ABOUT | August 2018

warrior

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley AUGUST 2018

n

www.aboutrvmag.com

Welcome

Back to School

The administration, teachers, and staff at Russellville School District are looking forward to a new school year with your child. Classes for the 2018-19 school year begin on

Monday, August 13

SEND YOUR LITTLE ONES BACK TO SCHOOL

in Style!

Mike Smith & Margie Smith, Owners 3103 W Main Place, Russellville AR (479) 968-1323 • www.rosedrug.com

August 2018

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

8 Warrior

Boxing transformed every aspect of Tim Amerson’s life — his body, his mind, his determination. And on the heels of a family tragedy it helped prepare him for the greatest challenge of his young life.

14 A Brush with Teeth 16 Camp Mitchell - A Lifetime Experience

Many of us have summer camp experiences.

Endless days of camp songs at the flagpole, tug-of-war and kickball, swimming and hiking, followed by s´mores and stories around the campfire at night. The Right Reverend Richard Bland Mitchell had this exact vision. So in 1940 Bishop Mitchell acquired 80 acres of land four miles from the present site that would become Camp Mitchell.

8 16

26

26 Where have you been all my life?

There was a time in the River Valley when food choices were limited. Sure, we had plenty of restaurants, but they all featured the same type of foods prepared or served in slightly different ways. It was simply life in rural Arkansas. But the times, they are a-changin’.

34 Planning the fall garden 36 Headwaters

32

Trinity Home Health of Arkansas

Subscribe Today!

Have every issue of ABOUT...the River Valley delivered to you monthly! Subscribe online today at www.aboutrvmag.com or send a $20 check for a One-Year Subscription (11 Issues) to ABOUT Magazine 220 East 4th Street Russellville, AR 72801 Call 479.219.5031 for more information.

4

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

ABOUT THIS MONTH’S COVER

By Liz Chrisman

Tim Amerson, a thirdgeneration boxer, gloves up and poses seconds before his bi-weekly boxing class at Forca Martial Arts.

WWW.UACCM.EDU | 501-977-2000

OPENING NEW DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY

UACCM is proud to open our state-of-the-art Workforce Training Center.

Schedule a tour today.

Learn more. Be more.

Kate Gazenko, M.D. General Surgeon

Board Certified in Critical Care and General Surgery.

Dr. Gazenko utilizes minimally invasive techniques to provide a full spectrum of surgical care including, but not limited to gall bladder removal, hernia repair, skin and soft tissue procedures, and the surgical treatment of breast disease.

To Schedule Your Appointment with Dr. Gazenko, call the JRMC Surgery Clinic at (479) 754-6510

MEDICAL CENTER SURGERY CLINIC

Quality Care, Close to Home.

2 Medicine Drive, Clarksville, AR • www.JRMC.com

Your Neighborhood Drugstore • Complete Prescription Services • Drive-Thru Window • Fast Prescription Service • Free Delivery • Easy prescription transfers • Competitive pricing

• Front Door Parking • Old Tyme Soda Fountain • Daily Lunch Specials

(479) 968-1157 • 715 W. Main, Russellville, AR Serving the River Valley Since 1970 AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

5

EDITOR’S LETTER

You get out what you put in

I

’m guilty of it. I’ve oohed and awed about Micheal Jordan’s epic slams and Billy Sheehan’s ferocious bass guitar solos. I’ve gone gaga over spectacular writing from Jim Harrison or Michael Pollan and, after stifling a strong urge to quit the keyboard in surrender, have gone back to revel in the artistry and try my hardest to emulate the masters. I’ve had about as much luck with that as I had in throwing down a tomahawk dunk or shredding the bass lines in “Addicted to that Rush.”

Too often we look for inspiration from other people in the drama of a finished product unveiled. Peering and probing within our awe, we hope to salvage one spark amid the explosion of magnificence which we can then cradle and feed in our own bosoms. A shiny package is so alluring. But as my beard silvers I find myself less interested in the polished presentation and much more intrigued by the sweat and blood sacrificed to get there.

Striving for excellence is a lonely endeavor, the path rarely paved, and often there is no ready path. It’s this expedition into the uncharted where skills are sharpened and character forged. No fanfare. No cheers and adulation. There is only the individual and the goal. When our hero is saddled with additional weight, often

something personal, the story becomes near legend regardless of the outcome. It’s the journey that’s the thing.

The August issue cover feature fits my description of inspiring to perfection.

At the tender age of 18, Tim Amerson had already completed a transformation of himself physically and mentally. Sleeker, faster and and more powerful describes his body as well as his mind. He did it with the support of a few key folks, but the foundation for his incredible rebirth was his own iron will. Even as more weight in the form of a family tragedy was added to his shoulders, that foundation proved strong and steady. And though his story is far from finished, Tim’s legendary status is already cemented here in the River Valley.

As you gaze at the cover and the article’s photos, forget about the lean muscled physique, the hard-earned diploma, and the wins. Forget about the bright lights and possibly brighter future. Think about a boy up before the sun running the backroads of Yell County. Think of boy tasked with being a man before his time and rising to that challenge.

The more I think about it, the more I want to be like Tim. – Johnny Carrol Sain

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley since 2006 A Publication of One14 Productions, Inc Vol. XIII, Issue 7 – August 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 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

Benita DREW

adver t isi ng

(479) 858-9272

6

Christine SAIN

adve r t i si n g

( 4 7 9 ) 970-1998

Liz

CHRISMAN

phot og r a phe r

(479) 219-5031

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

Chris

ZIMMERMAN

l ayo u t/ d e s ig n

(479) 264- 2438

Cliff

THOMAS

il l u s tr a to r

www.aboutrvmag.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

August 2018 1st-3rd — Water World Day Camp at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Dive into the world of water. The camp is open to kids ages 8-12, $65 registration includes meals and supplies. Preregistration is required. For more information contact 967-5516.

8th

— The Granny Awards 6p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Russellville. A short musical written for children and performed by adults. Meal catered by Dover Market. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and are available at Dog Ear Books and Skyline Time in Russellville or by calling Arkansas Center for Music Education. For more information contact 219-5260.

8th — 2018 River Valley Business Expo presented by the Russellville Area Chamber at Tucker Coliseum on the ATU campus from 9 a.m.-4p.m. The event is free to the public. For more information contact 968-2530.

12th — Edible Bugs program at Petit

Find up-to-date information and future events @

www.aboutrvmag.com/events Jean State Park Mather Lodge Breezeway from 2-2:30 p.m. at the. While many of us don’t view them as food, some of the insects found at Petit Jean State Park are part of a healthy diet. Meet Park Interpreter Sam and learn about some of the unique ways bugs are used in today’s cuisine, and try some for yourself. You don’t have to eat any to attend, but those who do will become official members of the “I Ate a Bug” club, and will receive a certificate. Admission is free. For more information contact 501-727-5441.

18th

— River Valley Alzheimers Walk of Love 9 a.m-noon at the L.V. Williams Boys and Girls Club. For more information contact Barbara Jensen at 501224-0021 or email barbara,jensen@ alzark.org.

20th-25th

— Johnson County Fair at the at Johnson County Fairgrounds.

For more information follow them on Facebook or contact Amber Wood at 746-4036.

We make it personal. You make it flexible.

Sole2Soul Yoga owner Nikki Graybill, First State Bankers Brooke Taylor and Andrea Nicholson FSB-004-75x325-print-ad-about-all.indd 3

Su

M

T

W

Th

F

S

29 30 31 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 31 1 2

*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.

25th

— Music Downtown @ Sundown. For more information contact 967-1437.

25th

— Disabled American Veterans Presents Five Band Music Concert at the Russellville Center for the Arts from 4-9 p.m. Tickets are $10 (children under 10 are free). All proceeds go toward helping veterans.For more information contact Harry Komprood 567-5450 or email hokomprood@suddenlink.net

Nikki Graybill helps folks be their healthiest, best selves at Sole2Soul Yoga. And First State Bank makes it possible with the latest online banking technology, convenient services and locations.

First State Bank makes it personal. Every transaction. Every interaction. Every customer.

Every day.

(479) 498-2400 or (877) 498-2400

AUGUST 2018

5/3/18 6:34 PM ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY 7

Story by MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

8

TIM ALLEN AMERSON III was the first boxer to fight at the Russellville Fight Night held at the Hughes Center a few months ago. Usually the more experienced boxers go last, but Tim was fighting early that evening so he could make it to his senior prom at Dardanelle High School.

roads to stay in shape. He laughs about running with a headlamp in the dark to ensure he doesn't run into any mountain lions on the unpaved country roads. He recently graduated from high school, making him the first in his family to do so.

He trains diligently inside and outside the gym.

Six feet one inch tall and weighing in at 175 pounds, Tim recently turned 18 and now fights in the light heavy weight division. “I'm fighting older guys now,” says Tim. This opponent was 27 years old. They went three rounds. Tim was fast on his feet, using his long reach and creative angles to land power shots on his opponent. “He clipped my eye in the first round,” Tim says, “and it started swelling up; the second round comes around and it's hard to see out of my right eye,” he laughs. It was a close, tough fight, but Tim won hands down. After the fight he raced back to the gym, showered and changed into his tux. He sported a black eye to prom.

“Everyone was just looking at me,” he laughs. He recalls his glasses pressing on his swollen eye throughout the night.

“When I was about five years old my dad and mom told me a lot about my grandpa, Tim Allen Amerson Sr.” Tim explains. “He was a Golden Glove Boxer and fought in the Army, so I kind of got interested in it.” When Tim was a kid his grandfather gave him a hat with the words “boom boom” written on it, suggesting, perhaps, that Tim would take up the fighting tradition someday. Tim was young when his grandfather passed away, and it wasn’t until the teen years that he considered taking up the sport. He had no idea where to start.

“For a long time I didn’t have any internet sources,” he explains. “When I was about 15 I started Googling places to go train.” Tim also started calling gyms to see if anyone offered traditional boxing. He found Forca.

The Russellville fight, sanctioned by the National Boxing Association and hosting fighters from four states, was Tim's tenth amateur fight. He plans to fight again in Little Rock next month in the TITLE Boxing tournament and hopes to someday go pro. He lives in the Harkey Valley/Chickalah community outside of Dardanelle and runs six miles of dirt

Located on West E Street in Russellville, Forca Martial Arts offers a myriad of combat sports including jiu jitsu, fitness kickboxing, MMA, and kids’ self defense classes. They are also home to a nonprofit that offers free community boxing classes every Tuesday and Thursday evenings. >>

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

9

TIM AND HIS FAMILY DROVE BY THE GYM on a Saturday to check out the place. “There were a lot of people rolling on the mats that day,” he laughs. Rolling is a term for practicing jiu jujitsu. The next week Tim started working with coach Brian Wilson, owner of the gym. The first few times he wanted to go alone. But it wasn't long before his mother and little brother Owen wanted to come watch. Soon Owen started training, too.

Tim says when he first started boxing he was getting D’s and F’s in school and it didn't look like he'd graduate at all. But Brian pushed him to do better both physically and mentally.

“He told me you have to be the best in everything else too. He started mentally coaching me and I started getting C’s and then B’s started rolling in, even A’s. I actually graduated on time with my class,” says Tim. Brian says that because the gym offers a free boxing class it's common for people to drift in and out without any real commitment. But Tim has stuck around. He's at every practice and gets in work with Brian throughout the week. “I'm dedicated to to helping people become a better version of themselves,” says Brian.

“When you start fighting it always becomes a head game. You are overanalyzing your training. There is so much mental work to do after and while you are doing the physical work,” he explains.

When asked about Tim's first fight Brian remembers a lot more about it than Tim does. “Your first fights,” says Brian, “is an out10

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

of-body experience.” The fighter often has the experience of being an active observer. “You're just processing all of this chaotic, primal stuff,” adds Brian. Tim laughs and says that all he remembers of that fight was climbing into the ring. “I remember the walk up the stairs, and after that, nothing. The adrenaline is just going and you don't remember anything. I just know I had a headache after,” he says. Tim won that fight.

There have been setbacks too. There is an emotional high after winning, but the losses can be hard to come back from. “I lost to a guy about three times a row,” says Tim. “Each time I thought I was going to get him. At the end of the last fight I thought I had him, too, and then they called his name.”

“That guy has had over 20 bouts,” explains Brian. “And Tim fought him to a split decision twice. It's how you process those hard lessons and come back from them that really change you,” says Brian. “We have people who lose and never come back again.

The mental toll of a loss takes a lot on you, and it all has to do with your team handles you, how everyone helps you deal and process.

It's emotional when you win; it's emotional when you lose.”

Boxing is often seen as a solo sport, which is only partially accurate. The team plays a gigantic role in helping a fighter enter and exit the ring. Drills and mitt work in class build technique, form, and speed. Bag work builds power, strength, and endurance.

There is an old adage that no one trains as hard as a boxer. It is

certainly an endurance sport, heavy on cardio.

Teammates encourage one another to keep going even when their arms feel weak and their legs feel wobbly and exhausted.

Sparring sessions — fighting amongst teammates meant to build skill and endurance — solidify skills for actual fights. Sparring is a little different than an actual bout in that teammates aren't trying to knock each other out. But to succeed in the ring against a real opponent, fighters have to be ready. And so they must push each other, giving and adsorbing hard blows to prepare for the real fights. It might seem like there would be animosity between groups of people who like to hit one another in the face for fun.

But nothing builds respect and camaraderie quite like the intensity of contact sports. Boxers are nothing without their support systems and teammates cheering one another on through the highs and lows of the sport.

I happened to be working the glove table at the Russellville Fight Night, Tim's most recent win. All fighters have to wear the same competition sanctioned gloves, 10 to 12 ounces depending on age and weight. It was my job to make sure the guys fighting in the red corner got red gloves and the guys fighting in the blue corner got the blue gloves. I made sure they had to the correct glove weight and that the gloves were on before they headed to the ring. It was also my job to clean the gloves — sometimes wiping off blood — once the gloves returned.

Working that table I gained a new appreciation for the intensity of emotion going into the ring. The adrenaline is palpable. Some fighters pace and shadow box before they go in. Others are stone-faced, arms at their side, and silent. Some fighters are laughing and exuberant, even joking around with their coach or friends. I remember Tim came up with Owen, who then helped him get the gloves on. The fighters have trained for months for this moment , but they really have no idea how the fight will go. In all likelihood they don't even know who they'll be fighting until a few hours before the fight. Everything is an unknown and there is no teammate who can help a boxer shoulder the intensity. Once they call your name you walk out alone.

I asked Tim how he trains for fights. “I go through phases before a fight,” he says. “On the way there I'll sleep the entire time. Then I'll listen to music before I go in and pump myself up.” >> AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

11

“Then I'll eat after weigh in, and I'll calm myself back down so I can concentrate.” He says he'll usually go to Wal-Mart and walk around or take a walk outside to focus. “And right before my fight I'll hype myself back up with music.”

His mother Lulu Amerson is at every fight and every practice.

When asked about her memory of his first fight she says, “The first fight was incredible and beautiful. Just watching him flow through that fight was amazing.” She takes out her phone to show me a photo Owen took of Tim with his trophy from that fight. “At first it's scary,” she acknowledges. “But it's just like watching soccer or football. You know something could happen but you have to trust their coaches are teaching them how to protect themselves and still put out what they need to put out. So I really enjoy watching.

I'm like the boxing version of a soccer mom,” she laughs. Owen agrees, noting his mom's love and dedication to Tim's career.

When we first started working on this story, Tim's training schedule started early in the morning with a long 4-6 mile run, then heavy bag work, then on to summer school to complete his diploma. Later in the day he'd get back to training with strength work and maybe more bag work and sparring sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. He had also started working construction with his father's family business. He had planned to work construction during the day and train every evening. But about midway into working on this story, Tim's life changed drastically.

Kids Matial Arts Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Adult Kickboxing Fitness Kickboxing Yoga

“Schedule your FREE introductory lesson today!”

900 West E St, Russellville 479-214-1245 12

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

About a week after our first interview for this story, Tim's father, Tim Amerson Junior, died suddenly. At 18 years old, right out of high school, Tim was grieving the loss of his father and having to take over the family construction company.

His mother shared a touching story about Tim's level of strength.

Tim had two days of summer school left when his father passed away. “The next morning he went to school and the day after that.

And he finished with a solid A,” she says. “The principal sent me a letter. She had no idea that his father had died. The letter noted how he came in and did everything; he has been the most exemplary student. The letter was heart wrenching,” says Lulu. “You know your kids are stronger than you are at some point. They have held me together.”

Lulu's dedication and toughness is apparent, though. And her commitment to her kids is inspiring. Tim notes that after his father's death it was hard to think about training. He now gets up at 4:30 — not to run, but to get ready for a hard day of work in the sweltering heat. His mother noticed he wasn't training and jumped in. “Mom makes me get up and do sit ups and push ups,” he says smiling. “She started saying she was going to get up and cook breakfast for me, and that was I was going to do a little workout before I left for work.”

Tim acknowledges that taking on the company wasn't part of this immediate plans. He was supposed to keep his past schedule, wake up to train, run miles of dirt roads, and then start learning the business with his dad. But now it's his responsibility to pick up the work crew and oversee the operations. “I wasn't quite so ready for it,” he says quietly. But he is working hard everyday to see the company continue.

We talked about how to do this story, given the tragedy. Tim, his mom and Owen all wanted the story to go on, and to make sure his father was included and remembered. During our first interview Tim's father wasn't there because he was home getting dinner ready for the family, something he did on the evenings when Tim and Owen and Lulu were at boxing class. For Tim's most recent fight, the one at the Hughes Center in Russellville, it was his father who helped build the ring on which Tim and other competitors from around the state fought.

“Nobody out there knew how to put the ring together,” Lulu laughs. So together with his best friend they jumped in and took

over the construction of the ring. She recalls him saying, “Let's do this,” and everyone followed suite. Lulu says Tim Jr. enjoyed every minute of the boxing world. She tells the story about how he pulled his pants legs up to flash a little skin during the benefit car wash for the boxing club. “Some old ladies came to get their car washed just because he was out there doing crazy things,” she laughs. “ He enjoyed every minute of the fights and the fundraisers. He loved what boxing was doing for our kids.”

Tim says his father could be critical and hard on him, but he was also supportive and never missed a match. Though he was a quiet guy, his voice can be heard loudly on all the fighting videos. “He was as loud as as I was,” laughs Lulu. “You can hear him saying, “Get him, Tim! Get him!” Brian recalls Tim Jr's pride in his son: “Dude, the only time I saw your dad smile was when you won your fights,” says Brian.

Tim is training to fight in the upcoming TITLE Championship

to be held in Little Rock August 1-4. “There's a 50 percent chance you could loose unless you're more like this guy and you tip the odds in your favor,” says Brian referring to Tim. “You have to be a worker. The longer fighters stay in the more comfortable they get, the more they can deal with the adrenaline,” says Brian. “And this guy gets better every time.”

You can keep up to date with Tim's fights by following the Russellville Boxing Club and Forca Martial Arts on Facebook.

You can support Tim and the other boxers at Forca Boxing Club with an annual membership which helps pay for transportation to and from fights and individual coaching. You can also make donations to purchase headgear, gloves, shoes and other needed materials for boxers through the nonprofit webpage at www.forcamma.com/community. The Boxing Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-6:15 p.m at Forca. Sparring sessions follow the class.

Get your car back-to-school ready with Sorrells!

(479) 968-3991 • 1903 SOUTH ARKANSAS AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

13

E V E R Y D AY L I F E

A Brush with Teeth SUMMERTIME EQUALS FUNNERTIME as so many southerners head to the beaches along the Gulf Coast during the summer months. I’m not much of a beach person (redheads tend to avoid the sun as much as possible) but the rest of my family, my son included, absolutely love it.

This year was no exception as we all caravanned toward the white sands of Destin. Most of my time was spent huddling beneath a large blue umbrella shoved firmly into the sand, avoiding the burning rays of the oppressive sun. Every few minutes I would pull out my heavy black binoculars to make sure my child was still romping in the waves with his cousins and not heading out too deep into the ocean.

Near the end of our trip I began to grow exceedingly exhausted by the heat and sand (how can the sand get into so many places so quickly?) and wanted to find something out of the sun to entertain Raff. However, his cousins were all headed for one final day at the beach. When I checked the forecast for the day, I was relieved to see that the skies were fully overcast, yet there were no warnings for storms. So I relented and agreed we could go to the beach again.

Raff was delighted to realize I was going to get into the ocean because I wasn’t having to cloister away again under my umbrella.

I love the sounds, smells, and feeling of the ocean water, but I don’t like the feelings of knowing there are all sorts of sea creatures lurking here and there hidden in the sand or amongst the waves.

I waded out into the cool salty water, enjoying the squishy wet sand beneath my feet. Raff kept beckoning me to wade out deeper with him. While he’s a good swimmer he’s not used to the waves, 14

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

Story by SARAH CLOWER Illustration by CLIFF THOMAS

currents or undertows, so I usually wouldn’t let him go further than waist deep. But since I was with him he knew he could venture out further. We had a great time swimming around, ducking under big waves, and being gently buoyed up by the smaller ones.

“Hey! There’s a big wave coming,” my niece Jocelyn shouted, pointing out into the ocean.

I looked out into the deeper part of the ocean and, sure enough, there was a large wave, cresting with white bubbles headed straight at us.

“Raff, hang on to me and hold your breath when the wave comes,” I said calmly. I wasn’t worried about the wave itself, but I knew I didn’t have time to swim to shallower waters before it swept over us. I was only concerned that Raff would take in a large gulp of saltwater and get choked, which often lead to him getting frantic.

We were first buoyed up by the water, and then slammed by the large wave. Raff held tight to me and took a big breath to hold right before we were hit by the deluge.

“You ok?” I asked Raff as he peered at me with big eyes.

“Yeah! That was awesome!” He said.

Suddenly, I felt movement in my one piece mom-suit. I looked down abruptly but realized I couldn’t see anything because of the water. Another wiggle on my abdomen sent me sprinting to the shore. And, of course, by sprinting, I mean that it took forever. Have you ever tried to get out of chest deep water very quickly? It just doesn’t happen.

While attempting to bolt like Usain to the shore and simultaneously hauling my 9-year-old by the arm along with me while screeching

like a banshee, I’m sure I looked like I was having a seizure in slow motion.

The harder I ran the more the sand shifted under my feet preventing me from gaining any ground. The more I flailed around while trying to make it out of the water the more movement I felt in my bathing suit. By the time I had reached waist deep water other beach goers were looking concerned. I was making such a commotion that I saw the lifeguards running over to inspect the situation.

Raff kept asking me what was wrong, but I was so panicked that I couldn’t even form words. I just kept dragging him along out of the water with me.

After what seemed like an eternity I made it to thigh-deep water and suddenly felt sharp twinges of pain on my abdomen.

I could effectively run, albeit slowly, onto the sand bank. At some point I had let go of my son’s hand, and he ran out of the water ahead of me.

“Yes!” I thought to myself. “Save yourself, son!” I just knew that whatever was biting my body was to have surely gobbled me up by the time I made it out of the water.

As soon as I reached dry sand my mother, sister, and two lifeguards came running.

“Something is in my bathing suit! And it’s biting me!” I wailed. I bent over to keep myself covered as I peeled down the top of my suit to rid myself of the sea creature.

And out flopped the gnarliest fish.

The lifeguards’ faces instantly fell.

“Oh,” one said to the other, “it’s just a sheep fish.” And they ambled away,

no longer concerned with my traumatizing ordeal.

A man stepped forward to observe the flopping fish more closely. “I’ve heard of these things but never saw one in person.

I bet you’ll have bite marks all over you with this fish. Their face looks like the face of a sheep, but their teeth are remarkably just like a human’s.”

He bent down and picked up the fish with ease, grasped it with both hands firmly, and showed me, and the crowd that had gathered around me, the inside of the fish’s mouth.

Everyone gasped as they took turns peering into the fish’s mouth. Sure enough, there was a set of teeth that looked as if someone had placed a small set of dentures into the fish’s mouth. Straight and white, that fish could put most Arkansans to shame!

I had seen enough. I was ready to leave the beach and head back to the condo.

Raff and I made it back to our room where I immediately started the shower. There is nothing like having a slimy, bitey, sea creature in your bathing suit to make you feel like you need a good scrubbing. Once in the bathroom, I pulled off my cold suit, and sure enough, little teeth prints marked my abdomen. I knew I didn’t like all the things swimming in the ocean.

Once I got out of the shower and into clean clothes Raff came and found me.

“Mom, you know that they say if you get bit by something from the ocean it’s good to have someone pee on you.”

“Um, that’s only for jellyfish stings Raff.”

“Oops… good to know…” he said mischievously.

FREE WIFI @ DEPOT PARK DAILY 8AM-5PM

AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

15

CAMP A Lifetime Experience MITCHELL Story by MIRANDA HOLMAN | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

Many of us have summer camp experiences.

Endless days of camp songs at the flagpole, tug-of-war and kickball, swimming and hiking, followed by s´mores and stories around the campfire at night. Even the rainy day inside activities were new and exciting. They are nostalgic memories where time stood still even just for a moment, and we were parent free. Some of us seized the opportunity to be away from home without our parents while the other half of us wrote home to Mom because the homesickness was too much. Regardless of which group you were a part of, there was something magical about summer camp. It was a time for transformations, building self-esteem and instilling principles of teamwork that many of us use even today in our adult life. It was a test of endurance, a chance to make long-lasting friendships and relationships and the possibility to be a better person when we left, than when we arrived.

Photos above by Kate Walters, courtesy of Camp Mitchell

16

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

17

The Right Reverend Richard Bland Mitchell was the eighth bishop of Arkansas of The Episcopal Church, and he had this exact vision. He recognized the value of summer camps in the lives of young people, and it became his mission and passion to see it become a reality. During the 1930s, the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas held a summer camp program on top of Petit Jean Mountain every year. But due to limited openings it was only possible for one session. Bishop Mitchell wanted young people from every Diocese to come together to form relationships while living and working together as a Christian family. So in 1940 Bishop Mitchell acquired 80 acres of land four miles from the present site that would become Camp Mitchell.

But to make Camp Mitchell, all that Bishop Mitchell envisioned, more was to come. In 1946 Bishop Mitchell purchased an additional 450 acres from the Y.M.C.A. Then in 1948 he bought 30 hutments from the US Army to establish boys’ and girls’ cabins. Bishop Mitchell´s vision was now shaping into a reality as a summer camp. In 1978 Bishop Keller acquired twenty additional acres adjacent to Camp Mitchell, which included a 2.5-acre lake,

18

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

to continue the vision of Bishop Mitchell. From there Camp Mitchell continued growing. The construction of two recreation pavilions for arts and crafts and a large enclosed all-weather activities room soon followed. Stone cabins with heat were added along with a resident manager house and resident caretaker house.

Camp Mitchell was growing into more than Bishop Mitchell originally envisioned. It was moving from a summer kids camp to a year-round camp and retreat center. In 1970 the St. Andrew house was constructed followed by a new dining hall in 1971. Over the next 10 years, the camp would grow tremendously. This growth started with the construction of the Darragh Cabin which will sleep eight and includes a kitchen and lounge, the Newport Cabin which will sleep twenty-seven, fol-

lowed by the Grace Lodge, open year-round, that sleeps twenty-six with a common room and kitchen. The Canterbury Lodge was built in 1978 and is a full home that sleeps twelve and includes the 2.5-acre lake. A few years later, Camp Mitchell included the construction of two tennis courts followed by two additional log cabins. The more recent additions to Camp Mitchell include the Kelle Dining Hall, the Infirmary, a Youth Cabin and the Seibert Cabin, none of which would have been possible without the support from friends, the Diocese, and the community. summer camps are four traditional youth camps. Each week-long camp offers a specific theme along with a Christian-focused program. Children will experience the opportunity for play, creating, and exploring, and will leave Camp Mitchell with new friendships, craft projects, and more profound faith. Camp activities include arts and crafts, songs and games, gardening, hiking, swimming, archery, and more. And since the camp is located on top of Petit Jean Mountain, there is an excellent history for the campers to enjoy. Camp Mitchell also offers two specialty camps — creative arts and adventure — for children whose interests are more oriented toward one focus.

Along with the traditional summer camps, Camp Mitchell provides two camps that focus on specific causes. The Robert R. Brown Camp is for adults with physical and intellectual deficits. This camp was created by Bishop Brown who shared a vision to create a camp program to meet the needs of adults with physical and intellectual deficits. >>

Today, Camp Mitchell hosts nine summer camps for children ranging in ages from primary to high school to adults with mental and physical deficits.

Bishop Mitchell’s vision from so many years before was now a reality. According to Program Director Jenny Knight, Camp Mitchell has been called the “Heart of the Dioceses” due to the dedication, commitment, and passion of Camp Mitchell’s leadership and staff.

Today, Camp Mitchell hosts nine summer camps for children ranging in ages from primary to high school to adults with mental and physical deficits. “Summer Camps are the reason that we exist today,” says Program Director Jenny Knight. Within the nine

AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

19

Camp Mitchell also offers the Dick Johnston Children’s Camp for youth with incarcerated parents. These specifically oriented camps provide support to the individual needs of the campers.

The final summer program offered by Camp Mitchell is the Latino

Family Camp that is held every Labor Day weekend for Latino children and their families.

Camp Mitchell facilities now accommodate family reunions and retreats, church camps, women’s and men’s retreats, wellness retreats and even weddings. These retreats have made it possible for Camp Mitchell to evolve from just a summer camp program to be a year-round retreat center. It has become a place for renewal, rest and way to reconnect with one another and with an individual’s faith. Retreats can be customized to the group’s needs including a self-guided retreat format where the guests can decide how much or little they would like to participate in depending on the overall objective as well as self-guided groups who bring their own programs.

If you think you or your loved one may be a candidate for hospice, don’t wait.

Talk to your doctor today to learn more about how hospice can provide the care, compassion, and support you or your family needs.

3801 West Main Street, Suite A Russellville, AR 72801 P: 479.219.6211 ~ F: 479.890.2563 20

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

SCHOOL WILL BE STARTING BACK SOON! Let's keep our young ones safe. When you see flashing lights on a school bus, slow down, prepare to stop, and ALWAYS LOOK FOR CHILDREN! 2731 S. ARKANSAS AVE, RUSSELLVILLE • (479) 968-9732 • F: (479)968-0821 • DWANE.AHRENS@GMAIL.COM

Whether you are a parent who is interested in sending your child to a summer camp, a group who is interested in a retreat, or you are just looking for some personal time to rest, Camp Mitchell is the place where you can feel welcomed and at home. With the support of the full-time staff, including the Camp Director and Program Director you will have the ability to experience the full benefits of Camp Mitchell.

Camp Mitchell is always looking for people who would like to use their gifts to help sustain their ministry. It is because of volunteers that Camp Mitchell can keep their facilities maintained. If you are interested in supporting Camp Mitchell by volunteering your time and efforts toward the ministry of Camp Mitchell’s Volunteer Corp, you can contact Betsy Baumgarten

or Robert Wetherington at director@campmitchell.org. Other ways to ensure Camp Mitchellś ministry to continue is by making a financial pledge to the camp. Your donations will help ensure that the day-to-day operations exist. For more information on monetary donations, please contact James Matthews at jmatthews@episcopalarkansas.org.

If you would like more information on any of the summer camps available, or if you would like to apply to be a Camp Mitchell summer counselor, you can contact Jenny Knight at programdirector@campmitchell.org. If you are a family or group looking to stay at Camp Mitchell for a reunion or retreat you can contact Camp Mitchell’s Office Administrator Shelley Hanry at scheduling@campmitchell.org.

Come check out the NOW line of oils to assist with: • Focusing • Soothing

• Relaxing • Energizing

• Cleaning • Insect repelling

Courtesy and Service Since 1958

(479) 968-2456 • 121 N. Commerce Ave. Custom Compounding • Free Delivery

GMO and nonGMO oils available

www.CandDdrugstore.com

AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

21

COMMUNITY

C & D Drug Store Celebrates 60 Years

C & D Drug Store will celebrate its 60th anniversary this August. The store was purchased from previous owner Bobby Evans and opened on August 2, 1958 by Charles and Jean Oates and Dale and Evelyn Walker. The new name came from the owners’ names, Charles and Dale.

The store’s location at 121 N. Commerce in downtown Russellville has never changed, and the familiar brick structure has housed a drug store since the late 1800’s making it one of the oldest drug store locations in the state. A 1984 remodel, which included taking in the former Carpenter’s Jewelry Store, revealed the original tin tiled ceiling.

The snack bar located in C&D has been a favorite for downtown patrons and court house employees for years. In the past, many of the older patrons would arrive twice a day to drink coffee. A state of the art pharmacy system along with custom compounding services allows C&D to continue to take care of patients and their pets.

The renewed interest in downtown has been exciting for the staff at C&D. They are happy to be a part of an invigorated downtown and the store plans to remain in their historic location.

Courtesy and service was the original motto of C & D and it’s the same today.

The staff strives to treat their customers like they would like to be treated. The drug store takes pride in serving the prescription needs of their patients, both now and in the future.

22

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

Pauline Cathcart Memorial Scholarship Now Available at UACCM The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton is now offering the Pauline Cathcart endowed scholarship in memory of the late educator and World War II veteran. This is a $500 scholarship awarded each semester with priority given to students from Pope County and members of Connect Church in Russellville.

Cathcart was born in Russellville on January 2, 1922. Over the next 95 years, she would go on to attend a beautician school, join the Women’s Army Corps, serve in Australia and the Philippines, graduate

from Henderson State Teachers College and devote herself to education for 30 years before retiring in 1981. She understood the value of post-secondary education, and encouraged students to attend a two- or fouryear college after high school.

Applicants for this scholarship must have at least a 2.0 GPA from high school or previously attended college, as well as a letter of reference from a current or past employer, teacher, administrator, or non-relative. The scholarship may be used for tuition, books, and fees.

For more information on this award or how to establish an endowed scholarship through the UACCM Foundation, contact Anne Cadle at (501) 977-2085, or at cadle@uaccm.edu. Students may apply for this scholarship and others by contacting Karrie Morrow in the UACCM Financial Aid office at (501) 354-7574.

Trail of Tears Association Meeting

Pauline Cathcart

The Arkansas Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association will be hosting their annual meeting, Saturday, August 25th, from 1-3:30 p.m. at Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting. The business meeting will commence at 1 p.m. with President Bethany Henry Rosenbaum presiding. At 1:30 p.m. Ryan Spring, director of GIS and GPS specialist with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, will present

a program entitled, “Choctaw Removals through the Dardanelle Area: 1831-1850.”

As Spring points out, “after the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, Choctaw people were instructed to leave their homes in Mississippi and Alabama. This meant each family not only stood to lose their homes, but areas rich in generational knowledge passed down for thousands of years. This significantly impacted Choctaw people’s relationship with the land. And this happened not just in the 1830s, but on into the next century with subsequent removals.”

In his presentation, Spring will discuss removals that went through Dardanelle during 1831-1850 with descriptions of these routes and historical accounts; special emphasis will be given to the lesser known 1840s Trail of Tears routes. A recent discovery of a Trail of Tears song, composed in 1831, will also be highlighted. “I hope participants will leave not just with a mere understanding of the history of these removals, but the essence of the loss the Choctaw people faced in walking away from everything they knew,” Spring said.

After Spring’s talk, we will visit sites within Lake Dardanelle State Park associated with the Trail of Tears.

Questions? Email ARTOTA Vice President and Lake Dardanelle State Park Interpreter Sasha Bowles or call her at the park, 967-5516.

Dardanelle Community Fiesta Traveling Arts Fiesta, in collaboration with The McElroy House and the Arkansas River Valley Community Coalition, will be hosting a free community fiesta in downtown Dardanelle on Front Street from 5 - 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 22.

The festivities will include a performance from Mariachi Amistad de Arkansas, St. Augustine Hispanic Dancers, Chinelos of Dardanelle, and Papa Rap. There will also be children’s art activities and a mural will be created on the facade of Tarasco’s Mexican Restaurant. Food vendor applications are being accepted.

Supporters include Dardanelle Walmart, Tyson, TIDES Foundation, Art4Moore, and State Farm Agent Jess Eubanks. For more information, contact The Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce 229-3328, The McElroy House 957-0551 or Traveling Arts Fiesta 747-0210.

Symphony Guild Horse Race On June 8 a horse named “Summer Luck” won a race named in honor of the Russellville Symphony Guild held at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Doris and Bill Lawrence, Kathy and Bill Smith, Chris and Elizabeth Stinnett, and Dr. Nathan Austin and Judy Lawton — all from Russellville — won a trip to witness the win at the Guild fundraiser, Savor The Symphony. Doris Lawrence had the honor of representing the Symphony Guild as a board member and presented the trophy to the owner of the horse, Gary Barber. “It was very exciting to see our Symphony name in the program and the honor we were given,” said Doris. >>

RUSSELLVILLE ANIMAL SHELTER

Featured Friend

Momma Cur GENDER: Female

TYPE: Mountain AGE: Around

Cur 3 years old

Momma Cur is a sweet, loving, and quiet dog. She recently gave birth to border collie-mix pups who are ready to be fostered as well. Since Momma Cur is new mother, she is nursing and has not been spayed yet. Come down to meet this attention-loving friend and her adorable puppies at the shelter.

To learn more, or to adopt this month’s canine, please contact the Russellville Animal Shelter at (479) 968-1944.

Photo by ALICIA MEUANGMANY

OVER

YEARS IN BUSINESS

www.luxurypoolarkansas.com

119 E Main St, Russellville Russellville • (479) 968-7772 AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

23

Carrie Harris Phillips

Phillips named interim director of ATU MARCOMM Dr. Blake Bedsole, vice president for enrollment management at Arkansas Tech University, has assigned Carrie Harris Phillips additional duties as interim director for University Marketing and Communication (MARCOMM) at ATU. MARCOMM is responsible for creating and disseminating marketing messages and materials on behalf of the university as part of the ATU Division of Enrollment Management.

Phillips holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and a Master of Arts degree in multi-media journalism from ATU. After beginning her career as an associate producer at television station WXII in North Carolina, she returned home to COUPON

Licensed Massage Therapist

Massage • Facials BACK TO SCHOOL Body Wraps/Scrubs SPECIAL Foot Detox 1/2 HOUR $ Scalp Rejuvenation MASSAGE Expires Aug 31st Paraffin Treatment E. Parkway Dr Ear Candling 2003 Russellville

35

479.223.1028

24

Find me on Facebook

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

ATU as assistant director of new media in 2008. She was elevated to director of new media in 2011.

Her achievements have included the establishment of ATU on multiple social media platforms, the creation and implementation of social media guidelines for the campus community, the development of arkansastechnews.com, advances in capturing, disseminating and archiving video footage from campus events and significant contributions to multiple award-winning marketing and communication projects on behalf of the university.

Phillips earned the Professional Certified Marketer credential through the American Marketing Association. She will begin work in fall 2018 on a Doctor of Education degree in higher education administration from Texas Tech University.

Located in Browning Hall, MARCOMM operates under a vision of aspiring to “personify a culture of oneness by collaborating with partners to produce creative, relevant and innovative solutions that acknowledge the story of Arkansas Tech University as it unfolds.”

Sam Strasner will continue his communications, public relations and media relations duties as director of university relations. He will report to the chief of staff in the Office of the President. His office is located in Tomlinson Hall.

The 71st Annual Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry - “Chicken, Pickin and Politickin” Celebrating the poultry industry in the Arkansas River Valley, Mt. Nebo State

Park has played host to the Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry since 1948. Tyson cooks and chamber volunteers prepare chicken strips, smoked chicken and all the fixin’s. Folks are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and spend the day.

Politicians from all over the state once came to enjoy the view, the chicken, and win over the voters of Yell County. With over 2,700 attending and 908 chicken dinners served, the 70th Annual Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry was a great success.

This year’s events include: Chicken Fried 10K, art show, log sawing, wood splitting, horseshoe pitching, live music, and more.

Contact the Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce to become a sponsor or vendor at 229-3328

ATU program named most affordable in America College Choice has ranked the Arkansas Tech University Master of Science degree in emergency management and homeland security as the most affordable online master’s degree of its kind in the United States.

By employing a methodology that evaluates programs on quality, reputation, affordability, value and satisfaction, College Choice critiqued programs in the related fields of homeland security, cybersecurity, emergency management and public safety to determine which one provided its graduates with the most return on their educational dollar.

ATU earned the top spot based upon its low average net price as compared

to other institutions and the fact that the emergency management and homeland security master’s degree at Arkansas Tech was the first in the world to be accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Emergency Management Education.

“This recognition from an independent party is a reflection of the quality of the faculty and curriculum in the Department of Emergency Management,” said Dr. Sandy Smith, head of the ATU Department of Emergency Management and professor of emergency management. “We are pleased to be able to provide current and prospective emergency management professionals with an affordable and accessible pathway to an advanced credential from Arkansas Tech, which has been a leader in emergency management education for more than two decades.”

ATU was among the first three institutions of higher learning in the U.S. to offer baccalaureate degrees in emer-

gency management. Coursework toward the Bachelor of Science degree in emergency administration and management was first offered in 1997. ATU added its Master of Science degree in emergency management and homeland security almost a decade later.

James Lee Witt, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from 1993-2001, was instrumental in the creation of the ATU undergraduate degree and was presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from ATU in 2006.

Visit www.atu.edu/emergencymanagement to learn more.

Recent ATU graduate earns acclaim in computer science education Joe Donnell, a member of the Arkansas Tech University Class of 2018, has been recognized by Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Commissioner Johnny Key of the Arkansas Department of Education for his academic

performance in the realm of computer science education.

Donnell was among five individuals honored as the first graduates of computer science education post-secondary programs of study approved by the Arkansas Department of Education. The recognition took place at the 2018 Computer Science Educators Conference in Arkadelphia.

A native of Danville, Donnell completed his Bachelor of Science degree in computer science education from ATU in May. Joining him as the first computer science education degree holders in Arkansas were Candace Speers from Henderson State University as well as Chris Malone and Nate Vogel from the University of Arkansas. Drake Maltos, who is scheduled to graduate in December from the University of Arkansas, was also lauded for his achievement.

Visit www.atu.edu/cis to learn more about the ATU computer science education degree program.

Farm Bureau knows how to stretch the dollar.

One more reason to become a Farm Bureau member.

Russellville • 1805 East Parkway 479-968-1361 LEARN MORE: www.arfb.com/member-benefits/ AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

25

Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN Story by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN

LINH’S VIETNAMESE CUISINE (479) 498-6495 | 624 S Knoxville Ave RUSSELLVILLE

Where have you been all my life?

THERE WAS A TIME in the River Valley when food choices were limited. Sure, we had plenty of restaurants, but they all featured the same type of foods prepared or served in slightly different ways. It was simply life in rural Arkansas.

But the times, they are a-changin’.

An authentic and growing array of diverse food options has blossomed in our region. With so many new and exciting flavors available I’m having a tough time keeping up. It’s a delicious problem to have.

Asian cuisine has always been one of my favorites (who am I kidding, every cuisine is my favorite), but I didn’t realize that my experience in the genre had been so limited 26

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

until I found Linh’s Vietnamese Cuisine.

First up was a perfect egg drop soup followed by huge and delightful shrimp spring rolls. Next was the banh mi, which is a hoagie stuffed with pork, pickled carrots, cilantro and jalapeños. And then we had what is now my favorite Asian dish — hu tieu. It’s a type of pho, a rice noodle soup loaded with shrimp, crab, pork roll, three boiled quail eggs and more than a dash of heat.

I’ve never been so happy and sad at the same time: happy I’d finally tasted these wonderful creations. Sad that it took so many years to do so. But I’m making up for lost time quickly. My second trip to Linh’s happened the very next day.

AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

27

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

Breakfast?

Lunch? How about Brunch!

Story by LYDIA ZIMMERMAN, Food Editor Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

THE ORIGINS OF BRUNCH AREN’T CLEAR. According to Smithsonian Magazine, some food historians think the meal has its roots in England’s hunt breakfasts—lavish multi-course meals that featured a smorgasbord of goodies such as chicken livers, eggs, meats, bacon, fresh fruit, and sweets. Others theorize that Sunday brunch derives from the practice of Catholics fasting before mass and then sitting down for a large midday meal.

Recently a group of ladies in Russellville met for a southern brunch. They were kind enough to share their recipes with me so that I may share them with you. So whether you are preparing brunch for family on the weekend or having a “getting the kids back to school” girl’s get together party, I hope you will give these tasty recipes a try.

As always, enjoy!

Special "Thank You” to Mrs. Paula Stamps.

Good Morning Marmalade Coffee Cake

GOOD MORNING MARMALADE COFFEE CAKE ABOUT Magazine Featured Recipe ~ August 2018

1/4 c shortening 1/2 c sugar 1 egg, beaten 1 T grated orange rind 1 3/4 c all purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder

28

1/4 tsp salt 1/2 c milk 3 T melted butter 1 c flaked coconut 3/4 c orange marmalade 1 T sugar

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

Cream shortening, add 1/2 c sugar; mix well. Add egg and orange rind.

Sift together dry ingredients; add alternating with milk to creamed mixture; beat well.

Spread dough into a greased 9-inch square pan. Brush the top with 1 T melted butter. Blend coconut and marmalade; add remaining butter. Spread evenly on top of dough. Sprinkle with 1 T sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

CINNAMON APPLE ALMOND SALAD 1 c whole, unroasted almonds 2 tart green apples 2 red apples 2 c sliced celery 1/2 c mayonnaise 1/3 c vanilla yogurt 1/3 tsp grated orange peel 1 tsp ground cinnamon Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread almonds in shallow pan and toast for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. Cool.

Core and chops apples; combine almonds, apples and celery. Blend mayonnaise, yogurt, orange peel and cinnamon.

Fold in mayonnaise mixture. Serve alone or over fresh salad greens.

CHEESE BALL BITES 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature 3/4 c blue cheese crumbles (or sharp white cheddar or gouda) 3/4 c dried cranberries, finely chopped 1 1/2 c pecans pretzel sticks Blend cheese cream, selected cheese and dried cranberries until smooth.

Dampen hands to prevent sticking and form cream cheese mixture into approximately 24 T sized balls. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or until firm.

In the meantime, toast the pecans by spreading them on a cookie sheet and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until lightly toasted and fragrant, for 7-10 minutes.

Cool and finely chop the pecans.

Located right next to Planet Fitness and the City Mall

Cinnamon Apple Almond Salad

Roll chilled cheese balls in chopped pecans, pressing nuts so that they adhere.

Keep cheese balls refrigerated until ready to serve. Just before serving, skewer each cheese ball with a pretzel stick.

Makes 24 balls Recipe courtesy of Judy Murphy and Kathleen Fullerton RED, WHITE AND BLUE CHEESECAKE BITES 10 large strawberries 40 blueberries 4 oz cream cheese, softened 1/4 c confectioner’s sugar 1/4 tsp almond extract Place softened cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar and almond extract in a small bowl; stir until well combined and smooth.

Chill for 10-15 minutes.

While cream cheese mixture chills, rinse

strawberries and pat dry with paper towels.

Leaving leaves on, slice each strawberry in half lengthwise and set on a plate or serving platter with cut side up. (If strawberry halves do not sit level, cut a very tiny slice from the rounded side of the berry half to create a flat spot for it to sit upon.)

Spoon cream cheese mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. (If you do not have a piping bag, you can use a ziploc baggie. Cut off one of the bottom corners of the bag and use it to pipe through.)

Pipe mixture onto each of the strawberry halves.

Top each strawberry half with 2 blueberries. Can refrigerate up to 3 hrs.

Makes 20 bites.

For a different look, could use: Candied almonds, pastel candy coated with chocolates, shelled pistachios or chocolate/white chocolate bits.

Recipe courtesy of Michelle Schoenberger

DRIVE NowTHRU Open Come see us for all your back-toschool furniture!

(479) 219-5128 200 N. Arkansas

524 N. El Paso, right next to Arkansas Tech University! /MidtownCoffeeRussellville/

@midtownrsvl

@midtowncoffeeexpress

Facebook.com/ABeautifulMess200 AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

29

BACON/CRACKER APPETIZERS 1 pkg Club Crackers 1 lb thin sliced bacon Grated Parmesan Cheese or Brown Sugar Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place a rack on each cookie sheet to be used.

Lay crackers face up on a rack with space between each cracker. Scoop 1 tsp of grated cheese (or brown sugar) onto each cracker. Remove bacon from package and cut slices in half.

Carefully wrap each cracker (so that cheese or brown sugar does not fall off) with a half slice of bacon, completely covering the cracker. It should fit snugly around the cracker. Place each cracker back on racks.

Bake for about 2 hrs at 250 degrees.

This can be prepared ahead of time and served at room temperature. Makes about 36 appetizers.

Recipe courtesy of Gretchen Douthit and Mary Davis CARAMEL APPLE GRAPES 50 large needles green grapes 1 c caramel bits or caramel squares (caramel dip for shortcut) 2 T heavy cream 1 c finely crushed nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts) (or, Fisher Ice Cream Nut Topping for shortcut) Toothpicks Poke toothpicks into grapes and set aside.

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the caramel and cream. Stir until melted. Reduce heat to the lowest setting just to keep it warm.

Welcome Back Students!

313 W. B Street Russellville, AR 72801 Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am - 8pm 30

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

Place the crushed nuts in a shallow dish.

Dip the grapes into the caramel sauce and then into the crushed nuts. Place on a plate or waxed paper to set and cool.

Repeat until all the grapes are used.

Recipe courtesy of Doris Lawrence HAM SALAD 1 1/2 lb ham, trimmed and diced 2 large hard boiled eggs, roughly chopped 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped 2 tsp finely chopped onion 2 tsp pickle relish 3/4 c Hellmann’s mayonnaise 1 T Dijon or yellow mustard Put ham, egg, celery and onion into a blender or food processor (seasoned with a bit of black pepper). Pulse (short, quick pulses) 20-25 times to mince. Combine sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise and mustard in a separate bowl. Stir in ham mixture. Chill. Spread as a layer on Ribbon Sandwiches. Makes about 2 1/2-3 cups.

Recipe courtesy of Sue Ann Strait and Linda Rush MINI ORANGE MUFFINS 2 sticks butter 1 c sugar 2 eggs 2 c flour 1 c buttermilk 1 tsp baking soda zest from 2 oranges 1/2 c orange juice 1 c brown sugar Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs. Mix in flour.

In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk and soda. Add this to the above mixture, plus the orange zest. Stir together. Pour into mini muffin tins.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until browned. Mix orange juice and brown sugar. Pour over muffins after cooling for 5 minutes. Remove to cooling rack.

Recipe courtesy of Ann Squyres LAYERED RIBBON SANDWICHES 10 oz cream cheese, softened 1 (20 oz) cans crushed pineapple, very, very drained 1/2 c pecans, chopped very finely 3 sticks butter, whipped 2 loaves white sandwich bread (good quality, like Sara Lee) 1 recipe of ham salad * (recipe to follow) Make ham salad ahead of time and chill.

Mix cream cheese, pineapple and pecans together with a fork.

Spread one side of bread slice with butter. Add a layer of cream cheese/pineapple filling. Spread one side of another slice of bread and place down on top of the filling.

Add butter to the top of that bread slice and add layer of ham salad. Butter another slice of bread and place down on top of ham salad filling. Trim crusts from sandwiches.

Cut each sandwich into 3 “fingers”.

Cover with a slightly damp paper towel and plastic wrap until ready to serve. Buttering the bread slices keep the sandwiches from getting soggy.

Can “assembled” 4 sandwiches at a time.

Use a serated knife to cut the “fingers” and wipe the knife between each cut.

Make approx. 42 finger sandwiches

Are you ready for some football?

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

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS 1 c powdered sugar, sifted 3 T butter, melted 1/4 c graham cracker crumbs 1/2 c creamy peanut butter pinch of salt 3.5 oz dark chocolates In a bowl, mix together powdered sugar, butter, cracker crumbs and peanut butter until smooth. Add salt if needed.

Chill mixture 20-30 minutes until it is firm enough to form into balls.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form teaspoon size mixture into balls and place on the baking sheet. Chill for another 20-30 minutes.

Melt chocolate in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water. Dip the peanut butter balls one at a time letting the excess drip off and place them back on the baking sheet. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Makes about 20.

Recipe courtesy of Elizabeth Stinnett MACAROON SANDWICH COOKIES 2 large egg whites 3 T sugar pinch of salt 8 oz sweetened flaked coconut Jam (apricot or raspberry) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk egg whites, sugar and salt until frothy.

Stir in coconut until moist. Drop tspsized mounds onto baking sheets. Flatten with a fork. Bake until golden, 13-15 minutes. Cool completely.

Make sandwiches with 1/2 tsp jam be-

tween 2 cookies. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days. Makes about 45 sandwich cookies.

Recipe courtesy of Mary Clark and Emily McIllwain CHICKEN SALAD 6-8 chicken breasts cooked and shredded 8 oz crushed pineapple, drained 3 stalks celery, finely chopped 1 1/2 c Hellman’s Mayonnaise 1/2 c chopped pecans 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp garlic salt 1/2 c cranberries Combine and chill. Spoon approx 1 tsp into each mini phyllo shell.

Recipe courtesy of Paula Stamps CHEESE STRAWS 2 jars of Old English Cheese Spread 2 sticks of butter softened 2 3/4 c sifted flour 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground red pepper Cream butter and cheese together in a large bowl using a stand mixer. In a separate bowl sift together flour, salt and red pepper. Slowly blend flour mixture with the cheese/butter mixture using mixer.

Chill dough 30-45 minutes. Using a cookie press process dough out onto an ungreased cookie sheet in long strips.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned at edges. Cool pan on a rack for several minutes then cut into 2 in pieces and finish cooling on wax paper lined with paper towels.

Store in an air tight container. Can be prepared ahead and frozen. Makes 3-4 dz Recipe courtesy of Kathy Westmoreland MINI CAKES WITH BUTTERCREAM FROSTING 1 Sarah Lee pound cake 1 lb (box) powdered sugar 1/4 c milk 1 tsp vanilla 1 stick softened butter Make buttercream frosting. Combine powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and softened butter and beat until smooth.

Tint frosting with several drops of red food coloring to make a soft pink color.

Slice pound cake into 1/2 inch slices.

Using a round or fluted cookie cutter, cut as many shapes as possible from each slice (probably two). Fill a piping bag with the frosting and pipe a pretty swirl on each cake round. You can use a Wilton tip #30 or fill a small Ziploc bag and cut one corner.

Makes approx 32 single mini cakes.

Recipe courtesy of Gerry Summers

Surprise Dad with a Holland grill from Dependable this Father’s Day! Made in the USA

2018 Dodge Challenger SXT Yellow Jacket

$347/mo.

AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY INCORPORATED

Super Track Pack-Loaded!!

“DEPEND ON US” Air Conditioning - Heating - Plumbing

968-5555

Stock #131472 - MSRP $30,985, ORR Discount $536, Rebates $2,250, 10% down, 84 months @3.9% APR WAC

3 1 1 5 E . M A I N S T R E E T, R U S S E L LV I L L E

DEPENDABLE

( 47 9 ) 9 6 7- 5 575

3904 S. Arkansas Russellville

www.dependableaircond.com AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

31

COMMUNITY COMMERCE

Trinity Home Health of Arkansas

Story by MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS

T

rinity Home Health of Arkansas is a locally owned and sure patients are cared for with a team approach.” operated Medicare-certified home health agency serving After a decision has been made to access home health care, the greater Russellville and Hot Springs areas. Trinity Trinity staff will come to a patient’s home for for an assessment operates within 50 miles of each of of all medical conditions and needs. these base locations. Tiffany Cowell, Trinity then works with doctors and Trinity Home Health of Arkansas Trinity River Valley clinical liaison, patients to set up a plan of care in(479) 968-4544 says Trinity’s cohesive effort is what cluding the services, treatments and 1708 West C Place sets their services apart. “We work equipment needed.

Russellville, AR 72801 with the patient, family, physician, Trinity offers skilled nursing, PT, and our staff and teams here to make OT, speech therapy, medical social

Kids are back to school!

It’s time to relax in the perfect temperature, provided by...

Griffin Electric Heat & Air, Inc. SALES AND SERVICE 2605 S. Knoxville • Russellville (479) 968-8555 • (877) 373-2855 Jay & Dennis Griffin • License #122314

32

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

Let the Festivals Begin!

BALLOONS HELIUM FILLS POPCORN SNO CONE COTTON CANDY

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FREE WIFI PARTY SUPPLY STORE MASSAGE CHAIRS

Old School Games.

New School Coffee.

ALL THE FUN. 479-967-1012 www.happy-jumpers.com

2410 E. Main St. Ste B, Russellville, AR

www.thegaragearcade.com 303 W C St. Russellville Downtown 479.219.5232

workers, home health aids, and a fall prevention program. Fall prevention includes a home safety evaluation with Trinity’s rehabilitation team who can also implement a comprehensive treatment plan to improve over all balance. Having all the puzzle pieces in place is what breeds success, says Cowell. “If a patient has their medical needs met but not their financials in order or access to medicine or basic resources the plan will still fail. We make sure we have the resources available to help all our patients and families connect with the everything they might need.”

This includes everything from nutrition education to purchasing scales for diabetic patients who need to weigh themselves daily, she adds.

The mission of Trinity Home Health, say Cowell, “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 a patient’s home.” Trinity focuses on increasing positive inpatient outcomes by encouraging and promoting “dignity, mobility, and independence for individuals in Arkansas.”

Trinity engages in community outreach to help ensure better outcomes for their patients, including initiatives for conditions such as diabetes, COPD, and Congestive Heart Failure. These initiatives bring patients, caregivers, and employees together to meet once a week and create a tailored game plan for each patient. In connection with this, Cowell mentions a service they have recently begun offering to the com-

munity as a whole: a free congestive heart failure support group.

Readmission for congestive heart patients is very high, says Cowell. “Fifty precent of all medicare-age patients readmit to a hospital within 30 days.” Half of that number is readmitted due to congestive heart failure. “Trinity Home Health is committed to lowering those statistics throughout our area,” says Cowell. The Congestive Heart Failure Initiative provides extensive education of the disease process, medications, and readmission prevention. This initiative has been highly successful. Cowell says since implementing the program they have shown a 20 percent decrease in readmissions.

The program began in-house for Trinity patients but is now available to anyone in the community who needs it. Each month they cover topics relevant to CHF diagnosis and offer a CHF blog with regularly updated information for patients and caregivers. The group meets every third Tuesday of the month at Trinity Home Health in Russellville from 1-2 p.m. And every second Tuesday of the month at the Senior Activity Center.

Trinity Home Health accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances. The River Valley branch is located at 1708 W. C Place in Russellville. You can find them online at www.trinityhhar. com or by calling 968-4544. You can visit their Facebook page and congestive heart failure blog at Trinity Home Health River Valley. There you can also find a list of upcoming community classes and support groups.

It’s hot outside!

Stay cool with Bee Cooler ice chests, tumblers and t-shirts from...

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

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

Tues-Fri, 10-5 | Sat 9:30-3:30 109 Warehouse Row, Russellville

479-968-4044

www.centralbeekeeperssupply.com AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

33

Planning the fall garden Story & photo by JILL MCSHEEHY

S

tanding at my kitchen table, I add water to the black, fluffy medium and stir. But I’m not baking a cake (although our family has four birthdays in August). Instead, I’m moistening a half bag of seed starting mix, preparing to plant broccoli, spinach, and cabbage seeds.

I admit, a strange feeling sweeps over me as I plunk those seeds into the warm mix in the middle of the summer. Typically this task occurs with the NFL playoffs in the background, a roaring fire in the hearth, and if we’re fortunate, a dusting of snow outside the window.

But I’ve learned that preparing a fall garden, even as I’m neckdeep in canning and freezing the summer harvest, is worth the extra effort. Growing vegetables in the fall has proven so rewarding to me that it’s now a mainstay in my garden plans.

I didn’t always feel this way, though. When August rolled around and I could barely keep up with the harvesting, preserving, back to school preparations (oh, and did I mention four birthdays?) I couldn’t wait for the slower pace of autumn and winter. Let’s clear out the garden and call it a day, right?

But once I experienced my first taste of a fall garden, I immediately decided it was here to stay.

In case you’re on the fence about whether to put away your gardening tools until the garden itch returns in late winter, allow me to make a case for the fall garden.

Less Work. Yes, it’s hard to plan for a fall garden when the sum-

Shear Style Salon & Spa Let us get you ready for back to school!

Toll Free 1-877-641-2215

(479) 968-7673

1402 N Church Street, Atkins AR

2621 WEST MAIN STREET, SUITE 5

34

Come see us for all of your furniture & accessory needs!

479-641-2220

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

Card

As Always, Free Delivery. 12 mo. interest free financing w/ approved credit.

mer one isn’t finished. But in the long-run, a fall garden requires much less time and effort. For me, it’s a much smaller endeavor. I focus on key crops like lettuce, carrots, and spinach. Those vegetables take up less space than a wildly prolific zucchini plant or a large patch of black-eyed peas.

Less Weeding. As the season begins to wind down and the daylight decreases, weeds slow their growth as well. This makes the most hated chore of them all more manageable, and toward the end of fall, don’t be surprised if you don’t have to weed at all.

Fewer pests. With a few exceptions, most troublesome pests complete their life cycle by late summer and have returned to the soil to overwinter. For example, I have my best squash harvests in the fall with virtually no pest pressure from the squash bug and squash vine borer.

Better flavor. Many cool-weather loving crops offer a sweeter flavor after a light frost. Carrots in particular taste the best when harvested in November or even later.

Jumpstart the spring garden. Spinach thrives in cool weather, and in most seasons it will even survive the winter. When timed right, not only will you reap a fall harvest but if you leave it in the ground, you’ll notice it growing again in January for a harvest extending until spring. Also, you can plant garlic in late October to early November for a June harvest of homegrown garlic.

Enjoy an Arkansas autumn at its best.

Although we all love spring, there’s something special about snipping lettuce to accompany an October cookout or planting garlic on a crisp November day.

Making healthcare decisions can be complicated.

Let Kindred help.

KINDRED COMMUNITY CARE KINDRED HOME HEALTH

Although I do start many of my fall crops indoors, you don’t have to, especially if you’re a beginner.

You still have time to grow a late summer crop of squash, zucchini, corn, cucumbers, or bush beans if you plant in early August so you can get a harvest before the average first frost in late October. On the back of the seed packet, you’ll see a “days to maturity” number. Add 21 to that number -- 14 to account for the decrease in sunlight and seven to give you a week to harvest before the frost. From there, count backward from our average first frost date, which is October 26, to know when to plant.

Cool-weather crops can tolerate a frost and many established plantings will survive a freeze, so their planting dates are a little more flexible. Many crops like spinach, peas, radishes, carrots, lettuce, beets, and arugula can be planted directly outdoors in late August or early September.

Longer-growing plants like broccoli and cabbage need to be started earlier indoors, or you can buy starts at a garden center and plant them in August.

You’ll notice that crops planted in late summer grow quickly due to the warm soil, but be sure to keep them watered until the fall rains come more consistently, specifically when you’re waiting for seeds to germinate. But once these crops begin growing, you’ll be glad you put in the extra effort!

Though most people think of gardening as an activity for the height of summer, it’s easy to miss the rewarding experience and productive harvest a fall garden can provide. If you try it, you may just find that a fall garden is your favorite one.

Whether you are looking for care options for aging parents, are in need of rehabilitation services after an illness or procedure or have questions about the next step in the health care process, Kindred can help.

SAVE BIG WITH MULTIPLE POLICIES Purchasing home, auto, and boat is just one of many ways to save.

479.968.7003 Scott D. Dorminy

Your Local Agent AR Insurance Producer License # 1911079 2300 W MAIN ST STE 3 RUSSELLVILLE, AR 72801 SDORMINY@FARMERSAGENT.COM https://agents.farmers.com/sdorminy

Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies.

Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.

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

479-968-1143

YELL COUNTY GIN COMPANY 709 South 2nd St. • Dardanelle, AR 72834

(479)229-4841

www.mahindrapackagedeals.com

Making your life a little easier is just one more way that Kindred continues the care.

1509 East Main St. Suite 6 | Russellville, AR 72801 | P: 479-890-2730 | F: 479-890-2562 AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

35

Story & photos by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN

Headwaters THE POOL IS BARELY WIDER THAN MY 9-FOOT FLY ROD. Riffles are mere trickles. The creek disappears just beyond the next pool, filtering through porous karst into the soil and stone itself for several yards and then back to the surface. The stretches of dry, sun bleached rock appear alabaster from a distance. But closer looks offer a washed out watercolor spectrum. The subtlety in mineral chroma is telling of the entire experience. You don’t come here for a lot of smallmouths or for big smallmouths, which is probably why barely anyone comes here at all.

Most don’t even know this place exists. It’s a tiny tributary cutting through vertical topography in a backwoods county that’s mostly National Forest. The turnoff from the main dirt road onto what could barely be called a road leading here is subtle, too.

You’ve got to know where it is and then you’ve still got to look carefully. The turn off immediately falls into a mud hole that serves as a moat. It keeps two-wheel drive vehicles out. Greenbrier and overhanging maple limbs guaranteed to dig into paint, leaving a scar that may or may not buff out, frame the chocolate-colored water. No pretty boys allowed. All of this narrows the appeal across most demographics.

My friends don’t understand why I come here so often. It’s an hour’s drive. I live within 20 minutes of much better fishing, and I’m short hours away from world-class river smallmouth angling with regular 20-inch fish that I’ve not experienced. “You’ve never 36

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

A JOURNAL of our RURAL & NATURAL HERITAGE

fished the Eleven Point?” Incredulous looks always follow these type questions as I shake my head with a sheepish grin and they shake theirs in wonderment as I tell them about the smallish bass, the ebony jewelwing damselflies and how a place doesn’t give up secrets in a casual relationship. “Man, why don’t you just drive another hour and catch some pigs?” It’s impossible to explain. I do come here for the fishing, though. But also, I don’t.

There’s a prehistoric feel here. Fossils are imbedded and imprinted in the limestone, which is itself a kind of fossil. It’s the skeletal remains of various marine organisms, a remnant of the

ancient sea that once covered this land before colliding continents created an upheaval of terrain-altering proportions. South of here and across the Arkansas River, the Ouachita Mountains rose and were crushed, the rock folded into east-west running ridges. But the Ozarks thrust upward as a singular plateau with creeks like this one slowly eating away at the softer stone creating hollows and benched ridges.

This trip so far has produced more creek chubs on the wooly buggers and poppers than smallmouth, easily three to one. Chubs hit with abandon. Their big mouths and bronzy colors have even made me second guess what exactly was on the hook a few times.

But a surrendering spirit gives them away. They lack stamina and succumb quickly. Their sausage-shaped bodies covered in small, thin and flexible scales even feel soft. They are predatory minnows, though, a fact that alone makes them cool, actively competing with smallmouth and green sunfish for top spot in this creek.

And they are eager. I fool them with ease while smallmouths and even the longear sunfish eye the fly with suspicion.

I work my way up the creek from pool to riffle through dry stretches, and continue to catch fish. I see smallmouth everywhere in the glass-like water. They see me, too, and they don’t seem to care. They watch me cast then rush the olive wooly bugger fly in a pack. Occasionally, greed will overpower caution and one will grab the fly. I’ve got to be quick with the hookset. They often spit it out faster than my senses can realize I’ve got a bite. None are

bigger than a foot long, and one bite is all I’m allowed from each pool or riffle. One catch or one whiff and I’m done. That’s it for this stretch of water.

As I push upstream, the bed narrows considerably as ridges on both sides compress and tilt its bank. This is the end of my journey today. No more pools. No more riffles. Just water training for its role as sculptor. This is where the primeval force still carving the creek channel begins. Boulders big as cars fill the last pool as water rushes down, cleaving the steep stony soil uphill far as I can see. I doubt the waist-high water would be even knee deep without displacement from the boulders. Witch hazel and tag alder reaching for sunbeams crowd the sliver of open air above.

Backcasts are tough so I roll the bugger toward a jumble of rock and watch the floating line dart under. The strip and raised rod work to bury the hook and a feisty bronze bass rockets from the water, fierce and wild and likely untouched by any other hands.

In all probability, I’ve been its only encounter with a human. The fish and these headwaters are pristine, a word I don’t think I’ve ever used before and the rarest of designations nowadays.

The boulders, this tiny pool, the minuscule bass in competition with minnows, they are all reasons why I’m here. And then there are other reasons that I can’t even articulate. Despite the diminutive nature of these waters, they contain a galactic presence, a connection to something infinitely profound yet intimately familiar.

AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

37

What

we’re reading

The War That Saved My Life Reviewed by PAIGE HOUSENICK, age 10 and a member of the Tween Book Club who meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Dog Ear Books.

A

t age ten Ada Smith has never gone to school, ridden in an automobile, or even left her flat. Born with a clubfoot, Ada’s Mam forbid her from leaving her flat or even trying to walk. With the help of her little brother, Jamie, the two run away from Mam and the bombings in London to the country.

In the village Jamie and Ada go to live with unwilling Susan Smith. Ada and Jamie care for one another while Susan grieves the death of her best friend Becky. Soon Susan realizes she cares for the children. Ada uses crutches and wears a shoe for the first time and makes friends with Becky’s pony, Butter, while Jamie becomes fascinated by the Royal Air Force base next to the house. The air field is a reminder of the threat of the war.

While out riding Butter, Ada saves a girl, Maggie, when she falls off her spooked horse.

Maggie becomes Ada’s first friend. Susan teaches Ada to read, sews the kids’ clothes, and sends Jamie to school. The neighbors pitch in and together they build a bomb shelter to protect Susan and the children. Ada continues to learn how to ride with the assistance of Maggie and Grimes the stable hand.

She even ventures out to the village on Butter and goes to look for German spies. Eventually, Ada finds a German spy on the beach and

no one believes her except one officer. Soon Ada is even able to jump the stone wall that Butter stays behind.

The children celebrate their first Christmas and feast with three Royal Airmen. Ada and Jamie receive their first ever Christmas gifts from Susan. Ada begins to understand her place in the village. Susan remembers how to trust and love others again.

Mam comes to the village to take Ada and Jamie back to London. Susan and the children do not want to be apart. They feel like a family now. The first night back Hitler begins bombing London and Ada and Jamie barely survive. Susan journeys to London and finds them in the street with demolished buildings everywhere. When they return to Susan’s house it is destroyed, but Butter is safe and the villagers are relieved that Susan and the children were also safe.

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley does a stellar job detailing Ada and Jamie’s journey. The reader becomes acquainted with each of the characters as they learn to trust one another as they become a family. My favorite part is when Ada and Susan come to the aid of wounded soldiers from Dunkirk. Ada serves them tea along with her new friend, Daisy. I like that part because Ada works hard even though her clubfoot hurts.

Author KIMBERLY BRUBAKER BRADLEY (Winner of the 2018 Charlie May Simon Award)

“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.

SPONSORED BY

Dog Ear Books CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR UPCOMING EVENTS!

THIRD SATURDAY Open Mic Night

THIRD THURSDAY Adult Book Club

301 W Main St, Dog Ear Books • (479) 219-5123 • www.ilovedogear.com 38

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ AUGUST 2018

FOURTH TUESDAY Tween book club

Engagements 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.)

August

October

4th: Jacey Neagles & Colten Sikes

6th: Meagan Oxendine & Austin Thomas

25th: Callie Monk & Rob Jacobson

13th: Leighann Dicks & Cory Thone

City Mall • Russellville • (479) 968-3001

25th: Jennifer Milligan & Phillip Lawrence 20th: Hannah Barnett & Matt Lutz 26th: Brian Irwin & Arthur Stewart

27th: Kara Barnhouse & Kenn Withers

31st: Catherine Ford & Justin Sukup

TBA: Ana Abarca & Nathaniel Cummings Borealis

September

November

8th: Breanna Alverson & Dustin Jones

17th: Elizabeth Pearce & Michael Bynum

2320 West Main, Rsvl (479) 968-6464 Monday-Saturday 9:30-6:00

December 2018

Follow Us to

22nd: Sydney Johnson & Dalton Madden 22nd: Rachael Mackie & Dillon Liechty 22nd: Sydney Thomas & Austen Cathcart

8th: Valerie Breashears & Chris Dodson

28th: Sara Taylor & Abel Newton

January

29th: Laura Kobs & John Macauley

5th: Brook East & Will Hanna

Atom Sling Refugio

29th: Emily Trower & Greg Hamblock

BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE

317 W. B STREET RUSSELLVILLE, AR

The Scarlet Locke Hair Lounge has space available for an experienced and fun sylist with clientele. Booth space is $85.00 per week.

We are in the heart of downtown Russellville and the only salon with a full beverage bar.

Call 479-747-3111 for more information.

Antiques Collectibles Home Decor Gifts & More Mon-Sat 10am-6pm • Sun 1-5pm 1612 S. Arkansas, Russellville

479-968-3865

AUGUST 2018

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

39