The Greater Texarkana Young Professionals Christmas Party was held December 16 at Crossties Event Center. The mission of GTYP is to promote the retention, education and growth of diverse young professionals in the Texarkana region through professional and social immersion.
Twin City Title and Miller County Abstract held their Christmas Open House on December 9. The event was catered by the Texarkana College Culinary Arts Department, and musical entertainment was provided by Taryn Ashley, Jase Bryant and Paul Holder.
Last year, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Texarkana found the perfect solution to help lift the spirits of its patients by hosting a fun Puppy Parade. On November 30, staff members and friends once again gathered with their pets to spread “paws-itivity” throughout the Encompass community.
The 24th annual Bramlett Beans & Cornbread Community Fundraiser was held December 1 at the Texarkana Convention Center. Former Mayor James Bramlett invited the community to this event which featured beans, cornbread, tea, coffee and dessert. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Christmas Basket program, a volunteer effort that provides holiday food for Texarkana, USA, citizens who are in need. The initiative, led by the Cities of Texarkana, Texas, and Texarkana, Arkansas, along with the Texarkana Water Utilities, provides over 100 baskets to local families.
The 14th annual Holiday Arts Market, hosted by TRAHC and the For Arts’ Sake Gift Shop, took place December 2-3 in the Regional Arts Center. The holiday shopping event showcased approximately 40 local artists and artisans offering custom creations and many one-of-a-kind items. Jewelry, paintings, pottery, art, handmade soaps, cheese, leather goods, ceramics, wooden sculptures and knitted scarves are just a few of the many items that were available for attendees to purchase.
The Unsung Heroes of Texarkana Appreciation Luncheon, hosted by First Baptist Church Texarkana, was held December 9. This event honored those who provide services to the community, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, school maintenance workers, postal workers, crossing guards and city officials. Lunch was provided by the church and its membership.
The Farmers Bank & Trust Live United Bowl was held December 3 at Texarkana Arkansas School District’s Razorback Stadium. An annual college football bowl game, the Live United Bowl is played between two of the top teams at the NCAA Division II level. The game features the highest-place finisher in the Great American Conference that does not qualify for the Division II playoffs. The at-large opponent is chosen from either the Lone Star Conference or the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. This year’s game was played by the Southeast Oklahoma State Savage Storm and the Emporia State Hornets, with the Hornets coming out on top by a score of 48-27.
On October 27, the United Way of Hempstead County held its inaugural fundraising Gala at the Hope Country Club. The red carpet event was designed to spotlight the important community agencies supported by the local United Way, including: Christian Charitable Medical Clinic, First Choice Pregnancy Resource Center of Hope, Hope in Action 1 & 2, Hempstead County 4-H, Junior Auxiliary of Hope, Senior Adult Center, Domestic Violence Prevention, Hope for Paws, and Harvest Regional Food Bank.
The evening featured an award ceremony where Michael Winarta from New Millennium Building Systems in Hope was named “Person of the Year,” Paul Henley was awarded the inaugural “Paul Henley Volunteer of the Year Award” for his 50+ years of service to the community, and the Christian Charitable Medical Clinic was named the “Agency of the Year.” The event raised almost $20,000 through generous sponsorships from over 45 businesses and individuals.
The Caddo Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, held its Sporting Clays Classic on November 12 at Rocky Creek Outdoors. The Pleasant Grove Trap Team, was the team winner, while Danny Clark won the helicopter hog hunt. Proceeds from the event benefit the local Scouting movement.
On November 13, LoneStar Health & Wellness celebrated its third anniversary during its Customer Appreciation Event. Giveaways were announced every 30 minutes as guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, drinks and exclusive specials.
On November 12, Fan Fare Gifts & Boutique hosted its annual Christmas Extravaganza. Guests enjoyed refreshments, prizes, Christmas music, and a backdrop and prop for selfies.
Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetics & Day Spa held its Witches’ Night Out on October 27. Guests received gift certificates and enjoyed live music, hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
On October 20, the Chamber Business After Hours event was held at the Hilton Garden Inn & Texarkana Convention Center. Owned by the Daugherty family, HGI and the Texarkana Convention Center recently celebrated 10 years in business. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments were served, and prizes were given away.
TEXAR presented Local Bands, Local Brews, Local Bites on November 3 in Downtown Texarkana in front of Hopkins Icehouse. Musical entertainment was provided by Heather Linn & The Deacons.
The Angel Fund Foundation held its Putt for a Purpose on September 17 at Texarkana Country Club. The Angel Fund Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps local cancer patients financially with their medical treatments.
Drawdown winner was Mark Richards, who split the prize and donated half of it back to the Angel Fund. The Fun Putt winners were Mark and Kate Poret. Danny Maxey & The Barn Katz served as the musical entertainment.
Daisy Garden Club of Texarkana celebrated its 70th anniversary October 14 in the Simmons Room of First Baptist Church Texarkana. Daisy Garden Club, federated in 1952 under the Texas Garden Clubs, Inc. organization, began meeting in the home of Betty Lou Crowell. Mrs. Crowell, the first president, lived in the Beverly community. Today, Daisy Garden Club is a group of friends who take gardening seriously and contribute to the community in various ways. The highlight of the program was a delightful interview of the oldest inactive member, Beth Morris, who will be 99 in November.
The CHRISTUS St. Michael Foundation held its Foundation Gala on October 22 at the Texarkana Convention Center. Musical entertainment for the event featured the country music band, Diamond Rio. Proceeds from the event benefit clinical scholarships.
On November 3, the Opportunities, Inc. Foundation Board held its annual Autumn Luncheon at the home of Amy and Ben King. A Tuscany meal by Benchmark American Brasserie was served to attendees.
Jeans & Bling, Hospice of Texarkana’s signature fundraiser, was held October 1 at the Texarkana Texas Convention Center to benefit the local nonprofit organization. All proceeds from the event are designated to support the Hospice Care Center, which opened in 2016.
The party included the fifth “Lip Sync Battle” with the 2019 returning Champions, John Ross and Lisa Shoalmire, performing their encore presentation of Dirty Dancing’s “I’ve Had the Time of my Life.”
This year’s winner was Cathy Van Herpen and the Ditzy Chicks. They were joined by an entourage of players including, Cathy’s husband, Mark Van Herpen, Jill Lanius, Donna Davis, Terrie Arnold, Lisa Sitterly, Adam Wickliff, Gary Gathright and Jeff Harlow. The Ditzy Chicks group, led by Cathy Van Herpen, acted out their rendition of “Goodbye Earl” to be voted as 2022 Lip Sync Champions. They have bragging rights for a year!
The other two competitors included a high-energy, empowerment dance mix routine by Erica Cain and a fun performance of Milli Vanilli’s “lip sync” hit “Baby Don’t Forget My Number” by Amy C. Warren and Veronica Markle. The audience chose the winner by voting with money in support of their favorite celebrity and the Hospice Care Center. You can find video links to all the performances on the “Hospice of Texarkana/Hospice of Hope” Facebook page.
Popular KKYR 102.5 FM Deejay Mario Garcia volunteered his time to emcee the evening which also featured live and silent auctions. The auctions were spearheaded by Mike Malone and Andi Darby. Drawings revealed winners of the $2,500 Four States Furniture and Branson trip package, Andrea Sparks and George Merrill, respectively.
On October 8, the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra kicked off its 2022/2023 concert season with “Masterworks I – Zuill Returns!” It was all smiles as $500 & Up Club guests enjoy refreshments and conversations at the Tune-Up Party, hosted by TSO board members, on the Mezzanine at the Perot Theatre before the concert.
