictate that an open break must be used for shell ejection, since automatic ejection may sling shell casings on competitors. “The majority of trap shotguns built today feature interchangeable choke tubes …and can withstand upwards of 500 shots straight.” Ammunition Personal preferences, expense and competition may affect choice of shells. Reloading equipment is becoming more efficient and economical. Essential equipment Absolute MUSTS for each competitor include: Tinted eye protection which should be worked out with a qualified professional. Better quality ear protectors. Vests for holding unused or spent shells are useful; sturdy, comfortable shoes guarantee foot position. POINTERS for success:  Preparation and practice The Colbert Family has traveled all over the country seeking acceptable and available practice venues. They are few, but they have discovered the Browning’s bunker in Wooster, AR, about three hours away from Texarkana. Wooster is also the home of Kayle Browning, who has been shooting since she could hold a gun, and her dad, Tommy Browning, who is an assistant national coach. He has provided invaluable direction for Haley, and the two girls have become close friends as they have learned and trained together. Kayle is an Olympic hopeful for London, 2012.  Control your breathing.  Visualize the shot. Have a sense of inner authority.  Control the cheek pressure.

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 Raise your eyebrows just before or when

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you call for the target.  Control your emotions.  Look at your targets before you shoot them.  Pay attention to the rhythm of your squad or the individual competitors. Pace yourself.  Stay hydrated. Haley’s heat stroke was a painful reminder of the importance of lots of liquid-both water and Gatorade type drinks. Like most sports, Trapshooting is more a mind sport than a physical one. Advice from www.shootr.co.uk/coaching/basic.html

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Anticipate the goal Haley’s goals are clearly defined: Make the Olympic Team; Enjoy the sport of Trapshooting, and Earn a college degree. For Haley Physical Therapy degrees and a practice in Texarkana hold a great deal of promise. The goal of Haley and her family is clear, and they are working together to achieve Olympic Gold. Without their joint efforts, this goal would be only a distant dream. During the course of their journey from Arkansas to the World, they are meeting interesting people, making enduring friendships and sharing moments that will last a lifetime. Any disadvantages? Haley smiles for a moment and stirs a bit in her chair. “Boys are scared of me,” she admits. Well,

Annie Oakley said the same thing once in music when she admitted, “You can’t get a man with a gun.” For this lovely 17 year old, 5 foot 8 inch Arkansas High School senior, “getting a man” will probably never be a real problem—in spite of her guns. Since Haley has become such an avid hunter—whether deer, duck or dove, and relishes being in the outdoors—her world has expanded to include many opportunities for friendships. Haley Allison Colbert is unique—an adventurer, a perfectionist, a dreamer, an artist, a friend, a hard worker, a pacesetter— an Olympic Champion. As Melinda notes, Haley’s USA Vest does not allow the application of any sponsor acknowledgement, but she will be happy to wear a sponsor’s shirt or hat, patch or insignia. Haley has her own National JO Team bank account, and financial support will be welcomed from anyone who would like to assist Haley in her journey from Arkansas to the World.


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DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AMERICAN TRAP SHOOTING AND OLYMPIC SHOOTING FOUR “RUNGS” ON THE OLYMPIC SHOOTING LADDER DISTANCE THE TARGET IS THROWN

1.

Junior Olympic Shooting Team – Scores + school records + potential Olympic Representative

2.

National Junior Team – Score based

American Trap –-distance is set; International Trap—distance is twice as far, but it varies.

3.

National Development Team – Score based

SEVERITY OF ANGLES AND DIFFERENCES IN HEIGHT

4.

National Team

American Trap-target thrown anywhere in a 45º angle; height fixed

AMERICAN TRAP SHOOTING vs. INTERNATIONAL TRAP NUMBER OF TRAPS American – 1 trap machine throwing in a 45°angle from the middle of the above ground traphouse International – 15 traps. For each position in the field, there are 3 traps in the below-ground traphouse (called a “bunker”).These 3 traps are set to throw one right angle, one left angle, and a straight-away in a 90º angle. SPEED OF THE TARGETS International Trap target—about 90 mph-- roughly twice as fast as American targets.

International Trap—target thrown anywhere in a 90º angle from the middle of the traphouse; height varies. AMMUNITION American Trap—load of shot approximately 1 1/8 oz.; one shot per target. International Trap—load of shot dropped to approximately 7/8 oz. Decreased number of pellets, two shots allowed at every target. TARGETS International Targets harder than American because targets shot longer distances; therefore, targets must withstand physical force applied from trap when shot. sweb.uky.edu/StudentOrgs/TrapandSkeet/InternationalTrap.html

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by Mike Brower

Front Deck Two Step...

A

s we enter the winter fishing period, I want to once again remind both hunters and fishermen of how dangerous it can be outside in the elements. We will venture forth into the cold for ducks, deer, hogs, and fish and really don’t think about the harsh truths of cold weather. Any number of things could happen which can and will endanger lives, including my personal non-favorite: falling overboard. I have learned (the hard way) over the years to carry a bag

containing things to dry me off and keep me warm after I bump that stump and do the “Front Deck Two Step” off the side of the boat into 45 degree or less water. My bag contains a bath towel to dry off with after I quickly get back in the boat and more quickly get naked, a pair of XL warm up pants, XL sweatshirt, socks, old pair of sandals, 4 chemical hand warmers, jersey gloves, my “Goober” hat and a lighter to make a fire (on the bank of course). The items mentioned are in a waterproof bag and stay in the front box all winter. I like to have extra-large stuff in case someone else likes to do the polar bear swim in winter. You might consider putting together a bag of stuff because it is no fun trying to get back to the ramp on a cold day -- cold wind and colder ride in the boat while soaking wet. I’m no doctor and I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn last night, but I know firsthand you won’t last long without some preparation. Just remember: a little preparation goes a long way, so PREPARE !! ... “and now, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Conway Twitty!”

November 2011

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EVENT

Jeans & Bling

WHERE

Ramage Farms

WHEN

10/8/11

Hospice Fundraiser

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1. Ken Schnipper, Gwen Schnipper, Pete Snow, Claudia Snow and Dorothy Langdon 2. Cynthia Mullens, Christine and Brad Bevers 3. Carol Collins and Stephanie Brazil 4. Sergio Rodriguez and Juan Rivera 5. Andy Kim and Allison Perry 6. Julie Black and Doris Morris 7. Clay and Kim Busby, Stephanie and Ray Escamilla 8. Carol Irving, Lindy Lawrence, Tim and Carly Loving 9. Merissa Valenzuela and Catherine Hessan 10. Eddy Hackleman and Ashton Cox 11. Todd Coltharp and Brad Bates 12. Michael Glass, Betty Turner 13. Jane Kight and Roger Bookout 14. Mike and Caroline Craven 15. Charles and Susan Roberts 16. John and Judy Pommer, Linda and Jim Estill 17. Charlie McMurphy, Josh and Mandy Davis, Debbie Brower 18. Duane and Kristin White 19. Dr. James Ward and Tammy Haver 20. Fred Downs and Annette Kilker 21. SPLIT DECISION: Jeff Tucker, Selena Jefferies, Bryan Jefferies, Kevin Preston and Greg Tucker 22. John and Susan Stanley 23. Ron Evans, Shirley Pinnix, John and Sylvia Ulmer 24. Chad and Suzette Dodson

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The night belongs to The January 28, 2012 Northridge Country club


In 1952, Dr. S. A. Collom and a gathering of Texarkana citizens founded the “Temple Home for Crippled Children” in response to the polio epidemic which was sweeping across our nation. Since that time, the Temple Center, an Easter Seals affiliate, has evolved and expanded into a premier facility providing physical, occupational and speech therapy for children and adults with disabilities.

On Saturday, January 28, 2012, the Temple Center will be celebrating the ninth annual “Phantom Ball” at Northridge Country Club. This is an annual black tie gala event benefiting the client services of Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center.

This year’s “Phantom Ball” will honor a very special man from our community as the “Phantom”. The criterion for “Phantom” is one who gives generously of their time and financial support to the Temple Center and the community of Texarkana. As in the spirit of “Phantom”, the identity of this year’s honoree will not be revealed at this time, in order to build suspense and intrigue for our event.

For more information or tickets please call Anita Carver at 903-794-2705.

(Ballgowns, formal attire, masks and fans are encouraged.)


by Anne Fruge

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

T

he tables are covered with rows of organized foods. Pasta, soup, peanut butter, cereal and more are grouped together in rapidly growing piles for the youth group to sort into cardboard boxes. The boxes are not simply filled with groceries, but with hope for many needy families across the community. Ms. Jane Portis, the director of youth at First Presbyterian Church, cheers on the project and the youth who are volunteering their time. “This is my favorite time of year,” Jane says. “It’s so exciting to see the enthusiasm of the congregation, the youth and the community. I never imagined that I would be working for a church, but I can’t imagine being anywhere else. The need is great, but God is able.” Jane grew up and graduated from school in Prescott, Arkansas, and then moved to Texarkana to work for St. Michael Hospital as a respiratory therapy tech while attending school at Texas A&M Texarkana. After graduating with a degree in history and sociology, Jane decided to tackle law school. Three years later, she graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. “Honestly, I studied history because I loved it and could excel in it while working full time,” Jane says. “I worked as a paralegal in Texarkana while an undergrad and then decided to go to law school. However, it was in law school that I really started finding my passion. I studied International Law in China and was exposed to another culture and different types of need. It sparked an interest and it was like God tapped me on the shoulder.” Jane worked as a death habeas paralegal for the Arkansas Federal Public Defender Office while in school and remembers clearly a day when she was organizing the files and a picture of one of the defendants fell out of the folder. The boy was in first grade and sported a happy grin.

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Now, he was on death row. “Law school changed me,” Jane says. “I didn’t end up using my law degree, but it allowed me to have these experiences that I might not have had otherwise. I saw that picture and I thought to my self, ‘How does that boy get from this first grade picture to a file of evidence from the lives he’s taken?’ I knew then I wanted to help other people after years of only thinking of myself and my family.” Armed with vast experiences, education, and a new found desire to help others, Jane started searching for an occupation that would give her the opportunities she sought. She took a part time job at First Presbyterian Church in Texarkana, Arkansas, and through her position, was able to apply her skills, talents and God-given mission in her daily life. “I felt alive for the first time,” Jane says. “I have to remind myself daily that this is a job. It was a long road getting here, but I think everything in my life led me to where I truly belonged.” While working at First Presbyterian Church, Jane attended Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey, to receive a Certificate in Youth and Theology. She now leads her 20 or so faithful youth members in varied community initiatives ranging from building

Thanksgiving baskets to cleaning graves of veterans at Rose Hill Cemetery. “We were familiar with the Cemetery and saw the dilapidated state of the graves and thought that it would be a good project for our youth because it connects them with generations before them,” Jane says. “The kids read the headstones when we go there, and they realize that these were real people who made real sacrifices.” Jane also spends a lot of time responding to acute needs of the community and spreading the word to her youth and congregation about ways they can get involved. Social media has drastically changed Jane’s ability to get out a message to hundreds of people about an immediate need. A few months ago a Texarkana Animal League volunteer contacted Jane about a shortage of dog food at the shelter. She drafted a post for Facebook, sent out a text to her youth and an email to the congregation. At the end of the day, she went to Tractor Supply expecting to pick up a few bags, but instead found herself with two and half pallets of dog food for the shelter. Jane says, “I had to call on my friends with SUVs to transport it all.” “The generosity of this town is amazing,” Jane says. “I just consider myself



the middle-man because it’s really this community that makes all of this possible. I’m the happiest when I can do these very simple things like write a sentence email, make two calls, put a three sentence post on Facebook and just watch it snowball.” Through social media, Jane has been able to contact people across the city to help provide clothes for people who lost their homes and apartments to fires, shortages at Randy Sam’s, and was even instrumental in helping gather furniture for Katrina victims who were relocating to Texarkana. “I will never forget William Johnson,” Jane says. “I was picking up these huge bags of clothes to put in the basement for sorting right after Katrina hit. We were gathering food, clothing and furniture for refugees, and when I looked behind me, a man was helping me with these massive bags. William Johnson literally had to be rescued from the roof of his flooded home with a helicopter and had his entire life in one Walmart sack, but he helped US the entire time. It just changed my viewpoint on helping. We are all facing tough times, but we can still help in small ways.” Jane believes that while most people can’t go out and afford to buy a case of rice to donate, or go out and buy new clothes for victims, everyone can help in a small way. She tries to help make giving easier by sending out a summary of all the food sales in the area to her congregation.

She encourages them by providing a way to save money for their family, and with the money they save, pick up one extra bag of rice or an extra can of green beans. While sending out reminders about this year’s drive for the Thanksgiving basksets, Jane told the congregation that peanut butter was on sale at Albertson’s. When she arrived at Albertson’s later to buy some for the baskets, it was sold out, and the table at the church was stacked with peanut butter. “Sometimes when a situation seems impossible, I remind myself that we may not be able to do it alone, but we can do it together,” Jane says. “We can’t be miracle workers, but we can be workers. If all of us just do one small thing, it’s like Jesus and the loaves and fish; our one small thing can turn into thousands by communicating the need. It never ceases to amaze me that people always give, always help.” Right now the youth are continuing to gather food for the Thanksgiving baskets, and will be accepting non-perishable donations through November 18 at the church. She recently took the youth to Big Lots for their annual Thanksgiving shopping trip. After dividing them into groups, she gave each group $30 and told them to find food for one family for one week. She noticed that they had to start looking at serving sizes, nutritional values, and had to put away some of the tasty extras in favor of sustenance. “The youth are so full of energy and honesty,” Jane says. “I tell them where to be and what to bring, and they get excited. I think they’ve experienced the joy that comes from service. It isn’t any feeling that the newest phone or purse or car can give you.” In 2012, Jane will be traveling with Solar Under the Sun, a two year old ministry through the Presbyterian Church, to Kenya and Haiti. The mission of Solar Under the Sun is to provide solar power that will help create a clean water system for nonprofit groups in communities with great need. Jane completed training and is now able to assemble, install, and equip off grid solar energy systems. She hopes that the news and excitement will spread where one day a team from her congregation makes the trip. “I’m such a reading and writing person that I did not think I would like this electrical kind of work at all,” Jane says, “but it just goes to show you that God is constantly changing the way we are vessels to help Him. One of the best things I learned from training is what we do is not exceptional. It’s expected. Our greatest mission as Christians is to lead by example. We are called to love people, and if you love people, you help them.” Editor’s Note: The True Light is a new monthly column for ALT Magazine. If you know someone who has a personal ministry, helping others throughout our community, and would like to nominate them to be featured, please email us at debbie@alt-mag.com. We look forward to highlighting these wonderful people each month!

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EVENT

Taste of Texarkana

WHERE

Four States Fair Grounds

WHEN

10/18/11

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1. Maura Johnson, Lydia Lawrence, Robin Hidalgo and Rachael Schawartz 2. Lisa Sangalli, Wade Crouse, Renea Booker and Sarah Kyles 3. Scott Swenson, Matt Palmer, Lance Steed and Cody Eaves 4. Bryan Ogburn, Christine Corley and Brandon Thrash 5. Lydia Lawrence and Nita Fran Hutcheson 6. Joe Longoria and Jennifer Brandon 7. Jodi and Trevor Coffee 8. Chelsea Dunn, Kevin Yeagor and Joe Dunn 9. Chris Ross, Brian Johnson, Misty Parker, Lindsey Crayne, Taylor Duncan and Tim O’Neal 10. Haley Cox, Robby Darby and Andi Darby 11. Deon Welch and Eddy Hackleman 12. Michelle and Shawn Vaughn, with Annie Fahrni 13. Fay J. Durrant and Curt Green 14. Mia Stuckey and Pam Stuckey 15. Kelly and Rendall Irwin, with Jennifer Futrell 16. Kevin and Kelly Johnson, Kathy and James Bramlett 17. Debbie Brower and Jaclyn Gooding 18. Andy Prince and Pam Beck 19. Andi Darby, Brandon Cogburn and Jill Whittington 20. Tim and Trish Reed 21. Brad Bates and Todd Coltharp 22. Kristi Witt, Kara High, Chris Skaggs, Julie Furlow, Brandee Dukes, Kim Krantz and Susan Mervish 23. Hope Hyde, Claire Wade, Dot Williford and Summer Lishman 24. Jorge Perez, Debbie Powers, Jan and Kenny Dunn 25. Emmanuel and Katerine Otero, Chef Todd Brazile and Antonio and Larra Otero 26. Gary Guillot and Bertie Fuller 27. Rolando Yanes, Tavo Cruz, Martha and Moises Rea 28. Jenifer Spears, Randy Crabbe and Renay Turner

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- The Plymouth Pilgrims were the first to celebrate the Thanksgiving at Plymouth, Massachusetts.

- The pilgrims didn’t use forks; they ate with spoons, knives, and their fingers.

- The Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford, had organized the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621. He invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians to the feast. The celebration lasted three days.

- Sarah Josepha Hale, an American magazine editor, persuaded Abraham Lincoln to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday. She is also the author of the popular nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb”

- Lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, squashes, beans, chestnuts, hickory nuts, onions, leeks, dried fruits, maple syrup and honey, radishes, cabbage, carrots, eggs, and goat cheese are thought to have made up the first Thanksgiving feast.

- Abraham Lincoln issued a ‘Thanksgiving Proclamation’ on third October 1863 and officially set aside the last Thursday of November as the national day for Thanksgiving.

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- In 1939, President Roosevelt proclaimed that Thanksgiving would take place on November 23rd, not November 30th, as a way to spur economic growth and extend the Christmas shopping season. - Congress later passed a law on December 26, 1941, ensuring that all Americans would celebrate a unified Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November every year. - Although, Thanksgiving is widely considered an American holiday, it is also celebrated on the second Monday in October in Canada.


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EVENT

Pasta Party

WHERE

Ramage Farms

WHEN

10/14/11

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1. Elizabeth and Mike Ingram 2. Jane and Pat Davitt 3. Kalyse and Steve Greener 4. JoAnn Rice, Patricia Anthony, Annette Forte, Denise Thomas and Cynthia Henderson 5. Denise Thomas, Shelia Dukes and Juanita Roberson 6. Kyle Barrett and Colt Caywood 7. Donna Harrison, Linda Register and Tarisha Duson 8. Michelle Miller and Teri Rice 9. Nicole Stover, Sharon Strawn and Joanna Blair 10. Tarisha Duson, Donna Harrison and Jackie Bruggeman 11. George Lavender and Price Lavender 12. Rolando Yanes and Tavo Cruz 13. Thomas and Darla Cigainero 14. Dr. Betty Feir and Mike Richardson 15. Nita and Bill Parker 16. Jeff Harlow and Terrie Arnold 17. Lauree Romero and Kiery Glover 18. Sandy Varner and Kristie Keller 19.Neal and Heather Kiser 20. Amber Watkins and Lifford Luthringer 21. LeCarra Robinson and Pat Cravens 22. Adrianne and Bix Rathburn 23. Juanita Roberson, Shelia Dukes, Kandis Wilborn and Denise Thomas 24. Teri Rice, Arwen McDaniel, Charlie McMurphy, Debbie Brower and Michelle Miller 25. Rozana Page, Charlie McMurphy and Debbie Brower 26. Dawna Rogers, Michael “Jimi” Hendrix and Sandy Varner 27. Andy Prince and Pam Beck 28. Andy Prince and Sheriff James Prince 29. Lauree Romero, Jeff Harlow, DeAnn Goins and Lifford “Big Sexy” Luthringer 30. Amanda Carlile, Christy Walls and Lisa Sangalli 31. Kristie Keller, Jana Kennedy, Kathleen Young and Sandy Varner 32. Lifford Luthringer, Sharon Strawn, James Culp and Amber Watkins 33. Stella Sharp, Nita Parker and Yulin Brewer 34. Yulin and Jerry Brewer 35. Bill Parker and Kathy Harp 36. Montrio Rodgers, Nicole Bounds, Dena Ashby, Jennifer Roscher and Front row seated: Craig Bennett 37. The Mo’ Betta Band 38. Gayle Burrows, Tarnisha Duson, Michelle Miller and Teri Rice 39. Jeff Brown and Renay Turner 40. Amber Watkins and Kelli Phillips 41. Sheena and Cliff Guillot 42. Ashley Arnold and Scott Mathews 43. Jason Haak and New Balance Survivor of the year Stephanie Haak 44. Michael and Arwen McDaniel 45. Julie Sanderson and Judie Rackley 46. Kelli and Jeff Phillips 47. James Rochelle, Ashley Walker, Teri Rice, Merril Grove, Michelle Miller and Tanya Dickert


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1. Charlotte Hartwell and Frank Poff 2. Dave Jones and Pamela McCann 3. Mayor Wayne Smith in the Texas High Stuco dunk booth 4. Mayor Wayne Smith get dunked! 5. Young boy getting ready to throw at the dunk booth 6. THS student in the Texas High Stuco dunk booth 7. Chad Dowd and kids 8. Denis and Mary Washington 9. John Hill, Nancy Ann Luman, Lee Ann and James Barker 10. Jimmy “Smitty” Smith, Renay Turner and Machelle Shoptaw 11. Renay Turner and Frank Poff 12. Melanie and Chad Dowd 13. Veronica and Ron Stovall 14. Don Morriss and Jimmy “Smitty” Smith 15. Jeff and Tammie Harrelson 16. Mark and Machelle Shoptaw 17. Dan and Shawn Edmonds 18. Amy Warren and Clay Mitchell 19. Michelle Miller and Jimmy “Smitty” Smith 20. Dawna Rogers and Michael Hendrix

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Fall/Winter 2011-2012

Resource Guide

Find the vendors you need to make your wedding dreams come true!




F a l l / W i n t e r 2 0 11 - 2 0 1 2 / c o n t e n t s

REAL WEDDINGS

ENGAGEMENTS

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Holly Evans to Justin Fitts

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J e n n i f e r Ya n c e y t o A d a m C o x

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Casey and Derek Turner

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Lauren Gibson to Blake Crumpler

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Emilee Spoerl to Andrew Simmons

HELPFUL INFO 48

Winter Inspiration

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Financial Focus

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Will U Be My Maid?

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Wedding Planner

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Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson

k / COVER

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Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy

Holly and Justin Fitts were married at the Regional Arts Center in a heart warming celebration that included Holly’s daughter, Chloe.

Right: Will U Be My Maid? Creative ways to ask your friends to be a part of your wonderful wedding day!

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info@alt-mag.com 200 Heather Dr., Texarkana, TX 75501 (903) 334-9605

©2011 ALT Magazine


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Holly & Justin Holly Evans to Justin Fitts

August 6, 2011 TRAHC’s Cabe Hall Texarkana, TX

How They Met... Justin and Holly both worked as nurses in the St. Michael ICU; but because they worked across the hall from one another and on opposite shifts, they had never met. Halloween was coming up, and Holly was looking for someone to come into work early for her so she could take her daughter to a fall festival. She started calling and texting anyone she thought might help her out, but she was unsuccessful. One of Holly’s coworkers mentioned Justin and suggested she ask him. She thought it was worth a try, so she got his phone number and texted him. He said yes, and they never quit talking after that!

Dating... They had a great dating relationship, enjoying many firsts together such as going to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra, to watch the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars and they simply enjoyed each other’s company. The crossroads in their relationship came in the Fall of 2010, when Justin was accepted to CRNA school at TCU in Ft. Worth. He and Holly weren’t sure how it was going to work maintaining a long distance relationship, but decided they both wanted to try. They had their share of ups and downs, but they were making it work.

The Proposal... When Justin came in for spring break in April, he and Holly decided to have pictures made together. At their photo shoot, down by the railroad tracks, Justin gave Holly the surprise of her life. There in front of the cameras, he presented her with an engagement ring, and all of the joy and surprise of the moment was all captured on camera by Image Forward Photography.

Wedding Party... Maid of Honor: Chloe Hicks Matron of Honor: Carrie Daniel Bridesmaids: Sheryl Evans Linde Huddleston Best Man: Steve Fitts Groomsmen: Cory Glover Justin Brown Mark Stringer Ushers: Travis Deel Dusty Orr Officiant: Aaron Evans November 2011

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Photography:

Image Forward Photography www.imageforwardweddings.com

Catering:

Silver Spoon

Cakes:

Silver Spoon

Florist:

Carrie Daniel from Ruth’s Flowers

Band:

David Farren Band

Bride/Bridesmaid Jewelry Design: Lynda Rauls and Paula Evans

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

Yours, Mine and Ours — A Couple’s Guide to Retirement Planning

W

hile the reasons for earning two incomes may vary from couple to couple, these families often face a similar financial challenge: participation in separate retirement programs.

As a couple, your combined retirement assets are not just limited to what you may have accumulated in your current employers’ retirement plans. You also need to consider any older accounts that are still sitting in former employers’ plans, or assets that have been moved to rollover IRAs. After inventorying your various retirement assets, consider some areas where a joint planning effort may help enhance your investment outcome. Setting a Mutual Goal Pursuing the goal of retiring together requires a long-term approach. Start by determining how large a combined nest egg you will need. This will depend on how much you have already saved and when you hope to retire, as well as your retirement lifestyle choices - where you plan to live, whether you plan to maintain more than one residence and what you plan to do with your time. All of these factors will affect your retirement income needs. Keep in mind that Americans are living longer and that one or both of you could spend 20 or more years in retirement. Also carefully review the potential financial benefits of delaying retirement. Working for an extra few years could enable you to continue making contributions to your IRA or employersponsored retirement plan and delay taking withdrawals. Asset Allocation As with any investment portfolio, your retirement accounts should work in unison to pursue a single accumulation goal. Ask yourselves whether your overall asset allocation is appropriate for your combined objectives and risk tolerance. Are the portfolios adequately diversified? Are they over weighted in any one asset class or individual security? Also consider how your retirement portfolios complement your other assets, such as taxable investment accounts and real estate. Distributions For couples in or near retirement, an equally important part of the planning process is determining when and how to withdraw money from retirement accounts. Consider which accounts (i.e., taxable vs. tax-deferred) to tap first. It may be better to liquidate assets in taxable accounts, allowing assets in IRAs and qualified retirement plans to continue growing tax-deferred. Remember, however, that with few exceptions, the IRS requires individuals to begin withdrawing money from tax-deferred accounts no later than age 701/2, at which point you

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Find us on

may want to rethink your distribution strategy. For instance, might it make sense to convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA to avoid taking distributions altogether? Your tax advisor can help you consider the tax consequences of conversion, as well as the potential benefits of a Roth IRA. These are just a few of the issues dual-earner couples need to consider when managing their individual retirement plan accounts. Since no two couples’ financial situations are alike, the best course of action is to make an appointment today so that we can begin devising a coordinated plan for meeting your future financial needs. © 2010 Standard & Poor’s Financial Communications. All rights reserved. This article is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for and individual. Consult your financial advisor, or me, if you have any questions. Stringer Wealth Management and LPL Financial are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice.


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Gather and Give Thanks Around a Beautiful Dining Table... And Then Sleep Off the Turkey in An Elegant Bedroom Setting!

Just in Time for the Holidays... See Our Large Variety of Homemade Pies! Why is Oak Creek Furniture Different?

Why all the fuss about details?

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.

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


Come see our new E X PA N D E D S H O W R O O M ! Great selection to choose from!

Lasting elegance...

Did you know...

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

That most of the furniture made today uses substitute materials such as particleboard. Because particleboard is made from wood fragments bonded with resin, it is considered an all wood product BUT IT IS NOT solid wood. Our Amish furniture is made of SOLID Oak, Cherry, Maple, Hickory or Quartersawn Oak.

Polywood Outdoor Furniture... At Oak Creek Furniture, you will find many different styles of polywood furniture. The material used is water and weather resistant, and most importantly, created from recycled polyethylene. For this reason, our polywood lawn furniture is considered a green product.

There is no maintenance required, no cracking or splinting, and the polywood material does not promote bacterial growth or mildew. Choose from seven different colors and products such as swings, gliders, benches, deck chairs, table & chair sets, bridges and footrests.

Huge Se le of Glute ction n Free Foods! Check it out toda y!


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A spin on a classic thought is these neat DIY boxes! These are made from unfinished cigar boxes and stuff with wedding details, inspirational photos, paint cards of wedding colors, and fun photos of memories together. To see more great ideas and inspirations, check out: www.weddingchicks.com

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A keepsake hanky! Each hanky will be unique and different in color and design- all equally lovely! Customize your hanky with up to 3 lines of text. You can even create a custom hanky with your names and wedding date. You can purchase them at: www.weddingchicks.com/ shop/custom-hankies/

DUDE- Guys like creative

surprises, too! Having trouble coming up with something cool for the groomsmen? Choose a fun beverage, whether it’s a favorite beer, bottled soda or even lemonade, and then add your own labels! Ask your guys to be by your side by buying them a drink! Find these cool labels templates and more at:

For a funny spin on the process mail your bridesmaids-to-be the book, “You Can Wear It Again: A Celebration of Bridesmaids’ Dresses”, along with a fun, personal card. A Perfect combo of humor and sweetness! Available on: www.amazon.com

www.weddingchicks.com

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WE D DING PLANNER Use this checklist to help you keep everything organized and ready for your big day! All the details make the difference! Nine to Twelve Months Before • Announce your engagement. • Set an initial budget. • Select a wedding date and time. • Select and book your ceremony and reception locations. • Book photographer and videographer. • Book caterer. • Book florist. • Determine who will officiate at the ceremony. • Set aside blocks of hotel/motel rooms for out-of-town guests. • Book band or DJ. • Sign up for your church’s premarriage counseling, if required. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Six to Nine Months Before • Start compiling the guest list. • Select the attendants for your wedding party. • Purchase the bride’s gown. • Purchase the groom’s tuxedo. • Purchase bridesmaids’ dresses. • Arrange for transportation for the wedding. Limousines, Horse & Carriage, vans, etc. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Four to Six Months Before • Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state. • Select and order the invitations and stationery. • Make sure all the men’s attire has been ordered. • Complete the guest lists. • Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper. • Finalize honeymoon details. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Two to Four Months Before • Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer. • Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception. • Select your wedding rings. • Buy a wedding guest book. • Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal. • Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon and any other parties. • Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony. • Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests. • Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place. • Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Six to Eight Weeks Before • Mail invitations and announcements. • Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait. • Select gifts for all your attendants. • Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Four to Six Weeks Before • Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. • Buy a gift for the groom. • Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc. • Choose the music for your ceremony, first dance, parent dances, and party and give information to band, dj, or other musicians. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Two Weeks Before • Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home. • Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc. • Get your marriage license and any blood tests which are needed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------One Week Before • Start packing for your honeymoon. • Give a final head count to the caterer. • Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------One Day Before • Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself. • Review and rehearse all the details of your participants. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Big Day • Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed. • Be sure to eat properly. • Rest and relax with a good bath. • Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments. • Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment!



Ark-La-Tex Resource

Guide Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056

Reception Arts Becky Risinger Ashdown, AR 870.898.5273

Kraus Heating and Air 200 Industrial Blvd. Nash, TX 903.831.3912

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

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

Apartments Arista Apartments 3515 Arista Blvd. Texarkana, TX 903.255.7869

Red River Federal Credit Union 2700A University Ave. Texarkana, TX 75503 903-735-3000 800-822-3317

Christine Corley Private Chef 850.728.0900

Legacy at Pleasant Grove 5911 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 888.763.2676

Texar Federal Credit Union Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.223.5626

Richmond Oaks Apartments 2815 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.6150

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

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

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

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Cakes Coldstone Creamery 4228 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2653 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354

Culinary Creations Pam Elliott 903.831.4674 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227 Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR 124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX

Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 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 Event Locations Garrison Gardens Texarkana, AR 71854 870.773.0275 www.garrisongardens.net


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

Ruth’s Flowers 3501 Texas Bllvd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.6711 www.ruthsflowers.net

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

Twisted Vines 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, AR 870-772-2700

Hair Care Headmasters Hair Salon 3703 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.832.6261

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

Style Studio Lisa Harris 3201 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.1719

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

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

H&N Floral 7801 N. State Line 5708 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.1417 903.832.2000

Taylored Home Solutions 2840 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.278.2353

Financial Planner Dustin Stringer Stringer Wealth Management 210 N. Stateline, Suite 204A Texarkana, AR 870.216.0089 Fitness Centers Anytime Fitness Richmond Road 3415 Richmond Road. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.794.5348 Minton’s Sportsplex 5610 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.838.4697 Florists Queen City Floral Highway 59 North Queen City, TX 903.796.2891

Lane’s Gifts & Collectibles 720 Realtor Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.773.2123 Queen City Floral Highway 59 North Queen City, TX 903.796.2891

Twisted Vines 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, AR 870-772-2700

Hospice Dierksen Hospice 6500 N. Summerhill Road, Suite 2B Texarkana, TX 903.793.6350

Hospitals Christus St. Michael Health System 2600 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.614.1000 Health South Rehabilitation 515 West 12th St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.0088 Wadley Hospital 1000 Pine St. Texarkana, TX 903.798.8000 Hotels Best Western Texarkana Inn & Suites 5219 Crossroads Parkway Texarkana, AR 870.774.1534 Clarion Lacross Hotel 5100 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.774.3521 www.lacrosse-hotel.com 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

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

Elite Insurance Tammy McDowell 1705 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.794.0000 Farm Bureau Insurance 4140 McKnight Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.8707 Greg Cockerell State Farm Insurance 4807 Texas Blvd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.7502

Kelli Ashbrook State Farm Insurance 3410 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.8100 www.kelliashbrook.com Kristi Smith State Farm Insurance 418 Walton Drive Texarkana, TX 903.223.3276 Ron Morrow State Farm Insurance 3306 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.832.5505 www.ronmorrowagency.com

Because your Wedding Day Deserves to be a Celebration Let Dot’s bring the classic look and beauty of wrought iron to compliment the decor of your wedding. Favorites include candelabras, vases and urns.

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 Medical Equipment Respiratory Solutions 3101 Kennedy Lane, Suite 1000 Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.2110 Photographer Image Forward Photography 200 Heather Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.334.9605 www.imageforwardtxk.com Physicians Express Care 5483 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.5931 Ly Gaylor, M.D. Dermatologist Collom & Carney Clinic 5002 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.614.3006 Trevor Swanson, D.C. Advanced Spine, Sports & Rehab 4206 Richmond Place Texarkana, TX 903.792.2060 806 West Main St. Atlanta, TX 903.796.2060 Mark Wren, M.D. Physiatrist 3510 Richmond Road, Suite 400 Texarkana, TX 75503 903.831.6275 Vision Source 4401 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.9063

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Plumbing Central Air/Roto Rooter 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212 Real Estate Connie Walker Coldwell Banker United 3001 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.277.0100 903.832.2486 Impact Realty Bill and Tracy Spradlin 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Suite 104 Nash, TX 903.748.3186 903.748.2477 Satterfield Construction, LLC 903.832.4591 www.satterfieldservices.com Teresa Liepman Remax 5120 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.276.9464 Refreshments Bolls Distributing 700 E. Broad St. Texarkana, AR 870.774.9283 Vincent’s Fine Wines 6900 N. Stateline Texarkana, AR 870.774.7217 Rentals Big Event / Atlas Game Room 2837 New Boston Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.334.7444 Bounce-A-Lot 903.276.2961 www.bounce-a-lot.org Dot’s Rentals 814 N. Robison Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.7011 3413 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0551 Lone Star Amusements 903.949.5802 Twisted Vines 406 N. Stateline Avenue Texarkana, AR 870-772-2700 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

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Bryce’s Cafeteria 2021 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.792.1611

Los Agaves 5100 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.773.2300

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

Pop’s Place Highway 67 Texarkana, AR 870.773.4887

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

Shorty’s Donuts 2729 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.6686

Daddy Dougaloo’s 905 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.0172

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

Dairy Queen Locations throughout Ark-La-Tex

Tasty Donuts 1443 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.838.0422

Golden Corral 3809 Sowell Lane Texarkana, TX 903.334.8399 Ironwood Grill 4312 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.4644 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354

Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR 124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX

Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 Retirement/Assisted Living Home Cornerstone Retirement Community 4100 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 903.832.5515 Edgewood Manor 4925 Elizabeth St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.4645 The Magnolia 4205 Richmond Meadows Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.7319 Spas/Salons All About You Diana Gregory/Lori Campbell 4100 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.7775 Hawaii Nails & Spa 4280 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.832.0198 Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 The Sanctuary Kimberly Parham, M.D. 3502 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8661 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 Officiant Jeff Taylor 903.733.6347 pgccminister@yahoo.com Wedding Planners Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Locations Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Smokey Joe’s BBQ 300 W. New Boston Road Nash, TX 903.223.8227 Weight Loss All About You Diana Gregory/Lori Campbell 4100 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.7775 Richmond Nutrition 3316 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.832.0437

For information on advertising in the Ark-La-Tex’s Premier Magazine, Call Charlie McMurphy today! 903.908.5797 or 903.334.9605 66

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Visiting these wonderful places will definitely help you have everything you need to make this holiday the best one ever!


BIG JAKE’S BAR-B-QUE & CATERING COMPANY Fried Pies Made Fresh Daily... Just Like Grandma Used to Make (But Better...Shhhhh!) 2610 New Boston Rd. Texarkana, TX 75501 Ph: 903-793-1169

603 W. Commerce Hope, AR 71801 Ph: 870-777-1000

1521 Arkansas Blvd. Texarkana, AR 71854 Ph: 870-774-0099

170 N. Constitution Ashdown, AR 71822 Ph: 870-898-2227

Ask Us About Catering Your Holiday Party!

EXPRESS CARE Let Express Care Give You A Shot Of Protection...

Only $20.00

5483 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503

903.223.5931

WING STOP • Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless Strips • Always Cooked To Order • 9 Special Wing Sauces ~ Something for Everyone • No Heat Lamps, Microwaves or Holding Bins • We Cut Our Fries Every Day From Real Potatoes • You’ll Always Be Greeted With a Smile 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, Texas Open 7 Days A WEEK 11 - Midnight Dine-In or Carry Out

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4501 State Line Avenue Texarkana, Texas

Ask Us About Catering Your Holiday Party!


City Blends of Texarkana/ VIP Nutrition • Best tasting low sugar smoothies • Pre & Post workout smoothies • Nutritional supplements • Fat loss supplements • Proteins & Pre workout supplements • We will place special orders for specific supplement items

We also have a drive-thru space!! 600 N. Kings Hwy Suite 5 Wake Village, TX

430-200-2814 Open M-F 10-7 & Sat 10-5

LLC

INSPECTION GATOR Are you buying or selling your home? Call us today to schedule your Home

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Your Peace of Mind is Our Business

903.278.5097 www.inspectiongator.com Fully Insured . Texas and Arkansas

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Owner/Lead Inspector Trec#10108 HI#1529

Randy Gerber Trec#20133

OAK CREEK FURNITURE We at Oak Creek Furniture 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. Come see our Amish-built bedroom furniture and oak dining room furniture. We also have a large selection of gluten-free foods, cheeses, and other quality foods that make perfect gifts for your family and friends!

8024 W. 7th Street Texarkana, Texas 903.832.0793

www.OakCreekAmishFurniture.com Mon-Friday 9:30-7:30 Sat 9-4

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by Jane Bouterse

A Surprise...

The

ANNULMENT

“W

riters write about what they know.” This basic axiom of the writing environment proves true whether the story is classified as fiction or non-fiction. Add to that inventory of experiences a compelling motivation—a tool all writers must possess—and books are born. A. Ben Henderson, his wife Jillian and daughters Kylie, 16 and Ashton, 10 currently call Lindale, Texas, home. Henderson has had a passion for writing most of his life. Fortunately, the life of this son of a Southern Baptist minister and a compassionate mother, had early models to encourage his devotion to words and ideas. As a student in Shreveport’s Southwood High School, Henderson devoured his English classes taught by Tom Larance. “One of the best teachers I ever had in my life,” Ben proclaims. “He was a phenomenal literature teacher and made me love everything.” When he added Larance’s enthusiasm for language and literature to the expertise of his father and mother, Henderson’s passion was born. Ben was two years old, when his parents adopted a Down’s Syndrome baby girl whom they named Angel. This special needs child added an indescribable richness and depth to the Henderson Family during her short stay. Ben was 11 when Angel,

age 9, died of leukemia. Ben’s mom, Faye Henderson, wrote AN ANGEL PASSED THIS WAY, about the family’s experiences with a special needs child. (That book is available from Amazon.) For Ben this book remains a tribute not only to his sister but also his mother and continues to reinforce his faith in the power of words. Still accumulating experiences when Henderson graduated from Southwood, he enrolled in Houston Baptist College. His ambition? To become a professional basketball player, and he appeared to be well on his way until HBC insisted that he choose a double major just in case he needed a backup plan. Ben chose English and Political Science—both demanding fields of study, but he was disciplined and good at time management. For four to six hours every day he practiced basketball then hit the books. To no one’s surprise, he succeeded in all his endeavors. “During a summer break, he clerked for one of the oldest and most prestigious Personal Injury law firms in Houston, Texas, bolstering his love for the law and for litigation.” Although his chances to play professional basketball were realized, he decided to take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). After all, his majors provided him the tools and his clerking, the desire to succeed as a lawyer. Ben passed the test and was accepted in

law school…now the dilemma—managing the ball or the evidence? He chose the law, and his lawyer friends praised the wisdom of his decision. Now, Ben works in sales for an international company which assists attorneys and law firms to achieve excellence in the practice of law. The job allows him both contact with firms engaged in many types of legal practice and flexible scheduling. These circumstances provide Henderson the perfect environment for access to unbelievable stories and the time to write them. About a year and a half ago, he once again picked up his pen (now his handy laptop) and began to write that novel he had dreamed he could. Ben Henderson has the perfect ingredients for cooking up a tasty tale: an impressive model—John Grisham; an idea of the kind of story he wants to write—the legal thriller, and an unlimited supply of stories— the lawyers with whom he works. Blend those items with a flexible schedule, “At times I write from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sometimes I pull out my laptop at 5 a.m. and write in my truck,” Ben laughs. “When I was a kid, I liked background noise when I studied. I like noise now when I write. No getting away from everything for me, it’s too quiet.” Rewrite the manuscript until it is perfectly blended, then print, bind and share. November 2011

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THE ANNULMENT, his first published novel, is now ready for readers’ eyes The novel actually began in the law office of a real lawyer. Henderson spent several hours reviewing the events of the trial with this “old school” lawyer (Whittaker—Whitt to his friends--Parks in the novel) The case was straight-forward enough. A hair-dresser (Lola) won the $40 million Texas Lottery, and she did not want to share her winnings with her husband (John David). She immediately decided that she would leave J. D. for the second time. “And the money is going with me,“ she confided to her sister (Smittee). “I just need your help in figuring out how.” (14) Smittee, for eight years secretary to the county judge, suggests the Wellington-Hudson firm. Ben Henderson sets the stage this way: The Law Firm of WellingtonHudson was intimidating to even the most seasoned trial lawyers, much less to a hair-dresser from Tailor, Texas. The building itself had no rival in Rush County, including the monumental First Baptist Church which sat directly across the street. From all appearances this firm might as well have been in Dallas or Houston. It had intentionally been built on a hill, making its stature even more grandiose. The structure was only two stories tall but in the middle of Hendricks, Texas, it looked more like the Empire State Building. Six foot letters spelling out Wellington-Hudson just below the roofline announced to all who entered

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that they would be dealing with the best, and if they were not the best then they were certainly the most well connected. (16) “If Lola had not been nervous [before her legal consultation] she would have passed out at the overwhelming lavishness of the firm’s interior. She had

never seen so much marble, wood and glass in her entire life.” (17) According to Henderson, the characters in the story are real people; the facts about them are true, and the author has described them in almost the same language used by those who knew them. One of the strengths of the book is that the voices of the characters can be heard clearly and are believable. THE ANNULMENT is the story of Lola, who operates her own beauty salon in East Texas and her husband John David Bain. A heart transplant has disabled J. D., so he spends most of his days with the remote control of his television and visiting his ailing mother in nearby Parish, Texas. The rest of the characters are chiefly lawyers from the highfalutin “east Texas legal Goliath” where Texas Legislator and Texas Monthly Super Lawyer Peter Standifird and maverick Rob Addison (both Baylor Law) are employed. At the opposite end of the lawyer spectrum are the downhome David varieties. Benny Sanders, whose office was a converted small house that looked like a “hunter’s toy store…. had mounts of everything from ducks to squirrels to deer hung and displayed in every room of the house. A chime alerted Benny to [his guests. To get to his office near the back of the building required walking] through a short corridor passing the kitchen on the left and a small bathroom on the right, complete with tub, sink and toilet, further evidence that this place wasn’t originally built to be a law


office. … He was wearing a plaid flannel shirt, blue jeans and cowboy boots and had a dip of Copenhagen smokeless tobacco in his mouth.” (54) Benny drove a Dodge pick-up truck and was clearly a down-home “David” variety lawyer. After a friend reported to John David the newspaper story that announced a woman who sounded like Lola had claimed the $40 million lottery, the almost illiterate J. D., figured a part of that money belonged to him. Now Lola’s mysterious disappearance when she emptied the house and the unexpected annulment papers he had been served began to make some sense to J.D. He might not know much, but he knew he needed some help. He picked Benny Sanders’ name out of a Parish, TX phone book. “’…I skipped all them ads,’ J.D. explains. ‘Them folks would probably charge me more ‘cause they have to pay for them big ads.’ Benny laughed and knew that he could not argue with that logic.” (55)

“Well buddy, tell me what’s going on, you seem like you’ve got a lot on your mind” The whole scene made J.D. feel contented with his choice. After listening to J.D.’s story, Sanders knew he was going to need some help, too. The matter was clearly out of his jurisdiction both geographically and mentally, so he began looking for Texas Tech Law graduates in Tailor, TX. A case possibly tackling Goliath? Sanders received only refusals until he was given the name of someone who might be willing to help. “Once he discovered that his guy was an ex-Golden Gloves champion, a Marine, and an AV Peer Review Rated attorney, he dialed the number.” (57) “Whittaker Parks office, this is Rosalyn, may I help you?” After introductions, Sanders explains the reason for his call. “Mr. Parks, I have a client that hired me today and he and I would like to come visit with you about his case. I believe he has been the victim

of fraud by his ex-wife and another law firm and I would like to talk to you about helping out with this matter.” “How much money does he think they screwed him out of? Are we talking about some furniture he didn’t get in a divorce or something like that?” “It’s forty million dollars, Mr. Parks. This old boy’s wife sent him divorce papers and he signed them and then found out she won the lottery. There is something really fishy about the way the whole thing went down.” (57) Once Ben Henderson has his cast of characters and a brief description of each one, then “I just begin to write and allow the story to flow. The story kinda’ stops and starts where it needs to go naturally.” Since the plot of the story, i.e. the action has been dictated by Ben’s previous conversations, he can manage events according to truth and imagination. Time to make his moves. To add to the interest of the

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story, especially for East Texas readers, place names possess a familiar ring— Tailor (Tyler), Parish (Paris) Hendricks (Henderson) or Rush (Rusk) County. Henderson explains that the reasons for changing the place names is “to protect myself. There is a fine line between being geographically specific and appealing to a mass audience, but I want East Texas people to feel like this is a home town story.” Texarkana lawyer, Frank Poff has written, “I found Ben Henderson’s story to be not merely entertaining, but also an excellent representation of some of the more colorful areas of legal ethics, procedures and policies real lawyers sometimes face; lawyers and laymen alike will appreciate the accuracy of his legal background research as they relish the twists and turns of THE ANNULMENT.” Twists and turns indeed! Procedures—ranging from the steps necessary to file an annulment to appropriate attire and behavior in the courtroom--are skillfully woven into Henderson’s story. Nothing is predictable, but readers will be compelled to “take sides” and “root” for their characters and the results of legal decisions. As Poff points out, THE ANNULMENT is both informative and entertaining. All of the changes in directions to which Poff refers last until the final pages. Henderson recalls that during a book signing in Tyler, Texas, one of the readers present noted, “Omigosh! I remember this case”

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but does she? This is a legal thriller based in fact but influenced by imagination, and Henderson is well aware that if he can do so credibly, he has the prerogative to surprise the reader. He succeeds. “In the matter of John David Bain v. Lola Ann Bain Gillette, Rob Addison, and the law firm of WellingtonHudson….A low roar came out of the gallery as some gasped while others oohed and aahed…” (172) “ A week and a half after the trial, “Whitt picked up a nondescript envelope addressed to him and noticed that there was no return address on either the top left corner or the back flap. He also noticed that the postmark was from Hendricks, TX and he grabbed his letter opener….” (174-5) Like John Grisham, this promising Texas writer-- A. Ben Henderson-- leaves his readers wanting more. They will not be disappointed. “When Arnett Mathis, a promising young black athlete from Longview, TX received a basketball scholarship from Houston Baptist University, his mom and dad could not have been more proud. But a tragedy during the home opener of his freshman season would leave the family reeling, in search of answers, and more importantly justice.” Henderson’s next book will be THE DRUG LAWYER. Meanwhile, THE ANNULMENT is available at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. com. or Henderson’s personal website: www.abenhenderson.com. Getting acquainted with this Texas writer will be doing yourself a favor.



- Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States. - In the US, about 280 million turkeys are sold for the Thanksgiving celebrations. - Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in the United States. - The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds.

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- The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog. - Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef. - Turkeys have heart attacks. The United States Air Force was doing test runs and breaking the sound barrier. Nearby turkeys dropped dead with heart attacks.

- A large group of turkeys is called a flock. - Commercially raised turkeys cannot fly. - Turkeys have poor night vision. - It takes 75-80 pounds of feed to raise a 30 pound tom turkey. - A 16-week-old turkey is called a fryer. A five to seven month old turkey is called a young roaster.


ALT is proud to highlight our area students for their accomplishments in sports and the arts! Our children are our future...and the future looks bright for the Ark-La-Tex! If you know a student you feel should be included in upcoming months, see below! We are continuing to highlight local students each month – specifically leaders in sports and the arts! Since we have so many great young leaders who come from this area, we wanted the community to get to know them! If you know someone you feel would be great to be highlighted, please have them submit a photo in their uniform, via email, to debbie@alt-mag.com, along with responses to the following questions: Name: Parents: School/Grade: Sport(s)/postion(s): Achievements: What motivates you to do your best? What famous person has been an inspiration to you? If they are submitting a professional photo,

we will need a release from the photographer to use it.

Our 2011-2012 Schedule follows: Year-Round: Senior Leadership Youth Church Leadership Teachers/Coaches Cross Country Swimming Band Cheer/Drill Team/Mascots Theater Visual Arts Choir FFA/FHA August, September, October, November: Football Volleyball Swimming

December, January, February: Basketball Soccer Tennis March, April, May: Softball Baseball Track/Cross Country Powerlifting We have tried to cover everything! We want to be sure all of our athletes/arts students have an opportunity to be highlighted! Now, meet some amazing young people from around the area! We are proud of all of you!

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Michael Wicks Parents: Stephen and Cherise Wicks School/Grade: Atlanta High School Senior Sports/Achievements: Varsity Football – Outside Linebacker; Varsity Golf What motivates you to do your best? My parents motivate me by encouraging me to make good grades and never give up. Both of my grandfathers motivate me, Larry Wicks (Papaw Butch), because he doesn’t let his physical handicap slow him down and John Wilson (Papaw John), because of the way he built his family from nothing. I love my family! What famous person has been an inspiration to you? Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers. He started out as a “walk on” in college and is now a successful Outside Linebacker for the Green Bay Packers.

Christina Hope Cummings Parents: Jeff and Sandra Cummings School/Grade: Pleasant Grove High School Junior Sports/Achievements: Varsity Cheerleader; Captain on the PG Varsity Cheer squad as a junior; PGTV Daily Show Director in advanced broadcast journalism; Best Varsity Newcomer (cheer) What motivates you to do your best: Knowing people are depending on me is my biggest motivation. I’m a very strong-willed person on my own, but once you add someone else, I know that I must get the job done. All of the cheerleaders on my squad know that they can come to me with anything and I’ll help them get it done! My baby sister Rebekah is also a huge motivation. Every day when I get home, she asks me how cheerleading went. The only thing that I can ever think of is

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how she wants to be just like me when she grows up and that I can’t disappoint my greatest fan. I manage to balance out graduating distinguished, cheerleading captain, my PGTV director’s spot, working part-time, and being a mentor to my little sister. There seems like there’s no time for it all, but somehow I’ve found the time and managed to keep a beautiful smile on my face. What famous person has been an inspiration to you? When I was little and we lived in Dallas. My next door neighbor was a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. I remember watching her leave for games all dolled up and coming back with the biggest smile on her face. She was the reason I wanted to become a cheerleader.

Haley Burleson Parents: Randy and Holly Burleson School/Grade: New Boston High School Senior Sports/Achievements: Head majorette; Band; National Honor Society; UIL Academics; Junior Miss New Boston (9th Grade); Homecoming Court (12th Grade). As a majorette, she has competed on the state UIL level. Assisted with Little Majorette Camp, Vacation Bible School, and Race for the Cure. She is a twirling instructor at Dance, Etc. in New Boston. What motivates you to do your best? I have a great support system from my family and friends who push me to do my best and I don’t like being anything other than successful at what I do. What famous person has been an inspiration to you? Taylor Swift because she writes all of her songs and tries to communicate with her fans. She has a unique sense of style and she loves her mother, like me!


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Austin Reynolds

Allie Rutland

Parents: Tim and Pam Reynolds / Valerie Shirley School: Pleasant Grove High School Junior Sports/Achievements: Pleasant Grove Student of the month (October 2010); National Honor Society and A-Honor Roll; Outstanding Student English I Pre- AP Award. What motivates me to do my best: My family and friends lift me up with their continual support and love. Without the support of this around me, I would still be afraid of trying anything new. What famous person has been an inspiration to me: Harper Lee. To Kill A Mockingbird inspired my style in writing and I feel that I owe her a lot. Also, Ms. Copeland who not only introduced me to Lee but imparted me with her genius as well.

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Parents: Doug and Mindy Rutland School/Grade: Atlanta High School Senior Sports/Achievements: 2 years Varsity Volleyball 2010- 2nd team All-DistrictLibero 2011- Team CaptainDefensive Player 4 years Varsity Softball First and Third Base- AllDistrict Honors 3 years Varsity Cheerleader 2011-2012 - Co-Captain 2011- All American- NCA Cheerleader What motivates you to do your best? My desire to win and my family always being there to support me. What famous person has been an inspiration to you? Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers. He has overcome many adversities and gives all the glory to God.


Martha and Josh Morriss Mathematics & engineering elementary school ApplicAtions for 2012-2013 KindergArten clAss

now Being Accepted

Applications for students entering the 2012-2013 Kindergarten class for Martha and Josh Morriss Mathematics & engineering elementary school will be accepted

tuesday, november 1 – friday, november 18 Applications Available online at:

www.txkisd.net

All Applications must be completed and submitted in person or via Mail at:

4241 summerhill road • texarkana, texas 75503 Students must be 5 years of age by September 1, 2012 to apply. All applicants will be required to take a Reading and Math Readiness Assessment at a future date. Selection criteria will be based on assessment scores, sibling status and TISD residency status. Texarkana Independent School District is an open enrollment district with no established attendance zone for this school. The Martha and Josh Morriss Mathematics & Engineering Elementary School offers students a state-of-the-art elementary campus. The school has instructional opportunities specifically in the areas of math, engineering and technology with direct ties to Texas A&M University – Texarkana College of Arts & Science and Education and College of Engineering.

for more information:

903.794.3651 Ext. 1030

texarkana independent school district does not discriminate in its educational programs and services on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, national origin or disability.

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EVENT

TAPAS Fundraiser

WHERE

HandsOn Texarkana, the Volunteer Center WHEN

9/27/11

The money raised will help renovate the kitchen at the Collins Home.

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1. Richard Nelson, Jim and Brenda Rochelle 2. Brenda Rochelle,Bob Nelsen and Dan Boyles 3. Kelly Mitchell 4. Chef Bryan Ogburn and Vincent Senatore 5. Chef Bryan Ogburn 6. Carlton Jones 7. Donna Stewart and Patty Hackett 8. Beth Allen, Bryan Ogburn and Pat Harkey 9. Carol Pitt and Ron Collins 10. Rick and Stella Sharp, sitting Brenda and Jim Rochelle 11. Carlton and Beverly Jones 12. Carol and Bob Nelsen 13. Ann Nicholas and Bryan Ogburn 14. Registration: Joy Jordan, Kathey Graves and Barbara Walker 15. Tom and Nancy Sadowski

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EVENT

EggFest

WHERE

Dots Ace Hardware

WHEN

10/1/11

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1. Cliff and Sheen Guillot 2. Bob and Harrison Torrans, with Summer Lishman 3. Dustin and Hope Hyde 4. Johnny and Beverly Nabors 5. Debby Harris and Judy Morton made Cinnamon Dessert Pizza Sticks 6. Lillian and James Blalock 7. Ken, Kolton and Kendall Johnson making Chili in the Big Green Egg 8. Claire Torrans, John Cook, Nickolas Liu and Dot Williford 9. Bryce Caruthers and Tammie and Clay Caruthers 10. “The Popsicle’s” - Zefrin and Anna Pospisil 11. Joe Mayo 12. Kylas Owen, Mary Owen and Josh Owen making Stuffed Peppers 13. Big Al and Sharon Vogel 14. Leroy and Judy McMillan, Gay and Henry Leland 15. Frank and Colleen Creamer, Charlotte and Richard Harris 16. Back row from left: Danny and Wendy Cathey, Kirk and Kim Gibson, Front row from left: Dakota Cathey, Megan and Claire Gibson 17. Steve Hancock, Matt Hancock, Paul Osiecki and Brad Pilling 18. Boston Butt Roast, Country Style Ribs and Breakfast sauage (close up to pic # 21.) 19. Sausage over Garlic Bread 20. Macaroni and Cheese 21. Dr. Pepper marinated Flank steak Tostados

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by Vincent Senatore

F

or those of us who really enjoy the gourmet side of living, November is our official “KickOff” to the culinary “Super Bowl” or the “World Cup of Eating”. We diet all year long, just to get the weight off after the holidays. But, I think we need to devise a diet that prepares us for the Holiday season. There should be an “Algebraic Equation” that we could utilize all year long with a singular objective in mind; allow us to be prepared for November. Then we could be free to unleash the appetite that we suppressed all year long. We begin by taking off our costumes (from the Halloween Party). The rest of the year is a “Gourmet Coma” until January 2nd. That’s when we realize how much damage we have done. For me, and many in the wine community, the real party season begins with the first wine of the new vintage. From flowering to budding to harvest, the first new wine of the season is the Nouveau Beaujolais. This unusual style of wine is the source of extreme optimism and jubilation. Nouveau Beaujolais is produced from the Gamay grape (Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc) that boasts its origins back to the 1300s. In fact, the original vineyards (of the Beaujolais) were planted by the Romans in the days of Julius Caesar. Gamay is a grape that makes an abundant production of rich fruity wines. The early harvest time and the unique production styles create a multitude of very different wines. And, the flavor profile gives Gamay wines a plethora of possibilities. With all of that said, it’s the celebration of the release of Nouveau that really gets the holiday gourmet “Show on the Road.” First, (by law) all Beaujolais

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wines must be picked by hand. Then the hand picked grapes are vinified in a method called Carbonic Maceration or “Whole Berry Fermentation”; where whole grapes are fermented in a carbon dioxide rich environment prior to crushing. The gas permeates the skin and starts fermentation, inside the grape. The final result is a very fruity wine with extremely low tannins. While this wine is ready to drink quickly it lacks the structure for long-term aging. In a good vintage the wine will maintain it magnificent color and bouquet for about 5 – 6 months. But, WHO CARES! This is one of the best party and food wines that I have ever had the pleasure of consuming. In fact, we have created one of Texarkana’s most sought after wine events entirely around the arrival of the newest vintage of Georges DuBeouf Nouveau Beaujolais. Further, we are part of an international tradition. “Beaujolais Day” is the 3rd Thursday of November and is the official release day of the first wine of this year’s harvest. The festivities started

with the wineries of Beaujolais, located just south of Lyon France, releasing their Cuvee’ with a great race to the Paris bistros and Cafés. To be the first to arrive was a great honor and the ensuing party was the “kick-off” of the holiday festivities. The traditional slogan; “Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!” literally means, “The new Beaujolais has arrived”. In Texarkana, we also partake in the celebration. The wine is flown into the marketplace and delivered to our store before noon on November 17th. That


evening, at a Gala Wine Dinner, we will select one guest to be the first Taster. Then Chef Jennifer Tanner will serve a magnificent 5 course meal that will be matched up with the star of our show, Georges DuBeouf Nouveau Beaujolais. In fact all of the courses will be designed to match one wine; Nouveau. And, we expect a very fine vintage, as well. This year, Chef Jennifer has again selected a wonderful menu and for the sixth year in a row we will have another “Nouveau Gala” in the dining room of Julie’s Deli, on Summerhill. At 7:30 PM we will pull a name out of a hat and select the guest that will have the honor of “First Taster.” Oh what a night it will be… Further, Nouveau Beaujolais is the perfect wine with the Thanksgiving feast. Why? Because it’s wonderful, fresh bouquet and luscious fruit-filled flavors will match up with everything on your Thanksgiving plate. Frankly, I think Nouveau is great with ham as well as turkey. That’s why Nouveau is the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas Feast and New Years Celebration. The only negative issue is that the wine is usually in pre-ordered, short supply. So, make sure you reserve your wines early because this year the wine is also a fantastic value. So, if you are one of the fortunate 40 guests at this years “Nouveau Gala”, the following menu will

be the envy of all:

Starters With Chardonnay First Course Roasted Chicken and Spinach Crêpe with wild mushroom and brie cream Second Course Butternut Squash Ravioli with asparagus tips, Parmigiano-Reggiano and a browned butter sauce Main Course Applewood-smoked Bacon-wrapped Pork Tenderloin with sage and chestnut stuffing, braised cipollini onions and a pomegranateBeaujolais reduction Dessert Black Forest Roulade Let the Parties Begin… Fuggetaboudit!

I ATTENDING. HEALTH FAIR NOVEMBER 29 10 AM - 2 PM University center at Bringle Lake Campus

Flu Shots, Health Screens including blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. Door Prizes, Silent Auction and Raffle Items. Proceeds benefit Nursing Scholarship Fund

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Design

Showcase

In February of this year I met Keith & Kim Byerly from Texarkana, AR. They had a shower in the master bathroom that had not been useable for several months because of a leak in the shower. The Byerlys are certified divers and had some great underwater pictures. That was our inspiration for the master bath remodel! The bathroom originally had a black fiberglass shower, tub and black marble counter tops. It was the “black hole� as Kim called it! I presented a large, gray tile for the floor, a light gray with darker gray vein quartz countertop, brushed nickel fixtures and blue glass tile accents. The shower, floor and tub surround were all done in the same tile to give the bathroom a larger look. The floor was carpet

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-Janet, Janet Green Interior Design

before, so having all the same surface really made a difference. To save some money we painted the tub instead of buying a new one.

1) Photos that inspired the room.

Another touch that really made a difference was the frameless glass shower inclosure. The shower is also a little larger now. The blue glass with the brushed nickel accents introduced the look of the sea. Blue glass, the color of water and the nickel accents had dots that looked like air bubbles from a divers air tank!

3) New painted tub and tile work.

We did an accent strip around the mirrors in the same nickel tiles to tie it in with the shower and tub. Wallpaper was removed and the walls were textured and painted a

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pale blue. The photos, taken by Keith (under water) on diving trips, that inspired the room decor were hung over the tub. What a great finishing touch! Kim & Keith just love the way their new bath turned out, and they were so nice to work with. I enjoyed doing this project very much!

2) New frameless glass shower.

4) New quartz countertops and brushed nickel accents. 5) Blue glass tiles and brushed nickel accent. 6) Close-up of new countertop details. 7) Larger, glass shower and painted tub.

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November Calendar

of Events

November 12 November 2

Come join us for the 9th Annual Junior Achievement Bowl-a-thon at College Bowl (2424 College Ave.) from 6:30PM to 9:00PM. Each year, business leaders and community members get together in support of Junior Achievement to raise money for JA Texarkana and have a great time! Bowling teams are made up of 5 bowlers - team fee is $275 or $55 per bowler.

November 5

Veritas Academy is pleased to offer its second annual running event, the Veritas Classic Toga Trot from 8:00 AM TO 11:00 AM . We will offer a 5K event and a new 10K event. Starting and Ending at Kidtopia Park in downtown Texarkana, TX. The corner of Oak and Broad Street, 201 Oak Street, right by the Public Library. Please visit www.veritastxk.com/veritasclassic.html for more information or call (903) 278-9077. All proceeds are to benefit Veritas Academy, a K-12 classical Christian school.

November 5 November 1-9

Join us for a Business Mission and Tour of China! You’re invited to a nine day all inclusive vacation for $1999.99 (Chamber Partners) and $2099.99 (Non-Chamber Partners). Trip includes: *Roundtrip International Airfare from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) *Chinese Domestic Airfare* 3 Meals each day *4 to 5 Star Hotel Accommodations *Deluxe Bus Tours *Entrance Fees to Cultural Attractions *Famous Chinese Arts & Crafts Shopping Opportunities *English Speaking Tour Guides Exclusions: *Travel to LAX *Passport and Chinese Visa fees *A one-time $25 tip Price is per person, double occupancy with taxes included. Additional Trip Options: *Single Occupancy $450 extra *Upgrade to Business Class $5000 *Optional Tours (ranging from $25-40 US dollars) Chamber contacts for more information: Mark Bledsoe or Genie Davis (903) 792-7191.

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The annual patron appreciation dinner will be held at Music City Texas Theater, Linden, TX, at 5:00PM. There will be food and entertainment by J.D. Monson. For more information contact Music City Texas Theater at (903) 756-9934 or visit their website www.musiccitytexas.org.

November 9

Come join us for the 9th Annual Junior Achievement Bowl-a-thon at College Bowl (2424 College Ave.) from 6:30PM to 9:00PM. Each year, business leaders and community members get together in support of Junior Achievement to raise money for JA Texarkana and have a great time! Bowling teams are made up of 5 bowlers - team fee is $275 or $55 per bowler.

Running under the Mistletoe is 5K run & walk from 8:00AM to 12:00PM benefiting Junior League Texarkana. This will be our kickoff for Mistletoe Fair which will be at the fairgrounds the following weekend.

November 12 Veterans Day Parade. The parade starts at East

Broad & Hazel Streets at 11:00 am. Line up starts at 10:00AM. The parade starts at 11:00AM. For more information call the Texarkana Area Veterans Council, (870) 773-8279 or (903) 8242727.

November 15

Where Are We? What Happened? Where Are We Going? Tri-State Shrm and the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend “The Changing Faces of the Local Economy.” The presentation by Mr. Richard C. Froeschle will explore the changing nature of the economy; where the job growth is occurring, various aspects of the recession and subsequent recovery in terms of job creation, the impact on work preparations, and how these phenomena affect the education community, corporate recruiting and future occupations. *Registration and Continental Breakfast from 8:30-9:00* Presentation from 8:30AM to 11:30AM at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, 7101 University Ave. For more information call (903) 792-7191.

November 19

Scouting for Food. Caddo Area Council Scouts collect food for area food banks. From 9:00AM to 4:00PM. For more information call (903) 7932179.

November 24

Thanksgiving Day!


EVENT

Senior Day

WHERE Macedonia Senior Center WHEN

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1. Sylvester Crosslin 2. Latasha Samuel 3. Dorothy Cridell and Versie Cridell 4. Scrumptious Cupcakes 5. Playing Bingo 6. Bobbie Crosslin and Laura Spencer 7. Clarene Fagan, Jean Pauley and Jeraldine Scott 8. Shirley Jones and Floriner Randall 9. Charlene Porter and Marvyn Pegue 10. Alice Heather, Louise Terry and Annie Swift 11. Carlene Fagan and Catherine Smith 12. William and Jackie Vaughan 13. Laura Spencer and Trudie Spencer 14. Playing Bingo 15. Latasha Samuel calls out the Bingo numbers

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Tough Enough to Wear Pink - Last Bull Rider Standing

EVENT

WHERE

Circle J Cowboy Church

WHEN

10/8/11

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1. Chevi Daniels, Dakota Bloyd, Shawn Taylor, Youth Leader Rachel Cheatham, Schaekobi Bloyd and Brittney Adams 2. Nikki Potts and Christian Powell 3. Linda K . Harris and Brenda Thompson 4. Joe Ammann and Cathy Hardin 5. Pastor Todd and Robin Hervey 6. Erin, Brooklyn and Lynn Power 7. Alice and Ed Kauzic 8. Judy Vaughan and Sarah Higgs 9. Donna and Joe Rodriguez 10. Judy and Tommy Vaughan 11. JJ Justice, Garrett Lowe, (2nd) Michael Cherry and (1st) Austin Robinett 12. Brain and Shelia Griffith 13. Dan and Debbie Laster 14. John and Doris Burt, Tommy Morton 15. Robert Henson, Dan Laster and Mark Higgs 16. Josh and April Higgs 17. Carol and CaleBranum 18. Mike, Cathy, Cary Beth and Emma Cate May 19. Steve and Lois Nicholas 20. Greg, Kimberly, Briley and Kinsley Knowles 21. Ryan, Courtney, Lane and Lucas Morton 22. Dale and Christina Frost 23. Jimmy, Kyleen, Colton and Crystal Hewitt 24. Seth Brainerd and Shawnna Brooks 25. Craig and Tonya DaBois 26. BJ, Kristen and Kenzie Larey 27. Patrick, Sari, Kade, Eli and Gavin McKamie 28. Lance and Rachel Cheatham 29. Billy, Kennedy and Leslie Crumpton 30. Vernon, Susan, Cody, Savana and Nikki Lewis 31. Arnold and Bonnie Powell 32. Billy and Sherrie Hewitt 33. Bruce, Tanya, Dakota and Schaekobi Bloyd 34. Josh and Amber Roach 35. LA, Laith and Daisy Wright 36. Tom and Geneva Nettles 37. Denny and Dianne Lemons 38. Scott, LaWanda, Carlie and Cara Keahey

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

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

Texarkana Humane Society

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

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

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1. These 3 babies were left out in the country to survive on their own. When they came in to foster care they were skin and bones with eye infections. Since arriving they have been doctored and are eating well and as you can see are thriving. These little ones are around 11 weeks old. If you are interested in one of these sweethearts call Sherrie at (903) 838-6334. 2. Shiloh is a min-pin, chi mix. She weighs 13 lbs and is about a year old. She is housetrained to a puppy pad and sleeps in a crate with the door open. She gets along well with other dogs. She is fully vetted and micro chipped. Contact (903) 838-4965 for more info. 3. Prissy is a 2 year old, 12 lbs, fully vetted Shitzu. She is on heartworm and flea prevention and also mico chipped. She is a real joy to be around. She loves other dogs and children and is housetrained. Contact (903) 8384965 for more information. 4. This is Jonesey. He is neutered, heartworm negative, current on shots and weighs only 15 pounds. He is doing

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very well with his potty training. He gets along well with other dogs, walks good on a leash and rides in a car. If you are interested in this handsome fella call Sherrie (903) 838-6334. 5. Columbo is a gentle giant. When he came into foster he was very thin and his eye had been injured and was not able to be saved. He is fully vetted and will soon have stitches removed from his eye surgery. Columbo is a Great Dane mix and is about a year old. He weighs 88 lbs and is still growing. We are working very hard on leash manners. Columbo is very sweet and laid back and loves belly rubs. Contact (903) 838-4965. 6. Sister is a 1 year old Lab mix. She is going to be a big girl. She loves to run and play, is very energetic, loves sticks and other dogs. She is house-trained, but mostly stays outside. She is a big love, however, she does not get along well with cats or chickens. If interested, call Lee Ann at (903) 244-4847. 7. This beautiful little girl is an 8 month old cur mix. She

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has been spayed, given all her shots and is heartworm free. Ziva can be a little shy until she gets to know you and then her wonderful personality will shine. She is very social and loves to play so if you have another dog that would be great with Ziva. For more info on her call Lee Ann at (903) 244-4847. 8. Cowgirl is a terrier mix. She is about 8 months old and full of personality. She’s spayed, current on shots, heartworm negative and healthy as can be. This sweet girl loves kids, is very playful, minds well and gets along with other dogs. She is just waiting on a forever home! Please call Amber at (870) 653-6983 or email amberli4@yahoo. com if interested. 9. Thelma is a spayed terrier/hound mix around 6 months old. She is current on shots and negative for heartworms. She is a gentle and loving girl, good with children and other dogs and ready for a caring home. Contact Amber Ferguson (807) 653-6983 or amberli4@ yahoo.com.


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1. Chico is a big ball of energy. He loves to play and interact! 2. Chloe wants to be the new addition to your family. This girl loves to play and is full of energy! 3. Heidi wants to be a part of your family! She loves to play and have fun! 4. Maci is ready to go! Her big heard is ready to bring more love and joy into your home! 5. Popper is ready to feel loved.

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

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.

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We are always in need of caring, capable volunteers to assist in with duties at the center, adoption events, fund-raising activities and more. Your tax-deductible donation will help care for and assist in the adoption of loving animals to good homes! The Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas is located at 203 Harrison, Texarkana, AR, 71854. For more information, call Connie Slater at 870.773.6388, or visit www. animalcareadoptioncenter.org. We’re also on Facebook! We’re open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 - 5:00. Please note, all dogs adopted from this shelter MUST be spayed or neutered. Spays cost $89-$104, neuters are $76-$92 depending on the weight of the dog.

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6. Precious is ready to be loved in her forever home. 7. Princess is ready to give her unconditional love to you. 8. Rover is ready to be loved. 9. Roxi is a warm, loving Chihuahua mix that would just love a family! 10. Zoey is ready to have a loving playmate!

Who else can help? Artex Animal Welfare, Inc. (mostly horses) 903.824.1990 Three Rivers Animal Rescue 903.490.4048 Poodle Patch & Friends poodlepatch@yahoo.com Passion for Pooches (mostly small dogs) 903.832.8632 Texarkana Animal League (must leave message) 877.525.4825

Want to help but can’t adopt? The Texarkana Humane Society will have their annual Fall Fundraiser beginning this month. They will have several prizes in the drawing at a cost of $1.00 per ticket. This is one of their major fundraisers that helps to support many of their programs.

Had a wonderful phone call from John and Jeannie, Darcy’s new Mom and Dad. (left) Darcy now lives in Cass County with her new forever family. She has learned to use the dog gie door very quickley and her playmat es have taught her lots of new tricks. Thanks John and Jeannie for being so patient with us on our adoption pro cess. So happy that you think it was wor th the wait. Give Darcy a big hug from us! What a happy crew! Dusti left with her new family and is on her way to a ballgame. Thanks to the Bow en Family for adding Dusti to the dugout! (Courtesy of the Texarkana Humane Society )

They are also in need of more volunteers. If your are interested in donating, helping with events, fostering, working fundraisers or buying/selling tickets call Sherrie at (903) 838-6334.

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Buying? Selling? We Can Help! Bill Spradlin Realtor 903-748-3186

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