November 2022 ALT Magazine

From the Publisher..

The holiday season is here. I love this time of year when there are holidays every month. We celebrate fun times, family times, and the birth of Jesus.

This month we celebrate Thanksgiving. I am blessed beyond belief with family and friends who love and care about me, whether we are having fun or crying on each other’s shoulders. Having someone there for you makes every day worth celebrating. My best friends are ride or die – and we truly help each other in the good times and in the bad times. Whatever the other is going through, each of us can count on the others to pray, assist, and love big. I am thankful.

A while back, one of my BFFs asked me to go listen to a sermon before we went to eat. She had been listening earlier that morning and wouldn’t tell me about it. She just told me to go listen. The interesting thing is when the sermon got to a certain part, I knew that’s what she wanted me to hear – those good friends are there for each other. Good friends don’t have to be told what to do, they just do it. Even though you may not talk every day (although we do talk almost every day) we take up where we left off no matter how many days have passed. Good friends are a rock you can lean on. I am thankful.

This year has been full of ups and downs and my family and friends have been such a wonderful blessing. My husband, in particular, is my main rock. It seems the longer we have been married, the closer we become. I am so thankful that 33 years ago I chose to marry him. He will always be the one I look to when I need help – whatever that help may be. I am thankful.

Look around you. There is so much to be thankful for, even when times are not perfect.

May God bless you and yours…

BUDDY HAWKINS: JUDGE & VETERAN

By: Anne Granado

Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, Buddy Hawkins knew he admired people who stood up for others from a young age. He could not bear to see anyone being picked on or taken advantage of, but Buddy was not physically able to defend others. “I was a scrawny kid who didn’t play sports and I was dealing with a hereditary neurological issue that was not yet recognized by the field of medicine,” Buddy says. “I always joke that I was too dumb to know I was disabled.”

In 1959, Buddy graduated from high school, and his father took a job in Texarkana as a part owner and manager of McLarty Ford. Buddy’s father and his future father-in-law were storytellers and were known for their recollections of historical tales. Buddy also likes to discuss local stories. “I often begin a conversation with ‘tell me a funny story," Buddy says. “I believe my inability to take myself seriously has served me well.”

While in college, Buddy’s desire to help others and his admiration for first responders, policemen, and the military caused Buddy to join the ROTC program, which was designed to lead to an officer’s commission on graduation from college. However, officer candidates still had to pass physical exams at Fort Sill to be approved for a commission. Buddy says that he still did not realize he had a hereditary birth defect that would have precluded him from being commissioned, but he wanted to be in the Army. “The morning of my physical, I accidentally kicked my toenail off! I gave that as the reason I could not squat and get up, and the testing medic approved me!” Buddy says. “None of my jobs required physical strength and agility, and I went on to serve two years active and 28 years reserve in the Army.”

While in college, Buddy met Idalee Raffaelli, who attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where Buddy’s family were members. They were both in law school; he attended the University of Arkansas, and she attended the University of Texas. They soon married and both graduated from the University of Arkansas law school in 1966. Buddy has four children: Leasa, Johnette, Mark, and Ginny.

Buddy began his Army duty in September 1966 and was assigned to the Army Logistics Management Center (USALMC) at Fort Lee, Virginia, to teach legal and logistics subjects, mainly in procurement. Buddy sponsored foreign students who attended the school. “USALMC’s American students represented all of our military branches, and the foreign students came from our allies’ military services to learn logistics. I found that sponsoring foreign students was an enlightening experience,” Buddy says. “Most of the procurement officers at RRAD attended USALMC courses.”

After Buddy’s two-year active-duty tour, his family

Army Logistics Management Center taught logistics to members of all military branches. For 16 months I taught logistics courses to military and civilians, Americans and foreigners. In the last 6 months of active duty at USALMC, I replaced the Chief, Admin Division, of the School. Each foreign officer - Arab, Thai, NATO, VN, etc., were all assigned to an American officer sponsor. We had all military branches assigned to teach and every one eventually sponsored foreign officers. Many at RRAD attended our courses and a branch of ALMC was established at RRAD.

ALMC became a Dept of Defense Logistics University for all military officers.

-Buddy

returned to Texarkana and joined Idalee’s father’s law firm, Raffaelli & Lee. Although the Vietnam war was at its peak, Buddy was never sent to Vietnam. “I can’t say I’m happy because I would have liked to have the experience of serving where everyone else was going,” Buddy says. “What I did could never hold a candle to the men who went and served over there, but I am glad I could contribute.”

After his active-duty tour, Buddy joined an Army Reserve unit teaching military courses on weekends and summers. His first assignment was with the Army National Guard Medical unit at Spring Lake Park. Luckily the members were well-trained, and most had medical-related civilian jobs. Other teaching assignments included redeye missiles, Soviet army and government, mortars, and the career course for company grade officers. Then, Buddy was asked by a local doctor and Brigadier General J Royston Brown to serve as Staff Judge Advocate for the 807th Medical Brigade, a Corps-level unit of 6500 doctors and medical support personnel with units in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The unit

was tasked to provide medical services in combat theaters through hospitals, helicopter ambulances, dental units, and medical depots, such as those in Texarkana. “That job lasted eight plus years, although it was typically a three-year slot,” Buddy says.

In addition, Buddy completed the career course for company grade officers and the Command & General Staff College for field grade officers. Although few JAG positions were available, he was eventually assigned to command a small JAG unit in Oklahoma City, followed by command of a 100-member JAG unit, the second Military Law Center in New Orleans. The small unit received the fifth Army Training Medal for various activities. “As one of many small JAG units, we were largely ignored and didn’t get great assignments, but I learned that our unit could make things happen and get more enjoyable duties like working for the Corps JAG at Fort Lewis and providing legal assistance for the SJA of the 25th Inf Division in Hawaii,” Buddy says.

Buddy served with the Legislative Reference Service of the Army General Counsel for several summers and a short call-up for Desert Shield to finish 28 years of Reserve service. He also attended the Reserve Components National Security Course at the National Defense University, a study of strategies for various international conflicts. He says that he was promoted to full colonel in the Judge Advocate Corps, one of 36 of 2,000 reserve JA officers, through sheer luck.

In 1985, Idalee was killed in an auto accident, leaving Buddy to raise Ginny, nine years old, Mark, fifteen years old, and Johnette, starting college at eighteen years old. Idalee had been very active as a practicing attorney, United States District Court Magistrate, managing the Neighborhood Watch Program, member of the Pleasant Grove School Board, and President of the Junior League. “Somehow, we made it through, and all of the children finished college and obtained advanced degrees,” Buddy says. “We were truly blessed.” Buddy married Sherry Jackson in 2003 after a

Dr. Terry Foster

Randal Cox

Dr. Adam Cox

lengthy courtship.

Sherry is a practicing attorney and Municipal Judge of Texarkana, Texas, a bustling court. “I kept waiting, but she wouldn’t propose, so I held on until she agreed to get married! My children say Sherry is their mother’s gift to them,” Buddy says. “As we are both lawyers, we tend to have lively conversations in our house. Sherry is a great friend and spouse, and we are devoted to each other.”

Buddy’s first public position was as City Attorney for Wake Village, Texas. He was elected Justice of the Peace, hearing low-level criminal cases, issuing arrest and search warrants, holding inquests to determine cause of death, and hearing mental commitments for 16 years. He also heard several high-profile deadly force cases. Although a low-level judicial post, many major crimes begin with decisions and instruments issued by the JPs. Buddy served as an Assistant Attorney General for several years and one year as an Assistant District Attorney. “The city of Nash called me and asked if I wanted to be their Municipal judge, and I said I would,” Buddy says.

Then, Buddy was asked to teach in the Texas Police Academy for police officer candidates in 1982 and continued as needed for several years. He was always interested in criminal justice and taught adjuncts for A&M’s criminal justice program. Southern Arkansas University lost a criminal justice professor just before a fall semester, and Buddy joined their faculty at the last minute to start within a few weeks. “After a decade and a half, the drive became a rigor for this old dude, and I chose to go out to pasture, fondly remembering my students and co-faculty at SAU,” Buddy says.

As Buddy reflects on his storied and accomplished career, he believes he has learned

two big lessons. “First, life is a mirror, especially in the practice of law. How you treat others will become well-known and the basis for how others treat you,” Buddy says. “I also learned in the Army you don’t have to wait for things to happen; believe it or not, you can make things happen.”

Buddy’s outlook is largely influenced by stories from his father about his parents being well-to-do and losing it all in the depression. “I heard my father say many times, ‘There but for the Grace of God go I,’ Buddy says. “My dad always tried to help others in need, remembering how needy his family became. In 1920, my dad’s parents took in a sick orphan who had lived in the dairy, and my dad was tasked to teach the orphan child what he learned in school daily. They became best friends for the rest of their lives.”

Buddy says his whole life has been lucky and funny, and he hopes that through the opportunities he had in both law and the military, he was able to help others. “In the end, I admire anyone who does good for others, like my father, and my good friend and mentor, Ed Miller. Few people know how generous he was and how he helped so many people in need,” Buddy says. “I just want to emulate the goodwill I saw in them.”

Buddy Hawkins with grandsons at Shreveport Deb Ball

BRAD CRAYNE, MILITARY VETERAN

By: Katie Stone

Hope, Arkansas native Brad Crayne, B.A., B.S., J.D., USAF, MAJ., RET., has served his country and community from the heart. He remembered the childhood stories his grandmother told him of his grandfather’s time in the service and how mysterious the Marine Corps seemed to be as a kid. “I was always curious about my grandfather’s time in the military but never asked him since he passed away just before I was born,” he said. “I always thought airplanes were cool, and I had a great uncle that worked for an airline, too.” Brad first enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1993, where he completed boot camp, then two technical schools, and served for almost nine years. He joined the Operational Fleet in March 1994, where he completed aircraft maintenance training. Brad worked in the Electrical Shop of the fleet, where he diagnosed issues with various models of F/A-18 aircrafts. He worked with Fix Wing Marine Fighter Attack (All Weather) Squadron 533, or VMFA (A.W.) 533 for short, as well as VMFA (A.W.) 224 and VMFA 112. “The Marine Corps is awesome at training people; I don’t think anyone ever unlearns the things they teach you,” he said. “Both the Air Force and the Marine Corps emphasized maintaining your professionalism under pressure. I think that comes easier to me than it would have otherwise.”

With his military and electrical experience under his belt, he left the Marine Corps in 2002 after earning his first baccalaureate degree from Columbia College of Missouri in July 2002 while on active duty. He revisited a connection in Ft. Worth and began working as a contract employee for Bell Helicopter. He stayed with them until he was accepted into law school about six months later. Brad entered law school at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), William H. Bowen School of Law, in the Fall 2003. “I was interested in law and knew I didn’t want to do litigation. I figured I could work with title companies,” he said. “Things like real estate, conveyances, and estate planning.” Brad’s grandfather, W.A. “Nick” Wilson, played a huge part in his choice to attend law school.

He watched his mother, as the estate executor, handle the probate and the claims against the estate. “My grandfather’s estate is the reason I was able to go to law school, and the whole thing was kind of painful on our family. I just felt that there are better ways to do this,” he said. “That is why I am interested in estate planning. I want to be able to help people avoid what we went through.”

After his first year of Law School, he took a law clerk job with John Snell, who worked at the V.A. Office of Regional Counsel in Little Rock, AR. He worked on the medical malpractice files for the V.A. under the V.A. work-study program until he graduated from law school in 2006. He passed the February 2006 version of the Texas bar exam and received his license to practice law in May 2006. He had already been officered a commission as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force pending his test results. Brad completed Commissioned Officer Training and the Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, AL. He was certified as a Judge Advocate and admitted to practice before the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals, AFCCA, and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, CAAF, in September 2006. Following this initial training, he started working for the Air Force as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, commonly referred to as a JAG Officer. His first assignment was at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. In this position, he worked on Administrative Law issues for Commanders, Legal Assistance for Airmen and their families, and prosecution of military

criminal cases under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This work entailed drafting legal memoranda in support or nonsupport of various proposed courses of action based on military and federal and state law for their submitted requests. This position also included drafting hundreds of Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Healthcare Directives, as well as conducting pretrial investigations and, of course, some litigation.

He was deployed to Afghanistan just before Christmas of 2010. “I worked as the JAG for the Commander of an Air Expedition Wing.” He worked to manage the Wing Commander’s military justice and ethics programs and addressed administrative law issues for the

best smile this holiday season!

Command. In addition, he and his paralegal provided legal assistance to service members, including operating a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site out of his office. Brad’s deployment was finished about six months later. He returned to Laughlin Air Force Base, near Del Rio, Texas, in the Summer of 2011, where he was immediately reassigned to serve as an Area Defense Counsel (public defender) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Brad believes he completed more litigation cases in the following 18 months than in the previous four years combined. “I initially hadn’t wanted to do litigation, and it was also the hardest job I have ever had in my life, but it actually turned out to be kind of rewarding,” he said. Brad’s defense work primarily centered on advising Airmen facing criminal prosecution or adverse administrative actions. However, throughout his career, he provided legal counsel to Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines on a wide range of military criminal and administrative issues as well as civil

legal issues, including estate planning, contracts, real property law, consumer law, debtor/creditor relations, banking, bankruptcy, immigration, divorce and child custody, small claims, and probate.

Brad moved his family from base to base throughout the years as his military assignments changed. It was not always an easy transition, and ultimately his kids stayed back in their hometown with his ex-wife. He wanted to be closer to his kids and requested a new assignment in 2014. With his 17th year in the military coming up soon, he was warned that a move to Barksdale Airforce Base in Shreveport, Louisiana, could come without any further advancement. “I told them that I didn’t care about that anymore. I just wanted to be near my kids,” he said. After 21 years of service in the Marine Corps, he retired in 2018. He and his wife, Juanita, have ‘stationed’ themselves in Texarkana, TX. Brad continued his college

education and obtained a second baccalaureate degree in Mathematics. He graduated from Texas A&M University-Texarkana with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Magna Cum Laude, in the Spring of 2021. The following school year (2021-2022), Brad worked the full school year as a teacher in Mathematics courses at Ashdown High School before joining the team of Elder Law Attorneys at Ross and Shoalmire, PLLC, in June 2022. He believes that the military has prepared him well for his newfound career as an elder law attorney. “All military branches make mission accomplishment the highest priority,” he said. “As an elder law attorney, that means being responsive to clients and getting the work done in a timely manner. I tend to focus first on finding the objective and then looking for the best possible way to get it completely accomplished. This will apply to my clients, as well.”

Brad has settled into the Texarkana community well, making sure to be a service to others. He has volunteered for the Miller & Bowie County Literacy Council and Habitat for Humanity. He is currently completing the curriculum with Leadership Texarkana, where he is gaining knowledge & experience to become a better leader for his surrounding communities. He has taken every challenge head-on, from his military career to education and now to Elder Law. “I wasn’t scared of my decision to join the military or intimidated at all until I stood on the little yellow footprints,” he said. “When I got off the bus in San Diego for boot camp, they were immediately yelling at us to get on the yellow footprints. They are painted on the concrete where your feet are in the position of attention in a military formation.” In that moment, Brad thought he had not made the best decision, but in the end, he is proud of his dedication and service to the United States of America.

READER'S 2023 NOMINEES CHOICE

GOODS & SERVICES

Auto Service & Tires

Allen’s Lube Shop Classic Kia Copper Service Daniel’s Tires

Discount Tire Discount Wheel & Tire Pros

Esquivel Auto Repair Hometown Garage

Mavis Tires & Brakes Quick Lane, McLarty Ford Texarkana Shelby’s Service Center

Texarkana Tire and Wheels Welch Tire Co.

Three Star Automotive

Auto Stereo & Accessories

Audio Center

Electronic Service Sound Towne Bank

1st National Bank Hughes Springs BancorpSouth (Cadence Bank)

Bank OZK

Bodcaw Bank

Commercial National Bank Farmers Bank & Trust Guaranty Bank & Trust Texana Bank

Chic Clothing

Gayle’s Boutique Kate & Co. Boutique Luna Boutique North Elm Boutique Sweet Caroline’s Boutique

The Rancher’s Wife Uptown Cheapskate

Computer Repair

Dance Studio

All Rhythm Dance Alley

All Stars Dance Center

BC Dance

Joni’s Gymnastics & Dance Center

Judith McCarty School of Dance

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Patti Smith’s Dancing Unlimited

Red Door Dance Academy

Tammie Duncan School of Dance

Electronics Repair Service

Clear Sound Audio Video

Complete Computing Solutions

Lafferty's TV & Appliance Service Center

Phone Pros

Service

Equipment Rentals

Dot's Rentals & Sales

HOLT CAT Texarkana Ledwell Machinery

Credit Union

Domino Federal Credit Union

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River Valley Tractor

Riggs CAT Equipment Sales & Rentals

Florist

Albertson’s Floral

Colley Cottage Trading Co.

Meadow Hills Flowers Co.

Persnickety Too Ruth’s Flowers

The Flowerroom Florist & Gifts, Sherry Young

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Unique Flowers & Gifts

Garden Store / Landscaping

Atwoods Ranch & Home

Dot’s Ace Hardware

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Freeman Landscape H & N Landscaping

Larry’s Southern Garden

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The Rancher’s Wife

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Turner's Framing Gifts & Gallery

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30 Point Service

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Bellew Air

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Central Air Conditioning & Plumbing Cook Heating & Air Goff Heating/Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Hamilton’s Heat and Air Integrity Services

Lone Star Heating & Air Reliance Mechanical Contractors

Home Builder

Gary Strickland

Greg McKay Construction

Robert Tumble

Rogers Equipment & Construction

Thom Wakefield

Tony’s Custom Creations

Home Improvement

Carter Adams Flooring

Dot’s Ace Hardware

Red River Lumber

Robbie Rogers

Rogers Equipment & Construction

Tony’s Custom Creations

Tony Langford Roofing

Investment Advisor

Dustin Stringer | Dustin Stringer Wealth Management

Joshua Andrus | Flanagan | Andrus

Brett Hutson | Texas Farm Bureau

Greg Flanagan | Flanagan | Andrus

Joe Black | Black Financial Group

Joe Byrd | Raymond James & Associates

Lauren Coffman-Thomas Stroud Financial

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The Party Factory

The Villa at Texarkana

Locally Made Products

Boonedox Woodworks

East Texas Grain and Knot Fizz Bizz

Lavender Thorne

Rowe Casa Organics

Manufacturer

Cooper Tire Domtar Paper Co.

Ledwell & Son

Mayo Manufacturing Corporation

Natural State Label

Precision Metal Industries

New Local Business

Ally Cats Coffee Bar

Liberty Nutrition Lost Pizza Co.

Main Street Pizza

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Pawn Express

Tri State Pawn & Jewelry

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Pet Groomer

Absolutely A Cut Above

Carla’s Pampered Pets

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One Of A Kind Pet Spa Paw Paw Patch

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Shoes / Boots Boot Barn

Cavender's Boot City Racquet & Jog Shoe Carnival

The Rancher’s Wife

Small

and Repair

Social Media Presence by Company / Organization

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Chamber of Commerce

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Impact Realty Group

Monica Kelley Realtor

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Rowe Casa Organics

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TTPD

TXK Today

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Presley Taylor, Studio ell. B

Sarah Renee Time in a Bottle

Ty’Stacia Dean, Dream Team Hair Studio

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A Touch for Health

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Elizabeth Williams, About Face

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Kayla Lewis Beauty

Lonestar Health & Wellness Time in a Bottle Day Spa

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Ashley Alexander Page

Ashley Derrick, The Urban Moon

Delainea Hubbard

Elizabeth McClure, Fringe Salon

Hope Gamble

Lisa Harris, Style Studio

Michelle May, The Beauty and Wellness Center

Jennifer Latham, Laser Beauty Lounge

Gymbox Fitness, Texarkana

Kayla Lewis Beauty

Lonestar Health & Wellness

Spa

Beauty and Wellness Center

ell B. Aesthetics

Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetic Laser Beauty Lounge

Lonestar Health & Wellness Oasis Beauty ReNew Integrated Medical Spa Spa Girls Time in a Bottle

Tranquility Day Spa & Salon

HEALTH

Mike Slimmer, Salon 222

Morgan Hinman

Reala Jo Ward

Microdermabrasion

Annie Rateliff Skincare

Aspen Glow Aesthetics

Beauty and Wellness Center

Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetic

Emergency Room

CHRISTUS Health, St. Michael Hospital

Signature Care Emergency Center

Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital Wadley Regional Medical Center

Fitness Center/ Gym

Anytime Fitness, Wake Village GRIT Fitness

Legends Gym & Health Club

Planet Fitness

The Sportsplex by HealthCARE Express Sling Fit Texarkana

Thrive Yoga

Wacha Resolution Sports Training

Home Health/Care

Chambers Home Health and Hospice CHRISTUS HomeCare

Dierkson Hospice

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MidSouth Transitions Medical Group

Rhonda Hulett, Heritage Hospice, Atlanta, Texas

Sitters

READER'S CHOICE

Retirement / Assisted Living

Autumn Winds Assisted Living

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Cornerstone Retirement Community Cowhorn Creek Estates, Holiday by ATRIA

The Oaks Independent Apartments

The Retreat at Kenwood

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Trinity Clinic, Richmond Road

Exceed

For

ArkLaTex Eyes

CHRISTUS Health, St. Michael Hospital

Cooper Tire Farmer’s Bank & Trust

LifeNet Emergency Medical Services

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PAM Health Specialty Hospital

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Red River Credit Union

Texar Federal Credit Union

Texarkana College

Timberline Forestry

TISD

Tony Langford Roofing

Elected Official

Wedding Caterer

Szymanski

Loving

Chef on the Run

Colorigh

Spoon

Mill

WEDDINGS

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All in Good Taste Bakery

Bri Flanagan

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Garrison

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The Flowerroom Florist

Village

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Fifteen Estates

Arts Center

Farms

The Collins Home

The Historic Silvermoon on Broad

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Dee’s Barn and Venue

Elk Meadows Game Ranch & Pavilion

Four Fifteen Estates

Garrison Gardens

Ramage Farms

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Twin Creeks Lake Pavilion

Wedding Reception Venue

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Ramage Farms

The Collins Home

The Historic Silvermoon on Broad

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Silver Star Smokehouse

Twisted Fork

Verona Restaurant

Zapata’s Mexican Grill

WINE & DINE

BBQ

Big Gilley’s Smokehouse

Big Jake’s Bar-B-Que

Forand Family BBQ

Naaman's Premium BBQ & Prime Steaks

Randy’s Smokehouse & BBQ

Silver Star Smokehouse

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Dixie Diner

Graham Slam Bakery

Honey Bees Cakery

Julie’s Deli & Market

Mother Kelley’s Home Cooking

Old Tyme Burger Shoppe

Susie Q’s Casseroles & Confections

The Cake Boutique Bakery

The Cookie Lady

Fries

Big Jake’s Bar-B-Que

Naaman's Premium BBQ & Prime Steaks

Redbone Magic Brewing

Reggie's Burgers, Dogs & Fries

The Burger Joint

The Dugout TLC Burger & Fries

Wingstop

Hamburger

Hopkin’s Icehouse

Julie's Deli & Market

Old Tyme Burger Shoppe

Redbone Magic Brewing

Reggie’s Burgers, Dogs & Fries

The Burger Joint

The Dugout TLC Burger & Fries

Pizza

Chappos Pizza & Pasta

Gusano's Chicago Style Pizzeria Home Slice Pizza

Naaman's Premium BBQ & Prime Steaks

Pop's Place

Silver Star Smokehouse

Verona Restaurant

Wine List

Benchmark American Brasserie

Naaman's Premium BBQ & Prime Steaks

Twisted Fork Verona Restaurant Wings

Gusano’s Chicago Style Pizzeria Hopkin’s Icehouse

CHOICE

Hopkin's Icehouse

Joe’s Pizza and Pasta Lost Pizza Co.

Pizza on Main Redbone Magic Brewing

Steak

67 Landing

Benchmark American Brasserie

Fat Jacks Oyster and Sports Bar Longhorn Steakhouse

Wingstop

Brunch

Benchmark American Brasserie Hopkins Icehouse

Julie’s Deli & Market

Northridge Country Club

Redbone Magic Brewing Verona Restaurant

Date Night Restaurant

Benchmark American Brasserie Ironwood Grill

better

Downtown Texarkana West Broad at Texas Blvd.

TX

Pecan Point Gastropub & Brewery

Silver Star Smokehouse

Twisted Fork

Verona Restaurant

Zapata’s Mexican Grill

Gourmet Dinner

Benchmark American Brasserie

Pecan Point Gastropub & Brewery

Pop’s Place

Twisted Fork

Verona Restaurant

Happy Hour

El Chico Cafe

Gusano’s Chicago Style Pizzeria

Hopkin’s Icehouse

Silver Star Smokehouse

Zapata’s Mexican Grill

Locally Owned Restaurant

Benchmark American Brasserie

Chappos Pizza & Pasta

Dixie Diner

Hopkin’s Icehouse

Ironwood Grill

Julie’s Deli & Market

Loca Luna Mexican Grill

Pizza on Main

Pop’s Place

Silver Star Smokehouse

Sue and Carol’s Restaurant

Twisted Fork

Lunch Spot

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Gusano’s Chicago Style Pizzeria Hopkin’s Icehouse

Ironwood Grill

Johnny B’s of Texarkana Julie’s Deli & Market

Loca Luna Mexican Grill

Naaman's Premium BBQ & Prime Steaks

Pizza on Main

The Dugout The Mighty Crab

Outdoor Dining

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Hopkin’s Icehouse

Naaman's Premium BBQ & Prime Steaks

Pop’s Place

Redbone Magic Brewing

Silver Star Smokehouse

Verona Restaurant

Trivia Bar Night

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Hopkin’s Icehouse

Pop’s Place

Redbone Magic Brewing

The Arrow Bar

Twisted Fork

Caterer

Jeff Loving | Chef on the Run

Julie’s Deli & Market

Mary Colorigh | Garrison Gardens Catering

Naaman's Premium BBQ & Prime Steaks

Silver Star Smokehouse

Susie Q’s Casseroles & Confections

Chef

Becky Williams | Benchmark American Brasserie

Jeff Greening

Jeff Loving | Chef on the Run

Jennifer Tanner | Julie’s Deli

Hector Jimenez | Verona Restaurant

Artist

Billy Cruetz

Brian Jones

Thomas

Darlene Taylor

Stevens

Weiner

Joel Wright

Raymond Mary Jane Orr

McAlexander

Cosmetic Surgeon

Charles Hollingsworth

David Whitten | Beauty and Wellness Center

Rachael Keilin | Precision Surgery Center

Decorator / Designer

Ashlyn Yates

Janet Green Jeff Brown

Dentist

Andrew Curry Brittany Bunch Chad Patterson Chris Ferguson Jay Castle Joshua Talley Lippian Family Dentistry Mark Addington Mark Mashburn

Mitchell Glass Robert Arnold Sarah Payne Todd Thigpen

Electrician

Integrity Electrical Jay Strickland, Live Wire Liberty Electrician Robbie Rogers Wayne Roberts

Insurance Agent

Brett Huston, State Farm

Brian Purtle, Allstate Agency

Greg Cockrell, State Farm

Greg Murphy, Farm Bureau Insurance of Arkansas

Hall Insurance Services

James Hambleton, State Farm Jared Whitten, State Farm

Kelli Ashbrook, State Farm Mark Oubre, State Farm

Make-Up Artist

Alexa Miller Donna Lee

Elizabeth McClure

Katlin Martin Kayla Lewis Kayla Smith

Kimberly Bearden Lauren Gortney Lauren Starkey Makayla Burns

Jennifer Cole Lauren Callaway

Massage Therapist

Jared Tucker

Jeanette Ward

Jennifer Shelton | A Therapeutic Touch

Michelle Garrison

Reeves Ingram | Beauty & Wellness Center

Sheena Richardson | The Spa Girls

Tiffany | Tranquility Day Spa Time in a Bottle Day Spa

OB-GYN

D'Andra Bingham | Collom & Carney Clinic

David Greathouse | Collom & Carney Clinic

Eric Hall | CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Gynecology Specialists

Jennifer Thompson | Collom & Carney Clinic

Kenneth West | The Woman's Specialist

Soohia Addy | Steward Health Care

Stacey Leonard | Wadley Region Medical Center

Stephen Brown | CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Gynecology Specialists

Surdeer Jayaprabu | The Woman's Specialist

Thomas Wilson | East Texas Border Health Clinic

Optometrist

Adam Cox | Family Eye Clinic of Atlanta

Eric McCall | The Eye Guys

Jaun Galdamez | Fant Eye Care

Jeff Phillips | The Eye Guys

Jessica Trichel | Wiggins Eye Center

Littleton Fowler | Fowler Eye Care

Mark Allen | ArkLaTex Eyes

Randall Glass | Fowler Eye Care

Sean Summers | The Eye Guys

Pediatrician

Cheryl Saul-Sehy | Collom & Carney Clinic

Christina Payne | Collom & Carney Clinic

Cindy Porter | Collom & Carney Clinic

Clark Green | Collom & Carney Clinic

Debra Wright-Bowers | Collom & Carney Clinic

Krista Neiamhier | Genesis PrimeCare

Mark Wright | Collom & Carney Clinic

Rachel King | King Medical Clinic

Tracie Calloway | Healing Hands Pediatrics

Zach King | Collom & Carney Clinic

Realtor

Surgeon

Amanda Ables

Amber Lawrence Ashley Goodman Brooke Smith Heather Thompson Kim Owens Kyle Barrett Linda Leach Linda Womble

Michael Donavan Monica Kelley Sarah Sealy Sharon Good

Teresa Liepman

Tessa Ray Tracy Spradlin Virginia Ann Prazac Zach Ratliff

Real Estate - Commercial

Goodman Realty Impact Realty Group

NAI American Realty Raffaelli Realty Richard Reynolds Realty

Real Estate - Property Management

Coldwell Banker Impact Property Management Raffaelli Realty Schimming Company Real Estate Services

Beth Peterson

Jeffery DeCaprio

Marcus Smith

Mark Sutherland

Marney Sorensen

Randall Schmidt Scott Black

Tattoo Artist

Allan Mc Eaneney

Caity Harper

Dalton Humphrey Jason Standridge

Jessica Dillard

Joaquin Hernandez Kit Rabozzi

Michael Clubine

Quest May

Robert Cooney

Russell Beydler “Redneck Russ” Thomas Wester

READER'S 2023 NOMINEES CHOICE

Tapas & Wine

Who is HandsOn Texarkana ?

50+ years in the community, making a difference. The story of HandsOn Texarkana is one about people helping people: VOLUNTEERISM. The needs in our community are great and becoming greater. There are many ways to volunteer your time and support. Visit our website for more information: www.HandsOnTexarkana.org YOU can make a difference.

our Mission Tonight

Please enjoy yourselves!

Our dream is to come together to enjoy fine wines, amazing cuisine, and wonderful music. We want everyone to have a beautiful evening while raising money for HandsOn Texarkana.

We appreciate your generosity! Shop our silent auction and many exciting trips. Please consider donating directly to our programs and restoration of this historic building. Every dime stays in our community. This is our only fundraiser this year.

Eat and drink with an open mind. Give with an open heart.

Tonight’s Menu & Wine Pairing

Extravagant Graze Charcuterie Table

Paired with Enoch’s Pinot Gris (light bodied, dry, white wine with notes of lemon, peach & almond)

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Garnished with Crispy Pancetta and Chives

Paired with Enoch’s Villard Blanc (similar to a Chardonnay, full bodied, dry, white wine with notes of oak, butter & fruit)

Classic Sicilian Arancini

Served with Spicy Ragu

Paired with Enoch’s Sangiovese (medium bodied, dry, red wine with notes of cherry, sweet balsamic & herbs)

Braised Quail with Traditional Stuffing

Served on Creamy Parmesan Polenta Paired with Enoch’s Syrah (full bodied, dry, red wine with notes of blueberry, dark lush fruits and sweet tobacco)

Classically Layered Strawberry Shortcake

Served with Seasonal Berries

Paired with Enoch’s Muscat Alexandria (light bodied, sweet, white wine with notes of honey, berry & flowers)

our Programs

Youth Volunteer Organization: YVO educates students to Volunteerwhich is vital for college scholarships, college applications, and job references. An investment in our future.

Skilled Parenting:

An educational program teaching better parenting skills in group classes at FCI Texarkana and Haven Homes of Texas. The partnerships offer services and classes for their residents weekly. Sessions are led by qualified, trained facilitators who also serve on the HandsOn Texarkana Board of Directors. Children are the prime beneficiaries of this successful program.

Senior Transportation: Senior Transportation is a program of HandsOn Texarkana. Transportation is provided by volunteers to take senior citizens, with no other means of transportation to the doctor, grocery store, and other necessary errands.

The Collins Home for Weddings & Events: Your ultimate all-in-one venue for personal or business special occasions or events. Schedule your next business meeting, family reunion, birthday party or wedding at this beautiful historic location.

Provided by Graze by Bluebirds | Verona Restaurant | Enoch’s Stomp Winery

SILENT AUCTION CLOSES AT 8:00PM

STRINGER WEALTH MANAGEMENT

RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL STRINGERWEALTHMANAGEMENT.NET

RETIREMENT & LONGEVITY

Review key dates related to charitable giving, Medicare and tax planning.

The year-end holiday season is full of important financial deadlines. Mark your calendar accordingly.

FALL 2022 MARKET CLOSURES

• Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Day

• Dec. 26: Christmas Day (observed)

DATES TO REMEMBER

For deadlines that fall on a weekend, action may need to be taken by the preceding weekday.

• Oct. 1: Last day to establish a SIMPLE IRA plan or a safe harbor 401(k) to be effective for 2022.

• Oct. 15: Open enrollment for Medicare Parts C and D begins. Make any changes to your coverage by Dec. 7.

• Oct. 15: The final day to file a 2021 income tax return for those issued an extension.

• Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve is the year-end charitable gift deadline for check and wire transfers.

• Dec. 31: Last day to take 2022 required minimum distributions for those who turned 72 in or before 2021.

THINGS TO DO

Add important financial deadlines to your year-end calendar financial focus

• Confirm cost of living: Next year’s Social Security adjustment is typically announced in October.

• Adjust your coverage: Ready your documents for Medicare open

enrollment, if eligible. If you’re working and your employer offers benefits, take the time to understand them.

• Refresh your plan: It’s important to monitor your retirement and investment accounts regularly and make adjustments to insurance and estate plans as needed. The holidays can be a good time to do this if you want to discuss what you’re planning with close friends or relatives.

• Fend off fraud: Start by tracking and reviewing all of your bank and credit card statements for irregular activity. You can also request a copy of your consumer credit profile and stay on the lookout for scams asking you to confirm or update your account information via email.

• Tend to your portfolio: If you’re invested in mutual funds, don’t forget about capital gains distribution dates that typically fall in December. Consider balancing your realized capital gains with losses where appropriate. Talk to your advisor about whether this strategy might help lower your tax liability.

• Engage in smart giving: As deadlines for year-end gift and charitable contributions approach, make a strategy for your philanthropic goals. Consult with your advisor if you’re interested in donating appreciated stock or bunching a few years’ worth of donations in a donor advised fund to help you meet the threshold for itemizing on a tax return.

• Revisit your resolutions: Before beginning your New Year’s celebrations, review the financial planning you did for the past year. Did you make progress toward your goals?

A legacy of generosity: National Philanthropy Day is Nov. 15. To take the celebration a step further than writing a check, consider how you can teach the joy of giving to the next generation. If you want your charitable spirit to have more influence in your estate plan, connect with your advisor.

Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts may be subject to income taxes, and prior to age 59 1/2 a 10% federal penalty tax may apply. Investment products are: not deposits, not FDIC/NCUA insured, not insured by any government agency, not bank guaranteed, subject to risk and may lose value.

© 2022 Raymond James Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange / SIPC, and Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC, are subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc. Raymond James® and Raymond James Financial® are registered trademarks of Raymond James Financial, Inc.

STAY FOCUSED THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS!

AMAZING LOCATIONS FOR EVERYONE!

(903) 796-5438 | 108 N Loop 59 | Atlanta, TX 75551 (870) 772-4328 | 2229 Trinity Blvd. | Texarkana, AR 71854 (870) 898-5700 | 1420 Constitution Ave. | Ashdown, AR 71822 (903) 832-5438 | 600 North Kings Hwy | Wake Village, TX 75501 (903) 628-0035 | 980 James Bowie Drive | New Boston, TX 75570

Suzie TK SnippeTS

By: Suzie Tyler

LIFE AFTER COVID

What is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic? This enquiring mind wanted to know, so I went to my trusted friend Merriam-Webster which defines a pandemic as an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and typically affects a significant proportion of the population.

An epidemic is defined as affecting a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region simultaneously.

Never in my generation have we experienced shutting down the entire world.

During this time, we gained a new meaning of the word, ‘Science Data.’ Each new day brought a different statistic about the vaccine, the medical protocol, and whether masks protected from the virus. Some thought the N95 was the only one that gave proper protection, but they were impossible to find. It was a difficult time not knowing who or what to believe.

Grocery shelves were empty of everything from toilet paper to fresh meat. I have never seen so many empty shelves in my lifetime and hope never to see them again. Fresh beef, I can see hoarding, but toilet paper? I guess it is necessary since we no longer have a Sears-Roebuck catalog used in the outhouses of our grandparents. It was also impossible to find Lysol spray and hand sanitizer.

My daughter lives in Manhattan. I was mailing her many items not to be found in the city. For her, it wasn’t safe to venture out into the neighborhood stores because the subways were shut down for a time.

Thank God for His protection, and her church, who donned masks, found Lysol spray and searched to find

food and items needed, then delivered to their church members and others in need.

The city of New York did step forward to provide aid for those in the restaurant and entertainment business which comprise a big percentage of the people. These are not normally covered by unemployment insurance, but an exception was made to include them. Even after two years, Broadway is still recovering. Restaurants are struggling, and some businesses are closed permanently.

The life we knew before the pandemic is gone, and some will never return.

This brings me to another topic. Who would have ever thought we would be forbidden to gather for worship and fined if we were caught? That happens in thirdworld countries, not America.

Our forefathers created this nation on Godly values, family, and compassion for our neighbors, but we have strayed from those ideals.

During this time, it became easy to sit in your pajamas and watch a service on television or online. But we need that interaction between Christian friends to grow and thrive.

While in lockdown, I learned to rely on a relationship with God, reading the Bible daily and listening to numerous devotional plans on the Bible app, YouVersion. It’s a habit I plan to continue.

I like to call it Scriptural Therapy During And After Covid!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Fish Tales with Mike Brower

I Got A Fever

Every year, about the time we get the first good cold snap, some guys and girls here in the office start wanting to take off. Now, I’m pretty easy about taking off this time of the year as I love the outdoors and love to fish in the cool and cold weather, but the outdoor guys and girls here think they need to be creative about taking off.

I hear lots of stuff, even though I don’t ask for a reason to take a vacation. Some call it a trip -- a trip to deer camp. Some say they just need a day or two for mental health -- need to reset their game cameras. Or some are going out of town -- deer camp set up or going to put out crappie tops. Just out of curiosity I always ask “what’s going on?” just because I like to hear the reason.

Just this month one person came to me with a leave request and it actually had a reason written on it. Being the person I am and not like Fredo Corleone -- smart, not dumb like people say -- I saw the reason. Going to see a 3rd cousin twice removed or something and knowing what time of year it was, I scratched it out and wrote in “deer fever,” signed it, and handed it back. She looked at me and said “busted” to which I replied “yes”, but I appreciate the effort.

Hug a Hunter Part XVI

While I’m on the hunting thing, be sure to hug a deer hunter. Many hunters are fishermen that hang up the rod and go to the woods to sit in a blind with heaters, refrigerators, recliners, and a tv keeping warm and dry while the real men are fishing in the wet, cold, windy weather. Those deer hunters leave more room for parking at the boat ramp and give us more room on the water. All bets are off when duck season rolls around as those guys run up and down the lake or river looking for birds and messing with the fishermen, but at least they are suffering with us.

So, hug a deer hunter.

2ND ANNUAL CANDY CANE CORRAL

ADULT: $5.00 Candy Cane Corral at the Four States Fair Entertainment Center will be a fun filled day of Holiday Shopping and events. The day will include, but not be limited to; vendors, dancers, Santa, and much more! The event is 9AM - 4PM, and admission is $5, Children 12 under are free! Purchase Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/servlet/s/38199458

6SHOW ME REPTILE AND EXOTICS SHOW

Come enjoy a reptile show in Arkansas at Four States Fairgrounds, 3700 East 50th Street, Texarkana, AR 71854 This expo is very unique we aim to educate and cultivate a great community. Schedule/Admission: Saturday VIP admission entry is at 9AM. Saturday General Admission entry is at 10AM. First Responders, military, and teachers 50% off admissions. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets Here or at the door.

VETERAN'S DAY PARADE

Texarkana Area Veterans Council (TAVC) will be hosting our annual Veterans Day Parade. It will begin at 11 a.m. at East Broad & Hazels Streets and follow the regular parade route. The theme this year is: "Honoring the Medal of Honor & Purple Heart Recipients" For more information call 870-773-8279 or 1-877-824-4862 or e-mail: usmcgreg@aol.com

CHRISTMAS ON THE RED 2022

08:00AM on the 18th to 12:00PM on the 20th at Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center Texarkana. Join us for a WHOVILLE good time! Huge Gorgeous Crowns, Beautiful Sashes, Cash and toys!! See Santa, the Grinch and Cindy Lou. We will have games, contests, entertainment, face painting, bounce house and so much more!! Don't miss out on everyone's favorite Christmas pageant of the Year!!!

Tasty

at 6:30pm.

BETH DUTTON

Crew

with amazing

where

the

the home and the

gated community. Access to

launch.

paid yearly. Quiet wooded neighborhood.

(deer, turkeys, ducks, squirrels and eagles). The sunrise

the lake as are big full moons in the evening.

was recently listed as one of the top 100 fishing

in the nation.