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

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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

THEY'RE IN! 

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

We invite YOU to step up as a Texarkana leader!

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
May 15-21, 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

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
May 8-14, 2017 

• RailFest 2017. May 12-13. Railfest 2017 will have something for everyone, including a barbecue contest, kids games, entertainment, crafts booths, and vendors, lots of great food and drinks plus a beer garden and more. Although no coolers are allowed, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating. 
  
  In conjunction with…
  
  
• Four States Auto Museum Spring Car Show. Saturday, May 13. Registration from 8-11am. 
  
  
• Second Saturday Trade Day. Saturday, May 13 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. On Front Street in downtown Texarkana. 
  
  
  
  
• Tour Texarkana’s Old Town. Tour during the Grand Opening of this unique interactive look back at the pioneer days of Texarkana’s own Broad Street. 
  
  
  
  
• Mother’s Day DIY. Saturday, May 13 | 12-2 p.m. at Discovery Place Children’s Museum. Kids can make a jewelry dish for Mom! 
  
  
• Farmer’s Markets Up and Running... . Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 7am until noon (or sold out).
  • The Gateway Farmer’s Market on Jefferson Avenue
  • The Texarkana Farmer’s Market on Texas Boulevard
    
    
    
    
• ONE MORE WEEKEND! Disney’s Little Mermaid. Friday, May 12-Sunday, May 14. Presented by TexRep and TC in the Stilwell Theatre on TC Campus. Make it a special memory for the whole family! 
  
  
• Go LIVE: Bri Bagwell. A girl with a guitar, sometimes a piano... and her brand new band, “Banned”. 

This Week's Totally T-Town Fave Foods

Traci Pitman
Design & Creative Services Coordinator
Texarkana College
LT Class of 2013

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?

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

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
May 1-7, 2017 

• 3rd Annual Twice As Fine Texarkana Wine Festival. Saturday, May 6 | From 10 a.m. Featuring wineries from across Texas, plus art, music and food! Family friendly and FREE! General admission to enjoy the shopping and eats. Wine Garden admission is $10. Benefiting the Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-State Area.. 
  
  While you’re at Spring Lake Park… 
  
  Walk/Run for Life (and Kids’ Fun Run) at the Spring Lake Park Pavilion One. Saturday, May 6. Benefiting 1st Choice Pregnancy Resource Center. 903-792-5735 or [email protected].
  
  
• Disney’s Little Mermaid. May 5-14, Fri-Sats at 7:30; Sundays at 2 p.m. A favorite musical for all ages! Presented by Texarkana Repertory Company in conjunction with Texarkana College in TC’s Stilwell Theatre. 
  
  PLUS - Special opportunity UNDER the SEA, to meet Ariel and her friends! Saturday, May 6 | 2-3 p.m. A fun time with Ariel, cupcakes, crafts, and the chance to learn a dance from the show! Water Wands and Tridents available for sale during the event. Limited availability so get your tickets NOW. 
  
  OR Get your kids going… 
  
  Twin Cities Kids Triathlon. Saturday, May 6 | 3-6 p.m. CHRISTUS St. Michael Health & Fitness Center. stmichaelfitness.com for details or 903.277.2405 
  
  
• 
  Hats and Horses: A Day At The Derby. Saturday, May 6 | 4-7 p.m. At Texarkana Country Club. Texarkana’s premier Kentucky Derby watch party hosted by Eagle Impact. Enjoy Derby-themed food and music – while raising funds and awareness to benefit Eagle Impact for Texas A&M University-Texarkana. 
  
  Speaking of Horses: 
  
  Arkansas Paint Horse Show. Saturday-Sunday, May 6-7 | 8 a.m.–5. p.m. Four States Fair Entertainment Center 
  
  
• Riding the Rails: The Transient Nature of the 1930’s. Saturday, May 6 | 1-3 p.m. Museum of Regional History. Excerpts and poems from 1930’s America that portray the transients of the Great Depression who travelled the country looking for work. A glimpse into the lives of some of America’s most misunderstood citizens. 
  
  
• Messiah, Part III. Sunday, May 7 | 5 p.m. Presented by the Texarkana Regional Chorale - FREE - at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church. Donations accepted.
  
  
• For the kids: 
  
  
  Elephant & Piggie’s We Are In a Play! Tuesday, May 2 | 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Commissioned by the Kennedy Center based on the award-winning children’s books by Mo Willems. Best friends Elephant Gerald and Piggie romp through this brand-new vaudevillian musical, you’ll be doing the “Flippy Floppy Floory” dance all night long! Presented by TRAHC’s Theatre for Young Audiences in the Perot Theatre.
  
  Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Wednesday, May 3 | 5-7 p.m. Spring Lake Park Splash Pad. Everyone is invited to this fun and kid-friendly outdoor event: Games, activities, treats, bounce houses, and prizes for participating children. To increase awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness in children. 
  
  
• STILL TIME - 
  
  
  The Voice Viewing Party - Stephanie Rice. Monday, May 1 | 7-9 p.m. Scottie’s Grill, 8400 W 7th St, Texarkana, Texas 75501. Redwater local Stephanie Rice has amazed America and the judges week after week. Her Voice, her story, and the emotion she puts into every performance has clearly earned Stephanie a spot in the finals. Come support, watch, and vote for this rising local talent at Scottie’s Grill. See the show playing on the loud speakers Mondays and Tuesdays.
  
  
• In Time for Cinco de Mayo (and Seis de Mayo!)
  
  
  • Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Texarkana. May 5-6 | On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. Live music and overflowing margaritas on the patio. This is your chance to make your Cinco de Mayo epic, and it only comes once a year. The Moss Brothers Band (Friday) and Crooked Halo (Saturday) will be performing live at 7 p.m. on Friday 5/5 and Saturday 5/6. No cover charge. 
    
    
  • Cinco de Mayo celebration at El Chico’s benefiting the Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter. Friday, May 5 | El Chico 
    
    
  • Raising Grey. Saturday, May 6 | Scottie’s Grill 
    
    
  • Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones Show. Friday, May 5 | BrightStar Theater. Internationally acclaimed as the most authentic cast and production show available honoring the World’s Greatest Rock & Roll Band. Showbiz Magazine- “They have you in the aisles like Jumping Jack Flash” - BrightStar Theater.
    
    
  • Also at the BrightStar Theater: 
    Elvis Tribute. Saturday, May 6. 

This Week's Totally T-Town Fave Foods

Novella Medlock   

Director of Patient Relations/Customer Services
CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System  
LT Class of 2013
LT Board of Directors 
LT Chair of Leadercast 2017

Leadership Texarkana Board member Novella Medlock is a passionate supporter of LT’s Leadercast 2017, bringing her leadership as LT’s chair of the event for the past three years.  As a member of CHRISTUS’ Leadership Team, Novella knows the power of ongoing Leadership development for building teams of excellence.