Category Archives: Community

3rd Annual Lavish Lounge Showcase 2018

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Dallas salon, Lavish Lounge will host their 3rd Annual Showcase Decemeber 2nd Sunday evening 5pm-10pm. Photo Credit: Lavish Lounge Cutz & Stylz.

Looking for a diversion only a couple of hours away this weekend?

“It’s not a competition, but a display of talent. We have various makeup-artists, barbers, stylists, and fashion people. As entrepreneurs, these people making a living using their gift in their field. Displaying their talents in front of audience and their peers takes courage and boldness”, said Entrepreneur and Guest Host, Eric Lockhart.

Dallas fashion industry professionals will showcase their creativity when Lavish Lounge Cutz & Stylz hosts their 3rd Annual Showcase December 2nd Sunday evening, 5-10 p.m. at The Highland Dallas Hotel 5300 East Mockingbird Lane Dallas, TX 75206.

A list of Lavish Lounge Showcase 2018 participants. Photo Credit: Lavish Lounge Cutz & Stylz.

Attendees will see creative, unique, yet stylish pieces among showcasing participants. “It will include conventional makeup, body makeup, various haircuts/beards, various hair styles and fashion from boutiques to actual designers”, said Lockhart.

Before being selected for the showcase, participants must follow proper standards and procedures. “They have to own their own brand and display qualities in their work product & service”, said Lockhart.

The stylish salon set a professional theme for fashion industry business — “Excellence”. Attendees will also support regional business vendors, including hair, real estate, clothes, and makeup.

Frederick Johnson aka Sipp the Surgeon will be honored within the 3rd Annual Lavish Lounge Showcase event December 2nd. Photo Credit:@sippthesurgeon

The third year showcase will also honor fashion industry guests Bridgett LaDawn, Sipp The Surgeon, Meke Stephens, and Princess The CEO. “These individuals have exhibited excellence and longevity in these fields with influence, giving back and power”, said Lockhart.

All proceeds will go towards the non-profit organization, IMAGINE WELL, Inc. “We are the founders of IMAGINE WELL, a non-profit organization that works with kids and the adult entrepreneurial industry”, said Lockhart.

With great expectations, Lockhart looks forward to the high-end, energetic showcase. “A unified, high energy show with great host, comedian, food, networking, vendors, great time”, said Lockhart.

PrincesstheCEO will be honored within the 3rd Annual Lavish Lounge Showcase December 2nd. Photo Credit: PrincesstheCeo.

A wide range of individuals are welcome. “Dress to impress. Attendance of 500-600 people to come out with energy and enjoy a great show”, said Lockhart.

Make-up artists, stylists, models, hair stylists, barbers, or fashion industry professionals are welcomed from all areas including Texarkana.

Tickets can be purchased via Evenbrite.

For upcoming events or bookings visit Lavish Lounge.

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Email: Lavishlounge5@att.net 

Need Help With Your Resume?

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The Career Development office here on campus is truly an exciting educational office that educates and teaches students how to get a job. Not only after graduating from college, but through your whole work career. Career Development also teaches students how to conduct themselves around potential employers, professional development, and how to find jobs. So there are many benefits when getting help with your resume on campus. It is accessible to all students and the staff are always here for you. So are there any tips when it comes to creating your resume? Here’s what I found. “One size does not fit all,” Tina Boitnott, Director of Career Development said. “What I mean is that one resume is not good for every job you apply to. Every resume needs to be fine-tuned and tweaked so that it shows relevance to the job that you are applying for, and that’s the one thing that’s sometimes difficult to think about is I need to tweak this resume each and every time.” Similarly, when it comes to students who have little to no work experience there’s a way to work things into your resume. “You have skills that you gained co-curricular, or volunteer out in your community so there are skills set that you’re learning,” Boitnott said. “Maybe you have a leadership role in a fraternity or sorority or student organization, those are good skills that transfer into the workplace. So we just look at what you have done maybe volunteering and not actual pay work.”

In addition to this, anytime a student can show that they’re not only going to school but also work and are active on campus are things employers look at. “They want to be sure that you are well rounded and not just a 4.0 academia and that you’re an excellent student,” Boitnott said. “That’s definitely positive but they also want to know maybe you don’t have much of a GPA but that you are very involved.” Equally important is that a student should at least keep their GPA at a 3.0 since although some of the industries that you go into aren’t going to put as much weight on your GPA , it’s a nice average to have.

Finally, The Career Development are able to help students a lot when it comes to the various workshops offered here on campus. “We will have opportunities where we will invite employers to come in and network with you to teach you how to talk to and approach them, and then when we have the career fairs you’re ready,” Boitnott said. “We’re gonna have a career closet that’ll teach you how to put together a professional interview wardrobe so that when you go to that interview you’re dressed in a way companies and businesses would expect you.” The Career Development staff also goes into classrooms to work with students more one on one to try to create awareness on campus of who they are, and they’re truly remarkable staff. “The Career Development Office at A&M-Texarkana staff wants you to be successful, and the staff wants to help you be successful,” Tina Boitnott said. “We’re not scary, and we’re not intimidating and you don’t know what you don’t know. So why not come in a safe place, learn and get educated on how to do this in a place where people care about you.”

Are You TRIO Ready?

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Hello A&M students! I would like to inform you all of TRIO upcoming applications for next semester. TRIO is a grant program, that has been in place for four years, which helps students with academic and financial interests and is on their five-year grant cycle program. TRIO also organizes a variety of workshops for its members in a variety of ways, such as financial literacy, stress management, testing anxiety, workshops over transferring to graduate school, study abroad and many more. TRIO also offers services and benefits to low-income students, first-generation students, and students with documented disabilities. There are also academic coaching, online tutoring for TRIO members, a computer lab with free printing, and helpful staff. As you can see there are many benefits when it comes to being apart of TRIO, such as professional development and scholarship opportunities. “I would like students to know that TRIO works and we have lots of opportunities and services for our students to be successful in their academic career” says Brittany Barnett.

There will also be a lot of exciting things in TRIO next semester. In February, TRIO will be inviting a renowned guest to speak at the Literacy Workshop. Her name is Ja’Net Adams. “She’s going to bring a lot of good information about financial literacy, and how she overcame hers in a short amount of time that she accrued in college,” Barnett said. “We hope to have her book that she has available and to have everyone meet her. All of our TRIO participants are invited to come, see and hear this wonderful lady that is going to help everyone overcome financial barriers.” Ja’Net Adams also owns a company called Debt Sucks University. Click here to check it out.

Do not forget everyone. Please mark your calendar for the next semester. It will be here before you know! “I’ve been here since May 16th of 2016. It’s been a really good experience,” Dustin Nix said. “Please come see us anytime, even if you’re not a TRIO student, we’re here to help.”

Photo taken by Cambresha Knight.

Make a Favorite Christmas Memory

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In the midst of holiday season and chilly weather, moms and dads are preparing to bring their families to Main Street Texarkana for the 34th Annual Christmas Parade. Main Street Texarkana will be hosting the parade Sunday, December 2, 2018 in downtown Texarkana, free of charge to all.

Picture courtesy of Main Street Media

The parade is known for crossing two states while being led by live camels.

The complete parade route is still being approved, but parking will not be allowed on Broad street.

Picture courtesy of Main Street Media

The theme of this year’s parade will reflect “My Favorite Christmas Memory”.
Main Street Texarkana will be filled with lots of entertainment for the night, featuring local businesses, schools, churches, and non-profits. With a host of floats, Christmas lights, trees, antique vehicles, music, and dancers.

Picture Courtesy of Main Street Media

In tradition of the annual Christmas parade, St. Nick “Santa Claus”  will be the last float of the parade.

Due to safety hazards, no candy will be thrown  out during the parade, but there will be lots of love and cheers to receive.  

Voting is also now open for this years Christmas Window Contest. 

The winner of the contest will be announced prior to the start of the parade.

For more information on the Christmas Parade or to vote, please click here.

Dance Your Way to Fitness Downtown

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Sassy Chair Fitness Facebook flyer advertisement for upcoming dance calorie’burning class. Texarkana native Tiffany Larkins will host the class and everyone is welcomed. Photo/Graphic Credit Tiffany Larkins.

Fitness instructor and dancer Tiffany Charmise Larkins will host a Sassy Chair Fitness workout class this Saturday evening 17 November, 7-9 p.m. Attendees of all shapes and sizes are invited to the calorie burning, fun, and energetic class at the Diva Maintenance Building 214 E. Broad Street Texarkana, Arkansas 71854.

“The event is targeted to having an enjoyable workout and empowering self-love. Dancing is a wonderful way to burn calories. The clients will sweat and they will enjoy being able to look in the mirror and feel sassy and sexy,” said Larkins.
The class is not restricted to women and anyone is welcome.

With a dance background and a current healthy fitness career, the dance veteran combined the into the confidence-building fitness course, Sassy Chair Fitness. “I came up with the concept because I have been a dancer all my life and wanted a way express myself through music. I feel most beautiful when I dance”, said Larkins.

Dance veteran and fitness instructor Tiffany Larkins will host her first hometown Sassy Chair Fitness Saturday, November 17th 7:00pm-9:00pm. Photo Credit Tiffany Larkins

This will be the first Sassy Chair Fitness class the Texarkana native will host in her hometown. “I currently hold classes In Little Rock where I reside, however it will be my first Sassy Chair class in my hometown of Texarkana”, said Larkins.

According to Larkins, “You can burn anywhere from 200-500 calories depending on the effort you engage.”

The course will also include popular R&B music for attendees to enjoy. “The music varies but is typically slow R&B”, said Larkins.

Dance experience or backgrounds are not required, however, attendees should wear comfortable dance workout gear. “I take the time to break down each step and most people would be surprised at how well they can perform. They are able to wear what they feel best in and most comfortable this ranges, as long as they can dance in the outfit”, said Larkins.

Tiffany Larkins with her Little Rock Sassy Chair Fitness Group. Photo Credit: Tiffany Larkins

Larkins looks forward to her hometown event.”I encourage my students by the end of of class to ‘lose themselves’ and really take in the routine and feel the music. Before class begins we say affirmations and take time to just appreciate people gathering to enhance their efforts to better health”, said Larkins.

To register for tomorrow’s event or follow the next Sassy Chair Fitness class, follow Sassy Chair Fitness Facebook page or her personal Facebook page, Tiffany Charmise Larkins. It is $10 per per person and attendees can register in person before class. Contact via phone: 903-276-5511.

Luke at the Possibilities

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Local talent isn’t hard to find if you know where to look, even in a place like Texarkana. Chatter in the halls of Texas A&M – Texarkana suggests that local Millennials and Gen Z groupies aren’t satisfied with the local attractions, mostly because there are few. But, things might be changing, especially for the local music community. Hopkins Ice House downtown hosts a mic night and Scotties Grill offers events promoting local artists.

“Owl Fest,” Compliments of the Owl Crisis Media Website

These events are nothing like Shreveport’s Owl Fest. It’s an hour’s drive, but interactivity and community involvement makes it worthwhile for young adults looking to just hang out and support local talent, a place for people to feel welcome and to embrace their gifts. One story has altered my perception of such small venue events, that of Luke Lindsey.

Compliments of Owl crisis Media, from the Owl Crisis Media Facebook Page

Owl Fest is a collaborative showcase for R&B and Rap artists. Isaiah Polk is its mastermind. Polk runs a multimedia group called Owl Crisis Media which travels throughout the tri-state area to compete in video game events and enhance the lives of talented musicians and poets.

Luke Lindsey met Isaiah at a competitive gaming event and they’ve been working together ever since, bringing a once-shy Luke into the limelight, or at least the dimly lit budget stage where many have cherished closeness with those in the community.

Luke goes by the stage name Sad Boi, but he’s full of cheer and motivational spirit. His friends keep him motivated. “Expressing yourself through music is like the best thing ever,” Luke says. He frequently uses his friends as critics.

Photo by Allison Hall Luke Lindsey Left, Isaiah Polk Right

The importance of local outlets for local talent is paramount. Since Owl Fest, Luke has recorded several tracks and performed for audiences he might not have been able to tackle alone. The goal of events like Owl Fest, he says, is to “help each other grow.” “It’s easier when you have someone there to help.” All participants help each other. They get on stage and hype each other up. For Luke, it’s all about “hyping ya’ boy up.” He says one has to support and encourage for those around you, and that’s Luke motivation in life.

Photo by Allison Hall

Bottom line, such community events bring to light a community’s richness. Luke uses the word “depressing” to describe his feelings toward the lack of similar events in Texarkana, mostly because his main goal isn’t to pursue music as a career. He just wants to promote fun and goodwill for those willing to share their time. And that could be what anyone might want from these events. At TAMUT alone we have so many musical, graphic, and literary artists. Maybe if we all came together like Isaiah’s group and worked hand in hand to make a place for ourselves within Texarkana, we could begin to lift each other up instead of spending our time wishing we had something to do.

Here’s an inside look into the mind of Luke and his take on the life of using talent as a hobby, filmed by Allison Hall.

Texarkana Play Fights Teen Domestic Violence

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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.

Domestic violence survivor turned advocate play writer, Vanessa Jackson-Fields. Photo Credit, Tiffany Brown.

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.

Families Enjoy Warm Pumpkin Patch Scenes

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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.

For more upcoming family events, please visit their website, or connect on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Sportsplex Brings Willy Wonka to Nash

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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.

Ho, Ho, Ho – Look Through my Window!

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2017 Window Wonderland Winner, compliments of www.mainstreettexarkana.org

Looking to get a jump-start on Texarkana Christmas festivities? Well, look no further! One of the more fun and creative events downtown is the Window Wonderland Contest, a chance for merchants to showcase artistic talent with the best Christmas design for shoppers and strollers.

Contestants started installing displays as early as November 1st, so stop by with the kids downtown on your Christmas lights tour. Let the kids help you decide which windows give you that warm, cozy feeling.

Contestants’ window designs need not mimic the theme, “My Favorite Christmas Memory”, as long as they fall within event guidelines, such as filling the entire window space, not using fresh flowers or inflatables, maintaining professionalism, and so on.

2017 Window Display, compliments of Jennifer Keathly at TXK Today

You can find more contest rules here.  Ten windows remain available to business owner participants. This year’s prizes are worth a shot, with Best In Snow (overall best piece) receiving $750, Window Wonderland (best window design) earning $250, Holiday Fame (the crowd favorite) winning a gift basket, and Deck the Door (best door design) receiving a variety of downtown gifts from locals. But the event is really less about the prizes or the glory than about bringing families together to celebrate a season near and dear to many.

2017 Window Wonderland Contesting Window, compliments of Texarkana Gazette staff

The chance to register began on November 1st of 2018 and will continue until November 15th, when all displays must be up, or until all no more window units remain available. Judges will be able to see a display between November 15 and December 2, and will announce the winners at this year’s Christmas Parade in downtown Texarkana on the 3rd. To register, submit this application to txkdna@yahoo.com or, visit Main Street Texarkana to register online. Don’t miss out!