Nearly everyone has been touched by the effects of cancer in some way. No donation is ever too small to contribute to the ground-breaking research, patient care programs and education initiatives provided by the American Cancer Society.
The Relay for Life Texarkana is set for Saturday, April 27. The Opening Ceremony begins at 3 p.m. at the Four States Fairgrounds. Anyone interested can join a relay team prior to the event and have fun holding a team bake sale or a car wash to raise funds and awareness. Or, join us on the day of the event to celebrate the survivors and caregivers. First, the survivors walk the celebratory lap followed by the caregivers as the crowd cheers them on for their support.
Photo courtesy 2019 American Cancer Society
Next, the team members walk up and down the path to symbolize their support in the fight against cancer. Anyone is welcome to dedicate a luminaria, which is a small paper bag decorated with the names of loved ones, which line the path of the walk. After dark, each bag is lit in honor or remembrance of a life touched by cancer, accompanied by a moment of silence for those we’ve lost. Afterwards is a closing ceremony which usually ends around 10 p.m.
Photo courtesy 2019 American Cancer Society
Come out and join us for this celebration where you and your teammates take turns walking the path to symbolize the ongoing fight against cancer. Also, check out other teams’ tents for games and activities, you can also help support the cause by purchasing raffle tickets or food. Use your talents and special passion to help the American Cancer Society save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.
Majic 93.3’s radio host, Keeta “King” Hodge poses with soul blues radio host, DJ Godfather. The soulful show will begin Saturday morning 9 a.m.-2 p.m. December 1st. Photo Credit: Dodson & Glover Photography.
Texarkana’s Majic 93.3 welcomes DJ Godfather to their urban R&B station. The well-known radio personality kicked off his new show Saturday, December 1st 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with great music, entertainment, and a special guest for local southern blues soul listeners.
“We will debut the hottest Southern Soul, Blues and Zydeco show in the Ark-la-tex starring the legendary DJ Godfather. The Godfather of Southern Soul, Blues & Zydeco has a new home after 26 years and we are kicking off the party with celebrity guest and Southern Soul Sensation, Jeter Jones”, said Majic 93.3’s radio host, Keeta Hodge King.
DJ Godfather’s new Soul, and Southern Blues show kicks off December 1st. Photo Credit Dodson & Glover Photo Credit/Majic 93.3.
As a youthful, yet throwback R&B station, the local radio station believes this radio veteran will add a new flavor for Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas listeners. “We are an Urban AC [Adult Contemporary] station that plays Today’s R&B and Throwbacks with a few ‘Classic Hip Hop Throwbacks’. The Godfather will bring a fresh soulful edge with the best Southern Soul and Blues”, said King.
DJ Godfather will also have a special weekend position. “He will also be the station’s only live voice on the weekend. He plays music that caters to the bike club world, trail riders, blues lovers, and southern soul fans”, said King.
Before joining the Majic 93.3 radio family, DJ Godfather worked as a competing radio show host. “DJ Godfather has been a household name for many years due to the personal approach he takes to DJing, however he was on the competitor station, KTOY 104.7 FM”, said King.
Majic 93.3’s DJ Godfather and Keeta “King” Hodge. Photo Credit: Dodson & Glover Photography.
Despite working as Majic 93.3’s former competitor, it did not stop Hodge from listening the soulful radio host with the up most respect. “Even then, I listened to him on Saturday mornings as far as I could on my drive home, and I always thought how I awesome it would be if I could bring him to Majic 93.3. As fate would have it, we were able to make that happen officially on Dec. 1st”, said King.
With R&B as her first love, King could not resist the soulful sounds of the blues after a particular working memory. “I started with R&B. However, one night when working at a nightclub call Mr. D’s, the club owner came up and said to me, “DJ Godfather you going to have to start playing some blues or I’m going to replace you with someone else.” To keep my job, I started playing Southern Soul and Blues, and I fell in love”, said King.
Majic 93.3’s Southern Soul and Blues radio host, DJ Godfather. Photo Credit: Dodson & Glover Photography.
Like King, newcomers and Southern Blues and Soul listeners will enjoy the new sounds the passionate radio host will bring to the Ark-Tex-La area. “Nobody does it like DJ Godfather, and everyone in the surrounding areas, near or far knows when the Godfather Southern Soul, Blues and Zydeco Show comes on, it’s time to party and move your feet”, said King.
The soulful blues man looks forward to bringing his talents and his famous saying ” to magical station. “The general public will enjoy seeing & hearing how HE, himself, enjoys what he does. He is very passionate about his audience and his music! He brings excitement to the mic every show and people can look forward to him getting them up and moving on Saturday mornings with the best of the best Southern Soul, Blues and Zydeco”, said King.
Tune in Saturdays! “I am that humble man who has a love for music, a love for people and entertainment. All my glory goes to God”, said DJ Godfather.
To catch DJ Godfather’s new show or for upcoming events:
Compliments of Leadership Texarkana’s Facebook Page
How many times have you said “There is just nothing to do in Texarkana?” It’s a common assumption in many communities in Texarkana that there just isn’t anything to do besides eat or see a movie. Is there really nothing to do or is the town just not the greatest at getting the word around? To answer this question, Leadership Texarkana, a local organization to help leaders learn and grow, have started a movement and created one website for all of our community event needs. They call it GoTXK and its edging toward ending your Saturday night snooze-fest.
Compliments of goTXK’s Facebook Page
The purpose is to create an interactive hub where individuals can discover upcoming events and provide insight into what’s going on in the local community. It’s easy to navigate and it hosts anything from blog posts and newsletters to a web-wide social feed. Anyone who uses the #goTXK hashtag has their post pulled to the website’s front page for all to see. This way, users can easily engage in their community and more readily gain information about what’s happening around them.
They also host a ‘What’s to Love TXK Blog’ where they discuss what people think makes Texarkana a great place. This blog has categories such as Fave Foods, Did You Know? And T-Town Top 10, all offering fan picks for trending restaurants, interesting facts, and the best things to do each week.
Compliments of Leadership Texarkana’s Facebook Page
For college students, this is a life saver. In the halls of TAMUT, you can hear the grumbling of brain-dead students looking for anything to distract them from their next homework assignment.
It’s great for parents, too. It’s hard to find events for children sometimes, but this way one can easily sort through all the things people are doing and decide what works.
And its realistic. It’s not an event host telling you to come to their event. It’s your fellow Texarkanians telling you whether or not it’s worth the drive. A few upcoming events listed on the social media feature include the Smash Bros. Ultimate Pre-Release Party at the Wyndham Garden Hotel on December 6, a 1950s game night hosted at the Discovery Place Interactive Museum, and much more.
They have a few community partners already, and are hoping to grow, increasing audience interaction and spreading positivity across the town for all types of events. To learn more and receive notifications about upcoming events, visit their website to sign up for their newsletter and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
“When their heart is hurt, especially in that age range they feel like it’s the end of the world. It is so depressing,” says Producer Brigette Talbert, who will be showcasing the stage play Outside Child (Inside Pain) in the Sullivan Performing Arts Center, on Saturday December 1, 2018.
“It’s a learning experience, it’s about old secrets. Learning how to love again through heart ache, infidelity and lies, the Outside Child (Inside Pain) setting is an African-American community, portraying a family learning to love again, overcoming infidelity, while saving a lost tradition. This play can relate to any race. Think about all of the single parent households, they don’t have to be black”.
Brigette Talbert has been involved in radio, film and production for over 15 years. This will be Bridgette’s second play to independently write and produce. “I’m always nervous when its time to hit the stage, because you know what you have written, you know what your words are and how you want them to be portrayed. You know that it tells a story. You just wondering if that audience is picking up the story that you’re trying to tell.”
Brigette casting role involves plenty of personality and experience that makes the play better. “When you have a cast that feels like family then you’ve cast the right people.” The cast includes Fel Davis, Sharnette Hyter, Jousha Fitzpatrick aka J-Fitz, Jordon Ballard, Alicia Gulley-Malone, Nikki Wadley, and Amanda Virtuous Henderson.
“Community should support community.We’re bringing entertainment to the community,It’s a small town setting and there’s not really a lot going on. There will be lots of laughter, crying, you’ll feel every emotion while having a learning experience”.
Get your tickets today at the Golden Lady Restaurant in Texarkana, Texas, KZRB studios in Hooks, Texas or from cast members Lisa Gulley-Malone and Amanda Henderson. PayPal is accepted. betalbertproductions@gmail.com
Texarkana College Cosmetology School held their 9th Annual Sheer Madness Avant Garde Hair and Fashion show Monday afternoon, November 12th. With big hair, creative makeup, and high fashion wear, local high school students and adult college students battled on the red runway in the Truman Arts Center with entries they have worked on for weeks. Dual credit high school students entered the hair mannequin competition, while the adult cosmetology students strutted their photo-inspired runway looks. Both categories competed for first, second, and third place.
Baby Girl 2: My Dad is Dope combats teen domestic violence at the Sullivan Performing Arts Center November 3rd Saturday 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Courtesy of Vanessa Jackson-Fields.
Local play writer and director Vanessa Jackson-Fields brings teen domestic violence awareness through her new play, Baby Girl 2: My Dad is Dope. New young actors and returning cast members demonstrated lesser-known warning signs and dangers of an abusive relationship at the Sullivan Performing Arts Center, 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday.
Newcomer Kiauna Smith portrays smart, outgoing, family-oriented, high-school valedictorian, college-bound Jasmine (Baby Girl) escaping from her former violent boyfriend, Marcus (Kameron Randle) a year after a relationship ended.
“It’s written around a young teenage girl that didn’t know the signs of an unhealthy relationship or a potential abuser, because usually they start off really nice, well-cut people, and you have to know the signs that they can potentially be an abuser. This show points out all the signs, especially this day and time”, said Vanessa Jackson-Fields.
The 15-year Anniversary play began with the early stages of obsession, control, and stalking in teen dating violence via today’s communication media: texting, phone calls, and emailing. “They become obsessed with you. Show up at your door when they’re not wanted, even though you told them not to. They keep you away from your family and friends and want you to be with them all the time”, said Jackson-Fields.
Domestic violence advocate and play writer, Vanessa Jackson-Fields poses in the Perot Theater, where her first play took place in 2003. Photo Credit Tiffany Brown
According to One Love Foundation and Joyful Heart Foundation, isolation is considered a domestic abuse warning sign. The family foundation also mentioned belittling, intensity, manipulation, and jealousy, which Jackson-Fields mentioned in her play. “You might think it’s because ‘Oh they just jealous’, and think it’s cute, but it’s not. Being jealous can be very dangerous. It’s like they have ownership over you. They believe you belong to them,” said Jackson-Fields.
Jackson-Fields included real-life scenarios of physical abuse, potential sexual abuse, and a horrific tragedy. “Shoving, grabbing and getting very angry. The play kind of shows a lot of that. It gets very graphic”, said Jackson-Fields.
Domestic teen violence does not discriminate against social class, race, gender, age, or family background. It can occur among upper and middle-class teenagers. “I always remember April Love. She came from a nice middle-class family. She was so smart and had a bright future. She was killed September 2005 by her boyfriend on a college campus. It was days before they found her. You never would’ve thought, she would be killed in an abusive relationship”, said Jackson-Fields.
According to The Telegraph UK writer Amanda Prowse, abuse can happen in middle-class families. In fact, middle class abuse cases are rarely reported, as seen in the teen domestic violence play. “Abuse is sweeping the country and nobody really pays attention, until someone loses their life”, said Jackson-Fields.
Jackson-Fields cast newcomers Isaiah Germany, Jashaun Wedlong, returning cast members Pastor Lamarcus Franklin, Tammie Harvey, Dr. Mary Phillips, and Connie Thompson as a supportive family, however their favorite baby girl, Jasmine found herself in a violent relationship. “This play is showing when you’re in these relationships, it not only affects you, but everybody around you”, said Jackson-Fields.
The former abuse victim turned advocate encourages teen boys and girls to speak up before it’s too late. “I hope they learn okay I know he’s doing that, but I need to get away. Run! Get away from him or her! Go to your parents or somebody you know that will support you. Do not try to handle it alone or hold back, because you can’t. If they do it one time, that’s just a warning”, said Jackson-Fields.
If you are experiencing domestic violence or know someone that’s experiencing domestic violence please speak up or link to Texarkana Domestic Violence. Or call (903)-794-4000 or visit 424 Spruce St, Texarkana, TX 75501, 8-5.
Caleb Landall takes a family photo of his wife, Tiffany, and their children Jocelyn (4), Lylah (2), Tucker (3 1/2 months). Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown
Williams Memorial United Methodist held their annual pumpkin patch Saturday afternoon 10/27/18. Families enjoyed the pumpkin scenery with selfies and the warm weather with their children.
According to Russell Martin, Director of Student Ministries, the church has hosted the Texarkana event for years. “The pumpkin patch has been here as long as I’ve been here and I think the last calculation is about 15 or 16 years”, said Martin.
18-month-old, Lana Navarrette poses in a pumpkin setting during Williams Memorial United Methodist’s pumpkin patch. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown
The annual event opened October 8th. Family festivities included fun games, and trick or treats for the kids. “We did have a a host last week for our Pumpkin Palooza event, which is games, carnival, trunk or treat, and those types of things. Every year we try to do a movie night, but it got rained out”, said Martin.
Justin Sherman takes a family pumpkin patch of his wife, Nicole Sherman and two-year-old daughter, Harper Sherman Saturday afternoon at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown
Latrice Walker takes a photo of her 12-year-old, Iya Hanson during Williams Memorial United Methodist’s pumpkin patch. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown
Families brought their children for selfies during available hours. “Typical hours during the week are 11:30 am until dark, which is about 6:30 pm or so. Tomorrow will be 11:30 am until dark as well”, said Martin.
Williams Memorial United Methodist’s pumpkin patch was free and open to the public 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 4000 Moores Ln Texarkana, Texas.
Amber Harris announces the Golden Ticket Bingo game alert throughout Healthcare’s Sportsplex hall during Wonka Fest Saturday afternoon.
The Sportsplex by Healthcare Express hosted their Wonka Fest Saturday morning October 27th. The local gym kicked off the pre-Halloween family event and fundraiser for Nash Elementary School with a costume contest 10 a.m. and hosted family fun events until closing time at 2. The contest competition included age categories 0-3 years old and 4-12 years old.
“This is our gym and community center, so this is our Halloween Wonka Fest we are doing today in partnership with Nash Elementary School as their fundraiser for their program”, said Healthcare Express’ Chief Marketing Officer, Angela Evans.
Suki Oneal straightens arranges the ultimate Wonka bar during Wonka Fest at Healthcare’s Sportsplex.
The local gym raised donations through a family classic theme, “Willy Wonka”. “We just decided that it would be cool to have kids excited about finding golden tickets, so we hid for the whole month of October. We hid golden tickets at random stores and different places all around town for the excitement to get them to come here for the fundraiser”, said Evans.
The golden tickets were not found in chocolate bars, but throughout various games. “They were just randomly around town when they find the tickets, but you can purchase golden tickets when they’re playing Bingo. It gives you a Bingo card to where you’re able for a give-a-way for a Ninetendo Switch and we’re giving away a cabin trip, designer bag purses, and some bikes”, said Evans.
7-year-old, Kailyn Hall plays toss a soda game during the Wonka Fest Saturday afternoon 10/27.
Besides the golden ticket bingo game, free games, a photo booth, a sweet shop, and concessions were included in the Wonka Fest. According to Evans, all donations will go towards Nash Elementary. “Our goal is to raise $3,000.00 toward the school and they can use it however they need to”, said Evans.
Attendees receive a wrist-band moments before the 7 p.m. Pen 2 Paper strategist conference at the Texarkana Convention Center. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown
Business strategist Bridgette Moody strategized, organized, and maximized the visions of Texarkana conference attendees during her Pen 2 Paper celebration 7 p.m. Friday night November 2. Ambitious entrepreneurs, ministry leaders, and business vendors made connections, ate great food, enjoyed live music, and grabbed their pens and paper for Moody’s instructions at the Texarkana Convention Center.
Pen 2 Paper display graphic design during conference. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown
“Tonight’s event is about vision celebration. It celebrates the vision people who had a vision and walked that path. Some people wrote books, began and completed new projects. We want to celebrate those who had the tenacity and hung in there. Not only that, celebrating those advocates the country who have gotten Pen 2 Paper”, said Moody.
Before hosting Pen 2 Paper over the country, Moody began with herself and others around her. “This conference started as a result of working with ministries and finding out that people really didn’t have a clear vision, understanding their purpose. As a result of my own experience in trying to figure out the next level of my life, I began writing those things out, because there’s more in our hearts than we can see on paper”, said Moody.
Attendees shop around business vendors moment before Pen 2 Paper strategy conference Friday night. Photo Credit Tiffany Brown
In order to have a clear vision, an individual must grab the necessary tools: pen and paper. “Learn to write. Jot before you journal”, said Moody. Your vision should also be clear and detailed oriented. “Know what your vision is. It’s hard to put steps together, if you don’t know what it is. Be clear. Do you know what it is? Are you just doing something that someone else is doing? Do you have a heart for it? Without a heart or a passion, 9 out of 10 ten times, you’re ready to quit if you’re not making money. When it’s your purpose, you persevere the ups and downs, but you will keep going if that’s what you’re called to do.”
According to Moody, you do not have to be a skilled professional writer. “Everybody is not a writer. Write every thought down. If you can write every thought down, it helps you put those things together. You get everything out on the table like putting a puzzle together. You put your edges, colors, and like images until you the full picture”, said Moody.
Although business owners and ministry leaders attended the event, an individual did not need those titles to have a successful, clear vision for themselves. “It’s not just for business owners or ministry leaders, but individuals to find themselves in their life and figure out where they’re supposed to be. It helps them to not just exist, but to live”, said Moody.
Business strategist, Bridgette Moody welcomes attendees during Pen 2 Paper conference. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown
Before vision boards became a successful trend, celebrities such as Harvey, Oprah Winfrey, Jim Carrey, Will Smith, and Arnold Schwarzennegger accomplished their written goals using this one method. “You should always keep the vision before you. Once we put it on paper, it magnify the dream, goal, and vision”, said Moody.
“Keep in mind success is not a quick process. The vision is not something that you write it today and it happens tomorrow. It’s over a period of time. You have to establish goals in the process of moving toward the vision. The vision is an expected end. Once it happens, that’s the end result”, said Moody.
Students network with local Texarkana employers during Crossing Paths connection event. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown
TAMUT students networked with local employers through the Career Development Center networking event, Cross Paths. Employees guided and made connections with student attendees on the University Center’s third floor Thursday afternoon, November 1.
“Today we have a networking event. This is for our students to mix with employers, meet them, ask them questions about their career fields or just about their profession in general. Our theme this year is, ‘The World Awaits You’ to promote travel”, said Coordinator of Career Development, Samantha Armstrong.
Coordinator of Career Development, Samantha Armstrong describes the Crossing Path networking event a few minutes before it begins. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown
“When we talked to the students, they always say it’s not what you know, it’s who you know in the career professional world. This allows students to create the professional connections with employers to talk with them a little bit about their professional journey and get some advice”, said Armstrong.
Local employers such as State Farm, Arkansas Dept of Human Services, and Encompass Health, connected various majors, classifications, and goals within their career aspirations.
Arkansas Dept. of Human Service representative, Martin Vernon connects with a student during the Cross Paths event. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown
“We pretty much have opportunities that you are looking for from facilities, maintenance all the way to lawyers, so we like to provide information, a positive life, and other opportunities to the students”, said Martin Vernon of Arkansas Department of Human Resources.
“We are looking to get to know the A&M students that are in the business world for the next few years. Let them practice their interview skills, and hopefully someone who could join our team, whenever they’re ready. For the most part we sell and service insurance”, said Mckenzie Skinner of Kelly Ashbrook State Farm.
Students connect with various organizations, such as State Farm, Encompass Health, and Arkansas Dept. of Human Service. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown
Other local employers networked with different student attendees. “We have the Dept. of Human Resources, DPS Officers, crime labs, published author John Bunch who works here at A&M-Texarkana. He is a published photographer on the cover for People magazine. We have a big array of people on our Facebook and we sent it out in e-mails as well”, said Armstrong.
The employers described their expectations and qualifications with the students. “Someone who’s committed to helping customers. A self-starter that cares and will spend the time in getting to know and getting the right products to their customers”, said Skinner.
“Because we are Human Services-based, we’re looking for someone more personable, don’t mind working with people, have a good heart, and different things of that nature”, said Vernon.
“We look for enthusiasm and compassion. If you have the time and you want the hours, we are here. Volunteers work in the office with me, answering the phones. If you’re in the medical field, how do you feel about working with patients? We work with patients and their information is confidentiality. We work with a various of people. We want to know can you give that and do you care? Are you able to give to others? “, said Tonya Pace of Encompass Health.
The students also shared their goal aspirations regarding the campus networking event.
“I want to go to med-school and become a cardiologists”, said biology major, Neha Amberkr.
The biology major wants to attend a medical school in Ohio and connect with local Texarkana health-care professions.
“I’m looking forward to talking with the medical people around here and seeing if they have a part-time job or volunteering opportunities I can do. I have a background in EKG technician and have been certified. I was trying to find something around that”, said Amberkr.
Junior and Criminal Justice major, Mason Ladd checks out the Arkansas Dept. of Human Resources’ table. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown
“I want to network with other employers and to check out the vibe”, said criminal justice major, Mason Ladd.
Interesting in criminal justice and health, criminal justice major describes his qualifications during the Cross Paths networking event.
“What I add to the table is hard work. Pretty good IQ and the willingness to learn”, said Ladd.
“I want to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics to teach at a high school, but around that time I want to pursue a masters and eventually a PhD, so I will be able to teach at a university”, said Mathematics major, Cashaun Harris.
The future Trigonometry or Calculus student also described his qualifications regarding teaching Mathematics.
“I feel like when it comes to Mathematics, it’s taught in a different way that it should be. That’s the problem I see alot of kids trying to understand”, said Harris.
2016 TAMUT Alumni, Life Share Blood Center’s Account Manager, Kyndra Davis and Jake Hamilton State Farm Insurance Self-Agent Percy Davis connects with Mathematics Junior major, Cashaun Harris. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown
Alumni graduates, Life Share Blood Center’s Account Manager, Kyndra Davis and Jake Hamilton State Farm Insurance Self-Agent Percy Davis connected with student, yet gave them valuable advice.
“I would suggest to start looking now. It’s okay to apply for jobs and say you are graduating this date. My brother actually did that and he got a job within his degree field. Be confident in yourself, because people like confidence. They put their trust in people that know what they’re talking about”, said Kyndra Davis, a recent A&M graduate.
“Never give up, keep being active, staying in the community, doing different things, because you never know who you may meet. Always keep it professional, because you maybe holding the door for someone that maybe a CEO and stay hungry. Don’t let rejection discourage you. You are probably going to get rejection, while applying for jobs. That made meant the job was not for me. Keep your resume tight and updated. Don’t give up”, said Percy Davis, a Mass Communication alumnus.
“They can take away some connections. People to talk to about their career field. Somebody to give them professional advice. They can take away inner personal skills and talking with the employers that you will need as a professional”, said Armstrong.
