Thursday, February 3rd, the city of Texarkana was expecting freezing rain and heavy snow. In preparation, the city covered roads and bridges with brine. Residents’ stocked food pantries with water and essentials. Most schools or businesses closed until further notice. “Out of an abundance of caution the Texas A&M University campus will be closed,” John Bunch, Tamut Communications Manager, said. Everyone hunkered down isolated, in their homes or dorms, and prepared for the worst.
Texarkana was prepared and was due to what happened around this time last year. February 2021 was a chilling experience for Texans. Heavy snow obstructed many businesses and slippery ice made roads hazardous. Most people were trapped in their homes. In some severe cases, the power would go out or pipes inside the home would burst due to lack of insulation. 8 million people were under a boil water notice. Countless families would be without central heating or running water. Since most wouldn’t be able to go out they wouldn’t be able to buy groceries or drinkable water. The winter storm that occurred last year resulted in the deaths of 58 people. In Texas alone, there were at least 30 reported deaths.
However, all that happened was very cold rain. Was Texarkana prepared this year? Absolutely. It demonstrated the common phrase “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” Texarkana showed that it cares for its residents and is equipped for anything the weather has to offer.
If you frequently browse Eagle Eye, you may have seen an article that I recently posted about the Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter (RSOS) in Texarkana. If you have not heard of them, they are a non-profit organization that specializes in providing aid to the homeless in our area. They provide shelter, housing, clothing, case management, health appointments, job training/search assistance, life skills classes, life-sustaining medication coverage, and transportation. They have been serving our community selflessly for over two decades, and they need our support. In fact, they need even more support than usual, as they were not awarded a very large grant (175k) that they needed to support their operation. Historically, they have been awarded this grant annually, so this is a significant loss. If you have never given to RSOS, please consider doing so this holiday season. In addition to accepting regular monetary/material donations, RSOS has two exciting fundraisers happening now…
RSOS’ Be The Blessing Job Training is a bakery program that employs homeless or formerly homeless people and teaches them commercial kitchen/baking skills. They are currently taking orders for Christmas cookies. Ranging from $15-$20 per dozen, they offer chocolate chip, peanut butter, pecan praline, sugar cookies, or a mixed box. If a box isn’t enough, they also offer a tray of four-dozen cookies for $40. These tasty treats are sure to be a hit at your family gathering or Christmas party! Are you looking for a fun and yummy activity for the family? For $25, you can order Be The Blessing’s Santa Cookie Kit! Each kit comes with two icing bags, two sprinkle cups, and a dozen Santa-shaped sugar cookies that you can decorate yourself. Orders can be placed online now! You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram. By participating in this fundraiser, you are directly supporting local people who are acquiring the skills they need to get a job in the food-service industry. Giving back to the community, and having a delicious snack? It’s a win-win! (I actually ordered some immediately after I submitted this article!)
Wright (L), Brisco (R), and Arnold’s (B) original artwork for Hope for the Homeless TXK.
Looking for unique Christmas gift ideas? Look no further! RSOS’ kicked off a new annual art event this year called Hope for the Homeless TXK. The organization asked local artists Taylor Arnold, Nicole Brisco, and Joel Wright to interpret homelessness. Each artist created beautiful and touching original pieces which are being framed and raffled off on December 15th. If you are interested in entering for a chance to win one of these gorgeous creations, you can buy ten entries for $10, thirty entries for $25, or 75 entries $50, although you have the option to purchase as many entries as you wish. In addition to this raffle, prints of the paintings and t-shirts featuring Arnold and Wright’s designs are also for sale. All proceeds from this event go toward the Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter. This fundraiser is an excellent chance to support both RSOS and our fabulous local artists.
If you would simply like to make a monetary donation, those are also welcome. Donors have the option to make a one time donation, or sign up to give monthly or annually. Besides physical or monetary donations, you can also donate you time. There are many ways to volunteer, such as hosting donation drives for shelter needs, or providing evening meals at the shelter. To volunteer your time or services, you can sign up online.
For more information on the Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter and its programs, please visit them online or call 903-792-7024. You can also follow them on Facebook, and Twitter.
The cover of Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time.
Books have always had the power to connect audiences of all ages across time and space, and Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time is no exception. Originally rejected by twenty-six publishers for dealing “overtly with the problem of evil” and being “too difficult for children” this beloved classic went on to win the Newbery Medal, the Sequoyah Book Award, and the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. It was also nominated as runner-up for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. It has been adapted into audio books, a play, an opera, a graphic novel and two films (Disney released a TV movie in 2003, and a theatrical film in 2018 starring Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine). The Texarkana Repertory Company (TexRep) will bring this treasured story to the Stilwell Theatre at Texarkana College in November.
Hero Medina as Meg, Gabe Lohse as Charles Wallace, and Culen McElhannon as Calvin. (Credit: TexRep Facebook page)
As with any adaptation, there are some differences between the script and the original book, but the spirit of the work remains wholly intact. Some characters and scenes have been removed or rewritten for brevity’s sake, but the heart of the story is not lost. In this thrilling fantasy/science fiction adventure, siblings Meg and Charles Wallace Murry, along with their friend Calvin O’Keefe, travel through time and space to save their father who has gone missing following a mysterious scientific expedition. Along the way, they dive through wormholes, visit distant planets, and meet all manner of strange creatures. In order to save their father, and the world, the kids must overcome their fears and face an evil force as old as time itself. This is a story about the power of love, and the beauty that lies in unconventionality. As our heroes learn, sometimes the things we see as faults are actually our greatest strengths. Our differences make us unique, and they make us strong. This a story of empowerment for people of all ages, proving that everyone, even— and perhaps especially —children, has the power to change the world.
The cast of seventeen is made up of TexRep veterans and new faces alike. The show was originally intended to be performed by five actors playing multiple roles, but in this production, the roles were separated so that more actors could participate. In addition to a stellar cast, TexRep is relying on technical magic to bring this tale to life. Dazzling projections, colored lights, sound effects, and moving set pieces transport the audience to strange new worlds. These factors, in addition to special makeup and costuming, work in harmony to make this larger-than-life production as fantastical as the book it is based on. From a technical standpoint, this show is quite difficult, with literally hundreds of light, sound, and projection cues. The projections were generously loaned to TexRep by their friends at the Dallas Children’s Theatre. Artie Oliasen, who is an Artistic Associate of the DCT and a dear friend of Cooper, is the one who suggested the show. Cooper says, “I still look for new challenges, and this show both creatively and technically pushed us in great ways.” Although he doesn’t have a favorite scene, since the show isn’t divided into traditional scenes, he particularly enjoys the “Tessering” scenes (which refers to the sequences where the children travel through space-time) and he also finds the Man With Red Eyes (played by Austin Alford) to be very effective.
Director Michael Cooper and the cast of The Outsiders (2017) taking questions at Talk-Backs (Credit: TexRep Facebook page).
Although every play has meaning, the third show of every season is a particularly important one for TexRep. This slot is referred to as the “Educational show”. Generally, they choose a script that is based on some classic work that kids read in school. Recent “educational shows” include: The Great Gatsby, Twelfth Night (or What You Will), The Outsiders, andShakespeare in Love. This slot is special because, in addition to regular evening performances, TexRep invites local middle and high schools to private showings on a school day. In a world where Arts programs often struggle just to exist, especially in a town our size, this is a great way to introduce kids to theatre and spark interest in the Arts. Of the matinees, Cooper says “To get all these kids to live theatre, to see how involved they get in the productions is amazing.” He added, “There are teachers who contact me at the beginning of every school year to find out the dates because they and their kids love coming.” In addition, TexRep always collaborates directly with Texarkana College on educational shows in hopes that they function as a recruitment drive for prospective TC students, as well as celebrating the talent of current students. Perhaps the most fun part of these shows is the “Talk-Back” session. Following curtain call, the actors gather onstage in costume and the audience gets a chance to ask them questions. This opens a great (and often very entertaining) two-way dialogue between the students, teachers and the actors about the work itself and the creative process in general that they won’t get anywhere else. The educational slot is unique in that is the only show of the season that holds Talk-Backs. This particular show is also unique in that matinees will take place before the show officially opens.
This show has been a very rewarding experience for all involved. “It’s great to do a show that you can safely bring the entire family to,” Cooper said. While it is a kid-friendly show, he assures that it “plays on so many levels” that the adults will enjoy it just as much as the children. In today’s world, positive stories like this one are essential. Michael Cooper believes, “With all that is going on in the world that just feels so negative, any story that can mention Jesus, Mohammed, Da Vinci, and Gandhi in the same sentence needs to be told. The power of love can never be ignored.” Tickets for this show are available online, or at the door.
Performances of A Wrinkle in Time will be:
Thursday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m.
The theatre doors will open thirty minutes prior to showtime.
When it comes to entertainment, many people here assume you have to travel to a big city to find quality live shows or exposure to art or culture. Texarkana may be relatively small, but it is not short on entertainment, art, or culture. We have multiple venues for live music, museums, and various incredibly talented theatre troupes. Among these troupes is Pleasant Grove High School (PGHS) Curtain Call Productions. Under the direction of Deborah Sutton, the award-winning theatre department at PGHS never fails to impress. This year’s major production will be Aladdin Jr, a musical adaptation of the Academy-Award winning 1992 Disney film.
Originally adapted for the stage in 2011, Aladdin opened on Broadway in 2014. With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin (book by Beguelin) the stage show does an excellent job of translating the spirit and feel of the film. It is a tale about a “street rat” named Aladdin, a poor young man who dreams of fortune and fame. After rescuing a genie from a lamp, he is given three wishes. Aladdin uses these wishes to pretend to be a prince in order to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine of Agrabah, while facing the evil Jafar, who plots to marry her and steal the throne. It is a story about friendship, love, and the discovery that one’s wealth does not define their worth. Like any adaptation, changes have been made to the story, but Mrs. Sutton assures that, “The heart, integrity and grace of the film is definitely captured in the stage version.” New musical numbers and characters only add to the fun in this wild, larger-than-life magic carpet ride. PGHS’ production certainly sounds like it will live up to the hype.
PG students in rehearsal. (PGHS Curtain Call Productions Facebook page)
When asked about the selection process, Mrs. Sutton explained that, “A good high school director never directs the show that he or she wants to direct— They direct the show that fits their kids!” In order to choose a show that best fits her company, she first assesses their talents and searches for a production that will best display them. “This year,” she continued, “We have the trio: Genie, Aladdin and Jasmine. All three must be strong, seasoned performers. We are blessed with a great company that can support our lead trio.” The sheer size of the company alone is impressive, with a total of three hundred cast members, ranging from sixth to twelfth grade.
With a show as big as this, preparations can be intense. The cast went through “musical boot camp”, where they were introduced to the show, as well as the design concept and the movement requirements. The cast was also given instruction on vocal work, as well as an extended workout regimen to be performed daily. In addition, the students had to prepare their background history and family tree, as they studied customs and traditions of the Arab nations. In addition to rehearsals during school hours, the company also rehearses three nights a week, where they go over scene work and choreography.
Cast members pose for a picture while rehearsing the tap number for “Friend Like Me”. (PGHS Curtain Call Productions Facebook page)
Mrs. Sutton’s favorite part of the rehearsal process, are what she calls “Light Bulb” moments, which can come after a particularly difficult scene or bit of choreography. “Any moment that ‘light bulb’ pops on and a student ‘gets it’ – That’s our favorite moment!” she explained. When asked about the cast members’ favorite number in the show, she said that they particularly enjoy “Friend Like Me”, which she describes as “Eight minutes of amazing fun”.
The best part of all? Admission is completely free! The organization prides themselves on being “Family-Friendly and Always Free”. However, with a production of this size, you must have a ticket to ensure entry. Free tickets will be available in the PGHS Main Office starting October 25th. For more information, or questions, please call 903-832-8005.
In the meantime, be sure to follow PGHS Curtain Call Productions’ on Facebook for more information and some cool content, like behind-the-scenes pictures and videos of the cast— Like this video of Aladdin Jr cast members flash-mobbing a PG Faculty meeting.You can also find them on Instagram.
Tropical Depression Imelda has wreaked havoc on the southern United States over the last week, specifically Texas. A tweet from the National Weather Service Houston says that this is the seventh wettest tropical cyclone on record for the U.S., and the fourth wettest tropical cyclone in Texas. The New York Times reports that there have been five known deaths so far. As floodwaters recede, it is possible that number will rise. Among those areas of Texas most affected by Imelda is Beaumont, Texas, a town about an hour and a half northeast of Houston. In one week, Jefferson County received an estimated 43 inches of rain. To put that into perspective, U.S. Climate Data lists roughly 60 inches of rain as the average annual precipitation level in Beaumont. That is almost 72% of Beaumont’s annual rainfall in a matter of a few days.
Source: CHRISTUS St. Michael Facebook page
While many public and private institutions struggle during tropical storms and hurricanes, hospitals and other healthcare facilities often among those hit hardest. Due to a large and sudden influx of patients and limited resources, hospitals need all the help they can get. On the evening of Thursday, September 19, a group of registered nurses from CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital in Texarkana traveled to Beaumont to provide assistance in the Intensive Care and Telemetry Units at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital. St. Elizabeth and St. Michael both belong to the CHRISTUS Hospital System, where it isn’t uncommon for staff from one hospital to support another hospital in the system. Within a couple of hours, the thirteen volunteers were packed and ready to go, despite not knowing that they would even have a place to sleep. According to Google Maps, the trip from Texarkana to Beaumont takes about four and a half hours. The CHRISTUS St. Michael Facebook page posted an update on the group around noon on Friday, September 20. They arrived safely in Beaumont around 1:30 that morning and quickly went to work. These incredible nurses saw a need and they filled it, completely voluntarily.
Source: CHRISTUS St. Michael Facebook page
After leaving Beaumont on Monday morning, the group arrived safely back in Texarkana later that day. They received a hero’s welcome, as fellow St. Michael staff members and leaders lined up at the entrance to greet them with hugs and smiles.
Looking for a tasty night on the town? How about three in one?
On October 17, 2019 the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals will be hosting their annual Taste of Downtown at three different locations beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m. The point of this event is to encourage the growth of the downtown area as well as support local businesses.
From 6-7 p.m. people will begin at Verona Restaurant to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and enjoy a glass of one of the wine specials. The next tasting will be held at Hopkins Icehouse from 7-8 p.m. Hopkins will serve classic American appetizers and your choice of their beer or cocktail specials. Last, but certainly not least, 8-9 p.m. Pecan Point will be giving chef-inspired small plates along with a pint of a craft beer special or Pecan’s signature sangria special.
All of the food is covered by one ticket price, but participants will be responsible for purchasing their own beverages. Organizers encourage bringing cash so the process will be quick and smooth. The cost for the ticket will be $38 as the early bird special, or $40 the day of. Chamber of Commerce members also receive a discounted price.
The Greater Texarkana Young Professionals is a committee of Texarkana’s Chamber of Commerce. Their goal is to band together young professionals in the local community to network and to encourage fellowship with each other. For info on upcoming events, click here.
In recent months Texarkana, Arkansas city officials have voted on putting an entertainment district in a 14-block area of downtown. The timing of a state law allowing open container and the recent push for renewing downtown could not be more perfect.
The entertainment district will allow for adult beverages to be consumed outside of a business as well as allow for roads to be closed for events.
The Arkansas state legislature approved bill 492. A bill that encourages hospitality and tourism. It will cause growth and support to already established local businesses. This boost will make an impact on not only the downtown area, but our city as a whole.
Before this will come into effect, four workshops and a hearing were necessary to cover details and concerns. One concern that was addressed was one of how trash would be handled. Public works agreed to handle the trash and cleanliness of ther area. Another concern was what the beverage containers would be and red solo cups were agreed upon.
In less than thirty days the entertainment district will be allowed. Open containers will be allowed 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday.
Football season is here and every team is fighting for one thing, to be the best. Battling heat through constant practices everyday can be tough, but that is what makes players perform on the highest levels. At first, the Dallas Cowboys were running over teams like nothing I have ever seen.
The Cowboys have been a big name in football not only in the United States but also worldwide. Top name players such as Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin turned the franchise into something special by winning three Super Bowls together. That winning mentality has seemingly carried all the way to the current season. The team is focusing and working together, which definitely is paying off.
Their perfect form started slowing against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday the 22nd. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was on fire in the first two games but was trying to find his feet in this one. The Dolphins definitely came to play. As the team itself reported, Dak said that greed led to a slow first half. “One of those heat checks or whatever you call it, just trying to do too much in the first half.” The team finally kicked it in after halftime and ended up winning the game thirty-one to six.
On Sunday, September 29th, the Cowboys headed to New Orleans to face a very good Saints team. As I watched the game, I was very stressed out, but excited because of the constant battle on the field. The game kept going back and forth all night, but it ended up being the Saints that came out with the win. After the game, the quarterback Dak Prescott said that the outcome will help them come back better.
The Cowboys have gotten a lot of attention lately with the new contract made with Ezekiel Elliott. Troy Aikman, the former Cowboys quarterback, recently weighed in on the deal made with Elliott and what he thinks about the current team. Aikman said he thought the deal the Cowboys made with Zeke Elliott shows how much trust they have in him as a player to get the job done. Anyone that knows Jerry Jones knows that he is aiming for another Super Bowl title. “There is a great deal of pressure, there always is, but the expectation right now for this team is as high as I’ve seen in quite some time,” Aikman told the Dallas Morning News. “Can they meet those expectations and make it all the way to the Super Bowl? Time will tell.”
ESPN has ranked the Cowboys as one of the best in the league this year. According to Bill Barnwell of ESPN, the Cowboys should make an incredible shift to the top in the rankings by his examination of skill position groups.
If you’re anything like me, you have always enjoyed seeing how things work. It isn’t enough just to see the outside of things, you need to crack them open and see the moving parts. You like finding out what makes things tick. It is the desire to satisfy this curiosity that lead me to discover one of my favorite activities: working backstage on theatrical productions. I have been working with the Texarkana Repertory Company (TexRep) for five years, which is where I discovered my love of working backstage crew.
While I enjoy working in the lighting booth, my favorite crew position is that of Stage Manager. Maybe you have heard that term before, and maybe you haven’t. Essentially, a Stage Manager is the person in charge of everything that happens backstage. A Stage Manager has many responsibilities. This includes, but is not limited to, assisting the director, keeping time, running book (keeping up in the script, making sure that the actors are saying their lines correctly and giving them lines if they need them), moving set pieces and scenery, setting props, helping actors with quick costume changes, directing other stage crew members, and more. In a nutshell, your job is to ensure that the play runs as smoothly as possible. This is both very exciting and slightly nerve-wracking.
As a Stage Manager, you need to be patient, proficient at taking and giving directions, good at listening and communicating, and polite yet firm. You also need good time management and organizational skills, and you mustn’t be easily distracted or frustrated. Besides those skills, you will need actual tools to help you be successful. I have found that it is very helpful to make checklists, and check everything on those lists at least twice. I also make myself a Stage Manager’s kit for every show. This may include bandages, pain medication, multiple small flashlights, cough drops, mints, breath freshening strips, a lint roller, tissues, writing utensils, Post-It notes, and anything else that I think might be useful to myself or my actors. If I had to offer advice, I would say that making sure your actors and fellow crew members like and respect you is key. Nobody wants to be stuck backstage with someone they cannot stand. Though it is a theatrical production, it is best that there is very little drama involved. In the words of creative director Michael Cooper, “Keep the drama on the stage”.
If you are not interested in Stage Managment, there are plenty of other volunteer opportunities available. TexRep is always looking for lighting or sound board operators, stage crew, ushers for performances, and people who are interested in set construction. If you would prefer to be on stage, auditions are always open to everyone (within the casting requirements for the play). Experience in these areas is welcome, but generally not required.
Some people might say that peeking behind the curtain ruins the magic, but to me, it only heightens it. Not only do you get to see the play as the audience sees it, you also get to see everything that they can’t. It’s like watching a live behind-the-scenes featurette and gag reel unfold in front of you. I also enjoy being a part of every step of the theatrical process. It is incredibly satisfying to see a show go off without a hitch, or see the actors nail a scene they had trouble with at the beginning. There’s no greater feeling than a job well done. I would highly recommend this activity to anyone, but especially to those who have an interest in theatre.
For more information on our season or volunteer opportunities, please visit TexRep online or on Facebook. You can also follow us on Instagram.
As set designer Chris Polson always says, “See you at the theatre!”
Section 504, the American Disabilities Act of 1973, has affected the method by which school districts serve students with disabilities. Wendy Gandy, District Coordinator of the Section 504 and Dyslexia Program for general education at Granbury ISD in Hood County, Texas, has been credited with re-creating the dyslexia initiative for the district over two different programs.
“Section 504 is like an umbrella which basically includes any condition which impacts a major life activity of a person. This includes dyslexia, learning disabilities, asthma, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, high-functioning autism, as well as hearing and vision impairment, for example,” said Gandy. She further explained these students are “typically classified as general education. The more severe, such as lower-functioning autism and more mentally challenged students are categorized as special education. One of the most difficult parts of the job is scheduling services on the campuses. Every campus schedule is different, so trying to find a time for students to miss other instruction can be challenging. Every aspect of learning is important, and the school day is already packed.”
Gandy applied her master’s degree in education and her previous experience as a diagnostician to work the puzzle of creating a successful, user-friendly program. “When I arrived here five years ago, the section 504 program was already in place, we just tweaked it, but we completely revamped the dyslexia program. We implemented the changes in my first year and have continued to expand. In the first year, the specific research-based dyslexia program was chosen, 8 certified teachers were hired and received extensive training and approximately 100 students received dyslexia specific services. It has now grown to 15 teachers and approximately 300 students.” she said.
Gandy oversees the quality assurance of the program, ensuring it runs smoothly, maintains its integrity while ensuring Section 504 laws are upheld, as well as supervising, supporting and training the teachers. In addition, she evaluates and performs diagnostics for students with dyslexia. Asked about her job satisfaction on a scale of one to ten, Gandy said, “Most days, I would give it a nine.”
Mrs. Gandy says she loves the problem-solving aspect of her job and enjoys going to different campuses to train teachers and students. She said most of her fulfillment comes from observing students overcome limitations as she watches her program continue to blossom.
