Four States Living Magazine

In January 2013, Dr. Emily Cutrer was appointed President of Texas A&M University-Texarkana. A historian at heart, Emily and her husband, Tom, also a cultural historian and Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University, immediately became immersed in the Texarkana community. Even with a schedule that would be daunting to most, Emily enjoys helping students realize their full potential and serves on the boards of a myriad of community organizations.

A district manager for Cherry Hill Programs, Terri Lynn oversees hiring and training for malls in Louisiana and Mississippi working in seasonal photography promotions. She is also a food broker for Prep Cakes, a business that specializes in sugar-free meal replacement sweet treats. She was previously the studio coordinator for Barbell Butterfly in Shreveport, where she also served as a weight training instructor for clients there and in Texarkana. She was recently hired by The Sportsplex to teach group fitness classes and is pursuing a Personal Training certification so she can work as a trainer there.

Joyfully retired, Bernice Riles is married to her husband, Samuel. She has two sons, Rodney Lavelle Adkins and Vincent DeWayne Taylor, and one daughter, Barbara Jean Adkins-Sears. Her favorite Bible verse that she strives to live by every day is Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Happily married for 42 years, Penny Allred and her husband, Bud, are blessed with a son, Jeff Allred, and two daughters, Brandi Quinn and Amber Fry. She admits that all three of their children possess “amazing hearts, unique gifts, and an ever increasing love for the Lord that has made them each strong in their own faith.” The Allreds also have four grandchildren, Garret, Gavin, Addison, and Mason, who are the loves of their lives!

A mom, wife, daughter, “Mimi,” friend and leader, Dr. Donna McDaniel chooses to be a positive, loving individual who is focused on encouraging herself and others to maximize potential in one another. She shows enthusiasm for people and life, and makes a difference in the world by sharing the love of Christ through her daily life.

A coach and business teacher at Pleasant Grove High School, Gina Clark enjoys being a good role model for her students and touching many lives along the way. Married to husband, Doyle, for 24 years next month, they are the proud parents of a daughter, Ashlyn, who is a sophomore at UCA in Conway, Arkansas, and a son, Brenton, a seventh grader at PGMS.

Tiffany Labrada has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for the past 11 years. She is goal-oriented and works hard to make her business, Tranquility Spa & Salon, a success. “I know what I like and want. And I do what I need to, to get it accomplished,” she says.

Yulin Brewer works with her husband, Jerry, at NAI American Realty Company. She helps pay the bills and works with the bookkeeper and secretary to help keep the business running smoothly. She loves spending time with Jerry and their daughter, Shannon, often while enjoying fine cuisine or attending the many charity events in Texarkana.

During her speeches, Christian author and speaker, Joyce Meyer, often says: “When you begin to worry, go find something to do. Get busy being a blessing to someone; do something fruitful. Worrying will not solve your problem.” Rhonda King strives to follow those life’s instructions, while being a humble servant who listens to God for daily direction.

The Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter hosted its annual Cigars, ‘Tinis & Tunes on April 11 at Silver Star Smokehouse.

The United Way of Greater Texarkana held its Annual Recognition Breakfast on March 22 in the Youth Recreation Center at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church.

Leadership Texarkana celebrated local excellence in community leadership during the tenth annual Luncheon with Leaders on April 9 at Northridge Country Club, sponsored by Texarkana Emergency Center.

Gourmet food, wine, and jazz music was the hit of the night during Harvest Regional Food Bank’s annual Wine and Jazz Gala which was held April 12 at Silvermoon on Broad.

CASA for Children held its 14th annual Songwriters on the Edge of Texas Concert on April 14 at Northridge Country Club.

The Texarkana Council of Garden Clubs hosted “A Bouquet of Garden Clubs” Meet & Greet on March 8 at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church.

Farmers Bank & Trust brought actor, author, economist, and pop culture icon Ben Stein to Texarkana on April 4 as a part of its Distinguished Speaker Series. The event was organized to raise funds for scholarships for Texarkana College students who transition to Texas A&M University-Texarkana to complete their four-year degree.

The Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce 2019 Annual Meeting & Banquet was held April 6 at Hempstead Hall on the University of Arkansas Hope campus.

The Brother’s Keepers Motorcycle Club, a group of active and retired firefighters, volunteer firefighters, and EMS personnel, held its Ark-La-Tex Burn Run March 29-30 .

Pleasant Grove ISD held a Superintendent’s Welcome Reception on April 9 at Pleasant Grove Intermediate School.