Category Archives: Lifestyle

TAMUT Took on Dodgeball

Posted on by
Reply

Texas A&M University Texarkana has over forty organizations on campus to keep students engaged and active in the community. Intramural sports is an extremely active organization, hosted by Campus Recreation, which holds weekly sports, games, and activities. For a few weeks this semester, the campus was covered in advertisements encouraging students to sign up for an intramural dodgeball team. Games were held from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Patterson Student Center with a variety of teams formed by students, faculty, athletes, Greek life, and other clubs.

The dodgeball games came to a close in mid February, the last night consisting of a championship tournament with ten games, back to back. Each game required two referees to monitor the ten people on the court and two ball retreivors. The gymnasium, where the games took place, was lively with laughter, music, competitive banter, and a few screams as balls were thrown across the court at opponents.

Time keeper Madison Walters commented on the games, “it’s pretty funny, boys take this so seriously while most of the girls have no idea what’s happening.” She continued to laugh about other intramural events, “you should have seen intramural basketball…that was so bad!” Walters went on to say they were surprised by the number of participants for this sport. Usually they struggle to fill out teams, but dodgeball had about ten games a night.

The center referee, Ellie Kemins, was getting visibly upset by some of the participants. This was the first year TAMUT hosted a dodgeball league in the new gymnasium and there were a few hiccups throughout the night. Kemins commented, “it’s just a game! We need to adjust a few of the rules so this goes smoother next year…a holding limit, no talking to the officials…” Intramural officials looked tired as they chased balls for the players and kept everyone accountable on the court.

While the event lasted for three hours the pace never slowed down. One game started as soon as the previous finished with students lining up for their turn to play. The dodgeball league was a success from all the looks of tired smiling faces as they enjoyed their time with friends. There is a first for everything, and although some hiccups occurred, it was a lively event.

Relay for Life

Posted on by
Reply

Experience 2

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.

Experience 4

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.

Experience 6

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.

For more information visit: Relay for Life Texarkana

Logo

The event contact is Brett Barnes
brett.barnes@cancer.org

(432) 386-6868

American Cancer Society
ATTN: Relay for Life of Texarkana
1301 S Broadway Ave
Tyler TX 75701

A New De Kalb Cafe

Posted on by
Reply

Are you a local coffee connoisseur looking for a new flavor to try? De Kalb is excited to welcome you to its own little coffee shop—the De Kalb Grinder. The Grinder has been in the works for some time now, and is finally open for business! Located in the quaint downtown area of De Kalb off 992, next to Jody’s Flowers, you’ll find this homey coffee-house.

Photo Courtesy of The Grinder Facebook page.

De Kalb has long needed a specialty coffee shop for students to meet as well as for those on the go to pick up a tasty breakfast. The Grinder opened with a bang as locals swarmed the shop to try all of the drinks. The menu is quite impressive as it offers something to everyone at great prices.

Available sizes vary between 12 and 16 ounces. Their regular brewed coffee starts at $1 with the extra 4 ounces just a quarter extra. Flavors offered are caramel, salted caramel, chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon. Chocolate flavors intensify from there with options such as white, dark, Swiss, milk, and German chocolate. You can choose from hot or cold coffee, or even from three fruity flavors. These choices are not inclusive of specialty holiday flavors or holiday drinks, or any of their traditional coffee options. If you’re unfamiliar with the town of De Kalb the recommended flavor is “The Honey Bear” named after the high schools mascots!

The Grinder offers a cozy and relaxing atmosphere if you’re looking for somewhere to sit back and read a book, or for somewhere with great free WiFi to work on your next project. Along with the great prices and great atmosphere if you visit The Grinder you are supporting a small business as opposed to a corporate organization, which provides more jobs for local students while simultaneously saving you some money.

Photo courtesy of The Grinder Facebook page.

The Grinder is a great option for all passing through the area, or locals who haven’t made time to try it out yet. If you aren’t sure when you’ll make it around the area yet, be sure to keep up with their Facebook at “The De Kalb Grinder” where they post many of their amazing creations. The physical address is 136 N. Runnels St., don’t forget about them next time you make the trek out to De Kalb!

Kids’ Yoga with Santa!

Posted on by
Reply

Texarkana Yoga is offering a Kids yoga with Santa workshop on Sunday, December 16 from 5-6:30 p.m. The workshop will be instructed by Brittany Carder. Brittany said “I consider my classes an opportunity to teach mindfulness and awareness of the body and the breath, allowing students to cultivate inner peace for themselves as well as build strength and increase flexibility and endurance”. The workshop will be co-instructed by Venus Lillis who has been practicing yoga for about 10 years and teaching since 2017. Venus regularly teaches Hot Power Yoga, Kids Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Warm Yoga.

Image Courtesy of TXK Yoga

This fun-filled Christmas themed class will encourage self-expression, social interaction and mind/body awareness through games and yoga poses! Santa will make a special stop by the studio at the end of each class to encourage wellness & good behavior! Each child will get to sit on Santa’s lap and receive a special treat bag!

Kids may bring a bottle of water, please no other drinks or snacks. Mats provided. Wear comfortable clothing.

Limited Spots Available! Class drop-in is $15. For more information or to sign up for yoga with Santa click here.

Christmas at the Perot Theatre

Posted on by
Reply

For the first time in 40 years the Perot Theatre is open to the public to play holiday movies, in a collaboration between the City of Texarkana, Texas and TRAHC, and Perot Theatre to bring Texarkana a new holiday tradition.

The event will take place on December 22, 2018 at the Perot Theatre in Downtown Texarkana. This is an all day event for the community to come and enjoy. There will also be food trucks, vendors, crafts, refreshments, and holiday movies shown throughout the day. The forecast has predicted for snow to fall on Main Street.

The first holiday movie to be shown will be Polar Express at 10:30 a.m. followed by How the Grinch Stole Christmas (short film) at 1 p.m. The Elf will be shown at 1:30 p.m., with the grand finale of It’s a Wonderful Life at 7 p.m.

Santa Claus will make a stop for photo appearances.

Ticket prices range from $5-7. To purchase tickets call (903) 792-4992. For more information click here.

To Get To The Next Level, You Must Read Blessed and Unstoppable

Posted on by
Reply

Photo taken by Cambresha Knight

Clear your mind, and reach deep within yourself in order to vividly dream YOUR dreams because in order to succeed, you need to know what you want in life. This book, Blessed and Unstoppable, was designed to put you in a position to gain strength, a deeper knowledge, and exert your full potential in order to move in greater steps. The author of Blessed and Unstoppable Billy Alsbrooks stated that “My book was written to initiate action, not to just sit back and read.” He also explains that “Each day in my book has self assessment questions that set in motion a change in mindset, to open the mind up in a strategic way so that it can design the breakthroughs required to step into greatness”. I believe this book is about waking up your purpose and the dreams that God has planned for your life. This book is so precious, and points out the fact that the readers of this book have a great deal of potential as well. “If a person wants to achieve the highest levels of success, they must be willing to do the inner homework required” Mr. Alsbrooks says. Therefore, I strongly recommend this book to all students, and staff on campus, as well as the community. This book will take everyone to the next level, and lead you towards your purpose as you answer the questions throughout the book. However, Blessed and Unstoppable is only available for purchase as a physical copy. “On digital devices, it’s too easy to skip past the homework and the action steps laid out in the book,” Alsbrooks said. “I want people to stop and think and then take massive action.” So go now. Purchase the book and get ready for a new change. “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Check out Billy Alsbrooks website here, and click this to check out his YouTube channel.

All Aboard for Prague!

Posted on by
Reply

The Career Development Office has been given an opportunity to host a course, and guess what, it’s a study abroad leadership course to Prague, Czech Republic! It’s going to be focused on career development, your own career choices, and how those fit in the global workplace. Everyone who will take part in this amazing opportunity will travel to five industrial sites in Prague where everyone involved will talk with the leadership and human resources teams. Students will also be connecting with Prague college students who will be sharing how they get jobs there. Similarly, A&M students will share how they can get jobs in America. “I am hoping the students that go with us will return back for an internship or a study abroad course over there,” says Tina Boitnott, Director of Career Development. She also “hopes it opens up the world a little bit more to students and lets them see how they fit into that global workplace with everything they’re learning right here at A&M-Texarkana.” So if you’re curious and interested in traveling to Prague, Czech Republic make sure to stop by our Career Development Office with any questions you may have.

Training a Better Workforce

Posted on by
Reply

Photo by Allison Hall

Looking for a way to start your career in the industrial workforce? You’re in the right place! On November 27, 2018, Texarkana College (TC) took a large step toward engaging the community in the workforce world of Texarkana. The local community college, using mostly in-house production, built a new industrial workforce building designed to nurture the future careers of high school students, and prospecting and employed industrial workers.

Photo by Allison Hall

They opened the building Tuesday at around noon under the title ‘Betty & Buddy Ledwell Workforce Training Center’ and TC has equipped the facility with loads of technical supplies to help train people who are looking for this type of career. A large portion of the community showed up to witness the unveiling and to show their support.

 

Photo by Allison Hall

This center is hoping to jump on the expected economic growth here in Texarkana. A growing workforce means a growing rate of employment and Texarkana College is predicting to certify more students in this type of program over the next few semesters than ever before. Maybe it’s’ for this reason that the center decided to use local stories to design the building that and Ledwell’s massive record for employment in this town. They have coated atrium entrance in the story of Mr. Buddy Ledwell, a local manufacturer, and the blueprints he created as a young man studying. They want to establish a good sense of work ethic in anyone who enters the doors and have their students leaving having a rich array of skills in their field.

Photo by Allison Hall

According to the above linked TC article, the program currently has more than 670 workforce students: near 100 of them being enrolled in Industrial Maintenance or Construction Technology. They are expecting growth in program participation, especially with the mention of classes being held during the day and evenings to provide a nice window for any situation, whether that person be employed or not.

Photo by Allison Hall

The goal is to promote enthusiasm and prosperity for this type of skill. An already certified welder, for example, might be more likely to gain a job than one who needs training. Our very own Dr. Cutrer is even working diligently to help these students prosper along their academic careers. Texas A&M – Texarkana and Texarkana College are working together to ensure that students who are attaining their two-year degree at TC, and wanting to further their education, can have a smooth transition to a four-year university, like TAMU-T.

Enrollment for spring of 2019 is currently open for Texarkana College and Texas A&M – University. To learn more about these course and programs, visit or call Enrollment Services at TC to set up an appointment. You can also visit the TC website, www.texarkanacollege.edu, to discover more opportunities.

Majic 93.3 Welcomes DJ Godfather

Posted on by
Reply

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:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majic933

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majic933/

Majic 93.3’s radio logo. Photo Credit: Majic 93.3.

You can also download the radio’s app, Majic 93-3 for music news alerts, weather, and traffic updates.

To catch Keeta Hodge King:
IG: It’s_KeetaKing
FB: Keeta Hodge King

For DJ Godfather:
IG: d_j_godfather
FB: Curtis Muldres (DJ Godfather Ent)

Get Ready to GO TXK!

Posted on by
Reply

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.