October 2021 ALT Magazine by ALT Magazine

ALT magazine

covering the ark-la-tex OCTOBER 2021 ALT-MAG.COM

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS FALL FASHION TOP LAWYER NOMINATIONS A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

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(903) 735-2336 2812 Richmond Rd. | Texarkana, TX 75503 Monday-Saturday 10-6 | www.micahsjewelers.com

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Nothing will keep us from making your breast health a priority, whether you need a mammogram, help choosing the right physician or treatment plan, from chemotherapy to radiation to surgery. We provide safe, high-quality care for every step of your journey, with a dedicated nurse navigator to walk each step alongside you.

with a health risk assessment that can be found by visiting CHRISTUShealth.org/BreastRisk, or ask your physician to schedule an appointment for your 3D HD mammogram today by calling 903.614.2273.

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ALT magazine

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS - LEE ANN BARKER - JEN ROZENBAUM - KAREN REEVES

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covering the ark-la-tex COO / PUBLISHER Debbie Brower EDITOR Alyssa Bertrand

SALES & MARKETING Debbie Brower 903.334.9605

FALL FASHION TOP LAWYER NOMINATIONS

GRAPHIC DESIGN Alyssa Bertrand PHOTOGRAPHY Debbie Brower, Michelle Horton

For a dve r t isi n g i n fo r m a t i o n , c a l l 9 0 3 . 334. 9605

FEATURED WRITER Anne Granado CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Debbie Brower, Mike Brower, Dustin Stringer, Suzie Tyler

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LOCAL RESCUES

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

A LT - M AG . c o m (903) 334-9605 | info@alt-mag.com 101 Slaton Dr. Nash, TX 75569 ALT Magazine is published the 1st business day of every month. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of ALT Magazine is strictly prohibited. ALT Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are available for $42.00 per year. Contributions from our readers are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material.

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From the Publisher

Last year, I shared a post on Facebook that really struck a chord with me. The version/summary is that a woman was running one day with her friend whose husband had recently passed. She was telling her friend that her husband wanted chili for dinner, but she didn’t feel like going to the store. Maybe takeout instead. The friend stopped in her tracks and said, “Make the chili.” Those are strong words. So much in life is precious. We get so wrapped up in everyday things that often we forget what is important. We come home, tired from a long day at work, and just want to be left alone, too tired to do anything. Our husband/ significant other, children, pets, house – all of those are left without quality time. Make the chili. I have a lot of friends who are struggling right now – some with cancer, some with COVID, and some that have lost children or parents, or have elderly parents that they worry will be gone soon. There is never a time when we feel like it is the time to lose someone we love. Spend quality time with them. Don’t regret a minute of life. Make the chili. This month, we are featuring several women who have overcome breast cancer. They have struggled. And they have survived. Each in their own way. All have had trials during their treatment but are still positive, strong women. Life is so fragile. Make the chili. My husband, Mike, and I have started traveling together over the past 10 years. In the past, we more often took separate vacations – me to the beach, him to fish. It worked for us. However, since the kids have all gone their own way, we have rediscovered how much we really love doing things together. We have so much fun discussing where we will go, what we will do, and what food we will eat. My friend, Lee Ann, who is featured this month, is working on her “bucket list” of places to go and things to do. She has learned how precious life is. There is no better time than now. I love watching her Facebook posts and following her in her travels. Make the chili. Don’t let another day go by that you don’t take the chance to love your family and friends. You may not agree with every decision they make, but they are still your people. Share your love. As Forrest Gump says, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Life is short. Make the chili.

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LeeBarker Ann by Anne Granado

Lee Ann Barker has always marched to the beat of her own drum. Her vivacious and friendly personality attracts friends from all walks of life as she exudes humor, positivity, and confidence. A self-proclaimed “jack of all trades,” Lee Ann has spent her life rescuing dogs, traveling, road-trippin’, bartending, substitute teaching, truck driving, gardening, cooking, entertaining her family and friends, and refusing to choose just one passion in life. So, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, Lee Ann was determined to enjoy every minute while still “tap-dancing on this side of the dirt.” Really, Lee Ann felt like her breasts had let her down, though she jokes that they may have been the reason she landed the love of her life, James R. Barker, or just Barker to most people in town. Barker worked at Wadley as a registered nurse for 44 years before retiring, and he also helped recruit firemen to the EMT and nursing programs. But to Lee Ann, he is simply the man of her dreams. “He is Jimmy Buffett and Willie Nelson rolled into one. He is my best friend and he puts up with me. I am the Meemaw to his Peepaw, and he even wrote a song about it,” Lee Ann says. “I am the June to his Johnny, and the Morticia to his Gomez. We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout.” The couple knew of each other ten years before they actually met. She says that they hung around the same people and did the same things. But if he was at one of the fish frys, Lee Ann would be studying, or if she was at work at Fat Jacks, someone else would have Barker as their regular. “I would see him and thought he was the coolest of the cool. He liked the way I walked, which was sorta funny because I walked with little steps, leaning 012

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forward. Probably because of my 40DDs,” Lee Ann says. “The night we got together was magical, even including the thunderstorm, the wet Labrador Retriever, and my friend standing me up. We have been together ever since. It will be 19 years this October, marking our first date, and on NYE, we will be married for 18 years. I think there are some betting people out there that owe us some money!” Barker quickly became a member of the family that Lee Ann chose for herself, especially after a tumultuous childhood. Other members of that family include Lee Ann’s many friends and relatives that love and support her mightily. Lee Ann grew up in Huntington, West Virginia (by God, stand up and smile when you say it). “I bounced between two different school districts, which is hard in one way, but it’s great that I am recognized by two different classes and sets of friends. I first attended Marshall University, and I am extremely passionate about my home state and my Marshall University,” Lee Ann says. “When I moved here, I attended TC as a nontraditional student.” Growing up, Lee Ann’s family did not do many things with her extended family. She had cousins in the same town but didn’t really know them. “Thanks to Facebook, Ancestry.com, and my shopping and accidentally having a clerk that was dating one of my cousins, I would never have known that some of my family existed,” Lee Ann says. “I have two full brothers that I would do anything for, and I love them fiercely. I am known as HG, or ‘Hermana Grande,’ the big sister. I also have two stepbrothers and stepsisters.” Since she has found more family members, Lee Ann has made it a goal to visit and get to know them. A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

“I am also lucky since I lived here so long by myself, to be ‘adopted’ by my friends, the Chandlers, and most recently during my cancer scare, my mom’s best friends have stepped up to the plate, and so has one of my best friend’s mom and her sister. I have been welcomed into the fold. Such a fantastic feeling,” Lee Ann says. “Since sixth grade, I’ve also been loved and accepted by another friend’s family in West Virginia. Our moms were so different, my mom worked, and hers stayed home and cooked us the most fabulous meals. Then there is my husband’s family that has welcomed me with open arms; that is another entity unto itself! So blessed I am. My father is still alive,

and I am going to visit him shortly. I have not seen him in a while, and life is short.” Lee Ann is so worried that in talking about her friends and family, she will leave out someone who is so special to her. Just the thought alone shows Lee Ann’s passion for her friends and family. As a person who feels things so deeply, Lee Ann spent most of the time in her magazine interview talking, not about cancer, but about the people in her life that make it worth living. “I have a Fat Jack’s family, a Huntington High School Family, a Barboursville High Family, a Pleasant Grove High School family. You would not believe the

love and support I have had. I am gobsmacked,” Lee Ann says. “I feel like the prom queen and a movie star, but what it boils down to is that I have a super set of folks in my corner. I am more than blessed. I also have a TRAHC family. See? I am going to leave someone out!” Lee Ann is also fiercely passionate about her friends. She has five girls that she grew up with that “mean the world to her,” and a friend that she calls her little sister. “We all have tiaras to wear,” Lee Ann says. “Before I got sick, one of my favorite things to do was to invite my friends out to my domain and cook and make the coolest drinks.” This long list of friends, family, and friends who have become family reached out to help Lee Ann when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2020. She found a huge lump in one of her breasts. She wishes that she had found it earlier, but not only were her sizable breasts dense and difficult to self-examine, but also she was ignoring her own self-care at the time. Her 89-year-old aunt, who had been diagnosed with dementia, was living with them, and Lee Ann had been focused on taking care of her. “I was diagnosed with intraductal carcinoma in situ. I never thought I would have breast cancer. I have had three people in my family with colon cancer, and two did not make it,” Lee Ann says. “While talking with my surgeon, I told him to take both breasts. He informed me that some insurances wouldn’t pay for reconstruction if they take both without reason. I told him I would cross that bridge when I got there. I wanted them gone, and I looked over at my husband, and he agreed.” However, in true Lee Ann fashion, what happened next is legendary. As Barker and the surgeon start talking about reconstruction, they 013

convince themselves that Lee Ann didn’t really “need” breasts anyway. If insurance wouldn’t pay, in their minds, everything would be ok. “Two men were discussing MY body, and I said, ‘HEY! What if I took your testicles and cut them off?’ They paid attention to me after that,” Lee Ann says. It ended up being a good thing that Lee Ann asked for both breasts removed even though it was still a hard decision. “I missed my girls. We really had been through so much together, but when the autopsy results came back, I ended up having a different type of cancer in my other breast. This side was HER2positive,” Lee Ann says. “After the double mastectomy, I underwent chemo. Not only had I lost my breasts, but I lost my hair too. It had to be the most expensive Brazilian anyone ever had! Also, the kind of cancer I had was estrogen-fed, so I gained weight instead of losing. That makes you feel so extra special when you look into the mirror and Uncle Fester is staring right back at you.” However, none of these changes mattered to Barker, who was by her side at every doctor’s appointment. “He has kept immaculate records of my every step and has been my constant companion and helper. He has had to take over my responsibilities as well as take care of my dogs,” Lee Ann says. “Because of COVID, he would not let anyone around me and took all of this on himself.” Through her recovery, Lee Ann said that the nurses and doctors at Temple Webber Cancer Center at St. Michaels have been a “godsend” and that she has never experienced such great care in her life. “My three nurse practitioners are my Charlie’s angels. If you 014

want a hero, look at a nurse. Every nurse I have had during my care and the couple of times I was admitted to the hospital were wonderful. They are some of the most compassionate, smart, and awesome people I have ever known,” Lee Ann says. “From the transporter to the dietary, to the janitorial staff, everyone at the Vatican (St. Michael’s) has been so fantastic.”

Lee Ann recovered from surgery in the cabin that she and Barker own on seven acres. Though they love being social, Lee Ann says that she can be somewhat of a hermit in her forest paradise. “Can I be an introverted extrovert, or would that be an extroverted introvert?” Lee Ann says. “I do not dig big crowds. It is too peopley.” This wooded oasis became especially important with Lee Ann’s mid-Pandemic diagnosis. Fighting cancer while COVID was swirling around meant that Lee Ann spent much time in the cabin quarantined

with her six dogs until she was able to get her COVID vaccination. “It was really kind of lucky to be going through this while there was a pandemic. I really did not miss out on a lot, and I had no Netflix guilt,” Lee Ann says. “I Netflixed like a dog! I loved it all.” However, the isolation did not stop Lee Ann’s long list of supporters from trying to help. However, they did have to get past Barker, who was acting as her personal “bodyguard” at the time. “Barker did let a good friend come over and shave my head once the hair started coming out in clumps. The same friend spent the night with me in the hospital and helped me out. One friend from one high school sent me a bucket of chicken and the fixins’. One friend from high school sent me a gift basket with all kinds of things a breast cancer patient may need. My neighbor brought over a couple of casseroles. I was sent flowers twice by a teacher that I subbed for frequently. She also sent me some candies that helped with nausea. My friends and family have helped me and helped my husband while he took care of me, the house, and our dogs. My hairdresser/ friend helped out with my aunt. I felt like a movie star, something I fantasize about all the time. I am a Pisces, and we live in a fantasy world,” Lee Ann says. “The delivery trucks came almost every day. I never realized how many people loved me, and this is where I have learned my greatest lesson. I was worried about the folks that didn’t like me and worried about what other people thought about me instead of relishing the love and people I already had.” Another thing that Lee Ann learned from her experience was about the vital services that the Tough Kookie 501(c)3 Foundation offers in A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

Texarkana. “When you are looking for resources or help, and you find out there is no American Cancer Society or Susan G. Komen to help anymore in Texarkana, you feel sort of alone. My friend, Jim, saved me an article out of last year’s paper telling about the foundation. It is a local group started in town by survivors and one in particular, Katina Washington-Levingston. I have not been able to participate in any of their doings, but boy have they sure helped me,” Lee Ann says. “When you all of a sudden lose your breasts and have to buy all new undergarments (and we all know they are not cheap), these ladies worked with Dillard’s and the fantastic women there to help me out. They have not given up on me and have always asked me time and again if I needed anything. I am a huge believer in supporting local, both shopping and charities so that you can see where your money is going, and I hope that everyone reading this checks them out.” Even before her diagnosis, Lee Ann has been passionate about giving back in various ways. Right now, she has six dogs that were all rescued. She’s been working with local animal rescues since 1985. “I love my dogs very much and would have more if I could mentally, physically, and financially afford them. Right now, I have Devil Anse, Chi Chi, Loretta, Starr, Dolly, and Lula,” Lee Ann says. “I have slowed down volunteering due to illness but still donate locally. Speaking of locally, I collect donations of clothes, purses, toiletries, and other various sundries to help with giving folks a hand up. I was once told that a jacket that one of my friends donated helped a man go to an interview, and he got the job. That kind of thing makes me feel good. I believe it is good to give to local

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charities. You can see what your money does. It is a good feeling.” Though she accepted the help and support from so many, it was hard for Lee Ann to slow down. Netflix is great, but when you have worked as hard as she has over the years, it’s difficult to admit that you should just sit down and rest. “I have worked my whole life up until now. I started out babysitting, mowing, and raking yards. My aunt and uncle owned restaurants and stores, and during the summer, I would go to Pensacola and work for them. I catered, bartended, cooked, and waited tables. My dad’s side of the family is Italian and Lebanese, so cooking and entertaining was a big thing for us,” Lee Ann says. “I have been a waitress, a bartender, a truck driver, a house/dog sitter, a nurse, a substitute teacher, and most recently a sitter. I love taking care of elderly people. I loved it all. As my friend Butch and I were saying the other day, ‘I have SKILLZ.’” Lee Ann even kept up the laundry at the house, no matter how sick she felt. She looked around at the things that needed to be done to the house and the yard, and it bothered her. “Before I got sick, my house was cleaner, and my land looked better, but right now, I am limited, and my husband is doing it all. One day I was mopping the floor, and my husband looked at me with his twinkly blue eyes and asked me if I wanted to go out. I told him I was cleaning the kitchen. He said, ‘Would you rather stay home and clean, or go out and have a whiskey drank?’” Lee Ann says. “He was right. I have to use the energy I have to enjoy life and all the beautiful things and people in it.”

On Mondays, Lee Ann tries to go and watch Barker at Fat Jack’s. He plays guitar and sings every Monday at 5:00 p.m. “His friends, Jim Shively and Steve Weed, join in, as well as a few other local musicians. We call it ‘Pickin and Grinnin’ with Barker, Dog, and Weed. We call Jim Shively, ‘Dr. Dog’ because he is my favorite veterinarian.” In the future, Lee Ann hopes to get back to volunteering and traveling. “I want to go out and experience it all. I love learning different ways of the world and different ways of life is an education all on its own,” Lee Ann says. “My favorite thing is a road trip, although I will fly if I have to.” However, for now, Lee Ann is focused on resting and getting better. She is still undergoing biological infusions and recently received the bad news that she will have to go through 50 radiation treatments. They previously thought that she would not have to have any. “Right now, I can only do so many things each day. Even when I do, sometimes I am overcome with heat or nausea or just burst out in hives. But, I am trying to live my best life. I want to do everything and see everybody. I have been taking it one day at a time and doing the best I can with what I have. I do not worry what I look like or what people think,” Lee Ann says. “My youngest brother told me to stay positive the whole time, and I have found the humor in the situation and have posted my antics, both good and bad, on my Facebook page. I have had a few folks message me to tell me that it has also helped them get through it. In life, what gets you through is your attitude.”

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Not Just Living... by Jen Rozenbaum

In 2017, I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma. I had a bilateral mastectomy and eight rounds of chemotherapy, and I have been on Tamoxifen for ten years. It’s amazing how my whole journey essentially fits in a few brief sentences. At least the physical side of it does. The emotional side, that’s another story. When I think about grief and breast cancer, I think the most obvious connection I might make is the loss of my breasts, or when I lost 30% of my hair through chemotherapy, or when I felt my femininity slip through my fingers. I grieved all of these, and I grieved them heavily, sometimes I still do. But that is not what I want to write about. What I want to share with you today is something I grieved that was unexpected. Something no one told me I would miss. Something that was gone in an instant but took me months to realize it was missing. What could it be? Normalcy. I missed my old life. I missed the old me, the woman who didn’t think about cancer every day. The life that didn’t revolve around surgeries and shots and Pinktober. The carefree person who didn’t freak out about every ache and pain, wondering if my cough is allergies, or…worse? 018

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When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I assumed that the surgeries and treatment would be the hardest part of the process. When I finished chemotherapy in December 2017, I couldn’t wait for 2018 to roll in. I figured I had finished the hard part, and 2018 would be “my year.” I was determined to get my life back and go back to normal. What no one told me was that I was wrong. In fact, it was going to get worse before it got better. As much as I wrongly assumed 2018 would bring me some normalcy, so did everyone else. I was thrown back into carpools, school lunches, work, and all other responsibilities at home and in life. I didn’t complain. In fact, I loved it! I was FINALLY able to do the things that I cherished. The truth is, though, I felt off. I felt like I was living in someone else’s life. The things that were important before were more important, and the things that weren’t important were even less so. I felt disengaged. Disassociated, if you will. I felt as if I was watching my life from the outside in. Everything felt blurry. I had a hard time making seemingly innocuous decisions. I felt like I was walking through mud at all times. Heavy, confused. There was no joy. When I would finally have the guts to express to someone that I didn’t feel right, I would hear, “At least you are alive!” and “If I were you, I would be celebrating!”. This only made me feel shameful. How dare I get a second chance at life and not appreciate it and make the most of it. Is it possible I am not the A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

“warrior” I touted myself to be for the months prior? On a cloudy day in midJanuary 2018, I worked in the morning. I am a photographer. I had a shoot that day. I felt so disengaged with the subject through the entire shoot. I felt like I had no idea what I was doing. All I could think about was going home and crawling under the blankets. I did just that. I crawled into bed, and I cried for hours. I was in and out of sleep. When I was sleeping, it was my body’s way of relieving me from the pain. When I was awake, all I could think was that my family didn’t deserve this. They shouldn’t have to live with cancer and all the fear it brings. My children shouldn’t have to watch me suffer and be weak. This isn’t the life I wanted for them or for me. And then I heard the thought. The one that said, “Do them a favor and end your life.” The voice told me that I didn’t have to suffer. If I ended my life, I wouldn’t be sad anymore. I wouldn’t have to face a life without breasts. The thoughts continued and got darker as time went on. To this day, I am grateful to the other part of my brain that popped in and said to me, “Jen, this isn’t rational. Please do something. Reach out to someone, don’t do it!”. I dragged myself to the phone, and I called my oncologist. I explained to her what was going on, and she immediately took me off Tamoxifen, explaining the medication might be contributing to or compounding the issues. She was right, I felt better when I wasn’t on it, but it wasn’t the solution. The feelings still existed. There was only one

explanation why. I realized that there is a HUGE difference between being alive and feeling alive. How was I going to once again FEEL alive? It wasn’t an overnight change, but I knew I needed to take action to start to feel differently. I started with signing up for Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing). For me, that would serve many purposes. It would rebuild my strength, help me get back into shape, and challenge me mentally. Every time I punched or kicked the pads or someone kicked me, I felt it reverberate through my whole body. Sometimes I wanted to cry. I could barely even hold the pads at the start because my shoulders and range of motion were so impacted. But I kept showing up—day after day. Punch after punch. Muay Thai started a chain reaction for me. I realized when I was there, I felt again. Even though sometimes it was pain, it was something! I wanted to feel more. Where else could I cleanse my emotions and replace grief with joy? Next, I cleaned out my closet. I got rid of all the things that reminded me of my old breasts. Bathing suits that no longer fit. Bras I would

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never wear again. Shirts that didn’t flatter me. I cried. I bawled, in fact. Parting with these items was parting with the old me, the one whom I was grieving. After that, I started really cleaning up my life. Adding in more of what made me feel alive and quickly getting rid of anyone or anything that made me feel anything otherwise. I traveled more. I guiltlessly indulged in more me-time and self-care. I set boundaries in my relationships, and lastly, I confronted the demons in my marriage. All of these actions led me through the five stages of grief. Denial, anger, bargaining, and depression were all emotions I had to experience to get to the last stage, which is acceptance. Grief is a process and not a linear one. I am writing about

my experience in under 1500 words, but the truth is it’s been a journey of almost four years so far, and I am sure there is more work to do. Working through grief is not easy to do it. It’s ugly, painful and at times riddled with depression and anxiety. It’s easier in the moment to avoid the work, but long term, it’s been the greatest gift I have ever been given. I still have moments of sadness and nostalgia for my old life. I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t. Sometimes I think to myself, “I still wish I was never touched by cancer,” but the truth is I am not sure I really feel that way now. Because of cancer, I am a totally different person. I am more present. I am happier. I am grateful, and I am loads more badass! I love who I am now, and I know myself so much more than I ever have in the past.

Because I have given myself the space and permission to process my grief, I have a chance at a new life now. One in which I am not just living, but one in which I FEEL alive! Editor’s note: The year Jen was diagnosed, I was supposed to take her class at Texas School of Photography. Jen is well known in the industry as the “go-to person” for all things boudoir photography. She is amazing! I have followed her on Instagram for years. If you are interested in knowing more about her journey, go like her Facebook or Instagram page. Not only does she share her journey, but those of others as well. She provides inspiration in so many ways. Providing our patients with the most precise glasses prescription possible is an Art. We are here to serve everyone in the Ark-La-Tex

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Karen Reeves by Anne Granado

We all know someone who has fought against the invisible and deadly force of cancer. We cheer these friends and family on by providing encouragement, lifting them in prayer, bringing food, or helping out where we can. However, until we have faced the terror and worry that comes from such a diagnosis, we have no real knowledge of the mental battle that truly wages inside those facing this type of invisible enemy. For Karen Reeves, the antidote to the fear, anxiety, and worry she felt from her breast cancer diagnosis in 2012 came from faith and family. Throughout her battle, she asked for pictures of her grandchildren every day, and she relished new stories of their adventures. She clung to her husband of 42 years, Steve Reeves, and leaned on his strength in times of weakness. But, when earthly comforts could not ease the fear, she turned to her faith in God. “To tell my story, I would have to say that there are so many battles out there that people go through, and the only thing that I know for sure is that God is with you through every step,” Karen says. “No matter what the battle or joy, He is the only one that can give you hope and peace in whatever situation you face.” Karen was born in Conway, Arkansas, the third of four children. She was raised in Benton, Arkansas, and 024

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attended Benton High School. Karen knew the name “Steve Reeves” her whole life. They only lived two or three miles away from each other. However, neither one noticed the other until mid-way through their senior year. “I was totally smitten with Steve,” Karen says. “After spending time with each other, I just couldn’t imagine spending my life with anyone else but him. We dated a year and a half and got married in August of 1979; I was 18-yearsold, and he was 19-years-old. We had no idea what real life was.” After they got married, Steve started seminary, and Karen got a job working for a pathologist in Little Rock, Arkansas. They moved to Texarkana in 1999 for Steve’s job, and he currently pastors Westlawn Missionary Baptist Church and works for International Christian Publishers who shares the gospel around the world. The couple also has three grown children. Their oldest daughter, Laura, lives in Houston. Their second daughter, Stephaney, lives in Eureka Springs, and their youngest child, a son, David, lives in Texarkana. “With eight years of seminary training and three children, things were definitely not easy for us at first. Things weren’t easy when I was diagnosed with cancer. But we are a team, and we just handled whatever came our way,” Karen says. While raising the kids, Karen also worked. She has worked in A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

every aspect of the pathology field for the past 42 years. In 2002, she concentrated on becoming more involved in the lab area and studied and passed her registry to become a Histotechnician. “We process tissue for diagnosis, and honestly, this later helped me a great deal in understanding the process of having a biopsy and the process it takes to get a diagnosis,” Karen says. “I currently work for the satellite office of Diagnostic Clinic of Longview, Dr. Justin Hardin, and Dr. Sam Henderson. We are located in the Collom and Carney building in Texarkana.” Through the years, Steve and Karen built a life they love. Karen has always been passionate about her family. Both her and Steve have large extended families, and they enjoy celebrating life events together, including their 42nd anniversary this year. In addition, becoming grandparents has been a constant source of delight and love. “Our four grandchildren are a whole lot of wonderful! We have Zoey, Race, Sage, and our newest, Jack Ross. Thankfully, our grandchildren all live in Texarkana so that we can see them more,” Karen says. “Also, Sage was born in October of 2012 before I was diagnosed that December, so I had a new joy in life to concentrate on.” Right before Thanksgiving in 2012, Karen noticed a lump in her breast. “I was bad at selfexam, but I did find the lump.

Honestly, I tried to talk myself out of it being a lump, but I went to the doctor pretty quickly because we have cancer in our family history. My dad died from colon and liver cancer in 2000, and I had an aunt that had breast and thyroid cancer,” Karen says, “However, I really wasn’t worried about it being anything because I had a mammogram the year before, and everything looked great.” Karen’s doctor performed a biopsy, and she was diagnosed with infiltrating duct cell carcinoma at the beginning of December. “I was naive about the battle ahead. I just assumed they would take out the lump, and it would be all better. Ha!” Karen says. At that point, the CT scans, PET scans, bone scans, and lab work started. Then, as the endless gauntlet of tests were run, the game plan came together. It turns out, Karen was facing stage two breast cancer with five lymph nodes involved. Their first plan of attack was a six-month session of chemotherapy. First, Karen went to see Dr. Hillis to put in a port for chemo treatments. However, in the very first week, Karen developed a blood clot, which meant she had to take blood thinners and have blood work taken every Monday morning to check her levels. Then, she became severely dehydrated in the first two months of treatments. “Looking back, I really just survived day-by-day,” Karen says. “I’m so grateful 025

to my doctor and the chemo nurses who walked me through every step. It really is an emotional, physical and mental battle that you go through.” Soon after starting chemo, Karen started to lose her hair. It was Steve who agreed to shave her head. “He was there with me when we visited the surgeon and the oncologist, and he went to my chemo visits,” Karen says. “Sometimes hard times bring you closer together, and that’s what it did in this situation. Steve is really my best friend and my biggest supporter. When we think back on the last ten years, we both just say, ‘Wow. How did we manage that?’ But we did...as a team.” Though her family was scared by her diagnosis, they supported her every step of the way. “When you go through a difficult time in life, you really do realize what is truly important to you, and my family is my everything,” Karen says. “They were worried about me, but I was worried about them because cancer truly does affect the whole family. They felt helpless and just wanted to fix things or make them better. In the end, they are the reason I was able to go through this battle.” In August of 2013, Karen was scheduled for a mastectomy with Dr. Hillis. On top of everything else, they actually had to postpone it for four weeks because she broke out in shingles, but the surgery went well. Then, Karen started 026

43 radiation treatments with Dr. Tran. “My treatment and recovery lasted for about 16 months, and most of the time, it felt like a day-to-day thing. I would try to give myself goals to accomplish each day. Sometimes it was as simple as to get up, bathe, and wash my bald head. Other days, I could function pretty well by doing normal things. I did go on anxiety medicine, and that helped a lot,” Karen says. “My husband’s mom had breast cancer, and she did well with the treatments. I learned a lot from her example, and I just kept a mindset that I would beat it.” After her treatments were over, Karen went back to work at Collom and Carney for Dr. Parish until he retired from pathology. He is still practicing as an internist. After that, she started working for the Diagnostic Clinic of Longview. “All in all, I have been very lucky to have great doctors to work for,” Karen says. Ironically, when her health team was performing MRIs to solidify Karen’s original breast cancer diagnosis, she got a call from Dr. Engstrom telling her that there were two spots on her brain and she needed to see a neurosurgeon. Dr. Richter was able to see her immediately. “After reviewing the multiple MRIs, Dr. Richter said that they were benign tumors that could wait until after my treatment. He referred me to another neurosurgeon in Texarkana, but

he said I had bigger things to worry about, and he was right,” Karen says. In the midst of her fight against breast cancer, Karen put the thought of benign tumors aside. However, years later, while on a trip to South Carolina in 2018, Karen’s left eye became red and swollen, and she started having double vision and dizziness. Though she wanted to write it off as vertigo, Karen followed up with her doctor, who ordered an MRI. The results showed that Karen had two meningiomas that had connected with each other and attached to her left optical nerve. It was not an easy road to combat this next diagnosis. Karen is diabetic, and the initial medication elevated her sugar levels to the 600s, and she had many side effects. Karen was referred to Dr. Samuel Barnett at UT Southwestern in Dallas and had surgery in December 2018. “I was unable A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

to do anything for two weeks and had to have Steve with me 24/7,” Karen says. “My incision became infected, and it took a while to bounce back.” Thankfully, Karen’s diagnosis after both of these ordeals is currently cancer-free. “Everything looks great now, but I do have to see the oncologist every four months, and I continue with lab work, CT scans, and bone scans. I also have yearly MRIs to make sure all is well,” Karen says. “Recently, my tumor markers have been elevated, and I have a few lymph nodes in my abdomen that we need to keep a watch on, but everything seems to be staying stable. So, I’m thankful for that.” Through the entire fight against cancer, Karen says that faith and family got her through. “It really is amazing how many people are involved with this fight and how they cheer you on and encourage you,” Karen says. “I felt support from all the medical personnel, family, church family, and friends.” On the hard days, Karen asked for pictures of her grandkids. “This experience has made me realize that I need to be thankful for

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every bit of time that I have and to be thankful for all the people around me. And oh my goodness, I love everything about being a grandparent. I would look at their pictures and listen to stories about them. I love everything they say, how they look at things and situations. I love to watch them play ball, practice gymnastics, and lead cheers,” Karen says. “We have a new grandbaby, Jack Ross. He’s three months old, and I love to talk to him and watch his expressions and listen to him try to talk back. They are all truly wonderful.” Karen says that if someone close to you is battling cancer, the best thing you can do is pray for their mental, physical, and emotional health through the upcoming obstacles. “I can honestly say that you feel people’s prayers and the encouragement,” Karen says. “They help you in staying positive and from getting down or overwhelmed with what’s ahead.”

When the walls seemed to close in, or the fear would get too much, Karen would also return time and time again to her faith in God. Karen would also find herself googling Bible verses for the many emotions she was feeling. “One verse that I clung to was Isaiah 41:10, which says. ‘Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand,’” Karen says. “Even just those first two words stuck with me: ‘Fear not.’ This is something so comforting but not always easy to practice.” Hearing the Bible verses and listening to Christian music reminded her that she was not alone and God was in control. “My sister-in-law gave me a devotional book called Jesus Calling, and some days it was exactly what I needed to hear,” Karen says. “I also had a nurse tell me she heard the song “Overcome” by Jeremy Camp, and she thought of me. I went home and listened to it, and one part says, “Every victory is yours,’ which is something I would remind myself of on hard days.”

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appointments, walk-ins, and after hour emergencies welcomed!

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3014 Richmond Road . Texarkana, TX 75503 A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

PETER J. CORCORAN III

Licensed in all Texas State and Federal Courts

WINONIA GRIFFIN ROBERTS Certified Mediator, Arkansas and Licensed Mediator in Texas

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903.701.2481 903.794.4605

Not Board Certified As To Any Legal Specialty

www.texarkanatriallawyer.com The Corcoran Law Firm A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

Tickets - $25 TMS MEmbers - $20 - Limited Spots reserve your spot at www.texarkanamuseums.org/events 420 Pine St. Texarkana, Texas TexarkanaMuseums.org | 903-793-4831 029

Football games, oversized fuzzy coats, and pumpkin spice lattes have arrived on scene - it is officially the fall season! We shopped some of our favorite boutiques right here in Texarkana USA, and are definitely loving the fall colors and trends. This section is full of ideas for your fall-inspired wardrobe, from everyday outfits to a night out on the town. Whether you are an athlete that likes to shop at Racquet & Jog, a fashionista that enjoys browsing our beautiful Labels store, or you need an exquisite outfit for any age at our combined boutiques, AbbyGayles and Gayles, you can walk away inspired and ready to shop local! Below: AbbyGayles and Gayes • We love the plaid “shacket” and the classy brown pants and tank paired with the show-stopping print jacket. Top Right: Racquet & Jog • We love both options for our hot fall days with the cutest white and green outfit (hello TX weather!) to cool autum football nights with the perfect ripped jeans. Bottom Right: Labels • Jeans are always a perfect pick and paired with this sweater makes the outfit cozy. Speaking of cozy, this grey sweat suit is buttery soft!

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Thank you Studio H Photography and their team of influencers for representing these looks. A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

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Top Left: Labels • A little black dress is always in style, and a must need for date nights in the fall! This v-neck, multi-colored dress with a handkerchief bottom hem is another great fall feature! Bottom Left: Racquet & Jog • Going out on the town? Dress it up with these beautiful linen pants paired with a black shirt, or choose a more relaxed look with a flannel, shorts, and these brand new Teva boots! Above: AbbyGayles and Gayles • We love this very flirty, short dress for a girl’s night out! Run the boardroom with this classic black dress - one that will guarantee your way to the top!

AbbyGayles/Gayles 4012 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX

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Racquet & Jog 3435 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX

Labels 2801 Robin Lane Texarkana, TX

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5 40 years 20 pounds 2 plus 88 percent 5 hours

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The extra body mass that could bump your risk by 45%.

Daily alcoholic drinks may raise your chances for developing breast cancer by 20%.

The chance a woman with stage one will live at least 5 more years.

The time you need to spend sweating each week to ward off breast cancer.

Information from AgingCare.com 034

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TEXARKANA'S TOP LAWYER NOMINATIONS TEXARKANA'S TOP DISTINGUISHED LAWYER (Practicing a minimum of 40 years)

David Crisp Crisp & Freeze Attorneys at Law Winford Dunn Morgan, Cook, & Beck, LLP Errol Friedman Friedman Law Office Jim Haltom Haltom & Doan David James Miller, James, Miller & Hornsby LLP Ed Miller Miller James Miller & Hornsby LLP Cary Patterson Nix Patterson & Roach LLP

TEXARKANA'S TOP LAWYER Jennifer Doan Haltom & Doan

Jason Horton Jason Horton Law Office

Ben King Ross & Shoalmire, PLLC

Cade Mayo J. Michael Brock PLLC

Monty G. Murry Murry Law Firm

ADMINISTRATIVE/ REGULATORY LAW

Nelson Roach Roach Langston Bruno LLP

Darby Doan Haltom & Doan

John Ross Ross & Shoalmire PLLC

Jim Haltom Haltom & Doan

David Ruff Law Office of David Ruff

Phillip Jordan Jordan Law Firm LLP

Lisa Shoalmire Ross & Shoalmire PLLC

George Matteson Law Office of George Matteson

Josh Thane Haltom & Doan

Fred Norton Norton Wood Floyd

TEXARKANA'S TOP YOUNG LAWYER

APPELLATE PRACTICE

(Must be under 40 years old)

Peter Corcoran The Corcoran Law Firm

Kyle Akin Haltom & Doan

Darby Doan Haltom & Doan

John Mark Burgess Burgess Law Firm

Errol Friedman Friedman Law Office

Mariah Hornok Haltom & Doan

Jonathan Hornok Us Department of Justice

Troy Hornsby Miller, James, Miller, & Hornsby LLC

VISIT WWW. A LT-M AG. C O M TO VOT E FO R YO U R CHOICES IN TEX ARKANA’ S TOP L AW YER O CTOBER 1-O CTOB E R 31. W I N N E R A N N O U N C ED IN THE DECEMBER IS S UE O F ALT! 036

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BANKING & FINANCE LAW

Cory Floyd Norton Wood Floyd

Josh Potter The Potter Law Firm

Kyle Davis Langdon Davis Law Firm

David James Miller, James, Miller & Hornsby LLP

John Ross Ross & Shoalmire PLLC

Cade Mayo J. Michael Brock PLLC

Nick Newton Langdon Davis Law Firm

David Ruff Law Office of David Ruff

Fred Norton Norton Wood Floyd

BANKRUPTCY AND CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS/ INSOLVENCY AND REORGANIZATION LAW Darby Doan Haltom & Doan

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS Cory Floyd Norton Wood Floyd

Ben King Ross & Shoalmire, PLLC Brent Langdon Langdon Davis Law Firm

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

David Carter Mercy Carter Tidwell LLP Mark Burgess Burgess Law Firm John Mark Burgess Burgess Law Firm Darby Doan Haltom & Doan Jennifer Doan Haltom & Doan

John Mercy Mercy Carter Tidwell LLP

MONTY MURRY ATTORNEY

Your Auto, Truck & Motorcycle Accidents Lawyer

PROTECTING

YOU

AND WHAT MATTERS MOST

Monty G. Murry MURRY LAW OFFICE 3918 Texas Blvd. | Texarkana, TX 75503 903.823.3000 | 903.823.3002 (fax) mgmurry@murrylaw.com A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

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CORPORATE LAW

DUI/DWI DEFENSE

Darby Doan Haltom & Doan

Jeff Harrelson Harrelson Law Firm

Jennifer Doan Haltom & Doan

Jason Horton Jason Horton Law Office

Jim Haltom Haltom & Doan

Josh Potter The Potter Law Firm

Troy Hornsby Miller, James, Miller, & Hornsby LLC

ELDER LAW

Wes Jordan Jordan Law Firm LLP Nick Newton Langdon Davis Law Firm

CRIMINAL DEFENSE NON-WHITE COLLAR

Jon Beck Morgan, Cook, & Beck, LLP Jim Haltom Haltom & Doan Ben King Ross & Shoalmire, PLLC Ed Miller Miller James Miller & Hornsby LLP

Errol Friedman Friedman Law Office

John Ross Ross & Shoalmire LLP

Jeff Harrelson Harrelson Law Firm

Lisa Shoalmire Ross & Shoalmire LLP

Jason Horton Jason Horton Law Office

EMPLOYMENT LAW

CRIMINAL DEFENSE WHITE COLLAR Peter Corcoran The Corcoran Law Firm Cory Floyd Norton Wood Floyd Jeff Harrelson Harrelson Law Firm Jason Horton Jason Horton Law Office John Pickett Young Pickett Law Office

Jennifer Doan Haltom & Doan

Mark Elliott Langdon Davis Law Firm Greg Giles Moore, Giles, & Matteson David Glass Smith Weber Law Firm

Michael Friedman Friedman Law Office David Glass Smith Weber Law Firm Brent Langdon Langdon Davis Law Firm Howard Mowery Law Office of Howard Mowery

HEALTH CARE LAW Mike Brock J. Michael Brock PLLC Darby Doan Haltom & Doan David Glass Smith Weber Law Firm Nikki Laing Capshaw Green PLLC Paul Miller Miller, James, Miller, & Hornsby LLC

INSURANCE LAW Mark Burgess Mark Burgess Law Firm

Jim Cook Morgan, Cook, & Beck, LLP Kyle Davis Langdon Davis Law Firm Errol Friedman Friedman Law Office

Louise Tausch Atchley, Russell, Waldrop & Hlavinka LLP

LABOR LAW

FAMILY LAW

Greg Giles Moore, Giles, & Matteson

Peter Corcoran The Corcoran Law Firm

Cory Floyd Norton Wood Floyd

VISIT WWW. A LT-M AG. C O M TO VOT E FO R YO U R CHOICES IN TEX ARKANA’ S TOP L AW YER O CTOBER 1-O CTOB E R 31. W I N N E R A N N O U N C ED IN THE DECEMBER IS S UE O F ALT! 038

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David Glass Smith Weber Law Firm

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE DEFENDANTS

Lisa McPherson Langdon Davis Law Firm

David Carter Mercy Carter Tidwell LLP

Louise Tausch Atchley, Russell, Waldrop & Hlavinka LLP

Darby Doan Haltom & Doan

MEDIATION

Paul Miller Miller, James, Miller, & Hornsby LLC

James B. Cranford Cranford Law Firm David James Miller, James, Miller & Hornsby, L.L.P. John Mercy Mercy Carter Tidwell LLP

Mike Unger Unger Law Firm James Wyly Wyly - Rommel, PLLC

PERSONAL INJURY DEFENDANTS

Jennifer Doan Haltom & Doan

Don Capshaw Capshaw Green PLLC

Matthew Golden Matthew Golden Law Firm, PLLC

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE PLAINTIFFS Mark Burgess Mark Burgess Law Firm

David Carter Mercy Carter Tidwell LLP

Darby Doan Haltom & Doan

David Glass Smith Weber Law Firm Brent Langdon Langdon Davis Law Firm Josh Thane Haltom & Doan Marshall Wood Norton Wood Floyd

We are honored to have our attorneys nominated as Texarkana’s Top Lawyers.

Miller, James, Miller & Hornsby, L.L.P. Attorneys at Law

Edward Miller

David L. James

Paul Miller

Nominated for

Texarkana’s Top Distinguished Lawyer Elder Law Tax Law Trusts & Estates

1725 Galleria Oaks Drive Texarkana, Texas 75503 A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

Texarkana’s Top Distinguished Lawyer Bankruptcy & Creditor Mediation

Medical Malpractice - Defendants Health Care Law

Troy Hornsby Nominated for

Appellate Practice Corporate Law

(903) 794-2711

Licensed to practice in Texas and Arkansas

www.miller-james.com 039

PERSONAL INJURY PLAINTIFFS Mark Burgess Burgess Law Firm

PRODUCT LIABILITY DEFENDANTS Darby Doan Haltom & Doan

Nelson Roach Roach Langston Bruno LLP Matt Soyars Matthew Soyars & Associates, P.L.L.C.

David Carter Mercy Carter Tidwell LLP

Brent Langdon Langdon Davis Law Firm

David Glass Smith Weber Law Firm

Fred Norton Norton & Wood LLP

Matthew Golden Matthew Golden Law Firm, PLLC

Marshall Wood Norton Wood Floyd

Monty G. Murry Murry Law Firm

PRODUCT LIABILITY PLAINTIFFS

Don Capshaw Capshaw Green PLLC

Jennifer Doan Haltom & Doan

Kyle Davis Langdon Davis Law Firm

Josh Thane Haltom & Doan

Bruce Flint Flint & Soyars

Cory Floyd Norton Wood Floyd

Mike Unger Unger Law Firm

David Glass Smith Weber Law Firm

Phillip Jordan Jordan Law Firm LLP

Nelson Roach Roach Langston Bruno LLP

Thank you Texarkana, For nominating us for

Buisness Organizations, Elder Law, Trusts and Estates, and Texarkana’s Top Lawyer

John Ross, Lisa Shoalmire, and Ben King

Asset Protection, Will, Trusts, Medicaid, and Probate. 1820 Galleria Oaks 903.223.5653 040

Mike Unger Unger Law Firm

REAL ESTATE LAW Mike Brock J. Michael Brock PLLC

John Mark Burgess Mark Burgess* Licensed to Practice in Texas, Arkansas and oklahoma, and Federal Courts in texas, arkansas and oklahoma.

Ph: (903) 838-4450 4201 Texas Blvd. Fax: (844) 270-5674 Texarkana, Texas 75503 Email: mark@markburgesslaw.com www.markburgesslaw.com

* Board Certified – Civil Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization; Board Certified – Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization. A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

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VISIT WWW. A LT- M AG. C O M TO VOT E FO R YO U R CHOICES IN TEX ARKANA’ S TOP L AW YER O CTOBER 1-O CTOB E R 31. W I N N E R A N N O U NCED IN THE DECEMBER IS S UE OF ALT!

TAX LAW

Butch Dunbar Law Office of Butch Dunbar Ed Miller Miller James Miller & Hornsby LLP Nick Newton Langdon Davis Law Firm Fred Norton Norton & Wood LLP

TRUSTS & ESTATES Jon Beck Morgan, Cook, & Beck, LLP Tina Green Capshaw Green PLLC

Ben King Ross & Shoalmire, PLLC

David Glass Smith Weber Law Firm

Ed Miller Miller James Miller & Hornsby LLP

Mike Unger Unger Law Firm

WORKERS COMP EMPLOYERS

John Ross Ross & Shoalmire LLP

Darby Doan Haltom & Doan

Mike Unger Unger Law Firm

Jeff Elliott Elliot Law Firm

WORKERS COMP CLAIMANTS

Greg Giles Moore, Giles, & Matteson

In loving memory of Joseph Travis Tyler | 1980-2021 Law Office of

619 East 6th Street Texarkana, AR 71854 www.NorthfieldClinic.net

870-772-8622

• Functional Medicine • Nutrirional Therapy • Bio-identical • Infertility Hormone Therapy • Fibromyalgia • Cancer, Hepatitis and • Weight Loss Cardiovascular Support • Addiction • Thyroid Support • Back and Neck Pain

David Ruff, II Licensed to practice in Texas and Arkansas

Thank you Texarkana, for nominating me for Top Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and

Reorganization Lawyer! Dan L. Martin, DOM Doctor of Oriental Medicine Northfield Acupuncture Clinic is an Oriental Medicine Clinic

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“We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.” 903-792-5313 | 870-774-1672 | 800-261-9582 davidrufflaw.com A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

Drug Take Back Initiative Operation Medicine Cabinet The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department is proud to partner with Texarkana Emergency Center in an effort to remove unused and out of date prescription medicines from your homes. •It is important to know that law enforcement is only interested in the removal of unused and/or outdated medications from the homes of our citizens. •It matters not whose name is on the prescription, by whom it was prescribed, where it was prescribed, or where you reside. •We stress that it makes no difference if you live in Texas or Arkansas. •We take back all medications, no questions asked. You can remove the label if you desire but it’s not necessary. •We ask that you do not deposit needles (sharps), inhalers, medication from businesses or clinics, ointments, lotions, liquids, aerosol cans, hydrogen peroxide, or thermometers. One box has been placed behind the Bi State Justice Building at 100 N. State Line Ave., Texarkana, Arkansas and another outside the Texarkana Emergency Center, 4646 Cowhorn Creek Rd., Texarkana, Texas. These boxes are regularly checked and the contents are immediately packaged for destruction. If you would like to personally drop your medications off to law enforcement, you can at the Miller County Sheriff’s Office on East Street and Bi State Justice Building in Texarkana.

Next National Take Back Day October 23, 2021 8am - 12pm at Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital

You can learn more about this program by visiting www.artakeback.org or on Facebook by searching Arkansas Take Back or Arkansas Drug take Back. FIND

TexarkanaEmergencyCenter.com US ON 4646 Cowhorn Creek | Texarkana, TX 75503 | 903.838.80000 4 3

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FALL

IN LOVE WITH

WORSHIP join us at christian warriors church. experience the difference.

Love God. Serve Others. Teach Truth. Sunday Services, 10 am | PASTOR MICAH HARP CHRISTIAN WARRIORS CHURCH, 2101 E 50th St, Texarkana, AR 71854 044

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Suzie TK Snippets By: Suzie Tyler

It’s Fall, and That Spells H A L L O W E E N! Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Halloween and when it began? Halloween first came to the United States in the 1840s, but observing Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. There are as many theories on the observance of Halloween as there are stars in the sky! Some believe it’s witchcraft, while others say it is harmless fun! Schools plan fall festivals with cakewalks and games, while churches schedule Trunk or Treat activities and ask children to dress as bible characters! I remember my mother telling me the story of their first Halloween experience. They lived far in the backwoods of Fouke, Arkansas, where the closest neighbor lived 20 miles away! It was too far to walk, so the tradition was not observed in a country setting. When they moved to town in the Summer of 1942, mom was pregnant with me! She said on October 31st, kids showed up dressed as ghosts and goblins in sheets and homemade costumes and masks! The kids said “trick or treat” so fast, she could not understand what they were saying! The next year they were better informed and prepared. No Walmart stores were available to purchase bags of candy, so most neighbors made candy apples and popcorn balls for the trick or treaters. I’m not sure when the first act of maliciousness occurred, but in 1966 a guy in Houston put double-sided razor blades in apples, and several children were badly injured! We had just moved to Conroe, and I was fearful for Diane, my three-year-old daughter, to take part and drove all over town, taking her to friend’s homes to “trick or treat.” Years later, Odis, as a Gideon, purchased new testaments to give with the candy. One little guy got so excited, placed it across his heart, and said, “I’ve never had my own bible before.” It overwhelmed me. I take for granted all my bibles in different translations, and this young lad was excited to get a new testament. The next year, he came and brought a friend and asked if he could have a bible. We promptly provided him one. No matter how you decide to celebrate this night, be responsible and stay safe. If you do “trick or treat,” be selective where you take your children and carefully check their bags of candy! It’s not the ghosts and goblins you have to watch out for, but people who use it as an opportunity for wickedness! Teach your children about the genuine spirit of a living God! AND BTW, parents, don’t eat all the kiddos candy.

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A LENDER YOU CAN

Count On

For many, buying a home is the largest financial event of their life. If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, you deserve the peace of mind knowing that your lender has the experience and knowledge to do the job right.

JASON CREE Cell: 903.277.2726 Office: 903.223.5632

Branch Manager | Sr. Loan Officer NMLS #209270

jcree@swbc.com | www.jasoncree.com 3101 Kennedy Lane, Suite 200 Texarkana, TX 75503 © 2021 SWBC. All rights reserved. Loans are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and conditions may apply. Programs and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Rates are subject to change daily. Corporate office located at 9311 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78216. SWBC Mortgage Corporation, NMLS #9741 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). 1060-A4314 01/21

y a d i HolCleaners

870.773.4072

FALL IS COMING... Make the transition easier this year. 046

Tasty Donuts Donut • Croissant • Kolache • Fruit Sticks • Burrito Biscuit • Muffin • Coffee

NOW OPEN IN TWO LOCATIONS!! 1443 N. Kings Hwy. 903. 838. 0422

K-Mart Shopping Center 903. 223. 0149

Donuts are ALWAYS the Answer! A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

STRINGER WEALTH MANAGEMENT RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL STRINGERWEALTHMANAGEMENT.NET

RETIREMENT AND LONGEVITY

Ask yourself a few questions to make sure you're getting the most from Medicare.

Mark your calendar for Medicare’s open enrollment season: between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, you are able to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan and prescription drug coverage. During this time, you can change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa or switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan. You can also join a Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug plan for the first time, or drop your drug coverage completely. Even if you’re satisfied with your current plan, open enrollment presents a great opportunity to make sure you’re getting the most out of Medicare. Every year you should compare your current plan to other plans in your area in case another plan offers better health and/or drug coverage at more affordable prices. The coverage provided by insurance companies often changes each year and could result in paying more outof-pocket on healthcare expenses throughout the year. Here are some tips to help you get started. • • • • • • • • •

ASK YOURSELF SOME IMPORTANT QUESTIONS: HAVE YOUR NEEDS CHANGED? IS YOUR CURRENT COVERAGE ADEQUATE? WILL THE COST OF YOUR CURRENT PLAN BE GOING UP? ARE THERE COMPARABLE, LOWER-COST PLANS AVAILABLE? REVIEW THE ANNUAL NOTICE OF CHANGE FROM YOUR CURRENT PLAN PROVIDER. YOU SHOULD RECEIVE THIS IN SEPTEMBER. IF YOU HAVE A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN, MAKE SURE YOUR DOCTOR IS STILL ACCEPTING YOUR PARTICULAR PLAN NEXT YEAR. IF YOUR DOCTOR IS OUT OF NETWORK, YOU WILL HAVE TO CHOOSE A NEW PLAN OR PAY HIGHER OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS. CAREFULLY REVIEW YOUR PLAN FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE AND DETERMINE YOUR COPAYMENT AND COINSURANCE COSTS. IF YOU SWITCH FROM A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN TO ORIGINAL MEDICARE, YOU WILL WANT TO JOIN A STAND-ALONE PART D PLAN TO GET MEDICARE DRUG COVERAGE. COMPARE PLANS USING THE MEDICARE PLAN FINDER AT MEDICARE.GOV. GET ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. CALL THE MEDICARE RIGHTS CENTER AT 800.333.4114 FOR FREE COUNSELING. ALL CHANGES TO YOUR MEDICARE PLAN WILL TAKE EFFECT JAN. 1 OF THE NEXT YEAR.

Medicare decisions can be complicated. If you have any questions about open enrollment, or if you’d like to discuss how healthcare costs factor into your overall financial plan, please contact your financial advisor.

© 2021 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. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Statement of Financial Condition

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financial focus

Making the Most of Medicare's Open Enrollment Period

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Fish Tales with Mike Brower New Guy on the Block

The Texarkana area has had several bass guys go semi-pro and pro over the years, and we now have another who is going to make the switch. Ryan Satterfield will be moving to the National Professional Fishing League for the 2022 season. Ryan started out fishing with his dad, Darren Satterfield, years ago in the Tuesday night, Four States, and other local tournaments. After getting his skills honed, he needed to raise the curve and started fishing with other guys around Texarkana continuing to learn and grow as an angler. He started fishing regularly with Mike Yoder, who helped mentor him and raise his skill and confidence level to where he is now. Ryan has fished BFL’s and some team circuits over the last few years and now feels the need to try his hand at the pro level. I have known Ryan since he was a kid in the back of his dad’s boat. Then he was, and as he still is, a fine young man and a good fisherman, who along with his wife, Lexie, could use good karma from everyone as he embarks on this new endeavor. I know he has a couple of sponsors, with one being Jones Trolling Motor & Electronics owner Mike Yoder, who is helping him with electronics and other bass fishing must haves. So let’s keep Ryan and Lexie in our thoughts and wish them good luck, because even though Ryan is the one fishing, it’s a team effort with Lexie. From experience I understand what that means.

LE G E N D A R Y F i r e a r m s INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE - CLASS 3 DEALER

903.336.6139

101 SLATON DR., NASH, TX NASH BUSINESS PARK OFF HWY 82.

OPEN TUES - SAT: 11:00 - 6:00, SUN - MON: CLOSED

Don’t FALL back into bad habits!

24/7 access

(903) 796-5438 | 108 N Loop 59 | Atlanta, TX 75551

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what’s happening in

OCTOBER 2

CUB SCOUT FUN DAY

WAKE VILLAGE 2021 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

RHEA LANA’S OF TEXARKANA FAMILY SHOPPING

TEMPLE’S 2ND ANNUAL CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

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This is a Cub Scout’s FIRST chance to shoot a BB gun, climb the climbing wall, ride the pedal carts and much more! This event is FREE, but you MUST register for a slot to reserve your spot! Space is limited! Registration MUST be done in advance through www.CaddoBSA.org Bring the whole family to King Park for a breath of fresh air and visit with our local businesses and organizations to show them that you are still supporting them and they will do the same in return! There will be all sorts of festivities including games for the kids, live entertainment on stage and door prizes to be given away. Shop 35,000+ items all at once and save 60-90% off retail prices! Since each item is inspected you can rely on us for HIGH-QUALITY children’s clothing and items at unbeatable prices! Shopping is October 7th through October 16th, at 1601 Mall Drive in Texarkana, TX. Have fun while supporting Temple Memorial Pediatric Center on October 10th. Check in at 12 noon and start throwing bags at 1pm. This event is located at Crossties Event Center. Two-person teams cost $60 with 1st place prize winning $1,000, 2nd place winning $500, and 3rd place winning a trophy! For info, call 903-794-2705.

MONSTER BASH

FALL CAR SHOW

HARVEST AT THE HILLS

NOVEMBER

VETERANS DAY PARADE

Home for Healing offers support to parents of NICU babies and individuals and their caregivers undergoing cancer treatment by providing convenient and affordable lodging in a peaceful and restorative environment. Join us from 7:30-11pm at The Venue @ WestWind in North Little Rock, AR. Tickets required.

The Four States Auto Museam is hosting their Fall Car Show at 217 Laurel Street in Texarkana. Registration is $25, and the day will be filled with a live band, door prizes, antique car rides, concessions and much more!

Join Northern Hills Baptist Church at 6000 Sammy Lane in Texarkana, AR, for their annual Fall Festival. This family-friendly event begins at 4pm and includes door prizes, games for all ages, a live concert from The Kings Servants (Minden LA), and a family-style dinner. Call 870-773-3580 for more info. Beginning at 11am at East Broad & Hazels Streets and following the regular parade route, the theme this year is: “Welcome Home Afghanistan Veterans.” We would like to invite you and your band/Civic group/ Business to participate in this parade to honor veterans and show your support for those serving now. 870-773-8279

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Adopt, Don’t Shop!

Local Rescues

FOSTERS NEEDED!

CONTACT LOCAL RESCUES TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION! BOXER RESCUE OF TEXARKANA Facebook.com/ BoxerRescueOfTexarkana

PHANNIE

Passion For Pooches

GUNNER

Boxer Rescue of Texarkana

MUTTLEY CREW GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE Facebook.com/ MuttleyCrewRescue PASSION FOR POOCHES (mostly small dogs) Facebook.com/passionforpooches TEXARKANA ANIMAL LEAGUE Facebook.com/ TexarkanaAnimalLeague TEXARKANA HUMANE SOCIETY TexarkanaHumaneSociety.org Facebook.com/ TexarkanaHumaneSocietyInc

TUFFY

Texarkana Animal League

STRYKER

Muttley Crew

ANIMAL CARE & ADOPTION CENTER

The Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas is located at 203 Harrison, Texarkana, AR, 71854. For more information, call 870.773.6388, or visit: www. animalcareadoptioncenter.org or www.facebook.com/AnimalCare AdoptionTXK. Please note, all dogs adopted from this shelter MUST be spayed or neutered. Spays cost $89-$104, neuters are $76-$92 depending on the weight of the dog. We also have SPONSORED dogs and cats! This means someone has already paid for their vetting! Come see who’s waiting! We are always in need of caring, capable volunteers to assist in with duties at the center, adoption events, fund-raising activities and more. Open Monday-Friday 11AM 5PM; Saturday 11AM - 2PM.

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FEATURED LISTING Bill Spradlin Realtor 903-748-3186

Tracy Spradlin Broker 903-748-2477

Jan Williams Realtor 903-277-5771

14 LONE STAR PKWY, TEXARKANA, TX, 75503 Pam Hollingsworth Realtor 903-277-1222

FANTASTIC HOME IN REDLICK. FEATURES THREE BEDROOM, TWO BATHS, BONUS ROOM UPSTAIRS, MASTER SUITE IS SPLIT ARRANGEMENT. OPEN FLOOR PLAN, LARGE FAMILY ROOM ACCENTED WITH BEAUTIFUL FIREPLACE, FORMAL John Trubia Realtor DINING, ISLAND BAR WITH UNDER COUNTER LIGHTING. 817-701-8402 PRIVACY FENCED BACKYARD, ON CORNER LOT. Now Servicing the Dallas Fort Worth Area!

Amber Howeth Administrative Assistant 903-223-0710

Brenda Elrod Property Manager 903-559-1511

Stephanie Barthel Property Manager 903-559-1511

Ronnie Olson Realtor 903-280-6831 A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

1356 N. Kings Hwy. | Nash, TX 75569 | 903.223.0710 billsprad@aol.com | spradlintd@aol.com www.ImpactRealtyOnline.com 053

The Hangout

352 Tranquil Lane, Glenwood, Arkansas 71943

Short term rental investment property oppotunity! “The Hangout” on the Caddo River is an established rental property with 6 years of rental history in a private gated community that offers camera surveillance, comes fully furnished & has excellent WIFI/fiber Internet access. This 1920 sq ft 4 BR, 3 Bath cabin can sleep up to 16 people, boasts unique design, & decks spanning the entire width of the cabin with lots of entertaining spaces & views of the beautiful Caddo River! A great business venture! Property will come with the current Facebook business page, is on track for increased bookings, is currently booked through VRBO for 60% of the year, and has room to grow! Property also has service contracts in place for cleaning, A/C, pest control, and lawn care. All the hard work has been done for you with this popular vacation rental! Such a unique opportunity to own right to the center of the sought after Caddo River!

Phone :

870-230-7446

Email : lanavanbibber@gmail.com WWW.CADDORIVERREALTY.COM 054

Lana VanBibber Associate Broker A LT M a g a z i n e | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1

The White Water

146 Serenity Loop, Glenwood, Arkansas 71943

Short term rental investment property oppotunity! “The Whitewater” is a new construction cabin perched on the banks of the Caddo River! This 3000 sq ft, 5 BR, 5.5 Bath cabin is located in a private gated community that offers camera surveillance, has excellent WIFI/Fiber Internet, & comes fully furnished! The cabin can sleep up to 19 people, has 1500 sq ft of wraparound decks that boasts beautiful views of the Caddo River, plenty of parking underneath, & more! A great business venture for investors! Property will come with the current Facebook business page, is on track for 60% plus bookings for the year, is currently booked through VRBO, and has room to grow! Property also has service contracts in place for cleaning, A/C, pest control, and lawn care. All the hard work has been done for you with this popular vacation rental! Such a unique opportunity to own right to the center of the sought after Caddo River!

Phone :

870-230-7446

Email : lanavanbibber@gmail.com

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LANDMARKUPC.NET 903.794.6201 | 1601 MALL DRIVE | TEXARKANA, TX 75503

Service Times: Sunday Morning - 10am Sunday Evening - 6:30pm Wednesday - 7:30pm Visit us in person at our new location, or live on Facebook or YouTube. Podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Audible, and Spotify.

More than a church, it is an experience!

OPEN HOUSE / FALL PARTY OCTOBER 30 - 4:30PM TO 9PM

EVENING FULL OF PONY RIDES, BOUNCE HOUSES, FOOD TRUCKS, AND MORE!

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