ALT February 2014

TheMusicLoveof

Meet Drew Clark...Son of Andrew and Angela Clark

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ALT Magazine February 20146

F e b r u a r y2014

k / On The Cover

Angela, Drew and Andrew

F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 4Vo l . 8 , I s s u e 2

Publisher/Editor Debbie Brower

Associate Editor Jaclyn Gooding

Sales & Marketing Manager Charlie McMurphy

903.903.5797

Graphic Artist Lindsey Gordon

PhotographyDebbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding,

Kendal Dockery, Sylvia Jennings, Karen Lansdell

Feature Writers / Jane Bouterse, Anne Fruge

Contributing WritersMike Brower, Lisa Myers, Kendra Raines, Vincent Senatore, Dustin

Stringer

Inspiration Mike Brower

If you have an event you would like to include in our Upcoming Events

section, please email us at: [email protected].

www.alt [email protected] Heather Dr.

Texarkana, TX 75501(903) 334-9605

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Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of ALT Magazine

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©2014 ALT Magazine

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F E A T U R E S

1 4 L o v e i n S e a r c h o f a W o r d2 0 F r o m M a n y. . . O n e V o i c e2 6 1 C o r i n t h i a n s 1 3 : 1 33 3 A LT B r i d e s6 5 S i l ve rmoon Ch i ld ren ’s Thea te r7 2 M i s s Te x a r k a n a / Tw i n R i v e r s

W E D D I N G S

3 6 A u s t i n & A m b e r S i n g e r4 2 A d a m & A l e n a H e n d e r s o n4 7 H a i l e e & A l a n W i t t e n5 0 T i m o t h y & N i k k i F o s t e r5 3 J a r e d & M e r i d e t h W i t t e n5 4 Ch r i s tophe r & Lau ren R icha rds56 Michael & Debbie Wharton-Palmer

E N G A G E M E N T S

40 Megan Meador & Matt Brown44 Jacquelyn Gooding & Patrick Peske45 Cheryl Huntsman & James Brooks46 Hanna Fletcher & Ryan Campbell52 Whitney Taylor & Spud Adams58 Heather Caver & Lance Marvel

CONTENTS

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E V E N T S

8 2 N a t e C a r t e r W i n s8 4 H e a r t B a l l8 6 D A R C o n t e s t8 6 J o y A m b a s s a d o r8 7 C h a m b e r B r e a k f a s t8 7 S a s s y G i r l s P a r t y

R E G U L A R S

3 0 B A A S H i g h l i g h t9 0 C a l e n d a r o f E v e n t s 6 8 F i n a n c i a l F o c u s 7 0 F i s h Ta l e s8 2 K e e p i n g I t R e a l9 2 R e a l E s t a t e8 8 S e c o n d C h a n c e s6 0 U n c o r k e d


Music is a powerful reminder of things in the past. Have you ever been driving with your radio blasting when a certain song comes on and your thoughts immediately return to years ago? The memories flood into your mind just like it happened yesterday. I have loved music all my life. At the prime age of 6, I began piano lessons that continued for 9 years. I absolutely loved playing -- especially when it was time to clear the dinner dishes, clean my room, or any other time there was something I didn’t want to do. For some reason, that was the time that I HAD to go practice. My mom would agree that the piano definitely got me out of doing a lot of things I didn’t like to do -- but it also brought pleasure to our lives. As I grew up, I began to play less and less. Life gets busy and sometimes the things we worked so hard to perfect are neglected. Marriage, children, business -- all of those interfere with our lives and take over our time. However, my love of music never went away...it just went a different direction. Singing is something I can do at any time -- I don’t have to have an instrument other than my vocal chords and my car has become my practice room of choice! I have been a little down lately because I have been having some issues with my vocal chords and haven’t been able to sing with my church choir. Hopefully those will be clearing up soon and I will be back doing what I love. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. Highlighting people who were involved in music in our area and telling their love stories has been something I have wanted to do for some time. I loved learning about all of these couples -- and I know you will, too! My own love story has its own songs that come to mind as I think back on how Mike and I met, fell in love, and spent some wonderful times together. He is the love of my life and the music of love just keeps on playing. May God bless you and bring joy to your life!

K E E P I N G I T R E A LFrom The Pub l i she r

Music expresses feeling and thought, without language; it was below and before

speech, and it is above and beyond all words. ~Robert G. Ingersoll

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February 2014 www.alt-mag.com 11

MikeCarter

CommissionerFor

Precinct 4

“The only people that I will owe anything to if elected, are the citizens of Bowie County. I’ve

learned to create a budget and plan for unexpected expenses in my home, in my business, and for the multiple organizations I’ve helped lead. I pledge to

do the same for the citizens of Bowie County.”

the citizens of Bowie County deserve independent, transparent leadership.

• President- Central Air Conditioning & Plumbing Co.• Executive Committee TexAmericas Board of Directors • Member- American Legion• Member- Viet Nam Veterans of America, Chapter 278• Past President- Texarkana Jaycees, 1978• Past State President- Arkansas Heat Pump Association• Past President- Texarkana A/C Contractors Association• Wake Village City Council- 8 years• Past President- Texarkana, Tx Dixie Baseball

Association (9 years)

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“____________ is Love in search of a Word” ~ Sidney Lanier

W


With what word would you fill in the blank left in poet Sidney Lanier’s definition?

No doubt both Andrew and Angela Clark could have written the same definition, for they truly understand its wisdom and its truth.

Andrew and Angela are current residents of Texarkana, although their roots have carried them to many other locations. Andrew was born in Little Rock, AR, the oldest of three boys. His father worked for Southwestern Bell, now AT&T, so the Clark family lived in not only Arkansas but also St. Louis, Missouri, as well as Dallas, Texas.

Angela? A real sun girl and number three among two older boys, and a younger sister, a group she calls her “best friends.” She was born in La Jolla, CA, “the jewel” of Southern California. At eight years of age, she moved with her mom and dad to be near his brother in Hope, AR. Angela grew up on 40 Arkansas acres. She was home-schooled in grades 9-12, and her “hands on” education took her all over the United States as well as the Ukraine, Czech Republic and Mexico.

Andrew attended Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, (a second generation student), completed a degree in organ performance then moved to the University of North Texas to earn a Master’s degree in Musicology and music history. His

Master’s Thesis focused on the Choral Music of the New Haven Oratorio Society and Horatio Parker, a well known composer and music educator in the 1900s. Although Parker was “a shining star in American music,” Clark was forced to deal with a rotating committee constantly unappreciative of his efforts, and then retiring. Finally, he succeeded in completing his thesis, and it has been placed among the resources of Yale University. How quickly Andrew learned the necessity for patience and persistence in dealing with committees, a skill that has served him well.

In September 1997, Andrew Clark came to Texarkana for the first time to serve as organist and music director of Texarkana’s First Presbyterian Church. At the same time, he also assumed the position of adjunct teacher in the music department of Texarkana College. He remained in those positions until 2003.

The mountains of northwest Georgia beckoned Clark in 2004, and Dalton, GA, his base, was beautiful. However, after several years he returned to Texarkana to be nearer his family. His education and moves had prepared him for the three hats he would wear upon his return.

By the fall of 2008, he was equipped to assume the role of first Executive Director of the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra. That meant he was responsible for fund raising

and managing the business of the orchestra. Traditionally, any Executive Director must have a knowledge of music. Andrew Clark certainly qualified.

He donned a second hat when the organist--music director’s position opened at St. James Episcopal Church. Clark was sought after to assume the position which ultimately became his.

Finally, hat number three—Texas A&M University, Texarkana, was engaged in a downward expansion, and an instructor was needed for music appreciation. Andrew Clark was recruited. “I was really too busy to do A&M,” he explains, “but I just love it. It is so great to open students’ minds to music.”

While Andrew had been so busy, Angela had graduated from Oral Roberts University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Public Relations and Advertising. 9/11 happened during her junior year in college. Immediately, her plans for becoming a career girl in New York City were dashed. She decided to move back to Hope to be nearer home, but opportunities to use her PR/AD degree were non-existent. One of her brothers had bought an ambulance service and needed EMTs, so Angela and her sister-in-law earned certification. For a year and a half she worked on the ambulance.

Meanwhile, Angela had also returned to school, Texas A&M University,

“____________ is Love in search of a Word” ~ Sidney Lanier

by Jane Bouterse

W


Texarkana, to earn her Master’s in Elementary Education in their alternative program. “I was really impressed with their professors,” she recalls.

When she completed her degree, she was hired to teach pre-school classes to Spanish speaking students in Hope. “I love Spanish,” Angela admits. “I contemplated going back to school to get a degree in Spanish.” After one year with pre-schoolers, she moved to Beryl Henry Elementary School where she taught 5th grade science, math and social studies.

In this setting, Angela met Andrew’s long time friend, Mike Spraggins.

Now the lives of a busy Andrew and a busy Angela were about to change.

Angela: “Mike heard me complaining that there were just no good guys left in the world.”

Mike decided Angela and Andrew needed to meet.

Angela: “Our first date, I was quite late. I thought I was dressed cute and all funky to impress Andrew.”

Andrew: “What is she wearing?”

Angela laughs: “He had in his mind the kind of girl he wanted.

Andrew: “By the second date, she had impressed this 30 something bachelor.”

Andrew and Angela were eager to get better acquainted. New Year’s Eve they spent with friends, and that marked the turning point in their relationship. The two had met in November 2009; they were engaged by December 2010 and married in August 2012. Angela smiles as she remembers, “My pride and joy was how beautiful our wedding was musically.” A string quartet and choir members from throughout the city participated in the presentation of the same symphony William and Kate used in their

wedding.During their courtship, they had

learned a great deal about each other. Yes, they were both busy; yes, learning was important to both of them, “Andrew and I are lifetime learners”; yes, their definition of passionate was the same, i.e. “Passion is the energy that comes from bringing more of YOU into what you do” and yes, they shared a love of Music.

Andrew plays the organ, piano and clarinet, although Angela admits, “I’ve never heard him play one [a clarinet].” In addition to his TSO duties, directing and teaching, in 2010 Andrew also became Chair of the committee which represents all small orchestras to the League of American Orchestras. “Orchestras are divided according to their budgets. Small orchestras have budgets less than one-half million dollars. The majority of orchestras are small-budget,” Andrew explains.

Meanwhile, Angela was busy writing songs for her classrooms. In Hope her principal supported her using music to teach. In fact, he often played songs while her students wrote raps. The fifth grade learned all the U.S. Presidents via. music. “I still teach that song to my students even if I am not teaching social studies.”

When Angela moved to Westlawn in TISD, she took her music with her. Again, her principal supported Angela in her musical compositions for her fifth grade English Language Arts classes as well as her social studies classes. “We start with information,” Angela explains, “then we choose a tune—sometimes familiar, sometimes new—we learn the rap, then we snap when we play.” (Her hands move and fingers snap as she explains. Obviously, the energy for her music comes from her passion.) “I’ve thought about putting my songs in a book.”

Angela has brought her love and knowledge to the classroom in her use of


music. Dr. Jeannette Vos, in her introduction to THE MUSIC REVOLUTION summarizes eight reasons to use music for teaching and learning:

1. Music relaxes the mind and lowers stress levels that inhibit learning.

2. Music acts directly on the body, specifically on metabolism and heartbeat.

3. Music stimulates and awakens, reviving bored or sleepy learners and increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain.

4. Music is mathematical….stimulating specialized brain circuits allowing learners to decode complex ideas more easily.

5. Music inspires emotion, creating a clear passage to long-term memory.

6. Music is a stage-changer and can effectively move students into an effective learning state.

7. Music is a universal language capa-ble of crossing cultural barriers.

8. Music is a powerful anchor that moors learning in memory.Angela and Andrew agree, “Music

lets students have FUN while LEARNING.” Angela adds, “It lets students

participate in their own learning, and they really need that. Kids have rhythm anyway. When you teach them to tap their feet and clap, they learn better.”

For the moment, however, Angela’s songwriting—but maybe not the clapping—is curtailed. In July 2013, a son, Drew, already (according to his mom) a music lover, joined the family. “When I was pregnant, I sang in the choir and attended TSO concerts. At a concert, Drew would kick up a storm. He likes piano and organ, and a variety of musical styles—including classical. Right now, his favorite song is, “Itsy, Bitsy Spider.”

Andrew explains, “We all have a soundtrack whether we like it or not. Listening to and understanding classical music is particularly useful in math.” A major component of Andrew’s music appreciation classes is to get students to discover that personal soundtrack, starting with pop music, then unwinding the music to understand that music has a background; it had to start from somewhere.”

Helping students understand that “somewhere” as well as discover their own soundtrack moves beyond Andrew’s classroom. A vital component of the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra organization is the Youth Symphony which offers middle and high school students the experience of playing in an orchestra. The Youth and Texarkana Symphonies perform one side-by-side concert a year. The Youth Symphony is not tied to any one [school] system and offers students opportunities which affect them for a lifetime.

Currently, several foundations offer students free tickets to Texarkana Symphony

performances. “They [the students] are usually blown away, “ Andrew observes.

Angela, too, has attended many, many symphony performances. “I’ve learned what it’s like to be in the spotlight, but everyone has been so gracious to us—so welcoming.” Angela has learned also that she can seldom share the total concert experience with a working Andrew who “pops in and out” of his theatre seat during a performance. The substantial responsibilities of the Executive Director are particularly acute when the Symphony performs.

Most performances of a small-budget, fully-professional orchestra, like the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, cost about $40,000. The Music. Some older, major compositions are a part of the public domain, but late 19th and 20th century pieces must be rented from BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) or ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers). The musicians. About one-quarter of the symphony’s musicians are local—chiefly brass and

percussion; therefore, professionals, usually from Shreveport, Little Rock or Dallas, must often be hired.

Because of the copyright laws, fees and other expenses incurred for a full

broadcast, only partial performances of the Texarkana Symphony are aired exclusively on KTXK-91.5 FM.

Everything has a price, and Andrew Clark, as Executive Director, is responsible for making sure the “coins to pay” are available. Since few small-budget orchestras can be supported by memberships alone, various fund aising

efforts must be undertaken. Grants from both Texarkana,

Arkansas and Texas Councils as well as the Arkansas Arts Council and the Texas Commission on the Arts provide some funding. The annual “Celebrity Conductor Competition” raises significant funds. “The primary purpose of the Competition is to bring awareness of the TSO and its mission to a broad cross-section of Texarkana and to raise important financial support.” Prominent citizens are nominated, then raise money by

James Carlow has been involved in our community long enough that people regularly

quote some of his ‘famous’ sayings.

Like the one where he says, “You have to work when your competition is working, you have to work when your competition is playing and you have to work when they are sleeping.”

And it’s going to take hard work to get Bowie County back on track.

Three years ago when our current County Judge and Chief Budget Officer, Sterling Lacy, took office, we had over $5.7 million dollars in the bank. Today, because of Lacy’s fiscal mismanagement, Bowie County government is broke.

We need James Carlow to get our finances back in order, keep taxes low, help grow our local economy and protect Red River Army Depot.

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soliciting votes from an admiring community. Each vote sends $20 into the Symphony’s coffers. According to the Symphony’s publicity: “Each competitor has been given the freedom to solicit votes in any manner they choose, so long as it is not illegal, immoral, or unethical!” All competitors receive their own baton and a rehearsal with the orchestra, but the winner is not known until Santa brings them all on stage at the Symphony’s Christmas Concert. The winner is allowed to conduct the Symphony in “Sleigh Ride” near the conclusion of the Concert. This is, indeed, a community effort and usually raises over $30,000 for the Symphony’s season.

On the job, in the classroom and community, Andrew Clark’s personable presence, knowledge and smile are welcomed. Angela, who readily volunteers for TSO proves equally as accessible. She is bright, interested and interesting and takes great pride in the hats she wears—supportive and creative wife, mom and teacher. Both are committed to

Music—they sing and clap together and surround themselves with all styles and genres of music.

Andrew may serenade Angela with a version of one of her favorites, like

“Moon River.” At their wedding, Angela and Andrew wowed their nieces and nephews by playing together, “Heart and Soul.” Angela sings for Drew who currently enjoys the Barney Song, “I Love You.” They make music meaningful for all ages.

“You know,” a spontaneous Angela adds, “you don’t have to be a good singer. My school kids used to say to me ‘Ms. Clark, you should try out for American Idol.’ I recall going to a teachers’ conference once, and teachers there commented, ‘You have such a big smile. You must be new.’”

“No, I really love my job. Kids are so reciprocal.”

Both Clarks are involved in the Arts. “Only by keeping access to the Arts in the forefront can we provide children in the community experiences they will

not otherwise get.” Andrew annually brings Object Actor, Michael Boudewyne to Texarkana to perform. He is funny and does accents and wears costumes. Kids thoroughly enjoy his performances.

“Actually, the schools are integrating arts into everything,” Angela observes, and Angela and Andrew are two people who could not be happier with that choice. As Andrew explains, “The big thing in the arts world now is conveying the value of arts to education.” As a member of the Alumni Association of Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts, Andrew supports the acquisition of a degree in Music. “A Music Degree does not mean you have to earn your livelihood in music; it just teaches lots of lessons about life in general.”

Andrew and Angela live with passion as parents and professionals. Their energy does come from bringing more of THEMSELVES into everything they do. Their vitality and leadership, curiosity and commitment prove invaluable to their personal lives and directly influence the well-being of the community they serve so capably.

Andrew and Angela Clark understand that

“MUSIC is LOVE in search of a WORD.” …Sidney Lanier

They and “We must never let our passion for music disappear.”

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Although they share Arkansas roots and appearances, even gifts and goals, the routes they have traveled to reach “today” are amazingly different. Both he and she see the world through bright blue eyes, even as they push aside their honey blonde hair. Their view of the world is much the same, since she is 5’5”; he, 5’8”—an ideal distinction. But from that point on, changes begin. Julie was born and reared in a tight-knit family in Fouke, AR. She and her brother and sister shared the family’s underground home with their builder dad and mom: “I lived a fairytale life,” Julie explains.

Dwight was born in Hot Springs, AR. When he was five years old, his dad abandoned the family: Dwight, a younger brother and his mom. Unable to support her sons, Dwight’s mom took both boys to Texarkana Baptist Orphanage. “Mom visited us and always promised to come get us, but she never came,” Dwight remembers.

Meanwhile Julie and her family learned to share the comforts of their three bedroom, two bath home. The only windows in the house were across the front, so natural light was scarce, but none of Mother Nature’s threats, like ice storms or tornadoes, troubled this family. They were comfortable and secure.

Those feelings changed for “fairy princess” Julie when she began school. By then she wore glasses, had frizzy hair and had suffered through chicken pox. As a result of this illness, Julie developed keloids [excessive scarring which can drastically affect a person’s physical and psychological

life]. “I wanted so much to be like other girls.” Julie vividly remembers the bullying, but she also recalls when all that began to change.

“When I was 12 years old, my mom heard me singing in my room.”

“Was that you?” her mom had asked. That “serendipity” moment was the beginning of Julie’s singing for audiences. Her beautiful, developing soprano voice became her most important and admired feature. “I wanted to be an opera singer,” and Barbara Gilbert, the Choir teacher in Fouke discovered opportunities for Julie to perform and audition. Scholarship offers poured her way, and the possibility of Julie’s dream becoming reality seemed very real.

“I can’t take credit for it,” Julie explains. “I wouldn’t have done it by myself. I had a ton of support.” First, a two year scholarship to Texarkana College, then scholarships to Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR and a Bachelor of Music Education with majors in vocal performance and opera.

After graduation, Julie enrolled in University of Arkansas, Fayetteville to pursue a graduate degree. One year later, however, a music teacher’s job opened in Fouke. Julie “felt like it was in God’s plan, and I better not tell Him ‘No.’” For the moment, Julie’s dreams were put on hold, and she headed for the classroom.

For Dwight, however, the world had been very different. His models—a dad and mom for whom abuse and addiction were problems and abandonment—had left him very angry. “I did not do well with

authority,” he recalls. Although “a bright future was predicted” for him, and his grades at Fairview and College Hill Elementary were “awesome,” he “stayed in trouble.” For the first five or six years at the orphanage, Dwight and his brother regularly got to see their mom and grandma, yet their mom’s promises remained unfulfilled.

In the ninth grade, Dwight enrolled in an FFA program in the hope he would be able to control that “pretty wild child” still within. He began showing cattle. The two Beefmaster Heifers and one Angus Bull he showed won Overall Best of Show in both Four States Fair and Miller County Competitions and enabled Dwight to repay the orphanage for all the expenses incurred to show the animals.

Still he was searching: He joined the school band, played baritone euphonium in the sixth through ninth grades, but gave up the music to play football. “I could have gotten scholarships, but I loved football, so I got out of band.” Now Dwight shakes his head and shrugs his shoulders. “I was not good at football.”

Music did remain a part of Dwight’s life, however. Because of his singing, he even won Arkansas High’s American Idol competition. Not surprisingly, during his senior year he volunteered to perform at the end of year VICA banquet. As his high school graduation approached, Dwight decided he wanted to attend college and major in horticulture and animal science on his way to becoming a veterinarian. A month after his Arkansas High School graduation

From many. . . One —

by Jane Bouterse

A

Voice


(he graduated 17th in a class of 352), he attended a Bogg Springs church camp and prayerfully changed his goals. In spite of numerous scholarships in agriculture, music rather than cattle became his goal.

Performances at churches as well as local productions, like his January 2008 Miss Texarkana Pageant when he sang Frankie Valli and Four Seasons songs, earned him music scholarships at Texarkana College. For two years, he performed in the Texas All State Choir. During his second year his tenor one voice was featured in an All State solo performance in addition to singing at the Texas State Fair.

Meanwhile, Julie, a Ouachita Baptist University voice major, was summoned by Texarkana Chorale Director Marc-André Bougie to join the Chorale in a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan music. Dwight was there, too.

“Julie came in wearing an orange blouse and denim skirt,” he remembers, “and I immediately asked my friend Robert Allen, ‘Who’s that?’” Talking to her was awkward for Dwight, so he chose to impress her by performing donuts in the parking lot. “That was a bit immature,” he admits, “and she was not impressed.”

For a week, Robert and Dwight kept their computers busy with conversations about Julie. Finally, Julie agreed to a date with Dwight; however, it rained that day, and “I could not find her in the ‘boonies,’” he admits. Those problems were overcome, but a major one still existed: Dwight’s brother

had to approve of Julie. Their first kiss was delayed by both the absence of the approval and Julie’s insistence, “Not until I’m your girl.” The couple began to date, officially, on June 16, 2008; his brother enthusiastically approved of her, and Dwight got his first kiss.

From that point on, their lives were different. Julie and Dwight were together

every day until her return to Ouachita when daily conversations replaced contact. After Julie’s graduation in 2009, they found apartments in Fayetteville and enrolled in the University of Arkansas. Julie worked three different jobs while she studied voice and music and taught pre-schoolers while Dwight depended on scholarships and Pell Grants. His success continued to follow him, as he was chosen to sing in the Schola Cantorum, for over 50 years the “flagship ensemble” of the University of Arkansas. Nonetheless, he was burdened by the constant fear that Julie would find someone else. Without his realizing it, Dwight began to pull away from the relationship, and Julie could detect his distancing.

Julie contemplated breaking up, but just couldn’t quite follow through. “I had always been the princess waiting for my Prince Charming,” Julie recalls. “I began to wonder if I should put up with this behavior. Dwight was certainly no Prince Charming.” [She smiles and reaches for his hand] With no models for his behavior, Dwight continued to doubt and worry.

The problem was resolved when, in June 2010, Julie returned to Fouke to teach, and Dwight returned to Texarkana to become caretaker of Adam Cummings, his friend and the closest thing to a dad Dwight had ever had. Cummings had been diagnosed with ALS. These choices created new responsibilities for both Dwight and Julie, and their relationship remained on rocky ground.

As days passed, Dwight’s offensive comment at a football game became the catalyst which prompted Julie’s immediate action, an action she had been avoiding. There was no mistaking her decision, “Don’t call me. I’ll call you when I want to talk.” Dwight was devastated and lost nine pounds in five days.

After what seemed an eternity, Julie called. When Dwight appeared at her door, her response was, “You look good. We’re gonna’ have to break up more often. Where are we gonna go?” The albeit brief but illuminating break up worked wonders. In October, the ring was purchased; on December 16, 2010, Dwight formally proposed via. an original poem. “Probably the ugliest proposal ever,” he speculates. Nonetheless, Julie’s acceptance was official.

In January, Dwight went to register to complete his college degree but discovered he had too many hours for grants. Therefore, he dropped his school plans and went to work for Reliable Life Insurance. The money he earned would provide his wife a memorable honeymoon, something his mother had never had.

Dwight and Julie began their wedding plans, a Christmas in June wedding with an original ceremony. By now, the two of them appreciated each other’s dedication to music and wanted to include their own music in their ceremony. Julie decided to sing Carrie Underwood’s “Mama’s Song,” Dwight would follow with “When You Say You Love Me,” a Josh Groban song. Plans were made

PRESENTS:

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for Julie’s topsy-turvy, polka dotted wedding cake and Dwight (the hunter) had a groom’s cake resembling a stump and decorated by both their names and candy shotgun shells. The couple married at Trinity Presbyterian Church on June 11, 2011, with 211 people there to wish them well. During the wedding both became opposites—usually serious Julie became funny; usually funny Dwight, serious.

An elaborate honeymoon provided by wedding gifts followed at Big Cedar Lodge outside Branson. Then back to the reality of the everyday, BUT the every day for these two is not usual. Dwight continues to hunt—everything— and now Julie participates (she has bagged two deer during the 2013-14 season). Julie enjoys listening to Mozart’s Don Giovanni, sewing and reading. “I like being home with my dog (usually a black lab) and my man,” she declares. Dwight, meanwhile, hones his skills as an outdoorsman—a champion archer and excellent shot. “She always tells me, ‘Don’t come home empty handed,’ and I believe her,” Dwight smiles as he nods his head in her direction.

Both of them continue to “make their own music” more as a duet now than soloists. Their soprano and tenor voices blend in exceptional harmony, but the two decided to compete as soloists in the July 2013 Austin auditions for the popular television program, “The Voice.”

Dwight describes their experience

in detail. Immediately after their online registration, Julie began picking her potential songs and rehearsing. Procrastinator Dwight delayed his selections and practice, but both were ready to perform by their early Saturday morning departure.

On their arrival at the Austin Convention Center, they were ushered through several security checkpoints, then assigned one of four sections of seats to wait their turn. Row by row the hopeful singers were called to “the freakout zone.”

“There before us was our judge,” Dwight writes, “a young female producer listening to music through her computer.

“While the ten of us sat there filled with more adrenaline than imaginable, she explained what was about to happen. She randomly chose people to sing. One, two, three on down to Julie and myself. When we were done, she began to express her feelings about what she heard only to announce that one person would make it through to the next round. That one person was…Julie.”

Admittedly, Dwight felt a failure but was encouraged when Julie, who stayed behind to talk to the judge, was told that if the two had auditioned as a duet, they would have made it. The judge also advised her that for their auditions they should create their style as they wanted to appear before “The Voice” audiences. Although Dwight and Julie were disappointed, (she was eliminated during the second round) the support they

received at home and their own confidence convinced them.

“Julie and I decided …that we would go back in 2014 and audition as a duet. Our voices blend great, and we have fun singing together. We want to try out one more time. We don’t want this for fame and money, we want this because we want to be an example to listeners around the world. We both come from two totally different backgrounds, are exact opposites, but love each other. We want people to know that no matter where you come from, you can still succeed. Success doesn’t mean you reached every goal you ever set for yourself, but that you at least gave it your best shot.”

As a couple and as a duet, Julie and Dwight have combined their lives happily and continue to conquer the challenges and enjoy the music. They can easily move from classical music to country to Christian and gospel. They both sing in German, French and Italian. They prefer the stresses of Italian. “English is kinda’ ugly to sing,” they agree.

“It doesn’t matter where you are,” Dwight observes, “there will be some kind of music. Music explains who we are.”

Julie and Dwight Ferrell have traveled from many directions to succeed in speaking and singing as one voice. Their journey has not been easy, but it has been worthwhile. “We will never stop dating,” they both agree. Sustained by their faith, their love and … their music…, their lives provide them understanding and purpose and enrich the world for us all.

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When Michelle Parham and Robert Rudolph met for the first time, it was hardly love at first sight. They knew

each other for many years before they were married. But, today, the dedicated couple of ten years can laugh at their unconventional love story, and they know that being together was part of God’s plan all along.

Robert was born in Chicago, Illinois, and his parents moved back to Harrisburg, Arkansas, (where his dad was originally from) when he was in elementary school. His father was offered a position with Entergy in the Malvern area and worked his way up from janitor to Hydro Plant Operator at Remmel Dam. Robert was called into the ministry at the age of 7 and preached his first message on two Coke bottle crates at the church where he now pastors.

“I was a kid but I had announced to my pastor and my father (who at the time was an associate minister at the church) that I had been called to preach,” Robert says. “I had a terrible speech impediment, but I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I had been called to do just what I was doing. I made a promise to God that if He would help me with my stuttering that I would accept the calling that I had received one day while on my knees in prayer. It was such a unique pull that I could not run from it. My pastor put me to the test and set a time for me to minister to the congregation in a trial sermon. I was so short and small that they put me on top of a couple of boxes in a chair at the pulpit. I remember it as if it were yesterday.” Robert became a

licensed minister at the age of 11 and ordained as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ at the age of 16, by the then Presiding Bishop of the denomination.

As he grew up, he became interested in politics and was voted as Arkansas Boys State Governor in 1985. He has worked for the Governor of Arkansas, a former Congressman, and was a clerk for the Arkansas Legislature. He is currently employed with the State of Arkansas.

Robert attended the Henderson State University where he had received a full Debate Team scholarship. He was Student Body President (two terms) and a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Robert is the Pastor of the Calvary Church of God in Christ in Malvern, AR and the Davis Memorial Church of God in Christ in Crossett, AR. He is the Assistant General Secretary for Archives and Records and National Scribe of the National Adjutancy of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.

“The best thing about being a pastor is that you are able to meet people’s needs spiritually,” Robert says. “I do take that very seriously. It takes a lot of time to pray and prepare for God’s people. My wife supports me wholeheartedly in ministry. She has my back, and I am so thankful that she is in my corner.”

Michelle Parham Rudolph is from Bearden, Arkansas, and received “crown fever” at the age

By Anne Frugewith Michelle Rudolph

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is

1 Corinthians 13:13


of 5 as her mom entered her in a local town pageant.

“My mom went out a limb when she signed me up for the pageant. She saved up money and bought a dress from the LolliPop Shop, a really nice store in town, but she didn’t think I would win,” Michelle says. “My dad didn’t even come!”

There were 23 girls in it and Michelle was number 23 because she was the last one to register. During the interview portion she was asked, “what did she want to be when she grew up and why?” She said a Barbie Doll because they were so pretty! She captured the hearts of the judges that night and won her first crown.

Michelle was very active growing up in the small town of 1200 as she was captain of the cheerleading squad, played the piano, took dance, voted Attorney General for the Arkansas Girls State Class of 1989, and was a very active member of her church. Michelle went on to college and attended Ouachita Baptist University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. During college she was an entertainer with Heartbeat Productions, and it afforded her the opportunity to sing at the Magic Springs Theme Park, St. Jude Classic, several state fairs, and even as a featured performer in Ganserndorf, Austria, at the Safari Park.

Michelle continued her “crown fever” as she has been involved in the Miss America Organization on the state level. She has held such titles a Miss Camden, Ouachita River, and South Central. She was a top ten finalist in the Miss Arkansas Pageant and was named the Shannon Albright Congeniality Winner. She has furthered her involvement in the organization as Executive Director of the Miss Greater Camden Pageant, judge, emcee, entertainer, and was recently selected as one of the chaperones for the week of Miss Arkansas.

“I truly believe that pageants promote self-esteem,” Michelle says. “You know, it wasn’t always just about glitz and glamour. Young ladies learned self-confidence, public speaking, how to avoid being camera shy and people shy. The pageant circuit really helped me in my own life to just be more confident in myself. I highly recommend the Miss America and Miss America Teen programs because they promote scholarship.”

The first time Robert and Michelle met was in 1989 when Michelle was a sophomore in high school. She attended a college fair program where Robert Rudolph was a featured speaker and she was scheduled to sing. At that time Robert was extremely involved in politics and had recently won his first term as Student Body President of Henderson State University. Michelle was intrigued by this young man’s intellect and

many accomplishments, so she was going to “strut her stuff” that night, and sing as if she never sang before. After the program was over, she walked up to the young man to introduce herself and thought he would have some type of compliment to say for her singing, but he just brushed her off. He says that she was too young and he didn’t look at her in that manner.

Michelle and Robert’s paths would not cross again for many years. After graduation from Henderson, Robert was offered a job to work in the Arkansas Governor’s office and Michelle had matured and was in college. One day her friend, Tamara Pickens from Ashdown, Arkansas, dared her to go up the steps of the capital, go into his office and ask him for a date.

“I took her up on her dare, but first, I went to Dillard’s to buy a new outfit,” Michelle says. “I walked into his office and said, ‘Do

you even remember me?’ He said he did and we started up a conversation. I told him I would be in town for a few days and wondered if he

wanted to get dinner. He said, ‘Yea, I get off at 4:30!’” Needless to say, they went out and began spending time with each other.

“I just love Robert’s intellect, and I love talking to him,” Michelle says. “When we were dating, we used to stay on the phone for hours and hours just talking. I used to tell him that he sounded like a black person with a Kennedy voice. I just love to hear him talk. It doesn’t hurt that he’s so handsome too!”However, the couple broke up after Robert was invited to attend a State Baptist church convention. Afterwards he said something to Michelle that really didn’t set well with her about the church service. She got so mad that she gave him a piece of her mind, the Baptist convention’s mind, and some words that were not appropriate for a young lady to say. They did not talk again for another eight years.

However, God was working in both of their lives to bring them back together. Eight years later, Tamara, Michelle’s friend who sent her on that original dare, told Michelle that she needed to reconnect with Robert. Since Tamara’s mother attended Robert’s church, Tamara’s mother set up a lunch after the service.

“Well, he didn’t even sit by me, AND he left early,” Michelle says. “But about a month later, another mutual friend said, ‘I’m going to give him your number.’ I never expected him to call, but five minutes after she gave it to him, he did.”

When their one year anniversary of dating was drawing near, Michelle figured that Robert would propose. Michelle just knew that March 26 was going to be the big day! But, he called the day before and asked

Michelle to come to the church to pray with him.

“In my mind, I was thinking of all the things I needed to do to get ready for this big engagement moment tomorrow,” Michelle says. “I was thinking about painting my nails and getting my hair done, but I went with him.”

Michelle and Robert were the only people in the church, and after a while, she realized that he had stopped praying and that he was standing beside her. She looked up and he had a single white tulip, her favorite, and a ring box.

“He was explaining how so many things had changed since I had come into his life and that he really felt like God wanted us to be married. He said that the setting was appropriate because I would be not only marrying him, but marrying the church as well,” Michelle says. “I was so stunned, that I didn’t even say ‘Yes’ until we were halfway home! I called my mom on the way home, and she said that he had asked them for my hand in marriage the week before. My dad had told him that he would be honored to have him as a son, and that’s how they treat him, like a son, not a son-in-law.”

Michelle and Robert were married June 14, 2003, and in the past 10 years, they have learned how to work with each other, how to laugh at themselves and each other, and how to look at their married life as an adventure. “What I love most about my wife is that she is a ‘real’ person,” Robert says. “I think that is what made me fall in love with her. I can be at a dinner with the President of the United States or be visiting someone in a housing project and she would be the same. I love that about her. I am very blessed to have her in my life.”

The couple never had children of their own, but with two church families, the couple believes they have more than a “Brady Bunch.”

“We try to treat the children and members (all the way up to the age of 92) of our church as if they were our own with lots of love and guidance,” Michelle says. “The best part of being a pastor’s wife is getting to meet new people and feel like you are helping mold a life. I love children, and I love to see them grow in the church, conquer their fears and overcome obstacles.”

Through it all, Michelle and Robert’s faith helped them through obstacles in their lives and their rocky path to each other.

“There should always be three entities in a marriage – Husband, Wife, and God!” Michelle says. “Our marriage is all about faith. We figure it is not by chance that after more than a decade, faith and love brought us together to start a partnership that has stood the storm and rain.”

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entities in a marriage –

Husband, Wife, and God!”

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More Than aPIECE of PAPER

“I want that piece of paper.” That’s how many non-traditional students respond when someone asks why they are attending college as an older adult. The longer, unedited version of their story usually includes some telling of how they were passed over in their workplace because they didn’t have that piece of paper, or they are tired of being the only one in their office without that piece of paper, or that piece of paper is something they’ve always intended to get, and there’s no time like the present. It almost sounds as if going to college is simply a matter of attending enough classes, taking enough tests, and writing enough papers until someone finally says, “Okay, that’s enough! You can have your paper now.” Nothing really changes about you as a person; you just have that piece of paper that declares you’ve completed a certain course of study.

Of course for some, that scenario may ring truer than not, but for most people who earn their degree, nothing could be further from the truth. Attending college changes people, and by the time they are done, they no longer think like they did before. They don’t see like they did before. They don’t listen like they did before. They don’t talk like they did before. They don’t interact with other people like they did before. They are not like before.

Some might think this is a bad thing. It sounds too much like someone turning his back on his real self in favor of an artificial self. But again, this simply is not so. The truth is that going to college and investing yourself in a selected course of study does not cause you to forsake your true self; it enables you to grow into your true self, the person you’re capable of being, someone who might not have risen from the shadows otherwise.

For example, recent Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) graduate Sherry Hoppock started taking classes 30

years ago as a full-time wife, mother, and employee, and even though she loved to learn, she eventually stopped taking classes. Thanks to former BAAS Coordinator Suzanne Buehler’s encouragement, however, Sherry got back on track and pushed straight through every course, clipping along like a steady rhythm that knows its destination, and completed her degree in just a few short semesters. In the process, she developed a great deal of tenacity, and now, she is no longer what she was before. She is

so much more, someone who knows how to push through difficult tasks to accomplish great things.

Tenacity is not the only thing developed through the process of earning a degree. Confidence also tends to accompany the degree, not in the form of arrogance but in the form of knowledge and skill, especially in the areas of critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. People with these skills are not people who bend with the sway of opinion or suggestion. They are the ones shaping their communities, workplaces, relationships, and even themselves with assuring, benevolent leadership. Their quiet sense of confidence

guides them in accomplishing even the most challenging of tasks.

Norma McCormick, another 2014 BAAS graduate, states it this way, “I feel like I can accomplish anything now, and there is nothing that can stand in the way of my goals. The sky’s the limit so to speak.” In other words, Norma has come to the point in her life where she is not shackled by doubt in her abilities; she is at a place where she has learned how to succeed. She knows how to critically think about her own thinking and that of others. She knows how to analyze current situations and future possibilities and the probable effects in both. She knows how to articulate her ideas and explain her understanding of other’s thoughts. She knows how to evaluate and select best actions for desired results. She, like Sherry, is no longer what she was before; she is more.

by Lisa Myers

In the coming months, we will be featuring graduates from the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) program at Texas A&M University-Texarkana (A&M-Texarkana). This month, however, we take this opportunity to honor the most recent graduates of the BAAS program.

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The BAAS program is one avenue that A&M-Texarkana offers to help people reach their full potential to shape their world. The program was designed with the non-traditional student in mind, that person who has already invested a significant number of years in the workforce who might feel his or her opportunity to attend college is no longer a viable option. With the BAAS program, that is not the case. We can show you how to turn what you already know into college credit while helping you gain the invaluable personal skills described above. Brad Dobbs, another 2014 graduate describes the program like this, “It is a great option for anyone who has years of experience in their field and would like to complete their degree in order to push themselves to a higher level.” You wouldn’t be alone in the challenge, either. You’ll be able to travel the road to your degree learning beside people very much like you who have similar struggles, strengths, and goals, people who have decided they are ready to “push themselves to a higher level” and become more.

With much admiration, we congratulate the recent graduates from A&M-Texarkana’s BAAS program. May each of you take what you’ve earned – so much more than a piece of paper – and use it to shape your world into a better place. Congratulations!

Michael BoswellBrandon ClaytonGregory CoberleyBeverly CoxLindsey DavisBrad DobbsRobin ErwinJohn HinkleySherry HoppockCleotus HughesBilly LandersRussell Martin

Robby McCarverNorma MCormickTiffany McFarlandJeffrey NealJay PartonCarol RobbinsMelissia RobertsHolly SleekVicki StringerDebra WisdomCassi WoodallArmandia Young

Lisa Myers is a clinical faculty member at A&M-Texarkana. She is the Coordinator for the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) program and can be reached at 903-223-3133 or [email protected]. Please visit TAMUT.EDU/BAAS for more information about the program.

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These skills – the ability to persevere, think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems, and lead with confidence – all work together to enable people to effectively shape their world. It is that ability – not just the ability to conduct business, teach students, attend patients, or design buildings – that a college education affords, and that is what that piece of paper represents.

Winter/Spring 2014


&It is a story that was meant to be, one like no other. Austin and Amber met when they were around 13 years old at a congregation that was over an hour drive from each of them. Austin was the type of boy who like to bang out of beat on the drums, Amber was a “to the beat” classical violinist. They lost touch when their families stopped gathering at the same congregation and reconnected at age 16 at summer camp, Camp Yeshua. Austin was the “cool guy” with long hair; the one all the girls gossiped about, but Amber was the one girl who caught his eye. In group discussion at camp, they talked about the future, and Amber made the statement that she was going to wait until marriage to kiss her future husband. This caught Austin’s attention. For many years to come they attended the same camp and always looked for one another to be there. One year, while dancing in a group, Amber sprained her ankle and Austin helped her up. He told Amber that that was the first time he ever got to hold her and he loved how it felt having her in his arms. As the years past, Amber dated other people, but remained best friends. The kind of friends you could call and talk to at all hours of the night. They would jokingly laugh that one day when Amber got married, Austin would have to play a very important role in her wedding, not knowing that one day he would play the most important role of all. For eight years Austin waited for Amber, always knowing they would end up together, and at the very same summer camp, in God’s timing, Amber realized that she was supposed to be with him too. After asking for permission from Amber’s dad, the two finally began dating in July of 2012. By September they were already talking about marriage. There was one thing that held in both of their minds, something Amber said when she was young... That she was going to wait until marriage to kiss her future husband. They had both saved themselves in different ways for 22 years and naturally wanted to kiss, but they decided to wait until their wedding day, neither quite knowing yet when that would be.


It was December 8, 2012, and Austin and Amber’s families were meeting for a Hanukkah celebration. They went to Marshall, Texas to go ice skating. When they got there, Austin was very fidgety and acting overly excited, which was not in his nature. They went ice skating, and while skating they began to clear the ice. Amber is a rule follower so she was trying to do as they said and get off the ice when Austin skated into the center of the rink. With thousands of people watching and a photographer on hand, Austin got down on one knee and proposed to Amber right there on the center of the ice. With a cheering crowd, and all of their family watching, Amber said

The date was set, the flowers ordered, and the venue booked; with all things lined out, the wedding took place on June 7, 2013. Both Austin and Amber were wearing solid white. The day was beautiful and wonderul, and the most beautiful part of all was the purity between the two, the memory of their wedding day being the very first kiss they ever shared together. To them, the promise kept between them to only give themselves to each other forever was worht all the waiting in the world.

The Wedding Day...

Wedding PartyBride: Amber Sartin. Groom: Austin Singer. Matron of Honor: Alyssa Sentany. Best Man: A.J. Singer. Bridesmaids: Wiepie Rojas, Brianna Croxton,

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ents: Jim and Marian Singer. Rabbi: Rico Cortez. Readers of the Seven Blessing: (In Hebrew) Ephraim Judah. (In English) Dr. Doug WheelerVendors

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The Proposal...It was the opening Arkansas Razorback football game, August 31, 2013, and Megan’s first game watching from the stands and not the sidelines as a former Arkansas pom squad member. While tailgating before the game, Matt got down on one knee and popped the question for all friends and family to see. He said he asked her in Fayeteville because he knew how much she loved and would miss living there. And of course, she saidyes.

&Megan Meador

Matt Brown

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Love Where You Live...


&Adam Alena Henderson

The Story...Adam and Alena met at church at thirteen years old. They were not exactly friends, and in fact, Adam mostly just kept to himself. As the years past, they lost contact. In 2011, Adam sent Alena a friend request on Facebook. He then spent the next year asking her to hang out, but she always politely declined. Then, Alena and her coworkers participated in a Facebook contest and she needed his vote. From there, they began talking. Adam helped Alena through a family medical problem, then they spent the next week talking, just as friends. Alena finally gave in to Adam’s relentless pleas and agreed to hang out with him. They started dating. As the months went on, they decided they would one day get married, the only thing stopping Adam from getting down on one knee was finding on that perfect ring.

The Proposal...On December 21, 2012 Adam drove Alena to Lake Wright Patman to enjoy the scenery, something they did often. On

the drive out there, Adam had Alena beyond frustrated by informing her that her ring was still not ready yet. She wanted to see the ring and for him to ask for her hand so badly, but, to Alena, it seemed Adam didn’t want to put forth the effort. She made her frustration pretty clear on the drive to the lake, and Adam’s response was, “It would be different if it were a

cheeseburger!” Little did Alena know Adam had the ring the whole time. After dragging Alena from bench to bench in the freezing cold, he had to find “just the right bench,” they finally arrive at the perfect spot, all the while, Alena was gripping about how cold it was. After sitting a while, Adam pulled Alena in close and offered to “warm her up from the inside out.”

When Alena asked how, Adam’s response was, “You could marry me.”

June 1,

2013


Wedding PartyMade of Honor: Dala Hounsel. Bridesmaids: Lisa Barr and

Kaleah Henderson. Best Man: Brian Butler. Groomsmen: Steve Chriestenson and Taylor White. Flower Girls: Kaydence Butler, Zoe Hawkins and Zabrina Hawkins. Ring Bearer: Kason Butler,

Keiden Butler and Kohen Butler.

Wedding VendorsFlowers: Dala Hounsel. Cake Alena Potts and Dala Hounsel. Photos: Alyssa Hawkins and Tony Corso. Music: Stephanie

Golston. Food: Loving Family and Friends.


J A C Q U E L Y N G O O D I N G & P A T R I C K P E S K E

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE ENGAGEMENT OF JACQUELYNGOODING TO PATRICK PESKE.

Jacque and Patrick, both Texarkana natives, are currently located in CentralArkansas. Jacque is a chef at Copper Grill in Little Rock, AR, while Patrick is an NREMT forLifenet in the Hot Springs area.

The couple is to be married on May 4, 2014, in Little Rock, AR.

Congratulations and best wishes!Photo by: Brian Kelley

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by Vincent Senatore

Eros, Amor, Cupid, Aphrodite, and Venus are all famous as the Gods and Goddesses

of Love. We are aware of their names. However, when we think about love and romance, it’s San Valentino or Saint Valentine that gets the credit.

St. Valentine, who died on February 14th, is an amazing story because there is very little information about him that would be pertinent to such a large scale holiday.

Wine, The Beverage of Love

The Irish and the English had much more influence regarding the feast of Valentine’s Day than St. Valentine himself. In fact, most people associate the name St. Valentine to the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre of Chicago’s gangland murders in 1929. I don’t know about you, but there’s not much romance in murder.

Most of us associate Valentine’s Day as a day we honor “love” and “loved ones”. However, like most holidays, we have commercialized this holiday to the nth

degree. We easily could rename this day, “The Chocolate and Roses Day.” I can’t fathom the amount of candy and flowers that are sold on St. Valentine’s Day. And, I dare not return to my humble abode without a gift of flowers and chocolates for my sweet wife and darling daughters. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre would look like a “Tea Party” compared to the destruction that would be levied upon my being! Luckily for me, my wedding anniversary is just a few days before Valentine’s Day and I have “Special Dispensation” from Her Royal Highness to combine these two very important events into one really big one.

While chocolate and flowers are clearly the apropos gifts for the Valentine festivities, I believe a bottle of wine is much more memorable and can easily be shared. Try to grab a piece of chocolate from one of those heart shaped boxes! Did you ever hear your loved ones growl? Besides, red wine and chocolate are magnificent together. Then there’s the sparkling wine and champagne served with fresh, ripe strawberries.

Want to make your favorite girl happy? Personally, I’m partial to the full dinner experience. I like to cook. So, spending a little extra time in the kitchen, preparing a Valentine’s Day feast is a true labor of love. However, this year I’m going to be a real hero. Why, you ask? I’m presiding over a 6 course dinner, prepared by Executive Chef James King from the Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center. I have been thinking about this dinner for a really long time. In fact, I was drooling all over the list of wine that I selected for this dinner. Feast your eyes on this fabulous menu:

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Now, this is the way to spend Valentine’s Day. Great, gourmet dinner with a specially selected wine to match each course. This will be incredible. Lucky for me and my wife, I get to go to the dinner and speak about the wines between each course and Her Royal Highness gets to enjoy all six courses without picking up a single dish or glass. Do I know how to make Valentine’s Day special? You bet!

Now I have to figure a way out of the flowers… Just Kidding!

PhotographyJennifer Futrell


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By Anne Fruge

Silvermoon Children’s Theatre’s inaugural season will kick off with “Seussical Jr.” February 27-March 2. This exciting musical features all student actors (ages K-12) and a fanciful storyline based on a number of Dr. Seuss’ beloved stories and characters.

“Seussical Junior’s message is all about dreaming big. It’s fun, whimsical and catchy,” Executive Director, Susannah Morriss Linnett says. “Plus, who doesn’t love Dr. Seuss? For our first production, my sister, Meredith Morriss Farren who is the Chief Organizational Officer, and I just couldn’t see any other show filling that spot.”

“Seussical” originally opened on Broadway in 2000. The “Seussical Junior” is a shortened version adapted for child actors. Susannah is most excited about the process of bringing the story to life.

“The best part of being a director is making the vision you see in your head come to life on stage,” Susannah says. “One of the characters in ‘Seussical’ is Gertrude McFuzz. In her story (from the book Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories) she is unhappy with herself; she only has one feather and feels inadequate. She finds a way to change that and over does it. She ends up with a tail so long, feathery and burdensome that she cannot even fly. We have to make her tail grow on stage. It will be FUN.”

“Seussical Jr.” will open February 27 at 7 p.m. They will also have two performances at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturday March 1. Sunday March 2 is Dr. Seuss’ birthday. They will have a party for those attending the Sunday performances at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. with a costume contest and refreshments.

Gabe Lohse, a ninth grade student at Texas High School, plays the Cat in “Seussical Jr.,” a part he loves because he gets to “break the fourth wall” and interact with the audience. His speech teacher, Mrs. Chaney, at Red Lick

Middle School, encouraged Gabe to try theatre. He performed in the UIL one-act, “Cyrano de Bergerac,” last year and has since played the part of Jack in “The Importance of Being Earnest” and a dancer in “Music Man.”

“My dad actually encouraged me to try out for the play at Silvermoon,” Gabe says. “He thought it would be a great opportunity to spread my wings, and it has been a great change from school plays. I’m excited because I think the show will bring a lot of people out. So many people love Dr. Seuss, and I think that people will leave the performance feeling like a kid again.”

The idea of opening the Children’s Theatre began as a way to better utilize the Silvermoon stage and help more community children get involved in theatre. Their mission is “to provide entertaining, professional quality theatre, performed by children for audiences of all ages. We educate, challenge and inspire youth, support the learning environment and build strong community values.”

“Being in charge of a theatre has always been my dream; I love working with kids,” Susannah says. “When students get involved

in theatre they learn to speak well in front of a crowd, to hear personal criticism gracefully and grow, to be prepared, to adapt and think on their feet, to use their creativity to liven up any situation, to solve problems, to be a part of a team and to appreciate others. There are so many benefits.”

Susannah’s love for the arts began as a child. Her father, Josh Morriss, Chief Justice of the Sixth District Court of Appeals in Texarkana and owner of Silvermoon on Broad, has always been involved in theatre.

“I’ve been a performer ever since I can remember,” Susannah says. “My first memory of theatre was being in “Oklahoma!” on the Perot stage when I was only five years old. My dad played the role of Curly, and I was able to dance in ‘The Farmer and the Cowman.’ What I loved about it was the time I could spend with my dad: building sets, helping him memorize his lines, working backstage, being onstage, making props. I’ve been doing all aspects since I was about ten years old.”

After Susannah graduated from Texas High School in 1998, she got her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from Baylor University, where she met her husband,

Daniel Linnett. “We met freshman year in the cafeteria. It wasn’t quite love at first sight….but almost!” Susannah says. Now Daniel works as a financial advisor and Susannah is in her fifth year of teaching upper level math at Veritas Academy. Susannah and Daniel are the proud parents of four children: Joshua, 10; Isaac, 8; Samuel, 6; and Leah, 5.

Susannah’s children were exposed to the theatre at a young age, just like she was. They have been in several church plays and attended Tex Rep Drama Camp. She suggests that if parents want to cultivate a love for the arts in their children that they encourage creative play, dress up and read to them.

Marjorie Matthew, Susannah Linnett & Meredith Farren,Sisters With A Love For Theater


“Any school subject can be enhanced with theatre,” Susannah says. “I spend a lot of time reading books to them with character voices. I also take my kids to community shows. We talk about the show afterwards and how each character acted in the play. ‘What was your favorite part?’ ‘What would you have liked to see?’ I also love our school and church’s music programs; my kids love to sing and they get experience being in front of people. Once you see how a child reacts to something like that, and if they enjoy it or not, try to find auditions, camps, or speaking classes to foster that ease of being in front of people.”

Susannah has experience both onstage and behind the scenes. She has performed most recently in Tex Rep’s “Spamalot,” and Silvermoon’s production of “Musical of Musicals! the musical.” She has acted onstage in “Fiddler on the Roof,” “My Fair Lady,” “Sound of Music,” “A Christmas Carol” and “Comedy of Errors.” She also worked as a stage manager for Theatre Three in Dallas and Dallas Children’s Theatre. In addition, she was featured in Dallas’s 2002 Out of the Loop Festival in a show called “The Lesson.” Even though she loves performing, Susannah knew that opening a children’s theatre in Texarkana would be a great community experience.

“Theatre is a whole world within itself,” Susannah says. “All kinds of

‘craftsmen’ are needed to complete a production such as organizers, marketers, wood workers, painters, seamstresses, musicians, technical workers, electricians, organizers, broadcasters, public relations, wordsmiths, writers and more. When kids get involved in theatre, it becomes a fun way to learn about how important one person is to a community, how everyone works together and how to treat those you work with. The applause at the end doesn’t hurt either.”

Susannah started talking about the idea of opening a Children’s Theatre with her sister, Meredith. Meredith teaches 5th and 6th grade at Veritas Academy and is married to David Farren, Youth Minister at Heritage Baptist Church. They have two children, Avery, 13, and Abby, 10.

“This theatre would not be possible without my sister, Meredith,” Susannah says. “She keeps me organized and makes sure I’m thinking through everything. She is the cement to my creative brain.”

Once they had the idea to start the theatre, Susannah and Meredith needed a location, and Silvermoon was the perfect fit. The girls’ parents, Josh and Diana, bought Silvermoon on Broad in 2007. Silvermoon is an events center that can be rented for any

Concentration is key (Justin Sheek, Caroline Joyce, Sydney Sheek)

Directing Ladders can be tree. (Justin Sheek, Jakob Sheek, Susannah Linnett)

Learning Choreography (Eleanor Hornok, Sydney Sheek, Abby Farren as Birdie Girls)

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celebration, meeting or event.

“Silvermoon Children’s Theatre would also not be possible without my parent’ dreaming big about bringing the Silvermoon buildings back to life,” Susannah says. “They were falling down and crumbing and yet, my parents saw potential and chose to invest in those properties. If nothing else, everyone in Texarkana needs to visit the buildings to see how Texarkana’s potential can be renovated and LIVE again. The theatre was something my dad wanted and dreamed about; the small, cozy stage is a perfect place for children to learn about theatre.”

To audition for “Seussical Jr.,” parents sent an email to the theatre and requested a reservation time. The children prepared a short a cappella piece to show their range and talent. A cast of 29 was decided upon with the youngest member being 5 and the oldest being 15. When the cast meets together for

rehearsals, Susannah uses a “follow the leader” approach to teach the older actors that the little kids look up to them.

“Kids memorize quickly and are VERY excited about new things. This has been a quick rehearsal process already. They have learned dances quickly and are chomping at the bit to learn it all. Their enthusiasm is contagious.”

“Seussical Jr.” is just the first of three productions that will come to the stage this year. In August, “Once-Upon-a Palooza” will be performed. The play’s script comes from a writing contest that was offered to K-12 writers this fall. The student’s original fairy tales will be adapted into a full length show all written and acted by local children. The third show to be performed in November is “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” by Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and James and the Giant Peach.

“I want to see kids learn life lessons through theatre and feel special and important to the team. That is the reason why we started this venture to begin with,” Susannah says. “I know personally how theatre can affect a child’s life. They will come away from the experience learning about teamwork, striving for excellence in all that they do, respect for authority and how to use their creativity to grow. I’m most excited to see the kiddos on stage really own their parts….become the character. That makes it all worth it to me.”

Tickets for “Sesussical” go on sale Feb. 13. To purchase tickets email [email protected] for details on “in person purchase” and the link for “online purchase.” Tickets are $10 each, discounts and early purchase are given to season members/sponsors.

Learning Choreography (Eleanor Hornok, Sydney Sheek, Abby Farren as Birdie Girls)

We are Family (Lennon Grace as Young Kangaroo and Audra Tibbit as Sour

Kangaroo)

Sweet Whos (Leah Linnett and Savannah Prather foreground) (David McCright

background)

Oh, The Thinks You Can Think (cast)


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asset management for the firm and making investment decisions for alternative investments, mutual funds, non-traded investments, structured products, retirement planning, and estate planning. Dustin, loves the outdoors and with his son Peyton, together they are involved in many youth sports and activities. The Stringer family is also active members of Hardy Memorial Methodist Church.

Jim Sparks, Associate Financial Advisor - After 10 years of successful experience in large account management, Jim earned

his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses and has joined Stringer Wealth Management in 2013. At Stringer Wealth Management, he upholds strong relationships with existing clients and builds new relationships with individuals who benefit from Stringer Wealth Management’s investment strategies. Additionally, he is an accomplished musician and can often be found performing for private functions or festivals on weekends or in music ministry with Williams Memorial Methodist Church where he has been a member of the music ministry team for several years. Jim, an Eagle Scout, shares his love of the outdoors an active volunteer with the area Boy Scouts as a Unit Commissioner for the Council and a Troop Committee member for his son’s troop.

Stacey Martin, Branch Office Manager – With over 16 years of customer service

experience, Stacey received her A.A. in Marketing from the University of Phoenix in 2007. She joined Stringer Wealth Management in 2012, providing the first line of client contact and serving as liason between advisors and clients. As an asset to the Stringer Wealth Management team, Stacey creates and manages all new and existing account records and maintains an efficient office environment. In her free time Stacey, can be found spending time with family and good friends. Stacey enjoys the outdoors, animals, history and attending social events.

Disclaimer: LPL Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. The information contained in this article should be used for informational purposes only. Securities offered though LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC.

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More Ice, Please

This time of year water temps tend to bounce between “hey that’s not so bad” and “if it was any colder I could ice fish.” With that in mind, we always ask the question, “What are the fish doing?”

Well, when water temps are above 60 degrees, the metabolism and digestion of a fish works fast. They will digest food quickly and will need to hunt more. The higher temps cause a fish to move around more looking for more food. As the water cools off, their metabolism slows down with their environment (water), and digestion, as well as movement, slow down, also. In 40 degree water, a four inch bream will take several days to digest as opposed to 60 degree water where it will digest in about four to six hours.

In the winter months a fish really only feeds about twice a week

by Mike Brower

and sometimes I think I’m fishing in the “off” time. With the colder water a fish kinda feels like it’s hung over and won’t move around much. When you couple that with the slower metabolism, they just get real lethargic and stay at home. We always hear about fishing slow in the winter, but sometimes a very fast retrieve will work for sulled up bass. Cast to a target and retrieve at a FAST rate. That will cause a reaction strike which is just as good as a hunger strike as long as you get them in the boat. Now, I will say that this works better when you have some fairly clear water as opposed to muddy.

The best baits for fishing fast are simple -- a crank or a rattle trap type bait. Just remember that a fish has no concept of cold or warm, all they know is that they feel bad sometimes and frisky at others.


Meet our new 2014 titleholders!The Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers Pageant was held on January 4, 2014. Our new titleholders are wonderful young women you will be excited to know a little more about! Let’s get to know them!

Miss Texarkana-TexasJessica VickersParents: Joslyn and David VickersSchool: Texas A&M University - Texarkana

Accomplishments: Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the United States Congress; Recipient of the Truman Arnold Scholarship; President’s List at Texas A&M University-Texarkana; Overall Interview Award at Miss Texarkana Texas; Dancers Against Cancer-Texarkana Non Profit Representative for 2006-12, President of local Non-profit City Hearts; Dedicated 16 years to the art of dance. I have received numerous competition dance awards, talent awards as well as pageant and recognition awards. I placed 1st in the Top Ten with my solo in Austin, Texas. I was a GoPro dancer for Talent On Parade Nationals, won the 2009 Today’s Girl National Talent Sweepstakes Award; Today’s Girl National Pageant Humanitarian Award; Today’s Girl Presidential bronze, silver and gold pins for community service; dance scholarship at NUVO competition and convention in Dallas Texas 2013; and appeared on many local magazines and media outlets promoting Dancers Against Cancer. I have raised $20,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness to date.Platform: “Making Mammories Happen” - Breast Cancer Awareness

What benefits do you believe competing in pageants give young women today? The four points on the Miss America crown stand for style, service, scholarship, and success. Style is in how you carry yourself as an example of honor and dignity. Service is shown by words and actions of compassion and selflessness. Scholarship is received with appreciation and integrity, and Success can not be achieved without the first three. Whoever wears the crown should be a light that represents a beacon of hope, someone who is not afraid to step out and help bring a positive impact to others.This pageant system helps women to present themselves professionally, learn the importance of leadership, and enables them to reach their academic dreams. But most importantly, it equips them with a powerful voice to promote their platform.

What do you think you will accomplish this year as our titleholder? I already had a list of goals written before I even decided to compete, so now I’m just working around this new schedule. To start it off, I plan to mentor approximately 13+ beautiful Lonestar Princesses, and teach them why it is so important to hold themselves at a higher standard. (I mean, they are princesses after all!) These girls will accompany me at Miss Texas week in July and

learn all about what it means to be a part of the Miss Texas Organization. I plan to promote breast cancer awareness in every way that I can manage. I have some pretty cool projects in the making which I will put into action after the Miss Texas pageant, so be on the lookout! In the meantime, I will be creating t-shirts to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer through my non-profit organization, City Hearts. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dancingtocure. Is there an experience helping others that you are most proud of? Please explain. I am most proud of using my God-given talent to inspire others to make a difference. Jody Isenhower is such an inspiration to me because she created her own nonprofit organization “Dancers Against Cancer” and used her love for dance to fight against breast cancer. I am so thankful that she trusted me, and allowed me at a mere 12 years old to bring her organization to Texarkana so that we could make a difference here. By her actions, she inspired me to create my own non-profit organization “City Hearts.” Just as one flame can light another, it only takes one person to inspire another. When you have someone with a burning passion to help others, there is not a thing that they cannot do.

What is your greatest challenge? My greatest challenge is without a doubt letting the other half of my heart reside in the middle of a war zone for 6+ months. This is the hardest thing I have ever done and is a serous test of faith. This situation is causing me to rely solely on my Savior for comfort and reassurance. I choose to thank God for his safe return in advance, because that is what having faith truly is. Psalm 91 is the very reason I am able to wake up every day and walk in faith instead of fear.

What is your favorite movie? Why? My favorite movie is a tie between The Notebook, Safe Haven, Dear John, and The Lucky One. I know you see a pattern here... I am a in fact a huge Nicholas Sparks fan. I have read almost all of his books and love the movies just as much. Nicholas Sparks has such a way with words and is wonderful at writing stories of romance.

Photography courtesy of Jim Hanson


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If you decide to write an autobiography, what would you entitle it? “Becoming Unknown: A Servants’ Heart in a Princesses’ Position.”

Miss Texarkana Texas’ Outstanding Teen Christina DavisParents: Mike and Karen Davis School: DeKalb High School

Accomplishments: I was the Sugar Plum Fairy in the 2013 Texarkana Community Ballet production of the Nutcracker. I have received lead roles in UIL One Act Play and honorable mention All Star Cast last year. I earned a perfect score in V.A.S.E. UIL last year, and honorable mention in PROSE UIL. I was a ballet finalist at Texas Association Teachers of Dancing (T.A.T.D) Summer Convention in 2012, and I have received numerous awards at various dance competions. I am currently a DHS Varsity cheerleader and have been for the past 3 years. I received the Judith McCarty Best Teen Dancer, Overall Teen Talent, and Overall Alpha Awards at the Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers Pageant! What benefits do you believe competing in pageants give young women today? Competing in pageants gives young women a chance to present themselves in an interview and the ability to stand up in front of people with confidence. This is something a girl is going to have to do the rest of her life. It also lets a her dress up and feel like a princess for a weekend! Is there an experience helping others that you are most proud of? Please explain. For years I have been an assistant

demonstrator helping at Angela Davis School of Dance in DeKalb. I enjoy helping my sister and her students more than anything in the world. To watch the girls and boys grow in their dance training is one of the most inspiring experiences. What is your favorite charity and how have you helped them? My small town of DeKalb has a theater, the State Theater, which has been around since the early forties. It used to be the town movie theater, but is now just used for plays, and other shows our town puts on. All of the ticket sales go to an organization that helps with the preservation of this historical landmark. I help the organization by voluntarily participating in almost every show! What is one thing that people would never believe about you? When I was younger I was extremely shy! I wouldn’t come out from behind my mom. When people would talk to me, I would put my finger in my eye and hide behind the closest family member. When my mother put me in a pageant at the age of four, I cried on stage and wouldn’t announce my name or walk by myself. What is your greatest challenge? My greatest challenge is balancing my busy

schedule! Between church, dance, cheer, school, family, and now being a titleholder, my life is never boring.


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What is the last book you read? Why did you choose that particular book? The last book I read was, Did Adam and Eve Have Belly Buttons? I have dance class on Wednesdays, so I’m unable to attend CCD classes. Therefore, my family has our own CCD class and together we picked this book to answer commonly asked questions about God. If you decide to write an autobiography, what would you entitle it? If I wrote an autobiography, I would title it, “Life Is A Dance, You Learn As You Go.”

Miss Texarkana-ArkansasAmber StoneParents: Troy and Cynthia Stone School: University of Arkansas

Accomplishments: Recipient of the Wal-Mart Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, Recipient of Chief Manuelito Academic Excellence Scholarship, Recipient of the Navajo Nation Academic Award What benefits do you believe competing in pageants give young women today? There are so many benefits from competing in pageants. Not only do you learn more about yourself, you gain communication skills, leadership, and poise. Pageants help build self confidence. You would never see me get up in front of a large crowd, but after my first pageant I felt much more confident. Talk about a life changing experience! What do you think you will accomplish this year as our titleholder? Within my year as Miss Texarkana Arkansas, I plan to promote the importance of good oral health to the whole state

of Arkansas. Through existing local charities combined with the power of Miss Arkansas, we can change lives, one smile at a time.

Is there an experience helping others that you are most proud of? I have a love for music and I try to share my passion with others. A few friends and I would go to senior citizen centers and nursing homes to play music for them. We would play classics like Tennessee Waltz, Faded Love, and Fraulein.. Knowing that my passion put a smile on their faces was an amazing feeling. What is one thing that people would never believe about you? People are always shocked when they hear that I competed in the FFA wiring competition. We received state runner-up! What is your greatest challenge? One challenge that I have overcome would be public speaking. Being involved within the Miss America Organization and pageants has enabled me to overcome my fears and gain confidence to speak in front of crowds. What is your favorite movie? Why? I love Dumb and Dumber! I’ve probably watched that movie over 100 times, and every time I laugh just as hard.

Miss Texarkana Arkansas’ Outstanding Teen Katey SantiferParents: Todd and Janet HarnessSchool: Homeschool through Abel’s Academy

Accomplishments: A Honor Roll.

Why did you choose to compete in the Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers Pageant? I wanted to be a leader and make a difference in my community by promoting my platform “Helping H.A.N.D.S.” A title holder is a role model, and I knew this is what God is calling me to do to make a difference!

What benefits do you believe competing in pageants give young women today? Not only do you gain confidence in yourself and speaking skills, you also gain a family. I am blessed to have amazing sister queens who will always be there for me, and we have a loving community on our side that supports us. Pageants also give you resources that will help later in life when starting a career!

What do you think you will accomplish this year as our titleholder? I will bring volunteer days to local schools and churches as well as getting our community more involved in volunteering. My goal is to do as much as possible in the year that I have as the titleholder!

Is there an experience helping others that you are most proud of? Please explain. I have been a junior volunteer at Wadley Regional Medical Center for the past year, and through it I have decided to go into the medical field. I have been able to talk with families who are hurting and need someone to be there for them, and I have shared the excitement of a beautiful new baby being born with other families. I’m proud to help in any way that I


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can, and Wadley has helped make that possible!

What is your favorite charity and how have you helped them? Runnin’ WJ Ranch is my favorite charity because they help special needs children by giving them an outlet to have fun and feel at home. I am currently a horse leader there, and I couldn’t have asked for more amazing people to work with there.

What is one thing that people would never believe about you? My dream is to go to the North Pole to be Mrs. Claus because she bakes cookies all day and they are always happy and singing!

What is your greatest challenge? Being 4’11 I’m definitely height challenged! I find myself needing to take someone tall to the grocery store to reach all of the things on the top shelf! It seems like everything I need is always up there!

Name one living person that inspires you. John Lewis who was my youth pastor inspires me to be a better person every day! He led me to Christ and became like another dad to me. He is the kindest man, and represent the love of Jesus Christ to everyone!

What is the last book you read? Why

did you choose that particular book? I last read “How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World” by Jordan Christy. It is a great book for young women to read that teaches class and grace for ladies.

What is your favorite movie? Why? I love “Pride and Prejudice” because the way they spoke was much more eloquent, their dancing was beautiful, and of course the love story between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett!

If you decide to write an autobiography, what would you entitle it? I would entitle it “Loving Through the Rain” symbolizing the hardships that I’ve faced in life, I have always had love from my family and friends to get me through it all.

Miss Twin RiversChrista WidjajaParents: Anthony & Reny WidjajaSchool: Texas Tech University

Accomplishments: Member of the Texas Tech Pom Squad, President’s List, recipient of the Presidential Scholarhip, member of the Biology Advisory Committee, top 10% academically in Senior

year of high school

Why did you choose to compete in the Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers Pageant? I love trying out new things. This was me testing out new waters, and just over the past 2 weeks I know I will never regret competing in the pageant. I also talked to former Miss Twin Rivers, Breshell Hurley, and she highly recommended the Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers Organization. She told me how much support and preparation you get as one of their titleholders. Aside from the Miss Texas Pageant, the community of Texarkana allows titleholders to stay actively involved throughout their year.

What benefits do you believe competing in pageants give young women today? I have gained so much knowledge and so many connections through pageantry. You ultimately grow and mature as an individual in addition to meeting people that you may never have been able to meet without the crown. It also provides young women with scholarships and the opportunity to voice what they are most passionate about through their platform.

What do you think you will accomplish this year as our titleholder? First and foremost I will represent the area to my utmost best not only in the Miss Texas pageant this summer but also throughout the state of Texas. I hope to spread the idea of

my platform and help prevent illegal and abusive drug and alcohol use through the involvement of extracurricular activities. In the end, I want to touch as many people’s lives as possible and make a difference as a titleholder.

What is your favorite charity and how have you helped them?Shoes for Orphan Souls. This charity is sponsored by Buckner International which is a global ministry. I am able to reach out and help vulnerable children and families all over the globe in countries


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of almost every continent. This organization has been helping those less fortunate since 1879 and is continuing to make lives better every day. Every pair of shoes and socks donated can change someone’s life and help them reach their potential in the long run.

What is one thing that people would never believe about you? I am in love with anything zombie!! I watch the TV show called The Walking Dead and I love movies like World War Z. Surprisingly, I sometimes even think out scenarios of what I would do if a zombie apocalypse started at that moment. I have come to a conclusion that I probably would not last long in a zombie apocalypse!!

What is your greatest challenge? In everything that I do whether it’s pageantry, academics, or dancing, my ultimate goal is to make my parents proud of me. They have done so much for me and have made me the person I am today. There are not enough words to explain how thankful I am for them. I am proud to call them my parents, and I hope that I never fail to make them proud of me.

Name one living person that inspires you. My Pom Squad coach at Texas Tech University inspires me every single day. She is still very young and has accomplished so much in her life already. She teaches us to never be satisfied and always push to become a better team and individual. She is also to most selfless person I have ever met and does everything and anything to help us succeed in every way possible. I am so thankful to have her as my coach and I cannot believe that I only get to work with her for 4 years of my life.

What is the last book you read? Why did you choose that particular book? The last book I read was Perks of Being a Wallflower. I knew they had made it into a movie and I always try and read the book before watching it. Even though it is a fiction book, it talks about real life situations and how people cope and deal with them. It shows the perspective of a “wallflower” and what hidden talents every person has that may never be found without encouragement from others.

What is your favorite movie? Why? Any of the Harry Potter movies, but if I had to pick one of those it would be Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I read all of the books and love the magic and fantasy. The movies take me to a different world and the story is so well thought out. So many unexpected things happen throughout the series and always keep me at the edge of my seat. (I also hate being a muggle!)

If you decide to write an autobiography, what would you entitle it? Living In A Charmed Life.

Miss Twin Rivers’ Outstanding Teen Madison HildrethParents: Christine & Matt HildrethSchool: Frisco High School

Accomplishments: President’s Volunteer Service Award, Spirit of National Charity League (NCL) award, Selected for school cheerleader (7th, 8th, 9th and 10th grade) and 2012 Freshman Homecoming Princess.

Why did you choose to compete in the Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers Pageant? My friend told me that the Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers organization is incredible and the board is so dedicated and motivated to help their titleholders reach their full potential. I was looking for a pageant that would not only be supportive, but also hard on me and push me when preparing for state. I chose to compete in Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers after hearing all the positive comments about it.

What benefits do you believe competing in pageants give young women today? When I entered my first pageant, I was extremely shy and could barely even talk in my interview. Now I have the

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confidence to talk and perform in front of thousands of people. Confidence is the biggest and in my opinion, the most important skill a young women can gain from competing in pageants. Confidence drives good people skills, speaking skills and more which will benefit any individual.

Is there an experience helping others that you are most proud of? Please explain. I volunteer often in my community with different organizations and I’m proud of each experience. But I’ve also had different people come to me asking for advice or how to deal with a situation they are going through. It means a lot to me that they trust me enough to tell personal things they are going through. I love volunteering throughout the community, but when it comes to helping someone personally, it’s always something to be proud of and it’s very rewarding.

What is your favorite charity and how have you helped them? Rhonald McDonald house is my favorite charity. It provides food for families that have kids in the hospital. Some friends and I cook breakfast for the families and socialize with them. It always feels good to know they have one less thing to worry about and the can depend on others knowing they will always have food to eat.

What is one thing that people would never believe about you? People are always shocked when I tell them as a pageant girl, I do not believe in diets. I want to change the stereotypical thought of pageant girls going on crazy diets to be “skinny”. I promote a healthy lifestyle by working out and eating healthy.. but I’m not the type of person to skip a meal or go on crazy diets in order to be thin.

What is your greatest challenge? Keeping up my

spanish grade.. lol. I’m an over achiever when it comes to anything in life. I work hard in school to get good grades and spanish is the class that always gets me. It’s been a challenge learning a whole new language. I never realized how much time and effort would be required when signing up for this class, but I love a good challenge and I’m working hard to keep up those grades!

Name one living person that inspires you. Demi Lavato. Not only did I take acting classes from the same teacher she did, she has also overcome many struggles. She faced many critics and was constantly targeted about her appearance, but she realized it doesn’t matter about the opinions of others. She decided not to let the negative comments block her from living her dreams and being successful. I know that if I’m ever in the position she was in, I want to have the same mindset of being strong and focusing not on what others think of me, but how much more important my goals are.

What is the last book you read? Why did you choose that particular book? Catching Spirit Bear. It wasn’t really my type of book, but I heard that it was a good story and taught a good lesson. It was about a juvenile delinquent that was shipped off to an island to learn how to become a better person. The theme was that no matter what someone has done, they are capable of changing their life around if they truly want to become a better person.

What is your favorite movie? Why? Soul Surfer. It is such an inspirational movie and proves that no matter what obstacle stands in the way, with hard work and dedication, it can be overcome.

If you decide to write an autobiography, what would you entitle it? The Road To Success.

Local 2014 titleholders!In addition to the Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers titleholders, we have two wonderful young women who will

also be representatives at the Miss America State Preliminary Pageants this summer!

Klancy Johnson, daughter of Stephen and Karen Johnson and former Miss Texarkana 2013, will be competing this summer at the Miss Arkansas Pageant as Miss White River 2014.

Malori Carlow, daughter of Blake and Melinda Carlow, will be competing this

summer at the Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen Pageant as Miss DFW’s Outstanding Teen.

Congratulations to all of these talented young women representing our area!

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NATE CARTER WINS NFL CONTEST!

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1. Crowd gathers. 2. Tailgater’s catered. 3. Anthony, Nate and Bitsy Carter. 4. Bill Clinton’s presentation. 5-6. The family and crowd watch. 7. Nate and family react to the winning news. 8-9. Super Bowl Tickets! 10. The crowd gathers outside to enjoy the afternoon celebration.

Bitsy Carter’s son, Nate was diagnosed in 2012 with Wegene’rs disease, a very rare disease and even more rare for a 13 year old. He was air lifted from Hope to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where he nearly died and spent months in the hospital. At this time, he is in complete remission and with clearance from his doctors managed to become quarterback of his 8th grade football team. Nate sent an essay to the NFL to enter a contest to win Super Bowl tickets after seeing an ad on NFL TV about what football means to me. Out of over 5000 entries,Nate’s essay detailing his ordeal won. NFL TV came to Hope on January 12th with a special announcement from former President Bill Clinton at Tailgater’s Burgers. Nate, and his mom and dad, Bitsy and Anthony, will be headed to the Super Bowl!

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Home of the Arkansas High Razorbacks, University of Arkansas Razorbacks and

Dallas Cowboys

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DAR AMERICAN HISTORY ESSAY CONTEST

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1. Morriss Elementary School - Tara Baker, Fifth Grade Language Arts Teacher, Morris Elementary School Campus Winners for Fifth Grade: Emma McMillan, First Place; Jenna Woodard, Second Place, Abby Mapili, Third Place; Luke Smith, Honorable Mention; Todd Marshall, Assistant Principal 2. James Day School Campus Winners for Sixth Grade: Harrison Torrans, Third Place; Joseph Asher, Second Place, and Joshua Asher, First Place Overall Contest Winner for Sixth Grade 3. Jack Borgeson, First Place Overall Contest Winner for Fifth Grade; and First Place Winner, Fifth Grade at St. James Day School

The Lone Star Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently promoted an American history essay contest at two local elementary schools.The contest is held nationwide by the DAR. The local winners of the fifth and sixth grade contests will be sent to the state level of competition for the State of Texas.

The topic for the essay was “The Lives of Children During the American Revolution”. Students were challenged to pretend they were a boy or girl during the colonial fight for freedom. They were asked to use historical facts and write about how the war dramatically changed the lives of children during The Revolution.

The two schools that participated in the essay contest this year were the Morriss Elementary School and the Saint James Day School. The entries were excellent and showed great imagination into life during The American Revolution.

The campus winners for the Morris Elementary School for the Fifth Grade are: first place, Emma McMillan; second place, Jenna Woodward; third place, Abby Mapili; and honorable mention, Luke Smith.

The campus winner for the Saint James Day School for the Fifth Grade is first place, Jack

Borgenson; and for the Sixth Grade the winners are: first place, Joshua Asher; second place, Joseph Asher; and third place, Harrison Torrans.

The winners’ essays which were judged First Place Overall for each grade will compete in the State of Texas DAR American History Essay Contest. These winners are: Fifth Grade, Jack Borgeson and Sixth Grade, Joshua Asher. Each received a Certificate for First Place, an award of $50 and a bronze medal representing the honor of winning on the local level of this national contest. Other winners were also awarded with certificates of recognition and gift cards.

LOCAL YOUTH SELECTED TO BE A JOYAMBASSADOR FOR GENERATION ON

make this world a better place to live and grow up in,” said Jennifer Shelton, co-leader of Girl Scout Troop #2259 and member of Red Lick First Baptist Church.

For four years, generationOn and Hasbro, Inc. have partnered on the JoyMaker campaign that has inspired more than 100,000 acts of giving by young people each holiday season. This year, for every action a kid or teen takes to help others, Hasbro will donate a toy or game to Toys for Tots-up to 1 million dollars worth! During the winter season, young people provide services-from sending cards and packages to troops, to making scarves and blankets for the homeless, to singing songs at senior centers, etc. More information can be found at: www.givejoy.generationOn.org

100 toys to be given away to children in need and generationOn donated $100 that was used for card making materials as well as wrapping paper for each gift.

Mikayla Shelton teamed up with her Girl Scout Troop #2259 and Red Lick First Baptist Church to make the cards for the children and to wrap the gifts. The gifts included popular toys such as FurReal Friends, Transformers, My Little Pony, Mr. Potato Head and GloWorm and popular family games like Scrabble, Monopoly and Jenga. The gifts and cards were then delivered to area children in need as well as Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

“It is a blessing to be a part of such a great event. The looks on the children’s faces when they received their gifts and the tears of joy from the parents that were so grateful to have help during this Christmas season is something that I will remember for the rest of my life,” said Mikayla.

“We wish to thank Hasbro, generationOn, Girl Scout Troop #2259 and Red Lick First Baptist Church for helping bring joy to these children and their families this Christmas. It is people like these that help

(GENOA, AR), December 2013- Recently, Mikayla Shelton, 18 was one of two in the state of Arkansas selected to be a Joy Ambassador as part of the national Joy Maker campaign led by generationOn, a global youth service organization that inspires kids to make their mark on the world. Hasbro donated


CHAMBER BREAKFASTWYNDHAM GARDEN HOTEL 12/20/13

1. Lindsay Adcock, Chris Ross, Tim O’Neil, Mark Bledsoe and Lynn Willing-Bond 2. Mike Hickam, Kevin Avery, James Bramlett and Charles Russell 3. Chris Hickerson, Kevin Laing and Korey Keith 4. Lorie Turnage 5. Fred Norton, William Morriss, Steve Matlock and Don Morriss 6. Andre Story, Dr, Brian Matthews and Warren Smith 7. Janelle Williamson and Karen Lansdell 8. Shala Scoggins and Debbie Muliyil 9. Lorie Turnage and Karen Lansdell 10. Charles Nickerson and Jennifer Harland 11. Mitchell Thiels and Janelle Williamson 12. Mary Wormington, Warren Smith and Amy Schulz

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SASSY GIRLS CHRISTMAS BASHBENEFITTING LITTLE PAWS RESCUE

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1. Food. 2. The girls show off their masterpieces. 3. Painting. 4. Karen Goodwin thanks tbe girls for helping her rescue. 4. The girls with Miss White River Klancy Johnson. 5. The girls with Miss White River Klancy Johnson in their painting aprons. Left to right: Bottom row: Reagan, Endsley, Peyton, Madilyn, Kinley, Chloe. Top row: Malley, Allie Grace, Tatum, Miss White River Klancy Johnson, Sydney, Trinity, Eva Kathryn, Karen Goodwin, Meagan

These young ladies are learning early to help others! They brought items to be donated to Karen Goodwin’s pet rescue, Little Paws Rescue. They exchanged ornaments, ate, painted and enjoyed time with Klancy Johnson, Miss White River 2014.

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Texarkana Humane SocieTy

1. BABY is a beautiful girl that is hungry for love and affection. She would be perfect for someone looking for a single companion to keep you company. She would be great for a small family or single person. Baby is a very well behaved cat and is strictly an inside kitty. She is current on vaccinations, wormed, and spayed. Adoption fee is $50. Call foster mom Jan at 870-772-6052.2. NIKKI is a 5 1/2 month old gray kitten. She is spayed and current on shots. She is litter box trained, gets along well with other cats and is use to being around dogs. For more info call Sherrie at 903-838-6334.3. This little guy is BANDIT. He was born around 8/18 and was bottle fed by his foster mom. Bandit is now ready to leave his foster and find his furever family. He is current on puppy shots and is doing really good with his paper training. We believe he is a lab mix. A fenced yard is required. For more info call Sherrie at 903-838-6334.4. This handsome little guy is BEAR. He was born around 8/18

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

The Texarkana Humane Society is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to re-homing orphaned animals, promoting the human-animal bond, preventing animal cruelty, educating children and adults about responsible pet ownership and preventing pet overpopulation.

In order to reduce the number of unwanted animals and the euthanization of them at the shelter people need to spay/neuter their pets. The Texarkana Humane Society has a program to help individuals do this and urge everyone to get involved and tell your neighbor, family, and friends to be responsible and do their part in putting a stop to this problem here in our city. Have them contact us regarding our program. Call 903 838-6334 and we will be glad to help you.

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and was bottle fed by his foster mom. Bear is now ready to find his furever family. He is current on puppy shots and is doing really good with his paper training. He is a lab mix. A fenced yard is required. For more info call Sherrie at 903-838-6334.5. ACE is a little 3 yr old Terrier that weighs only 18 pounds. He is neutered, current on shots, heartworm negative and microchipped. We rescued him from our local shelter after being there for a year. This little guy gets along well with other dogs and cats and is doing good on his housetraining. He would be a great addition to any family. A fenced yard is required. For more info call Sherrie at 903-838-6334.6. LUNA is a blue Chihuaha mix weighing in at 8.3 pounds. This precious little girl is full of love. She is housetrained, current on shots, gets along great with other dogs and would be a great addition to any family. For more info call Christine at 903-278-6575.7. TRUDY is an 8 month old Shepherd/Terrier mix that weighs less than 27 pounds. She has been fully vetted. She is spayed,

microchipped, current on all shots and heartworm negative. This little girl is great with other dogs, is good with children, and learns quickly. She is doing great on her training. A fenced yard is required. For more info call Susan at 903-826-9004.8. BUDDY is as cute as he can be. He is a terrier mix that was born in May 2013 and weighs 28 pounds. This cutie is neutered, microchipped, and current on vaccinations. Buddy is use to being indoors and is house and crate trained. This little guy loves other dogs as well as cats. Fenced yard required. For more information call Amanda at 419-466-4962.9. OREY is a handsome year old Lab/retriever mix weighing 43 pounds. We rescued from him from our local shelter and he is truly a great pup. He is neutered, current on shots, heartworm negative and microchipped. He is working on his housetraining, gets along with other dogs and would be a great addition to any family. A fenced yard is required. For more info call Jerry at 870-773-3740.

Volunteers who agree to provide a foster home for our strays are provided with medical care for the animals. The Humane Society pays for all immunizations and spays or neuters the animal.

Our goal is to place these animals in permanent homes with responsible, loving pet owners.

All of our services are provided through private donations from our community. Donations are accepted and needed! Our animal friends appreciate you and your donations are tax deductible! (The Humane Society is all volunteers and all money goes towards the animals.)

We’ve got a full house! Please come visit us! You might find the addition your family has been looking for!

Do you have an animal that needs a new home? Please don’t neglect it! Call us and let us help you find a foster home. We will list your animal on our Facebook page at no charge. Let us help!

For more information, contact Sherrie Thompson, President, at 903.838.6334, or go to www.texarkanahumanesociety.com. We’re also on Facebook!

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

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The mission of the Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas is to be a technologically advanced, self sustaining, human and animal friendly facility that specializes in personal customer service from a team of knowledgeable, caring individuals who endeavor to achieve rapid placement of all adoptable animals.

We are always in need of caring, capable volunteers to assist in with duties at the center, adoption events, fund-raising activities and more.

Your tax-deductible donation will help care for and assist in the adoption of loving animals to good homes!

WHO ELSE CAN HELP?Artex Animal Welfare, Inc.

(mostly horses)903.824.1990

Poodle Patch & [email protected]

Passion for Pooches(mostly small dogs)

903.832.8632

Texarkana Animal League877.525.4825

Texarkana Reptile and Amphibian Rescue

903.809.3761

“We’re featuring some very sweet babies that desperately need a good home. They have all been here far too long and are all VERY sweet. Please help!!!”-Miss Bertha, Animal Care & Adoption Center

The Animal Care & Adoption Center of Texarkana, Arkansas is located at 203 Harrison, Texarkana, AR, 71854. For more information, call Connie Slater at 870.773.6388, or visitwww.animalcareadoptioncenter.org.We’re also on Facebook!

We’re open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 - 5:00.

Please note, all dogs adopted from this shelter MUST be spayed or neutered. Spays cost $89-$104, neuters are $76-$92 depending on the weight of the dog.

LiTTLe PawS reScue

Little Paws Rescue is a small breed rescue, specializing in chihuahuas, poodles, and schnauzers. We accept owner surrenders and abandoned strays, as well as dogs from area animal shelters.All dogs available for adoption from Little Paws Rescue have been vaccinated, spayed/neutered, have begun flea/tick and heartworm preventative, and have received medical care for any prevailing health condition.For more information, contact Karen Goodwin: 903-280-3083; [email protected]; [email protected]; www.littlepaws-rescue.org; www.facebook.com/LittlePawsRescueTexarkana

Lincoln & Sofi

Lucky

Layla

PacoAmos


February Calendar of Events

FEB 1 - MARCH 1TRAHC’s African American Committee Exhibit. This year’s TAAC exhibit is a series of educational panels depicting notable national and local African American artists. www.trahc.org

FEB 1St Michael’s 2013 Foundation Gala - Texarkana Convention Center

FEB 4-5Sid The Science Kid. Sid, an “inquisitive youngster” uses comedy to tackle questions kids have about basic scientific principles and why things work the way they do. Join Sid, May, Gabriela and Gerald as they come to your town to discover the excitement and curiosities of the world with you! Teacher Susie is along to keep the music flowing as the kids explore the world around them with audience interactive activities, cooperative problem solving and plenty of laughs to go around. “Sid the Science Kid Live!” will keep your whole family cheering , exploring, dancing and excited to figure out more about the great unknown, together! www.trahc.org

FEB 6Texarkana Area Veterans Council Meeting. For more information contact Greg Beck at [email protected].

FEB 6WINEFEST at the Beauty and Wellness Center! A Sweetheart wine dinner- $60.00 per person. *BWC Wine Glass Included.

FEB 6AG Expo - Four States Fair Entertainment Center.

FEB 6Circle Of Friends is proud to host their annul Radiothon! Proceeds will go to Arkansas Childrens Hospital! For info please contact Melissa Massey (903) 293-7734, Sabrina Hocutt (903) 691-8596 , Donna McLaughlin (903) 278-8843, or any member of the Circle Of Friends.

FEB 7Girl Scouts Diamond Council Community Fundraiser JUST DESERTS (Chocolate Tasting.) $10 tickets in advance, $12 tickets at door. Contact Lisa McDermott at (870) 773-1980.

FEB 8SWAHSRA - Four States Fair Grounds Equine Center. Contact Jackie Sue: [email protected]

FEB 13Beauty and the Beast at the Perot.Thursday, February 13 at 7:30PMTHE MOST BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY EVER TOLD COMES TO LIFE! The lush, romantic Broadway musical for all generations - TALE AS OLD AS TIME, TRUE AS IT CAN BE. Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the smash hit Broadway musical is coming to a city near you! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!

FEB 14

V alentine’s Day!FEB 14

Texarkana Area Veterans Council Chili Cookoff. For more information contact Greg Beck at [email protected].

FEB 15 - MARCH 15TRAHC Presents “Grace Beneath the Floating World” - Angela Davis Johnson Exhibit. Little Rock based artist Angela Davis Johnson is best known for her vibrant narrative paintings that examines universal connections, southern identity and historical occurrences through personal symbols. Navigating between academic influences and outsider art individuality, she creates textured figures using oil paint, scrap paper and fabric within unique compositions. A signature member of Arkansas League of Artists, currently her work can be seen in galleries and private collections throughout the United States. www.trahc.org

FEB 15-16Running WJ Cutting Horse Show at the Four States Fair Grounds Entertainment Center. For more information, contact Sam Clem: [email protected]

FEB 16Vietnam Veterans of America #278 meeting. For more information contact Greg Beck at [email protected].

FEB 18Moscow Festival Ballet in Sleeping Beautyat the Perot Theater at 7:30PM.The Sleeping Beauty, a crowning jewel of Marius Petipa’s career, is often considered the finest achievement of the Classical ballet. It is a grandiose and refined blending of the traditional mime, expressive pas d’action and spectacular divertissements in a lavish theatrical setting. Tchaikovsky was delighted with the invitation to write the music for a ballet based on Charles Perrault’s well-known fairy tale. A baby princess, condemned at her christening by an evil fairy to prick her finger and die on her 16th birthday, is saved by the gift of the good Lilac Fairy, who declares the princess will only sleep until awakened by the kiss of a prince. The fairy tale, replete with a king and queen, fairies both good and evil, a beautiful princess and dream prince, magical stage effects, and courtly splendor, lent itself perfectly to the full evening ballet that was Petipa’s pride.

FEB 21-23UCCUA Collegiate Rodeo - Four States Fair Grounds Equine Center.

FEB 22TSO Bravo Broadway Rocks! At the Perot. Featuring music from current Broadway hits with a bit of a Rock ‘n Roll flair. Featuring the return of Doug Labrecque and Anne Runolfsson and the addition of LaKisha Jones who was the fourth place finalist during Season Six of “American Idol”.

FEB 22-23Polka Dots & Lollipops at the Four States Fair Grounds Fine Arts Building. Contact Amanda Raney: (903) 244-9608

FEB 24The Jordan World Circus at the Four States Fair Grounds Entertainment Center. Contact Bill Rice: (702) 456-2642

FEB 27Seussical Jr Performances at Silvermoon on Broad. $10 a ticket or buy a membership. Performance schedule: February 27th at 7:00PM. March 1st at 2:00PM & 7:00PM. March 2nd at 2:00PM & 5:00PM.

FEB 28Texarkana Coin Show at the Texarkana Convention Center. For more information, (903) 832-7933. 903.277.0307

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Angie CornettOffice Manager

Bill SpradlinRealtor

903-748-3186

Tracy SpradlinBroker

903-748-2477

Jan WilliamsRealtor

903-277-5771

Karyn BaucumRealtor

903-278-3836

Stephanie MaddoxRealtor

903-701-1341

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903-276-7565

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903-293-9183

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ALT February 2014

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