ALT March 2013

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TributeToTeachers

Chelsea NortonPre-K, Springlake Park

Elementary SchoolWinner of the ALT Teacher

Of The Year Facebook Contest!

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ALT Magazine March 20136

M a r c h 2 0 1 3 / c o n t e n t s

k / On The Cover

Chelsea NortonWinner of the 2013 Teacher of the Year Contest on ALT’s Facebook Page and recipient of a $250.00 grant for her classroom!

Mike McInturff2nd Place in the 2013 Teacher of the Year Contest on ALT’s Facebook Page!

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M a r c h 2 0 1 3 / Vo l . 7 , I s s u e 3

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower

Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson

Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Kendal Dockery, Sarah Schwartz

Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy

Feature Writers / Jane Bouterse, Anne Fruge

Contributing Writers / Christine Amos, Mike Brower, Kendra Raines, Vincent Senatore, Dustin Stringer

Advisor / 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

ALT Magazine is published the 1st business day of every month. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of ALT Magazine is strictly prohibited. ALT Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are available for $42.00 per year. Contributions from our readers are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material.

©2013 ALT Magazine

F E AT U R E S

1 2 S i g n s o f t h e T i m e s

2 1 M a r c h i n g O n

2 6 Te a c h e r C o n t e s t F i n a l i s t s

3 1 I t ’ s A l l A b o u t L e a r n i n g

3 6 A “ D y n a m i c D u o ” F r o m F a i r v i e w

E V E R Y M O N T H

4 2 D e a r K e n d r a

8 E d i t o r ’ s L e t t e r

5 0 F i n a n c i a l F o c u s

4 6 F i s h Ta l e s

4 4 F u r r y Ta l e s

7 7 R e a l E s t a t e

7 4 S e c o n d C h a n c e s

5 2 T r u e L i g h t

4 8 U n c o r k e d

E V E N T S

5 4 G o d s p e l l

5 6 G r a n d R e o p e n i n g o f A s h l e y F u r n i t u r e

5 8 Te x R e p N e w M e m b e r s h i p P a r t y

6 0 R e l a y f o r L i f e K i c k O f f P a r t y

6 2 W a g g o n e r C r e e k A p a r t m e n t s R i b b o n C u t t i n g

6 4 TA M U T R e c e p t i o n H o n o r i n g D r . C u t r e r

6 6 S w e e t h e a r t D i n n e r

6 8 J u n i o r L e a g u e L u n c h e o n

7 0 S t . M i c h a e l ’ s G a l a

C U LT U R E

7 6 C a l e n d a r o f E v e n t s

Welcome New Staff!Please join us in welcoming our new columnist, Kendra Raines! We are excited to have her advice column this month -- and for months to come!

In addition, we welcome new event photographers, Kendal Dockery and Sarah Schwartz! Kendal and Sarah are both owners of their own photography studios and come to us with a wealth of photography experience. Please welcome them when you see them are your next event!

Kendal Dockery Sarah Schwartz

Kendra Raines


E d u c a t i o n . . .

I remember many of the teachers who blessed my life.

Throughout my elementary, middle and high school journey,

they taught me the basics, with a part of that not only being

“book” knowledge, but also the knowledge of how to be part of

a team. I wish I could say I was never a “thorn” to my teachers,

but I would have to admit that I probably was. However, I loved

to learn and have continued that love of learning throughout

my life.

At times I have considered teaching. I tell all my family

and friends this and they laugh. I would never make it as a

teacher at this point in my life. I am too stuck in my ways and

want everything done as I feel like it should be done -- not

what others wish. Which is why I am really good at owning my

business! HA!

However, without the teachers in my life, I would be

incapable of owning any business. I absolutely believe that the

more educated I became, the more my life came together. Life

is funny. Just when you think you know what you know, God

sends something your way to change your outlook!

Which is what happened one Saturday evening at a

dinner party that my husband and I attended at Northridge

Country Club. To our delight, we were seated with two

wonderful women, Mary Harris and Lisa Waits. I had seen

them before, but had not had a chance to talk with them.

The dinner was shortly after the tragedy at the school

in Connectticutt, when everyone was still very emotional about

what had happened. Lisa and Mary both shared with us that

they were elementary school teachers and had been heart

E D I TO R ’ S l e t t e r

Teachers who inspire know that teaching is like cultivating a garden, and those who would have nothing to do with thorns must never attempt to gather flowers. ~Author Unknown

broken, as we were, by the events that had taken place. While

talking with them about teaching, I started thinking about how

we could honor the teachers in our area. You see, although

they are there for our children every day for most of the year,

they don’t get close to being told how wonderful they are by

the people in our community. The “ALT Facebook Teacher of

the Year Contest” was the result of that meeting -- and for that,

I want to say thank you to these two wonderful ladies!

The album of approximately 150 teachers is still up on

the ALT Facebook page. I hope that each of you will take thte

opportunity to peruse through all of these wonderful people,

read the comments, and know that your children are being well

taken care of.

I was really excited when I realized that our winner and

first runner up were from two generations -- one a brand new

teacher, the other a seasoned teacher. Chelsea Norton and

Mike McInturff are both wonderful role models for the teachers

in our community.

I hope you enjoy “meeting” Lisa, Mary, Chelsea, and

Mike (Mr. Mac) this month while reading their stories. And I

hope you will take just a moment to thank a teacher in your life

-- you know, the one that made a difference in just one thing.

Maybe that was for you, maybe that was for your children.

Please let them know how important they are!

May God bless you!

Publisher/Editor

Publisher/Editor

Pleasant Grove Elementary SchoolGrades PK - 2nd

6500 Pleasant Grove RoadTexarkana, Texas 75503Phone: 903-838-0528Fax: 903-831-3799

Chad Blain, [email protected]

Pleasant Grove Intermediate SchoolGrades 3rd - 5th

8480 North Kings HighwayTexarkana, Texas 75503Phone: 903-832-0001Fax: 903-832-0147

Pam Bradford, [email protected]

Pleasant Grove Middle SchoolGrades 6th - 8th

5605 Cooks LaneTexarkana, Texas 75503Phone: 903-831-4295Fax: 903-831-5501

Linda Erie, [email protected]

Pleasant Grove High SchoolGrades 9th - 12th

5406 McKnight RoadTexarkana, Texas 75503Phone: 903-832-8005Fax: 903-832-5381

William Harp, [email protected]

All CAmpusesSouthern Association of Colleges & Schools Accreditation

AdvancED/CASI Accreditation

Texas Education Agency Accreditation

Superior Achievement Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas

State and Nationally Recognized Teachers

State and National Award Winning Students

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C o n t i n u e s i n 2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3t h e L e g a C y o f s u C C e s s

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Choose yourstyle

Pleasant Grove Elementary SchoolGrades PK - 2nd

6500 Pleasant Grove RoadTexarkana, Texas 75503Phone: 903-838-0528Fax: 903-831-3799

Chad Blain, [email protected]

Pleasant Grove Intermediate SchoolGrades 3rd - 5th

8480 North Kings HighwayTexarkana, Texas 75503Phone: 903-832-0001Fax: 903-832-0147

Pam Bradford, [email protected]

Pleasant Grove Middle SchoolGrades 6th - 8th

5605 Cooks LaneTexarkana, Texas 75503Phone: 903-831-4295Fax: 903-831-5501

Linda Erie, [email protected]

Pleasant Grove High SchoolGrades 9th - 12th

5406 McKnight RoadTexarkana, Texas 75503Phone: 903-832-8005Fax: 903-832-5381

William Harp, [email protected]

All CAmpusesSouthern Association of Colleges & Schools Accreditation

AdvancED/CASI Accreditation

Texas Education Agency Accreditation

Superior Achievement Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas

State and Nationally Recognized Teachers

State and National Award Winning Students

8500 N. Kings Hwy. • Texarkana, TX 75503 • 903-831-4086 • www.pgisd.net

C o n t i n u e s i n 2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3t h e L e g a C y o f s u C C e s s

“Congratulations!Today is your day.You’re off to Great Places!You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes.You can steer yourselfany direction you choose.”...

…So says Dr. Seuss in his book Oh, the Places You’ll Go

Just who equips these young travelers to make such an amazing journey, i.e. “any direction you choose”? The answer is so simple it can be easily overlooked….

TEACHERS.

Whether in public or private schools, home schools or tutors, TEACHERS generously and strenuously give of themselves to require their students—regardless of educational level—to use their brains and their feet. Equipped with the tools to choose wisely, students become the adults who determine the directions of governments and families, businesses large and small, charities and institutions, thus the potential to influence the worlds of which they are a part. This issue of ALT proudly salutes some excellent teachers who deserve the praises which come their way. They serve as representatives of all those TEACHERS who are unnamed but –Oh! So important! As we know: “If you can read [these stories], thank a TEACHER.”

We hope YOU will take the time to say “Thank you!

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March 2013 www.alt-mag.com 15

The beige brick of the familiar building appears the same but different somehow. The welcome sign and

covered walkway occupy their assigned places—as always. The two sets of double entry doors are swiped clear and clean, and the busy movement of people—larger, smaller and in between—is clearly visible on the other side of the glass doors. When I push on the entry bar, however, the door remains unmoving. Clearly, I am being denied entrance into Spring Lake Park Elementary School—a TISD public school. A young woman approaches the door and asks my name and my business at the school. I am expected. The long cord attached to the key in her hand swings briskly as she places the key in the latch; the door opens easily but is quickly locked behind me. I am escorted into an office area where I am required to enter my identification information in the Visitor’s Sign In book. The effects of Newtown appear everywhere. My momentary frustration turns into the same sadness expressed by my escort who accompanies me into the

hallway, through another set of double doors to unlock and open to the outside. I am directed to the appropriate portable building, observed as I ascend the portable’s stairs and knock on the classroom door. My arrival has been announced, and I can hear the key turn in the door’s lock. Only as I am being admitted into the classroom, where I am supposed to be, does my escort close the door to the main building and put her key to

work again. What long, sad days these keys and their users must know, but, for now, their caution is somewhat reassuring. Inside the classroom, I am greeted by the singing and dancing of the chicken dance, complete with flapping wings. Chelsea Norton and her Pre-K class smile and laugh as, holding hands, they move first in one direction, then the other. No doubt

about it…chickens would have been proud. As the dance ends, most of the class seat themselves in their appointed places on the centrally located carpet. I am entranced.

My attention is interrupted by a young man who stands in front of me with an outstretched hand. “Welcome to Pre-Kindergarten Class” is his soft greeting as we share a handshake. [I learn later that it is Caden’s turn to serve as Class Greeter.] He

performs his job very well. While her usual

class of 22 four to five year olds is slightly fewer today, Ms. Norton is still appreciative of the assistance provided by Ms. Gloria

Hawkins, an invaluable classroom assistant who

travels around the campus to lend her caring and knowledgeable hands wherever they are needed. Ms. Hawkins directs me to a perfectly sized Pre-K chair which will serve briefly as my vantage point. I need the slight altitude advantage just to explore the content of this strikingly colorful, creatively informative and functional environment. This is a happy space. Valentines almost as large as their makers occupy

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

The Teaching Goes On

by Jane Bouterse

Congratulations, Chelsea Norton, winner of ALT’s Teacher of the Year

Facebook Contest!


one corner of the portable building’s room. There are charts of colors and shapes—a rhombus, triangle, heart, star, oval, circle, rectangle and square—and letters of the alphabet. Circular tables occupy the perimeter of the room. Carefully placed throughout the workspace are centers for math, science, construction, library, ABCs, and writing—even a pretend and learn center. Students can choose the center where they want to work during their afternoons. Two disabled computers and a working iPad are available in the classroom. Chelsea is not unhappy about either the number of technological tools or their temporary disabilities because she understands that “technology is great, but these kids still need hands on. Manipulatives to explore and guide their learning need to be addressed as well as the students’ tapping on a screen.”

Clearly visible to the teacher and students alike is the Classroom Helper Chart. Using this Chart, these four and five year olds are assigned their jobs, for which they are hired when they make good choices and from which they can be fired, if their choices are poor. “These jobs are all about responsibility,” Ms. Norton explains. “The jobs are rotated every two weeks so that everyone has an opportunity. I use the words hired and fired, too. Social and emotional maturation are huge in Pre-K, and these jobs allow students to develop in many ways.” The jobs include: line leader; class greeter; light helper (turns lights off and on, especially as the class leaves and re-enters the room); Teacher’s helper; weather person (this requires use of the class toy microphone which does amplify sounds); flag holder; caboose (last person to leave the room turns out the lights and shuts the door); read aloud helper; nap time helper; snack helper, and pattern helper.

No doubt about it! These students are surrounded by opportunities for helping and learning, but the most exciting part of this classroom revolves around the TEACHER. Chelsea Norton is an attractive 5’2” blonde with big green eyes and an infectious smile. As Jan Hall, one of Chelsea’s former teachers has noted, “I always called her Ms. Sunshine—I’m sure she brings that to her students.” When her students (and their parents) describe her, words like “lovely person; warm caring heart; helpful; spends equal time with all the kids” abound. In short, “The best teacher ever!!!!” and “My daughter looooves her!” No wonder, then, that Chelsea Norton was

chosen by ALT readers as their Special TEACHER OF THE YEAR. Congratulations, Chelsea.

Spring Lake Park Principal, Debbie Roberts, smiles with pride as she acknowledges: “Chelsea Norton is a first year teacher. I have had the privilege to watch her grow as a teacher. I have enjoyed watching our 4 year children develop in learning, social, physical and emotional skills over this short period of time. We are fortunate to have her at Spring Lake Park at the foundation level of learning.”

Chelsea’s tenure at Spring Lake Park began on June 8, 2012. What a day for her! On that June day she learned she had a job at Spring Lake Park, and shortly after that news, her baby girl Channing—the light of her life-- was born. Even with two life-changing events on the same day, Chelsea only came close to

being overwhelmed. She began

to handle one new role at a time. Channing, who is thriving, obviously has responded to her

4:30 a.m. feedings and Chelsea’s skills

as a mom; her Pre-K students are thriving, too. As Ms. Norton acknowledges, “I’m just a big kid myself,” so seeing her dance in the chicken dance circle or sit cross legged in the carpet circle while she begins a book is no surprise.

“What is this?” Chelsea asks as she points to the front of the book. Almost in unison, the students respond; then she turns the book around, “And what is this?”

“The back.” All the while students remain in their places, but there is always movement with student eyes moving—who really knows where? Chelsea is aware of everything. Her smile never fades; she seems unhurried, and she responds to individual comments as she draws the students back to “What is this?” This time the spine of the book proves a bit more challenging. “What does it do?” Chelsea asks. A discussion of the human spine illustrates.

Meanwhile, she notes that one student has chosen not to join the group. “Will you join us?” she asks. There is no scolding in her voice. Ms. Gloria moves toward the holdout while Chelsea returns to the lesson. After a brief discussion, the resistant student chooses to join the group. “This is a non-discipline environment [meaning no physical discipline]. We give students choices

throughout the day every day instead of corporal punishment, sad faces or raising our voices,” Ms. Norton explains. “Giving choices is an example of ‘Love and Logic,’ and it is used throughout the campus.” She continues to explain that “Love and Logic” allows misbehaving students to choose one or two minutes of sitting at their tables with heads down to think what they might have done differently. “When the time is over, the student rejoins the group and continues on with no fits or tears.”

“I’m so glad you joined us,” Ms. Norton addresses the once-resisting student. “Give me a hug. This is a much better choice.”

Another question followed by a correct student answer. “Kiss your brain for knowing that,” she directs the student as Chelsea models her hand passing her lips and touching her forehead. By now, the group is getting a little restless, so Chelsea directs them to “Throw

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me your ears.” For a moment, she has their attention. Time to move on quickly, as four year olds have short attention spans.

This classroom is an alive place. It is filled with lots of “Thank you” moments and always a smile. Negative faces here are rare. High fives are in abundance along with “Whoopees,” too. One student uses “Ma’am” as he responds to her, and Chelsea takes the time to observe, “You used kind words. Thank you.” A major reward for the students is their name on the Kindness Tree where hearts are the fruit grown. Again the tree’s presence serves a “growing” purpose.

Once again, Chelsea explains:The Kindness Tree is an example of “Conscious Discipline”

and replaces the old fashioned “behavior monitoring chart” which in some schools is not allowed anymore. The students are taught to become aware of their emotions and to control their actions in regards to a problem. A heart for the Kindness Tree can be earned by using kind words, listening ears, helping hands (sharing), and by using your BIG VOICE. This consists of the students saying, “I don’t like it when you hit me,” along with telling the teacher instead of hitting back and causing a bigger mess than before; or “I don’t like it when you take my pencil” or whatever the problem may be.

“Another reason I like this age, “ a smiling Chelsea explains, “is that they want to please you.”

Praise and patience in this classroom are abundant. “I’m so proud” is frequently used as are “rounds of applause” when students actually move their hands in a circle while they clap. The action never ceases. This award-winning teacher is constantly aware of the atmosphere of her classroom. “I make up stuff all day long, “ she confesses. “I have to think on my feet. My brain is always working.” Even though the lesson proceeds, Chelsea takes the time to tie an errant bow, grant permissions and answer questions.

“I’ll tell you what. This isn’t working,” Chelsea concludes about a lesson, so she turns the lights off and the record on. This group is going on an unplanned but much needed bear hunt.

Choice + Change + Creativity + Constant = Chelsea Norton’s Classroom and “I love it.”

Flexibility and stamina are essential tools for this TEACHER who will be with these students from her 7:40 a.m. pick-up time until their departure at 3 or 3:15 p.m. with only brief breaks for lunch and possible conferences. No wonder that a loud “WHEW” is an appropriate response before Chelsea reviews her day and begins making preparations for tomorrow.

Chelsea Norton is clear. “I want my students to know this classroom is a safe and fun place to be.” She makes teaching and learning look so easy. The impression is accurate; the facts, different. Principal Debbie Roberts has noted that Chelsea “has attended training and utilized all that she has learned.” And her continued learning is substantial. To understand why, check out the Texas Education Agency’s website which outlines curriculum for Pre-K level: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/ed_init/pkguidelines/index.html.

The outline includes teaching comparison and contrast, for example: To achieve that goal a graphic organizer hangs on the back of a shelf near the entrance to Chelsea Norton’s classroom. To an outsider it looks like two circles conjoined in the middle with words and pictures. Chelsea explains:

Children at this age have a hard time saying how or why items are alike and different. The Venn Diagram is a visual aide to help students compare and contrast two different things. [Check out Venn Diagrams. Web site: www.ixl.com/math/pre-k] A Venn Diagram is “a way of picturing relationships between different groups of things. Using circles is almost inevitable. The Diagrams are useful tools for teaching mathematics, and logical relationships. In this Pre-K classroom, the Diagram was used to compare and contrast two stories, “The Three Little Pigs” and “The Three Billy Goats Gruff.” It is really important to expose Pre-K students to graphic organizers and other strategies. Although the students can’t read every word, they will eventually catch on to the purpose and the foundation will be set for tools they can use on in to high school. In short, sophisticated concepts made accessible via. visual and kinesthetic tools. Therefore, those hula hoops in Chelsea Norton’s classroom have a serious purpose for being there.

This is one teacher who makes no apologies for pushing her students to achieve well beyond the state’s minimal guidelines, and she does everything within her power to facilitate the students’ success.

Chelsea writes: Teaching children is truly my passion. I want people to know that teaching consists of much more than ABC’s and 123’s. No matter the age or content, teachers must teach the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically. My goal as a teacher is to make learning fun, make my students feel safe when they enter into my classroom, and to instill a desire to learn within them. My first step in instilling a love for learning in my students is by modeling that behavior with my actions and words.

“The one word that I would use to describe myself…BLESSED!”

Students in Chelsea’s classroom—all 22 of them-- will probably be willing to apply that same word—BLESSED—to their experiences in her classroom. Although they may recognize it in different ways, their lives will be permanently changed as a result of coming into contact with this caring, hard working TEACHER because that’s not only a TEACHER’S job but also, passion.

The classroom--more than any other place—has the greatest potential for making a positive difference in the lives of individuals. Those TEACHERS who succeed are dedicated to what they do and work usually without the positive praise of paychecks or society’s admiration.

Chelsea Norton is one of those dedicated TEACHERS. Congratulations on her recognition as winner of the ALT’s TEACHER OF THE YEAR. She earns that praise every day.

Keys and Locks? Sadly, signs of the times, but the Teaching goes on---because----

That’s what TEACHERS do for their students, thus their world!

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The classroom is filled with treasures. The walls are lined with posters of major historical figures, dinosaur replicas hang from the ceiling, and a wall is devoted to student’s original

drawings. Each step into the room contains something new to discover. The room is also home to a unique cast of beloved characters: Big Momma, a tarantula; Dandelion, a parakeet; Spike, a bearded dragon; Oscar, a turtle; Oakatee, a snake; and Oreo, a bunny. Students from previous years stop by Room 3B at Redwater Elementary School to say “hi” to the man who changed their lives, a man they affectionately call, “Mr. Mc.”

“My second daughter, Grace, enjoyed being in Mr. McInturff’s class so much in the third grade,” Trysta Jeanette Horton says. “At a parent/teacher meeting he gave me some enlightened views into my own child, and I have never forgotten how that brief meeting with my daughter’s third grade teacher inspired me to view her with new eyes. He certainly doesn’t do this to get rich, but to enrich the lives of our future. He is one in a million.”

When he was growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, Mr. McInturff did not know that he was going to end up teaching 3rd graders the different states of matter, addition and spelling. Instead, he followed a meandering road from the service in the Army to a job in Houston and finally to Texarkana for a sales position. When McInturff’s daughter, Michelle, started playing softball for a Wake Village city team and the team needed a coach, McInturff volunteered, expecting that he would only coach for one year. Ten years later, McInturff realized what he was really called to do: work with kids.

“I loved being around the kids so much, I left my job and

went back to school,” McInturff says. “When I decided to make that life change for myself, I also created a life change for my wife, Kathleen, and our kids, Casey and Michelle. I was working two jobs and going to school. However, their unconditional support got me through those tough years getting my education degree at Texarkana College and East Texas State University.

Originally imagining himself as a junior high social studies teacher, McInturff was assigned to complete his student teaching at Fifteenth Street Elementary in Texarkana ISD. Upon graduation with his degree in December, McInturff substitute taught for several months before getting a call from Fifteenth Street Elementary to offer him a permanent job there. His unique lessons, classroom

management and care for the kids was evident from the

very first day on the job. “On the very

first day, I went to the cafeteria with them. When I saw how much it meant to them, I just

kept doing it. I enjoyed being around them and

it’s a great way to find out more about the kids,” McInturff

says. “You can find out about their likes and dislikes and problems they face. I wouldn’t trade my job now for anything. All I can say is I should have started in education much earlier.”

McInturff taught third grade for one year, and then first grade for nine years at Fifteenth Street Elementary. He also taught at Dunbar Elementary before coming to Redwater Elementary where Mr. McInturff has been a third grade teacher for 8 years.

“From the very first day I make it my goal to create a classroom that they want to be in,” McInturff says. “If they want to be here, that’s half the battle.”

In his classroom, McInturff has several strategies for building a close-knit classroom. He asks students to treat the

by Anne Fruge

Congratulations, Mike McInturff, first runner-up of ALT’s Teacher of the

Year Facebook Contest!

MARCHING ON

From The Army to Teaching,Mike McInturff Makes A Difference


classroom as their home and to treat each other with respect. “I tell my students when they walk in the door on the very

first day, that magically I have become their momma and their daddy and their grandpa and grandma,” McInturff says. “I tell them to look at every single person in this room and know them as your sisters and brothers.”

McInturff also starts the year with Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. The beloved book explains the strong bonds of love between a mother and son. McInturff reads the book on the first week and the last week of school to remind his students of an important fact.

“I tell my students I’m going to love them and protect them through this year,” McInturff says. “In today’s world, that is so important. Especially when we see and hear things like what happened in Connecticut. Parents and students need to know that we are all looking out for the students and care for them as a person.”

To reinforce the feeling of a “home” in the classroom, the kids also take responsibility for many of the daily tasks. Most of the inspiration behind McInturff’s teaching philosophy comes from his time teaching in Japan on a Fulbright Grant. McInturff observed schools where the students had the responsibility of many janitorial duties and enjoyed furry companions in the classroom.

Now, McInturff introduces the animals to the class and after a little time, they are expected to help feed them and take care of

them and their cages. The students can also take animals home with them on holidays (parental permission pending).

“I can go on and on about Mr. Mc’s different strategies, his stories, his ties, but the funniest aspect to me and my husband is that he has opened our family to a new member,” Leslie Kendrick George, the parent of a child in Mr. Mc’s class this year says. “We got the privilege of taking care of Spike, the Bearded Dragon, during Thanksgiving. Needless to say we fell in LOVE. Even better, Santa brought our daughter a mini Spike for Christmas.”

Other fun “Mr. Mc” traditions include units on Japan which have students eating

with chopsticks and writing their name in Japanese. Because of Mr. McInturff’s military background, the class spends a lot of time

talking about Veteran’s Day and

appreciation of our military. Mr. McInturff even wears his original uniform from 1970 to the class on important days. One of McInturff’s favorite ways to bring real life into the classroom is to read stories that have to do with science. This spring they will be reading A Tree is Growing, and the class will venture outside to identify types of trees near the school. The students will also identify plants in the outdoor classroom that Mr. McInturff helped organize. “I’d always wanted an outdoor classroom just to get the kids into a different atmosphere, some place where they could see the nature we were reading and studying about,” McInturff

“To me, every teacher in this hallway, in this building, across this community is doing everything I’m doing. This award is for all teachers and the work they do every day.”


says. “When my grandson, Austin, was looking for a project for his Eagle Scout project, I told him I had just the job for him. My daughter Michelle, her husband Joe, granddaughter Loren and many others pitched in to help. Now the outdoor classroom is complete, and everyone at the school is welcome to use it.” Mr. McInturff’s definition of success doesn’t come from his numerous awards or recognition. In his classroom room, the tops of many plaques, including a Region 8 Teacher of the Year in 1997-1998, only show slightly through the display of student photos littering the shelf. He tells the kids, “If you have an extra school picture, I want one.” “Success to me is running into the students I taught and having them remember me and our class,” Mr. McInturff says. “If I made an impact on these kids and they wanted to be in school, well that was the point. Today I had a student come to see me and say he was running for Student Council at Texas Middle School and requested that I write him a recommendation letter. I said I would, and as he was looking around the room, he spied a picture he had drawn for me in third grade. It’s still

up on my wall. I keep them as long as I can.” Mr. McInturff was nominated for the Teacher Appreciation Contest on Facebook through ALT Magazine by his two daughters, Michelle, a nurse at Collom and Carney Clinic, and Casey, who lives at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with her husband, Kevin, and five year old son, Carter. Their caption with their dad’s entry photo said, “In his eighteen years of teaching he has made an impact on so many students’ lives. Even if it is just the smallest thing like making a student smile or making learning fun by teaching with different techniques, he just has that special touch. The extra effort and time he puts into his students amazes us, and we are proud to call him our Dad.”

“I told the girls, once I found out about the contest that I wish they had come to me first,” McInturff says. “They said, well we knew you wouldn’t let us do it. But, to me, every teacher in this hallway, in this building and across this community is doing everything I’m doing. This award is for all teachers and the work they do every day.”

Mr. Mc stands in front of “The Great Outdoor Classroom.”

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder and the Hands of Dr. Whitten

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scars as well as promoting wound healing and stimulation, skin tightening,lifting, & re-surfacing.

How does it work?Dermapen / Skin Resurfacing works by creating thousands of temporary pores in the skin, de-livering biologically active ingredients at predetermined depths to stimulate the repair and

rejuvenation process from the inside out. Our technique utilizes your own body’sAutologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) to kickstart this process. ACP, also known as PRP (Plate-let Rich Plasma) is the most effective stimulant of repair available today. Platelets are the

body’s first line of response to injury.These little biological miracle packages areelements of the blood and contain at least five growth factors. When they are activated in response to injury, the liberated growth factors initiate the healing & repair process. The Dermapen provides penetration of the skin & the treatments are customized for each patient. The result is patients with all skin types now have a corrective and preventative therapy to treat fine lines and wrinkles, manage scars from acne or other injuries, improve skin texture

and color from melasma presentations, reduce stretch marks appearanceand stimulate new collagen growth.

What areas can be treated?Treatment can be done anywhere on the body that is of concern.

How do I get more information?Treatment always starts with a consultation. The Micro-Needling/Dermapen Therapy takes about an hour for each individual treatment; however, we provide a complimentary micro-dermabrasion as a way of preparing the skin for optimal results, which adds some time. After Dermapen Therapy, we also provide a custom facial treatment to both nourish & pamper the skin at a follow up appointment which will leave you looking refreshed & looking fabulous!

Consultations at The Beauty & Wellness Centerare always free & without obligation.

903.831.5659

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder and the Hands of Dr. Whitten

903.831.5659 903.908.2885 5303 Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 75503 www.texasbodysculpting.com

A person’s skin complexion is one of the first things we notice & feel good about.

It’s never been easier to put yourbest face forward!

Micro-Needling/Dermapen Skin Resurfacing Therapy -Dermapen is a unique & innovative new technique that stimulates the skin to regenerate & repair itself naturally and safely, creating smoother, brighter, healthier looking skin with minimal downtime. An effective treatment option for all skin types & pigments and has shown great clinical results in addressing wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, stretch marks, keloid

scars as well as promoting wound healing and stimulation, skin tightening,lifting, & re-surfacing.

How does it work?Dermapen / Skin Resurfacing works by creating thousands of temporary pores in the skin, de-livering biologically active ingredients at predetermined depths to stimulate the repair and

rejuvenation process from the inside out. Our technique utilizes your own body’sAutologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) to kickstart this process. ACP, also known as PRP (Plate-let Rich Plasma) is the most effective stimulant of repair available today. Platelets are the

body’s first line of response to injury.These little biological miracle packages areelements of the blood and contain at least five growth factors. When they are activated in response to injury, the liberated growth factors initiate the healing & repair process. The Dermapen provides penetration of the skin & the treatments are customized for each patient. The result is patients with all skin types now have a corrective and preventative therapy to treat fine lines and wrinkles, manage scars from acne or other injuries, improve skin texture

and color from melasma presentations, reduce stretch marks appearanceand stimulate new collagen growth.

What areas can be treated?Treatment can be done anywhere on the body that is of concern.

How do I get more information?Treatment always starts with a consultation. The Micro-Needling/Dermapen Therapy takes about an hour for each individual treatment; however, we provide a complimentary micro-dermabrasion as a way of preparing the skin for optimal results, which adds some time. After Dermapen Therapy, we also provide a custom facial treatment to both nourish & pamper the skin at a follow up appointment which will leave you looking refreshed & looking fabulous!

Consultations at The Beauty & Wellness Centerare always free & without obligation.

903.831.5659


3rd) Ellen CampbellEllen has taught Freshmen, Sophmore and Senior English at Pleasant Grove for 22 years. “Tis the good reader that makes a good book.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

4th) Haley CoxHaley teaches first grade at Nash Elementary.

7th) Ryan MurryRyan teaches Senior English at Texas High School.

8th) Glenda Parr Glenda is a retired first grade teacher from J.K. Hileman Elementary, Queen City ISD.

Glenda Upchurch Parr retired from teaching at J.K. Hileman Elementary School in Queen City in 1998 with thirty three years teaching experience. She spent twenty nine of those years teaching first grade, and twenty five of her years teaching were with Queen City ISD.

Glenda credits her mother and father, both of whom retired from Queen City ISD with thirty three years teaching experience, for influencing her decision to become a teacher. Her husband, Paul, was the assistant superintendent at Liberty Eylau ISD before he died in 1978. Her sons, Doug and Dan, teach at Red Lick ISD and Allen ISD, respectively. When siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins are included, there are over three hundred years teaching experience in the Parr and Upchurch families.

Glenda says, “Teaching was a wonderful experience for me. There’s nothing that puts a bigger smile on my face than seeing my teacher friends, my students and their parents.”


5th) Emily TateEmily teaches second grade at Spring Lake Park Elementary.

6th) Karen McDowellKaren teaches Kindergarten at College Hill ElementaryIB World School.

9th) Haylee HoustonHaley works for the Middle School and High School in New Boston and also teaches 8th grade Health Class and boys PE.

10th) Marilake (Farmer) GibsonMarilake taught Home Economics/Family and Consumer Science to grades eight - twelve, at Foreman High School, in Foreman, Arkansas for 36 years, from 1972 to 2008.

photo by Kacy Dunphy


11th) Carol DorseCarol teaches Special Education to grades six - eight at Paulette Smith Middle School in Fouke, Arkansas.

12th) Summer BurkesSummer teaches first grade at College Hill ElementaryIB World School.

13th) Katherine Richardson

Katherine teaches third grade at Redwater Elementary School.

14th) Karen Hargis

Karen teaches eighth grade Technology Applications and is the Yearbook Adviser at Pleasant Grove Middle School.

15th) Billie Jo Hale

Billie Jo teaches first grade at Trinity Christian School.

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by Jane Bouterse

. . .at least that’s what she declares. Even with a smile on her face, no one can doubt from the tone of her voice and the intensity of delivery that she is committed to what she is saying. “She” is Emily Fourmy Cutrer, and she models what she means. This Texas Lady, born in “The Alamo City,” San Antonio and reared both there and in Houston, has earned B.A,. M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in American Studies from The University of Texas, Austin. She began her academic career as a faculty member In American Studies and Art History. “From 1990-2006, she was Associate Professor, then Professor of American Studies at Arizona State University West where she also served as Dean of the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts.” The experience in administration facilitated her move to California State University, San Marcos where Dr. Cutrer “served as Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs for more than six years. In January 2013, Dr. Cutrer returned to Texas after being named President of Texas A & M, Texarkana. Coming back to Texas is certainly understandable, but a UT graduate becoming President of a Texas A&M Campus? What courage and confidence guide her decisions! “That’s not all,” she laughs

comfortably. “My parents are UT graduates, and my grandfather graduated from the University of Texas, too… Brief Pause…I have thought about what they would say. I think they might say, ‘We have rivalries in lots of things—like sports—but we are about the same thing, i.e. educating students. Since you are coming back as a President, it’s OK.’” No one doubts her enthusiasm for both schools, especially her new employer, the Texas A&M System. “The Administration and Staff have been wonderful to me, “ Dr. Cutrer (although from the first handshake, her directions are “Emily”) acknowledges. But no one assumes the schedule of meetings, constant changes and fiscal challenges inherent in the job of President because she likes the staff. So,

“What is the point of it all?” a question once asked a freshman class by A. Bartlett Giamatti (deceased), President of Yale, Renaissance Scholar and Commissioner of Baseball.

“What is the point of it all?” Now a question directed to Dr. Emily Cutrer: “I firmly believe that the answer, to whoever asks—is that the point of a regional comprehensive institution, like Texas A&M, Texarkana, is to provide a broad array of students access to a high quality education. Access affects the prosperity of a nation; access to a quality education is the regional key to not only

the well being of a community’s economic development but also a well-educated populace, culturally and intellectually.”

With that question and answer in mind, Emily quickly explains how much she admires what A&M is doing. Its campuses have now been extended to far flung regions of the state: Texarkana, Galveston, San Antonio, Central Texas, and West Texas, to name a few. “For me, it’s all about serving the underserved,” Cutrer explains. “Lifting the educational level is a quality of life issue. It’s all about having the inner forces to cope, and education provides [or at least enhances] those skills.”

Dr. Cutrer quickly admits that her degrees in American studies, art history and writing [her book The Art of the Woman: The Life and Work of Elisabet Ney (famed Texas Sculptress) and 1988 winner of the Texas Institute of Letters Award for Best Book by a Texas Author] attest to her admiration and belief in the Liberal Arts. “A Liberal Arts education is at the core of what we do,” she affirms. She does not shrink from the argument that the demands on education are changing. In the technological world of the 21st century many of the most crucial jobs do not even require a college education and the increased expenses of a college education and stratification of income within American culture are limiting the educational opportunities fostered by the American

“IT’S ALL ABOUT LEARNING”


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Dream. Carefully she places her cup of tea on the round table in

front of her and confidently responds. “As job demands change,” she explains, “they require a return to the broad skills, the habits of thought and problem solving developed within the Liberal Arts.”

“’So what is the point?’ To solve a problem requires an understanding of the context. If you don’t understand the context, you get everything wrong. As an American Studies scholar, I want to put the pieces of the puzzle together correctly.”

Neither does Cutrer shy from the reality within today’s work force that many of the jobs do not require a college degree—at first. “Many discover later on, however, that they need a college degree to progress or they just acquire a desire to know more.” With a great deal of pride and enthusiasm, Emily acknowledges that Texas A&M, Texarkana, is here to fill those needs. In addition, she stresses how meeting those work force needs requires the efforts of the entire community. “Close collaboration with the community colleges is essential. We have wonderful partnerships with Texarkana College and its fine new president. I anticipate the same relationships with Northeast Texas Community College as well as the other community colleges in our area.”

A&M Texarkana offers a number of degree programs that address workforce needs, and over time, it will add many more. “It needs to be emphasized that there is no substitute for the Liberal Arts core in the training in those areas.”

Although her tenure at Texas A&M, Texarkana, is just beginning, Dr. Cutrer understands that she is supported in her desire to provide a high quality education for all the A&M students. “A&M has an exceptional faculty who have already put a lot of thought and effort into strengthening the Liberal Arts core.

“As a former Liberal Arts Dean, it is incumbent on all of us

who believe to find ways to help students and their families.” The traditional classroom is only a beginning, but internships and projects in the community can and are being created to help students see how to make the transition from the academic environment to the real world.

Finances? Dollars are always a challenge. Dr. Cutrer is well aware of the abundant demands and shortage of dollars. “We need to put money where our mission is,” she says, “and keep tuition as low as possible.

“It is incumbent on me to raise as many private funds as I possibly can.”

Her reality does not stop with raising money, however. “I do not see new technology as antithetical to the traditional classroom,” she quickly explains with evident enthusiasm for the direction her thoughts are taking her. Although online courses as such, are usually not less expensive than face-to-face courses, technology can provide for certain cost efficiencies, since there are a number of ways to combine the talents of faculty and technology. For example, Texas A&M, Texarkana, is working with Texas A&M, Central Texas (Killeen) to get their nursing program going. Nurses are much in demand, and nursing programs are expensive to support. Faculty and physical facilities can be shared

via. technology for the success of nursing programs on both Texas A&M campuses.

“We are no longer institutions of one size fits all, i.e. college is for 18 to 20 year old students all of whom live in a campus dorm.” Commuting students comprise a major portion of college student bodies. These students, more than likely, have jobs and families and lives in addition to taking college courses; there are 45+ year olds who must return to earn degrees to fit into the work force. There are also those who, for the first time in their lives, have the opportunity to achieve their delayed dream of a college education. The diversity of goals, experiences and motivation enrich a classroom beyond the boundaries of textbooks and technology.

This is an exciting time to be in the higher education environment according to Dr. Emily Cutrer. “We have to be cognizant, and be sure our students understand, of the fact we live in a global environment.” Since many of the Texas A&M campuses are in far flung locations (and in Texas that can be pretty far) students’ grasping the extent of a “global environment” and its influence on their lives can be formidable.

Students, therefore, must be taken well beyond just the classroom studies in international locations.

--“The curriculum can be infused with global content, and technology can be a conduit for international education. Right now there is a University of Memphis sociology class working with students in South Africa.

--International students can be encouraged to attend classes on American campuses. In a recent Texas A&M Singing Cadets concert, one of the most popular songs in their program was a Nigerian chant, sung in the appropriate dialect because one of the chorus members came from Nigeria and could speak Abua. Remember, too, that international students pay their way and do not take places away from American students.

Another reason that higher education is an exciting place to be right now. The campus attitude is no longer sink or swim. “I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about grade inflation,” Dr. Cutrer admits. As she explains, college faculty are as concerned with what the students are learning as they are with grades. Speaking for herself, she said, “If a student comes to me and asks, ‘What do I have to do to get an A?’ I believe that student missed the point, which is to learn.”

Our faculty are those “who find ways to help their students learn.” There are so many tools available. Today’s faculty is going to be concerned with getting over obstacles to discover how to help students. “We’re going to assume you can make it, and we’re going to help you find a way. I do think it is probably very exciting to really study the insights into educational psychology, neurology, etc. to


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understand what we do as educators. Campuses like ours provide a broad base for reaching students.”

Have you ever heard of a “flipped class?” One of Cutrer’s former Marine colleagues in California declared the “flipped class” was just what he needed to succeed. Here comes technology again because the instructor records the lecture so that students listen to it on their own for as many times as they wish. In class they are divided into groups or engaged in other means of discussion with the instructor. Repeated consultation of the lecture both prepares and reinforces the classroom experience.

Time for the wisdom of Maria Montessori to emerge. When she began to use blocks in her classroom, objections were abundant. Montessori simply noted that the teacher who could be replaced by a machine…needed to be replaced. Technology is another tool for learning, and in the 21st century? A valuable tool.

Another advantage of technology (and “this is done well in Texarkana”) is more and more attention is being paid to hands on learning. As a result, undergraduate as well as graduate students are becoming involved in research—as soon as possible. Involving students in scholarly efforts provides still more ways to engage with the faculty and “get the juices flowing early. A real scientist goes into a lab with questions and understands that the project at hand is creating, rather than affirming, knowledge.” According to the President, the National Science Foundation is highly supportive of students’ early involvement in research and often lends dollars to support their efforts.

Dr. Cutrer proudly acknowledges that a group of Texarkana’s Texas A&M students last year won the A&M System student research competition. Their competitors came from all levels on all Texas A&M campuses. She beamed as she spoke.

The standing joke applied to Dr. Cutrer, President, Vice-President, Dean, Provost (and others who make the same move) is “You are a faculty member who went over to the dark side.” A conversation with this cordial, bright woman proves, however, that she has gone nowhere—just changed hats. The knowledge she has worked to acquire continues to serve her well and grow.

“Teaching American Studies,” she notes, “requires an interdisciplinary approach—pulling different areas together.” As President of Texas A&M, Texarkana, she is charged with using those interdisciplinary skills to work with others, whether faculty or community, to pull together to solve problems. “I am excited about the opportunities” and her excitement is palpable, “about opportunities for learning and working with a continuum of learners; about the community and what we can do to help its citizens. It is also very nice to be back in Texas.”

She laughs as she explains how she and her history scholar husband, Tom, went to church in Texarkana recently. As they were leaving the service, Tom wryly noted, “We’re not in California anymore.” There was not one Hawaiian shirt among the parishioners. They were both happy. “He never acquired a Hawaiian shirt,” Emily explains.

These are people who never stand still. Tom is finishing a book about the Civil War for the University of North Carolina Press. His book in their sesquicentennial series will focus on the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi West, i.e. Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana (his home state). Their move is perfect for him.

Emily is working on a long term project on state capitals constructed between Reconstruction and WWI. “Every time I am in a state capital, I have to pay a visit to the building. When I went to Austin recently, I was told about a booklet written about the state capital and asked about acquiring a copy. I had to laugh as I explained “I wrote the chapter about the art of the capital.

“This has gone on for so long now, it may be a web site rather than a book.”

How fortunate Texas A&M, Texarkana and the Texarkana community are to now include the Drs. Cutrer among their citizens. Dr. Emily Cutrer does indeed “teach and lead by example.”

“What better advice” asks writer and retired NBC news Anchor Tom Brokaw, “for a young man or woman on the cusp of what passes for the real world? Think. Reason. Explore. Question.”

That’s exactly what Dr. Emily Cutrer is all about. As she believes and lives: “It’s all about learning.”

by Jane Bouterse

A “DYNAMIC DUO” FROM FAIRVIEW

“We’re a Pretty Nifty School, I Tell Ya’!” ~ Lisa Waits


“Every child reaches for the stars and beyond” at Fairview Aerospace and Environmental Studies Magnet

Elementary in the Texarkana, Arkansas, Independent School District. Although there are some 15 teachers who participate in that star and earth search, the “Dynamic Duo” of this focus is second-grade teacher, Mary Harris and science teacher, Lisa Waits. Mary Harris attended TASD schools and Texas A&M, Texarkana. Her eight years of being at the helm of a classroom have been spent at Fairview. Lisa Waits, on the other hand, graduated from West Texas State University (now A&M) and has 28 years of classroom experience in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Alabama, the result of moves necessitated by being married to the same man for 34 years. Both women bring to the classroom the concern and commitment that are essentials in preparing their students for any journey--whether earth or sky bound. Before seeking the stars, students must learn to be good caretakers of the earth, for it is from their environment they draw the sustenance and strength needed to launch. Students must become adults who can read as they seek understanding, make reasonable decisions and take actions essential to preservation of the world in which they live. Mary Harris, a second grade teacher recognized by Texarkana’s Junior League as Outstanding Teacher 2012, clearly optimizes her opportunities to develop reading and communication skills while Lisa Waits deals with the science of taking care of the planet and seeking the stars. They are indeed, a “Dynamic Duo.” To walk into the classroom of Mary Harris must be like walking into a beehive. There is “beeziness” in every part of the room. Charts and chalkboards fill the four walls of the large space. Backpacks and jackets line one wall, but filled plastic containers of all colors reside in the space between the wall and ceiling above the students’ baggage. Another bulletin board promotes the Arkansas Razorbacks as well as students’ work while charts dividing work responsibilities and communicating information line the side and front walls. No space is unused.

The room itself is divided by student desks and a bright 10 X16 foot rug in its center. The inviting rug is outlined by a broad blue band containing all sorts of objects familiar to the students—rainbows, umbrellas, watermelons, frogs, musical notes, and letters of the alphabet. The

blocks into which the rug has been divided provide the students specific locations to “call their own” when Ms. Harris declares, “I need your hands and eyes.” Immediately, the students rush front and center regardless of their location or project within the room. Her

call means she needs their full attention. The rug serves as the central gathering place and as the launching pad for the next project. The 19 students in her classroom fall into the seven to eight year old range, and Mary Harris is well aware of where they are physically, socially and emotionally. “The attention span of youngsters,” she explains, “ is one minute per year of age. That means for seven and eight year olds I have 10 minutes—max—with any project.” Therefore, changes are frequent, and groups are essential. At this time, some students have seat work to complete while rotating groups work with Ms. Harris on their

booklets for Black History Month.At the front of the room Harris

works from her chair behind a circular table. From this location she has a full view of the room while she works one on one stapling students’ booklets about Barack Obama, Bessie Coleman and other black figures and questioning the students’ comprehension. Aware that students’ focus is weakening, she rises and gently strokes the wind chime above her head. The clear tingle of its chiming is audible to everyone and signals the students to reassemble on the rug. As the youngsters seat themselves, legs folded in their respective rug block, Ms. Harris opens a book and begins to read the story of Jesse Owens. Her students do listen intently, though questions or comments are constant. She responds patiently and moves on. In spite of the challenges to keeping the children focused, Mary Harris never raises her voice. In fact, she may even begin to whisper as she craves the attention of her squirming charges. They listen. In spite of her knowledge of learning styles and specific goals for her students, she is compelled to depart from her

plans. The inclimate weather throughout this day has kept the students in the building. As this school day nears its close, their energy levels are heightened, and a star launch out of this classroom can easily be fueled. To help them settle a bit and focus, their patient but growing-weary teacher requires them to recite and gesture in unison: Rule #1: Follow directions quickly. Rule #2: Raise your hand for permission to speak. Rule #3: Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat. Rule #4: Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself. Rule #5: Make smart choices to keep the teacher happy.

The students’ attention regained, Ms. Harris reviews with them the story she has been reading. Vocabulary like racial barrier, territory, accompany, and caption is discussed. The students seem to notice most the race Jesse Owens once had with a car, so she takes advantage of their interest in a race. “What is race when it’s not talking about running?” she asks. Words are essential for her young explorers but so is their awareness of their social environment. Her class is composed of African-American, Anglo and Hispanic students, and their responses to her questioning come without hesitation.

Time now to return to her attentions at the table and to assist other students in completing their work requirements for the day. Even as she explains to some students what she is doing and why, she answers other student questions and directs the activities of still others. Mary Harris is totally aware of everything happening in her

classroom. Wind chime again as the group reassembles.

This time their project is multi-sensory grammar and the parts of speech which they are identifying by both colors and gestures, an acknowledgement of whole brain learning. Nouns are colored yellow; verbs, orange and a distinction is made by the group between action (which they supplement with their gestures) and linking verbs; adjectives are blue; conjunctions, brown and articles, red. “I need you working,” she directs when she returns to another group at her circular table. The bees are busy!

As time dictates the hour of departure approaches. Mary Harris oversees her students’ preparations with backpacks and coats. This classroom is consistently “buzzing.” Students are aware of what is required of them. They are fortunate

Mary Harris

Lisa Waits


to have a teacher who compels them to think and is unafraid to admit, “I don’t know.” Their teacher’s honesty also extends to comments like “Y’all are making for a very grumpy teacher tomorrow because my kids are not minding me. This has been a rough day. I need cookies…with nuts.”

“With nuts?” they ask. “With nuts,” she affirms as they line

up to head toward the buses. As in all of life, some days in the classroom are better than others; but, like the professional she is, her demeanor remains calm; her focus, strong; her caring smiles, obvious.

With her classroom empty, Mary Harris heads into another wing of the school just to engage in a reality check with her special colleague and friend, Lisa Waits, the science teacher. Lisa and Mary have shared the trials and successes of their students and often plan lessons which complement each other. Both are eager to have their students learn.

Mary invites me to join her; we meet Lisa halfway down the hall toward her classroom. She is an imposing figure with a comfortable, automatic smile and a strong voice, an obvious benefit from her lifetime training as a soprano. Moving toward Lisa’s classroom, we all stop periodically to check on several points of interest. For example, a stop at a hallway window reveals the school’s courtyard with its still dormant butterfly garden and currently-

empty-of-goldfish pond. Waits eagerly gives the students credit for their creative and maintenance efforts in maintaining the garden, the pond and the courtyard.

Moving on down the hallway, the display for the school’s recycling project looms ahead. “We recycle everything,” Waits explains proudly. “This project can involve everyone in the school and addresses major environmental issues.” Like Harris, Lisa Waits implements her personal concern for the planet both in and out of her classroom. She understands the Kashmiri Proverb: “We have not inherited the world from our forefathers—we have borrowed it from our children.” Within her classes, Waits enables her students to become aware of the earth’s treasures while fostering their understanding of their caretaking responsibilities.

Farther down the hall, another display—this time for crayolas. Lisa has read about a Colorado project in which bits and pieces of crayons are being collected—she interrupts to emphasize: “only old and broken pieces.” The condition of the crayons, just not new, does not matter. “By March 8, the school needs to have collected 100 lbs. which will be sent to Colorado for recycling. Older people with special needs will sort and use the assortment for their projects. Anyone who wishes to contribute to this campaign may do so. Just bring your bits and pieces of crayolas by Fairview. March 8 is the deadline, and 100 lbs. is still our goal.”

Arriving at her “fun filled universe”--her science lab, Lisa proudly displays an assortment of tools and student efforts. After all, she coordinates her plans with 15 different teachers and 5 different grade levels. The hallway outside her door is covered with student-generated maps. Inside walls are lined with flight simulators (sims) for both helicopters and conventional aircraft. Books are everywhere. “I never met a book I didn’t like,” Lisa acknowledges, but both teachers rely not only on books but also their own curriculum materials to meet the state’s standards for their students.

Ms. Waits explains how currently the kindergartners are learning the names of male and female animals: “A horse is a foal, a colt, or a filly.” Parents who visit her website are encouraged to “Ask your child about the sentence we made up to help us remember. We also made up one about chickens.” Both Lisa and Mary laugh, as they frequently allow students to help them make up the songs and/or movements which serve as reminders of information the students need to know.

Older students have moved into physical science and are involved in the study of properties and sorting. Both Ms. Harris and Ms. Waits are covering these characteristics in their respective classes. Ms. Harris’ students identify properties as adjectives while Ms. Waits uses the adjectives to identify the properties: how do items look, smell, taste or feel? Multi-Sensory learning, acknowledged by recent scientific studies as an “extraordinary feat of human nature”*, is utilized by both of these teachers.

Proudly praising her friend, Mary moves Lisa into explaining how she also offers her older students opportunities to learn in off-campus environments. A favorite location is Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Conservation Center, 5000 acres of blackland prairie filled with spring blossoms or an Owl Hunt, a late night search for a barred owl and its call. Waits frequently takes advantage of special programs offered students by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Teachers and parents also are invited to participate in the science trips so that everyone can stay on the same page and at the same time enjoy an experience in Nature-- maybe the leaves changing in the Logoly Environmental Park outside Magnolia. Many of the Logoly programs change to address the Common Core themes required in Arkansas classrooms.

Little did they realize that the funny faces Lisa Waits made years ago as she passed the classroom of a now-smiling Mary Harris would lead to the stimulating and enduring professional and personal relationship they share. Add to that relationship the contributions of David Harris, Mary’s science-teacher husband, and there is constant discovery for all of their students.

Mary Harris and Lisa Waits have far more in common than different, although the courses they teach have different


names. Mary teaches second grade which includes English and reading; Lisa, science to 5 different grade levels. There the differences end. Their subjects are similar; the students they teach bring many of the same experiences and limitations into their classrooms. Both of these teachers understand that teaching never “takes a break” and that knowing their students well is crucial to reaching them successfully.

“Getting students to focus on topic is one of our greatest challenges,” Mary Harris admits. “We have to move in a hurry—the result of too much TV and not enough play.”

Lisa Waits adds, “They don’t know how to play. They have to learn in the dirt. That can’t be taught.”

These two teachers recognize the importance of patience, creativity and discipline. They also believe in FUN, and they do their best to make that happen in their classrooms. All of this takes a great deal of hard work in which they engage without hesitation. Like all teachers, their hours are not confined to school days, their classrooms or 9 to 5 work schedules.

Both Mary Harris and Lisa Waits are unafraid. They do not shy from “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” Both understand the importance of parents being involved in their children’s learning and welcome parental participation. They are not easily frustrated but admit that some days can be discouraging BUT “When the students get

it?” they admit in unison, “YES! They get it! That makes everything worthwhile!”

For this “Dynamic Duo”—Mary Harris and Lisa Waits, two exceptional teachers-- “Their students GETTING IT is why they stay in constantly changing and challenging classrooms. They are working toward a world—on earth and in space—where their student/adult travelers feel confident and capable of experiencing a meaningful journey.

No wonder Lisa’s comment and Mary’s affirmation… “We’re a pretty nifty school, I tell ya’,” seems appropriate for Fairview Aerospace and Environmental Studies Magnet School, Texarkana, Arkansas, Independent School District.

*Bremner, Andrew J., David J. Lewkowicz, and Charles Spence, Editors. MULTISENSORY DEVELOPMENT. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2012.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely fell in love with these two teachers at a dinner party this past month. They were the inspiration for the teacher contest that was such a wonderful way to give our local teachers credit for the great job they do for us every day. Thank you to all of the teachers! And thank you to Mary and Lisa for inspiring me to make sure you received the credit you were due!

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Why is Oak CreekFurniture Different?

We have chosen Amish furniture craftsmen who are recognized leaders in the solid wood furniture industry. Amish

furniture is made by hand in small Amish wood shops so every piece of furniture

receives the same attention to detail. Our Amish handcrafted furniture is

built to last.

Our Promise...We work very hard to keep our overhead

very low and therefore we are able to offer you the very best prices found anywhere, EVEN THE INTERNET!! If you do find a better price just bring us proof and we will

either meet or beat it if possible!

Almost perfect...Six days a week, Oak Creek

Furniture craftsmen make some of the most beautiful handmade

furniture known to man. And seven days a week, they struggle to refrain

from unseemly pride, which isn’t easy when you’re constantly raising

the bar.

With beautiful works of art painstakingly shaped from select

kiln-dried woods, gently finished in a three-step sanding process and

carefully sealed with a varnish that’s practically impervious to water, nail polish remover and alcohol. NEVER will you find a piece of particle board

or fiber board on any of our fine furniture.

Stop By Oak Creek Furniture Today and Discover Everything We Have to Offer!

Warranty...All of our standard sized heirloom furniture comes with a manufacturers limited lifetime

warranty against any defects in materials and workmanship. If anything should happen to

your furniture we can carry it back to the very craftsman who made it and have it repaired

to as good as new!

At Oak Creek Furniture, you will find many different styles of polywood furniture. The material used is water and weather resistant, and most importantly, created from recycled polyethylene. For this reason, our polywood lawn furniture is considered a green product. There is no maintenance required, no cracking or splinting, and the polywood material does not promote bacterial growth or mildew. Choose from many different colors and products such as swings, gliders, benches, deck chairs, table & chair sets, bridges and footrests.

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Wide Variety of Styles and Finishes for Our Dining Sets!

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Dear KendraDear Kendra,

Last February I lost my job, along with a few other people, for sending animated texts on our company phones. Even though they weren’t (all) bad, it was against company rules and I was let go. I have applied for countless jobs that I am qualified for but during the interview when it comes time to say why I left my last job (inappropriate texting)...whoa...interview over. I know what I did was wrong and I have learned my lesson. My question is how do you get your respect back and what should I say in the interview? Lying about what I was fired for is not an option, that is not who I am. Disgusted and Unemployed

Dear Disgusted and Unemployed

Airhug. I know that is an embarrassing reason to lose your job. Who wants to re-live it during every job interview, when you are just ready to move on with your life?

From a hiring manager’s prospective, less is more. I believe the best way to handle it is by being honest but skip all the gory details. Keep it short and simple. You, and a few others, were let go for breaking a company policy regarding sending animated texts on company phones. Share that you are embarrassed about the situation, but you now understand companies have policies in place for a reason. Handle the question with a humble, not disgruntled, heart. As a hiring manager, I would want to hear that you learned your lesson and will respect my company’s policies. There is no need for you to go into intimate details of the situation. Keep the focus on your qualifications and never, ever, ever talk bad about your previous employer or manager. For me, that immediately ends the interview. I don’t care how qualified the person is, that spells “DRAMA” and I will always pass.

How do you get your self-respect back? Three magic words (and my favorite mantra)… Let. It. Go. You made a mistake, you learned from it. You don’t have to punish yourself for it over and over. Stop re-living it. This means stop talking about it and stop thinking about it. Letting it go means letting it go. If it comes to mind, remind yourself that you have moved on. If someone brings it up, end the conversation by saying that you have moved on. You don’t have to wait to get another job to move on; you can do that right now at this moment. When you have truly let it go, it will come across in your next interview as something that happened but does not continue to affect your life. Blessings-Kendra

Dear Kendra,My husband and I are having problems. There is a girl that is trying to steal him away from me. He assures me that it never happened and never will. I trust him and I love my husband with all my heart and soul. I need to know how to not think about it. It hurts. What do I do?Hurting soul

Dear Hurting,

Airhug and bless your sweet heart.

This hurt that you are feeling has a name-jealousy. Jealousy is an ugly and debilitating emotion and I despise it. Having issues with it in the past, I know how it can wrap its ugly claws around every thought and consume you. If you allow it, it can and will destroy your relationship.

First things first, you have to come to terms with why you are jealous. Is it because you don’t truly trust your husband or believe that he loves you? Or is it your own insecurity of not feeling good enough and fear that you might lose him? Since you stated that you trust him, I can only assume it is the latter. That is not something to be ashamed of; so many women deal with the exact same thing, including me. How did I deal with it? I changed my thought process.

Since you were not reassured by your husband’s statement that “nothing has happened or will ever happen,” you are going to have to assure yourself. Start by replacing your insecure and fearful thoughts with those of security. Repeat positive statements such as: “My husband loves me and chose to marry me. I am worthy of happiness. I am deserving of love.” Do this every single time a jealous thought creeps in. Find phrases that make you feel assured and change your thoughts to only those that will build you up. This is not an overnight fix. It is something you need to do on a consistent basis until those negative and jealous thoughts just aren’t there anymore. That’s not to say you won’t ever feel jealous again. You’ll just be able to recognize it and put a stop to it before it has a chance to get its claws in you again.

James Allen, the author of As a Man Thinketh , once said “All that you accomplish or fail to accomplish with your life is the direct result of your thoughts.” Make sure that constant inner dialogue going on in your head is full of positive things and you will begin to see a huge difference in your life.


Lastly, please stop giving this woman so much power over your thoughts. Every time you obsess over whether or not she can “steal your husband” you are giving her power over you. Next time she creeps in, acknowledge the thought and then let it go. She doesn’t deserve a place in your brain so stop giving her one.

I know how hard it can be to overcome jealousy. It takes time and patience with yourself to outgrow it so try not to be too hard on yourself if it takes longer than you expected. Consistency is the key. Just think how great it will feel to not have to deal with those time consuming thoughts any longer. Personal growth is not easy but it is very rewarding. Blessings to you-Kendra

Dear Kendra is not a licensed therapist. The guidance offered on ‘Dear Kendra’ is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column to provide guidance is not intended to replace or substitute any professional, financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. If you have specific concerns or a situation in which you require professional, psychological or medical help, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified specialist.

Kendra is a happily married wife with three wonderful children, two perfect grandchildren and two spoiled doggies. She bases her guidance on a life packed full of experiences and a passion to help others. Besides being Dear Kendra she is also an entrepreneur and On Air Personality on KKYR 102.5. You can “Like” her on Facebook by visiting www.dearkendra.com.Submit your anonymous questions by email: [email protected] or by mail:ALT Magazine 200 Heather Dr Texarkana, TX 75501

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I have this crazy friend that is always on Craigslist. She will text, call, or private message my inbox on Facebook at any given time to tell me about the new “bad guy” she’s found. She KNOWS it

gets me hot under the collar. She likes to expose these kinds of people. I do too!

It’s always animal related. Sometimes she just finds some wackadoo that has posted something off the wall about his weird breed and wants me to tell her about it. “What kind of DOG is that! Why would people do that to an animal or why would someone want to breed that dog when it’s clearly disabled.” I’ve thought about this and have decided to give a few tips on how to spot a back yard breeder (BYB) or puppy mill. The kind of tips or things that the average person wouldn’t think to ask or take note of.

*You might be a BYB if you meet your potential buyer in a Wal-mart parking lot because you don’t want the buyers to see the living conditions their new baby just came from.

*You might be a BYB if you are, for example, raising Biewers and cannot pronounce the name of your breed. The Biewer a la’ Pom Pon, pronounced “Bee-vir” not “byuwer.”

*You might be a BYB or puppy mill if you raise multiple litters a year with zero regard to health issues. One must never breed unhealthy dogs or dogs with from

birth deformaties such as blindness. Never be a breeder of a blind dog. Truly unethical.

*Never buy a dog from Craigslist. You NEVER know what crazy put an ad out there and isn’t really selling a dog but only trying to get information to stalk you.

*Always ask for references.

*You might be a BYB or a puppy mill if you have a booth at the flea market.

*Never trust a breeder that says teacup. This is NOT a breed it is a marketing term to describe how small the animal is at the time. Imperial is more of the same. It is NOT a breed but an original bloodline of Shih tzu merely meaning that the dog is smaller than the average or what is deemed conformation.

by Christine Amos

*Just because a BYB or puppy mill has “papers” on the dog doesn’t mean it is a purebred. There are many disreputable registries willing to register dogs because they couldn’t register with one that IS on the level. What happens more often than not is people want to market their animal so a new registry is formed. There are at least 20 registries available now. Out of those 20, two might be reputable.

*If you breed more than 1 -- yes, 1 -- breed of dog, most reputable breeders will look down upon you and yes, you are a puppy mill.

*If you breed for quantity not quality, then you, too, are a puppy mill.

*If you are greedy and are only looking to earn an income from the backs of your animals, then you are a puppy mill.

***If you open a Facebook page so you can sell your puppies, all 7 or 8 different breeds that range from toy up to a giant breed, you are a puppy mill and a BYB!

Buyer beware of these kinds of breeders. Please educate yourselves so these people will have no other choice but to find gainful employment elsewhere!

Don’t let yourself be another statistic. I have many customers that have come to me for grooming and tell me the story of their little baby. “Oh, I bought my dog from such and such breeder. Yes I know his teeth are falling out and he is only 2. He has a luxating patellum, and has disc problems. Oh, yes, he is blind also. I didn’t know he would go blind. I didn’t think to ask about the mom or the dad that he came from. His mom was blind. So now I have this dog I love terribly but have all these veterinary bills. If only I had done my homework and checked out this breeder. If only I had...”

Oh well, you didn’t. Next time I hope you will remember. If you don’t want to do the homework to find a healthy dog then go to the shelter and adopt a baby. At least you won’t be keeping a breeder in business and you will be saving a life. No, you may not know the background on the shelter dog but at least you won’t be as surprised or shocked as you would from a BYB that you thought was honest with you.

Christine Amos has over 30 years experience grooming pets and an owner of Georgia’s Pet Salon. She is a Certified Groomer, Master Groomer, AKC Canine Good Citizenship Evaluator, and Obedience Trainer. She is also Mom to Georgia (pictured), MoMo, and Annabelle!

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Shad and bream will move up in the water column for the same reasons and they are what Billy Bass eats this time of year. The bass will be on points and shallow indentions close to deeper water. They may be on the points, in the indentions or suspended at the same level as the top of the drop but a few feet out from the drop over deeper water. Typically the bass will be no more than three to four feet deep in those areas with some wind on them and slightly deeper if there is no wind.

Now, what do you throw? Well, that’s a little easier to figure out. Good baits to fish are rattle traps and jigs if there is no wind and spinnerbaits or crankbaits if there is wind. Throw across the points, not up to them, and all the way back in the draws. Try both a slow and fast retrieve. This pattern is good for one or two fish, but mostly one per spot (where they are present.)

If they ain’t there they ain’t there. But if they are, there are a lot! So try to cash in on this overlooked pattern.

Fishing Shallow in the Winter

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year bass are starting to think about spawning and will move between shallow and deep several times a day. They will move up shallow to get a little of the warmth from the sun and while they are there grab a quick bite to eat, kinda like grabbing a hotdog and popcorn at the movies.

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by Vincent Senatore

One of the most asked questions that I get on a daily basis is “what type of libation would be great after dinner.” Many of us like cordials or cognacs and I must admit the rich flavors of a

Grand Marnier or Godiva Chocolate Liqueur can be very satisfying after a gourmet meal. But, I am partial to the wines of the Douro Valley in the northern part of Portugal.

Commonly known as Port, there are a wide variety of styles and flavors associated with the Port trade. However, it’s the sweet, rich flavors and smells that most Americans associate with Port wines. Due to the high alcohol content and residual sugar, Port was a natural addition to the merchant and explorers ships, where space and the sailing environment were detrimental to wine storage.

Port became much more popular in England after the Methuen Treaty of 1703, when merchants were permitted to import it at a low duty, while war with France deprived English wine drinkers of French wine. The long trip to England often resulted in spoiled wine. The fortification (addition of a spirit or brandy) of the wine was introduced to improve the shipping and shelf-life of the wine for its journey.

Today this process has been refined and expanded into many different styles of Port. First, one must understand that the microclimate of the Douro produces a wine that is very high in sugar. A portion of the produced wine will be converted into a distilled grape spirit (aguardente similar to brandy) to fortify the wine and halt fermentation before all the sugar is converted to alcohol and results in a wine that is usually 18 to 20% alcohol. While Port is high in alcohol, this wine is extremely velvety and soft to the palate. Further, Ports are high in antioxidants and resveratrol which can actually be healthy for you.

The best part of Port wine is the many different styles and flavors associated with Portuguese Ports. Here are a few examples of different ports that one might find in our local market.

Ruby port is the cheapest and most extensively produced type of port. After fermentation, it is stored in tanks made of concrete or stainless steel to prevent oxidative aging and preserve its rich claret color. The wine is usually blended to match the style of the brand to which it is to be sold. The wine is fined and cold filtered before bottling and does not generally improve with age. Drink this wine with soft cheeses and Milk chocolate.

Tawny Ports are made exclusively from red grapes that are aged in wooden barrels, exposing them to oxidation and evaporation. As a result, they gradually mellow to a golden-brown color. Tawny ports are sweet with a slight tartness that makes them wonderful with walnuts, dark chocolate, bleu-veined cheese and fresh pears and apples.

Late bottled vintage (often referred to simply as LBV) was originally

wine that had been destined for bottling as vintage port, but because of lack of demand was left in the barrel for longer than had been planned. Over time it has become two distinct styles of wine, both of them bottled between four and six years after the vintage, but one style is fined and filtered before bottling, while the other is not. Some of the 10 and 20 year LBVs can be a good as the vintage ports. LBVs are usually lighter than vintage ports while maintaining the same rich, full flavors. I love LBV style port when served with dark chocolate, strawberries and a variety walnuts and pecans.

Vintage port is made entirely from the grapes of a declared vintage year and accounts for about two percent of overall port production. Not every year is declared a vintage in the Douro. The decision on whether to declare a vintage is made in the spring of the

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second year following the harvest by the government. Since they are aged in barrels for only a short time, they retain their dark ruby color and fresh fruit flavors. Particularly fine vintage ports can continue to gain complexity and drink wonderfully for many decades after they were bottled. I always recommend that one should consume great vintage ports by themselves. However a piece of English Stilton, fresh pears and macadamia nuts make a delicious matching.

Finally, there are the Estate style Ports or “Reserves” that take on the personality of the Quintas, or “Port Houses.” These ports are mostly a premium ruby port approved by the IVDP’s (governing Body) tasting panel, the Câmara de Provadores. In 2002, the IVDP prohibited the use of the term “Vintage Character,” as the wine had neither a single vintage nor the typical character of vintage port. This is the style that I’m most fond of. The texture, color and flavors are right in the middle of the expensive Vintage ports and the LBV. Reserve ports are excellent with all types of Bleu-vein cheeses, all styles of fine chocolate and a variety of berries, apples or pears.

It’s always fun to be able to enjoy a rich, sweet wine that is actually good for you. Ports are a very satisfying finish to any gourmet meal and they are very easy to store and serve. In fact, most ports will keep well for about 6 months without refrigeration or special care. Try it, you’ll like it.

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Dear Valued Investor:

Instead of champagne toasts and party hats, Washington, DC chimed in the New Year with the same old dance of waiting until the last minute before demonstrating its near inability to work together.

Regardless, the so-called fiscal cliff, a series of economically devastating tax increases and spending cuts that were due to come on line at the start of 2013, was temporarily averted given a last-second deal between the Republican-led House of Representatives and the Democratic-led Senate. The compromise, known as the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, is not the grand solution to address our nation’s surging debt issues that many had hoped for. Rather, it is more of a temporary band-aid that resolved the revenue (tax) elements of the fiscal cliff, but delayed addressing the tougher decisions surrounding spending cuts and raising the debt ceiling until February 2013. Specifically, the Act contains the following major provisions:

Individual income taxes: The Bush tax cuts are permanently extended for individuals with taxable income less than $400,000 ($450,000 for married

couples), and the alternative minimum tax patch is made permanent and indexed for inflation.

Capital gains and dividends: There is no difference on

tax rates for capital gains and dividends,

although top rates will

rise to 20% for individuals

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Resolutions and Taxes

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income greater than $400,000 ($450,000 for married couples).

Personal exemption reductions: Reinstated were limitations on itemized deductions and personal exemptions for taxpayers with taxable incomes greater than $250,000 ($300,000 for married couples).

Estate tax: The estate tax rate will move up to 40%, but the exemption will remain at $5 million, annually indexed for inflation (which is $5.12 million beginning January 1, 2013).

Unemployment benefits: Extended unemployment benefits will be funded for another year.

The bottom line is that the federal income tax rate will remain the same for everyone except those individuals with taxable income greater than $400,000 ($450,000 for married couples), which is a change that will affect less than 1% of Americans. However, despite the headline that tax rates remain the same for most, the actual dollar amount of taxes paid will be moving higher for virtually every wage earner due to the elimination of the payroll tax cuts of 2011 and 2012. Payroll taxes help to fund Social Security by taxing 12.4% on wages up to $113,700 (in 2013), which was paid equally by employers and workers at 6.2% each prior to 2011. In 2011 and again in 2012, the President and Congress reduced the share paid by workers from 6.2% to 4.2%, which essentially put extra money via a tax cut in wage earners’ wallets. However, starting in 2013, the split will once again revert to 50/50 and result in higher taxes for essentially everyone. To put this in dollar terms, the Tax Policy Center estimates that households making between $100,000 and $200,000 will see an average tax increase of $1,784 in 2013. For higher income earners, the tax burden is much steeper given the combination of higher federal income tax rates, the elimination of payroll tax cuts, the limitation of personal deductions, and the higher tax rate on investment income.

In aggregate, Congressional Budget Office analysis estimates that the tax increases and small spending adjustments outlined in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 will essentially result in $230 billion less available for spending in 2013. This would result in a drag on the economy in 2013 totaling about 1.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

This growth “anchor” of 1.5% is sizable considering the anemic economic growth in the United States of approximately 2%—but, is considerably less than the 3.5% drag that an unaddressed fiscal cliff would have generated.

All eyes now shift from the cliff to the ceiling. Despite averting the steep cliff, the United States’ limit on how much debt can be issued, known as the debt ceiling—along with the sequestered spending cuts and the funding for the government—all need to be addressed by late February, which means the next fiscal battle is less than two months away. The good news is that there may finally be clarity around future tax policy, which could trigger some consumer and business spending that has been on hold during this time of uncertainty. Additionally, markets do not handle uncertainty well and hopefully having some of these items addressed will allow them to move in an upward direction in the near term. However, there remains much work to be done in the coming months to overcome the contentious policy decisions that Washington delayed addressing, instead of fixing, this past week. At a time when Americans across this great country are committing to change through the annual rite of New Year’s resolutions, I only hope that our leaders in Washington commit to turn their characteristic procrastination into a quick resolution to the remaining cliff-related hurdles that await us in the coming months.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult me prior to investing. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

More information on the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 can be found at:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr8eas/pdf/BILLS-112hr8eas.pdf

This research material has been prepared by LPL Financial.

Not FDIC/NCUA Insured | Not Bank/Credit Union Guaranteed | May Lose Value | Not Guaranteed by any Government Agency | Not a Bank/Credit Union DepositLPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC

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

by Anne Fruge

“I have an unusual testimony,” Todd Hervey, the Pastor at Circle J Cowboy Church says. “I spent most of my early years running from God.” Even though Todd was raised in the church when growing up in Hervey, Arkansas on his family’s 4400 acre ranch and was baptized at an early age, he never truly surrendered his life to the Lord. Todd worked as a professional horse trainer and ranch manager from his early teenage years through college at Stephen F. Austin University where he earned a degree in agriculture business with a minor in business. However, it was while living in Nacogdoches that things began to change for Todd. First, he met his wife, Robyn. “I stole her and brought her home,” Hervey says with a smile. Now they have been married 23 years. Robyn is a reading specialist at Redwater Elementary and they are the proud parents of Jim, Wes, Ty and Beth. “My work has always called me away from home,” Todd says. “My family has been my number one support through all the changes in our lives. I am so thankful to them.” Also, while living in Nacogdoches for school, Todd started attending church at Feronia Hill Baptist Church. “Alcohol had consumed my life to this point,” Todd says. “It just about destroyed my life and everyone around me for many years. But, when I got back in church, I felt God calling me to do ministry. I got out of the bar scene and quit drinking.” Todd had realized at a young age that he could sing, so he started to use his voice to worship in church. Todd also received invitations to lead worship at other churches, youth camps, concerts and

revivals. After this, Todd and Robin moved back to Texarkana where Todd got a job at Humco Pharmaceuticals, and they began attending Trinity Baptist Church. At age 29, Todd was listening to the service and felt the Lord calling him again. “I had been living a life of works. Everything was right on the outside, but everything was wrong on the inside. I was very active in church, but on my way to Hell,” Todd says. “The Lord really changed my

ministry when I decided to give him control of my life. I went from a singer at regional events to a national recording artist in Christian country music.” Todd worked with Rit Records and had four #1 hits. He received recognition from the Country Gospel Music Association as Entertainer of the Year and traveled across the nation. “I knew from early on that I wasn’t an artist so that I could become a famous singer,” Todd says. “God had a different plan. The music opened the door to secular venues so that I could bring God’s word. I didn’t just sing at churches, I did concerts at PRCA rodeos and fairgrounds. People kept saying, ‘Let’s get this crazy cowboy in here. They will listen to him.’”

Todd’s Living Water Tour was his part-time work as he still worked full time at Humco. But, his travels really showed him the details of church ministry across the country, and he started to feel a calling to help the church reach out to the “unchurched” population. “When we looked at the numbers of decisions made from Living Water Tour, we found that 80% of the decisions came from outside the church and only 20% from within,” Todd says. “We saw a need in the unchurched western heritage culture. I would give the names of those who made decisions for the Lord to the local pastors, but this culture just didn’t relate to the traditional church.” As a “cowboy evangelist,” Todd was soon asked to be on the advisory board that the Baptist General Convention of Texas set up to start “cowboy” churches across the state. “We identified several barriers that the unchurched western heritage population had with traditional churches,” Todd says. “Things like fancy buildings, a traditional dress code, feeling pressure to give money in the offering, worship music they didn’t know and long-winded preaching were keeping a large group of people from coming to church.” The cowboy churches were constructed with these barriers in mind. The buildings are rustic, there is no dress code, offering boxes are located at the back of the church, the worship music is centered around country music and old hymns, and pastors use more parables and examples to show life application to the Word. “People come to this church with face paint still on from the duck or deer hunting, flip flops and shorts, camo, or even mud on their jeans from work at the ranch,”


Todd says. “In fact, after church people are often gathered in the parking lot comparing the trophies from this morning’s hunt. But, 85% of the population of our church didn’t transfer their letter from another church. These members are those who have never felt comfortable in a traditional church.” Ellis County Cowboy Church, the first cowboy church was established in Waxahachie, Texas, 12 years ago. Now, they have an attendance of over 2000 people. The Texas Fellowship of Cowboy Churches was formed, and then, because as Todd explains it, “You can’t put a fence around God in Texas,” cowboy churches spread across the south, and soon the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches was started. Today there are over 200 churches built on this model with another 30 in the making. “God is doing this great work in our country,” Todd says. “He’s blessed the Biblical model of the church like the ones Paul used to reach the Gentiles, church for the unchurched.” During the time Todd was serving on the advisory board, he had also started working as a music minister at First Baptist Church Wake Village. Todd and his family felt at home in the church, especially since they still supported Todd’s traveling ministry on the weekends, but soon, Todd and Robin felt like they were being called away from the church. “This was such a hard decision,” Todd says. “This is an incredible church. The people are just amazing, and they really supported my family. They had a great youth and children’s ministry; this is the kind of church you want to raise your family in.” First Baptist Church Wake Village along with Cross Trails Cowboy Church in Fairly, Texas, the Texas Fellowship of Cowboy Churches and the Baptist General Convention of Texas, wanted to start a cowboy church in Texarkana and asked Todd to start as an interim pastor. “I was looking hard for a pastor,” Todd says with a laugh, “but then I realized God was calling me here. Now, I’m having a

ball.” In the seven years Todd has been pastor of the Circle J Cowboy Church, they have baptized over 380 people in a horse trough, sent out six pastors and started three mission churches. “We are commanded in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 to go out and make disciples. I just want to be a good shepherd to the herd God has brought to this

church,” Todd says. In order to reach disciples, the Cowboy church hosts outreach opportunities every week at their covered arena. The events include ranch rodeos, ranch cuttings, ranch sortings, team ropings, barrel racing, ranch versatility classes, bull riding, and lots of events for kids.” “We share the message at every event,” Todd says. “Some of these people will come to a rodeo, but are afraid of the church. Once they come here, we hope they see the building, meet our members and think, ‘Maybe I will show up on Sunday.’” The church also offers a church service at 10:30 Sunday morning and a service at 6:30 on Wednesdays including a session for youth called “Rip, Jump and Snort” and a session for children, or “Little Buckaroos.” Another fellowship option includes the Round Pen meetings where groups meet across 7 different counties at various ranches, barns or workshops to

fellowship and study the Word. “We found that many people are intimidated by being invited to a Bible study,” Todd says. “So, we promise that we won’t ask anyone to pray, read the Bible or put them on the spot to ask questions. Instead, we try to someone who had never been to church feel safe and welcome.” Also, the church has developed their website, with help from Don Walker at

Creative Edits. Visitors to the website can listen to messages, watch videos, audio messages, and study any topic at their own pace. “My eyes are being opened to how God uses media to reach people,” Todd says. “One of our members was having a really hard time in his life. He drove out to the lake and listened to messages online for four hours straight and accepted Jesus that day in his car. He found God through our website. We don’t know how many more people this tool has helped.” The church is currently hoping to expand their outdoor arena to become a multipurpose and education center with several climate-controlled rooms. Todd hopes it becomes the “biggest youth

hangout on Wednesday night in region.” “We are hoping to start up a youth ranch rodeo practice,” Todd says. “Seasoned cowboys will be teaching young people and children roping and ranch skills, as well as building relationships with these kids. They will share how they surrendered their live to Christ and how He changed their lives.” Todd is praying that God will provide financial means to achieve their goals to expand this building as it will serve as another opportunity to reach young people and kids in the region. Todd also hopes that one day the church will be debt-free so that they can focus more on discipleship and mentoring of other young men called into the ministry. “I get to meet with every person who comes to know the Lord as a part of this great church,” Todd says. “I love to see them grow spiritually and see where God leads them. God changes lives and seeing that happen right here in our community is the best part of my job.”


EVENT GodspellWHERE Texarkana College

WHEN 2/1/13-2/10/13

CAST:

Laila Aldubais, Austin Alford, Emily Cokeley, Amy Coleman, Leah Green, George Hornok, Culen Mcelhannon, Claire Reynaud, Kenneth Price, Zac Shipe



EVENT Grand Reopening

WHERE Ashley Furniture

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EVENT TexRep New Membership Party

WHERE Silvermoon

WHEN 1/31/13

1. Chris Thomas and Michael Cooper2. Judge Josh and Diana Morriss3. Chris Polson and M. K. March4. Jimmy “Smitty” Smith, Amy Coleman and Frank Poff5. Laila Al-Dubais and Ellen Allard6. Jennifer Lacefield and Mary Wormington7. Earnest Pender, Ann Nicholas and Kaye Ellison 8. Jo and Gary Holder with Gracie Lipscomb9. Chris Martin, Laila Al-Dubais, Vickie Al-Dubais and Amy Coleman10. Frank Poff, Sabrina McCormick Skotnik and Michael Skotnik 11. Judge Josh Morriss, Chris Thomas and Stacy Mayo12. William Morriss, Vicki and Richard Hornok13. Paul March and Chris Polson14. Darnell Fitzgerald and Donna Caver15. Misc. Photos of Line up of upcoming TEX Rep Shows1 2 3

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EVENT Relay for Life Kick Off PartyWHERE Hardy MemorialWHEN 2/5/13

1. Fabienne Thrash, Michelle Hamilton and Haley O’Neal2. June Applewhaite, Letha Colquitt, Glenda Forte and Cathie Murphy3. Teresa Lewis, Emma Strong and Niesha Wilhite 4. Elizabeth Greathouse, Landon, Darla Partin5. Chandra Hardwick, Wade Crouse, Cheryl Gildon, Renea Booker, Stephanie Benson, Tena McGough, Elizabeth Benson, Rosie Benson, Marty Butler and Amanda Carlile6. Marty and Donna Butler7. Event Co-Chair Chair Renea Booker, Community Manger of Income Development of ACS Christal Prince and Event Co-Chair Lisa Barr8. Wade Crouse and Rosie Benson9. Renea Booker and Cheryl Gildon10. Nancy Rowe, Addison, Allie, Don and Carla Edwards11. Brooke Bender, Brenna Bender and Kailyah Llorance-Ford12. Ryan Goins and Lisa Barr

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EVENT Ribbon CuttingWHERE Encore Waggoner Creek ApartmentsWHEN 1/31/13

1. Ribbon cutting2. Wayne Cranfill, Richard Reynolds and Jeff Sandford3. Kasey Pearson, Victoria Ellefritz and Cannon Ball4. VP Development, Encore Todd Thomas, Janelle Williamson and Richard Reynolds5. Tiffany Kirkland, Jill McMahon and Patricia Cunningham 6. Frank Thomas, Nolan Smith, Cliff Guillot and Zach Norment7. Kasey Pearson, Kirk Keller and Stephanie Ryan8. Chanda Rousseau and Todd Thomas9. Kelli O’Neil, William Wright and Victoria Ellefritz

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EVENT Reception in Honor of

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Dr. Emily Cutrer

WHEN 2/11/13

1. Rosanne Stripling and Peter Racheotes2. Dr. and Mrs. Ron Higgins, Igor Azenberg3. Eric Hunter and AD Dawson4. Chef Nefer, Ashley McKnight and Andy Robbins5. Tom and Ann Coleman6. Jerry Sparks and Tom Simmons7. Carol Moore, Pat and Ed Black8. JoAnn Rice, Dr. Emily Cutrer and Laura Spencer9. Wayne and Brenda Smith, Tina Veal-Gooch10. Mary Jo Essex, Wanda Henry and Olivia Taylor11. Josh Davis and Jack Carter12. Jamie Ashby, JoAnn Rice and Marjorie Chandler13. Richard Box, Dan and Jalinna Jones, John and Charlotte Sharp14. Vicki Huckabee, Melanie Gloster, Julie Sanderson and Mary Ellen Young

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EVENT Sweetheart Dinner

WHERE Special Events

WHEN 2/7/13

1. Susan Whitten, Sherri Waters, Joe and Rhonda Porcaro2. Kim Burks, Jessica Hooten, Susan and David Whitten3. Matt and Amy Nix, Connie Thomason, Paula Thomas4. Neil Carmony, Felicia Hargrove, Denise Hildreth and Rose Archie5. Neil Carmony and Felicia Hargrove6. Ashley and Robin Traweek7. Dan and Debrah Macentire, Lisa and Jack McCubin8. Bree Robinson and Craig Legrand9. Martha and Moises Rea10. Jim Cook, Debi and Jeff Brown, Caleb Pitman11. Mike and Misty Brantly, Neil Carmony, Felicia Hargrove12. Kirk Keller, Sherri Waters, Susan Whitten, Millie O’Corr, Norman Whitten, Janet Mosier and Dr. David Whitten13. Jessica O’Corr, Parker Burks, Tyler Holt and Haley Hays14. Sherrie and Chad Davison15. Nick and Mary Ann Hines16. Scott and Shelly Field, Mark and Cathy Vanherpen17. Sean and Rebecca Mahaffey18. Lauren and William Butler19. Wendell and Robin Bruce20. Mike and Debbie Brower, Laird Markland, Jaclyn and Marshall Gooding3 4

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CHL Class - 10 hours - 4 hours and 6 hours over two days - Classroom and Shooting April 2 - 6 pm-10 pm and April 6 - 9 am - 4 pm The content of the course is set by the Texas Department of Public Safety, as is the course length. The classroom portion of the course includes (I) The application process (II) License restrictions and rules (III) Non-violent dispute resolution (IV) Rights of citizens involving the use of force and their restrictions and (V) The safe handling and storage of firearms. The length of the course is 10 hours. Renewal course is 4 hours._______________________ NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course - 8 hours - Classroom and Shooting

April 20, 2013 - 8 am - 5 pm The NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course introduces students to the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary for owning and using a pistol safely. Through this course, the students will learn about pistol parts and operation, ammunition, gun safety, pistol shooting fundamentals, and pistol shooting

activities. The Basic Pistol Course will also help prepare the student for participation in other NRA courses and in the Texas CHL course._______________________ NRA Refuse to Be A Victim Course - 2 Hours - Classroom Only

April 23, 2013 - 7 - 9 p.m. Improve your personal safety strategies with NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim® Program.Experts agree that the single most important step toward ensuring your personal safety is making the decision to Refuse To Be A Victim

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EVENT Christus St. Michael’s GalaWHERE Texarkana Convention Center

WHEN 2/1/13

1. James and Michelle Marlar2. Lara and Van Alexander3. Marc-Andre Bougie and Candace Taylor4. Dr. Ron Hekier and Dr. Rachael Keilin5. Candace Taylor, Tony Varela and Misty Whitt6. Nina and Bill Cork7. Dr. James and Tammy Ward, Stacy Leonard and David Carter8. Cristy Lummus, Pam Beck and Darla Clemment 9. Wanda and Malcolm McInnis with Donna Nash10. Carol Stone, Paul Chiarizio and Patti Wheelington11. Trish Reed and Lauree Romero12. Whitney Fuqua, Kyle Barrett, Lauree Romero and Colt Caywood13. Dr. Betty Feir, Hawley Holman and Danielle Lummus 14. Connor Patman, Mark Bledsoe, Betty Grace and Vicki Huckabee15. Tammy Ward, Selena Jefferies, Dr. Cindy Porter and Stacy Leonard16. Greg and Terri Giles, Kyle Barrett and Colt Caywood17. Debra Moore, Fa Ellen Yates and Tom Moore18. - 19. Meet and Greet with Three Dog Night Band20. Sister Ethel Puno, Julia Mobley, Sister Miriam Miller and Sister Jeanne Connell

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21. Kathy and James Bramlett22. Robert and Carla Sanderson23. Bill and Judy Crutchfield, Mary Jo Essex and Arlene Shields24. Erica and Eric Cain25. Jim and Gaye Beard26. Joanna Blair and Keith Garrett27. Dr. Howard Morris and Eliane Lindsey28. Christine and Dr. Brent Carmony29. Chris and Michelle Karam30. Misty Whitt, June Hatchett, Jordan Robertson and Tony Varela31. Tina Shearman and Jeff Brown32. Clint Priest, Erin Duke and Michael Griffin33. Jackie and Bob Bruggeman, Kathy and James Bramlett, Bradley and Darlene Harden34. Dr. Cindy Porter and Blake Cain 35. Chad and Dawn Stewart, Michele and Brian Daugherty, Keely and Mark Bledsoe 36. Stacye Magness, Francine Francis and Sally Stuart37. Susan Landreaux, Jesse Buchanan and Francine Francis


EVENT Junior League LuncheonWHERE Texarkana Convention Center

WHEN 2/5/13

1. 2013 Oustanding Sustainer Award Receipient, Martha Norton2. Mel Walsh, Lindsey McMilian, Patty Smith and Patsy Morriss3. Jessica Smallwood and Janet Willis4. LeAnn Wright and Jennifer Doan5. Treva West, President Martha Norton (2013 Oustanding Sustainer) and Julie Sanderson, Sustianer President6. Cindy Young and Kristen Giles

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Texarkana Humane SocieTy

1. GENNEY is our newest furbaby. She is a 6.8 pound maltipoo mix. Genney is around 4 1/2 months old, spayed, chipped and a bundle of love. We are working with her on her potty training and she is doing very well. A fenced yard is required. For more information call Diana at 903-838-4965.2. RALPH is a handsome Isabella dapple daschund showing off for all the ladies. He is neutered, heartworm negative, chipped and current on all shots. This guy is around 30 pounds. His beautiful blue eyes will melt you. He gets along great with small dogs. A fenced yard is required. For more information call at Diana 903-838-4965.3. EDNA is a hound/boxer mix that is less than 2.

2 3

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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She weighs only 27 pounds, is fully vetted, spayed, chipped and current on shots as well as on heartworm prevention. This pretty lady is laid back and will be a wonderful addition to your family. She is great indoors, house and crate trained and walks on a leash. A fenced yard is required. For more information call Diana at 903-838-4965.4. This is LILLY. She was rescued from our local shelter. She is a little over 12 pounds, spayed, heartworm negative, current on shots and chipped. Lilly is around 6 years old. This pretty little girl gets along with other dogs, kids, is house and leash trained and rides great in a car. She would be a great addition to any family. A fenced yard required. For more information call Sherrie

at 903-838-6334.5. Look at this precious little angel we call HENRY, formerly Rags. Henry is neutered, chipped, current on vaccinations, potty trained and heartworm negative. He weighs a whopping 15.2 pounds. This little guy has lots of love to share. If you are interested in this little guy call Sherrie at 903-838-6334.6. JACK is a handsome yorkie/pekingese mix weighing a whopping 15.6 pounds. He was rescued from our local shelter and since has been neutered, current on shots, heartworm negative, and microchipped. He is doing great with his potty training, walks on a leash, rides in a car and sits on command. A fenced yard is required. For more info call Sherrie at 903-838-6334.

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

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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HappyTails!

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!

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

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

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

WHO ELSE CAN HELP?

Artex Animal Welfare, Inc.(mostly horses)903.824.1990

Three Rivers Animal Rescue903.490.4048

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

1. Thanks so much to the Nash family for adopting sweet

Addey. Addey has a house full of sweet boys to play fetch with. Good luck and hugs to Jacob,

Nick and Grayson. Many happy tails and trails to you all!

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

How can you help the THS?The Texarkana Humane Society is always in need of dry food for puppies, dogs, cats and kittens, scoopable cat litter and litter boxes,

collars, leashes, toys, beds, heartworm and flea medications, gift cards and monetary donations.

These donations are all tax deductible, as the Texarkana Humane Society is a 501c3 organization.

If your are interested in donating, helping with events, fostering or working fundraisers call Sherrie

at (903) 838-6334.

2. Look at Angel with her new mom Debbie Chandler. She fell in love with her at first site. Angel has lots of room to run and play and she also has a fur brother too, Chuckie. A big thanks to Debbie for taking this beautiful girl and giving her a

home!

Courtesy of the Texarkana Humane Society

10 11 12 13

1. BOB is a male Terrier mix. He is waiting on a caring owner to come rescue him and give him a home.2. BRUSER is a male Chihuahua, about 2 years old. He’s a hyper, goofy, loving dog. All that’s missing is a great owner!3. CHAD is a male Shephard mix. He’s just waiting for

a loving family.4. ATICUS is a male Beagle mix. He is ready to

companion and is waiting for the home of his dreams.7. JEFF is a male Wirehaired Terrier. He is skiddish at first, but if you show him you’ll love him he give unconditional love. He’s just waiting for his family.

8. JOHNSON is a male Labrador mix. He’s got a goofy, fun personality and is looking for someone to love.9. KENNETH is a male. He’s very loving and dreams of a home where he’ll be loved back.10. LIzzIE is a female Schnauzer mix. She’s cute, sweet and loves attention.11. LORONzO is a male Chihuahua. He’s very loving and needs a family to call his own.12. MIDNIGHT is a female Labrador mix and about a year

and a half old. She is beautiful and ready to be someone’s best friend.13. RENFIELD is a male Dachshund, approx. 4 years old. He needs a companion that will treat him right!14. SHEBA is a spayed female Labrador Retriever, approx. 8 years old. She’s great with kids, housebroken and looking for a family that will love her unconditionally.15. TRIxIE is a female Rottweiler mix. She loves to play and would love an onwer that would spend time with her.

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be loved.5. EDDIE is a male. He’s very loving and waiting for a responsible owner to adopt him.6. HEINEKIN is a male Pit Bull. He would make a great

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March Calendar of Events

MarCh 1-2The Texarkana Coin Show. Friday: 2.00pm to 7:00pm. Saturday: 8:00am to 5:00pm. $2.00 Admission. Free Parking. Located at the Texarkana Convention Center. Family Friendly Event. Many Vendor/Display Booths For: U.S. Coins & Currency World Coins and Currency Commemoratives Proof Sets, Mint Sets Bullion, Supplies Jewelry, Sports Cards & Memorabilia, Other Items Educational and Historical Exhibits. Chances to Win Gold & Silver!!! 903-832-7933

MarCh 2Kiwanis Pancake Day 5K Race and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run at Texarkana College. All proceeds to fund major projects of the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana and local children’s organizations. Awards to top 3 male and female runners in the following age groups: Under 13, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over. Awards also to the overall male and female winners. 903-791-0490

MarCh 5Texarkana Symphony Orchestra presents “The Emerald Piano Quartet” at Hardy Memorial United Methodist Church. General Admission $25.00 or $10.00 for students Repertoire: Schumann: Piano Quintet in E flat major, Op. 44 and Dvorak: String Quartet No. 12, in F major, op 96 “American.” 870-773-3401

MarCh 9Archonettes’ 4th Lil’ Miss Blue Revue and Blue Revue Princess pageant to be held at the Texas Middle School Black Box Theater, 2100 College Drive, Texarkana, Texas on March 9, 2013 at 6-8 pm. The contestants should age requirements are 3-5 for the Blue Revue Princess division and ages 6-8 for the Lil’ Miss Blue Revue. This will be a most enjoyable and rewarding period of our little one’s life. This pageant is not a Toddler’s & Tiara pageant. It’s a basic pageant where little girls can be and look like little girls with ruffle dresses minus the big hair and makeup; this is up to the parents & contestants’ discretion. There will be great entertainment: Tanji Tatum and the winners from the 4th Annual Talent show; Gracie, Kiana Smith, and Joe Teel & local celebrity judges.

Please come out and support our youth. The entry fee is only $25.00 and application is due by March 2, 2013. All contestants and entertainers will be provided one complimentary ticket. The ticket will be given at practice on March 8th. ADMISSION: 5 and under FREE, Students - $4.00 and Adults - $ 6.00 For further information, feel free to contact LaRhonda Hamilton at 903-244-9283.

MarCh 17

St. Patrick’s Day!MarCh 18 - JunE 22TRAHC presents 21st Annual Juried Student Exhibition. Free to the public. Call TRAHC at (903) 792-8681 or visit www.TRAHC.org for more info.

MarCh 19Women for the Arts presents “High Tea with Picassos.” Call for location and ticket prices: 903-792-8681.

MarCh 23Women for the Arts presents “Party with Picassos.” Call for location and ticket prices: 903-792-8681.

MarCh 24

Palm Sunday!

MarCh 25 - May 4TRAHC Arts on Main Spring Classes. Art classes taught by local, professional artists. Call TRAHC at (903) 792-8681 www.TRAHC.org for more info.

MarCh 26 - May 4TRAHC presents Wizards of Pop: Reinhart and Sabuda A nationally touring pop art exhibition. Free to the public. Call TRAHC at (903) 792-8681 or visit www.TRAHC.org for more info.

MarCh 26 - May 4TRAHC presents Kathi Couch/Tyler Arnold. Art Exhibition. Free to the public. Call TRAHC at (903) 792-8681 or visit www.TRAHC.org for more info.

MarCh 28This year’s HandsOn Texarkana Draw Down will be March 28 at 1915 Olive Street, the Collins building and the theme will be a Hawaiian Luau! Shish-ka-bobs of shrimp, steak, chicken and veggies will be served on the grill along with delicious Hawaiian cuisine dishes. Lots of pineapple, coconut and chocolate deserts. Tickets are $100 each/includes dinner for two, hula lessons, limbo dancing and lots of prizes. The prizes are structured different to allow more people to win. Every 10th ticket drawn will win $100; the 25th ticket drawn will win $250, etc. Grand prize is $3,000. Get your ticket and get ready to have a great time! Call Kathey or Joy for your ticket at 903 798-3211.

MarCh 29

Good Friday!MarCh 31

Easter!

Friends can relax in the gazebo while you prepare their dinner in your outdoor kitchen! This home has too many amenities to mention here! 3-2-2, carpet and ceramic tile, stainless appliances, gas/wood burning fireplace, surround sound, upgraded security system just to name a few!

Beautifully nestled in the back of Beaver Lake Estates this 4 BR 2.5 BA home offers fantastic outdoor space for entertaining. Relax in your in own in ground pool!

Buying? Selling? We Can Help!Residential . Land . Timber . Commercial . Recreational Property

[email protected]@aol.com

903.223.0710903.628.3186

Charming updated home features 3 BR 1 bath, vinyl plank floors with carpeted bedrooms, stainless refrigerator, deck leading to above ground pool, gazebo, 2 two storage buildings. This home is a must see, move in ready.

Breathtaking Hilltop Home featuring 4 BR, 3 BA, and 2 living areas on 160 acres. Amenities are too numerous to list. You need to see this home to believe it.

Country Living at its best! This 3 BR 2 BA home sits on over 25 acres. It has large living area with cozy fireplace. Metal shop on a slab, an extra building that can be easily converted to home office, man cave or extra living space. All priced to sell! Come see for yourself.

This home has lots to offer! Featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, large family room with fireplace, nice size utility room, huge fenced backyard with 20x20 workshop and above ground pool with deck.

Click in 24/7 for all your real estate needs!www.impactrealtyonline.com

This home is Exquisite. One of the most Magnificent Luxury Homes in the area. The amenities in this home are superb. Game Room, Media Room, Exercise Room, in ground pool, butler’s pantry, granite countertops, marble floors in entry and formal living area, beautiful custom wood work, immaculate luxury home, sprinkler system, security system and more.

Great for first time home buyer, or a retired couple wanting to downsize. This home is move in ready. 3-2-2 on quiet cul de sac in Nash. Large fenced backyard. Owners have relocated and are motivated to sell!

Beautiful two story home featuring Four Bedroom, Three Baths, Two living areas, formal dining and breakfast area. Gas log fireplace in family room, Fabulous master suite with ceramic tile shower and jetted tub. Large landscaped yard with sprinkler system and covered patio. This is a must see.

Bill SpradlinRealtor

903-748-3186

Tracy SpradlinBroker

903-748-2477

Jan WilliamsRealtor

903-277-5771

Karyn BaucumRealtor

903-278-3836

www.6201brookhollow.z57websites.com www.5803winchester.z57websites.com

www.3220beech.z57websites.com www.411browerlane.z57websites.com

www.2503harrisonlane.z57websites.com

Stephanie MaddoxRealtor

903-701-1341

1200 N. Kings Hwy., Suite 104, Nash, TX 75569117 N.E. Front New Boston, TX 75569

Cody SandoneRealtor

903-276-7565

Justin SandoneRealtor

903-701-6721

www.1270beaverlakedr.z57websites.com

Jessica SnowRealtor

903-293-9183

www.39pecanvalley.z57websites.com

www.1427mc118.z57websites.com

www.7411palisadestexarkana.z57websites.com


If you’re thinking of buying a home, call me first to learn how much you might be qualified to borrow. Knowing how much you can afford can put you in a stronger position when you negotiate your purchase contract.

Even if another lender has provided a quote, call me. We’ll perform an apples-to-apples comparison to ensure you are receiving the best financing for your situation. This is a complimentary service so there’s nothing to lose—and the straight facts to gain.

Once you find your home, ask SWBC to provide you with a homeowners insurance quote, too.

Ask for your complimentary home buying booklet today.

Jason Cree

Branch Manager

NMLS #209270 | AR #17523

903-223-5632 office 903-277-2726 mobile

[email protected]

Visit my website to apply online www.jasoncree.com

3101 Kennedy Lane, Ste. 200 Texarkana, TX 75503

Providing exceptional service to Texarkana and surrounding area borrowers for more than 15 years.

Call today to find out how much you can afford.

PuRChASE • CONVENTIONAL • FhA • VA • JuMBO • REFINANCE • RuRAL DEVELOPMENT • INVESTMENT PROPERTy

Want a New Homein the New Year?

© 2012. SWBC. All rights reserved. Loans are subject to credit approval. Certain conditions and lending guidelines apply.

Your Life Is Changing...But Your LocationShouldn’t Have To.

www.johnharrisconstruction.com

With Aging In Place Remodeling, Enjoy Your Own Home For A Lifetime.

John Harris has over 15 years of experience in “Aging In Place” Remodeling. His design concepts and materials used are universal in nature, meaning the homes are equally useful and comfort-able for a healthy young person as they are for a senior citizen with hip or knee problems. John believes that helping people with their Aging In Place designs is his true calling, and he genuinely cares about the physical, mental and emotional condition of everyone he assists.

John is married to Leigh Harris, who works as Development Director at CASA for Children. Their children are Mallory Harris- 22, Corbin Harris-13 and Walker Davis- 12. John and Leigh have two pets, Jinx the Schitzu- 7 and Brutus the Boston Terrier- 4.

Professional Associations:Member BBBTexarkana Home Builders AssociationNational Home Builders Association

Phone: 903.490.6161Fax: 903.792.4301

www.thebmgllc.com903.334.REFI (7334)NMLS #139306

201 S 20th St Suite 6 Rogers, AR 72758479-636-4512

109 Cedar BendAbilene, TX 79602325-754-8227

217 W 2nd Street STE 211Little Rock, AR 72201501-812-LOAN (5626)

1019 North Kings HwyNash, TX 75569903-334-REFI (7334)

* Availability subject to borrowerand property eligibility

100% Financing Available*FHA, VA, Conventional,& Rural Development LoansFast ApprovalsQuick and Easy RefinancingReverse Mortgages AvailableNon-Owner OccupiedInvestment Property

Ryan Clift Cody Lorance Billy Whitt

“Making BIG DreamsCome True.”

BOULEVARDMortgage Group

4141 Blue Lake Circle 240ADallas, TX 75244972-638-REFI

9 0 3 . 3 3 4 . 9 6 0 5101 Slaton Dr., Nash, TXIn the Nash Business Park off HWY 82.www.legendaryshootingsports.com

NOW OPEN!

LEGE N D AR Y

FirearmsShooting Sports

Follow us on Facebook for updates!

2013 Classes:Texas Concealed HandgunNRA Home Firearm Safety

NRA Basic PistolNRA Personal Protection in the Home

Open Monday-Friday, 3:00-6:00Keeping our overhead low to pass on savings!

Fall In Love With Life All Over AgainFollow your heart and choose HealthSouth for rehabilitation to get back home after an injury, illness or surgery. Our experienced teams andadvanced technologies provide the total customizedpackage to get you back home and into theactivites you treasure.Choose a higher level of care from HealthSouth.

www.healthsouthtexarkana.com

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