Community & Culture

The Gift of Gab

I grew up in a large family, and my favorite time was Sunday dinner after church, sitting around the table eating fried chicken and talking. Everyone discussed the previous week’s events and spoke about their plans for the following week. In those talks around the table, I learned so much about my family; the areas where they were struggling, where they were succeeding, what their hopes were for the future and their plans for making those dreams come true. It was precious time. … It is as true now as it was then; the table sets the stage for some of the most meaningful conversations.

Posted on January 1, 2021 in Community & Culture READ MORE

My Drift

Ready or Not … A few weeks ago, one of those quizzes that pop up on Facebook came across my feed. … It was a word search with directions advising that the first three words you saw would define your 2021. If you looked closely, you could find words like “hope,” “friends,” “job” and “marriage.” More humorous prospects like “wine,” “sex” and “pot” were there too. My friend David’s comment resonated with me most. The first words he saw were “QAATH,” “VBTEQC” and “FEHLLP.” … Amen, brother!

Posted on December 31, 2020 in Community & Culture READ MORE

A Texarkana Story

This month’s issue of Texarkana Monthly is a sentimental look into the history of Texarkana. These twin cities have been deeply enriched by so many people with fascinating stories, traditions, and resources. We are taking the opportunity this holiday season to reflect on where we came from, who we are, and where we are going. So much of our incredible past is completely unknown to most of the community, but it’s a history that is worth knowing and passing on to the next generation of Texarkana residents.

Posted on November 29, 2020 in Community & Culture READ MORE

The Man and His Donkey

In the 1890s the U.S. Congress made the mailing of “penny” post cards legal. Their use became an instant success—specifically among business and vacation travelers on railroads all over the nation. These postcards were very slow, but they were an economical means of communicating. Basically, it was a penny for the card and a penny for the stamp. In a week or two, the kinfolks in Chicago could get word on their family traveling to Waco, or the Texarkana businessman could send a note to a client in St.

Posted on November 29, 2020 in Community & Culture READ MORE

If These Walls Could Talk

Grace… The New Normal … Friends, we have made it to December. It is the final month of this crazy year of COVID-19. Hallelujah! For so many of us, 2020 has brought fear, uncertainty, loss, anxiety, and memories we want to leave behind a locked door. Through the chaos, I have been able to find a few experiences I hope to carry with me into 2021 and beyond. … The Brothers, our twin boys, were born in January 2019. We had been a comfortable family of three for almost four years, and I knew growing to a family of five would force me to let go of some things and lighten up a little.

Posted on November 29, 2020 in Community & Culture READ MORE

Texarkana Forte

Many times an idea is birthed from a casual conversation. Such is the case with the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra. Remica Gray and Mary Scott Smith, two friends dedicated to promoting music in the Texarkana area, talked about offering live orchestral music locally. … Unsure if there was an interest, they inquired about the amount of funding needed for such a venture and formed a committee. The duo asked area music patrons to be founding members by donating a thousand dollars each.

Posted on November 29, 2020 in Community & Culture READ MORE

Molly C. Quinn

Molly Quinn is a Texarkana native who may be best known for her role as Alexis Castle, the daughter of the lead in the television series Castle, which was part of the ABC line up from 2009 to 2016. Getting her start on the stage of the Perot Theatre while performing in the Nutcracker, she caught the attention of director Martin Beck and the two paired up to launch Molly’s acting career.

Posted on November 26, 2020 in TXK Roots READ MORE

Pleasant Grove ISD Education Foundation

Pleasant Grove ISD Education Foundation … … 8500 North Kings Highway … Texarkana, TX 75503 … MISSION … The Pleasant Grove ISD Education Foundation’s mission is to provide opportunities for excellence in education, promote innovation in teaching, and partner with the community to enhance the quality of education for all students. … PURPOSE … The Pleasant Grove ISD Education Foundation will support educational excellence to enhance student achievement, to recognize exemplary staff involvement and to foster community support and involvement.

Posted on November 24, 2020 in Giving Guide READ MORE

Opportunities, Inc.

Opportunities, Inc. … 6101 N. State Line Ave. Texarkana, TX 75503 … 903-791-2270 … www.oppinc.org … FB: @Oppinc … Established: 1966 … WHO WE ARE … Opportunities Inc. is an organization of dedicated, committed people who believe in the promise and potential of children and adults with disabilities. We strive to build a community where each person belongs; where each person is accepted, welcomed, and given the chance to participate in the community, regardless of disability. We strive to positively affect the quality of life for children and adults with any kind of disability.

Posted on November 17, 2020 in Giving Guide READ MORE

CASA & TCAC

The Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center … … 1203 Main Street … Texarkana, TX 75501 … 903-792-2215 … missydavison@cactexarkana.org … TCAC Program Director Missy Davison … MISSION … The Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center is an umbrella program under CASA of Northeast Texas. The purpose of the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center (TCAC) is to provide a non-threatening environment for the investigation of child abuse.

Posted on November 3, 2020 in Giving Guide READ MORE

Community & Culture

The Gift of Gab

My Drift

A Texarkana Story

The Man and His Donkey

If These Walls Could Talk

Texarkana Forte

Molly C. Quinn

Pleasant Grove ISD Education Foundation

Opportunities, Inc.

CASA & TCAC

Print Edition

Sponsor

Archive

Instagram

Facebook

Advertising