ABOUT | April 2012 by ABOUT the River Valley Magazine

Spring Has Sprung!

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley April 2012

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April 2012

8 River Valley’s Eyes to the Sky

For most teenagers, high school is about football games, proms, first cars, crushes, trying to pass algebra and acne. Most students spend after school hours, doing homework, playing video games... Not many chase storms in their spare time.

8 22

about | our cover Photo by Steve Newby After an usually mild winter, it’s hard to deny that ‘Spring has sprung’ early in the Arkansas River Valley. All around us are signs of rebirth and renewal. We just have to look. Like a hidden egg, sometimes the ‘silver lining’ must be searched for. Whether your holiday decorations include real or “pretend” eggs, like those featured on our cover and purchased from a local retail store, their cheerfulness reminds us that Spring has arrived!

4 ABOUT | April 2012

ABOUT...Overcoming

Gentle Creatures Given Second Chance

The Battle Rages On

SMRMC: World Class Cancer Center

Queen of the Valley

96 Years and Counting

JA Night Out

In addition to Relay for Life, a program called “Look Good, Feel Better” helps patients fight the ravages of cancer. Local cosmetologist Susann Crowell teaches patients how to style their wigs, get shorter cuts, and cover the effects of cancer treatments with makeup.

Mount Nebo, Queen of the Arkansas River Valley, has an intriguing and beguiling past. Years ago, the Quapaw Indians roamed near Mt. Nebo. Those Indians were not warlike – they followed farming, hunted in the forests or fished nearly streams.

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April 2012 | ABOUT 5

A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

ABOUT

the River Valley

Which came first... If you adhere to the old Latin proverb, “Omne vivum ex ovo” – you will agree that all life comes from an egg – almost all ancient cultures accept eggs as an emblem of life. From ancient India, Polynesia, Iran and Phonecia, to Estonia, Finland, Central and South America, there are beliefs that the whole universe was created out of an egg. Modern biology tells us that all livings beings are born from an egg. So how did eggs come to be associated with Easter? Originally thought to be pagan symbols, the Easter egg has early roots in the Passover Seder. A hard-boiled egg dipped in salt water symbolizes both new life and the Passover sacrifice offered at the Temple in Jerusalem. Ancient Persians painted eggs for their New Year celebration, which fell on the Spring Equinox. In early Christian times, the egg became a symbol of new life. It is believed that the Easter egg tradition might have been celebrated at the end of Lent. Some believe that eggs were used during the spring festivals of the Ancient Egyptians, Persians and Romans. Eastern Christians would boil eggs laid during Lenten times, when both meat and dairy are prohibited during the fast. (Eggs were viewed as dairy.) During Easter, the consumption of eggs resumed after the fast and became the focus of Easter meals. Prized Easter eggs were given to children and servants – thereby creating the association of eggs and Easter. It was once believed that the yolks of eggs laid on Good Friday, if kept for 100 years, would turn to diamonds. They also believed Good Friday eggs, if cooked on Easter, would promote the fertility of the trees and crops, as well as protect against sudden death. According to a documentary about Mary Magdalene and her role in Christianity, the custom of giving red-colored eggs to friends derives from a biblical event. After the Ascension of Christ, Mary supposedly went to the Emperor of Rome and greeted him with “Christ is risen”, whereupon he stated, “Christ has not risen no more than that egg is red” (pointing to an egg on his table.) After making this statement it is said the egg immediately turned blood red. Which of us do not have fond memories of filling coffee cups with the “fizzy” color tabs, vinegar and hot water, and dipping our eggs until the color was perfect? If you were patient enough, you got to write on them with crayons or affix stickers once they were dry. Today’s “Easter eggs” can be specially decorated, painted, filled with candy, and given out to celebrate the Easter holiday. You can purchase them pre-made or fill a basket of your choosing with desired confectionaries. Eggs, whether dyed, painted or decorated, are hid by parents (ie: The Easter Bunny) to be discovered on Easter morning. They can be rolled down hills – called egg rolls – or pushed along the ground with a spoon. The most famous “egg roll” occurs on the White House lawn each year. A recent invention, the beeping Easter egg, allows visually-impaired children to participate in hunts. The eggs can make a high-pitched sound or play a melody – allowing one and all to enjoy the celebration. So whether your eggs are real, dyed, painted, candyDianne Edwards, Editor/Publisher filled plastic or chocolate, we want your Easter and 479.970.6628 Spring to be “egg-stra special.” editor@aboutrvmag.com

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. VII, Issue 3 – April 2012 Owners: Nolan and Dianne Edwards DIANNE EDWARDS | editor editor@aboutrvmag.com VONNA MARPEL | advertising vonna@aboutrvmag.com CHRISTINE WOJTKOWSKI | advertising christine@aboutrvmag.com KECHIA BENTLEY | columnist kechia@aboutrvmag.com JOHNNY SAIN | freelance johnny@aboutrvmag.com CONNIE LAS SCHNEIDER | freelance connie@aboutrvmag.com STEVE NEWBY | photography stevenewbyphotography@aboutrvmag.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@zimcreative.com

ABOUT… the River Valley is locally owned and published for distribution by direct mail and targeted delivery to those interested in the Arkansas River Valley. Material contained in this issue may not be copied or reproduced without written consent. Inquiries may be made by calling (479) 970-6628. Office: 220 East 4th Street Email: editor@aboutrvmag.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: SPPI, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812.

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Vonna

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6 ABOUT | April 2012

Zimmerman

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Thomas

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Sain

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about | april 2012 Su

April 1: Jeannie Stone and Beth Whitlow Exhibit Reception, 1-3 p.m. RV Arts Center; info: 968-2452. April 3: Choices Pregnancy Resource Clinic’s Annual Fundraising Dinner, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., First Baptist Church; 967-2255. April 4, 11, 18 and 25: Land of NOD Bike Polo group, Dover City Park basketball courts; info: 890-6665. April 7: 17th Annual Battle on the Bayou softball tournament, Pleasant View Park; info: 968-1272.

Talk ABOUT... Ruffled feathers, confusion, failure to see into the future, stubbornness? Sometimes progress is painful. As demonstrated by the illustration of talented artist Cliff Thomas above, what calamity is faced by bikers and vehicles alike when traveling the newly-striped (and un-striped) lanes of Parkway? Not particularly funny, except in the cartoon illustration, is the community’s mixed reviews of the planned painted bike lanes and restructure of vehicular lanes to accommodate transportation, or the “mobility” label the visiting Walker Collaborative prefers. We think the major concerns about this “mobility” issue arose from impartial and incomplete lane striping to begin with, following the rapid application of asphalt before year’s end. If the lanes had been promptly striped following the application, would there have been nearly as much uproar? We think not; it would have been in place and utilized. However, when we first traveled the marked 9” lane, we were concerned as well. But, knowing the plan in place for the remaining striping, we began to adjust. We drove the left lane, figuring we would have adapted if all three lanes had been completely striped at once. When we heard the supposed complaints by business owners

opposing the addition of a center traffic lane, saying their customers objected, we had to scoff. Really? Your customers would prefer to subject themselves to possible rearending when stopped in the left lane awaiting their time to turn? That, over a dedicated center turn lane? You’re kidding, right? And to those who said, “tell the bikers there are other streets to travel to get to the east end of town. They don’t have to use Parkway...” Are you listening to yourself? What if the bicyclists told you to use another road? The League of American Bicyclists, located in Washington, DC, reminds everyone of their responsibilities through their “Share the Road” campaign. A few things that bear repeating include the fact that the same laws apply to motorists and cyclists alike – obey traffic signals, anticipate hazards, watch for oncoming traffic, expect the unexpected, and slow down. Bicycles are, by law, considered vehicles. A vehicle driver is required to leave four feet between vehicle and a cyclist when overtaking or passing the bike rider. Times, they are a’changing. Are we going to change with them or stick our head in the sand?’ Share the Road, Russellville. n

April 7: Get Your Boots On, held in conjunction with Pottsville vs Dardanelle game; will help support our troops; (479) 477-2226 or email will.mccrotty@ dardanelle.k12.ar.us. April 11-14: Big To Do On and Off Hwy. 22, from Dardanelle to Barling, Okla.; call Dardanelle Chamber for information. (479) 229-3328 April 13-15: Southeastern Regional Trapping and Outdoor Expo, Pope County Fairgrounds; info: (231) 938-4432 or www.nationaltrappers.com. April 18-20: “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks,” a University Theatre production; 7:30 p.m.; info, 7543839 or www.ozarks.edu. April 20: Hot Rod Poker Run (begins of the Hot Rod Show and Shine event; info: Gene 967-3192. April 21: MS Walk, Northwest Arkansas at Lake Fayetteville. Registration 9 a.m.; (501) 663-8104. April 21: 8th Annual Hot Rod Show and Shine, 9 a.m. National Home Center parking lot; info: 967-3192. April 26: Community Bingo, seniors 55 and older; 2-3 p.m. fourth Thursday of each month; Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood, Russellville; 890-6709. April 26: 20th Annual Taste of the Valley, 5 to 8 p.m., Russellville Depot, 320 W. C Street; tickets: $25 advance, $30 at the door; info: 967-1437. April 30: Dan Savage, Creator of the “It Gets Better” Project; 7 p.m.; info, 754-3839 or www.ozarks.edu. *Unless otherwise indicated, all area codes are 479 Visit www.aboutrvmag.com for a list of activities updated as they are received. To have your event included in the ABOUT Calendar of Events, email: editor@aboutrvmag.com or fax to (866) 757-3282. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. April 2012 | ABOUT 7

Story by Johnny Sain | Photos provided by Pope County Storm Spotters

“My mom and Dad just tell me to let them know when I get back to the office. They don’t want to know where I was or how bad the storm was until I get back home.” ~ Pope County Storm Spotter Parker Holley

or most teenagers, high school is about football games, proms, first cars, crushes, trying to pass algebra and acne. Most students spend after school hours, doing homework, playing video games, or hanging out with friends. Not many chase storms in their spare time. High School student Kevin Wolfe is the founder of the Pope County Storm Spotters (PCSS.) Kevin, along with co-founder and communications officer, Caleb Peronnet, noticed something that was missing from weather reports coming from Little Rock. “Little Rock stations always talk about Little Rock Weather. There was no one watching the weather in this area. We saw the problem and thought we could help.” Of the five PCSS members, three of them are still in high school. Kevin, 17, attends Russellville High School along with Driver of Truck One, Parker Holley, also 17. Caleb, 18, is a senior at New Life Academy, which is located in Russellville. The “old” men of PCCS are Medical Officer Ryan Clark, 22, and Truck Two driver James Weatherall, at 28 years of age. The PCSS was born on May 31, 2010, with an interest in weather, a desire to help the community, and solid social marketing savvy. ”When we started our FaceBook page we had 25 likes for a while and we were thinking that it wasn’t going to work. I think when we checked it today, we had over 5,000 followers.”

8 ABOUT | April 2012

The Pope County Storm Spotters are by their own admission a product of the social media phenomenon, specifically FaceBook. Caleb explained the popularity of PCSS as a product of today’s culture. “People are connected to technology like never before. Everyone has a computer and a Smartphone. Everyone is connected to some form of social media like Facebook or Twitter, this allows instant notification of news. People like this and weather ranks high on the list of newsworthy items. Social media is the quickest way that people get information today.” Living in the internet age has advantages for citizens that call tornado alley home as Kevin explained. “A lot of our followers are here, in the River Valley. People want to know what’s going on with the weather, especially in the spring and fall. But, what’s neat is that we have followers from all over the country. I talked to one lady from Texas, asked her why she followed us and she said it was because she had family here.” “I don’t know how accurate the FaceBook stats are, but we see that people from other countries look at our page. We have Arkansas Tech here in town with 10,000 students from all over the country and even other countries. I think that a lot of our follows come from people with family in the River Valley area.” Parker gave his own take on the international followers. “I’m thinking that some of these people might be soldiers stationed in other countries checking on what’s going on at home or with some family here.” Kevin mentioned the irony that PCSS, so well known throughout cyberspace, has almost no face recognition in the community. They fly under the radar, so to speak.

“It’s funny that we have so many followers on the internet, but nobody recognizes us around town. Truck One is basically a billboard now, so people recognize it, but unless we wear a t-shirt, most people don’t know who we are.” Kevin has had an interest in meteorology for several years and discussed this fascination. “None of us has any formal training in meteorology, but it’s something that has always interested me. We’re involved in a partnership with KARK Channel 4 in Little Rock now, which has helped, and I’ve had some training with the National Weather Service.” Kevin has plans to go into emergency management after high school. “I want to work for Pope County; I want to stay in the River Valley.” Caleb wants to go into graphic art and game design.

“These young men are in harm’s way all the time and they do it to help our community." “I love doing the weather stuff and I’d like to find a way to blend them together. I may move off to start my career and get experience somewhere else, but I’d like to come back. I want to help this area grow and develop.” The U.S Marine Corp figures heavily into Parker’s future plans. “If I go into the Marines, my school will be paid for and I want to be a

meteorologist. I want to study weather and storms in particular, probably work for a television station.” The PCSS team tries to balance community service with school and storm watching. Caleb talked about the community events that PCSS are involved in. “We had the storm spotter school in conjunction with channel 4 and then I’ve got probably ten or more requests to speak. It’s just hard to find time with school and all.” Local business owner Barbara Nunley is glad to have the PCSS in the community. “These young men are in harm’s way all the time and they do it to help our community. It would scare me to death to be in some of these storms, and they drive right into them. They tried to get me to ride with them but I said, ‘No way.’ I think they’re a brave bunch.” Barbara has owned Home Services Storm Shelters and Safe Rooms for 18 years. Her

business offered a raffle for a storm shelter with all proceeds going to the Pope County Storm Spotters. “I think people really need to get on board and support these boys. They’re watching out for all of us.” For the Storm Spotters it all comes down to passion and a sense of community. “This is a job that has to be classified as a hobby because we don’t get paid for it. It’s something that we love to do though. We do it because it interests us and to help the community. That’s really why we do it, we just want to help people.” Editor’s Note: To become a sponsor of PCSS, email the organization with questions at info@popecountystormspotters.com or call (479) 747-3232. Donations may be mailed to: PCSS, PO Box 10121, Russellville AR 72812. n

April 2012 | ABOUT 9

about | community

Latham Quads Tech Bound Photo by Liz Chrisman

From before birth they were known as the Latham quadruplets, a blessing multiplied by four for parents Johnette and Charles Latham of Russellville. Now, Carlie, Cole, Curtis and Jonathan Latham are ready to graduate from Pottsville High School and take the next step in life. They will take that step at Arkansas Tech University. The Latham quadruplets accepted presidential scholarship offers from Arkansas Tech President Dr. Robert C. Brown recently. “We are very pleased that the Latham quadruplets have selected Arkansas Tech,” said Brown. “This will be our second set of quads, and it will be our privilege to welcome them to Tech. We look forward to observing their progress over the next several years.” A similar presidential scholarship offer from Arkansas Tech was accepted by the

Horn quadruplets of Morrilton in 2004. The Latham quads will take divergent paths in their studies at Arkansas Tech. Carlie and Jonathan will enroll at Russellville. Carlie will study chemistry, while Jonathan will major in agriculture business with emphasis in animal science. Curtis will study industrial control systems at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus. Cole will defer his enrollment while he serves in the U.S. Marines, but he plans on

attending Arkansas Tech once his service to country is complete. “It’s about time we take on our own individual identities,” said Carlie. Their parents are also ready for the next step in an adventure 18 years in the making. “We are so thankful and grateful for this opportunity for our kids,” said Johnette. “There are not enough words to express our appreciation. These are good kids. We are proud of them.”

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If you’re a bargain hunter, then don’t miss the huge two-day rummage sale at the historic Russellville Depot. “Rummage ‘round the Rails” will be held from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 25 and 26. Admission is free. Shop a selection of items including clothing and accessories, books and games, appliances, lawn and garden, furniture, children’s items and much more! Those wishing to donate items for the sale may do so by calling Frances Parker at (479) 747-3360 or 968-8037. Main Street Russellville is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization celebrating its 20th year. For more information, contact Main Street Russellville at (479) 967-1437.

ARTS CENTER INDUCTS THREE

The River Valley Arts Center inducted a 2011 Performing and Visual Artist and a Patron of the Arts into the Beaux Arts Academy at their annual Awards Banquet and Presentation Thursday, March 29, at Russellville Country Club. Emory Tyson Molitor was inducted as the 2011 Performing Artist. Molitor is wellknown not only locally but in many cities across the state for both local performances as well as those in other areas of the state

Emory Tyson Molitor

Suzanne Hodges

including Murry’s Dinner Theatre in Little Rock. Emory began performing as a child actor and has continued to be involved in theater performances. Molitor is also an accomplished vocalist, often appearing with Jazz Reunion Band. She was introduced by B.J. Dunn. Sue Tucker was inducted as the 2011 Visual Artist. Sue was recognized for her beautiful watercolor paintings and is a Signature Member of Mid-Southern Watercolorists, a member of the local A.R.T. group, Visual Arts Committee and Gift Shop Committee. She was introduced by her friend and 2010 Visual Artist of the Year, Gloria Garrison. “We have many individual and corporate partners who are instrumental in bringing our services and programs to the public

Sue Tucker

through manpower, financing, equipment and creative ideas – and all are deeply appreciated and so important to the success of the Arts Center,” said Betty LaGrone, Arts Center executive director. “It is always difficult to choose only one, but we are delighted and excited to name Suzanne Hodges, owner/operator of The Frame Shop, as 2011 Patron of the Arts inductee. Presenter for Suzanne was Dennis Overman. All inductees received a piece designed and created especially for this honor by Artist-in-Residence and Arkansas’ 2011 Living Treasure Winston Taylor. The unique blackware pottery piece features a Spirit Bear emblem. n

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about | overcoming

Budget Cuts Threaten Services to Valley’s Needy Story by Connie Las Schneider

Proposed federal budget cuts in 2013 are expected to total more than $ 1.2 trillion. While this is good news for the national debt crisis, the impact of these discretionary budget cuts could affect services for up to 30% of the population who fall at or below poverty guidelines in the River Valley. For those who need help the most, the picture is grim. Federally funded community action service agencies like the Arkansas River Valley Action Council, better known as ARVAC, will get 50% less in funding than in 2012 if the proposed federal budget is passed, said Bob Adkison, Executive According to a breakdown of the Director of ARVAC. President’s proposed 2013 federal budget, national Community Services Block Grants will be cut from $677 million to $350 million and Low Income Home and Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP) will be cut from $3.27 billion to $3.02 billion. Complicating financial problems further, ARVAC has received no additional funding from the Arkansas State Legislature since 1994, said Adkison. Adkison said he and Arkansas congressional members are working together in bipartisan appropriation process that would amend the President’s budget recommending cutting the Community Services Block Grant by 50%. Also, efforts are being made to create new funding streams for Arkansas Community Action Agencies like ARVAC. “I hope we are worth more than 50%!” said Adkison. ARVAC has been serving as a safety network for the poor in nine counties of the River Valley for almost 50 years. Headquartered in Dardanelle, ARVAC is one of 16 community action councils in Arkansas and serves the counties of Conway, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Perry, Polk, Pope, Scott and Yell. In any year, ARVAC serves around 7,000 households, who start the application process by going to their local county outreach office - Thomas Merton to verify eligibility. Feeding the needy is our top priority, said Adkison. “It’s all about hunger

“

It is easy enough to tell the poor to accept their poverty as God’s Will when you yourself have warm clothes and plenty of food and medical care, a roof over your head and no worry about the rent. But if you want them to believe you, try to share some of their poverty and see if you can accept it as God’s Will yourself!

“

12 ABOUT | April 2012

relief today.” ARVAC runs a Food Bank which distributes food to more than 13 community-and-faith-based food pantries in the nine county region. Helping senior citizens is another priority. “We really try to do everything we can to insure the elderly get the assistance they need. Many of these old timers still have a sense of pride and don’t want to be guilty of taking a handout,” said Adkison, who turns 82 in March. However, a lot of low to moderate income families can be impacted from a need factor as much as the elderly, so we work hard to insure those who need help get help. Beside the all-important Food Bank, ARVAC’s programs include an Emergency Food Assistance program which supplies commodities to families with incomes at or below 125% of the poverty level; an Emergency Food and Shelter (EF & S) program to help families being foreclosed upon or evicted with a one-time payment to the landlord mortgage or utility company; Home Energy Assistance to help low income residents who meet the guidelines pay for their utilities; a Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) for utility hook-ups and shutoff notices; a Garden Project that provide free garden seeds to people whose income falls below the poverty level; and Social Security Representative Payee, a money management program for Social Security claimants who are incapable of financially managing their money.

ARVAC also sponsors Freedom House and the Chemical Free Living Program in Russellville, which helps addicts overcome their addictions and become responsible citizens. Freedom House is one of only three community action-sponsored substance abuse programs in Arkansas, said Adkison. “As a community action agency we are quite effective. For every dollar we receive, in Home Energy Assistance 88% goes to direct assistance for individual households, 6% goes to cover our administrative costs, and the rest goes to state, Adkison said. A graduate of ATU who grew up in Atkins, Adkison has been head of ARVAC since its inception. “I have passion for the poor because I was a Depression baby born in 1931. My dad and grandpa worked for WPA (the federal Works Project Administration) and it made a big difference to our family. I remember the men talking. One would say he got a 402# (the WPA call to work). Then someone else would say he got a 403# (WPA lay off) but they were all sharing the work. “My Dad was a rural minister, who was never paid much, so we lived as an extended family. We pulled our resources together and came out of it. Our faith kept us together. Part of our family’s character was to treat all people equally. It is part of my roots.” “Adkison started working for the Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce in 1961-1962 when the dam was under construction. ARVAC in 1963 was first known informally as the Arkansas River Valley Area Council with an emphasis in tourism under the Area Redevelopment Administration of President John F. Kennedy. Then in 1964, ARVAC was

formally incorporated under President Lyndon Johnson as a Community Action Program to administer federal funding under the Economic Opportunity Act, commonly known as The War on Poverty. While the Economic Opportunity Act officially ended in 1996 when the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act was enacted under President Bill Clinton, remnants of the federal program continue to this day as Community Action Agencies “I’ve been involved with so many people, from grass roots to the White House and have been blessed to work with all administrations. I was never interested in running for office, but I do understand bureaucracy. There is a positive side to bureaucracy. I just do my best to validate what we do to congress and legislature. However, with federal funding for these programs on the chopping block, I worry that ARVAC might have to cut programs. That would hurt a lot of people,” said Adkison. To learn more about ARVAC services, call (479) 229-4861. TDD (800) 8251131 or go to their website http://www.arvacinc.org n

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about | family

Color Between the Lines Story by Kechia Bentley

“No one has purple eye lids. Well, I guess if you had a black-eye, your eyelids could be purple ” This is the conversation I was having with myself as I put on my makeup. I don’t actually talk out loud – well most of the time I don’t talk out loud – I just think about things. And I have just spent the entire 10 -15 minutes I have been putting on makeup thinking about – you guessed it – makeup. It just seemed weird to me that, at 48-years-of-age, I was putting the color purple on my eyelids. Three different colors of purple to be exact. I kept thinking to myself, “This is not natural. No one has purple eye lids.” I would say it was a deeply self-reflective experience, but actually I just kept thinking, “I am coloring my face!” It seemed absurd – men don’t color their faces. Now, do not jump to any conclusions. I am not giving up makeup. I know, there a few of you who have seen me lately out in public with no makeup on, but that is due to laziness, not maturity or self-confidence. I do, however, want to take a few moments and contemplate further how peculiar it is to “color” our faces. Am I the only one who thinks of these things? Does anyone else out there give this kind of stuff any thought? I mean really, let’s think about this.

We see women with green eyelids. We see women with black all around the rim of their eyes. We see women with hot pink lips. None of this is natural! And yet, we don’t blink an eye. As a matter of fact we often think, “That looks awesome.” How did we get this way? Oh, yes I know there are anthropological studies and psychological studies that could answer some of these questions, but do I really want an answer. No! This is strictly a skin-deep inquisition. (Yes, pun intended.) It is just amusing to think of how bizarre it is that we like to apply all these pretty colors to our face. Getting new makeup is often like getting that new box of crayons when we were little girls. Hey, if you think about it, coloring with makeup gives a whole new meaning to “staying within the lines.” And if your makeup drawer is anything like mine, it also looks like we don’t want to throw away any of our broken crayons. Time to ask yourself, “How old is this eye shadow?” Yes, you should throw it out. My first memory of makeup involves my Great Aunt Lola Clevenger’s pot of rouge. I was probably four years old when I was allowed to play with applying this tricky pigment to my face. I was stylish enough, even at that age, to know I was not doing a good job with my application. I looked like a clown and I didn’t like it. I wanted my makeup to look good, so Auntie took the time to show me how to apply it lightly and correctly. I have been in love with makeup ever since. And considering that I came of age in the late 1970’s and early 80’s I would say I hit the makeup boom – big hair and big makeup were the thing. When I was in high school I wouldn’t walk

out to the mailbox without my makeup applied to the hilt. Now, that was due to a lack of maturity and self-confidence. I can remember a specific incident that occurred during my senior year of high school. Any anthropologist or psychologist could have included this in their studies of human reactions to face painting. I had been working as a volunteer at a Special Olympics event. We were going to be working the track and field events all day in the hot Florida sun, so I had not applied any makeup, just suntan lotion. I met another volunteer that day named Rob. We hit it off and he asked me out for that very night. When he showed up at my house, I was in full regalia: big hair and makeup. I walked into the living room where he was visiting with my parents and he audibly gasped. He then said, “Wow, you are gorgeous.” It was like he had never seen me before, as if, someone had set him up on a blind date. See, that is the magic of makeup and big hair done right. It may not be natural but, the men of our species can be beguiled by it. Now ladies, we all know that at 48 years of age I am not wearing makeup to beguile my man or any man for that matter. I am wearing it to make sure the rest of you women don’t think I am “letting myself go.” And besides that, I have always liked “coloring,” and this way, I can keep right on trying to stay within the lines. n

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April 2012 | ABOUT 15

Gentle Creatures Given Second Chance Story by Johnny Sain

Back in the 1970’s there was a popular television show loosely based on a mountain man named Grizzly Adams. Adams saw it as his duty to protect nature and wildlife. The show’s introduction featured a narrative by Adam’s friend, Mad Jack, owner of the cantankerous mule Ol’ Number Seven. Mad Jack told some of the history of Grizzly Adams, why he came to the mountains, and that Adams “just had a special kind of way with the animals.” Some folks still have a special kind of way with the animals. Sheila Johnson Williams of Hagarville has been a wildlife rehabilitator for about 50 years. “I started when I was about nine years old. I’ve just always loved animals and my mom was very understanding. Living in the Ozark Mountains with lots of animals, it’s just something I always did. I brought them to school, people found out I liked to take care of animals and they started bringing animals to me.”

Sheila’s interest in animals never diminished. “As I got older, I took some wildlife rehabilitation courses, but I pretty much knew how to take care of them. I can’t explain it; I just had an instinct for it. Sometime years back, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission required a permit to do it, so I got a permit. I’ve kept a permit since then.” Wildlife rehabilitation is a labor of love. “It’s expensive and there is no funding for it. Food, cages, medicine, it all comes out of the rehabilitator’s pocket. You have to be devoted. You get up in the middle of the night to feed babies, you can’t ever go anywhere and it can tear you up emotionally. You lose an animal and it breaks your heart, but it’s very rewarding when you finally turn an animal loose that you’ve raised or nursed back to health. This is something you’ve got to love in order to do.” Sheila rehabs small mammals like squirrels, skunks, and raccoons. She also takes in deer, but the oddball animal in her history was a bird.

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“I’ve rehabbed most all of the small mammals found in Arkansas, but the weirdest animal I’ve raised was a roadrunner. It was back before I had a permit and it was the cutest thing. It made this weird little sound when it was hungry.” Animals only stay with Sheila until they can survive in the wild. “It depends on the age of the baby animal as to how long I keep them, probably about 6 to 8 weeks is the average length of time. You can’t just turn them loose, you have to train them. For most of the animals I rehab, like skunks, my yard has a wire fence around it so I turn them out in it to catch grasshoppers and get familiar with being outside. After that, I take them on walks, trying to teach them how to be independent and then, one day, they just wander off on their own.” Living in rural Arkansas means that hunting is something Sheila is very familiar with. “As a matter of fact my husband Jerry is a hunter, but he’s not allowed to hunt on

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our place. It’s as simple as that. There’s just too much conflict. We bought a place in the mountains where he can hunt, but no, he can’t hunt around here. It would be like killing your dog or cat.” Linda Vernon of Dardanelle has been a wildlife rehabilitator since she was a young girl. Conservation is in her blood and was a large part of her life as she grew up. “My dad and granddad were game wardens. My first experiences with rehabbing animals as a child was a bear cub, six fox kits, and an eagle; all brought home by my dad. Daddy took his bear cub to Little Rock to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission main office to show these guys and then he took it to the Little Rock Zoo where it stayed. They named the bear after my dad, his nickname was Pug so they named the bear Pug.” Linda rehabilitates small mammals, deer, and has a federal permit to rehabilitate raptors or birds of prey. “It seems like I get a lot of a certain kind of animal at once. Last year it was deer, this year so far it’s been baby squirrels.”

Like Sheila, Linda states that being a wildlife rehabilitator is very demanding. “People don’t realize that different animals need different types of care. I don’t know the last time I had a vacation, I just can’t leave the animals that need care.” However, the rewards are very satisfying. “I love to see the animals get better and be able to release them. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment.” Linda offered some examples of reasons that injured or abandoned animals need to be turned over to a knowledgable wildlife rehabilitator. “My friend got a little deer one time and told me she tried to feed it creamed corn. Fawns need milk for the first months of their life. Another lady called me and said she couldn’t figure out why the baby wood duck she had wouldn’t eat the baby formula she was trying to feed it. Of course, birds don’t drink any kind of milk.” Linda believes that wildlife rehabilitators play an important part in conservation. “I had a game warden call me the other day and tell me how much they appreciate us. I think they estimate that we save about 2,000 animals per year.” Cute and fuzzy baby animals pull on the heartstrings of everybody, but Linda and Sheila caution against “rescuing” baby wild animals. According to Linda, the best thing you can do is leave them alone. “Leave it alone unless you know the mother is dead. The best thing in the world for that animal is to be left in the wild. If the mother is dead or the animal is injured, then contact a wildlife rehabilitator.” Sheila backs up these thoughts, particularly regarding deer fawns. “A lot of people find fawns close to houses, barns, roads. Just leave them alone, the odds

are that the mother is close by watching. They put the fawns close to people to keep them safe from coyotes. The coyotes usually won’t get close to roads and houses.” Spring has arrived in Arkansas, and with it, the annual cycle of wild babies being born. As you travel the River Valley, Ouachita, and the Ozark Mountains, be on the lookout for the young animals just learning their way in the world. Remember that the little critters are probably not abandoned and that mama is watching close by. But, if you see an animal needing help contact one of the experts to insure that animal the best chance of returning to the wild. If you do find an injured or abandoned animal contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at 1-800-364-4263 or at www.agfc.com for information about a wildlife rehabilitator near you. n Editor’s Note: For a continued collection of stories by Johnny Sain, as well as outdoors and conservation news, visit www.aviewfromthebackroads.com

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about | food

Table for Two Story by Dianna Qualls, Food Editor

y awesomely wonderful hubby recently gave me a birthday gift that was not only a fun learning experience, but a very romantic one. Lloyd had made reservations for “Table for Two,” a romantic evening at the beautiful Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain. This culinary class is a date-night experience for couples. It consists of a culinary demonstration, fourcourse dinner, kitchen/lab time, one-night’s lodging, and a continental breakfast. We enjoyed a cooking demonstration by Chef Robert Hall, then prepared our own entrée, followed by our dinner at a candlelit table for two. How romantic is that? Afterwards we spent the night at the Presidential Lodge in a lovely appointed room. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and are ready to sign-up for another “Table for Two.” Lloyd and I have also taken a “Saturday Guest Chef Series” class on Petit Jean. We left with a sense of accomplishment AND with leftovers. Yum, Yum! Chef Robert Hall, Culinary Programs Coordinator and Executive Chef, joined the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute in May 2011. Chef Robert is responsible for planning and executing a wide variety of culinary programs, such as the popular Saturday Guest Chef Series,

Table for Two, Chef On Call, and Taste of Teamwork. He also oversees daily kitchen operations, recipe and menu development, and food preparation and presentation. Chef Robert has earned several culinary awards including a silver medal in the 2007 Southwest Regional ACE Challenge, gold medals in the 2009 and 2011 Southwest Regional ACE Challenge, and a bronze medal in the 2009 National ACE Challenge. Additionally, he was honored with the opportunity to work in Beijing, China, as an Executive Chef for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Chef Robert’s words of inspiration – “if you can read you can cook.” So, “read and cook” these recipes he graciously shared with our class, and now with you. For additional information and to make reservations for any of the classes offered visit the website: www.livethelegacy.org or call (501) 727-5435.

Our Menu Lobster Bisque Raspberry & Spinach Salad with Honey Roasted Walnuts & Raspberry Vinaigrette Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce French Green Beans with Butter and Herbs Gnocchi Molten Chocolate Lava Cake with Salted Caramel Sauce

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LOBSTER BISQUE

3 lb. live lobster 1 medium onion 1 celery rib 1 carrot 1 vine-ripened tomato 1 head garlic 2 T. olive oil 2 T. chopped fresh tarragon leaves 2 T. chopped fresh thyme leaves 1 bay leaf 8 black peppercorns 1/2 c. Brandy 1/2 c. dry Sherry 4 c. fish stock 1/4 c. tomato paste 1/2 c. heavy cream 1 ½ T. cornstarch 2 T. water Fill 6-quart kettle three fourths full with salted water and bring to boil. Plunge live lobster headfirst into water and cook, covered, over high heat 8 minutes. Transfer lobster with tongs to a large bowl and in a measuring cup reserve 2 cups cooking liquid. Let lobster stand until cool enough to handle. Working over a bowl, twist off tail and claws and reserve juices. Reserve tomalley and discard head sacs and roe. Remove meat from claws and tail, reserving shells and lobster body. (Lobster meat will not be cook through.) Coarsely chop meat and transfer to bowl. Chill lobster meat, covered. Chop onion, celery, carrot, and tomato and halve garlic head crosswise. In a 6-quart heavy kettle heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté reserved lobster shells and body, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes. Add vegetables, garlic herbs, peppercorns, brandy, and sherry and simmer, stirring until almost all liquid is evaporated, about five minutes. Add stock and reserved tomalley and cooking

liquid. Simmer mixture, uncovered, stirring occasionally, one hour. Pour mixture through a fine sieve into a large saucepan, pressing on and discarding solids. Whisk in tomato paste and simmer until reduced to about three cups, about 10 minutes. Add cream and simmer bisque five minutes. In a small bowl stir together cornstarch and water and whisk into bisque. Simmer bisque, stirring two minutes. (Bisque will thicken slightly.) Add lobster meat with any reserved juices and simmer bisque one minute, or until lobster meat is just cooked through. Season to taste bisque with salt and pepper.

RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

1/2 c. unsweetened frozen raspberries, thawed 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil 2 T. fresh lemon juice 1 T. honey Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Place raspberries, olive oil, lemon juice, and honey in a blender. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

FRENCH GREEN BEANS WITH BUTTER AND HERBS

1 lb. thin green beans (haricot vert), trimmed 1/4 c. red onion, chopped fine 3 T. butter 2 T. parsley, chopped fine 2 T. fresh thyme leaves, chopped fine 2 T. fresh tarragon or basil, chopped fine 2 T. chives, chopped fine Salt and pepper to taste Lemon wedges Bring a large pot of salty water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water. Boil beans for two minutes. Plunge beans into ice water to stop cooking and set color. Drain beans and pat dry on cloth or paper towel. Heat butter over medium-high heat in a large sauté pan. Cook onions until translucent, about two to three minutes. Add green beans and sauté for two to three minutes, stirring often. Add all herbs, some salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Cook for one minute more. Squeeze fresh lemon over green beans. Serve hot or at room temperature, with lemon wedges.

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MOLTEN CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE WITH SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE

1/2 c. unsalted butter plus 2 T. for greasing ramekins 6 oz. bittersweet chocolate 2 eggs 2 egg yolks 1/4 c. sugar Pinch salt 2 T. all-purpose flour, plus 2 T. for dusting ramekins 1 pint fresh raspberries for garnish Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter and lightly flour six 6 oz. ramekins. Tap out excess flour. Set ramekins on baking sheet. In a double boiler over simmering water, melt butter and chocolate. Whisk until smooth. In a medium heat-proof bowl, beat eggs and egg yolk with sugar and salt until pale yellow and light. Fold in flour. Spoon about 1/3 cup of batter into each ramekin. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until sides of cakes are set and centers are still soft. Let cakes cool in ramekins for one minute and then invert them onto dessert plates. Let ramekins stand for 10 seconds before lifting them off cakes. Serve immediately with caramel sauce and fresh raspberries.

SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE

1 c. sugar 1/4 c. water 3/4 c. heavy cream 3 ½ T. unsalted butter 1 tsp. sea salt, crushed, or kosher salt

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to a boil, without stirring. If necessary, use a wet pastry brush to wash down any crystals on side of the pan. Boil until syrup is deep amber color, about five to six minutes. Remove sugar from heat and carefully whisk in heavy cream. The mixture will bubble. Sit in unsalted butter and salt. Transfer caramel to a dish and cool.

SAUTEÉD GNOCCHI

1 lb. frozen gnocchi 2 T. butter (or margarine) 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper ¼ c. fresh Romano cheese 3 T. fresh parsley Cook gnocchi according to directions on package. Drain.

Melt butter in saute’ pan. Add gnocchi and minced garlic. Cook three to four minutes or until golden brown, turning constantly. Stir in salt and pepper during last two minutes. Toss with Romano cheese and top with parsley. Chef Robert’s Tip: Boil gnocchi until they float, then remove. They can float for a minute or two, but not very long or you will have potato soup.

HONEY ROASTED WALNUTS 1 c. chopped walnuts 2 T. honey 1/3 tsp. Cayenne pepper Salt to taste

Put honey, cayenne pepper and salt in a bowl. Microwave for about 20 seconds or until honey has thinned. Pour walnuts into the bowl. Mix with spoon until all nuts are covered in mixture. Spread nuts on baking pan,

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preferably lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degree oven. Stir nuts around halfway through baking time. Let nuts cool before placing in a closed container . Q’s Tip: Works great with pecans!!

STUFFED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH MUSHROOM SAUCE 1 1-lb pork tenderloin 4 thin slices prosciutto (deli ham also works)

Stuffing: 2 oz. dried porcini mushrooms, steeped and drained 1/4 c. ricotta cheese 2 oz. provolone cheese, thinly chopped or shredded 2 oz. shredded mozzarella 1 garlic clove, minced 1 whole egg 1/4 c. fresh breadcrumbs (dried are okay) 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary 1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme For coating: 1 T. olive oil 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme 1/2 tsp. salt 1/3 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Sauce: 1/4 c. mushrooms, sliced 1 garlic clove, minced 1 c. dry white wine 1/4 c. low-salt chicken broth 1/2 c. heavy cream Trim and butterfly, or “unroll” the tenderloin. Arrange the prosciutto (or deli ham) down the length of pork on the cut side (prosciutto will hang over pork on both sides). Mix mushrooms, cheeses, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, and herbs in small bowl. Sprinkle cheese mixture atop prosciutto. Roll tenderloin lengthwise to completely envelop prosciutto and stuffing. Using kitchen string, tie tenderloins and stuffing together in four or five places to make a cylinder-shaped roast. Mix salt, pepper, rosemary, oregano, and thyme in a small bowl. Rub mixture over outside of roast. Let stand about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat remaining 1 T. olive oil in a heavy, large,

ovenproof skillet over medium high heat. Add roast and saute’ until brown (about seven minutes,) turning with tongs Place skillet with roast in oven. Bake the roast until thermometer inserted into thickest part of pork registers 145 degrees F (about 35 minutes). Transfer roast to platter. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm (temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees as pork stands.) Place same skillet over medium heat (careful, skillet is HOT). Add mushrooms and garlic, saute’ until mushrooms begin to brown, about six minutes. Add wine and broth. Boil until sauce thickens enough to coat spoon, scraping up browned bits (about 12 minutes.) Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cut roast crosswise into ½ inch thick slices. Serve with mushroom sauce.

of the

Chef Robert’s Tips: Save the water that you rehydrated the porcini mushrooms in. Makes great-tasting mushroom stock!! Multiply the stuffing ingredients except eggs and mushrooms, by four. Combine all stuffing ingredients except mushrooms with two eggs in a medium bowl, and you have a great cheese ravioli stuffing. n

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April 2012 | ABOUT 21

RELAY FOR LIFE:

The Battle Rages On

was five years old the first time I heard the word “cancer.” I didn’t understand what it was but I knew it was something scary, and I eventually learned this “cancer,” whatever it was, would change my short life forever. Not long before I started kindergarten, my grandmother, Lucy Duvall, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I don’t remember much about the time she battled the disease, but some details I’ll never forget. I remember the light teal and pink terry cloth turbans she’d wear to hide the effects of chemotherapy. I remember her traveling to and staying in Little Rock to see her doctor, and she was there the night my brother was born. I also remember August 31, 1993. My parents came and picked me up early from school. When I got in the car I knew something was wrong. Both had been crying, and they let me know that MawMaw had lost her fight. I didn’t really understand what cancer was, but I knew it took her from me and I hated it. Within two years, my cousin Tim’s wife, Linda, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Their daughter, Alisha, and I are very close friends, and I witnessed another battle. This time I began to understand what it was. It was a horrible disease, a disease that didn’t care who or when it attacked. It didn’t

Story and photos provided by Tabatha Duvall Relay for Life Chair of Community Promotions

care that MawMaw had 11 children and over 20 grandchildren to love. It didn’t care that Linda had a daughter in the first grade that she needed to be there for. Over time, I had multiple aunts diagnosed with breast cancer, an uncle diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a grandfather diagnosed with lung and pancreatic cancer. I watched a classmate lose his little brother, friends lose parents, my church lose members that were like family, and 13 years after her diagnosis I witnessed Linda lose a battle she had fought with every bit of strength she had. After multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation and four bone marrow transplants, her body just could not take anymore. Nearly 20 years after the first time I heard that devastating word, now knowing more about cancer, some of the signs to look for, and how to help prevent it, I still hate it. I wanted to get involved and find a way to prevent having to tell children that their grandparent or parent has cancer. I don’t want another mother to have to miss their daughter falling in love and raising a beautiful daughter of their own like Linda has. I don’t want another father to not be able to walk his daughter down the aisle. I don’t want another school to have to leave an empty chair at their graduation ceremony in memory.

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The year following Linda’s death, her niece Kacie started “Team LINDA: Hope Lives On” in her memory for the local Relay For Life – the most recognizable fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS.) I didn’t know a lot about it but joined anyway. After learning about the impact that ACS has on the search to find a cure and the help it provides to the fighters and survivors, I decided it was time to really get involved. This would be my fight against cancer. According to ACS resources, in the state of Arkansas 44 people will be told today “You have cancer,” but because of the American Cancer Society, 11 of them will become better equipped to fight back, 37 cancer patients will receive transportation to their treatments, and $2,800 worth of research will be conducted to help find new treatments and preventions. The American Cancer Society provides multiple resources for cancer patients to get well, stay well, find cures, and fight back. A 24/7 hotline at 1-800-ACS-2345 provides support and answers questions for patients and caregivers. In 2011 they answered 3,900 phone calls from Arkansas alone. Cancer.org also recorded over 88,000 hits from Arkansas in 2011, and is a great resource for those looking to find out about their diagnosis, how to keep themselves healthy through chemo, or a support system in their time of need. In Russellville, a program called “Look Good, Feel Better” helps female patients do just that. At The Pink Ribbon Boutique in Russellville, owned by Carolyn Gray, local cosmetologist Susann Crowell teaches patients how to style their wigs or new shorter cuts and cover the effects of cancer treatments with makeup. >>

Luminaria Order Form Minimum Contribution: $5.00 The American Cancer Society Relay For Life will be held May 11 & 12, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Russellville High School Cyclone Stadium. At 9:00 PM, all participants will share in a special luminaria ceremony to remember those individuals who have been affected by cancer. Candles will be lit inside white bags and placed around the perimeter of the track. You are invited to support this effort by ordering a luminaria. Simply complete this order form and mail it to the address shown below. You may choose luminaria to be labeled Celebrate (in honor of survivors), Remember (in memory of those lost to cancer), or Fight Back (in recognition of caregivers). For more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.relayforlife.org/pope (No acknowledgement cards will be sent for orders received after 4/27/12 – no exceptions) Celebrate Remember

Fight Back



Name of Person Being Recognized

Acknowledgement Card Recipient/ Address (No cards will be sent for orders received after 4/27/12)

Your Name Address

Please mail this form and donation to: Leigh Ann Veach 98 Poppy Dr Pottsville, AR 72858

City/State/Zip Phone

Total amount enclosed $____________

Check ___________

Cash ___________

Please make checks payable to: American Cancer Society

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It’s also a time of fellowship for patients who may not know anyone else who is going through the same treatment and a time to learn how to cope with the physical side effects of treatment. The program is held the second Monday of every other month from 1 to 3 p.m. The next event will be Monday, May 14. There are several Hope Lodges in the region that house cancer patients free of charge when they have to travel for treatment. The nearest are in Nashville, Houston, New Orleans, Birmingham, and Memphis. While my Aunt Linda was in Houston for her final transplant, her husband and daughter were spending close to $1,200 a month at an RV park, but were later allowed to use Hope Lodging. Also for traveling patients, The Road to Recovery provides assistance with transportation such as gas bill payment. Since the American Cancer Society was founded in 1944, it has risen over $4 billion, and a large portion goes to fund research. 46 doctors funded by ACS have won the Nobel Prize. Strides in cures and treatments can be made by the choice to get involved through events such as The Relay For Life. The Relay For Life is an event all about celebrating the steps taken to win this fight. The 2012 Relay For Life of Pope and Yell

Counties will be held May 11-12, at Cyclone Stadium and the 24-hour event will be held from 5 p.m. Friday through 5 p.m. Saturday. Prior to the Relay each team that signs up will be able to fundraise their own way, whether it’s selling t-shirts or cupcakes, having a garage sale or car wash, or as the local Fit Girlz do, having a Zumba-thon. At the Relay, teams will set up their campsite and will be able to do more fundraising there. There will also be ceremonies to honor the survivors and to remember those gone. As with all good celebrations there will be games and music all night, and at the stroke of midnight the annual Mr. Relay pageant will be held (Team LINDA:

Hope Lives On is the reigning champ.) For more information about the Relay for Life of Pope and Yell Counties or to get involved join/start a team or joining the committee, visit www.relayforlife.org/ pope. It’s only ten dollars to join a team, and free to start a team, but it is worth so much more. Knowing we are taking steps to a world where no one else has to learn the word “cancer” is priceless. n Note: Tabatha Duvall is a Russellville native and a graduate of Atkins High School and the University of Central Arkansas. This is her third year to be involved with the Relay For Life of Pope and Yell Counties.

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about | health

Saint Mary’s Cancer Center: World-Class Technology, Precise Cancer Treatment

As part of its ongoing mission to exceed expectations and to expand existing services, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center has recently added one of the world’s most advanced linear accelerators to its comprehensive cancer treatment program. The diagnosis of Cancer is always frightening and can be overwhelming for both a patient and his or her loved ones. That’s why Saint Mary’s Cancer Center is committed to providing the very best in both compassionate oncology care and cuttingedge treatment. The installation of the Elekta Synergy® radiation treatment system gives Saint Mary’s the ability to make the latest and most advanced therapies available to patients right here in the River Valley. “Expanding the Center’s technology and services is just one of the many ways we are investing in the care of our Community” said Donnie Frederic, Saint Mary’s CEO. We are commitment to bringing the latest technological advancements and expanded treatment options close to home for cancer patients and their loved ones.” A new approach to radiation therapy A linear accelerator produces a radiation beam of either electrons or high energy X-rays. The beam is shaped to match the tumor shape and the patient is positioned to ensure that the beam is directed at the tumor. To determine the precise location of tumors and normal surrounding tissues, traditional radiation therapy calls for imaging studies to be done several days before treatment. However, it has been shown that many tumors are not stationary and tumors may change size or position. The development of image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) integrates highresolution imaging on the linear accelerator. Unlike traditional therapy, this integration enables clinicians to track movement and changes on a daily basis ensuring precisely targeted radiation to the affected tissue. Another key development is intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). With 26 ABOUT | April 2012

the IMRT technique, the radiation beam intensity is varied (modulated) across the treatment area. Rather than being treated with a single, large uniform beam, a tumor is treated with many very small beams – each of which can have a different intensity. This technique limits the dose to critical organs and healthy tissue around the tumor. The sophisticated Elekta Synergy® system is the only all-digital treatment devise in the world, and is also the first advanced linear accelerator offering both IMRT and IGRT. This means that physicians and clinicians at Saint Mary’s Cancer Center can obtain tumor images just before treatment, with the exact position the patient will be treated in. This not only reduces the chance for error in tumor targeting, but also allows for a higher dose of radiation by virtue of more certainty in the tumor’s precise location. High quality three-dimensional images taken at the time of treatment can be compared to previous scans quickly to ensure accuracy, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. In addition to improving accuracy and providing unmatched clinical confidence, the system reduces or eliminates the need for implanting markers on the patient and can significantly shorten daily treatment times. “With the Elekta system and its many features designed to benefit patients, we can treat cancer more precisely and aggressively than ever before” said Dr. Darrell Speed, radiation oncologist. “Besides the advantages of proximity and convenience, the patient experience will be enhanced by the professionalism and genuine compassion of our dedicated staff.” On Sunday, April 29 Saint Mary’s Cancer Center will open its doors to the community to introduce its newly acquired Elekta Synergy® system. From 1:00 – 3:00 pm, the open house will offer the River Valley

community an opportunity to see the innovative technology being used at Saint Mary’s Cancer Center, and the opportunity to visit with the center’s knowledgeable and experienced physicians and staff. “We want people to realize that right here in the River Valley is a state-of-the-art cancer center with all the latest innovations and technologies that radiation oncology has to offer,” added Speed.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF DARK CHOCOLATE By Dr. David Bachman

Chocolate may be good for you, at least in small quantities and preferably if it’s dark chocolate. Recent research shows just one small square of chocolate a day can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. This study was first published on 31 March, 2010, in the European Heart Journal. Researchers in Germany followed 19,357 people, between 35 and 65, for at least ten years and found those who ate the most amount of chocolate, an average of 7.5 grams a day, had lower blood pressure and a 39% lower risk of having a heart attack or stroke compared to those who ate the least amount of chocolate, an average of 1.7 grams a day. The difference among the two groups amounts to six grams of chocolate - the equivalent of less than one small square of a 100 gram bar. Dr Brian Buijsse, a nutritional epidemiologist at the German Institute of Human Nutrition, Nuthetal, Germany, who led the research said: “People who ate the most amount of chocolate were at 39% lower risk than those with the lowest chocolate intakes. To put it in terms of absolute risk, if people in the group eating the least amount

of chocolate (of whom 219 per 10,000 had a heart attack or stroke) increased their chocolate intake by six grams a day, 85 fewer heart attacks and strokes per 10,000 people could be expected to occur over a period of about ten years. If the 39% lower risk generalized to the general population the number of avoidable heart attacks and strokes would be higher because the absolute risk in the general population is higher.” However, he warned that it was important people ensured that eating chocolate did not increase their overall intake of calories or reduce their consumption of healthy foods. “Small amounts of chocolate may help prevent heart disease, but only if it replaces other energy dense food, such as snacks, in order to keep body weight stable,” he said. Although more research needs to be carried out, the researchers believe that flavanols in cocoa may be the reason why chocolate seems to be the reason why dark chocolate seems to be good for people’s blood pressure and heart health, and since there is more cocoa in dark chocolate, dark chocolate may have a greater effect. “Flavanols appear to be substances in cocoa that are responsible for improving the bioavailability of nitric oxide from the

cells that line the inner wall of blood vessels vascular endothelial cells,” said Dr. Buijsse. “Nitric oxide is a gas that, once released, causes smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels to relax and widen - this may contribute to lower blood pressure. Nitric oxide also improves platelet function, making the blood less sticky and makes the vascular endothelium less attractive for white blood cells to attach and stick around.” It seems convincing that dark chocolate, with a cocoa content of at least 70%, reduces risk for stroke and heart attack; however, before you rush to add dark chocolate to your diet, be cognizant that 100 grams of dark chocolate contains roughly 500 calories. Therefore you may want to subtract an equivalent amount of

calories by cutting back on other foods to avoid weight gain. Using the recommended 7.5 grams of dark chocolate a day should not cause a weight problem. Note: Milk chocolate does not have the same beneficial effects as dark chocolate. An Italian study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2008 and conducted by Research Laboratories of the Catholic University in Campobasso and the National Cancer Institute of Milan may well explain how dark chocolate works to lower cardiovascular risk. The study showed that dark chocolate can significantly reduce inflammation that leads to cardiovascular disease. Chronic inflammation can lead to heart disease, so keeping inflammation under control is a major part of preventive treatment. Research has shown that patients who have a low amount of C-reactive protein in their blood have lower levels of inflammation. People, who eat dark chocolate regularly, in small servings, have significantly lower levels of C-reactive protein, according to the study. The ideal amount was 6.7 grams per day. A typical Hershey chocolate bar weighs about 43 grams. That means if you eat one dark chocolate bar over the course of six and one half days you will receive 6.7 grams per day. n

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Queen Story by Dr. David Bachman Photo provided by Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism

ount Nebo, Queen of the Arkansas River Valley, has an intriguing and beguiling past. Long years ago, the Quapaw Indians roamed near Mt. Nebo. Those Indians were not warlike – they followed farming, hunted in the forests or fished nearly streams. Occasionally from across the waters of the Mississippi, marauding Chickasaw Indians from Tennessee came to raid their hunting grounds. On one of the raiding trips, the Chickasaws brought their women and made camp there. Ohonto, son of Tohonka, chief of the Quapaw, chanced to see a young Indian maiden in the Chickasaw village fairer than any he had ever seen. For many days Ohonta dallied around the Chickasaw camp, and at last obtained permission to speak to the maiden. They fell in love and arranged trysts atop Mt. Nebo. One of the Chickasaw braves, who also desired to win maiden, Chisca, followed them and found their hideout. He returned to camp and warned the members of his tribe. They surprised the lovers and surrounded them, then, sounding the Chickasaw war whoop, captured Chisca. Ohonta fought bravely, but was overcome by his enemies – rather than fall into their hands, he leaped to the topmost

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of theValley

crag of the mountain, raised his arms toward the skies with a cry to the Great Spirit and flung himself to the foot of the precipice. Chisca, in despair, broke from her captors, crying, “Ohonta, Ohonta, I come, I come” and leaped from the promontory to join her lover in death. Col. Sam Dickens of Virginia, along with his slaves, built the first house on Nebo – he also discovered Dickens Springs, which bears his name. All this was destroyed during the Civil War. By all accounts, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis White built a house in the 1860’s. It was a crude structure of logs. The mountain reminded the pioneer woman of the biblical Mount Nebo where Moses saw the Promised Land. With that in mind she gave the mountain its present name. Mrs. White experienced many creepy feelings when the wolves, panthers and bob cats howled at night. From 1878 through 1881 business men of Russellville, Little Rock and Dardanelle attempted to interest people in the healthful features as well as the recreational possibilities, of the mountain. In 1887, Captain Joseph Evins, a Kentuckian and businessman, traded whiskey for the mountain with Indian chief Black Fox,

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who represented the Cherokee Indians at the famous Council Oaks meeting. Evins cleared 40 acres of land and planted fruit orchards on the top of the mountain – they flourished up until the 1920’s. This energetic man even built a grape orchard and had wine manufactured for several years. The mountain also produced vegetables of a great variety. The first road up the mountain was no better than the packhorse trails used by early settlers. During the 1930’s, the CCC established a camp for World War I veterans who widened the road, black topped it and placed strategic boulders along the roadside. After much effort, a 200-bed hotel was built atop Mount Nebo – the Summit Park. The multi-structured hotel featured a separate building for laundry, bakery, kitchen and storerooms. The grand opening of the hotel was June 15, 1889 – it was a most gala event. Room rates were $2 dollars a night, $10 to 12 dollars for a week and $35 to $45 dollars for a month. Another building, two stories in all, housed recreation rooms, post office, doctor’s office and a telephone exchange. Drive ways, bridle paths, bicycle paths and

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boardwalks were built for the convenience of the guests who came to this noted resort from practically every state in the Union. Pavilions were built covering the many springs. A large ballroom, bowling alley and billiard room were built for year-round recreation. Water was obtained from Dicksen’s springs and pumped to the rooms by way of pump some distance down the mountain. Passengers going up the mountain were met at the bench, which was known as “Hell’s Gate” by an AfricanAmerican boy. The young boy stood with a team of mules, which were then attached to the carriage load to help the horses over the steepest part of the mountainside. Later a road was dug out of the mountainside over which horse drawn carriages traveled. Hauling food up the mountain was a most difficult task – it had to be horse-drawn up the mountain at night (during the cool hours before dawn). Purveyors always had to carry guns to ward off mountain lions. The handsome hostelry flourished with a high degree of popularity throughout the Mississippi Valley for more than a decade. Arkansawers did not have to go to New Orleans or Atlanta to enjoy Southern Society in its most colorful form. The hotel was repainted, renovated and

refurbished in 1913. The lavish hotel was destroyed by fire in 1918. Popularity of the mountain declined after that time. Prior to the Summit Hotel, most people lived on the “bench” – an area just below the top of the mountain. Here stood the Blevins hotel housing 120 guests plus 25 cottages. The hotel was destroyed during the CCC encampment. A third hotel, the Normal Hotel, was built in 1889 and used for the Normal School. It consisted of a 20-room dormitory, a restaurant, two cottages, a large study hall and many other buildings.

POLITICS ON MOUNT NEBO Mount Nebo was incorporated as a town in 1895 – with its own city administration including a mayor, marshall, treasurer and five Aldermen. During the twenties the administration ran into trouble – women, all relatives of the elected officials, decided they could do a better job than the men. After the administration ignored all their suggestions for improvement, they organized a ticket in opposition and won. Continued on page 31

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about | longevity

Lemley Funeral: 96 Years and Counting Story by Johnny Sain Photos Courtesy of Lemley Funeral

Yesteryear’s sense of community is often lost to contemporary generations. Nothing more than musty memories colored in sepia tones. Luckily, we sometimes find a connection to those bygone days. Luckier still, we sometimes find this connection carries those old-time values to those of us living today. Lemley Funeral Home in Atkins celebrated its 96th year of business in 2012. A person would be hard pressed to find many businesses in the state that have lasted this long. And while 96 years is a remarkable lifespan for a small business, the roots of Lemleys travels back even further than that first funeral service. W.M. Lemley and Sons Mercantile was the name of the original business. When the store opened in 1904, it was a major player in the railroad town of Atkins. The period following the Civil War saw both economic and population shifts come to southern Pope County. The Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad was the main reason for this, replacing the Arkansas River as the main trade route in Pope County. As the hub of business shifted away from the river, many residents of the Galla Rock

community, located on the Arkansas River seven miles to the southwest, moved into Atkins. The community grew and Lemley and Sons Mercantile helped supply the needs of its citizens. At some point between the store’s beginnings and the year 1916, W.M. Lemley and Sons began making caskets. Time casts a haze on most of the business conducted during this period. While caskets were carried in the store prior to 1916, that year saw the first recorded funeral service credited to W.M. Lemley and Sons. As part of a connection to the past, Lemley Funeral Home still has pen and ink death records from the early 1900’s. Many folks use these records today for genealogy searches. After W.M. Lemley passed away in 1929, the business name was changed to Lemley Brothers Hardware. The furniture and hardware portion would later become

Rackley’s Furniture, owned by Carl Rackley. Carl has also been a funeral director with Lemley’s since 1962, with 2012 marking his 50th year of working with the Lemley family and serving the community. In 1998, Lemley Funeral home moved out of the old storefront building in downtown Atkins to its present location on North Church Street. It’s interesting to note that Carl Rackley moved his business from downtown Atkins as well, his new building located across the street from the new Lemley’s building. Jim Lemley and his staff credit their longevity to simply treating people right. “We’ve always been a small town business,” says Jim, “we have to work harder and be more accountable to our families, they’re our neighbors. They’ve come to expect a difference in the level of service, as well as price, and we’re honored to be able to consistently provide it.”

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Jim’s son Chris joined the business in 2009. He represents the fifth generation of his family to serve the River Valley. Chris is proud of the heritage of service passed down through the generations. “When people serve together for decades it shows they are proud of what they are doing for the community, that they take pride in their work.” Funeral director Carl Rackley is celebrating his 50th year with the business. Funeral director and embalmer Riley Christian has more than 30 years of experience in the funeral and mortuary business. Office manager Lorneva Pinion has been with the funeral home for 12 years. Combined, the licensed funeral directors on staff have more than 100 years of experience in their time at Lemley’s alone, added Chris. With almost a century of service to the River Valley, It’s safe to say that Lemley Funeral Home is rooted in the community. It’s easy to see that Lemleys will be here for years to come. Lemley Funeral Service offers families the very best in experienced service, modern facilities, and dignity with affordability. If you haven’t met them already, they invite you to call or come by and compare. n Continued from page 29 Not only did they win the election, but accomplished all the things they had asked the former administration to do – get rid of mosquitoes, repair the Pavilion, provide music for dances and other entertainment, repair locks on buildings, provide benches for Sunset Park, repair trail steps with rocks and provide money for a watchman during winter months. The ladies did it all and received favorable publicity in several out of state papers. Today, Mount Nebo is a quiet little community peopled by many summer residents and renters of the many State run cabins. Winter finds a few hardy families “toughing it out” – toasting their winter wonderland created by occasional snows. For many years, until recent times when the annual festival was relocated along the Arkansas River in downtown Dardanelle, the serenity of this “mountain in the sky” was transformed into a boisterous, fun rousing day – the Mount Nebo Chicken Fry. After that brief 24 hours, the mountain would return to the peace and tranquility it has enjoyed for so many years. n Note: Take a “mini-vacation” on Mount Nebo this Spring and experience its wonder for yourself. For information on the current facilities found on Mount Nebo State Park, call (479) 229-3655 or visit arkansasstateparks.com/mountnebo

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JA Night Out

Story and Photos by Heather Strasner

Approximately 300 area residents gathered at the L.V. Williamson Boys and Girls Club in Russellville on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 25, to have “a good time for a good cause” during the 2012 Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball. The annual event, which is hosted by Junior Auxiliary of Russellville, funds a variety of programs and services which benefit the children of our community. The event has been an annual, highly-anticipated fundraiser for generations. The theme of Charity Ball 2012 was “LuckXury.” In addition to traditional favorites – the opportunity to bid on dozens of live and silent auction items donated by area businesses and individuals, and chances to win a beautiful diamond donated by LeeAnn’s Fine Jewelry – Charity Ball attendees could play a variety of Las Vegas-style table games during the evening. Live music, provided by Boom Kinetic, continued as eventgoers danced until 1 a.m. The evening’s meal was catered by Opal Mae’s Cafe of Russellville. Guests enjoyed a buffet of hors d’oeuvres,

32 ABOUT | April 2012

salad and pasta stations. and a carving center featuring Prime Rib, Roast Turkey Breast, Roast Pork, Silver Dollar rolls and a medley of assorted vegetables. An elaborate Dessert Bar featured petit fours, casino cupcakes, signature cheesecakes with choice of eight toppings, and elegant cakes and cookies. Complimentary photographs were available, provided by Melanie Ewing of Ewing Photography of Russellville. Todd Sweeden of Sweeden’s Florist worked with the membership to provide exquisite tabletop arrangements. On Friday before the event, active, provisional, associate and life members gathered to transform the Boys and Girls Club into an atmosphere of exciting nightlife. The day-long event, known as “Work Day” is a requirement for all active and provisional members. They are treated to lunch by associate and life members who assist with the Charity Ball preparations and get better acquainted with new members. Russellville’s non-profit organization is one of 102 chapters of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, Inc., headquartered in Greenville, Miss. For more information about Junior Auxiliary of Russellville and its programs to benefit children, visit www.jarussellville.org. n

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about | engagements

Save the Date!

Calendar listings of engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements on the pages of each issue of ABOUT … the River Valley are available at no charge. They may be mailed to: ABOUT

Magazine, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812 or sent via email to: editor@aboutrvmag.com. (A phone number must be included for verification.)

–June 22– Brittany Helms and Andrew Smith

–June 23–

–April 7–

–May 19–

Molly Bishop and Austin Myers Kelli Cole and Zach Moore

Sharon Reynolds and Carl Harden

Kayla Cleveland and Ty Osborne Kourtney McBride and Tyler Connell

–June 30–

–May 26–

Kallie Gangluff and Ben Miller Samantha Lee Rial and John J. Guerra

–April 9– Holly Russell and Cory Sutterfield

–April 14–

Marcia Montgomery and Paul Brown Jana Parker and Greg Crouch Shannon Rinke and Kirk Hall Megan Storment and Jeremy Timmons

–April 21–

Laura Beth Anderson and Jeremy Brogdon Karen Kirtley and Samuel Gonzalez

–May 5– Sarah Griffin and Shane Floyd Lindsey Lee and Scotty Shepherd

–May 12– Taylor Barrick and Thomas Franklin

Mary Buford and Wes Corkins

–June 2– Morgan Black and Christopher Lomax Lauren McGoogan and Chuck Labuda Derek Mosher and Christy Carter Brittany Osborne and Joseph Epperson

–June 9–

–July 7– Kristi Anderson and Matt Goodson

–July 21– Jessica Hall and Blake Walters Keshia Riley and Cameron May

–July 28–

Jamie Sterrenberg and Austin Glover Alma Worrell and Jeremy Pearson

Lauren Davis and Degen Clow

–June 16–

–September 15–

Jeremy Barlow and Kay Turner Bayley Hepp and Lucas Cox Kristen Osborne and JD Henderson Katherine Turner and Jeremy Barlow

Piper Vaughn and Liam Thornell

–October 20– Rachel Enderlin and Daniel Hunt

To have your engagement or wedding published in a future issue of ABOUT Magazine, send your information, photo* and a check for $57.50 to: ABOUT Magazine, PO Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812, or visit visit www.aboutrvmag.com/forms.html. Word count is limited to 225 words. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. For additional information, call (479) 970-6628. *Digital files are accepted and will be published upon receipt of payment.

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34 ABOUT | April 2012

LUCKXURY 2012 Charity Ball

WITH SINCERE THANKS CROWN CIRCLE $3500+ ABOUT Magazine Alan Higginbotham, Auctioneer Bemis Corporation Dr. Eric & Teresa Magill Dr. Carmella Knoerschild Dr. Murphy Entergy Ewing Photography First State Bank / Blanchards Freeman, Daniel LeeAnn’s Fine Jewelry Jay Peters - Furniture Factory Outlet The Courier Todd Sweeden BENEFACTOR $2000-$3499 Bank of the Ozarks Burris Inc. Liberty Bank Quick Service Cleaners River Valley Martial Arts Saint Mary’s / Millard Henry Clinic

SPONSORS $1000-$1999 A-1 Pawn Arvest Bank Larry & Lela Ashburn Blackstone Construction Dr. Gillespie Joshua’s Fine Jewelry Phil Wright Autoplex Regions Bank Simmons Bank Shoptaw Labahn Streett Law Firm Taber Extrusions Michael & Teresa Wilkins

FRIENDS $500-$999 Back to Basics Fitness Center Belk’s Dr. Michael & Debbie Bell Mr. & Mrs. James Bibler Bizzy Bee Quilts Dr. & Mrs. Robert C. Brown Burris, Inc. Centurylink Cogswell Motors Duffield Gravel Feltner’s Athletic Corner Jacqueline Gardner Johnston & Richardson Parkway Dental River Town Bank Skelton Law Firm Dr. Stan & Maysel Teeter Terminix Tom Bagby Photography Dr. Brandon & Julie Whitt Wilkins Brothers Outdoors

SUPPORTERS $100-$499

Faye Abernathy - In Honor of Kay Roberts Lou & Travis Adams Dr. Russell Allison Ferne Shinn Anderson Toni Bachman Carol & Harold Barr Rosalind & D.r Garr Barron Bethany’s Design Center Dr. & Mrs. Jim Burgess Dr. & Mrs. Jim Carter Robert & Frankie Casey Catherine’s Cakes/Opal Mae’s Ken & Kellie Coker Ronnie & Susan Duffield Claire & B.J. Dunn Ewing Video Palace & Tropical Tanning Fat Daddy’s BBQ Flowers, Etc. Dan & Pam Fouts Gifts on Parkway Go Caddy Golf, Inc. Cliff & Sara Lou Goodin Robin & Mona Goodman Sara Gordon Grace Manufacturing / Microplane Pete & Nancy Grant Lynn & Bonnie Haines - In Memory of Gladys Carden Benny & Lavel Harris Dr. Rick & Laura Harrison Mike & Dotty Hendren Dr. & Mrs. Don Hill Robert & Annette Holeyfield Pam & Gary Huggins - Primerica Mr. & Mrs. Harold Humphrey Italian Gardens Jennifer Goodman Photography Joe Turner - Cathy’s Flowers Joyce Laws & Toni Laws Dr. Stephen & Sherry Killingsworth Kirby Specialties, Inc. Leaning Willow Lefler’s Leonard’s Lieblong Eye Clinic Jalia & Larry Lingle Dr. Doug Lowrey Dr. & Mrs. Rudolph Massey Max & Stephanie Mathis Matt Cooper McDonald’s Millyn’s Mullen Team Sports Annette and Bert Mullens, Judy Murphy Omega Solutions Russell & Cindra Roberson

Pam’s Shoes & Pedorthics PDQ Super Convenience Stores Sandra & Richard Peel Pope County Title Company Steve & Michele Purtle Quick Service Cleaners Quizno’s Razorback Video & Tanning Tommy & Linda Richardson River Valley Realty Robert & Kay Roberts Rose Drug Salon 121 Adrienne Shelton & Robert Vogler Mr. & Mrs. Donovan Sims William & Kim Sims Dr. Hugh & Mary Silkenson Kathy & Bill Smith Jamie & Beth Sorrells Steve Newby Photography Ed & Vickie Stingley Gary & Peggy Stratton Terra Renewal The Beach Shack The Cornerstone The Frame Shop & Gallery The Other Foot & More Tom & Linda Tyler Wachovia Securities Gordon Investment Group R.D. & Johnna Walker Winston Taylor Aaron Wojtkowski

CONTRIBUTORS $1-$99

Dr. & Mrs. J Dustin Bonds - In Honor of JA of Russellville’s 50th Anniversary Jerry & Nancy Burns Chamberlyne Country Club CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers Gearl & Arneata Cooper - In Memory of Judy Thacker Fletcher Oil Four Dogs Bakery Mary Garrett Scott & Suzy Griffin Jean Harbison Rick & Jane Harrell Just Dance Inc. Wayne & Lequita Jones KidKouture Susie Kroencke La Huerta McAlister’s Mel White Merle Norman Cosmetics Michelle Henry Newton Tire Co, Inc. Tom & Patti Nickels The Oak Tree Bistro Frances & Bob Parker

Poppa Wheelies Bicycle Shop LeeRoy & Sharlot Robinson Sue Stallings Dean & John Strickland Todd Sweeden - In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. William T Sweeden Taco John’s TGIC Tena’s Gymnastics & Cheerleading The Dandy Lion by Julie Meimerstorf The Dixie Café The Jump Place USA Drug West Main Donuts White Gardenia Designs Leigh & John Whiteside Darhl & Linda Worrell Kristin Wright Catering provided by Opal Mae’s Life and Associate members helping with Work Day lunch: Mary Anderson Cynthia Blanchard Angela Bonds Nancy Canerday Debra Choate Claire Dunn Pam Fouts Suzy Griffin Polly Hardin Beverly Hooten Sandy Huie Julie Morgan Ragena Moore Cindra Roberson Kim Sims Cheryl Smith Lindsey Spurlock Maysel Teeter Brandi Tripp Johnna Walker Mel White Aaron Wojtkowski Life and Associate members donating scrapbooks for slide show: Leslie Blackwell Kay Dodson Suzy Griffin Joyce Laws Dusqua Moore Bobbie Moore Kim Sims Kay Roberts Maysel Teeter

THANK YOU ALL! April 2012 | ABOUT 35

Advanced Cancer Treatment. Compassionate Cancer Care. For 25 years Saint Mary’s has demonstrated an unwavering Advanced technology Individualized treatment

commitment to provide advanced cancer care to the River Valley. Our new Elekta Synergy Radiation Treatment System is but the latest demonstration of that commitment. The Elekta System provides more focus

Personalized attention

on the cancer cell for more precise treatment than ever before. Combined

Convenient access

with other technology and treatment options such as chemotherapy and

Full-service hospital support Skilled nursing care Comprehensive care

surgery, Saint Mary’s team of experts can tackle almost any form of cancer, from prostate to lung cancer, improving the chances for long-term survival. And it’s all here, close to home. Advanced, accessible cancer-fighting treatment with the level of care that only friends and neighbors can provide. At Saint Mary’s, being cared about is as important as being cared for.

479-968-2841 • saintmarysregional.com