Relay for Life

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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

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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

The Hustle of Broadcast Journalism

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“Networking, networking and networking!!!”

Photo courtesy 95.3 Jamz

For many people, success in the broadcast journalism career field happens at a rare chance, but for people like Brittanni Strambler, her hustle and networking takes her to the next level.

Brittanni Strambler is a Houston, Texas native who takes her hustle to heart. She is a TV host and radio personality heard on 95.3 Jamz. According to Brittanni, her job in the industry has allowed her to influence the lives of others around the local community. “The impact I have on a community and the responsibilities I hold through storytelling. Staying relevant can be stressful at times, especially when trying to engage millions of people”, she said “working in the industry has many pros that outweigh the cons.”

Broadcast media involves more than sitting behind a microphone and speaking. To get involved in this line of work, “You can never go wrong with a YouTube channel,” Strambler said. Finding mentors and reading about other success stories can also be a great way to gain knowledge on the industry.

“My mentor has definitely played a huge role in my success. He is the CEO of the station I currently work for and he listens in to every show and gives me negative/positive feedback,” Strambler said.

Photo courtesy 95.3 Jamz

Just recently Brittani and NFL player DeAndre Washington of the Oakland Raiders teamed up on D.Wash Foundation first annual Youth Football Camp at the Thurgood Marshall high school in Missouri,Texas. The event allowed for enhancement of young boys and girls lives to enable them to make a positive impact on the football field and in their community.

Experience and preparation for broadcast journalism comes by taking advantage of internships and mentors, networking, and getting involved with one’s campus radio and television station. Strambler believes the best way to get started with an entry-level position is by applying for positions within a media company and working one’s way up. Strambler said one’s schedule may vary because news, sports, politics, and entertainment change daily.

As a six-year veteran in the broadcast field, Strambler’s best advice for any newcomer is to “Build your network, stay relevant and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

For more about Brittani, follow her on instagram @bri_media.

Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras Parade

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It is that time of year for a little Mardi Gras fun! Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” and reflects the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before fasting for Lent. It is a holiday that is celebrated all over the world, including Shreveport, Louisiana. No better way to kick off the Mardi Gras season than the Krewe of Centaur Parade on February 23 in Shreveport, Louisiana beginning at 4:30 PM, one of the largest parades in northern Louisiana with marching bands and brightly colored floats. This year’s Grand Marshal for the parade is Shreveport native and up and coming country music star, Jordan Davis. Organizers expect over 400,000 people to attend the Krewe of Centaur parade or Krewe of Gemini parade. Both will begin on Clyde Fant Parkway at Lake Street in downtown Shreveport and end on East Kings Highway at East Preston Street.

Bring a lawn chair and an ice chest and plan to make a fun day of it. Premium parade-watching spots will fill up quickly, so arrive early for the best spot on the parade route to ensure a good look at the elaborately decorated floats loaded down with lots of “throws”, items thrown by members of the Mardi Gras Krewes. Be sure to bring a bag to hold all of the beads and throws from the floats. Some throws include foil-wrapped hot dogs, elaborate masks, royalty beads (custom made medallions autographed by “royalty”), moon pies, colorful cups, t-shirts, and lots and lots of colorful beads. Not only are the float decorations spectacular but the people on the floats are dressed in amazing costumes and masks. The floats are lighted, making them even more amazing at night.

For those who want to make a weekend of it, a Krewe of Centaur float-loading party from 5:00 to 9:00 PM, February 22 is free to the public. Krewes open their warehouses to the public the day before the parade for all to see the colorful floats up close. This event is called “the party before the party” where the public can meet the krewe royalty and collect special beads. This will take place at the Centaur building and will feature a free concert by the band, Tipsey. Before heading home, stop by one of the local bakeries and pick up a king cake. It is not Mardi Gras without a king cake. Head on down to Shreveport, Louisiana this weekend for some family fun.  

Heart of the Leader

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The Heart of the Leader Training event will take place Sunday, February 10th and Monday, February 11th at Texas A&M-Texarkana, facilitated by Bobby Audley, a leadership character development trainer. This training will accompany a total of 11 student participants hosted by the student activities committee, formally known as Student Life.

This rigorous training is intended to refine and enhance student success. The training consists of multiple educational breakout sessions that address such subjects as motivation, stress management, communication skills, decision-making, ethical leadership, and group processing techniques. Students as well as varying participants are said to graduate from the training with a noticeably new-found confidence, assured future goals, and long-lasting self-awareness. 

Since the training is an all-day two-day event, and resides on a Sunday and Monday, many students are positioned to sacrifice religious and academic scheduled days. Though the training workshop is supported by the president of Texas A&M-Texarkana, when students sign up, they are required to commit to the schedule entirely. All assignments surrounding the set dates are to be left under the student’s responsibility and handled accordingly. Professors are even asked to support the students despite the training necessitating their absence of class.

Furthermore, Heart of a Leader is taken very serious by everyone involved. Students breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all accommodated by the campus. As well as, the materials needed to complete the program. A formal letter is sent to the professors and they along with family friends, and supporters are asked to attend to Heart of a Leader graduation ceremony at the completion of the training. Supporters have been known to take great lengths to show their support. Some have traveled from Dallas and taken off work, even past graduates from all over come to support future graduates of whom they’ve never met. All in order so that they may attend this one-hour graduation.

As this day approached a group of past and present participants were interviewed.

“I’m really excited about this thing, I’ve committed to entering this with an open heart!” said Casey Castell, who is a freshman here at Texas A&M-Texarkana.

“Honestly, I am nervous. I mean, I am an extremely shy person and I don’t really know what to expect. The email about it was specific but vague at the same time. I know one of the activities will cover communication and leadership skills…but what does that even mean? What will I be forced to do?” says another freshman participant named Leslie.

Her face began to tense up as if she were searching for an internal relief. Nevertheless, she digressed with a sigh and said, “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“…Well, I am very excited but apprehensive. A friend of mine participated last year and he said I will be forced out of my comfort zone but that I will also appreciate all of it in the end. He didn’t tell me specifically what will take place.” says Matthew a junior participant.

As the interview came to a close each student agreed that the experience will be “life changing and eventful”.

 

 

HOPE for Homeless Students

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Massachusetts recently instituted a pilot program which addresses the issue of youth homelessness, according to the Boston Globe.

Governor Charlie Baker announced four colleges were chosen to receive $120,000 in state funding to offer housing to homeless students: Bridgewater State, Framingham State, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Worcester State.  More funding will be  included the next budget, for an estimated total of $3 million in grants to organizations assisting homeless students.

Recently, Massachusetts’ universities have experienced reduced enrolments, so extra dorm rooms have become available to offer community college students who are unable to afford housing.  The state hopes this program will diminish problems these students experience, such as inefficient transportation from the homeless shelter to campus, lack of privacy to study, and no computer access. These factors lead to waning grades, discouragement and eventual drop out.

So far, 20 homeless students in the area have begun participating.  The stipulations include: students 25 and under, enrolled in school full-time, and in good academic standing. In addition to the safety of living in a respectable and convenient place, these students enjoy the benefits of free meals at their host campus dining halls, privacy for studying, computer access and free mental health counseling, all in hopes to increase their chances of graduating.

Other states are expected to duplicate the Massachusetts model for their homeless students to encourage their higher education endeavors.  For instance, the Seattle, Washington area has been notorious for years of struggle with youth homelessness.  The high cost of living in the Seattle area makes it difficult for young college students to afford housing.  To counteract this, Tacoma Community college is working with their local housing authorities to offer federal rental assistance vouchers.  Also, a private developer in Tacoma is renovating some apartments near campus where he has already begun to open to homeless students.

HOPE is an academic organization which researches solutions for hunger and homelessness.  It’s founder, Sara Goldrick-Rab, a professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, reported some U.S. colleges are considering opening their parking lots at night, staffed with security guards, for homeless students who live out of their cars. The goal of HOPE is to continue to work toward U.S. students’ ability to gain the freedom to focus primarily on school, instead of  worrying where they will sleep each night.

For more information, visit https://hope4college.com/

Twitter at #RealCollegeStudents

Instagram at Hope4College

A New De Kalb Cafe

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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!

Lady Eagles Prep for the Diamond

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Led by head coach Marie Stone, TAMUT Lady Eagles will be beginning their softball season February 1st, 2019.

Picture Courtesy of TAMUT Eagle Athletics

Marie Stone comes to A&M Texarkana from Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. A native of Pittsburg, Texas, Coach Stone has earned her bachelors degree in Exercise Science at Texas Wesleyan University and a Master in Sports Administration from Texas Woman’s University.  In 2010, Coach Stone started the softball program at Our Lady of the Lake University, a member of the Red River Athletics Conference in San Antonio, Texas. In 2013 Coach Stone became head coach of the Murry State softball team. Under the leadership of Coach Stone, the Lady Aggies won NJCAA Regionals in each of the last three seasons. During the 2015 season, the team received numerous honors and was ranked 17th nationally by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) for team grade-point average. In the 2016 season the Lady Aggies set single-season team records for total runs scored (218), home runs (26), stolen bases (45), hits (384), and highest batting average (.325). Coach Stone is entering her second season here at Texarkana A&M along with her assistant coach Jordan Gabriel. Coach Gabriel is in her second season and an alum of West Virginia Tech.

Picture Courtesy of TAMUT Eagle Athletics

The 2019 Lady Eagle softball roster consists of two freshman, Lauren Huff (22) and Lauren Hensley (13), three sophomores Mackayla Rameriz (2), Jaden Lance (25) and Gracelyn Spring (26), five juniors, Hannah Adams (1), Baylee Taylor (6), Morgan Bullock (11), Lauren Bierschenk (19), and Jordyn Logan (23). Tamut completes the roster with seven seniors, Kacey Maines (7), Cassie Vasquez (8), Ashley Nipper (10), Kallee King (14), Kayla Mahan (18), Hannah Cooper (24) and Kallee Wilkins (27).

To download the lady Eagle softball schedule or for more sports update on the team please click here.

Kids’ Yoga with Santa!

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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

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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

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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.