With a goal of bringing attention to the area’s small businesses, an annual event was organized by the cities of Texarkana, Texas and Arkansas with the help of representatives from the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Texarkana, Communities United, Northeast Texas Small Business Development Center, and the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals. Stuff Your Stockings with Small Businesses was a shop-small scavenger hunt that took place November 17 through December 1. 

To participate in the scavenger hunt, citizens had to check the organization’s Facebook page for hints on participating businesses, find the hidden stocking at the business, and scan the attached QR code to win prizes. Most of the small businesses that participated in the scavenger hunt donated items or gift cards from their stores to be given away as prizes.

Brooke Stone, the Communications Manager for Texarkana, Texas, helped organize and manage the scavenger hunt. “To support small businesses means a great deal to me and means a great deal to all of these other people who are a part of this, and we just want to see our small businesses thrive and be successful,” said Stone. The goal of the scavenger hunt was to bring attention, awareness, and new customers to Texarkana small businesses. “When you buy from a local business, you’re supporting that person and their family and that money is going right back into our economy here in Texarkana,” said Stone.

Two small businesses that participated in the scavenger hunt were The Village and Taste and See. Peggy Speer, owner of The Village, said she thought it was a good idea and thought “maybe it will pique people’s interest so they will come in.” She noticed several new people come into her store because of the scavenger hunt. Owner of Taste and See, Denay Maheu, thought that even though this year’s stockings brought new people in, last year’s scavenger hunt made more of a stir and drew in more families. She thought the mini elf, last year’s hidden item, acted as a draw for children in particular and played into the game aspect of the scavenger hunt. “Honestly we had more business last year with the little elf. We named her Ella, and we had little kids asking where she was even after we took her down,” Maheu said. Texarkana’s next annual small business scavenger hunt will take place in the weeks surrounding Small Business Saturday set for November 30, 2024.

Get ready to dive into a vibrant celebration of creativity! Texarkana is gearing up to host the annual Open House and Art Market presented by the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC). Join the local artisans and community this holiday season as the city transforms into a bustling hub of artistic expression, showcasing local talents and welcoming everyone to immerse themselves in a colorful tapestry of creativity and community spirit this holiday season.

The Women for the Arts and the For Arts’ Sake Open House Art Market was under Mary Armstrong’s direction until Jeanne Harrel took over as the art market event coordinator and became the creative pulse of the community. From a small crowd of 8-10 artists participating to grown to approximately 40-45 artisans and 1200 attendees. “You’d expect more from a town this size… It’s been a repeat for all these artisans and I don’t think they’d be here if they weren’t doing well” said Harrel. This annual celebration of art brings together a diverse array of local and regional artists and artisans, each bringing their unique vision and craftsmanship to the forefront.

The market’s ambiance is going to be a fusion of artistic expression and cultural exchange, with booths showcasing an impressive spectrum of mediums, from wood-turners to holiday crafts, traditional art, textiles, handmade soaps, and baked goods. This eclectic blend of creativity offers visitors a visual feast and provides a platform for artists to engage with the public, sharing insights into their creative processes and inspirations. “Most of everything you will see, they are not doing it in bulk there may be one or two things that may look alike but it’s pretty much one of a kind,” said Harrel.

More than a mere marketplace, the Open House Art Market is a thriving hub of artistic energy, community connection, and colorfully painting Downtown Texarkana. As visitors can meander through the stalls, they are not just patrons purchasing art and artisanal crafts; they can engage in conversations that bridge the gap between creators and audiences. The event’s interactive nature allows for a deeper appreciation of the creator’s dedication and time. This immersive experience fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation for the rich tapestry of talents thriving within Texarkana and its surrounding regions.

At its core, the Open House Art Market is a catalyst for cultural enrichment and creative exploration. TRAHC’s dedication to cultivating this event underscores its mission to nurture the arts and foster a vibrant, inclusive community. Beyond the splendor of the showcased artworks, this market becomes a canvas upon which memories are formed, ideas are exchanged, and the profound impact of art on society is celebrated and cherished.

The Open House Art Market will be Friday, December 1st from 10 am-5 pm through Saturday, December 2nd from 10 am-4 pm at the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council Building on 321 West 4th St, Texarkana, TX 75501. More information can be found on the TRAHC’s website. www.trahc.org

The holidays are thought to be the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be the most stressful. Gifting on a college budget can be nerve-racking. However, many solutions are not only cost-effective but can also be more meaningful and eco-friendly than buying an expensive gift. Here are some creative and budget-friendly ideas:
Homemade Baked Goods: Have you ever seen a sad person eating a cookie? Not me! Baked goods are a great way to spread cheer. Cookies, brownies, or fudge are things you can consider making. Purchase a bundle of about 20 clear treat bags for about $1.00 to elevate the aesthetic of your gift and make it more festive.
Mixtape/Playlist: Curate a special playlist of songs that have meaning to your relationship.
Share it as a Spotify playlist or create a physical mix CD. It will be the gift that continues to
give!
Personalized Coupon Book: Create a coupon book with offers for things like a homemade
dinner, a movie night, hugs, etc. I will take one for a massage, please!
Framed Art: Create your artwork, whether a painting, a drawing, or digital art. Frame it nicely
and give it as a gift. The Dollar Tree has various frames for only $1.25.
Indoor Plants: A small potted plant or succulent can make a lovely, low-cost gift. Add a
decorative pot or planter for a personal touch. Small succulents can be purchased for $3.00-$4.00 at Walmart and are guaranteed to make someone smile.
Scrapbook: Compile your favorite memories together in a scrapbook. You can use photos, ticket stubs, and mementos to create a unique keepsake. Scrapbooks are a very sentimental gift; be prepared for the waterworks. 
Write a Letter: Write a heartfelt letter expressing your feelings and appreciation. This personal
touch can be significant. If you’re the creative type, you can write a poem.
DIY Bath and Body Products: Create bath salts, sugar scrubs, or homemade soap. You can find easy recipes online. However, you can always buy a large bag of Epsom salt, thrift small jars, and pour the Epsom salt in the jars, making it appear homemade. I will never be above working smarter, not harder. After all, we are college kids; we have papers due.
Book or Journal: Find a book you think the recipient would enjoy or a blank journal for them to use as a diary or to jot down thoughts and ideas. You can find many at 5Below. 
Handwritten Recipe Book: Collect your favorite or family recipes and create a small recipe book. Include personal notes and stories about each dish. 

Remember, the thought and effort you put into a handmade gift often means more than its
monetary value. Personalizing the gift to the recipient’s interests and preferences can make it
extra special.

Eight years after originally being announced, the Five Nights at Freddy’s movie has finally been released to divisive reception. With Rotten Tomatoes providing a 30% critics score and an 87% score from audiences, the film has garnered a large array of opinions. With all that in mind, the movie has highs and lows that should be considered before viewing, some of which could easily impact your view of the film when watching.

The first and most important thing that should be noted about the film is that despite being listed and advertised as a “horror film”, it’s much more of a supernatural thriller. To elaborate on this, the film barely even attempts to actually be scary for the majority of its runtime, more often choosing to focus on maintaining a level of tension and mystery. For a movie based on a game series known for its jumpscares, the character with the most jumpscares is actually more of a gag character than anything else.

Something else of note about the film is that it follows the trend set by the series’ novels, The Silver Eyes trilogy, of being based on the characters, locations, and framework of the games while opting to tell its own original unrelated story. One relatively spoiler-free example would be the series main antagonist, William Afton, who (along with the rest of his family) sports a noticeable British accent in the games, with this accent being missing in the film adaptation. Another example would be the layout of the establishment, with it clearly being based on location from the original game, while containing some very noticeable differences, such as a prize counter and an archway.

While the movie’s plot remains mostly independent from the continuity of the games, there are details that will likely go completely over casual viewers’ heads if they are not at least somewhat familiar with the lore of the games. An example of this would be the strange killing device seen in the trailers, where a Freddy mask with small saw-blades gets lowered onto a security guard who is bound to a chair. This never gets explained in the movies, though if you are familiar with the lore of the games, you would know that William Afton (one of the co-founders of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza) is known for creating killing machines in order to harvest a soul energy called remnant, that he uses in order to experiment with by injecting into his machines, causing them to become possessed. With this tidbit in mind, it would be safe to assume that this unexplained device falls into this category of remnant harvesting machinery.

Though even with this all out of the way, expectations should be tempered. This movie does a great job at being a Five Nights at Freddy’s movie, a decent job at being a movie, and a poor job at being a horror movie. There are moments in the film that don’t quite land or that can feel slightly jarring, which is a shame, as some of these moments felt like the film was trying something slightly experimental and just barely missed the mark. The acting was solid, nothing award-winning, but better than a TV-movie, and the Jim Henson Company did a phenomenal job with the animatronics. While far from perfect, the movie is a solid 7/10 film that could easily be enjoyed by fans and newcomers to the series alike.

The Scholastic Book Fair at Highland Park Elementary School in Texarkana was an absolute blast! The gymnasium was transformed into a vibrant literary wonderland, with colorful banners and book-themed decorations adorning every corner. There was a vast selection of books at the fair to suit the tastes of all readers, from exciting adventures to touching stories. Seeing the community come together and hear parents and teachers have animated discussions about their favorite childhood tales was heartwarming.

The fair not only instilled a sense of wonder and curiosity in our young readers here in Texarkana but also encouraged them to explore different genres and authors. The diverse selection of books ensured that every child found something that resonated with them, sparking a lifelong passion for reading. Starting with Kindergarten getting the first round pick, each grade level came one by one to explore the fair.

Beyond the books, the fair also featured engaging activities and interactive booths like arts and crafts and puzzles. Students also could be seen participating in storytelling sessions, where animated librarians brought stories to life with their theatrical performances.

The fair’s impact extended well beyond the confines of the school. The love for reading was contagious, as students eagerly recommended their favorite books to friends, creating a ripple effect that spread throughout the school. The Scholastic Book Fair at Highland Park Elementary united the community, ignited imaginations, and left a legacy of literacy that will continue to flourish for generations to come.

Lamp’s most recent full-length album, ‘Dusk to Dawn,’ consists of a track list with twenty songs. The album effectively showcases the essence of time’s passage by anchoring new memories and reminiscing the old ones throughout its runtime, while the world around us continues to evolve. The interconnection of everyday scenes evokes a subtle blend of melancholy and warm nostalgia, inviting listeners to relive fond memories.
Lamp is a Japanese indie band known for their unique blend of music styles, including pop, rock, and electronica. The band was formed in 2000 by the vocalist duo of Yusuke Nagai and Kaori Sakakibara. Lamp’s music often features catchy melodies and intricate arrangements like popular album releases ‘For Lovers’ and ‘Yūme’ making them a notable presence in Japan’s indie music scene.
The band gained recognition for their debut album, “Tokyo Sanpo,” in 2004 and has released several albums and singles. Lamp’s music can often be described by its dreamy and atmospheric sound, and they have a dedicated following among fans of indie and alternative music in Japan but have spread worldwide. Their music often features poetic lyrics and an experimental approach to songwriting and music production.
The title tracks, ‘Dusk’ and ‘Dawn’, encapsulate the transition of time from the fading embers of daylight to the soft emergence of morning’s first light, and hold within it a world of subtle beauty and transformation. As the sun sets and paints the sky in a symphony of cool colors. The world takes on a different character, one where nocturnal creatures stir, stars twinkle in the vast expanse, and the human mind finds itself at the crossroads of reflection, rest, and anticipation.
The first act of the album has a steady pleasant gradual pace opening with the title track ‘Dusk’ as the sun sets into the night. The second act of the album breaks the languidity of a tired commute home after a long day with some upbeat tracks like ‘August Calendar’ and ‘Weekend’ capturing the highs and lows of human experience. The little things that spread a smile from ear to ear and carry meanings through human existence.
The midday section contributes to the concept and self-insert storytelling yet gets overshadowed due to the length of the album and aurally blending with other tracks, it could constitute better for a short EP but overall reinforces the motif of the passage of time as experience The third act of the album rides back into the serene soundscape of the dawn of a new day with the soft vocals from Yusuke Nagai and Kaori Sakakibara as the night cycles back into a new day.

To celebrate Texarkana’s Sesquicentennial on Dec. 8th, the TXK 150 Committee, appointed by the city council, is collecting items from the community to place inside a time capsule that is set to be opened in 2073. Earlier this year, the committee opened a time capsule that was buried to mark the centennial celebration of Texarkana in 1973. That time capsule gave the committee the idea to bury a new time capsule to be opened in another 50 years.

Lisa Thompson, a member of the committee, stated that right now the committee is collecting photos, newspapers, magazines, trinkets, pens, and anything else community members think would make an interesting addition. Currently, the committee has collected a coin from Red River Army Depot, a Texas High fall sports program, a Texarkana Symphony Orchestra program, a Run the Line medal and t-shirt, photos of city officials and first responders, and a few other items that will be included in the time capsule.

For this year’s time capsule, the committee is wanting to include more items that are of interest to the general public because they recognized that the previous time capsule had several letters and items that were specific to certain families. “We thought if we bury a time capsule in 2023, we want it to be something when they open it up it’s easy to understand and there’s no question about who it was for,” said Lisa Thompson.

As of now, there is no definite location that the time capsule will be buried, but committee members are looking for a place downtown that is appropriate to reflect the split nature of our unique border city straddling the state lines of Texas and Arkansas. “We thought we would bury it somewhere downtown… we don’t know yet exactly where because we’re trying to be neutral to both sides,” said Lisa Thompson. The time capsule is set to be opened in the year 2073 by the TXK Bi-Centennial Committee.

To further celebrate the Texarkana Sesquicentennial, there will be other events happening in downtown Texarkana on Dec. 8. “There’s a big celebration at the courthouse. We are lighting up the courthouse and we’re going to unveil the lights… it’s permanent lighting on the courthouse so we can light it up in different colors for different events,” said Lisa Thompson. In addition to this courthouse celebration, there will also be some performances at the Perot Theatre to celebrate Texarkana’s city history. “The Texarkana Symphony Orchestra and singers and a pictorial history of the city is going to be shown… it’s like a big finale to our events,” said Lisa Thompson.

Members of the Texarkana community are invited to donate items to the time capsule by November 30. To donate items to the time capsule or for more information, contact Lisa Thompson at lisa.thompson@texarkanatexas.gov.

As announced on October 25th, 2023, Texarkana A & M University Texarkana plans on expanding its athletic programs come the new year. Among the planned additions, Varsity Esports is one that may catch the attention of some students. For the past four years, the Esports club on campus has been working to get funding and faculty backing to compete with other campuses. Even local high schools achieved this goal before our very own Eagles, but now that has finally changed.

The club started in 2019 and has since been growing its numbers and putting on events for the campus to get the attention of students and faculty to show that this is a big interest amongst the student population. Strides were made when the club acquired its very own room in Spring of 2023. Since then the club has hosted multiple MarioKart 8 and Super Smash Bros Ultimate tournaments in this space.

When reaching out to longtime Esports club member and co-founder George Sawyer on his opinions of the big news, he said, “I am glad it’s finally coming. We have worked very hard but at the end of the day it wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the new university president so thanks to him everything will finally be becoming real after over 4 years.” The club has changed much since its conception so when asking one of the new current members about what they have planned going forward now with this new support, Quencey Jones, the current vice president of the club says“ I am very excited that we are being funded. I am hoping for the future that we get our PCs soon and [gain] access to better tournaments…really looking for Valorant, Cs2, and Overwatch 2 players.”

Many options will soon be available for all interested, but currently the club is focused on Apex Legends, a first-person-shooter game that has characters with unique abilities fight until one stands victorious. Juan Couchenour, the club’s current treasurer says, “We do weekly scrims [on] the weekends. We have a five person Apex team for these tournaments with some alternates.” When asked about the future and other titles Juan had similar names while also including Rocket League as another focus once this all falls into place.

Big things are coming for our Eagles and any student can be a part of it. Though the varsity teams start in the 2024 year, the opportunity to meet with club members is still possible by attending meetings in UC 323 and participating in any upcoming events that they have planned, one being a FIFA tournament that will be occurring on November 12th in the Patterson Student Center with more information being posted there or outside of Student Life. With all these new opportunities coming to campus, are you game?