Stepping Up to Make a Difference

A 2-WEEK T-TOWN TOP TEN

Things to do in Texarkana July 10-23, 2017

Pat Green! Friday, July 14 at Scottie’s Grill. Called “the poster child of Texas music” with over 2 million albums sold and multiple Grammy nominations, Green is back to loving and making music on his own terms following a three-year break, and happier than ever. “The thing about a Pat Green concert is that you know he is having a great time, and it is infectious.” - Houston Press

THEY'RE IN! 

Texarkana USA: 
A thriving center for business, education and culture that attracts–and serves–us all.

Citizens committed to Working Smart for Excellence, Educational and Cultural Riches, Community Pride, Economic, Social and Personal Well-Being. One-of-a-Kind, Twice as Nice, and Second to None.

Stepping Up to Make a Difference

A 2-WEEK T-TOWN TOP TEN

Things to do in Texarkana June 26-July 9, 2017

4th of July: Celebrate the 4th by giving thanks for our most precious American rights and responsibilities! Americans have no claim to be perfection, but we have opportunities unique in the world. "God bless America, Land that I love... " "...and crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.”

• Final Two Moonlight & Movies. Friday, June 30 & July 7 Classic Movies on the lawn of the Ace of Clubs House: MAME on June 30; Imitation of Life on July 7. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. for pre-show games and concession stand with drinks, popcorn and snacks. Bring your own chairs, blankets or BYOB. Prize basket. Movies at sunset (around 8:30). FREE for members; $3 for others. 
  
  
  
  
• 2nd An​nual Texarkana Cajun Catfish Festival - Front Street Food Fest. June 30-July 1. Head to downtown Texarkana for contests with prizes, arts and crafts, and a little bit of rhythm and blues from a few bands. Festival runs from June 30 at 5 p.m. to July 1 at noon. Gates open Friday at 5 p.m. Free. To sign on as a vendor or entertainer go to www.txkcatfishfest.com.
  
  
  
• RECHARGE One Day Summit - Living Every Minute. Thursday, June 29 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. What will it take to get out of the rat race and take your life and business to the next level. Lunch provided. In TAMU-T’s Eagle Hall. Tim Reynolds, MD. For more info, email [email protected].
  
  
• Greater Texarkana Young Professionals Mix and Mingle. Thursday, June 29 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join the GTYP and join the fun and opportunity of connecting the future of Texarkana... Mix & Mingle at Scottie’s Grill. 
  
  
• Some kind of fun for adults - from 18-80+….
  
  
  • Planter Party Workshops. June 29 or July 1. Creative fun for adults ages 18 and over at TRAHC’s Arts on Main. ALSO - register the kids now for coming art classes! More info: [email protected]
    
    
  • Sage Summertime Freebies. Armchair Travel on Mondays (6-7:30 p.m. in the Old Town Exhibit meeting space at 202 E. Broad Street in Texarkana, AR) continues June 26 when Alyce Bunting takes the public on a Peru travelogue and July 3 when Beverly Rowe leads the mental trek to Italy. Also tune in for Sage Summer Talks: next up, Mayor Ruth Penney Bell talks “Changes I Have Witnessed in the City of Texarkana, Arkansas” on Thursday, July 6 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Social Sciences Bldg on TC campus. Bring your friends!
    
    
  • Tai Chi for Seniors. Thursday, June 29 | 1-2 p.m. Fun way to increase longevity with balance and fall prevention. At the CHRISTUS St. Michael Senior Health Center. Free but reservations are required.
    
    
• Some kind of fun for kids…
  
  
  
  • CRIME! - Summer Camp for Junior Sleuthers at TMS Discovery Place Interactive Museum. June 27-30 | 8 a.m.-noon OR 1-5 p.m. Learn fingerprinting, solving ciphers, interrogation and inference are some of the crime-busting skills at our 4 day summer camp, with a visit from the Texarkana Texas Police Department. Museum Members - call 903-793-4831 for your DISCOUNT CODE! 
    
    
  • Junior National Livestock Show. July 2-9 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Have your kids even seen one? 
    
    
    
    
• “Texarkana has Talent” Auditions. Wednesday, June 28 | 6 p.m. Enjoy a fun-filled evening at the “TEXARKANA HAS TALENT” auditions and cheer your friends on as they compete to become the next “BIG STAR” June 28. Contestant check-in at 6:00 pm Auditions at 7:00 pm. FREE. 
  
  
• LIVE MUSIC
  
  
  
  
  • Vernon Hinesley acoustic at LaFogata’s. Thursday, June 29 7 PM and July 1.
    
    
  • and check out more local music! 

This Week's Totally T-Town 
Fave Foods (TYTL Edition)

A T-TOWN TOP TEN

Things to do in Texarkana
June 19-25, 2017

THEY'RE IN! 

Texarkana USA: 
A thriving center for business, education and culture that attracts–and serves–us all.

Citizens committed to Working Smart for Excellence, Educational and Cultural Riches, Community Pride, Economic, Social and Personal Well-Being 

Stepping Up to Make a Difference

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A T-TOWN TOP TEN

Things to do in Texarkana June 12-18, 2017

• Bandit Run. June 17-18. The 40th Anniversary of Smokey and the Bandit BANDIT RUN kicks off in Texarkana, Saturday, June 17 at the Texarkana Tex-Ark Antique Auto Museum with a Welcome Car Show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., featuring BBQ, Beautiful Cars, Big Rig, Music by the Pines Country Club Reunion Band and an Evening Parade! Bring lawn chairs and enjoy it all. 
  
  
  THEN see the escorted departure, Sunday, June 18, starting on North State Line near I-30, heading south on State Line and passing by the museum, at approximately 8:30-9 a.m. The Bandits will then be "eastbound and down!” on their run from Texarkana to their June 24th destination in Atlanta, GA.
  
  
• Stephanie Rice Homecoming Party at Scottie’s Grill! Friday, June 16 | 8-11 p.m.
  
  
• Summer FUN means Baseball:
  
  
  • Texarkana Twins Home Games. June 12, 13 & 16. The Twins play three home games this week: June 12 13 and 17. Family fun! Support TCL’s quest to become one of premier collegiate leagues in the country by attending Twins’ games and cheering on the home team. 
    
    
    
    
  • Texarkana Twins Baseball Camp for Boys ages 6-9. June 13-14. 
    
    
    
    
  • TAMU-T Baseball Showcase. Saturday, June 17 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Baseball showcase for 2017 and 2018 high school graduates and two-year college transfer students hosted by Texas A&M University-Texarkana at George Dobson Field at Spring Lake Park. Players can showcase their skills and experience a pro-style workout with A&M-Texarkana baseball coaches. Advance registration required by June 15. Details at [email protected]. 
    
    
• Elite Soccer Camps. Offered by the Texarkana Soccer Association from 9 a.m.-noon.
  • FUNDAMENTALS for ages 8-16. June 12-16.
  • SCORING GOALS CAMP for ages 11-16. June 19-23.
  • ADVANCED CAMP ages 11-16. June 26-30.
  Go to texarkanasoccer.com for more information and to register.
  
  
• Moonlight and Movies: Rebel Without a Cause. Friday, June 16 | 7:30 p.m. Convene on the Ace of Clubs House Lawn on Fridays this summer for Moonlight and Movies! This week, see the James Dean classic: Rebel Without a Cause. Gates open at 7:30 PM for pre-show games and concession stand with drinks, popcorn and snacks. Bring your own chairs, blankets or BYOB. Prize basket. Movies at sunset (around 8:30). FREE for members. $3 for others.
  
  
• Fun for Kids of All Ages:
  
  
  • Texarkana Public Library Summer Reading Program. Sign up for Summer Reading at the Texarkana Public Library through June 30. Lots of fun programs (balloon magic, art programs, puppets and more) you can sign up for, too! View reading program events calendar (pdf). 
    
     
    
    
  • Maurice Sendak Father’s Day Event. Saturday, June 17 | 12-2 p.m. hosted by TMS Discovery Place Children’s Museum 
    
    
  • Arts on Main Classes for Kids. Register THIS week for Arts on Main Classes for Kids - June 19-23: Picasso-rama Sr. - ages 9-12; Camp Create age 5-6. [email protected]
    
    
• For kids of other ages:
  
  
• The Historic Art of Bobbin Lace. Saturday, June 17 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All day workshop teaches the basics. For $25 you get everything you need to start bobbin lace - pillow, bobbins, thread, pins etc. Bring a sack lunch; desserts provided. Call 903 793 4831 or email [email protected].
  
  
• SAGE Summer Talks FREE and open to the public on Thursdays. Thursday, June 15 | 6:30-8 p.m. David Mallett “Texarkana: Fountainhead of American Music” 6:30 to 8PM in Social Sciences Bldg. at Texarkana College. 
  
  
• also - check out the Texarkana Public Library for Quilting and Stitching Groups.
  
  

• City of Texarkana, Texas Photo Contest. Get out your camera and PICTURE THE BEST! The City of Texarkana, Texas is hosting a photo contest this month. They’re redesigning the city website this fall and want to gather as many vibrant, beautiful photos of our great city as possible. “We’re looking for all types of photos, including people, community events, nature (bonus for shots taken in our parks!), pets, architecture, detail shots, and artistic photography, as well.” Prizes. Contest ends at 5 p.m. on June 30. 

This Week's Totally T-Town 
Fave Foods

Congratulations to Hospice of Texarkana!  

Celebrating the FIRST anniversary of their inpatient Hospice Care Center.  Congratulations to Cindy Marsh and her board and staff for outstanding service to patients AND FAMILIES. And thank you for being models for...

 Texarkana USA:  A thriving center for business, education and culture that attracts–and serves–us all.

Citizens committed to Working Smart for Excellence, Educational and Cultural Riches, Community Pride, Economic, Social and Personal Well-Being

Jennifer Tanner

Executive Chef for Events at
Julie’s Deli & LT Class of 2017

Jennifer is one of two grads elected by her LT Class of 2017 to represent the class for a one-year appointment to the Leadership Texarkana Board of Directors.

Texarkana USA: 
A thriving center for business, education and culture that attracts–and serves–us all.

Citizens committed to Working Smart for Excellence, Educational and Cultural Riches, Community Pride, Economic, Social and Personal Well-Being 

Stepping Up to Make a Difference

Want to have a list of 10 awesome things to do in Texarkana delivered right to your inbox every week? Sign up for the WeeklyLIFT today!

A T-TOWN TOP TEN

Things to do in Texarkana
June 5-11, 2017 

• Summer Nights at the Movies (Al Fresco)
  
  
  
  
  • It Happened One Night. Friday, June 9. Beginning this week on the Ace of Clubs House Lawn: It Happened One Night with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. 
    
    
  • Movies in the Park: SING! Thursday, June 8 | Dusk. Last chance Movies in Spring Lake Park - Enjoy SING! June 8 at dusk (around 7:45). You bring the chairs and blanket, they offer concessions.
    
    
• Let’s Put on a SHOW!
  
  
  
  
  • Tex*Rep Drama Camp. Begins June 12. Tex*Rep’s annual Drama Camp is designed to give young people the opportunity to appreciate theatre arts by learning related skills, techniques and disciplines. The theatre experience also prepares students for life by emphasizing team building, responsibility and self-confidence. Sign up - last chance - begins June 12. 
    
    
  • Silvermoon Children’s Theatre. Sign up for Turbo Days ( for ages 4-7) OR a MiniShow (for ages 7-15). Mini-shows offer a fun, fast paced 5 days of all things theatre to put on a show! 
    
    
• Runnin WJ Barrel Race. June 8-10. Runnin WJ Barrel Race is an annual divisional race that benefits the Runnin WJ Therapeutic Riding Center. At the Four States Fairgrounds in air-conditioned comfort. 
  
  
  
  
• Wright Patman Lake. Just down the road, Wright Patman is a great place to spend the day on the boat, whether you want to spend some peace and quiet catching fish or go tubing with friends on one of the largest man-made lakes in Texas. Numerous campsites are great for weekend getaways for summer fun. 
  
  
• LEARN something FUN
  
  
  • Classes at Arts on Main. Mosaics for ages 12+ and Metal-Smithing for ages 18+; Tuesdays June 6-July 18. Contact [email protected] for more info.
    
    
  • GUITAR LESSONS. Offered on the Texarkana campus of the University of AR-Hope/Texarkana. One-on-one lessons for beginner to highly advanced guitarists, taught by Benjamin Munson. To schedule a lesson for Summer I, contact Jan Whatley at 870-722-8236 or [email protected]. To schedule a lesson for Summer II, contact Amanda Maggio at 870-722-8237 or [email protected]. 
    
    
• Texarkana College’s Sage: Summer Offerings open to the General Public (view full schedule of both)
  
  
  • Armchair Traveler. Beginning Monday, June 5. Featuring travelogue presentations on various destinations around the globe. Downtown at 202 E. Broad Street in the meeting room of Old Town Exhibit. Open to the general public at no charge and you are welcome to bring friends. Mondays through the summer - beginning on Monday, June 5.
    
    
  • SAGE Summer Talks. Beginning Thursday, June 8. Brian Goesl, “The State of the Arts in Texarkana and the Surrounding Area” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in room 14 of the Social Sciences Building on TC campus.
    
     
• Exhibit of Arkansas African American Legislators, 1868-1893. A traveling exhibit on display at the Museum of Regional History for the month of June. From the Arkansas History Commission. 
  
  
• LIVE MUSIC - by local favorites:
  
  
  • Twisted Fork - Lounge 7:30 - 11. Chasing Rita - Thursday, June 8; The Committee - Friday, June 9.
    
    
  • Moss Bros Band. Saturday, June 10 | Fat Jack’s
    
    
  • And make your plans now to hear Voice finalist Stephanie Rice at Scottie’s Grill on June 16, 2017.

This Week's Totally T-Town 
Fave Foods

Mark Bledsoe
Executive Director
United Way of Greater Texarkana
LT Class of 1991

What have you learned most about making a difference in Texarkana (or about your opportunity for community leadership) from being a part of Leadership Texarkana?

The North Texas SBDC Network recently presented the Northeast Texas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) with the 2017 SBDC of the Year Award.  The SBDC of the Year honor is awarded to the North Texas SBDC Field Center based on stellar program performance through client successes and economic development contributing to job creation/retention and revenue growth on behalf of small business. Performance is evidenced through the SBDC’s advising services and training assistance that directly contribute to successful milestones for small businesses.

During FY 2015-2016, Northeast Texas SBDC assisted clients in Bowie, Camp Cass, Franklin, Morris and Titus Counties with the following achievements:

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A T-TOWN TOP TEN

Things to do in Texarkana
May 22-June 4, 2017 

• Holiday Springs Water Park. Opens May 27. Get a season pass and make it a habit!  
  
  AND 
  
  
  
  Rotary Splash Pad. Opens May 27. At Spring Lake Park - no charge.
  
  
• Drawn Together. Saturday, May 27 | 12-2 p.m. Be part of a team creating an outdoor mural. Discovery Place. Children under 3 Free.
  
  
• TODAY! Parks & Rec Summer Camp Registration Begins Monday, May 22 | Southwest Center. The camp is Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm for ages 6-14. from Monday, June 19 through July 21st, with a one week break from July 3rd-7th. Cost is $150.00 per child, this will include breakfast and lunch by TISD food service.
  
  
  
  
• Movies in the Park for the whole family to enjoy: Thurs, May 25 - Secret Life of Pets and on Thurs, June 1 Moana - presented by City of Texarkana, TX Dept of Parks and Rec at Spring Lake Park. Movie begins at dark (approx 7:45). Bring your blankets or lawn chairs; enjoy the popcorn!
  
  
• Q&A Happy Hour with AR Lt. Gov Tim Griffin and AR State Senator Jimmy Hickey. Thursday, May 25 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. CONNECT and TUNE IN for government engagement, networking at Hopkins IceHouse downtown. Hosted by the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and live music. $5 cover charge.
  
  
• LEARN! 
  
  
  
  Open Book Series. Tuesday, May 23 | 6-7:30 p.m. A reading, discussion and book signing of Untied Shoelace by local author Pam Kumpe at the Ahern House. 
  
  Mental Health First Aid training program. Wednesday, May 24 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. At Texas A&M University-Texarkana as part of the Extended Education and Community Development, with the Counseling Center. “This important educational effort goes a lot further than emergency intervention; it really helps people understand the shroud of fear and misjudgment facing individuals and families who experience mental illnesses and addiction.”
  
  
  
  
• FUN SUMMER SIGN UPS TO CHECK OUT:
  • TRAHC’s Kids Kamps Arts on Main
  • Tex Rep Drama Camp
  • Silvermoon Children’s Theatre Summer programs
  • Texarkana Museums System
  • Txk Public Library Summer Reading programs
  • UAHT - Camp Save-a-Life
  • Texarkana College Kids' College (pictured) & Summer Swim 
  • American Red Cross Swimming Lessons for kids
    
    
• 
  Second Annual Cancer Survivor’s Day Celebration. Sunday, June 4 | 4-6PM. Celebrate life! Honor and celebrate all cancer survivors in our community and those who care for them. Hosted by CHRISTUS St. Michael. Cake and punch, testimonials, balloon release.

This Week's Totally T-Town Fave Foods