ABOUT | April 2018 by ABOUT the River Valley Magazine

A Job Well Done

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley APRIL 2018

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more than From a young age, my parents encouraged my passion to help others. Here, I can channel that energy into organizing the campus food pantry and leading hygiene drives. In order to continue helping others as a forensic psychologist, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m studying psychology, sociology and criminal justice. At Arkansas Tech University, I am more than my major. My name is Sydney Stone and I am an advocate. Seek your adventure: explore.atu.edu

CYCLONE THEATRE Presents

A Musical Fable of Broadway Based on a Story and Characters of Damon Runyon

April 26-29, 2018 Performances at 7 PM Sunday MatinĂŠe at 2 PM

The Center for the Arts 2209 South Knoxville Ave. (479) 498-6600 Music and Lyrics by: Frank Loesser

Book by: Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows

Guys and Dolls the musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com

Tickets Adults: $10 Students: $5

April 2018

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

8 A Farewell to the Face of MSR

Betsy McGuire, the face of Main Street Russellville, is retiring from a position she’s held since since October 19, 1993.

14 Where chicken nuggets come from 16 Something new under the sun

Clarksville’s 42 acre solar plant is highly visible along Interstate 40, its twentythousand plus solar panels reflective and geometric. Once inside the plant’s gates, visitors find a surprisingly simple setup.

26 Satisfy the urge 34 Cyclone Cyclers

8 16

Students at Russellville High School (RHS) get more than just an 8-to-3 education. Advanced placement study sessions along with a wide variety of clubs, meetings and events offered means RHS is well populated with students throughout the afternoon as well as Saturdays.

42 Four questions 44 How to save the world.

First, you’ll need a Mason jar.

Central Beekeepers Supply

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ APRIL 2018

ABOUT THIS MONTH’S COVER By Liz Chrisman

While reflecting in the main hall of the historic train depot, Betsy McGuire exchanges a laugh and reminisces on the last 25 years she’s spent as the Executive Director of Main Street Russellville.

Come visit our team at Phil Wright Chevrolet Buick GMC

John David JONES

Vernon HUBBART

Quentin VINCENT

Josh JOHNSON

Damon LEWIS

Chance MANNING

3300 E. Main, Hwy. 64 East, Russellville | (479) 968-1555 | philwrightautoplex.com APRIL 2018

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Leadership is a verb

’m always amazed at what intelligent, competent, and determined leadership can do. Regardless of the wonderful goals and ideas of an organization, someone must have a vision of crossing the finish line and work backwards with plan to get there. And then, once the course is determined, someone has to floor the pedal and make the whole thing go while dragging a few of the more tentative along for the ride. That’s how you get things done. It takes smarts and skill, but mostly it takes an enormous amount of gumption. Behind the gleaming cheery smile of every effective leader lies the gritty fortitude and battle-hardened can-do attitude of a warrior. In this issue of ABOUT, we focus on leadership in three different arenas. As we’ve seen in the national news lately, age is no detriment to leadership. The Crown Club at Russellville High School is a prime local example of what a group of motivated and organized teenagers can do for the betterment of fellow students with the development of the Cyclone Cyclers in collaboration with school administration. Heading west, you can witness the entire transformation of a city’s energy platform with the construction of Clarksville’s solar power plant. Who says rural Arkansas communities are backward facing? Apparently

someone who has never visited Clarksville. With the addition of the solar plant and a long-ago decision by city officials to own their own utilities, Clarksville leadership’s progressive determination in the face of opposing “I’m agin’ it” voices, as described by one city official, has the town poised to be one of the most appealing communities in the state if not the nation. And then, what can we say about Betsy McGuire that her leadership abilities have not already said? Betsy took her position as executive director of Main Street Russellville 25 years ago. Do you recall much about downtown Russellville 25 years ago? I don’t. And just this realization speaks volumes about her work. Of course she didn’t do it all alone, and Betsy will be the first to tell you that it was a team effort with downtown businesses, city and other government officials, and a community that realized the intrinsic and also tangible value of the city’s heart. So here’s to the leaders — those whose influence will grow in the future, those whose influence continue to push us beyond just “good enough,” and those whose influence will be felt for decades after they step aside for a much deserved rest. – Johnny Carrol Sain

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley since 2006 A Publication of One14 Productions, Inc Vol. XIII, Issue 3 – April 2018

DIANNE EDWARDS | founding editor JOHNNY CARROL SAIN | managing editor johnny@aboutrvmag.com LIZ CHRISMAN | photography editor lizchrismanphoto@gmail.com BENITA DREW | advertising benita@aboutrvmag.com CHRISTINE SAIN | advertising christine@aboutrvmag.com MIKE QUAIN | creative content producer mike@aboutrvmag.com MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS | freelance meredith@aboutrvmag.com JILL MCSHEEHY | freelance jill@aboutrvmag.com SARAH CLOWER | freelance sarah@aboutrvmag.com LYDIA ZIMMERMAN | columnist lydia@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@aboutrvmag.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.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) 219-5031. Office: 220 East 4th Street Email: info@aboutrvmag.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: One14 Productions 220 East 4th Street Russellville, AR 72801

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 2018 4th-14th — CASA Advocate Training at Pope County Courthouse 100 W Main Street Russellville 6 p.m. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained community member appointed by a judge to represent abused and neglected children during a dependency case. For more info contact 880-1195.

5th — Don’t drink the Kool Aid: Advice from a Jonestown survivor in the Ross Pendergraft Library room 300 A-B. Laura Johnston Kohl, a survivor of Jonestown, will speak about her experiences with Jonestown and about cults and new religious movements in general. Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. lecture scheduled for 6 p.m. Admission is free.

6th-8th — Wildflower Weekend at Petit Jean State Park. Discover a host of colorful wildflowers that make Petit Jean State Park their home. Family-friendly wildflower talks, guided walks, and other programs are offered. Contact the park for a schedule. Admission is free. For more info contact (501) 727-5441. 7th — Equestrian Zone 10th Annual Boots and Benefactors Banquet at The Barn at Twin Oaks Ranch from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Barn at Twin Oaks Ranch is hosting the 10th annual Boots and Benefactors Banquet at the Barn Tickets: $40 per adult or $50 at the

Find up-to-date information and future events @

www.aboutrvmag.com/events event Tickets can be purchased at Recovery Zone Pediatric Therapy by calling 970-8351 or online at www.equestrianzone.org

7th

— The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra - Witherspoon Auditorium on the campus of ATU, at 8:00. There is a 6:00 p.m. pre-concert reception at ATU Lake Point Conference Center. Call Ann Squyres at 880-7523 for tickets or purchase at the door. Reserved seating $30 and includes the pre-concert reception. General admission $10 for adults and $5 for students K-12. Free for current ATU and UACCM students with current college ID.

11th — River Valley Senior Health Expo at the Hughes Center in Russellville from 8 a.m.-noon. For more info contact 890-0499. 13th — O.W.L.S. (Outdoor Women Learning Skills) At Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor’s Center from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Admission is $20. The series will be one evening a month for 6 months. Come to one or come to all. You must preregister for each class by calling 967-5516, registration includes dinner.

14th — 5th Annual Bash at the Ballpark at Tech Field on the ATU campus from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Music, food, prizes and other activities in conjunction with the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys’ baseball game. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. Admission to both Bash at the

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 *Unless otherwise indicated, all area codes are 479. To have your event included in the ABOUT Calendar of Events, email: editor@aboutrvmag.com or fax to (479) 219-5031. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication.

Ballpark and the game is free. For more info contact 968-2530.

20th & 21st — 5th Annual RussVegas Half Marathon and Relay benefitting Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the River Valley Circle of Friends. For more info got to www.russvegashalf.com.

28th — pARTy in the Park. For more info contact 968-2452. 28th — April Farmer’s Market/Russellville Community Market at The Depot in downtown Russellville from 8 a.m-1 p.m.

APRIL 2018

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Photo by LIZ CHRISMAN

Betsy McGuire, the face of Main Street Russellville, is retiring from a position she’s held since since October 19, 1993. That’s 25 years as executive director. That’s 25 years of commitment and dedication to the revitalization and restoration of downtown Russellville now traded in for the new adventure of retirement. Story by MIRANDA HOLMAN

n alum of Southern State College and UCA’s Community Development Institute, Betsy has served on the boards of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Arkansas Festival Association, the Pope County Extension Council, and the Governor’s Mansion Advisory Council. She is also a National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Certified Main Street Manager. In all of her positions, Betsy has worked closely with state agencies, city and county officials, downtown merchants, and property owners concerning the revitalization and redevelopment of properties within the historic heart of the city. Betsy understands the economic impact of how preserving community character plays into community growth and development. Betsy admitted that when she first started in her role she didn’t intend to stay on for a quarter century, but she soon realized her position was more than a job. It was that passion and a commitment to seeing the full potential of downtown flourish that motivated her to stay. It was knowing that as soon as one project was complete another would start, and caring so deeply to see the plans followed through to completion kept Betsy planted and dedicated. “Right now downtown is in a really good place,” said Betsy. “Perfect time to hand it off to someone who can keep the momentum moving forward, and the board of directors is well positioned to see the organization move into the future.” Throughout her years as director, Betsy has achieved high honors including recognition as Main Street Arkansas’ Executive Director of the Year in 1998. She was selected as a recipient of Women’s Life Award presented by Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in 2000, named as the 2006 Outstanding Woman of the year by The Courier, and presented with the Key to the City of Russellville in 2016 by Mayor Randy Horton. However, Betsy will be the first to tell you that her most significant achievements have involved seeing downtown reborn and thriving once again. “In our annual report for last year, we had over one-million dollars of improvements take place in downtown,” said Betsy. “But when we recapped our 25 years, we had over 10 million dollars in projects that Main Street Russellville had taken on in the effort to restore, renew and revitalize the downtown district.” Betsy knows it takes a village to succeed in any accomplishments no matter how big or small. “Communities everywhere are seeing how important the heart of their cities is to the city as a whole,” said Betsy. “Moreover, even though my mission field is downtown, I’m just a small slice of the community development pie because everything that goes on in a community also works toward making that community a better place and reaching its full potential. Main Street is that slice that just happens to work toward the downtown district, truly the heart and soul of a city.” Betsy believes that success in a community doesn’t hinge on just one idea. “There is no such thing as a silver bullet, there is never a single thing that will push you over the top,” said Betsy. “Instead, it’s the domino effect. The brickby-brick, two-step-forward-one-step-back building on those past successes. But the two most important aspects regarding growing and developing downtown is the vibrancy and dynamic.” Betsy said that growing the cultural side of a community and combining it with a city hub aspect gives the community a reason to come downtown. “And the perception, how people view their community, has been elevated.” No good deeds come without challenges, and as towns grow the focus is on expansion and infrastructure. But Betsy always believed that while accommodating growth, you should maintain what you already have. In her case, that was the center of the community — downtown.

APRIL 2018

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The changes to Russellville's historic downtown from prior to Betsy Mcguire to today are remarkable. For 25 years Betsy has been committed to making Main Street and downtown Russellville the best it can be. She has been dedicated, thoughtful and visionary with many ideas that have positively impacted and contributed to the success that is being recognized today, including two awards from Main Street Arkansas this year. Over the years Betsy leveraged the support of volunteers, downtown property owners, state and local resources, grants and many other creative endeavors until today she is respected and supported both by her constituents and her peers. And she is not leaving with the cupboards bare. Main Street is prepared to continue to thrive and further improve with many programs and initiatives already in place to ensure that the continuation of this progress can be anticipated. Mayor Randall L. Horton CITY OF RUSSELLVILLE

“When I came back to Russellville in 2015 after 13 years of being away, I was pleasantly surprised to see how much the downtown district had grown and improved. The more I learned about the efforts and strides behind those changes, the more I learned about Betsy McGuire. She had a vision of what our downtown could become, about the opportunities

“I’ve only been downtown for about three years, but Betsy has always been helpful when I have approached her with an issue or idea. She goes above and beyond for the downtown area.” Kim Nanthalansy KOB JAI THAI RESTAURANT

it could offer our community and hometown businesses, and the clarity to understand what a wonderful asset a thriving downtown could be here in Russellville. She listens with piercing attention to her community members and merchants to try and understand their needs, and she understands that our downtown community as a whole is larger than the sum of its parts. As I have opened my business downtown, Betsy has always met me with an open door and support. She is a fabulous person who has been an invaluable asset to our downtown, and my only regret is not having overlapped her tenure here longer. She will be missed, and we are a better community for having her in it.” Misty Barron A BEAUTIFUL MESS 10

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ APRIL 2018

“Not only do I ‘shop, dine, and unwind’ in Russellville Downtown, I also live and work here as well. I have seen, from start to finish, so many incredible projects funded by grants that Betsy has assisted building owners in obtaining. She is the powerhouse behind the downtown revitalization while carefully preserving the district’s character. Betsy’s energy, vision, and passion for Russellville Downtown will be missed. What a legacy!” Yanci Walker C&D DRUG STORE

“As a new business to downtown Russellville, I was honored that Betsy made time to come to our opening night. I enjoyed speaking to her and she was very supportive of our endeavors.”

Kimberly Taylor

WEST MAIN GALLERY

“I just want to thank Betsy for her years of service and being a good friend. She has been a blast to work with trying to make downtown a great place for the city of Russellville. It is in a much better place because of her efforts. She has helped me and many other downtowners get funding to improve our buildings and keep us competitive in the business environment. Thanks for everything and we’ll be seeing you around.” R. D. Walker

C&D DRUG STORE

“Betsy was instrumental in transforming downtown Russellville from a place that had many empty storefronts to an inviting area where it is hard to find a parking spot. She has been so warm and helpful to me, especially when I was preparing to open B Street Books, offering sage advice and hooking me up with the right people to find a storefront. Her constant presence as a downtown leader will be missed.” Anna Moses B STREET BOOKS

“Betsy’s warm smile, cheerful demeanor, and swishing ponytail have been such an integral part of Downtown Russellville for years. Her work as a liaison between the city of Russellville and downtown business owners was very much appreciated. She was dedicated to the growth and preservation of our historic part of Main Street, and she will be greatly missed.” Sarah Clower THE SCARLET LOCKE HAIR LOUNGE

APRIL 2018

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"Betsy McGuire is someone that all downtowns need to have at least once in their lifespan. She has encouraged people to rethink the Main Street district as a place where all are welcome and has made it feel like a home-away-from-home. From the relationships she has with business owners, to her ability to draw anyone into a wider downtown discussion without alienating them, she has fought long and hard to make Russellville Downtown what it is today. I first met Betsy when I was ready to jump into the downtown scene with my design agency. She helped identify places that would suit my business, gives fantastic advice, and never makes a decision without hearing it out completely. She has brought me out of my shell by seeing the potential I was blind to, and in doing so, helped change my life for the better. She is leaving an amazing legacy, and I know everyone downtown will do their best to keep her vision alive and build on it in a way we know will make her proud. Shopping Small is something she wholeheartedly believes in, and the local merchants knew we had a champion in her. I know great thing lies ahead for her and downtown, and I wish her all the luck and love I can muster.” Emily Young DOG EAR BOOKS

"Betsy McGuire has been the face of Main Street Russellville for many years. The evolution from a mostly dark and somewhat lifeless area of the town into the vibrant, electric, and full of life center of town that we see today has been the culmination of Betsy's love, dedication, and passion for downtown Russellville. She has been the driving force behind many of the improvements to the most prominent projects; she has been available to help in any way needed. The new, revitalized downtown Russellville is very much due to the hard work and efforts of Betsy." Bill Newton

Betsy truly believes that downtown is the window to the soul of your community. The love and commitment she’s shown while serving with Main Street Russellville is reflected not only in the developments and improvements of downtown but in the relationships she has built. Her absence from Main Street Russellville and her words of wisdom, eloquently spoken and always positive, will be greatly missed. For Betsy, her next endeavors includes more balance, concentrating on her family, and spending more time with her grandson.

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ APRIL 2018

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Thursday, April 26, 2018 | Russellville Depot You’re invited to join us for the 26th Anniversary of Main Street Russellville’s award winning tasting party! We’d love for you to be a part of the festivities. Call us at (479) 967-1437 for ticket and information. Hope to see you there!

NEW FOR 2018 & BEYOND! The winner of Taste of the Valley’s People’s Choice Award will now receive a six-page feature and cover in the September issue of ABOUT the River Valley Magazine!

APRIL 2018

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E V E R Y D AY L I F E

Where chicken nuggets come from Story by SARAH CLOWER Illustration by CLIFF THOMAS

EVERY YEAR, on the night before Easter, my family gets together for a fun night of egg blowing. If you’re unfamiliar with this activity, you’re really missing out. The whole point is to hollow out eggs so that you can stain the shells using food coloring and vinegar. The eggs can then be used for decorating, or hiding, or as my family does, just for something fun to do. Depending on the amount of people you have participating, you will probably need a few dozen eggs, a few dozen nails, one bowl per egg blower, and lots of paper towels. If you’re planning on decorating the hollowed eggs, you will need lots of food coloring, vinegar, a large mixing bowl, a

pair of tongs, and even more paper towels. To begin, each egg blower will hold a nail upright on the table, pointy part up. Then, lightly tap one end of the egg on the tip of the nail until the nail goes into the egg. Repeat on the other end. Place a bowl right in front of you, put your mouth on one end of the egg, and blow really hard! Ideally, the contents of your egg will come out of the other end of the egg and into the bowl. Sometimes the bottom part of the shell will shatter due to the air pressure, or other times the egg blower will forget to hold the egg delicately and smoosh the shell out of aggressive blowing. The results are quite comical. There

Carolyn Hottinger

Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #700833

is usually a huge mess involved, lots of sides hurting due to laughter, and a lot of eggs to be used for breakfast, cakes, or other Easter goodies. Last year, my family gathered at my sister’s house to begin the egg blowing. I stopped at the store on my way to her house to purchase a few dozen eggs, but my sister called to tell me that a coworker had given her several cartons of farm fresh eggs and she needed to use them. So I left the store and headed to her house. My sister and I have a menagerie of kids between us (note: I only have one. The rest of the zoo belongs to her, as they are definitely her monkeys.) But between all of the kids

500 West Main St., #315 | Russellville, AR 72801

Cell: (479) 264-8052 | chottinger@boemortgage.com

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ APRIL 2018

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giggling and egg whites flying to and fro, there is always a huge disaster left behind, so I always start the festivities with a thick covering of paper towels over the table. And then all the egg blowing commenced. We had only had a couple of blow outs, the rest were highly successful, with our empty egg shells stacking up in an Easter basket on the adjacent countertop. “Aunt Sarah! It’s your turn!” My niece proclaimed. I stopped my process of egg staining and walked to the egg blowing table. “I bet I can blow my egg out faster than you can!” My nephew said. “Challenge accepted!” I said cheerily. I sat down in a chair at the table and picked up an egg and a nail. Tap tap tap… I made my hole in the bottom. Tap tap tap… then the hole in the top was made. I held the egg tenderly between my fingers and attempted to blow the contents out of the shell. To no avail. I drew in another big breath. And another. Nothing. Not even a single drop of egg whites escaped. I blew harder. Still nothing. “Ha! Beatcha!” My nephew exclaimed. I

looked up at his empty egg shell. “Ugh.” I said bitterly. “This one is so hard!” I blew again, harder than my previous attempts. Nada. “I’m giving up on this one, my cheeks are hurting.” I complained. “Let me try.” My sister said, jumping at the chance to conquer a task I had been unable to; you know, just a healthy sibling rivalry. After a full minute she gave up as well. “I think we should just crack it, it can’t be saved anyway because there’s holes in it.” She cracked the egg and let the contents fall into the egg bowl. Kerplunk! A big chunk of something fell into the bowl and sent whites and yokes flying. All of us seated at the table peered curiously into the bowl, then recoiled backwards suddenly with our noses snarled in disgust. “What is that?!” Raff asked, completely grossed out. My sister Amy and I peered cautiously into the bowl. And there amongst the clear and orange pieces of slime, was a half

y p p a H ! r e t s Ea

formed, featherless, veiny creature lying very still in the bowl. My sister poked it. “I think it’s a chicken.” “Well what did you expect? It came out of an EGG Amy.” I said sarcastically. She scowled at me. I realized the kids’ faces were stricken with horror all around the table, so she and I gave a quick rundown of how hens and eggs and roosters all work, and the part they play in an egg being just an egg that we can eat, or becoming a baby chick. Their faces still looked traumatized. Slowly, Raff’s eyebrows unfurrowed and raised high on his forehead. “Ohhhhh, I see what you’re saying.” He said, suddenly enlightened. “You’re saying that when an egg comes out of the chicken’s butt, it’s an egg like this.” He said pointing to the contents of his egg bowl. “And when the egg comes out of the rooster’s butt, it’s like a chicken nugget!” “Umm…” my sister started. I put my hand up. “Another time.” I looked at the eager eyes looking up at me. “Who’s ready to paint some Easter eggs?”

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ APRIL 2018

larksville’s 42-acre solar plant is highly visible along Interstate 40, its twenty-thousand plus solar panels reflective and geometric. Once inside the plant’s gates, visitors find a surprisingly simple setup: the panels themselves are attached to steel beams, a few wires, and metal boxes connected to the city grid. The panels are lined up in long rows and installed on a tracking system, following the light from the sun like sunflowers, an oscillating design that allows for maximum energy output. This plant is Arkansas’s third largest solar plant and its only municipal one. According to Clarksville Power and Light, the t6.5.megawatt plant produces enough energy for 20 percent of Clarksville’s city needs, that’s enough to power the city’s Hane’s plant. Clarksville City and Light savings run at an estimated $500,000 annually compared to traditional energy sources. John Lester is the general manager of Clarksville Light and Water, a position he’s held since 2013. In his office on the second floor of the

downtown municipal building, there is a large screen near his desk connected to a webcam of the solar plant modules allowing him to monitor the panels and their energy output throughout the day. A former city manager of both Herman, Missouri, and Chanute, Kansas, John was the driving force behind the creation of the plant. When asked what sparked his vision, he explains that while working for a power agency in Missouri ( a group of cities that banded together to purchase power collectively), he saw some members putting in solar plants. “Knowing the key players,” John explains, “I knew the economics had to work or they wouldn’t be doing it.” John began exploring the idea of a solar plant in Clarksville back in 2016. “We hoped that by 2018 it would make sense in our budget to start a project,” he says. But things went much faster than expected. The entire plant was operational by December of 2017, putting the project six months ahead of schedule. >>

Story by MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

APRIL 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

Solar power has proven to be substantially less extractive gy,” John explains, “it was typically large and investor owned.” than fossil-fuel sources like coal or gas. Solar plants decrease The large companies didn’t see the need to invest in rural comemissions by over 215,000 metric tons and make use of one of munities, so Clarksville decided to do it for themselves. Early our most renewable resources: sunlight. Clarksville Power and city leaders knew this would make the city an economic player Light notes that this decrease in emission is roughly equivaand give the community an independence and economic freelent to driving more than 516 million fewer passenger car miles dom other places could not offer. John notes that this is one of or eliminating the burning of more than 229 million pounds of the main reasons Clarksville was able to create the solar enercoal or planting more than 5.5 million trees. But what makes gy system it has today. He notes there were arguments claiming Clarksville’s plant unique is its this venture as too complicated position as a key energy source for cities to handle. “We see the in a largely energy independent same arguments today around “The easy path is not to do this, municipality. broad band,” he adds. “It’s Clarksville Light and Water amazing how the same stories to take the same old path. was founded in 1913, operatstick around.” But Clarksville is leaning in.” ing under a Utility Commission For Clarksville, the investform of governance. It’s conment in their own electrical syssidered a political subdivision tem proved to be a smart one. of the city of Clarksville. Since the 1940s it has owned its own “Clarksville is also unique in that we have a separate utility electrical utilities. There are only 14 cities in the state that can board,” John explains. “We don’t report to elected officials.” He claim this distinction. In addition to the solar plant, the system’s notes that while he doesn’t have to answer directly to politicians utilities include a 61-megawatt peak electric system, 16 million he does communicate with the city council about all plans and gallons per day (MGD) water plant, and a 2.5 MGD water treatdecisions. He says that his days as a city manager give him inment facility. And they have recently begun to construct a high sight into the reasons elected officials have to be risk averse and bandwidth and high capacity fiber optic utility which can deliver notes that it’s easy to get bogged down in the quagmire of city data at multi-gigabite speeds. government. But John says the separate utility board and a for “Early in the 1900s when electricity was brand new technoloward thinking city culture gives Clarksville Light and Water the 18

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ APRIL 2018

ability to run the company like a business while directing those benefits and revenue back into the community. When asked how he felt about the risk of creating such a plant in a small town he noted that the economics were already clear. “It wasn’t on the bleeding edge,” he explains. “But yes, for rural American, small town Arkansas, it’s out of the box.” An equal player in the creation of the plant is former Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter, now the CEO of Scenic Hill Solar, the company that beat out two others to gain the plant’s contract. Bill says that John is being overly modest in talking about the leading role Clarksville is taking. “The easy path is not to do this, to take the same old path,” he explains. But Clarksville, he says, “is leaning in.” Bill says that when he’s not worked in public service he’s always been drawn to technology companies. “Right now this is one of the best opportunities in technology that is beneficial to society, that is cost effective, that I’ve seen in my lifetime,” Halter explains. “Clarksville Light and Water,” Halter adds, “is taking a posture designed to enhance their attractiveness for the 21st Century.” John notes that the plant’s location on I-40 certainly wasn’t an accident. And, he added, the Board is taking a proactive and open stance toward centering the plant as part of their community marketing, noting the plant’s proximity to the soon-to-be created tech park on I-40. With the city’s strategic position nearly halfway between Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas, they plan to attract the eye of large companies who have increasing sustainability commitments. “If a town can’t provide renewable energy,” Bill explains, “it won’t be in the game.” >>

APRIL 2018

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While John speaks to the city’s goal of attracting outside business, he’s equally interested in showcasing the plant’s direct benefits to the city and utility customers. There’s a bit more expense on the front end, he explains, but the savings come from changes in how the energy is created and transferred. Clarksville pays 5.5 cents for the kilowatts of energy which is a slight premium compared to the 5.3 cents paid for energy generated from other sources. But the savings come from how the energy is transmitted and demand. Solar power shaves off energy peak charges saving consumers 250 thousand dollars a year. Halter

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ APRIL 2018

notes that these savings will be locked in going forward: There are no fuel costs and no one is charging for sunshine. Unlike gas or coal, solar is not susceptible to the volatility of fuel markets. “And it’s written into the contract that the city can purchase the plant in seven years,” says Bill. To make the investment work for both the company and the city, the contract works like this: Clarksville Light and Water is a nonprofit and thus able to borrow funds at a lower interest rate than the private sector. But what it can’t do is take advantage of tax credits, which are currently available for the creation of

renewable energy technology, “We can monetize those tax inplant works, on cloudy days for example. But Bill says people are centives in a way Clarksville cannot,” says Bill. “But after seven beginning to see that solar is in a different league than it was even years the incentives have fully monetized.” At that point Clarksfive years ago. “The numbers have changed dramatically in five ville will have the option of purchasing the plant at a given price. years. There are 20 thousand modules out there,” he says pointOwning the asset will bring increased savings that can then be ing to John ’s large screen webcam. “And those modules have passed along to consumers. It will also bring another layer of come down 75 percent.” It’s also easy to care for and the modules energy independence to the small town. are slated to last for 30-plus years. “The only moving part in the Both John and Bill are quick to name the benefits and job whole plant setup is the tracking system.” creation the construction of the plant brought to the city. Clarksville certainly isn’t the only city accessing solar power. The construction process, exBut its local ownership provides plains John, employed more a new level of energy indepenthan 120 specific people from dence and savings that can’t be “For rural American, small town the region. Jobs included consaid for other cities. Currently Arkansas, it’s out of the box.” struction positions, electrical Clarksville’s system is the third work, and driving heavy malargest in the state, but by far chinery. Once the plant was the largest municipal. “It’s five set up, however, that number changes dramatically. “There is times the size of the closest municipal utility,” says Bill. In most not a whole lot that is required in the day to day,” John says. cases solar plants pass on their savings to the private sector. But “In fact it’s just monitoring and the occasional repair.” This, due in part to the decisions of city leaders back in the 1940s, he says, is another form of savings the city can pass on to its Clarksville is entering the world of solar with a greater deal of electricity customers. independence. There is already talk of putting in another plant. The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly Solar is a method of non-extractive energy production that is positive, says John. People around the region have been calling also an additive to the community. “Those resources wind up to speak with him about how he brought the plan to life in a ruback in Clarksville,” says John, “in the local employment and ral municipality. Sure, there are misconceptions around how the in the local tax base.”

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APRIL 2018

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COMMUNITY

Mullen Accepts Position with Main Street Program Russellville, AR - The Main Street Russellville Board of Directors has announced that Jami Smith Mullen has accepted the position of Executive Director with the organization. “Jami’s experience and passion for downtown makes her well qualified to serve in this position. Jami has an amazing history with the community having grown up here, attended Russellville schools and graduated from Arkansas Tech University. Along with her husband Jim, Jami has 12 years of retail experience as owner of Mullen Team Sports located in Russellville Downtown,“ according to Jennifer Samuels, MSR Board President. Previous to her business ownership Jami was an elementary teacher for the Russellville School District, and Church Nursery Director and TLC pre-school teacher at First United Methodist Church. Jami’s community volunteer experience has included the ATU Wesley Foundation Board of Directors, founding member and past president of the Old Town Historic Neighborhood Association, past president Russellville Downtown Association, Main Street Russellville Board of Directors, and Russellville Historic District Commissioner. She has also volunteered for the Russell-

ville School District serving on various committees and is the current Russellville School Board Vice President. Jami and husband Jim have been married 27 years, and are the proud parents of two sons, Mitchell and Michael. Jami will assume her new role as Main Street Russellville’s

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ APRIL 2018

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Executive Director on May 1st. She will succeed long term director Betsy McGuire who will be leaving the organization following 25 years of service at the end of April. Since 1992, Main Street Russellville has been leading the effort to revitalize Russellville’s traditional central business district, the historic “heart” of the city. Main Street Russellville is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.

Equestrian Zone 10 year anniversary Equestrian Zone is celebrating its 10 year anniversary providing equine-assisted therapy to people with disabilities and invites the community to attend Banquet At The Barn on April 7 at The Barn At Twin Oaks Ranch. The event includes a rider demonstration, chuckwagon dinner, music, auction, and games. Equestrian Zone would like to thank the River Valley community’s contribution to our success of 10 years.For more information about Banquet At The Barn or to purchase tickets visit www.equestrianzone.org. Photo by Kurt Jones Photography.

Arkansas Tech Career Center Culinary Arts Students Win State Competition Chef Amanda Jones and her Culinary Arts students win the Pro Start Culinary Arts Prostart competition. On March 8 the Arkansas Tech Career Center (ATCC) Culinary Arts program, sent a team of five students to compete at the Arkansas Prostart state competition. After months of practice and preparation, the students were ready and eager to put their skills to the test in front of a judging team of 15 judges. The students were judged on everything from knife cuts to sanitation during the one-hour competition. Prostart is a timed team competition in which each team has one hour to complete an upscale 3-course meal, with no electricity or running water on two butane burners. Each team is provided 2 8ft tables in a 10x10 space. The team from ATCC took first place in the State Competition and will be attending the National competition at the end of April, which will be held in Providence, Rhode Island, to compete among 47 teams from across the United States. >>

APRIL 2018

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“These students are the reason I love what I do so much. They worked hard for weeks in preparation and I am so proud of them,” stated Chef Amanda Jones. “They set out to bring the heat to the competition but seeing their faces when they took first place was by far the most rewarding part. We are ready to take on Nationals next!” Chef Amanda Jones was also named 2018 Prostart Teacher of the Year by the Arkansas Hospitality Association. The ATCC Culinary Team is made up of Blaine Fetcher, a junior at Pottsville High School, Haley LeMaire, Hector Ibares, and MaKayla Anderson all juniors at Russellville High School, and manager Jaden Rhoades, a sophomore at Russellville High School.

LOCAL ARTIST REACHES 100,000 SUBSCRIBERS ON YOUTUBE Angela Anderson’s painting videos receive 11 million views Artist Angela Anderson was recently recognized by YouTube with a Silver Play Button Award for reaching the milestone of 100,000 subscribers. Angela has the YouTube channel “angelafineart” where she teaches acrylic painting lessons live on YouTube twice weekly. The format allows Angela and her co-host/husband Mark to interact with the audience and answer questions while she instructs. One of Angela’s floral landscape videos just reached 1 million views and her catalog of 250 videos has a total of 11 million lifetime views. Angela’s YouTube channel was also recently voted #4 in the Top 60

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ APRIL 2018

Best Acrylic Painting Channels on YouTube in 2017. “My goal is to teach painting in a fun and encouraging environment,” said Angela. “Learning any new skill can be difficult so my hope is to provide achievable, easy and enjoyable projects for artists of all ages and experience levels. When I started sharing my tutorials on YouTube, I never expected to reach these many people. It has been a wild ride but it is so rewarding. There is a lot of competition on YouTube so it is humbling and amazing to be able to share my passion for painting with so many folks from all over the world. I am blessed to be doing what I love.” Angle has over 30 years of painting experience. Her artwork was included in the 2009 Arkansas Artists Engagement Calendar for the Governor’s Mansion Association and one of her paintings hangs in the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute in

Little Rock, AR. If you would like more information please contact Angela at 479-858-1242 or email at angelafineart@gmail.com.

Golleher named director of government relations at ATU Ashley Golleher took office as director of government relations at Arkansas Tech University on Thursday, March 1. Golleher previously served as principal at Innovative Strategies Group LLC. Her duties there included building relationships between clients and legislative and regulatory bodies as well as updating clients on legislative and regulatory activities relevant to their operations. Her past work experience also includes serving as director of communications for DBH Management Consultants, senior sales manager for Advanced Tissue DCT and deputy district director for Congressman Tim Griffin.

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SERVICES PROVIDED: • Skilled Nursing • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Medical Social Worker • Home Health Aide • Fall Prevention Program

“I am honored to have the opportunity to work for Arkansas Tech University, an institution that provides a foundation of success to so many Arkansans,” said Golleher. “Not only does it produce more Arkansas graduates and residents, Arkansas Tech prepares students for life and all that comes with it. The students, faculty and staff are all part of making Tech the successful institution it is today and I am proud to b e part of the team.” Golleher holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She is a board member for Child Advocacy Centers of Arkansas and the Wade Knox Child Advocacy Center.

The mission of Trinity Home Health of Arkansas is to live out our values of compassion, integrity, and excellence by providing quality, efficient, and effective health care and health-related social services in the comfort of the 479-968-4544 patient’s own home. www.trinityhhar.com

Baseball is back at Old Bank! Catch the games on one of our 76 TV screens! 220 W Main Street, Russellville | (479) 219-5181

Hours: 11am to 10pm Sun-Thurs • 11am to Midnight Friday & Saturday

APRIL 2018

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Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN Story by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN

YESTERDAY’S (501) 354-8821 | 1502 N Oak St. MORRILTON

Satisfy the urge WHAT DO YOU DO when the carnivorous urges become too powerful to ignore? You crave meat. Poultry and fish? Nah. Hamburger? We’re getting close, but what you really need is a slab of protein with depth. You crave steak. Seasoned, seared, and cooked to perfection with all that earthy essence only red meat can offer. But it’s not only the tender seasoned beef that calls to you with primal grumbles, it’s also the atmosphere. You don’t want bright lights and fancy menus. You want a cozy and welcoming place with a wooden bar and decades of experience in the kitchen. You want Yesterday’s. When you step in to Yesterdays look-

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ APRIL 2018

ing for that cut to satisfy the beast within, there’s no need to peruse the options. Order the 16-ounce ribeye. It’s coated with an in-house marinade, the perfect compliment for fresh, never frozen and cut in-house angus beef. It’s complex but not complicated, warm but not flaming, with just a kick of fire at the tail. The classic baked potato and side salad with in-house garlic ranch are must haves as well. Buttered Texas toast cuts the opulent flavors and textures while a swig of iced sweet tea cleans the palate for another bite of what might be one of the best steak you’ve ever had. Repeat as necessary until the plate is empty, and the carnivore within is satisfied.

APRIL 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

C O U N T E R T O P C R E AT I O N S

Nice and Easy Story by LYDIA ZIMMERMAN, Food Editor

ALMOST EVERY HOUSEHOLD AND BREAK ROOM IN AMERICA HAS ONE. You ask what I am referring to? A microwave of course. According to CNN Money (May 2016), approximately 96 percent of American homes have microwave ovens. Recently the microwave in my home said its goodbye and believe me, as a working mother of three, I rely on my microwave daily. As many working parents would agree, a microwave has almost become a necessity in the home. Whether it’s used to warm leftovers or microwave a meal, it’s a wonderful convenience we sometimes take for granted. So in celebration of my new microwave I’ve gathered some “nice and easy” microwave meals that are also quite tasty. As always, enjoy! Microwave Roasted Potatoes

MICROWAVE ROASTED POTATOES ABOUT Magazine Featured Recipe ~ APRIL 2018

3 medium baking potatoes 2 T olive oil 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 tsp chopped parsley 1 tsp chopped rosemary 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp Cavenders’s seasoning 1 tsp Lowery’s Season Salt

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ APRIL 2018

Peel and cut potatoes into same sized cubes. Place olive oil in a microwave-safe dish. Toss potatoes in oil and sprinkle seasoning over potatoes and toss again. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 10 minutes (cooking time may vary depending on your microwave) or until potatoes are done. Use oven mitts to remove from microwave. Remove plastic wrap carefully. You can sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on potatoes right after removing from oven and serve with sour cream.

MICROWAVE APPLE CRISP WITH CARAMEL PECAN DRIZZLE APPLE CRISP 4 large Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored and cubed 2 T lemon juice 1/2 c granulated sugar 1 T ground cinnamon 1/2 c (1 stick) butter 3/4 c brown sugar, packed 1 c old fashioned oatmeal 1/2 c all purpose flour 1/2 T ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground allspice Place cubed apples in a medium size bowl. Splash lemon juice over apples and toss. Sprinkle granulated sugar and cinnamon over apples and toss again. Spray a 9 X 9 microwave safe glass dish with cooking spray and place apple mixture into glass dish. Spread apples evenly in dish. In a medium size bowl melt butter (in microwave), then add brown sugar, oatmeal, cinnamon and allspice. Stir until mixture is combined. Mixture should be crumbly, if not add more oatmeal and flour to mixture a tablespoon at a time until it becomes a crumble consistently. Sprinkle crumble mixture over apples. Place in microwave and cook (uncovered) 12 to 13 minutes, no longer. Apples should be tender.

Microwave Apple Crisp with Caramel Pecan Drizzle

CARAMEL APPLE DRIZZLE 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk 1 c light brown sugar 2 T butter 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 chopped pecans Pour sweetened condensed milk in a medium microwave safe bowl. Add brown sugar, butter and vanilla to bowl, stir well. Place in microwave and cover loosely with wax or parchment paper. Microwave on high for 3 minutes and stir well. Microwave again for 2 minutes and stir again, mixture should be a golden brown color. If not a golden brown color microwave an additional 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn. Remove from microwave and add

chopped pecans. Stir well and drizzle over Apple Crisp while still hot. Store in a microwavable covered bowl for up to 3 days. 3 MINUTE MICROWAVE OMELETTE IN A MUG 2 eggs ½ bell pepper, diced 2 slices ham, diced ¼ c fresh spinach salt, to taste pepper, to taste Combine all ingredients in a microwaveable mug. Cook for 2-3 minutes, making sure the egg doesn’t bubble over. Stir halfway through the cooking process. Enjoy! Recipe courtesy of tasty.co >>

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~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

RUSSELLVILLE FAMILY FUNERAL Building a new facility to better assist our families. 2757 East Parkway Still open and available to serve you at 3323 East 6th Street, Russellville!

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MICROWAVE MUG PIZZA (MAKES 1 CUP) 4 T all purpose flour ⅛ tsp baking powder 1/16 ts baking soda ⅛ tsp salt 3 T milk 1 T olive oil 1 T marinara sauce 1 generous T shredded mozzarella cheese 5 mini pepperoni ½ tsp dried Italian herbs (basil or oregano will work) Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a microwavable mug. Add in the milk and oil to the flour mixture and mix together. There might be some lump but that is ok. Spoon on the marinara sauce and spread it around the surface of the batter. Sprinkle on the cheese, pepperoni and dried herbs. Microwave for 1 minute 10-20 seconds, or until it rises up and the topping are bubbling (timing is based on my 1200W microwave so your timing might vary). Enjoy straight away! Recipe courtesy of biggerbolderbaking. com MICROWAVE BEEF AND CHEESE ENCHILADAS 1/2 lb ground beef 2 T chopped onion 2 c shredded cheddar cheese, divided 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce, divided 1 T canned chopped green chilies 6 corn tortillas (6 in), warmed Shredded lettuce and sour cream, optional

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ APRIL 2018

Crumble beef into a 2 qt. microwave-safe dish; add onion. Microwave, covered, on high for 2-3 minutes or until beef is no longer pink; drain. Stir in 1 c cheese, 1/2 c enchilada sauce and green chilies. Place about 1/2 c beef mixture off center on each tortilla. Roll up and place in a greased 11X 7 inch microwave-safe dish, seam side down. Top with remaining enchilada sauce. Microwave, covered, on high for 5-6 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cook, uncovered, 1-2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. If desired, serve with lettuce and sour cream. Yields three servings. Recipe courtesy of tasteofhome.com

BARBECUE MICROWAVE MEATLOAF 1/2 c Barbecue Sauce, divided 1 lb. lean ground beef 1/2 c plain dry bread crumbs 1/2 c finely chopped onions 1/4 c finely chopped green peppers 1 egg, beaten 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves 1/8 tsp black pepper Reserve 1/4 c barbecue sauce. Mix remaining barbecue sauce with remaining ingredients just until blended. Shape into loaf in 9-inch square microwavable dish; top with reserved barbecue sauce. Cover loosely with waxed paper. Microwave on HIGH 12 to 14 min. or until done (165°F), turning dish after 7 min. Let stand 5 min. before slicing to serve. Recipe courtesy of kraftrecipes.com SPEEDY LASAGNA 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce with onions and roasted garlic 1 T chopped fresh or 1 tsp dried basil 1/2 tsp pepper 6 no-cook lasagna noodles 2 c ricotta cheese 2 c shredded mozzarella cheese 3/4 c grated Parmesan cheese Crumble sausage into a plastic colander; place over a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1 minute, and stir. Microwave at HIGH 3 to 3 1/2 minutes more, stirring every 30 seconds, or until sausage is done and no longer pink. Drain well on paper towels. Discard drippings. Rinse and wipe bowl clean. Stir together sausage, spaghetti sauce, basil, and pepper in large bowl. Spread one-third sausage mixture in bottom of a lightly greased 11- x 7-inch microwave-safe baking dish; top with 3 noodles, 1 cup ricotta cheese, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers once. Top evenly with remaining sausage mixture and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover with double-thickness plastic wrap, and microwave at MEDIUM (50% power) 30 to 35 minutes. Using an oven mitt, carefully lift one corner of plastic wrap to allow steam to escape, and let stand in microwave 5 minutes before serving. Recipe courtesy of myrecipes.com

AMAZING MICROWAVE LEMON BARS CRUST 1 c all-purpose flour 3 T powdered sugar 1 T lemon zest (zest from 1 lemon) 6 T butter, melted FILLING 1 c granulated sugar 2 T lemon zest (zest from 2 lemons) 3 large eggs, room temperature 1/3 c fresh lemon juice (from your zested lemons) 1 T all-purpose flour ½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt Lightly grease a 9x9 inch microwave-safe baking dish OR line with parchment paper. CRUST: Whisk flour, sugar and lemon zest together. Stir in melted butter. Press crust into prepared dish. Microwave for three minutes at 80% power. Check to make sure the crust is firm. If not, heat for an additional 30 seconds at 80% power. Set aside. FILLING: Beat sugar, lemon zest, eggs, and lemon juice together. Beat in flour, baking powder and salt and continue beating for 2-3 minutes. Pour the filling over the crust and microwave for three minutes at 80% power. Check the filling. It should be set with just a little jiggle - much like JELLO. If it hasn’t set, microwave for an additional minute at 80% power and check again. Let the lemon squares cool completely and then refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Cut into squares, dust with pow-

dered sugar and sprinkle additional lemon zest on if desired. Keep refrigerated. Recipe courtesy of momontimeout.com CINNAMON ROLL MUG CAKE CINNAMON ROLLS 2 T applesauce 1 T vegetable oil 1 T buttermilk 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 c + 1 T all-purpose flour 2 1/2 T packed light-brown sugar 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1 dash ground nutmeg (optional) 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp (scant) salt 1 Recipe Cream Cheese Icing, recipe follows CREAM CHEESE ICING 1 T Cream Cheese or Neufchatel Cheese, softened 2 T powdered sugar 1 tsp milk Prepare Cream Cheese Icing according to directions listed, set aside. Combine all ingredients (minus Cream Cheese Icing) in a mug then whisk together with a fork until combine and nearly smooth. Microwave mixture on high power for 1 minute then check cake for doneness. If it is not fully cooked microwave for an additional 15 seconds. Serve warm topped with Cream Cheese Icing. CREAM CHEESE ICING: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk with a fork until smooth. Drizzle over prepared cinnamon roll. Recipe courtesy of cookingclassy.com >>

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~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

MICROWAVE CHICKEN ROMANO 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to about 1/4-inch thick 4 slices swiss cheese (thinly sliced) 4 slices ham (thinly sliced) 3 -4 T grated parmesan cheese 1 1⁄2 tsp paprika 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder 1⁄2 tsp dried tarragon 1⁄2 tsp dried basil 1 -2 T melted butter 1⁄3 c dry breadcrumbs Butter/grease a microwave-safe baking dish (large enough to hold 4 rolled chicken breasts). Season the inside of the chicken breast with salt and black pepper, then place 1 slice of Swiss cheese and 1 slice ham on top of each pounded chicken breast. Roll up as tightly as possible and secure with toothpicks (if necessary). In a small bowl combine the Parmesan cheese, papri-

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ APRIL 2018

ka, garlic powder, tarragon, basil and dry breadcrumbs. Roll/coat the rolled chicken breast into the spice/breadcrumb mixture to coat on all sides. Place into a baking dish, then drizzle with melted butter. Cook on HIGH for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. Recipe courtesy of geniuskitchen.com MICROWAVE SHRIMP PRIMAVERA 1 lb frozen shrimp precooked, peeled, and deveined 1/2 pkg uncooked whole wheat spaghetti noodles 1 T garlic powder 1 T lemon pepper 2 c chicken broth 1 1/2 c milk 2 oz cream cheese 1/4 c grated parmesan cheese 2 12 oz pkgs frozen vegetable blend e.g. broccoli, carrots, and red bell pepper

Remove shrimp from freezer and follow instructions for thawing. Break noodles in half and layer them on the bottom of a microwaveable casserole dish. Sprinkle garlic powder and lemon pepper over the noodles. Then pour broth and cream over them. Cover and microwave on high for 7 minutes. Remove carefully from microwave and stir well. Cover and microwave on high for an additional 7-9 minutes until noodles are tender. Remove casserole dish carefully from microwave and add cream cheese and parmesan. Mix well. Stir in vegetables. Cover and microwave for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are heated through. Add shrimp and mix well. Serve immediately. Recipe courtesy of wondermomwanabee.com

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SPONSORS $1,000-$1,999 Allstate Amber Smith Agency Andy and Julie McNeill Asurion Bob and Leigh Ann Veach Brad and Kristy Allen Cogswell Motors Don Draper Dover Market Catering - Boyd and Fe Barton Honda of Russellville Leaning Willow Let’s Celebrate Mike and Teresa Wilkins Newton’s Pharmacy and Old Bank Sports Grill Phil Wright Autoplex ORR Auto Mall Regions Bank River Valley Home Theater and Security Rodriguez Cleaning Service, LLC Springdale Chamber of Commerce Sorrells Body Shop Sugarloaf Creek Furniture Three Harris Auctioneer Tyson Foods, Inc.

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Barrett & Associates, Inc. ConAgra Brands Dan and Pam Fouts Dr. Mike and Debbie Bell Duffield Gravel FabShop 104 Ferne Shinn Anderson Jacqueline Gardner Jamie and Beth Sorrells Jennifer Goodman Photography Omega Solutions Ramco Environmental Ruth Narveson Simmons Bank Southwest Airlines Steven and Debbie Elliott Streett Law Firm Taber Extrusions Walt Disney World Whitson Morgan Motor Company

SUPPORTERS $100-$499

14th Street Hooligans Crossfit Aaron Wojtkowski Advanced Wealth Management Annette Mullens Arkansas and Missouri Railroad Arkansas Foot Care Clinic, Danny Aquilar, DPM, FACFAS Arkansas River Valley Gun Club Arkansas Trading and Loan Ashley Bryan Photography Bank of the Ozarks Beacon Tire Beall Barclay Bill and Kathy Smith Bill and Mary Chevaillier Bliss Salon Blue Chip Ice Blue Willow Catering B.J. and Claire Dunn Bryant and Brandi Richardson Carr’s Chain Reaction Cliff and Sara Lou Goodin Cyclone Car Wash Don Dodson Dr. Chris and Elizabeth Stinnett Dr. Dolph and Loraine Massey Dr. Garr and Rosalind Barron Dr. James M. and Wanda Carter Dr. Janeen Wood Dunn Callin Dwight Elementary Staff

Ed and Vickie Stingley Fat Daddy’s BBQ Feltner’s Athletes Corner First Security Bank Flowers, Etc. Forca Fox and Fork Go Caddy Golf.com Grace Manufacturing/Microplane Gretchen Douthit Hampton Inn Hardgrave Photography Harold and Carol Barr Hodge Family Dentistry Holiday Inn Express Hubbard ATV Hugh and Mary Silkensen Jeff Carter - Farm Bureau Insurance John and Debbie Slone John and Susan Newton Judy Murphy K’s Junktique Ken and Kellie Coker Kent Dollar, CPA Kitchen Essentials Kitchen Krazy Larry Lingle and Laurale Lingle Greathouse Leonards Hardware Lowe’s Luxury Pool and Spa Mary Lu Garrett Mary’s Kitchen Matt Cooper Shelter Insurance Moore and Company Realtors Mr. and Mrs. Harold G. Humphrey Mullen Team Sports Nancy M. Canerday Natalie Canerday Northshore Resort and Marina Pam’s Shoes Papa Murphy’s Parkway Animal Hospital Pasta Grill PDQ Super Convenience Stores Pete Grant Peter’s Family Living Portraits by Melanie Primerica -- Gary and Pam Huggins Quiznos Real Practices, Inc. Richard and Sandra Peel River Town Bank

River Valley Title and Closing Rob and Dana Caldwell Robert and Annette Holeyfield Robert and Kay Roberts Ronald and Joanne Owenby Roy and Troylynn McSpadden Russellville Cyclone Cheerleaders Russellville School District RussVegas Half Marathon Sam and Kellie Hindsman Scott and Suzy Griffin Scuba School Shirley Leonard Sign Hub Southern Grace Salon Steve and Michele Purtle Sudy’s Sue Stallings Sumo Taco John’s Tamburo Designs TGIC’s Gymnastics Thomas and Linda Tyler United Rentals Vaqueras VSPA MedSpa Weedman Lawn Service West Main Daylight Donuts William and Kim Sims Wineland Knives and Calls Xtreme Strike Fishing Tours

CONTRIBUTORS $1-$99

5 Star Heating and Cooling Solutions, LLC A Conversation Piece Agnes and Dora by Ashley Donaldson Al and Donna Harpenau Arkansas Tech Spirit Squads Arkansas Travelers Bizzy Bee Quilts Blackwell Liquor Brandi Farmer, Serenity Salon Bri Beautiful, Bri Riley Brick Oven Pizza Brown’s Catfish C&D Lunchcounter Capelli Salon Carrie Boren Chamberlyne Country Club CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers Colonial Flowers Conner’s Collectibles APRIL 2018

Dog Ear Books Doug Lowrey Dr. Tommy and Linda Richardson Eden Meadows Esthetician Amie Firehouse Subs Formal Affairs Four Dogs Bakery Gifts on Parkway, The Pledgers Hourglass Escape Room Infinity Spa, Dawn Combs John and Dean Strickland Johnny’s Ice Cream and Deli Just Dance, Inc. Kansas City Royals Kimberly Bradley Kneading Hands Bakery Kroger La Huerta La Villa Lauren Grace Makeup McAlister’s Deli Merle Norman of Russellville Millyn’s Mountain Mudd Ms. Jean M. Harbison Newton Tire PetSense Pottery Worx Preston Rose Farm and Brewing Punky Lu’s Beach Shack Quick Service Cleaners Randy and Kathy Phillips Redbirds Community Fund (Memphis Redbirds) Ronald and Glenda Knost Rose Drug Russellville Fire Department Scott Family Amazeum Serenity Yoga Sharlot P. Robinson Sportscene Taco Villa Terra Wilmoth, Tangles Salon and Spa The Crooked Needle The Dandy Lion by Julie Meimerstorf Tractor Supply Tropical Smoothie UEC Theater Van Kleef and Vaughn Vaqueras ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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OPENING UP THE COMMUNITY FOR STUDENTS APRIL 2018

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“If you are here after hours, this school is still very much alive,” assistant principal Sarah Stobaugh reported. “But what we were finding is that the bus riders who have to get home could not get back for the after-school or Saturday programs that are available.” Many RHS students don’t have a car or transportation to get back to the school after hours. This need is why the Crown Club, a student chapter of the Junior Auxil-

iary Civic Organization, became involved. Over the summer of 2017, assistant principal Stobaugh started working with the Crown Club on finding a solution to benefit the students who were without transportation not only back to the school, but also students who needed to work to help their family financially. The result of this collaboration is the Cyclone Cyclers. “The Cyclone Cyclers is a new project we started last year and it has blown up in

a good way,” said Stobaugh. “We’re creating a bike room that the bike dependent student body can use to help service their bikes, borrow a bike if their bike is in service, borrow rain gear, etc.” School events are the only reason the Cyclone Cyclers exists. “Many students would come to me and say ‘Mrs, Stobaugh, do you know of any place hiring, but it has to be within the area.’” Stobaugh says the need for student mobility

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is on a broader scale than simply school functions. It’s a way “to help open up this town for the kids who needed to work or to have a way to come back to the school in the evenings,” said Stobaugh. The program started with just a few Facebook messages for used bike donations. They didn’t expect the huge response. All bikes, whether they were in working order or not, were accepted with the help of RHS teacher Chuck Campbell who oversees bike repairs. The Crown Club also has a fund set up with local bike shops for when parts are needed to repair the donated bikes. There are no criteria set for students to receive a bike said Stobaugh. Students check out the bikes for use and return when they are finished. “Criteria is you walk up and say I need a bike, do you have one that works?” said Stobaugh. Students simply borrow a bike for as long as they need it indefinitely. “If you just give it to the student, they will bring it back when they’re finished with it,” said Stobaugh. “And if they don’t then they needed the bike.” But the bike program isn’t just about supplying students with bikes. If a student’s personal bike is broken, they have the option to check out a loaner bike and the Cyclone Cyclers will have that student’s bike repaired back to working order. Since it’s more about supplying bicycles to students in need and not so much about getting outdoors, the Cyclone Cyclers doesn’t meet criteria for bike program grants. The Cyclone Cyclers has relied entirely on donations from the community and funds raised by the Crown Club. >>

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Moving forward, Stobaugh said that the vision she shared with Chuck Campbell, who is also an avid bike rider, is to expand the program. With that idea comes a two-fold process that will consist of not only supplying students in need with bikes but also promote bike riding as a sport and part of an active lifestyle. One of the first goals in this new development will be to offer a bike safety course that teaches rules and precautions for bike riding and will supply maps of local bike riding trails. Opening up the Cyclone Cyclers as a way to promote an active lifestyle will also open up opportunities for grants. In doing so, the Cyclone Cyclers would be able to offer a weekend bike loan for students who want to get outdoors and take advantage of the community bike trails. Stobaugh said the program was named Cyclone Cyclers because they see the program moving in the direction of adding a bike club to the Russellville High School which will benefit students who are already avid bike riders and would like to use their skills to teach others their love for riding and develop the community together. “We recently had a bike-to-school day, which was well attended,” said Stobaugh. “We want to continue and expand on that.” Besides benefiting students who need a bike and students who are already avid bike riders, Cyclone Cyclers also involves engineering students. Jazz Johnson, science and engineering teacher at RHS, had an idea for developing a bike repair class as an alternative first-year engineering project and a way to get more students at RHS involved in the program. “Kids this age don’t always like to ask for things that they need,” said Stobaugh. “So if it’s more inclusive of larger diverse groups, they’re more receptive to the help, a way to bring together different groups of people.”

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Crown Club members are active participates in the Cyclone Cyclers. You can find this group of students in the bike room cleaning and organizing, or out in the community raising awareness and funds for the program. Anytime items are needed to repair bikes, the Crown Club steps in to make sure the needs are met. Presently, the Crown Club is working on remodeling the bike room to resemble a bike shop in preparation for the next phase. According to Stobaugh, a donation drive is in the works this coming spring for both bike donations as well as bike supplies. “We will post on social media that we are taking bike donations and where they can be dropped off,” said Stobaugh. “A work day is also on the agenda where community can help clean and repair bikes.” Helping with the bike drive or the work day is a way for civic organizations to earn service hours and increase community involvement. Moving forward, the Cyclone Cyclers will be looking at distributing helmets along with the bike to address bike safety. If you are interested in donating to the bike program, whether it be a bike, helmet, repairs, or monetary gifts, contact Sarah Stobaugh, RHS Assistant Principal at 968-3151 or email at Sarah.Stobaugh@russellvilleschool.net.

APRIL 2018

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COMMUNITY COMMERCE

Central Beekeepers Supply

ohn Smith, owner of Central Arkansas Beekeepers Supply in Russellville, first learned bee keeping from his father when he was a young boy. “My dad would extract honey from wild bees,” he explains. “Later he turned to keeping them in captivity. World War II was the only time he didn’t keep them,” John adds. John took up caring for the bees in adulthood after his father was unable

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to take care of the apiaries. He quickly realized there was no local supplier for beekeepers. So he and his wife Corrine opened the store in 2011 and it has been Central Beekeepers Supply (479) 968-4044 109 Warehouse Row Russellville, AR 72802

growing ever since. They recently relocated to a larger location at 109 Warehouse Row in Russellville. You might think bee keeping is an obscure hobby left to old timers or commercial ventures. You’d be very wrong. John and his family are more than just business owners. They are also members of the Central Arkansas Beekeepers Association and advocates for bee keeping around the region. The Beekeepers As-

sociation monthly meetings (held every first Monday of the month) fill an entire banquet room at the local Western Sizzlin and they currently have 80 to 90 full time members. “Bee keeping is not just for farmers,” John explains. “It’s for everyone from lawyers to veterinarians to factory workers.” With bee keeping such a growing hobby in the area, Central Arkansas Beekeepers Supply stays busy assisting customers of all kinds. You don’t have to be a bee keeper to appreciate or even shop in the store. The store itself hosts a dizzying amount of equipment with everything ranging from protective clothing to pollen patties to bulk feed to educational books. They serve not only experienced beekeepers but also beginners. “We serve everyone from the commercial keeper down to the beginning hobbyist,” John explains. “I can start up and educate people and follow them thru on everything from bees to honey harvesting.” Central Arkansas Beekeepers Supply share a close relationship with Rural Route Farms, a business which sells bee nucs. Bee nucs consist of a laying queen that is already accepted by the hive and five frames: three frames of brood in varying stages, one frame of nectar and/or pollen, and one expansion frame that allow for a possible burst of growth brought on by a nectar flow. Bee nucs can be delivered to the store for anyone wanting to start their own hives. Over the years the Smiths have created a living resource for the community, an interactive store and online shop where

people can make bee keeping a success regardless of how new they may be to it. “You’re not alone in this,” John says. “ I’m here, just a phone call away.” He says he loves how modern technology allows beekeepers to trouble shoot and support one another. “A person can take a picture of their hive and text it to me, and I can tell him what’s going on,” John says. The store also showcases a wide array of gift items for that bee lover in your family and every customer is greeted at the door with a welcome smile and an offer to help customers find what they’re looking for. In many ways the store also serves as an advocate for bee keeping and honey bee preservation, John says people often come into his shop and choose to get into bee keeping to help our decreasing bee populations. “Without pollination,” he explains, “we loose our food supplies.” He recommends that anyone interested in keeping bees make sure they invest in a good quality book and get set up with a club and a mentor who can help the beginning keeper with any problems that might arise. “Anyone can keep bees,” he adds. Central Arkansas Bee Supply is open five days a week: Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. And Saturday 9:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m.You can also view their selection and order online at www.centralbeekeeperssupply.com While you’re there you can learn more about upcoming events in the bee keeping community, including free beginning bee keeping classes.

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Four questions Story by JILL MCSHEEHY

t’s the most wonderful time of the year. Yellow particles coat our cars, flipflops emerge from the cobwebs in our closets, and daylight pushes our kids’ bedtimes later and later. And lots of people decide they want to start a garden, perhaps for the first time. But like a child tiptoeing to the edge of the pool, they hesitate. They fear failure, think they don’t know enough, and don’t know where to start. As I talk with beginning gardeners (since it wasn’t all that long ago I was one myself) and they ask for quick tips and guidance, I always back up and ask four key questions. The answers to these questions will help anyone develop a plan for any type of garden from the simple to the complex. Why do you want to garden? Finding your why is a crucial consideration for the new gardener. The answer will decide what you will grow and what you won’t. For example, if you want to plant a garden to save money on your food bill you’ll choose crops like herbs, peppers, and even melons -- crops that are more expensive to

Photo by JOHNNY SAIN

purchase at the grocery store. If you want to grow your own food to avoid pesticides on conventionally grown produce, you’ll choose crops like strawberries, spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers -- produce that in their non-organic forms have the highest amounts of pesticide residues. If you want to garden just for the joy of growing your own food, I suggest a small

plot with crops you love to eat like fresh tomatoes or zucchini. And if you want the simplest, no-fuss crops, you may choose peppers, okra, or beans. How much time do you have to spend? It’s no secret, gardening can take time. But if you make a plan to work in your garden every week, you may be surprised at how much you can get done.

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With only a half hour per week, you can easily maintain a couple of raised beds. If you have more time, perhaps you can till a small garden plot. Just keep this in mind: more new gardeners make the mistake of planting too large of a garden than vice versa. You can always expand. But the last thing you want is for garden work to become a chore. You’re more likely to give up in frustration. So start small. What do you like to eat? This question is so simple, yet it’s often overlooked when planting a new garden. You want to grow what you already eat. Think about the vegetables, fruits, and herbs you regularly buy at the grocery store. Which of those could you grow? Start with those. Most people in our area begin with tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini or squash. That’s not to say you can’t try new things. Go for it! Just make sure you allocate most of your garden space to food you know you’ll eat. Then, with the rest, have fun and experiment!

How much room do you have? While most vegetables make themselves a happy home in raised beds or containers, some need more room to spread out. Unless you plan to create a large garden, skip crops like corn, shelling peas, or black-eyed peas. Those take up a lot of room, and unless you’re fine with using four-square-feet for one night of corn on the cob, make better use of your space with other crops. Buy what you don’t have room to grow at the farmer’s market. The biggest mistake, in my opinion, in growing a garden is not trying to grow one at all. I’d love to get back to the days where a backyard garden is the norm rather than the exception. But the second mistake is not taking a little bit of time to plan. So before you grab your flip flops, hop in your yellow-tinted car, and drive to the garden center to purchase your garden supplies, seeds, and baby plants, consider your answers to these questions above, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful garden this year.

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APRIL 2018

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Story & photos by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN

A JOURNAL of our RURAL & NATURAL HERITAGE

How to save the world. First, you’ll need a Mason jar. FOR SEVEN DAYS AND SEVEN NIGHTS THE RAIN CAME IN DRIZZLES, downpours and late-winter mist. When the sun finally appeared on the first of March, the golden rays summoned a dramatic transformation. Spring had been waiting just on the other side of those rains as the first wave of tentative green blanketed the neighbor’s horse pasture. Spring beauties and bluets had popped up in the yard as trout lilies glowed like an ethereal promise in the somber woodland behind our home. And from the freshened rivulets and filled forest potholes came the melody of frogs. The spring peepers and cricket frogs just couldn’t wait until sundown to start their love songs, and one was singing in a tiny hole of water poured from a culvert in the corner of our yard. My two-year-old granddaughter Nixie heard the chirping and wanted to investigate, and so of course we did. Her “Pa” never needed prompting to look for frogs in a mud hole anyway, so before she even asked we were on the way. Of course the frog went silent as we neared. Despite their lusty calling, frogs don’t let the pink haze affect their vigilance. So we stopped to wait and listen as Nixie’s serious blue eyes scanned the water and then looked into mine with a questioning expression. That’s when I noticed a soft, subtle and sinuous ripple in the fresh tufts of flooded grass. It was a salamander. Salamanders aren’t slouches when it comes to alertness, To meet the increased demand for quality pre-owned vehicles in Russellville, we are either, andand theopening little olive-colored amphibian into the culvert’s expanding our business a second location at 1607 S.scuttled Knoxville (formerly as I stood up. But with I knew we could C-Bay). Orrmouth Too willasbesoon a pre-owned super-center overwhere 100 quality vehiclesfind to more. choose from. You would can expect theeasier same great and our popular FREE lifetime They be an catchservice and an excellent introduction to the Mapower-train warranty. Doors open March 1st! "Come buy yourself a car, Orr Too." son jar naturalist lifestyle for Nixie. #morewithorr #orrtoo #firstinthevalley 479-968-4566

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A Mason jar naturalist is as simple as the name implies. You get a Mason jar (it doesn’t have to be a “Mason” jar, any old jar will do) and that becomes your mini aquarium/terrarium for any creature that will fit in it. So I gathered a bait net and jar, and we set off behind the house with the gurgling waters of a wet-weather stream as our guide. Soon we found exactly what we were looking for, a wide and relatively deep pool with several flat rocks in the riffles leading out. We didn’t even need to flip a rock for the first encounter as an Oklahoma salamander (Eurycea tynerensis) still sporting external gills ambled across smooth stones just where the waters gained momentum for a tumble down to the next pool. I planted the net behind the salamander and feigned a grab at it with my other hand causing the little amphibian to wriggle right into the webbing. Then I lifted it clear of the water for Nixie to have a look before we put it in the jar. The next two salamanders came from expected hiding places underneath palm-sized flat rocks, and then we found another under a post oak leaf dropped this winter. We also uncovered a crayfish, which was the first I’ve found in this branch (and I hope indicative of better water quality), and an aquatic sow bug. The two freshwater crustaceans went into the jar as well and then we settled into a sunny spot in the cool woods and watched through the glass in silence. The jar and the water split clear white beams into a prism that danced on a brown carpet of leaves as the usually hidden life of this trickle watched us through the glass as well. After just a few minutes of mutual observation, we set them back into the chilly waters where they belonged. Forty-some-odd years ago, that was my grandpa and me. I’m not sure how exactly how the magic happened, how those earliest memories of watching lizards, salamanders, crawdads, snakes, mice, spiders, shrews, and an assortment of various other animals through the jars instilled a deep appreciation, a reverence for the natural world. But it did. Who I am today — writer, environmentalist, hunter, angler, nature nerd — can be directly attribut-

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ed to my grandpa starting me off with “critters under glass” from earliest memory. Sure, guns and fishing poles played a big part in that development as well. But I speak on behalf of the creeks and woodlands, for the wild things with a passion that doesn’t require an accoutrement. It’s unencumbered. I don’t need to protect a “resource,” and I don’t need to justify the protection of wilderness and water based on the arbitrary value our society places on them. I loved the crayfish, frogs and lizards long before I learned the value of a dollar, and even then I loved them more. I loved them just because they were. Placing a monetary worth on the land and it’s inhabitants — though, I know, a necessary evil — still seems vulgar to me. How could I ever put a number on those memories? How can I place a dollar sign next to creatures and places that possess qualities immeasurable? It’s a desecration of all that I hold dear. I can’t help but think that the reason I feel this way is because it’s more than creatures and places to me. It’s my heritage, a natural heritage interwoven with the warmest memories of someone who loved me and shared with me those tiny, fantastic secrets. Grandpa taught me that wonder is everywhere, and then he taught me how to look for it. I’m going to show this little cotton-top girl that wonder is everywhere and where to find it, just like my grandpa showed me. Nixie will soon have a fly rod in her hand and, before you know it, a shotgun. But her next steps, those that lead into hunting and angling, the circle of life and death, will come after my granddaughter has learned that the worth of wildness isn’t measured in bag limits, inches, accolades, or dollars. We can teach our children about the economics of conservation, about how many dollars equals how much support and how that might save some of our wild lands, wild waters, and wildlife. But industries crumble and markets crash. When we teach our children that the most precious riches are those with an intrinsic value and show them those wonders, which are utterly priceless… well, that’s how we save the world.

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APRIL 2018

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What

we’re reading

Love Wins As reviewed by EMILY YOUNG

t’s never an easy task to write a book about a book that’s full of books. Yet Rob Bell just can’t seem to help himself. And, for lack of a better phrase, thank God for that. In his book Love Wins, A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived (light reading, obviously), he approaches some of the biggest concepts of the Bible, and Christianity in general, with a questioning mind. I recently heard a saying along the lines of “doubt is not the absence of faith, it is an essential component of it”. As I read Love Wins I was enamored with the idea that doubting and questioning these ideas of heaven and hell could possibly be one of the most spiritual things one can take part in. Bell dives right in, asking that if the central message of the Christian faith has little to do with this life other than getting what you need for the next one… then is that really the best that God can do? A hard question to ask, no doubt. Digging into specifics surrounding some of the core elements of contemporary Christianity, he sheds light on some popular claims with that distinct Rob Bell twist. One of the biggest selling points of Christianity is to have a personal relationship with Jesus. The phrase “personal relationship” is never mentioned in the bible. The concept of hell is often touted as a fiery place God sends you to be tormented for all eternity because you weren’t saved. To reconcile that with a loving, forgiving, accepting God is a hard

pill to swallow. And, in the New Testament, hell is only mentioned a handful of times, so why do some evangelicals preach fire and brimstone as though it would dominate Jesus’s Powerpoint presentation on How To Kick It With God™? (Assuming Powerpoint was a thing in Jerusalem.) But, by far, one of the most powerful questions raised was what if we’re meant to bring about “heaven” right here on earth? What if it’s not a destination but a way of life? I find that to be a jarringly beautiful inquiry. Bell once again captivates minds with the discussions around these topics. Whether you admire his approach, or absolutely loathe it, I would suggest giving this book a read through. There are so many potential “oooohhhh” moments on so many pages. However, if you’re looking for answers in the pages of Love Wins you likely won’t find any. What you may find, as I did, is a whole new way to navigate our roles in this life. I am here now. Why would I not want to make the most of it? I am capable of doing great things, to help those who need it, and to show love to anyone that comes my way. When I think of heaven it looks an awful lot like earth. I see a place where the human race is determined to assist in the betterment of each other. I see a place where no one is left in want because of the plenty we all share. I see a place where love is so obnoxiously prevalent that there can never be any doubt as to why we’re here. To love.

Author ROB BELL

“What we’re reading” is brought to you by ABOUT the River Valley magazine in partnership with Dog Ear Books of Russellville. Each month we’ll feature a book review guest written by various folks around the River Valley that know a thing or two about good reads. Reading is the cornerstone of a well-informed citizenry and a well-rounded individual. We’re hoping this partnership will turn into something more, perhaps a movement community wide that leads to deeper thought and discussion. Look for all titles spotlighted here at Dog Ear Books.