Publisher's Letter
Five years. It feels a little surreal to write those words.
This month, we are celebrating both a milestone and a season of gratitude. I cannot think of a better pairing. Five years ago, Texarkana Magazine was just a conversation between people who believed enough to try. We didn’t know if we could pull it off. We just knew we had to try. And somehow, with the right people by our side, we did. Every page of this magazine is a testament to the people who showed up alongside me to pursue this dream. None of this is lost on me. God opened the door, and I am grateful.
I say “we” intentionally, because this celebration belongs to so many people who deserve recognition.
To my family and Terri Sandefur. You were there before there was even a magazine to speak of. You sat in those first conversations and helped transform a vision into reality. Terri, you didn’t just believe in this dream. You rolled up your sleeves and made it happen. That kind of unwavering commitment is rare and invaluable.
To Leah Orr, thank you for being part of this journey from the very beginning. Your support has meant everything.
Shortly after, Kara Humphrey came on board, and Matt Cornelius has been here since our very first interview. There is something sacred about the people who show up before there is proof of success. You have stood beside me through mountaintops and valleys, through quiet victories and loud chaos. I have never had to do this alone.
To Alana Morel and Brittany Robles, who joined us along the way and quickly became essential to what we do, thank you for bringing your talent, energy, and dedication to this team.
To Bailey Gravitt, who has shown up every single month with honesty and heart as one of our original columnists, and to Terri Cox, whose storytelling has anchored so many of our feature pieces from the beginning, you bring this magazine to life in meaningful ways. To Patsy Morriss, whose witty and exceptional columns are always a reader favorite — after decades of writing for a Plano magazine, we are fortunate to have her voice here in Texarkana. And to Liz Flippo, whose perspective adds depth and genuine connection, your voices have helped shape the identity of Texarkana Magazine from the beginning. You are each part of its foundation.
To every advertiser who has trusted us with your brand, every homeowner who has opened your doors and invited our readers inside, and every storyteller, photographer, and featured voice who has shared your work, your perspective, or your passion, thank you. You are the heartbeat of these pages. This magazine reflects the people and businesses who continue to believe in Texarkana and invest in what makes it special. We would not be here without you.
I owe these people a standing ovation, and I’m giving it to them now. This magazine exists because of them. Period.
One of my favorite memories from the early days still makes me laugh. When we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our very first issue, the magazines got lost in transit. Lost! Our debut issue, which we had worked so hard on, was nowhere to be found. So there I was, uninvited, wandering a shipping dock, looking for magazines no one could find. I was desperate and near tears. I must have looked suspicious (or a little crazy) because someone called the police on me. Yes, the police! It was chaotic. It was humbling. And looking back now, I think it was the perfect way to start. It was evidence that, no matter what obstacle we faced, and despite every late night or tiny crisis, we could survive. That’s the real story of how we got here.
Today, we celebrate not just longevity but impact. This month’s cover features Judy Morgan, a woman who exemplifies what it means to pour into a community with grace, generosity, and unwavering purpose. She is the embodiment of what it means to create a legacy. Inside these pages, you will also find our annual Giving Guide, spotlighting the nonprofits that meet needs most people never see. If you have ever wondered how to make a difference, this is your invitation. Your moment. Your call to action.
And because gratitude almost always leads us to the table, we have a fried turkey recipe from our beloved Taste Buds and a Thanksgiving side dish from Angela at Bougie Grubs. This issue is equal parts giving, gathering, and gratitude. As always, you will find all your monthly favorites and staples inside.
But before you turn the page, I need to say this plainly. Thank you. Every single person who picks up this magazine, supports our advertisers, believes in community, and continues to invest in what we are building is the reason we are here five years later.
Here’s to five years. And here’s to many more.
