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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley December 2012

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December 2012

8 History Repeats Itself

The grand 110-year old Greek Revival mansion at 214 East Fifth St. in Russellville has been known by several names including “Wilsonia,” the “WilsonThurlby” house and most recently “Belle Helene Bess.”

Hospice Home Celebrates First Year of Serving Families

8 18

about | our cover Photo by Steve Newby

Formerly known as both “Wilsonia” and the “Wilson-Thurbly” house, the 110-year old mansion at 214 East Fifth Street in Russellville has now debuted as “Belle Helene Bess” by new owner Todd Sweeden. Named after his late mother, the 5,500 sq. ft. brick home has been lavishly decorated for the holidays and will also be available for small private events. Join us in sharing, “History Repeats Itself at Belle Helene Bess,” beginning on page 8.

4 ABOUT | December 2012

ABOUT...Service

Gifts of Love

Be a Santa to a Senior

The True Spirit of Christmas

Veteran's Day Parade

The North Pole is as much a state of mind as it is a geographic location. If you put your finger at the top of a globe you’re pointing at the geographic North Pole. The return trip would be much less complicated. Just head south..

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about | community 3rd Winter Wonderland

Russellville’s drive through Christmas light display returns thanks to the continued support of many businesses in the area. There are several more displays for our community and surrounding areas to enjoy during the 2012 holiday season. The opening night of the lights display was Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, at Pleasant View Park. This display will be open every Friday and Saturday from 6-10 p.m. until December 15. Then it will be open December 19 through Christmas Eve, which is the last evening. New this year are an ice skating rink that will be open the 19th - 24th, and Santa will be available every Saturday night for pictures. The live nativity scene will be on display and the Russellville Kiwanis Club will be selling hot cocoa and food out of their concession stand. There will be a $5 donation requested to view the light display. For more information on this event call Christie Graham at (479) 967-1762 or visit discoverrussellville.org.

Winter at the Lake: “A Celebration of our Natural Wonders”

Bring the whole family to the park for this one day winter event. On Saturday, Dec. 15, there will be programs, crafts, and refreshments all free of charge. Activities will be going on starting at 9 a.m. and ending with the trimming of our tree at 5 p.m. Step out of the cold and into the Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center and warm up with some hot spiced tea and hot chocolate. Catch up on some Christmas shopping during the 25%

RUSSELLVILLE

2012

off sale in the gift shop. During the day you will get a chance to make some bird ornaments for your tree at home, create a bird feeder made from recycled materials, and measure up to an Eagle. Get creative and help feed our winter birds by making some edible ornaments to decorate our tree. Come learn about how nature and animals change during the winter at the educational programs that will be offered throughout the day. We will also be selling some harvested Red and Ohio Buckeyes from the park’s Heritage Garden during the day at the visitor center. Come get your “Lucky Piece!” The day will end with the ceremonial trimming of the Master Naturalist bird feeding tree. Activities will be going on starting at 9 a.m. and ending with the tree trimming at 5 p.m.

Lake Dardanelle State Park is one of the 52 state parks administered by the State Parks Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. The park offers two areas on 34,300-acre Lake Dardanelle. The Russellville (main park) and Dardanelle locations both offer camping, marinas, launch ramps, standard pavilions, picnic sites, restrooms, and bathhouses. Along with the visitor center and fishing tournament weigh-in pavilion, the Russellville area offers a barrier-free fishing pier and nature trail. Year-round interpretive programs are offered at the Russellville area. To reach each park: 1) Russellville Area -Take Exit #81 (Ark. 7) off I-40 at Russellville. Turn south, then immediately turn west on Ark. 326 and go four miles; 2) Dardanelle Area -- Go four miles west of Dardanelle on Ark. 22. Continued on page 21

December 2012 | ABOUT 5

A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

ABOUT

An Angel Gets Its Wings

the River Valley

Years after this Christmas photo was taken I noticed the “Charlie Brown-like” tree behind me. This had always been one of my favorite Christmas photos, taken while I posed on my grandmother’s foot stool with my white “fur” hat and hand muff that I wore so proudly. I was four when this picture was taken at my Grandmother Siler’s home in Louisiana. I remember the holiday well. It was one of the few where her entire broad was able to gather. My grandfather, “Dandy,” was still living. There was my Aunt Joan and Uncle Noel from Oklahoma, bringing with them my older cousins – Stephen, Jeanene, Terry Don and Melanie. Along with me and my parents, Richard and Sue Siler, and my dad’s younger sister and her family, my Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Sonny, and their (then) two children – Laura Lee and Lisa – were there. It was a small home but filled with the joy that only Christmas and family can bring. Recently when I was going through old photos, I came upon this particular picture and began to study it once again. What I had not seen before was the sparse decorations hanging on the tree behind me. It confused me because I remember the orchestration of testing and hanging the light strands, and carefully unwrapping the delicate ornaments that Grandmother had brought from the farm in Oklahoma. I remember the tiny metal bell and the spiked snowflake ornaments that were oddly metallic-colored for the time. She had so many treasures that she allowed her grandchildren to help hang on the tree that Dandy had cut down in the woods and placed in the corner of her tiny living room. So why was this tree so bare? Surely it was not the glorious tree I recalled from my childhood days? And then it hit me. With so much chaos of food, family and presents, my photo was taken as the un-decorating was in process. After the dust had settled and the family was departing and saying their goodbyes, we had time for more photos. Hence the “Charlie Brown” tree behind my priceless photo. Last year I opened the box of Christmas ornaments that my parents and I had placed year after year upon our own family tree. In addition to the hand-made ornaments that I had made and given them over the years, there were the special ones passed along from other family members. And this year as I delicately unwrap that tiny silver bell that was my dad’s and hung upon my grandmother’s tree for years, I will recall the famous line from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” – “Teacher says every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” Merry Christmas to all those of you whose angels have gone on before you, and to our loyal Dianne Edwards, Editor/Publisher readers, advertisers and associates who have made 479.970.6628 ABOUT... the River Valley Magazine possible. editor@aboutrvmag.com

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. VII, Issue 10 – December 2012 Owners: Nolan and Dianne Edwards DIANNE EDWARDS | editor editor@aboutrvmag.com CHRISTINE WOJTKOWSKI | advertising christine@aboutrvmag.com KECHIA BENTLEY | columnist kechia@aboutrvmag.com JOHNNY SAIN | freelance johnny@aboutrvmag.com CONNIE LAS SCHNEIDER | freelance connie@aboutrvmag.com TABATHA DUVALL | freelance tabatha@debbiebrowncpa.com STEVE NEWBY | photography stevenewbyphotography@aboutrvmag.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@zimcreative.com

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

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about | december 2012 What does a fella have to do to get on the cover of this magazine???

Talk ABOUT...the Holidays! Just like the Jolly Santa above, we hope you’ll put reviewing the December issue of ABOUT… the River Valley Magazine on the top of your holiday list. It’s filled with recipes, special features and stories about the people you know, or will come to know, as you read each page. Designed by talented graphic illustrator Cliff Thomas, the seasonal character is is relaxing with of our latest issue to the top of his tree – contemplating subscriptions to ABOUT Magazine for family and friends while wondering how he could be the featured cover. We hope you will take a few moments to enjoy the pages of our most recent issue as you treasure the true meaning of Christmas. And, for those last minute gift-giving needs, a subscription to ABOUT Magazine is truly a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year – and we’ll do the wrapping and delivery! See page 4 for subscription information or go online at www. aboutrvmag.com/subscribe. ABOUT Magazine is family-owned and is a true labor of love for those involved with its production. There is no “failsafe” corporate entity to catch us if we fail. We rely on our faithful readers, subscribers and loyal advertisers to help bring each issue to you. Thank you! The associates of ABOUT… the River Valley will take a brief hiatus following the printing and distribution of the December magazine. This is our 67th issue since premiering our first issue in July 2006. In keeping with our established publication schedule of 10 issues per year we will not print in January or July of 2013. Instead, we’ll take a bit of time to focus on the true meaning of the season and hopefully spend some welldeserved time with family and friends. From our family to yours – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! n

Dec. 1: Trout Day 2012, CADDIS Fly Fishing Club, Russellville Recreation and Parks Department, Arkansas Game and Fish, 9 a.m.; Pleasant View Park; 968-1272. Dec. 1: Breakfast with Santa, Knights of Columbus, 990 SR 247; info: Craig, 964-0063. Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 19-24: 'Winter Wonderland' Drive Thru Light Display and Outdoor Ice Skating Rink. Pleasant View Park. Dec. 2: Children’s Musical at First United Methodist Church, 304 S Commerce Ave, Russellville. 4:30 p.m.; 968-1232. Dec. 2: Arkansas Championship Trees: An Artist’s Journey and Young Arkansas Artists Exhibit, Opening Reception, RV Arts Center, 1-3 p.m.; 968-2452. Dec. 5, 7, 9, 13, 22, 27, 29: Eagle Tour held at Lake Dardanelle State Park, times vary, reservations: 967-5516. Dec. 6: 2012 Russellville Christmas Tree Lighting, Downtown Russellville, 6 p.m. Dec. 6: 2012 Russellville Christmas Parade, starts immediately after the Christmas Tree Lighting, begins at 10th and South Arkansas, North on Arkansas to Main Street, to West on Main Street to El Paso; 968-1272. Dec. 8: Potts Inn Holiday House; experience a 19th Century Christmas, 2-4 p.m.; Adult tours, $5; student tours, $2; 968-8369. Dec. 8: ‘Tis the Season,’ a night of music and dance; presented by The Dance Foundation, sponsored by Arvest Bank, 7 p.m., The Center for the Performing Arts, Russellville High School, 968-6888.

Dec. 9: Candlelight Service, First United Methodist Church, Russellville, 6 p.m. Dec. 11: Forget Me Not Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, 6 p.m., second Tuesday of each month, Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood Ave. 264-8805. Dec. 12: Habitat for Humanity Nonprofit fundraiser, CiCi’s Pizza, 4-8 p.m.;10% of your purchase goes to Habitat. Dec. 15: Lake Dardanelle “Winter at the Lake,” 9-5; programs, crafts, refreshments and tree trimming; free to the public. 967-5516. Dec. 15: Lake Dardanelle “Winter at the Lake,” 9-5; programs, crafts, refreshments and tree trimming; free to the public. 967-5516. Dec. 16: UMW Tour of Homes, 1-3:30 p.m.; call 968-1232 for tickets. Dec. 19: Phil Stacey, American Idol Finalist “Christmas Concert,” 6:30 p.m., First Free Will Baptist Church, 11063 East L Street, free to the public; 968-6966. Dec. 20: Santa Story Time. Pope County Library Heritage Hall. 6 p.m.; 968-4368. Dec. 23: Service of Healing and Hope, 2 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 304 S Commerce Ave., Russellville. Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Services, 5, 11 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Russellville. Dec. 27: Community Bingo, seniors 55 and older; 2-3 p.m.; Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood, Russellville; 890-6709. *Unless otherwise indicated, all area codes are 479

Visit www.aboutrvmag.com for a list of activities updated as they are received. To have your event included in the ABOUT Calendar of Events, email: editor@aboutrvmag.com or fax to (866) 757-3282. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. December 2012 | ABOUT 7

8 ABOUT | December 2012

History Repeats Itself at

Belle Helene Bess Story by Connie Las Schneider | Photos by Steve Newby

The grand 110-year old Greek Revival mansion at 214 East Fifth St. in Russellville has been known by several names including “Wilsonia,” the “Wilson-Thurlby” house and most recently “Belle Helene Bess.” Originally named “Wilsonia” by first owner, Judge Robert Barrett Wilson, the home was considered “one of the finest if not the finest hope in Pope County” according to a short biography of Wilson written by Josiah Shinn in 1908 entitled Pioneers and Makers of Arkansas. Wilson built the stately 12-room, 5,500 sq. ft. brick home with massive Ionic wood columns to frame the impressive entrance light by gas lights, sweeping two-story, wrap-around verandas, a distinctive widow walk on the top floor, fashionably tall double-hung windows, and inside, 14-ft ceilings and almost unheard of wall-to-wall carpeting. According to several sources, it took almost two years to build the grand structure and mules were used to bring in the massive rock slabs for the front walkway. The estate also has two outbuildings including a one-room coach home known as Maude’s cottage, named after the Wilson’s family cook and caretaker.

Todd Sweeden, owner

When built, the property was ironically considered too far from downtown and too close to a nearby cemetery, but today the home is part of a quiet residential neighborhood in the heart of Russellville. The estate has been listed on the National Historic Register since 1978. After Judge Wilson died in 1928 and his wife Mary Ann Howell Wilson later passed on, the elegant structure was purchased by Lear and Virginia Kemp but they never gave it a name. Then it was purchased by Dr. Robert Thurlby and his family, so the home became known as the Wilson-Thurlby house. Then last year Todd Sweeden of Sweeden’s Florist purchased and renamed the home and recently opened it for small private catered events.

10 ABOUT | December 2012

Sweeden renamed the grand mansion in honor of his late mother, Helen Bess Daniels Sweeden, who passed away last year. The Sweeden family is one of the original cotton plantation families in the River Valley and Sweeden’s Island on the Arkansas River was named for them. “Bess was my mother’s middle name and Belle Helene is the name of an antebellum plantation home that resembles this home so the name was just right, said Sweeden. In fact everything about his new home seemed meant to be, said Sweeden. “I am amazed at how well my furniture combined with my parent’s pieces fit in this house. It’s seems that our family had been collecting furnishings for this house all our lives.”

Another eerie coincidence was that the property came on the market just when Sweeden needed a larger home to incorporate the furniture and collections inherited from his family home. “Dr. Thurlby called me at Christmas last year and within a few weeks it all came about,” said Sweeden. Since then, Sweeden has been busy making the home a welcoming space for entertaining, as it must have been when Wilson, who had five children, originally built it. Under Sweeden’s artistic touch, the home has been decorated with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, fine reproductions and an impressive art collection. The wall-to-wall carpeting was removed to uncover beautiful hardwood floors that compliment Sweeden’s collection of Persian rugs. Sweeden also added several gorgeous crystal chandeliers to the downstairs rooms to complete the ambiance of period appropriate opulence and good taste. For the holidays, the downstairs is lavishly decorated and features three uniquely beautiful Christmas trees. A 12-foot high Christmas tree in the center foyer has a red-green theme embellished with mercury glass ornaments and is offset by hall’s original pillars which match the outside columns. In the front parlor a brilliant red tree features collectible Christopher Radko ornaments and mid-century modern “shiny bright ornaments. A third tree in the dining room has a French country theme in gold, burgundy and Wedgwood blue to complement the room’s period appropriate wallpaper, its magnificent new chandelier and Sweeden’s exquisite china and crystal collections. At the back of the house, what was once the kitchen has been turned into a cozy family room/den area. However, vestiges of the room’s original purpose can still be seen as the kitchen’s centrally located stone water well and hand pump have been converted to a coffee table surrounded by comfortable seating. For information on booking a small private event at Belle Helene Bess, contact Sweeden at Sweeden’s Florist (479) 968-6688. n

December 2012 | ABOUT 11

Hospice Home Celebrates First Year of Serving Families Story by Angie Self

man and his wife from the Arkansas River Valley hear the diagnosis from a doctor at a Little Rock hospital, but it just doesn’t seem possible. Their heads are in a fog -- months, maybe weeks before one will die and the other is left alone. What will they do? How will they cope? His bride of many years will need 24-hour care from trained medical professionals. Does he want to spend their last days together in a hospital, miles from their home? Then, the doctor mentions the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville which is much closer to the house they have called home for so many years. This is the best solution for the couple whose lives have been turned upside down. His wife will receive the help she needs to remain as comfortable as possible during her last days in a setting that is much like a home. He will be able to run home occasionally and check on the house, pick up a change of clothes and return to his wife’s side. Family that lives near will be able to visit more often and say their goodbyes. Another couple receives similar news from a doctor in the area. However, the symptoms are such that care could be provided in their personal home if they had the house arranged and services in place and ready for him. The Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home can provide that transition setting and allow hospice staff time with the wife to educate her on coping with this end of life process. The couple stays in the hospice home for a week and 12 ABOUT | December 2012

Photos by Steve Newby

then moves back home where her husband spends his last days, with the continued assistance of Arkansas Hospice Services. During the month of November, National Hospice Month, Arkansas Hospice Services celebrated the first anniversary of the opening of the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home at 220 John Babish Lane in western Russellville. The eight-bed facility has served 134 patients and their families during its first year of operation, says Rhonda Horton, program director. “A year ago on November 4, I felt a great deal of excitement because we admitted our first patient and then a few others in the following days,” Horton recalls. “Before that, it had been a challenge just getting all the details of building a facility, meeting state standards and preparing to open the doors. It was just such a relief to actually be doing what we envisioned -- taking care of those patients in the home.” Horton said this past year has been great with lessons learned and growth opportunities and successes. Many families have told Arkansas Hospice that this home was what they needed. They were comfortable in the family atmosphere of the Arkansas River Valley Hospice Home while their loved one received care that couldn’t be managed at that particular time in the home setting. One family member said, “The home was peaceful and beautiful. We appreciate your service in the community, and we don’t know what would have happened without your service and facility.”

Horton said she is amazed at how many people do not even know that the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home hospice home exists in Russellville. “As much publicity that has been put out about the home during fund raising, the building process and this first year, some still don’t know we are here. That is why we are continuing to spread the word about our facility to the River Valley. It is a benefit that we want to provide when patients need it.” Arkansas Hospice has been waiting several years for this home to become a reality and celebrated their first anniversary with a reception at Liberty Bank in November. The event honored the Capital Campaign Committee and all the donors who contributed to raise more than $2.5 million to make this home a reality. Russellville was chosen by Arkansas Hospice Services, headquartered in North Little Rock, to be the first location in its organization to have a freestanding hospice home. The other inpatient care facilities of the organization are located on campuses of health care facilities. “I wouldn’t have made it through my mother’s death if it had not been for the love and care my family received from Arkansas Hospice,” a care giver wrote to the not-forprofit agency that has provided hospice services in the area for more than a decade. “I wish hospice could be there for everyone who goes through the loss of a loved one. All the staff at the home made me feel as though they were part of my family. We loved everyone here.”

Another woman wrote, “My mother was in the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home. The staff always kept a smile on my mother’s face. They helped my family cope so we were comfortable with what was happening. We could not have asked for better people.” The entire hospice team helps the families in many ways, says Misty Huddleston, manager of the hospice home for the past six months. “Our chaplain and social workers are very involved as well as the rest of the staff,” she said, “Even our pharmacists help answer questions and try to make everyone feel comfortable with what is going on and at peace. Death is a natural process that we all have to face. We are here to help during this time.” She added that the staff helps support each other because going through such a personal time with the patients and family can be hard on the staff as well. In turn, sometimes the families themselves help support each other. “Because they go to the family room together where we have snacks and can sit and relax, families may become acquainted with another family that is going through a similar situation. They just start talking to each other and tell each other how they have dealt with certain issues. They really help each other cope and guide each other through it.” Huddleston explained that a great number of the patients come to the home as transition patients from a local hospital or nursing facility into the hospice program. The patient may have received a terminal diagnosis at a local hospital, and the family is overwhelmed with how to cope in a home setting. “They come to our facility for care of the loved one and education of the primary

Fashions Fade,

Style is

Eternal

care giver to deal with the care at home,” she said. “The family may need to make changes to the living area in order to cope with the patient’s needs. This gives them that time to prepare. It may be something as simple as teaching the care giver turning techniques of the patient or how to operate an electrical bed.” “They may only be here for a few days until we can help them come up with a good successful plan in their home environment, whether that is their home, a family member’s home or a nursing care facility. We are here for them and to help during this transition period.” The inpatient care facility in Russellville (as well as centers located in Little Rock and Hot Springs) is designed to manage symptoms that are too difficult to manage at home. Many times these are short term stays where symptoms such as uncontrolled pain, nausea/vomiting or difficulty breathing are stabilized and then the patient returns to their private environment, Huddleston explained. Arkansas Hospice Services’ program team that has been helping patients in the homebased program for years, Horton explained, includes physician consultants, registered nurse visits, home health aides, nondenominational spiritual support through a chaplain, social work services, bereavement services and volunteer support. The hospice care team members are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist patients either in a private home, long term care facility or assisted living center. This past year, 323 patients have been served in the River Valley by Arkansas Hospice Services in the homebase program. “Some people think that if they commit to hospice that they are giving up,” Horton

said. “They may also think that hospice is just for the final days only. After they make the step to come into the program and realize it’s not about giving up but about making a decision to receive quality end-oflife care, they are really surprised. ‘I wish we had done this sooner’ is the most frequent comment we hear.” Hospice is a benefit and a blessing for many, including those that work in the program, Horton said. More information about hospice or the new Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home may be obtained by calling the Russellville office at (888) 498-2050. n

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about | service

Volunteers with Heart are Heart of Hospice Program Story by Angie Self Photos by Steve Newby

The heart of Arkansas Hospice Services is the dedicated staff of the program. The agency’s website where employment opportunities are listed states that “hospice employees are not hired, they are called.” Three ladies involved with the program based in Russellville received special recognition this year and prove that quality care is a part of Arkansas Hospice. Jennifer Scheible was named National Hospice Nurse of the Year for the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Care during a conference held in Denver, Colo., earlier this year. Scheible serves as the education coordinator for Russellville, Hot Springs, Conway, Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville and an in-patient hospice home in Hot Springs. Many people have a hard time dealing with death. Hospice nurses are a special breed that can deal with death and provide the support that the patient and family needs. Scheible, who lives in Russellville, was a case management manager registered nurse with the program for four years before being promoted to education coordinator. Her experience helps her pass on to other nurses the knowledge she has learned to help them cope with their patients and find ways to ease their discomforts during their last days. Hospice care allows nurses and staff members an opportunity to meet all kinds of people with the neatest life stories, Scheible recalls. “We have the opportunity to learn so much about their lives and adventures at such an intimate time in their lives. It’s a privilege to be invited into their home to care for their loved one and be trusted with this at such an intimate time and let us experience that journey with them.” The best place for most of the hospice patients is in their home or in a family member’s home. “Our job is to keep them there and make them comfortable,” Scheible said. “By teaching the nurses strategies and interventions, there are a lot of non-medicinal things we can do to 14 ABOUT | December 2012

Sherrie Guinn, Paula Coan and Jennifer Scheible

help make this a successful experience. This includes education for the families so that they feel comfortable and competent to take care of their loved ones at home. Many people are very nervous when they first receive a diagnosis, and we try to calm those fears.” It is these traits as a nurse and now a nurse instructor that led Rhonda Horton, program director, to nominate Scheible for this award. Horton said she has watched her grow both personally and professionally since joining the hospice team. “Jennifer is very energetic and enthusiastic about hospice and her desire to help nurses grow in their knowledge of the profession,” Horton related. “She raises the bar higher each year and encourages her colleagues to do the same.” Scheible manages to stay busy in her personal life as well by running marathons and encouraging other women in the River Valley to run by coaching in the Women Can Run clinic held this year in Russellville. She recently returned from a mission trip to Haiti and serves in the Kansas Air National Guard. One of the nurses that Scheible has the privilege of working with is Sherrie Guinn of Pottsville, a case manager registered nurse for Arkansas Hospice Services. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing honored Guinn this summer at a ceremony in Little Rock with the Nursing Compassion Award. The award was created to provide a way

for patients and families to recognize a nurse who has shown outstanding compassion and dedication to their patients. Guinn is just that kind of nurse, going above and beyond her job description, says Ginger Dixon, patient care coordinator for the agency. “We have worked together for years,” Dixon said. “Any job she took in the hospital setting before joining hospice, she did well. However, her heart for nursing care took a leap forward when she began working with hospice patients and families. She is very caring and compassionate. I have seen her sit on the edge of a bed of a patient and hold them while they were upset until the tears stopped. She is a great advocate of the patient and will try anything and look at providing whatever the patient needs to make them comfortable.” Guinn was nominated by Linda Nachtweh of Russellville for Guinn’s care of her husband, Robbert Nachtweh, a patient of Arkansas Hospice in 2011. Mrs. Nachtweh said that Guinn always brought a smile to her husband’s face and that she would not have been able to bear her husband’s death without the help of Guinn. “I will always think of her as a guardian angel that God sent to help Robbert as well as me in his last days,” Nachtweh wrote. “Sherrie is not only a remarkable nurse and caregiver, but the most compassionate person I have had the privilege to know.” Guinn has a kind way of being honest with the care givers and patients to explain

what is happening, Dixon recalls. Arkansas Hospice has received numerous letters from patients’ families that tell how Guinn has been able to connect with them during a difficult journey. Volunteers are a valuable part of the Arkansas Hospice program. One of those volunteers in the River Valley is Paula Coan of Morrilton who received the 2012 Hospice Heart Award from the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Arkansas. Coan dedicates four days a week to working with hospice patients in two nursing homes in Morrilton and one in Perryville each week. The retired school teacher just wanted to lend a helping hand and started her volunteer work by going to the homes and playing the piano and singing to the patients. “She has been amazing and a blessing to all our patients,” said Shelly Jones, volunteer coordinator for the Russellville office that serves Pope, Yell, Conway, Johnson, Logan and Perry counties “Not all the residents could come to the dining hall to hear her sing. God opened some doors and put a traveling piano in her lap. She takes that piano down every hall, and the patients just love it.” Jones says she can’t even describe what a thrill it is to the patients when Coan sings the familiar song, “Give Me That Old Time

Religion.” Coan inserts each patient’s name into the song. “The patients just raise their hands and rejoice when it’s their name being sung,” Jones recalls. Her volunteer work goes beyond just the normal visits to the nursing facilities. She helps with bingo, birthday parties, fashion shows and redecorating Brookridge Cove Rehabilitation and Care Center in Morrilton. She went to the area schools to gather team jerseys to decorate the sports hallway and was able to find a donor to pay for purchasing pictures of Hollywood stars for another hallway. “Paula knows the patients well enough that

she can pick out what color prayer shawl to give the patients that area women donate to the hospice program,” Jones said. Jones remembers a time when she witnessed Paula showing so much patience with a hospice nursing home resident. The patient was suffering and hollering out occasionally “Paula was not bothered in the least by the loud noise. She just got down real close with the patient and asked to pray with her. The patient agreed, and afterwards, Paula told her that she loved her and she would be back. And she did go back, many times. She has God’s heart, and it just shines.” n

At the

Holiday Season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our success possible. It is in this spirit we say... thank you and Best Wishes for the Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Rose Drug Mike Smith

Arkansas Pharmacist of the Year 2008

Gary Denton

Best of the Best Pharmacist 2003, 2004, 2006 & 2007

Experience & Integrity you can trust. 3103 W Main Place, Russellville AR ~ (479) 968-1323 December 2012 | ABOUT 15

about | family

Story by Kechia Bentley ~ Photo by Steve Newby

Hallelujah, praise the Lord, stop the presses, a miracle has occurred! I jogged 2.5 miles out of 3.75 miles today Oh dear readers, if you only knew me as well as my family knows me, you would realize this is a gargantuan big deal. The farthest I had ever run in one day, before today, was one quarter of a mile when I was in fifth grade. By sixth grade I had “developed” enough to earn the nick name that would follow me through high school: mountains. And since they didn’t have sports bras back in those days my running came to an abrupt stop. Some of you know what I mean when I say, I could have given myself a black eye or worse yet, knocked myself out. For my safety and the safety of those around me I “had” to stop running. So, why in the world am I running now? That is a great question considering that I am 49-yearsold, seriously overweight, and the “mountains” are now sinking into the sea, if you know what I mean. Well, this question, “Why run now?” brings me to the real story: Gifts can sometimes come from the most unusual places and in the most unusual ways. You see, I thought I had a problem, but actually I had a remarkable, unimaginable, life changing gift. Now, stay with me as I tell you this, because it is going to seem all wrong. My gift is that my son Dillon smokes cigarettes. Yes, yes, I know many of you are thinking how in the world could that be a gift? Well, let me tell you, it is because my God is amazing. And He always seems to work outside the box in my

16 ABOUT | December 2012

“ Like any good mother my

“

Out of the Mouths of Babes

first reaction was, 'what will the neighbors think?'

family’s life. We so often look like a mess, (probably because we are) but if you look a little deeper you will see my heavenly Father’s fingerprints all over our lives. Let me give you a little background info. Dillon grew up in a home where we spent a great deal of time trying to teach our children not to smoke. My husband, Donald, had smoked from the age of 13 until our oldest son, Adrin, was three months old. Donald had quit because he thought, “how can I tell my child not to smoke when I smoke?” All three of our boys had heard this story their entire lives. Not only that, but they had been taught at school that smoking was bad for their health. We really thought cigarette smoking was not going to be an issue for us. But like with so many other things, we were wrong! Like any good mother my first reaction was, "what will the neighbors think?” Yes, people admit it: pride shows up when our kids do things we wish they wouldn’t. After I tucked my pride away, my course of action was a three pronged approach: I would pray, cry and nag. I was really good at the nagging, until it backfired on me one day. I was using all my best material -- how can you smoke after all you have been told; you know how bad smoking is for your health; you know it breaks your mother’s heart that you smoke. I was on a roll, and then Dillon politely but strongly placed the “gift” in my lap. He said, “Don’t talk to me about my health when you are so overweight and out of shape.” OUCH! But he was right. How could I lecture him about his poor decisions when I had been making my own for years? Dillon went on to challenge me, “If you will do a 5k, I will never touch a cigarette again in my life.” Well folks, what’s a mother to do, but get off her big rear end and start training to jog a 5k? Has this gift been an easy one to open? Not on your life. But a gift it has been. It is truly a miracle (and so is the Nike sports bra.) Many, many prayers have been shouted, cried, whispered, and even sung to heaven as I have walked/jogged my course. I have now lost 47 pounds and I actually look forward to my morning walk/jog. I am still not ready to jog an entire 5k, but I see light at the end of the tunnel. Who but God could have written a script that has my son’s smoking be one of the best things that ever happened to me? (Now, I am not saying God made Dillon smoke but that God can make all work together for good.) God knew the only thing that would motivate me to take care of me was the love I have for my son. And He also knew that the love I have for my son would be enough to change Dillon’s life as well. When it is all said and done I will be thinner and healthier, and Dillon will be a non-smoker. Who but God could have found a way to make a Marlboro pack such an amazing gift? n

ABOUT

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December 2012 | ABOUT 17

Gifts of Love Story by Connie Las Schneider

Like Santa and his workshop elves, the mostly silver haired ladies of the Crow Mountain Homemaker’s Extension Club of Pope County have been working nonstop all year to make Christmas gifts for children and seniors in need of a little extra comfort and joy during the holidays. The gifts will be donated to children at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital during the facility’s annual Festival of Stars on Friday, December 14 and to residents at the Russellville Nursing Home. Club members vary in age with most 50 or above, but a few are in their 80’s and 90’s. Yet, age doesn’t slow these ladies down. The club’s first President, 98-yearold Lillie Johnson, was still an active member when she passed away last year. “We love what we do so this never get old for us,” said Project Chairman, Jane Moody, who said the 60-yearold club has survived longer than any other club formed in the community of the mountain. Jeri Vangilder, Pope County Extension Agent-Family and Consumer Sciences, said Extension Service homemaker’s clubs in Arkansas started 100 years ago to teach practical domestic skills like canning and mattress making but have evolved over the years to include not only home economics education but lessons in leadership and community involvement. The Crow Mountain club has always had a love for their community and looked for ways to be of service to others, said Vangilder. “The club does have the education and socials aspects but these women come together for a common cause.” This year alone, the seven core members along with several non-member contributors, have knitted, crocheted and sewn more than 400 caps, pillows, lap blankets, aprons, scarves, teaching dolls and comfort wraps in shapes and sizes to fit recipients from the tiniest newborn to wheelchair-bound octogenarians. Last year the group donated 700 items to Arkansas Children’s Hospital holiday event, Festival of Stars, and we try to make 100 items every month, said Moody. Robin Reynolds, Director of Volunteer Services at Arkansas Children’s Hospital noted that the Crow Mountain club has a long history of giving of their time and are strong supporters. “We have a favorite saying here that the gift of time is the greatest gift anyone can give to the hospital. Many of the patients and their families are so thankful for the handmade items; we get thank you letters all the time,” said Reynolds. 18 ABOUT | December 2012

Pillows are a popular gift and the group makes them in many sizes depending on the intended use. “Pillows can be a real comfort. We make tube- shaped body pillows for preemie babies so they can be turned on their sides; special sized pillows for women who are recovering from breast cancer; pillows to fit in wheelchairs; child sized pillows.; oversize pillows. We make all kinds,” said Moody. According to Reynolds, some of these pillows are used in the cardiac care unit for young patients to hold when they need to cough and tube shaped ‘boppers,” which help re-position patients, are also comforting. Sometimes the hospital staff will also request a pillow for a special use said Moody. For instance, a physician requested we make special pillows for children to use when they do spinal tap procedures. The child must bend over a table during the procedure with a special stabilizing pillow placed under the child’s hips but there was nothing for the child to lay his or her head, so we started making little comfort pillows for each child. The ladies also make cloth “teaching” dolls. “While the dolls have hinged arms, legs, knees and elbows, we never put faces or hair on these dolls. This way the children

can identify with their dolls and it gives them a level of comfort. You can imagine how scared they must be when they come into the hospital,” said Moody. Reynolds noted that these teaching dolls, which the children get to keep, are used in multiple ways. “An Education Specialist at the Children’s Hospital uses one of these dolls to explain a child’s illness and location of upcoming procedures .The dolls also become autograph dolls for loved ones and caregivers to sign and are also used in art therapy so the children can create their own dolls,” said Reynolds. Warm crocheted and knitted caps are another staple item the group makes. “It takes about five hours to make each crocheted or knitted cap,” said Moody, who added that most caps go to Knitting for Noggins program at the Children’s Hospital. Since Knitting of Noggins began in 2006, 220,000 hats have been given to our patients, added Reynolds. Thousands of hours go into this labor of love, said Moody, who added that the notfor-profit club also depends on donations of material, stuffing and knitting thread for these projects. “We are always grateful for donations, particularly of thread/yarn and fabric as it is

getting so expensive. Anyone who donates to us becomes part of this,” she added. “We’ve had lots of people who have been really good to us. We are blessed. There never was a person who did anything worth doing that did not receive more than he gave!” said Moody, who also thanked her husband Bill for always being there to help. Moody also said the club welcomes new members of all ages to join their “labor of love”. “We would love to get some younger members so we can keep the club’s charitable works going for many years to come. We always have fun and have become an extended family of sorts so we help each other in all sorts of ways. Members who no longer drive are often picked up by other members and besides working together on projects, we have a monthly “eye-opener” that teaches us some very good tips, she added. If you would like to join the Crow Mountain Extension Club, make a donation of materials or to find out how you can help the Crow Mountain Extension Club make the holiday’s bright for those in need, contact Janie Moody at Janemoody4@ gmail.com or call (479) 970-8210. For more information on volunteering at AR Children’s Hospital or to contribute to “Festival of Stars” on Dec 14 go to www. archildrens.org/volunteer. n

HOME

for the Holidays Blessings to you and yours! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

You are invited... In-Home Personal Care

914 West ‘B’ Street (479) 880-1112 www.amcareseniorlife.com

to join the Downtown Merchants for a magical evening featuring strolling carolers, refreshments & visits with Santa...a Christmas tradition & enchanting time to shop for original art & in-store specials for your holiday gifting!

Friday, Dec. 7th ~ 5 to 8 p.m. December 2012 | ABOUT 19

about | giving hope

Shop with a Cop Story by Connie Las Schneider

Christmas is a happy time for most children in the River Valley… but for needy children who often go without presents and parties, Christmas can be a time of disappointment. Sadly, continued disappointment throughout a child’s formative years can lead to frustration, anger and criminal behavior later in life. So in the mid 1990’s, the Russellville Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police (F.O.P) decided to give these children hope again by starting a local Shop with a Cop program; a national program that helps build positive relationships between police officers, local children and their families. The program has been a great success on many fronts. According to the US Chamber of Commerce, kids that have good relationships with the police are less likely to get into trouble with the law. Plus, the children get something tangible to look forward to, while their families can feel secure knowing this will be a good Christmas after all. The Russellville F.O.P. Lodge 54 has been participating in the program for the children for more than 16 years now, said Lieutenant Keith Spears of the Russellville Police Department. “We generally have around 8 to 12 officers show up to assist the children. If there is more than one child in the family, then the officer will do the shopping with both siblings at the same time. We give approximately $125 (not including tax) for each child to spend on whatever they want [within reason]. It’s their Christmas, so it is pretty much their choice on what they want,” said Spears. This year’s event will begin at 6 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Russellville Wal-Mart Garden Center and around 25 children from the ages of 5 to 12 years along with their families will attend, explained. Spears, who with Patrolman Blake Bradley are heading up the F.O.P. event this year. Participating children are selected through the Salvation Army located on Weir Road. The parents have to register the family and that registry is shared among the local charitable groups that help at Christmas time. “There were a couple of years that we did food baskets for other families as well, 20 ABOUT | December 2012

but the manpower and funding were greater in previous years. We have consistently promoted the shopping program when others were ceased, and hope to continue it for years to come. The Russellville Police Department and staff have been very supportive to our efforts, along with City Hall. This is a combined “win win” for everybody in our community…because without their support, it wouldn’t happen,” said Spears. Local support is an important aspect of this program, said Spears “We have Wal-Mart (Wal-Mart Foundation) and Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund as major donors that contribute greatly to our program. Every year, we also have citizens come into the police department and want to give us money for the program. Because of this, I usually come in to find envelopes stuffed with checks on my desk from local citizens or silent Santas. Russellville residents are good natured, caring people who want everybody in their community to feel appreciated and well taken care of. This year we did hire a company called Hines Enterprises to assist us with phone solicitations in our community. We haven’t done this soliciting since 2008, but have depleted our funds for the program,” said Spears. So, why have such a happy family event at 6 a.m. on a Sunday morning? Most of the men that help with the children have worked all night or are just getting started to work for their 12-hour shift, said Spears. Fortunately, Wal-Mart usually has donuts, cookies, coffee and hot cocoa set up for the families, officers and children,” he added. The store also dedicates two associates that assist the officers and children with their own checkout for the duration of the shopping event. Officers who participate in the program often get more back than they give, in terms of a positive community experience, said Spears. “Last year I had a seven-year old boy who was with his mother. This young man knew what he wanted and had himself a game plan for shopping in the store. We went in with his mother and a shopping cart from the Garden Center area and I more or less just followed him. He talked as fast as he walked and never missed a beat. We went directly into the children’s clothing and he started looking at jeans and long-sleeve shirts, then he proceeded to the next aisle for pajamas. He asked his mother for size assurance before placing the clothing into the cart, and told me every price as I kept up with a running total for his $125 limit.

This gentleman was a thrifty shopper, even going into the mark down racks to see if he could find something in his size range. After collecting around eight items of clothing and a marked-down coat, he looked to his mother for her permission to go towards the toys section. This young man was on a mission, and knew exactly what he was after. We went into the section of car toys and he selected a Transformers Bumble Bee Camaro that changed into the “good guy” as he called it. After that was carefully placed into the cart, he asked where we were at with his total purchase. I looked at my calculator and stated that he was such a good shopper; he still had around $45 left to get to the $125. Without any hesitation, he turned to his mom and asked if she would help him get clothes for his older sister. His mother stated that his sister was okay, that this was for him, but he was insistent, he had what he wanted for Christmas and wanted to get her something. This little man almost took me back with what he said, more concerned about his older sister and Christmas for her than himself. The three of us went back to the girls section of clothing and mother assisted him with picking out things his 14-year-old sister needed. This shopping took the most time of his and my Christmas shopping together, but I didn’t mind as his mother was great help (I’ve got two boys) with selecting and sizes. That young man gave me a gift that day of humility and compassion... and my calculator was around $150 when I said we met the limit.” There’s still time for you to contribute to this year’s Shop with a Cop event, so stop by the Russellville Police Department at 115 West “H” street and leave a gift that will make a local child’s Christmas special. n

Continued from page 5 For more information about the at the Lake event or any park contact the park at (479) 967-5516 www.ArkansasStateParks.com or AdventureStateParks.com.

Winter events or visit www.

Holiday Home Tour

The United Methodist Womens’ Holiday Tour of Homes is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 16, from 1-3:30 p.m. Holiday home hosts include Holiday Home Hosts include: Pastor Gail and Tim Brooks, Robert and Judy Taylor, Jim Collins and Joann Hays. Guests may start the tour at any of the holiday homes. Refreshments will be served at each home. Tickets are $20 each, and all proceeds will go to local missions for Christmas. Tickets may be picked up from the FUMC office, or from any United Methodist Woman. For more information, call (479) 968-1232.

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Citizen of Year Nominations

There are many citizens in the Russellville area that go above all expectations in making this an exceptional city. Naming the Citizen of the Year is only one way to recognize and honor one of these outstanding citizens. The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce will be recognizing the 2012 Citizen of the Year at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting. Nominations will be accepted at the Chamber office through Dec. 14, 2012. Nominees must be a resident of the Russellville area for at least the past five years. Nominations must be accompanied with a resume explaining the reason for the nomination and the contributions to the community by that nominee, to be considered. The person making the nomination must also include their name and day time phone number in case additional information is needed. For more information, contact the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce at (479) 968-2530.

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Morrilton Lighting

The annual lighting of the Conway County Courthouse, the train depot and City Hall in Morrilton was held at sundown Nov. 26. In conjunction with the displays, which will continue through Dec. 31, the annual Morrilton Christmas Parade will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 in downtown Morrilton, followed by the Night of Luminaries at the University of Arkansas Community College n at Morrilton.

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www.valleyautos.net | 479-968-4566 December 2012 | ABOUT 21

about | food

It was a CONTEST!!! Story by Dianna Qualls, Food Editor

nd what a contest it was. Russellville Main Street Fall Fest enticed a number of bakers to “bakeup” their prized pie or cake recipe to be judged. They were trying to win the coveted “Aunt Bea” award for 2012. Once again Becki Bryson and her team of pie and cake slicers were awesome. A great panel of judges were assembled and included: Ray Moll, Carolyn McGee, Jeff Phillips, Andrea Lea and Carney Carnahan who tasted their way through yummy pies and cakes to choose some great winners. Enough said! Let’s get right to the recipes. Happy baking! APPLE CRUMB PIE

Aunt Bea Award, and First Place in Fruit Pie Division Emily K. Hilton

in plastic. wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Dough may be used immediately or stored for a couple days. Yields 2 pie crusts.

1 unbaked pie crust (recipe follows) 5 c. sliced Gala apples (5 to 7 apples) Combine in small bowl and set aside: 1/2 c. Sugar 3/4 tsp. Cinnamon Crumb topping 1/3 c. Sugar 3/4 c. flour 6 T butter (cold) Cut cold butter into sugar and flour until crumbly. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place sliced apples into unbaked pie crust. Sprinkle Sugar and cinnamon mixture over apples. Top apple slices with crumb topping. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes

GLAZED APPLE CREAM PIE 2nd place Fruit pie Division Mischelle Coffman

1 (15 oz.) pkg. refrigerated pie crusts 4 tart apples, peeled & cut into thin slices 1/2 c. sugar 1 c. butter flavored shortening 2 T. flour 1/2 c. boiling water 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 3 c. all-purpose flour, sifted Filling: 1 tsp.. salt 3/4 c. sugar Shortening should be at room 3/4 c. milk temperature. Add boiling water and whip 3/4 c. whipping cream until it is very light and creamy. Add flour 6 T. butter or margarine and salt a little at a time, whipping until 3 T. cornstarch you can no longer whip the heavy mixture 3 T. milk and the mass of dough pulls away from 2 T. butter or margarine, cut into small pieces the sides and forms a ball. Wrap dough

BOILING WATER PIE CRUST

22 ABOUT | December 2012

Glaze: 1 T. butter or margarine, softened 1 T. milk 1 c. powdered sugar 1/4 tsp. vanilla Heat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare pie crust according to package directions for a two crust pie using a 10-inch pie plate. In a medium bowl, combine apples, sugar, flour, and cinnamon; set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, whipping cream, and 6 tablespoons butter or margarine. Cook over medium low heat until hot and butter has melted, stirring occasionally. In small bowl combine cornstarch, and 3 tablespoons milk; blend until smooth. Add to saucepan with sugar, milk, cream, and butter cook until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into unbaked pie crust and spoon apple mixture evenly over filling. Sprinkle cubed butter or margarine evenly over apples. Top with second pie crust; seal edges and flute edge. Cut slits in tip crust. Cover edges with foil. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and apples are tender. Cool 30 minutes. In a small bowl, combine softened butter or margarine and milk until blended. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, stir until smooth. (If necessary), add additional powdered sugar or milk to make a thick glaze. Spread over warm pie. Refrigerate 2 hours before serving. May be reheated before serving. Store in refrigerator. Serves 8 to 10.

Pie filling: 2 small boxes instant coconut cream pudding mix 1¾ c. milk 1 (8 oz.) cool whip 1 c. Bakers coconut Mix pudding mix and milk in blender until blended. Blend in 8 oz. cool whip and one cup coconut. Pour into cooled pie crust. Topping: 1 c. toasted coconut

PINEAPPLE PIE

1st Place Cream Pie Division Theresa McPherson

Roast 1 c. coconut over medium heat in sauce pan. Stir constantly to prevent burning coconut. Cool completely. Sprinkle over top of pie. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 c. lemon juice 1 (20 oz.) crushed pineapple, drained 1 (8 oz.) can frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 (9 oz.) graham cracker crust

1 T. flour 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ginger 1 ¼ c. pumpkin (10 oz.) 1 c. milk 1 egg 1 Boiling Water Pie Crust (recipe follows) Mix flour, sugar, and spices. Mix pumpkin into flour mixture. Add milk and egg. Combine well. Pour into unbaked pie crust. Bake 15 minutes in preheated 425 degree oven. Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking for approximately 45 minutes until top splits.

BOILING WATER PIE CRUST 1 c. butter flavored shortening 1/2 c. boiling water 3 c. all-purpose flour, sifted 1 tsp. salt

Combine condensed milk and lemon juice; stir well. Fold in pineapple and whipped topping. Spoon mixture into crust. Chill.

PEANUT BUTTER PIE

3rd Place Cream Pie Division Logan Pate

Shortening should be at room temperature. Add boiling water and whip until it is very light and creamy. Add flour and salt a little at a time, whipping until you can no longer whip the heavy mixture and the mass of dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball. Wrap dough in plastic. wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Dough may be used immediately or stored for a couple days. Yields 2 pie crusts.

1 (8 oz.) peanut butter 1 can Eagle Brand milk 2 (8 oz.) cartons of cool whip 2 graham crust pie shells

MOMA’S COCONUT CREAM PIE 2nd Place Cream Pie Division Pam Sellers

Mix peanut butter and Eagle Brand Milk until smooth. Add one container cool whip until smooth. Pour into graham cracker shells. Top with one carton cool whip. Chill at least two hours and serve.

Pie Crust: 2½ c. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. sugar 1 c. unsalted butter 1/4 to 1/2 c. water Mix flour, salt, and sugar until blended. Cut in butter with pastry blender until coarse and grainy. Slowly add water until firm dough ball forms. Refrigerate one hr in plastic. wrap. Roll out on floured surface to preferred thickness. Place in pie plate. Bake 10-13 minutes in 425 degree preheated oven. Cool before filling.

PUMPKIN PIE

2nd Place Holiday Pie Division Theresa McPherson

KASTER FAMILY PUMPKIN PIE 1st Place Holiday Division Emily Hilton

3/4 c. sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1/4 ground cloves 2 large eggs 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk 1 unbaked 9 inch deep-dish pie shell December 2012 | ABOUT 23

Mix sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl, stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie shell. Bake preheated 425 degrees oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees; bake 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Sugared Pecans: 2 c. pecan halves 1/2 c. packed brown sugar 1/4 c.. heavy whipping cream In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Add the eggs, cream, milk and rum; mix well. Line a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate with pastry; trim and flute edges. Pour pumpkin mixture into pastry. Bake at 400 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. In a small bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar and cream. Spread into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until toasted, stirring once. Cool completely. Top cooled pie with sugared pecans; serve with whipped cream. Refrigerate leftovers. Serves eight.

PUMPKIN-SWEET POTATO PIE WITH SUGARED PECANS 3rd Place Holiday Pie Division Theresa McPherson

1 can (15 oz.) solid-pack pumpkin 1 c. mashed sweet potatoes 3/4 c. packed brown sugar 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. each salt, ground ginger and ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 3 eggs, beaten 1 ¼ c. heavy whipping cream 1 can (5 oz.) evaporated milk 1 T. dark rum Pastry for single-crust pie (9-inch)

1/2 c. butter 1/2 c. margarine 1/2 tsp. salt 1½ tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. baking soda 1 c. buttermilk 2 c. flour 1 c. finely chopped pecans 1 (3½ oz.) can flaked coconut Have all ingredients at room temperature. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly add ½ cup sugar, and beat until consistency of meringue. Set aside. Cream the butter, margarine, and remaining sugar, salt and vanilla. Add egg yolks one at a time until consistency of whipped cream. Stir baking soda into buttermilk. Add this mixture alternately with flour mixture. Beginning and ending with the flour. Fold in egg whites. Add pecans, and coconut. Pour batter into 3 (9-inch) cake pans, the bottoms of which have been greased and floured. Bake at 325 degrees for approximately 40 minutes. Cool and remove from pans. Frost layers and sides of cooled cake with Italian Cream Frosting (recipe follows). Cake should be refrigerated if not eaten the day it is made. Serves 16-20.

ITALIAN CREAM FROSTING ITALIAN CREAM CAKE

1st Place Layer/Sheet Cake Division Mischelle Coffman 5 extra large eggs separated 2 c. sugar divided

3/4 c. butter 12 oz. cream cheese 1½ tsp. vanilla 1½ (1 lb.) boxes powdered sugar Have all ingredients at room temperature. Beat ingredients together to the consistency of whipped cream.

Merry Christmas Bill & Marlene Newton, Owners, and the staff of:

(479) 968-1157 • 715 W. Main, Russellville, AR 24 ABOUT | December 2012

Serving the River Valley Since 1970

8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/2 c. margarine 4 c. powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c. chopped pecans

ITALIAN CREAM CAKE

2nd Place Layer/Sheet Cake Division Bee Miller Cake: 2 c. sugar 1/2 c. butter 1/2 c. shortening 5 egg yolks 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 c. flake coconut 2 c. sifted flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 c. buttermilk 1 c. chopped pecans 5 egg whites Icing:

Cake: Grease and flour three 9-inch round pans. Cream together the sugar, butter, and shortening. Add egg yolks, one at a time. Add vanilla and coconut. Mix well. Sift flour and baking soda together and add to the first mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Add nuts. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Icing: Beat cream cheese and margarine until creamy. Add vanilla, then sugar, and mix well. Fold in pecans and spread on cooled layers. Stack layers and ice sides of cake. Cake should be kept in a refrigerator after it is iced.

GRAVEYARD MARBLE CAKE

3rd Place Layer/Sheet Cake Division Logan Pate 1 Duncan Hines Fudge marble cake mix 3 large eggs 1¼ c. water 1/3 c. vegetable oil

Blend cake mix, water, oil, and eggs in a large bowl at low speed until moistened (about 30 seconds.) Beat at medium speed for two minutes. Measure one cup batter into a small bowl. Pour remaining batter into pan. Blend cocoa mix packet with the cup of batter. Spoon onto batter in pan. Swirl with knife and bake immediately. Bake at 350 degrees for 32 to 35 minutes. Frost cake with chocolate frosting and decorate to your liking.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH CHEESECAKE 1st Place Cheesecake Division Jacki Miller

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chips. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls over filling, gently pushing dough below surface (dough should be completely covered by filling). Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight; remove side of pan. Sprinkle with remaining chips.

1¾ c. crushed chocolate animal crackers 1/4 c. sugar 1/3 c. butter, melted Filling: 3 (8 oz) pkgs. cream cheese 1 c. sugar 3 eggs 1 c. sour cream 1/2 tsp. vanilla Cookie Dough: 1/2 c. butter, softened 1/4 c. sugar 1/4 c. brown sugar 1 T. water 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 c. flour 1 ½ c. mini, semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto bottom and 1-inch up sides of greased 9-inch spring-form pan; set aside. In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low just until combined. Add sour cream and vanilla; beat just until blended. Pour over crust; set aside. In another mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars on medium speed for three minutes. Add water and vanilla. Gradually add flour. Stir in one cup mini chocolate

BLACKBERRY WINE CAKE

1st Place Specialty Cake Division Theresa McPherson 1 box white cake mix 4 eggs 2 small boxes blackberry gelatin 1 c. oil 1 c. blackberry wine 1 c. chopped nuts Spray Bundt cake pan with nonstick spray, Sprinkle with chopped nuts in bottom of pan. Mix all ingredients well and pour into pan. Bake at 325 degrees for one hour. Turn out on plate while still warm. Pour glaze of powdered sugar and wine over cake and let cool. Garnish and serve

TUNNEL OF FUDGE CAKE

2nd Place Specialty Cake Division Jacki Miller

Cake: 2 ¼ c. flour 3/4 c. cocoa 1 ¾ c. sugar 1 ¾ c. butter, softened 6 eggs 2 c. powdered sugar 2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans Glaze: 3/4 c. powdered sugar 1/4 c. cocoa powder 2 – 3 T milk or half and half Preheat oven 350 degrees. Grease 12 cup Bundt pan with butter and dust with flour. Combine flour and cocoa powder and set aside. In large bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix thoroughly. Stir in flour mixture by hand until well blended. Gently stir in nuts. Batter will be thick. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until top is set and edges begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool upright in pan or on wire rack for 1½ hours to allow fudge to set. Invert onto serving plate to cool thoroughly. To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar and cocoa. Add 2 T. milk. Mix thoroughly, adding only enough milk to create smooth but pourable glaze. Spoon glaze over top of cake, allowing some to run down sides. Serves 20.

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26 ABOUT | December 2012

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APPLESAUCE BUNDT CAKE

3rd Place Specialty Cake Division Theresa McPherson 3 c. all-purpose flour 1 ½ c. granulated sugar 1/2 c. firmly packed dark brown sugar 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. apple pie spice 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 3 large eggs 1 c. unsweetened applesauce 1/2 c. vegetable oil 3/4 Tsp. vanilla 3 c. peeled and chopped Braeburn apples 1/2 c. dried cranberries 1/2 c. golden raisins Confectioners’ sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 10cup Bundt pan with nonstick baking spray with flour. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and next 6 ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk applesauce mixture into flour mixture. Stir in apples, cranberries, and raisins. Pour batter into prepared pan. Gently tap pan on counter to release air bubbles. Bake for one hour or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack. Invert cake onto wire rack and let cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired n

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about | caring

Be a Santa to a Senior

Christmas is a time for children of all ages, but while little ones are most likely to have presents under the tree, lonely elders are often overlooked. But, thanks to the fourth annual “Be a Santa to a Senior” campaign partnered by Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Home Instead Senior Care, up to 300 older adults who face poverty and loneliness in the River Valley will get a gift of love to unwrap this year, with your help. Saint Mary’s hosted the campaign’s opening reception beside a festively decorated “giving tree” at the entrance to the Outpatient lobby on, November 12th. Home Instead Senior Care serves seniors in Pope, Conway, Faulkner, Perry, Van Buren and Cleburne Counties. Shay Dover, coordinator of the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program for Home Instead Senior Care attended the kick-off reception and said it was “surprising” what some of these seniors wish for. “We get a lot of requests for baby dolls. I guess it’s because these women have been giving and giving to others all their lives and it fulfills their need to nurture.” Other seniors ask for basic needs like lotion and hygiene products, said Dover.

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Taylor Nursery 130 S Cumberland • 479-968-2778 28 ABOUT | December 2012

“Whatever they get, the recipients are always so appreciative! I don’t know what they get more thrilled about- the presents or the gift bags decorated by area school children and the accompanying Christmas letters,” she added.

“Most people aren’t aware that there are literally hundreds of seniors in our community who are alone and have no family,” said Becky Bailey, nurse director of Saint Mary’s Home Health. “This holiday season finds many older

adults struggling to make ends meet. Our hope is to brighten their lives with gifts and companionship.” Russellville Chamber of Commerce Special Projects Coordinator Misty Lumpkins agreed. “When people think about Christmas they usually think of children. But what about the elders who have been giving and giving to others all their lives? It’s time to give back,” said Lumpkins. Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center CEO Donnie Fredericks, whose first year at Saint Mary’s has been one of great growth for the facility, was all smiles at the reception. “We are honored to host the ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ tree again this year,” he said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to bring joy to those in need and share in the spirit of giving.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 9 percent of U.S. seniors 65 and older are living in poverty and 27 percent are widowed. Brenda Harrison, Community Service Relations Director of Saint Mary’s and a coordinator of the kick-off event, thanked the community for being so responsive to the “Be a Santa to a Senior” campaign. “The response from the community has been just wonderful! Besides adults who donate to the program, many children come in to pick up an ornament. This is such a great lesson in giving back,” said Harrison. If you would like to be a Santa to a Senior, pick up an ornament or two at Saint Mary’s Outpatient Services entrance facing C Street next to the Emergency Room and register the selected ornament at the reception desk. Each paper ornament lists the first name and gift request of a senior in need. There are plenty to choose from, too, as up to 300 ornaments will be on the tree. Santas then purchase items listed on the ornaments and return them unwrapped to the reception desk at Saint Mary’s Outpatient Services by Wednesday, December 12th. Home Instead Senior Care enlists community volunteers to gather, wrap and deliver the gifts. Area school children also get in on the event as students in local classrooms to write Christmas letters and do artwork on white paper bags donated by Catherine Brown of System Chemical. The community giftwrapping event will be held from 4-6 p.m. at the Pope County Senior Center. For more information on this worthwhile program, please visit www.besantatoasenior.com, www. saintmarysregional.com, or contact Shay Dover with Home Instead Senior Care at (479) 264-7316. n

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201 North Ark. Avenue | Historic Downtown Russellville | (479) 968-2929 December 2012 | ABOUT 29

the

True

Spirit of

Christmas By Johnny Sain

he North Pole is as much a state of mind as it is a geographic location. In other words, it’s hard to get there from here. The first problem encountered is identifying which North Pole you want to visit. There are four to choose from: geographic, magnetic, geomagnetic and Arctic. The agreement to an interview came back with directions to the geographic North Pole. If you put your finger at the top of a globe you’re pointing at the geographic North Pole. The return trip would be much less complicated. Just head south. Travelling by airplane to the Russian polar research station known as Borneo is no problem. It’s those last miles that are tricky. There are no roads -- only a sheet of sea ice extending beyond the horizon. The only way in is by icebreaker boat or animal powered sled. It takes big money to charter the icebreaker so that leaves the dog sled for travelers of modest means.

“

The sled produced a steady hiss as it glided along the frozen Arctic Sea and what looked to be a journey of several hours was over almost impossibly quick. As the dogs slowed their trot in the winterlong darkness, the winds calmed. The sled came to a halt and there stood the fabled candy stripe pole. Through the gently falling snow the silhouette of a low-roofed buildings come into view, each with the warm glow of a candle illuminating the darkness from a circular window. And there in the doorway of the central structure stands a husky man. He offers a hearty “Hello,” and an introduction. “People know me by so many names. Santa Claus, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, but my real name is Kris. Kris Kringle.” Kris’s home is cozy and warm. The smell of peppermint and gingerbread hang heavy in the air, but the aromas don’t overpower.

Hohoho! But I know in my heart that the good people of the world feel the same as we do. I see it in the good they do, not just during the holidays, but all year round.

“

30 ABOUT | December 2012

The home is warm, but there’s no fire or woodstove and the nearest electricity is half a world away. When asked about a heat source, Kris replies with a chuckle. “Our home is warmed by something that everyone has access to, but sometimes it gets lost in the hustle bustle of the winter holiday season.” Kris’s wife, Jessica, enters the room. Her jolly countenance is a mirror of Kris as she places steaming mugs of hot cocoa on a spruce wood table. “We don’t get many visitors up here, but it is surely nice to entertain. Would you like some marshmallows for your cocoa?” Hospitality can indeed be found north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Kris is a symbol for the holidays, an icon actually. But, while most people think Kris’s job is seasonal that is far from the truth. “It never really stops. Oh sure, we don’t start prepping heavily until September and then there’s all the letters starting in late November, but we work year-round.” Day to day activities are varied according to Kris. “The reindeer are pretty selfsufficient. I guess free-range would be the best way to put it. They take care of themselves for most of the year and then start trickling in around October.” And what about the flying? Is that a genetic thing? Magic? “Let’s just call it a trade secret,” says Kris with a twinkle in his eye.

Toys are anything but self-sufficient. Luckily, Kris has help. Lots of help. “When the Missus and I decided to start this endeavor, we knew we would need some help. As luck would have it, we found the elves. The elves are why we moved here.” Elves are a race of tiny people. Hardy and handy, they historically live in very inhospitable places. Known around the world for their charitable spirit as well as their ability to make virtually anything, the elves were perfect partners for the Kringles. “We decided to take an adventure trip the North Pole soon after we were married and found this village. We had to build a larger house for the Missus and me, but other than that, this is the way it looked when arrived here all those years ago.” Elves don’t want money or material things. The live on chocolate chip cookies, peppermint sticks, sugarplums, hot cocoa, and apple cider. “It sure makes things easy when you find partners with the same goals. Nobody up here wants for anything. We just want to give.” With Kris providing direction and delivery, toy production falls to the elves. “Well, we’ve always got some things going on over in the toy division. You know

the old standbys like teddy bears and dolls. No matter how much technology grows, it seems that the teddy bears and dolls are always popular with good girls and boys. We make those all year long.” While stuffed animals and dolls are still high in demand, things have changed at the North Pole operation. “We’ve made some big changes in how we do things around here,” said Kris. The toy requests started turning high-tech in the late seventies. And then all those home video game systems came out. It’s really kept us on our toes.” Production has tripled since the 1960’s and the Kringle crew has kept up. Delivering to all the children in the world isn’t a problem, but Kris seems a little sad as he talks about increased production. It’s an emotion that catches him off-guard and he blushes an apology. “Sorry about that. Higher production is great. There’s nothing an elf likes better than making toys – except maybe eating sugarplums – and there is nothing I enjoy more than flying through the crisp winter air. But, I wonder if toys and jewelry and other things are taking something away. I wonder if people are losing the meaning of Christmas.”

y r r e Mhristmas C

“We started the toy delivery as a way to spread the spirit of Christmas; a way of symbolizing peace on Earth and goodwill among men. These are the reasons we celebrate the season.” Kris’s mood changes abruptly and rosy cheeks frame a dimpled smile. His lighted pipe forms a circle above his head. “Hohoho! But I know in my heart that the good people of the world feel the same as we do. I see it in the good they do, not just during the holidays, but all year round. They help feed and clothe their unfortunate neighbors. They offer a kind word when a kind word can save the day. I see it all. I know when they’ve been naughty, but I see that they are overwhelmingly good. Hohoho! They know that the spirit of Christmas isn’t found in things new and shiny but in our hearts.” “Well, time is pressing and we must get back to work,” says Kris. He offers a hug and bids farewell as the front door closes. On this windless night, the falling snowflakes tinkle like tiny jingle bells. The spirit of Christmas curls out of the cozy Kringle home and warms the frigid darkness. The stars twinkle overhead on a perfect arctic night. n

Just in the St. Nick of Time!

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Veterans Celebrated, Recognized

Veterans were honored and celebrated recently as the Pope County Salute to Freedom Task Force held an annual parade and a ceremony honoring the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World War I veterans. Headed by Jim Bob Humphrey, the task force and subsequent event will continue the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tradition of hosting war-specific parades and ceremonies. In previous years, the Task Force recognized Vietnam vets in 2006, World War II vets in 2007, Korean War vets in 2008, Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield vets in 2009, Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in 2010, and women veterans last year. The parade included more than 50 motorcycles, a large number of antique automobiles and five antique military vehicles from the Arkansas Antique Military Vehicles Association. Area bands participated in both the parade and the ceremony at the end of the route. Following the parade, a ceremony recognizing the descendants of World War I veterans and presenting them with a challenge coin, was held at the Main Street Depot. The Salute to Freedom Task Force is a nonprofit organization whose board is composed of local community leaders and representatives from military organizations. The event is considered n to be the largest Veterans Day event in the state. Photos by Steve Newby

32 ABOUT | December 2012

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December 2012 | ABOUT 33

about | engagements

Save the Date!

Calendar listings of engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements on the pages of each issue of ABOUT…the River Valley are available at no charge. They may be mailed to: ABOUT Magazine, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812 or sent via email to: editor@aboutrvmag.com. (A phone number must be included for verif ication.)

~ December 1 ~

~ March 16, 2013 ~

Leah Gardner and Josh Poore

Kathryn Young and Lance Shingleur

~ December 15 ~

~ March 23, 2013 ~

Lindsey Ahrens and Michael McCrary Bethany Kimbrough and Lawrence Raymond

Mallory Lawrence and Eli Cranor Cara Slone and Brock Knight

~ December 22 ~

~ April 13, 2013 ~

Kristen Kearney and Aaron Scruggs

Darla Bryant and Cullen Anson Janae George and Aaron Pate

~ December 28 ~

~ April 20, 2013 ~

~ June 1, 2013 ~ Stephanie Corbin and Ben Houghton

Anna Horkey and Matt Kobs

Randi Rudder and Justin Lowe

~ July 21, 2013 ~

~ December 29 ~

~ April 27, 2013 ~

Laura Safdie and Kyle Taylor

Lauren Falleur and Matt Baxley

Jamie Dunn and Chris Needham

~ August 3, 2013 ~

~ March 15, 2013 ~

~ May 25, 2013 ~

Allison Hill and Michael Chiuminatto

Jessica Vinson and Wesley Honnell

Laura Cotton and Jim Rowland

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

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34 ABOUT | December 2012

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December 2012 | ABOUT 35