LOVE/STUBBS HOUSE
December 2019 • www.aboutrvmag.com
Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley
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PROJECT SEARCH
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NEW HOPE
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December 2019 TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
8 The Historic Love/Stubbs House
The Love/Stubbs House house was built in 1915 by David Crocket (D.C.) Love. Mr. Love (1845-1930) was a wealthy Carden Bottom farmer who amassed major land holdings in the Dardanelle Bottoms.
16 Holiday memories
18 Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH began in Russellville in 2017 when Jim Davidson, CEO of Saint Mary’s, was approached by the late Dr. Finley Turner.
24 Community Pages 30 Hope, Help, & Healing
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When you hear the term “human trafficking,” you may think of it in terms of illegally moving people from one location to another and often across borders. You may think that it’s something that happens only in other places or, perhaps, even only in other countries. It’s not.
34 Compare and contrast 42 Gifts from the garden 44 Eat or be eaten 46 10 things ABOUT...
Newton’s Pharmacy
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
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ABOUT THIS MONTH’S COVER You might find yourself uttering the words of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz this time of year so we thought a cover feature walkthrough of one of Dardanelle’s most storied homes was fitting. Thanks again for another year of making the River Valley feel like ‘home’ for all of us.
DECEMBER 2019
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Without darkness there is no light Here at the tag end of 2019 — a stretch of time that we covered in what seemed far less than 12 months — we can peer back at the good and bad with a clarity of vision that only hindsight can provide. We measure our successes against our failures. We ponder our poor decisions and promise to do better. We sift through the tearful memories of those who left and think with warm fondness on those who just arrived. We count wrinkles and pounds and silver hairs. We wonder why we couldn’t find time, during at least a few of the previous 365 days, to do this or go there or to visit with someone whose company we enjoy. They’re all themed a bit differently, but we’ve performed this same ritual of rumination for every December we’ve been aware that years eventually end. And we tend to ruminate even more when we come to the somber realization that, sooner or later, we will run out of years. Gloomy as it may seem, I believe this is what people are meant to do during the darkest month. There are few things more fundamentally human than regret and remembrance. How else would you figure out what not to do or fully realize the depths of emotion — both the sad and the joyous — without reflection? This is also the season of hope. For some,
there is a promise found in the morning rays after solstice. For others, that promise is found in the songs of a savior born in the most humble of circumstances. For everyone, it is the promise of a new beginning, of growing light and coming warmth. It’s the promise of salvation. But we can’t know the illuminating confidence of light if we don’t know the worrisome uncertainty of darkness. We can’t comprehend warmth if we’ve never been chilled to the bone. We cannot be saved if we’re not in danger. The balance of life hinges on this constant, dynamic state of opposition. Equilibrium is always the goal but never reached. And now, during the dreariest of days, is when we most need to remember this universal truth. Take heart, readers, and be merry. Eat, drink, revel in this season of reflection and faith. Look with wonder on every flickering candle and twinkling holiday bulb, the orange embers glowing in the hearth. For with each tiny flame and sparkle, we are reminded that time is short and existence is precious. And know that it won’t be dark forever. The light is coming back.
Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley since 2006 A Publication of One14 Productions, Inc Vol. XIV, Issue 11 – December 2019
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 MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS | freelance meredith@aboutrvmag.com JILL MCSHEEHY | freelance jill@aboutrvmag.com SARAH CLOWER | freelance sarah@aboutrvmag.com LYDIA ZIMMERMAN | columnist lydia@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@aboutrvmag.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com
ABOUT… the River Valley is locally owned and published for distribution by direct mail and targeted delivery to those interested in the Arkansas River Valley. Material contained in this issue may not be copied or reproduced without written consent. Inquiries may be made by calling (479) 219-5031. Office: 220 East 4th Street Email: info@aboutrvmag.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: One14 Productions 220 East 4th Street Russellville, AR 72801
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS Find up-to-date information and future events @
December 2019 3rd
— Basic Trout Fishing Clinic at the Hughes Center in Russellville. Sponsored by CADDIS Fly Fishing club, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and Russellville Recreation and Parks Dept. For more information, call the Hughes Center at 968-1272
5th — Russellville Community Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade. Tree lighting at 6 p.m. in downtown Russellville and parade starts at 6:30. For more information contact 967-1437.
6th — Christmas Downtown Art Walk from 6-9 p.m. in downtown Russellville. For more information contact 967-1437.
7th
— Trout Day 2019 at Pleasant View Park Pond in Russellville. Sponsored by CADDIS Fly Fishing club, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and Russellville Recreation and Parks Dept. For more information, call the Hughes Center at 968-1272
7th — Christmas Open House at Petit Jean State Park. Meet at Mather Lodge fireplace lobby 2- 4 p.m. admission is free. See the park’s historic Mather Lodge dressed in its Christmas finery. Enjoy family arts and crafts activities and seasonal entertainment. Contact the park for a schedule at 501-727-5441
www.aboutrvmag.com/events
7th
— Christmas Open House at Mount Magazine State Park from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The park’s volunteer organization, the Mount Magazine Action Group (MtMAG), has been in existence for 15 years. Members volunteer over 3,000 hours per year, helping with litter pick up, interpretive activities, and gardening. Join the volunteers for this annual open house, complete with tasty holiday treats, a festive atmosphere, and free gift wrapping for any treasures you purchase in the visitor center gift shop. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you have the chance to speak to someone about upcoming opportunities. For more Information contact 479-963-8502.
8th — Sixth Annual Holiday Tour of Homes from 1-3 p.m. This is a fundraiser to support the many mission projects of the United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church Russellville. Tickets are $20 and include a tour of four homes. Tickets may be purchased from any member of United Methodist Women, from the church office at 304 South Commerce Avenue, or at the door of any of the homes. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Joann Perry at 479-9700848 or Linda Gifford at 479-880-2259.
Su
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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 3 4 *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.
14th — Floating Christmas Parade at Lake Dardanelle State Park. For more information contact 967-5516. 21st — Happy Winter Solstice! 25th — Merry Christmas! Feb. 1st — Savor the Symphony fundraiser, at the Russellville Country Club. Begins at 6p.m. with dinner at 7. For more information contact Judy Murphy at 479-967-1177.
Happy Holidays from our FAMILY to yours!
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~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
Story by DR. DIANE GLEASON Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN
DECEMBER 2019
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The Love/Stubbs House house was built in 1915 by David Crocket (D.C.) Love. Mr. Love (1845-1930) was a wealthy Carden Bottom farmer who amassed major land holdings in the Dardanelle Bottoms. His half-brother, Dr. L. E. “Ed” Love, was a graduate of Washington University, did post-graduate work at Mayo Clinic, practiced medicine in Dardanelle for 43 years, and had extensive farming and mercantile interest with his brother-in-law, Judge T. E. Wilson of Dardanelle. D. C. Love was one of the wealthiest men in Yell County. After his wife’s death in 1917, his youngest child, Kathryn Love Harmon (Mrs. Haynes Harmon) and family also resided in the house. After D. C. Love’s death, the house was purchased by Dalton Stubbs (1888-1977) and Mary Ellen Hames Stubbs, owners of Stubbs Insurance Agency in Dardanelle and was passed on to their son James Lee Stubbs (1913-2000) and Donnagean Dutton Stubbs who owned Dardanelle Insurance Agency. During the early 2000s, the house passed through several different owners and by 2018 was a derelict property sorely in need of restoration.
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
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DECEMBER 2019
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Dr. Diane Gleason purchased the property on August 31, 2018, and immediately began a complete overhaul. Mr. Kenneth Cain and his able crew of skilled craftsmen along with numerous sub-contractors spent 11 months restoring the house. The house today contains many of its original materials and its original footprint, although, a new oversized garage has been added. Other additions include: new mechanical units, new roof and gutters, new appliances and plumbing, a rebuilt porch floor and refurbished columns, new copper chimney cap, new windows, new exterior shutters, new old-brick walkways and steps, a new foundation, brick skirting, and sidewalks, new decorative tin ceiling tiles, new fixtures, restored woodwork, stairway, and Queen Anne overlay mantel, and restored exterior and interior doors with original hardware and floors. New fencing, landscaping, and sod were also installed. An antique-lead window (London, 1900) was installed at the top of the stairs.
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
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The structure contains four bedrooms, three and-a-half baths, a spacious master walk-in closet, den, enlarged laundry room, kitchen with solid surface countertops and backsplash, breakfast nook, mud room, living room, dining room with fireplace, a spacious entry hall, and a wrap-around front and side porch. Dr. Gleason’s primary goal was to save this stately piece of Dardanelle’s material history and culture and allow the property to again be made beautiful and have continued life. Dr. Gleason sold the restored property on August 1, 2019 — the historic Love/Stubbs House has now started a new era as the Tarver/Marquez family home. The new owners moved into the home shortly thereafter and will, hopefully, assure its future as a well-loved and beautifully maintained private residence. Restoring these types of structures in Dardanelle helps the town maintain its identity, cultural heritage and furthers its future. It is hoped that the citizens of Dardanelle will enjoy seeing this restored property, that it will inspire other citizens to improve their own property, and improve the appearance of the community overall. Dr. Gleason would like to thank Kenneth Cain and his team of skilled carpenters, Danny Kirby & Kirby Specialists Corporation, and a large number of skilled tradesmen without whom this restoration would not have been possible.
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
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E V E R Y D AY L I F E
Holiday memories Story by SARAH CLOWER Illustration by CLIFF THOMAS
THE YULETIDE SEASON IS THE PERFECT CULMINATION OF THE THREE PREVIOUS SEASONS it follows coming in with a whirlwind entrance. The smells of cinnamon and pine combined with the coziness of hearth fires and the twinkling of Christmas ornaments glinting off the string of lights strung so carefully around a sapling, make for the most enjoyable winter nights. The images of Christmas and all it embodies is enough to warm us to our core no matter the temperature. For some, the holiday season will bring on a flurry of baking escapades, full houses with frenzied party preparations, and an overall harmonized menagerie of guests and revelers well beyond the twenty-fifth of the month. For others, it is a time of pondering and reflection of the year that is rapidly coming to an end. It’s a chance to make peace with any sowers of discord in our lives or a chance to make resolutions to keep those sowers well out of our way. For my son and I, it represents a time to be thankful for all we have and for finding ways to help others be as fulfilled as we are. For this reason, I have tried hard for all of Raff’s 10 years to make Christmas an expe-
rience itself and not about gifts. Sure, we exchange a few gifts with family members and friends. But instead of an emphasis on receiving, I have made it a tradition with him that we take a trip, go on adventures, volunteer where we can, and explore new things. Thankfully, Raff loves to travel as much as his dear ol’ mom. He is, however, doted upon heavily by
his grandparents so he has no shortage of gifts to open Christmas Eve. And I make sure he has one present to open on Christmas morning from Santa. But then he and I will take off on whichever adventure we chose. I usually let Raff pick, as it is his Christmas present from me. And I hope that he continues to choose to travel and have quality time with family over a plethOVER
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
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ora of gifts that he won’t even remember after a month has gone by. Sometimes I worry that Christmas has become so over marketed and consumerized that we lose sight of what we should be bringing us together. This year, I decided to visit with several individuals who had experienced Christmas in bygone eras, curious to see what their fondest holiday memories were.
What is your favorite Christmas gift you remember receiving? Most common answer: Barbie
What is your favorite Christmas memory? Most common answer: Watching their children open presents on Christmas morning.
“My sister giving me a book, “The Silent Passage About Menopause,” with a note on it that said: “Buy your own damn hat.” I had asked her for a hat like the one Katie Couric wore in the Macy’s parade. I laughed and laughed.” - Margaret C., 71
“The first Christmas with my first two grandchildren — two boys born 12 days apart.” - Margaret C., 71
“My father sent presents for my siblings and me from Germany during WWII. He didn’t make it through the war, but I still have my German jewelry box that has a ballerina in it that dances.” - Bernadette S., 75 “My younger brother giving me his old paint tin.” - Mary Ann K., almost 70
“A life-sized doll when I was 5.” - Judy P., 58
“My Dad took us to look at Christmas lights when I was about seven. Santa came while we were gone. Sad to miss Santa, but glad to get presents.” Janet W., 64
“A camera when I was 12. I was so excited and took lots of pictures.” Janet W., 64
“My baby girl, Rhonda, was born December 12,1965. It was the best Christmas ever.” Mary B., 77
“A two-foot tall doll that walked. - Jane C., 67
“My first Christmas that God gave me my baby, Joshua.” - Lynn C., 72 “Popping popcorn and then stringing it as garland for the Christmas tree.” - Joan P., 63 “When I was convinced for a full year that my parents were Mr. and Mrs. Claus because I saw my mom kissing my dad who was dressed as Santa.” - John J., 80
“A bicycle when I was 12 years old.” Art E., 75
What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Most common answer: Decorating the tree. “All of my family getting together on Christmas Eve for treats and games.” Jane C., 67 “My mom told us Santa hid our presents all around the house and we would go find them.” - Joan P., 63
F R O M
O U R
“Spending all evening on Thanksgiving night making homemade Christmas ornaments from leftover ingredients or scraps from the big meal: gingerbread and cinnamon dough we would cut into shapes, garland from leftover peas and carrots that would dry out, silver ornaments shaped from the washed aluminum baking pans, popped corn and cranberries strung on baking twine, and oranges with cloves stuck in them that we would hide in between the branches.” - Bernice B., 90 “Having everyone around and giving them gifts on my birthday, December 24th.” - Mary Ann K., almost 70 “My mom singing us to sleep with Christmas hymns. There were five of us kids, and we all slept in the same bed. I never felt lonely at night when I was young.” - John J., 80 What would you ask Santa for if you could have anything? Most common answer: Good health and happiness for my family and friends. “To give Marilyn Monroe one last foot rub.” - Art E., 75 “Nancy Pelosi in the White House.” Margaret C., 71 “To have enough money to get me out of this nursing home and into one that has some good looking gentlemen! This one is all old ladies!” - Bernice B., 90
F A M I L Y
T O
Y O U R S
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
petersfamilyliving.com |
201 N. Arkansas Ave. • 479-968-2929 DECEMBER 2019
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Preparedness meets potential Story by KENZIE SAIN | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN
Project SEARCH began in Russellville in 2017 when Jim Davidson, CEO of Saint Mary’s, was approached by the late Dr. Finley Turner. Dr. Turner was active within Friendship Community Care, which plays an integral role in the success of the program. Jim was intrigued by the idea when it was first presented. The cause is close to his heart. “My mother was a special education teacher, and so I can remember as a boy just spending a lot of time with special needs kids and not thinking twice about it,” Jim says. “It was just the world that my mother lived in, and she brought me into that world. When I look back on it, I feel as though I’ve gained something of value from having that experience in my life.” 18
ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
But the program and Saint Mary’s, under Jim’s relative newness in his position of leadership, was out of synch. “Initially, when they approached me it was early on in my career here, and it just wasn’t quite the right time,” Jim says. “Some months passed, and they approached me again, and I felt like that was an appropriate time to consider the program.” Project SEARCH is an international internship program for adults with disabilities based
“I want to push them,” Sarah says. “I constantly want them to try new things and learn.” at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Russellville’s chapter is made possible by Friendship Community Care, Arkansas Rehab Services, and Saint Mary’s Medical Center. Participants in Project SEARCH are taught how to succeed in the workforce and gain valuable work experience through their internships. The group consists of interns ages 18 to 35, and participants have a wide range of internship opportunities to choose from including engineering, environmental services, accounting, and medical services. “We’re constantly trying to add new areas and we are working on adding more right now,” explains Sarah Ketchum, Friendship’s service coordinator for Project SEARCH. When Jim decided to bring the program to Saint Mary’s, he called on Connie Gragg, Saint Mary’s human resources director and Project SEARCH liaison, to take the reins. “The importance of this program is that it has the potential to not only change the intern’s life but the family’s life as well,” Connie says. As a mother of someone with special needs, Connie understands the struggle of the families and how challenging it can be. The program usually takes about six to ten participants, although there is hope for bigger numbers in the future. From August to December, participants complete internships. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. their time is split between the classroom and the internship itself. Classroom time is used for group lessons covering topics such as communication, socialization, and resume guidelines. At the beginning of the program, interns are provided with job skills trainers who accompany them during their internship. “They’re there to just help them with learning the new task until they get the hang of it,” says Sarah. At this point in the program, the goal is to get the participants into a new environment where they can explore opportunities they’ve never been offered before. “I want to push them,” Sarah says. “I constantly want them to try new things and learn.” >> DECEMBER 2019
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From January until their graduation in May, the interns are given opportunities to job shadow at different businesses within the community. “If they’ve told me they really want to work in a daycare, I’m gonna go out and try to find them a daycare that they can job shadow in and see if that’s really what they want to do,” says Sarah. By this time, the participants are more aware of the type of job they might want to pursue, have tested their skills, and know their strengths. All of this gives them more confidence going forward. Sarah uses this time to conduct mock interviews. She’ll ask people, who the interns aren’t familiar with, to come in and interview the interns just like a potential employer would. “If I were to do a mock interview with them, I don’t know that they would really be that nervous or get that feeling of how it really is when you go in for an interview,” she explains. The majority of the
“The importance of this program is that it has the potential to not only change the intern’s life but the family’s life as well,”
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
interns who graduate from the program go on to find gainful employment within the community. Even after they start their new jobs, their job skills trainers will work with them through the summer or until they feel they are not needed anymore. The program is assisted by a steering committee that is made up of different people within the community. The committee meets once a month to keep things on track and plan goals for the future. Along with the steering committee, there is also a business advisory board composed of representatives from different local businesses that offer support. >>
“Instead of someone from the outside imposing a limitation, we create an environment where they get to tinker around a little bit and find a place where they can find fulfillment and satisfaction.” DECEMBER 2019
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“There is someone from Firestone on our committee, and they work so well with us. We actually were able to do a tour with them last year and see how a factory really was. Some of them [interns] had never stepped foot in a factory, so it was good to let them be able to do that.” The beauty of this program is that it provides support for members of our community that are normally not given a chance. “I think it’s a program that seeks to find a spot for folks who otherwise may be forgotten or cast aside because of some preconceived notion about their limitations,” says Jim. “Instead of someone from the outside imposing a limitation, we create an environment where they get to tinker around a little bit and find a place where they can find fulfillment and satisfaction.”
This program is an environment that pushes interns to accomplish objectives that even they didn’t believe they were capable of. “In the first class, one of the students went to school to become a certified nurse’s aide. She liked the feel of the healthcare industry. She went off and pursued that and I think she’s achieved it actually,” said Jim. Everyone involved in this program is extremely dedicated. Through partnership and passion, they are able to make an enormous impact on people’s lives. “The wonderful byproduct, that you can’t really quantify, is the way this thing really brings out the best in our staff because it connects us to our purpose to make our communities healthier,” Jim says. “And that doesn’t always come in the form of a prescription or a surgical intervention.”
SUPPORT FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CARE SERVING INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BY MAKING YOUR YEAR END GIFT BY DECEMBER 31ST 22
ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
Your gifts can be designated for specific programs (i.e. pediatrics), equipment, client support, staff development, or unrestricted. Your gift, no matter the size, will help provide a greater degree of independence and dignity for our clients. Your year end gift can also be made TAX FREE through an IRA distribution if you are at least 70 1/2 years of age. To make your gift, contact Mike Hutchison at 501-336-5500 or email hutchisonm@fccare.org.
www.fccare.org
2320 West Main, Rsvl (479) 968-6464 Monday-Saturday 9:30-6:00
Join Greenway Equipment this holiday season for our annual toy drive! Drop your new, packaged toys at any one of our 31 Greenway locations. All donations benefit the chrildren at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Help bring joy into a child’s life this holiday season! Learn more at gogreenway.com or follow us on Facebook
TOY DRIVE DECEMBER 2019
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COMMUNITY
Holiday Tour of Homes The United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church, Russellville, will host their sixth annual Holiday Tour of Homes on Sunday, December 8, from 1-3 p.m. This is a fundraiser to support the many mission projects of the group. You are invited to join them for a fun afternoon filled with holiday cheer and beautifully decorated homes. Tickets are $20 and include a tour of four homes. Tickets may be purchased from any member of United Methodist Women, from the church office at 304 South Commerce Avenue, or at the door of any of the homes. Participants are encouraged to begin the self-guided tour at any of the homes and continue to the other homes at their leisure. A “taxi” transportation service will be provided for anyone unable to drive the tour. Reservations are advised, and can be made by calling the church office at 479968-1232. The bus will leave the church parking lot at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, December 8. The 2019 Holiday Tour of Homes includes Whitney Adkins # 9 Pinewood Drive, Virginia Berner, 309 Wisteria Court, Linda Gifford, 323 Quapaw Drive, and Robin Johnson #114 Hillview Curve. Di-
Artwalk December 6th Polar Express December 16th
Check Facebook for additional information.
rections to the homes are provided on the tickets. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Joann Perry at 479-970-0848 or Linda Gifford at 479-880-2259.
ATU nursing outreach program benefits community More than 290 Russellville School District students are certified in bleeding control techniques due to a fall 2019 initiative led by two members of the Arkansas Tech University faculty. Dr. Cheryl Monfee, professor of nursing, and Dr. Carey Laffoon, associate professor of nursing, worked with community partners and ATU alumni to help the Russell-
ville School District meet the provisions of Act 245 of the 92nd Arkansas General Assembly. Act 245 requires Arkansas students in grades 9-12 to receive training in bleeding control. “Stop the Bleed” is a national program launched by the White House in 2015 in recognition of the fact that bleeding is the No. 1 cause of death from injury. Monfee and Laffoon began their project by completing an instructor certification course taught by Zach Mabry, director of surgery at Johnson County Regional Medical Center and a graduate of the ATU nursing program. Another ATU nursing graduate, Annie Schanick, collaborated with the ATU faculty members to seek admin-
Wolf Works Wellness
This Christmas, give a gift you know they’ll love! Call Today for a Gift Card @ 479-385-2755 Cards can be mailed or delivered to you, or picked up at 1305 East Main Street BUY ONE AT FULL PRICE, GET ONE OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE AT HALF PRICE! EXPIRES 12/24/19
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
Save the Date 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.)
DECEMBER 2019 Hannah Bowden & Clay Singleton (7th) Maddie Robinson & Nathan Bacon (7th) Dixie Worrell & Joshua Sayger (14th)
istrative approval and schedule “Stop the Bleed” classes for students. Schanick is the nursing coordinator for the Russellville School District. Fifteen ATU Bachelor of Science in Nursing students completing their leadership and management clinical rotation participated in training and joined the effort as associate instructors. Yet another member of the ATU community, Arkansas Tech Department of Nursing alumnus Tim Tanner, helped carry the training forward to the Russellville High School student body. Tanner serves as stroke and community outreach coordinator at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. RHS program participants were tested on their knowledge of techniques to stop bleeding before and after the course. Their average score improved from 62 percent before training to 92 percent after training.
It’s time to upgrade! Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 End-Of-Life is January 14, 2020.
Monfee and Laffoon plan to continue their community service and educational outreach program to aid school districts in their pursuit of Act 245 compliance. Call (479) 968-0383 for more information.
Ladies’ Campfire Cooking at Lake Dardanelle State Park Ladies, join us at Lake Dardanelle State Park for an evening around the campfire. Our series of workshops, Outdoor Women Learns Skills or OWLS, will begin on Friday, December 6, 2019 with campfire cooking from 6 - 9p.m. During the workshop, you will get to make a delicious meal over the campfire while enjoying the evening with other women. Each lady will receive a cookbook full of recipes written for cooking over the fire to take home with her. The Campfire Cooking Workshop requires pre-registration by November 29 and is $30. >>
Allie Green & Ryan Scantling (21st) Jennifer Duffel & Bo Hamilton (27th) Marin Carter & Michael Black (28th) Anna Grace & Chris Cullum (31st)
JANUARY 2020 Anna Grace Hughes & Tyler Calavitta (11th) Madison Schilling Cason & Luke Cason (married, shower on the (11th)
MARCH 2020 Brittany TeShay Sears & Malik Lamar Oliver (20th)
APRIL 2020 Sarah Langston & Hunter Jackson (17th)
MAY 2020 Tori Underhill & T.J. Glasse (31st)
Is your business ready? Support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 ends January 14, 2020. Let the team at ASI evaluate your business’s current system, perform inventory on which systems will be affected, and provide a recommendation tailored for you.
Contact us at 479.880.2005 and schedule your appointment with our professional team today! 220 E. 4th St., Russellville | asitechnology.com DECEMBER 2019
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RUSSELLVILLE ANIMAL SHELTER
Featured Friends
Ruger & Friend Ruger (left) is a male lab-mix puppy who is only about five months old. There is nothing in the world Ruger would love more than a warm home filled with warm hearts… except maybe a big yard to romp through. We don’t know this fellow’s name (right), but his best friend recently passed away and he had no place else to go. He’s around four years old, the sweetest and calmest terrier mix you’re likely to meet, and he’s looking for a new family for the holidays. To learn more, or to adopt this month’s featured friend, please contact the Russellville Animal Shelter at (479) 968-1944. Photos by MADISON REVES
The OWLS Campfire Cooking Workshop is the first in a series of six skills classes designed to give women the opportunity to sharpen their outdoor skills and spend the evening meeting other women who share similar interests. There is one workshop each month beginning in December and going through May. Each month will focus on a different topic. Ladies may come to multiple classes or just one. Each workshop requires pre-registration, includes dinner, and is $30. For more information or to register for this or other workshops, call the Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center at (479) 967-5516. Additional information about Lake Dardanelle State Park and other programs and workshops offered can be found online at arkansasstateparks.com.
Central Arkansas Surgical Center (CASC) is a 7,500 square foot state-of-the-art multi-specialty facility. It is specifically designed for outpatient procedures with two well-equipped operating rooms and one procedure room. Outpatient surgery requires less time, allowing patients to return to their home, families and work schedules faster. CASC is a safe and effective alternative to a hospital with the added benefits of convenient parking, expedited registration, and a dedicated staff of knowledgeable health care professionals. Patients experience all of this in an environment designed for efficiency, comfort, safety, and privacy.
ATU’s Danielle Duggan named Tyson Foods Hunger Hero Arkansas Tech University senior Danielle Duggan (above) is one of 21 individuals from around the United States selected as a 2019 Tyson Foods Hunger Hero. A management and marketing major from DeQueen, Duggan was nominated for the honor based upon her work to combat food insecurity as part of her platform for the Miss Arkansas competition. As result of being named a Tyson Foods Hunger Hero, Duggan had the opportunity to select a hunger relief organization to receive a $2,500 grant from Tyson. She chose the Green and Gold Cupboard, a food pantry that serves students, faculty, staff and retirees in need at Arkansas Tech. “It was a big decision I had to make be-
SPECIALTIES & PROCEDURES
CASC provides outpatient procedures in the following specialties: Dr. Brent Lawrence - Orthopedics ACL, Shoulder and Knee Arthroscopy, Rotator Cuff Repair, Carpal Tunnel, etc. Dr. Ezechiel Nehus and Dr. Stephen Killingsworth - ENT Ear Tubes, Tonsillectomy, Adenoidectomy, Sinus Surgery, etc. Dr. Carlos Roman - Pain Management Back and Neck Injections, Radio Frequency Ablation
Danny Aquilar, DPM and Vafa Ferdowsian, DPM - Podiatry Bunion, Hammertoe, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendon Repair, etc. Dr. George Nawar - GI EGD/Colonoscopy Dr. Justin Lieblong - Ophthalmology Cataract Surgery, YAG/SLT Laser Therapy
151 E. Aspen Lane, Russellville, AR 72802 • Phone: 479-967-1117 • Fax: 479-967-0089 • www.centralarkansassurgical.com 26
ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
cause that is a lot of money, and I knew that could make or break an organization,” said Duggan. “I’ve been a part of several organizations in my hometown as well as here in the Russellville area, but I’m in the University Honors program (at ATU) so I knew about the Green and Gold Cupboard and how many people it supports. I’ve volunteered here before, and I can see where improvements need to be made. This is near and dear to my heart, and ultimately that was the basis of my decision. This is part of the university I love so much and have put so much time and energy into sup-
porting for four years.” Duggan’s love for ATU is reflected in her involvement on campus. She has held multiple leadership positions with Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, been a candidate in the Miss Arkansas Tech University Pageant, served on the Presidential Leadership Cabinet, earned a position as a Student Government Association senator, gained entrance to the Order of Omega and Beta Gamma Sigma honor societies and participated in Victory campus ministry. She has a similar affection for Tyson Foods and the work it does in the commu-
nities it serves. “Both of my parents have worked for Tyson for over 25 years,” said Duggan, who served an internship in the human resources office at Tyson Foods in Dardanelle during summer 2019 and continues to work there part-time. “My dad has six chicken houses, and we grow chickens for Tyson. Agriculture and the importance of it have been instilled in me since I was very young. Tyson has given millions of dollars in recent years to hunger relief organizations and has rewarded people through the Hunger Heroes program. >>
2019 Santa Schedule at the Russellville City Mall on 407 N. Arkansas Ave. • Photographer Available Dec. 7 ~ Saturday �������������������������� 2:00-5:00
Dec. 18 ~ Wednesday ������������������� 3:30-6:30
Dec. 14 ~ Saturday ����������������������� 2:00-5:00
Dec. 20 ~ Friday ���������������������������� 2:00-5:00
Dec. 15 ~ Sunday �������������������������� 1:00-3:30
Dec. 21 ~ Saturday ����������������������� 2:00-5:00
Dec. 16 ~ Monday (Pet Night) ���� 5:00-7:00
Dec. 22 ~ Sunday �������������������������� 1:00-3:30 Visit our Studio and give the gift of glam for the beauty lovers on your list. Shop, socialize, get pampered, and be merry! 407 N. Arkansas Ave. Suite #4 (Inside the City Mall) Russellville, AR 479.968.6690
from the Merchants of the City Mall Brought to you by
© 2019 Merle Norman Cosmetics Inc.
Holiday Sale (LIMITED TIME THRU 12/31)
407 N. Arkansas Ave (City Mall) (479) 280-1933 | www.kitchenessentials.net
(479) 968-7827
CITY MALL RUSSELLVILLE DECEMBER 2019
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It’s so important for corporate entities like Tyson Foods to have connections to small towns and to care so much about communities and the people who work for them.” Duggan will graduate from ATU in May 2020. She and her fiancé, Jeffery Davis, plan to reside in Little Rock following their wedding next spring. The ATU Green and Gold Cupboard on the Russellville campus is open Mondays 3-6 p.m., Thursdays 3-6 p.m. and Fridays noon-3 p.m. during the fall 2019 semester. Anyone with a valid ATU identification card and a need is welcome to stop by for a bag of groceries and hygiene products. Learn more about the Green and Gold Cupboard at www.atu.edu/foodpantry.
Trout Day 2019 The CADDIS Fly Fishing Club, the Russellville Recreation and Parks Department, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) are again partnering to bring seasonal trout fishing to Russellville. The AGFC will stock Pleasant View Park pond with 1,200 Rainbow Trout, and Trout Day 2019 will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 9 a.m. - noon. This will be an opportunity for folks of all ages to catch a Limit of Trout in Russellville. The AGFC Family and Community Fishing Program has brought urban trout fishing to more than 20 communities around the State, and it has been tremendously successful. Hundreds of adult “catchable”
Union Pacific’s Big Boy steam engine — the largest and most powerful steam-powered locomotive in the world — chugged into downtown Russellville on November 15 to a crowd of admirers. Originally designed and built to haul freight over the Wasatch Mountains between Utah and Wyoming, there are only eight Big Boy steam engines still in existence and only one — No 4014 — still in operation on the rails. The other seven rest in museums across the country
trout will be stocked. “We hope that novice and seasoned fisher-persons will take advantage of this convenient opportunity to catch trout in Russellville,” said Jerrold McKaughan, project leader for the CADDIS Fly Fishing Club. Both bait fishing and fly fishing will be available, and bait will be provided.
Maurice Jackson, program coordinator for the AGFC’s Family and Community Fishing Program announced that a basic trout fishing clinic has been scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 3, from 6 - 7 p.m. at the Hughes Center in conjunction with Trout Day 2019. The clinic is free, and the first 50 children under 15 years of age in at-
SPRING 2020 R EG I S T R AT I O N
NOW OPEN
501-977-2000 WWW.UACCM.EDU
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
tendance will be given a certificate for a free rod and reel. Each child must bring this certificate to Trout Day on Saturday in order to receive their brand new rod and reel combo. The Family and Community Fishing program is an effort by the AGFC to provide families and children the opportunity to catch trout and enjoy a fun and exciting day of fishing. Please bring your own fishing gear and bait will be provided. A fishing license and trout permit (stamp) are required for persons 16 years of age or older, and all trout regulations will be enforced. The limit of five rainbow trout will apply for this trout fishing event. Members of the CADDIS Fly Fishing club will be on hand to help folks who would like to try fly fishing for trout. Bring your fly rod if you have one. “We hope the community really enjoys Trout Day,” McKaghan said, “and we are very fortunate to be able to cosponsor it with Russellville Recreation and Parks Department and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.” For more information, call the Hughes Center at 968-1272.
$20 per book
PSYCHOLOGY CENTER
New Group Starting in January
O F R U S S E L LV I L L E
Christina Couch, PsyD, CDWF Therapy for Women and LGBTQIA+ Individuals ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
2621 W Main Street, Suite 6 | Russellville, AR (479) 219-5041 | psychologycenterrussellville.com
Based on Dr. Brené Brown’s DARING GREATLYTM which will explore topics such as vulnerability, courage, shame and worthiness. For more information call or visit us online.
Merry Christmas Visit with Santa
Saturday, December 7 10:00-noon in Atkins at 1402 N. Church St. 1:00-3:00 in Morrilton at 1620 E. Harding
479-641-2220 Card
®
As Always, Free Delivery. 12 mo. interest free financing w/ approved credit.
FEED MORE THAN
Just Your Family. Arkansas ranks 3rd highest in the nation for child hunger. Over half a million Arkansans struggle with food insecurities. And, 1 in 4 Arkansas children suffer from hunger. We want to do something about it. That’s why all of the proceeds from the sale of our cookbooks go to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. Help us feed Arkansas children by purchasing a First Security Cookbook today.
For the perfect Christmas gift that gives back, pick up your cookbook today at any First Security location.
Member FDIC
DECEMBER 2019
~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
Hope, Help, & Healing Story by DREW BRENT | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN
W
The photos accompanying this article are from Hope in the Valley, New Hope Ministry’s annual fundraiser. This year’s event, on October 18, was its third year at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Local restaurants provided food and music was courtesy of the Arkansas Tech University Jazz Ensemble. It was a night of reflection and remembrance for those who are still victims of trafficking with a candle light vigil. And it was a night to recognize the part we can all play in making a way for them to find hope in the darkness.
hen you hear the phrase “human trafficking,” you may think of it in terms of illegally moving people — usually minors and children — from one location to another and often across borders. You may think that it’s something that happens only in other, more populous places or, perhaps, even only in other countries. But human trafficking is best defined as slavery. It’s a psychological and emotional manipulation or coercion that results in the exploitation of vulnerable young people as forced labor, forced begging, in a forced marriage, as sexual slaves, forced prostitution, and even organ removal. And trafficking isn’t a crime that happens just “somewhere else,” as New Hope Ministries executive director Art Heathcock explains. “I think most people think it can’t happen here,” says Heathcock. “But the reality is that it does. That’s why we do what we do. Trafficking is here, and people don’t know. Your kids don’t see it, you may not see it, but we need to. We need to be educated. Education can change everything.” According to Heathcock, quantifiable statistics regarding trafficking are difficult to come by. “We don’t have any hard data regarding how many kids are being trafficked here in Pope County,” Heathcock says. The reason for the lack of data is because of the psychological/ emotional manipulation, a naive victim of trafficking often doesn’t even realize that they are a victim. “They’ve been manipulated so much,” says Christie Moore, treasurer for New Hope Ministries. “They think, ‘this person is taking care of me,’ and they believe the situation is temporary. They’re doing this with the belief that they’re providing funds to help that person take care of them.” DECEMBER 2019
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L to R: Christie Moore, Laura Brinker (New Hope board member), Art Heathcock, and Carl Hudson (New Hope board member).
Traffickers use promises of money and security along with friendship or romantic bonding to lure young people who are often dissatisfied with some aspect of their life. Heathcock says that victims of trafficking are often children trying to escape a bad situation. “Unfortunately a lot of the kids who wind up in various systems have been trafficked,” Heathcock says. “Perhaps they were in troubled homes or were runaways who find themselves in this situation. Maybe parents are detached, the child is socially awkward and doesn’t have many friends at school. They may have been bullied. They don’t have appropriate anchors or grounding.” For a calculating, predatory trafficker, these are the vulnerable young targets most easily manipulated. “These people [traffickers] will put in the weeks and months of time to manipulate these kids,” Heathcock says. And the psychological/emotional hold on
Providing free quality instruction and support to literacy-seeking adults.
the victims is difficult to break even as the truth about the relationship is revealed. Heathcock says that often when victims are rescued they’ll be asked about certain characteristics of the trafficker who controlled them. And often their response is that the trafficker was a friend or boyfriend New Hope Ministries is the counter to this insidious and growing crime. “The vision for New Hope is very much the same today as it was when we began,” Heathcock says. “Our current thrust is to partner with DHS (Arkansas Department of Human Services) to serve child trafficking survivors who are in foster homes here in our county. We have mentoring programs, and we have ways to help support families who are helping these victims. Heathcock says that one of the goals of New Hope Ministries is “ to bring the community in and rally around the kids.” The process New Hope uses to assist child victims is one of supplemental support to foster families. “We serve the foster families through training and activities built specifically for them,” Heathcock says. “These families and these victims face so much, and we want to assist in any way we can.” “We have a dream of housing these kids in the future,” Moore says. “Over the last few years, we could have more than filled a shelter with the number of calls we have received. The shelter is absolutely a goal for us.” Moore believes that despite the weight of the subject, the community — working together — can tackle the problem. “I realize this is heavy,” she says. “I realize this can be difficult to talk about. I know some people get anxious or just shut down because it’s too much. But I think the best way for us to go is forward together. It’s not too big for the community. It’s too big for one person, or two people, but our community can do this.” For more information about New Hope Ministries, visit their website at newhopyouth.org.
Happyys Holida from
River Valley Adult Learning Alliance (479) 477-3910
rivervalleyliteracycouncil@gmail.com
32
ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
3115 E. MAIN STREET, RUSSELLVILLE • (479) 967-5575
“...and they shall call his name Emmanuel”
Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
Matthew 1:23
1903 SOUTH ARKANSAS • (479) 968-3991
DECEMBER 2019
~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY
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Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN Story by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN
LA SALVADOREÑA (479) 567-5516 498 S KNOXVILLE AVE #440 RUSSELLVILLE
Compare and contrast We often fall into a lazy lumping together, a broad labeling of meals with similar names, similar ingredients, or with origins stemming from a general region of the globe. This happens a lot within Hispanic/Latino cuisine. While there is definitely some overlap with ingredients and spices from meals with histories tracing back to Central American countries, there are also differences. Some are subtle and some are tremendous. For example, lets take a look at Salvadoran food — and lucky us — we just happen to have a restaurant in Russellville that specializes in Salvadoran food. At La Salvadorena, it’s all about authentic Salvadoran fare like the aptly named Salvadoran breakfast — two poached
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
eggs, beans, hand-made tortillas, cheese, Salvadoran cream, and fried plantains. By the way, fried plantains are also known as ambrosia of the gods, and the combination of these flavors and textures can be found nowhere else in the River Valley, that we’re aware of anyway. Another Salvadoran favorite are the pupusas — a thick flatbread topped with beans, pork, loroco, zucchini, jalapeños or shrimp (our favorite) and cheese. But if you prefer the spicier bite of Mexican food, La Salvadorena can cover that as well with fajitas, tacos, burritos, and five different kinds of quesadillas. Our advice is sample a little of both the Salvadoran and the Mexican. You can’t go wrong either way.
DECEMBER 2019
~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY
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C O U N T E R T O P C R E AT I O N S
Eggnog Bread
It’s beginning to look like the holidays when... Story by LYDIA ZIMMERMAN, Food Editor Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN
L
ike so many other people, I’m sure, I shake my head and roll my eyes whenever I go into a department store in October and see Christmas decorations already on display. Some people think that this retail embellishment is the start of the holiday season. But for me, it’s when the eggnog has finally arrived in the dairy section of the supermarket. I think about the many times growing up I would see a carton of it in our refrigerator, and it just makes me think of Christmas. So this December’s recipes are dedicated to all those eggnog lovers. Also within the recipes for this issue, you’ll find the winning pie recipes from this year’s Downtown Fall Festival —a holiday blessing for sure. Thanks to you ladies for sharing your recipes, and thanks to Sarah Senter of Main Street Russellville for forwarding those to me. As always, enjoy!
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
EGGNOG BREAD ABOUT Magazine Featured Recipe ~ December 2019
3 c flour 1/2 c sugar 4 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1 egg, beaten 1 3/4 c eggnog
1/2 c oil 1/2 c chopped pecans 1/2 c golden raisins 1/2 c powdered sugar 2-3 tsp eggnog
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, stir together the first 5 ingredients. In another bowl, combine egg, eggnog, and oil; add to dry mixture. Stir in nuts and raisins. Pour into a 9X5- inch greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 60-70 minutes. Cover with foil after 50 minutes, if bread is browning too much. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan. Stir together powdered sugar and 2-3 tsp eggnog; drizzle over bread.
EGGNOG COCONUT CUSTARD PIE Crust: 4 T butter, softened 2 1/2 c flaked coconut Filling: 4 eggs 1/2 c sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla 2 c cold eggnog Preheat oven to 350 degrees In a medium bowl mix together softened butter and flaked coconut. Pat it into a greased pie pan to form a crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until crust starts to brown. Remove from oven to cool. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs. Then add remaining ingredients to bowl and mix 2-3 minutes on medium speed with mixer. Pour into prepared pie pan and cover top loosely with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until when a knife is inserted comes out clean. STRAWBERRY EGGNOG FRENCH TOAST 3 1/2 c cubed French bread, about 1/2 loaf 2 c low-fat eggnog 3 lg eggs 2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 c chopped strawberries Maple syrup, for serving For the crumb topping: 1/4 c all-purpose flour
1/4 c brown sugar, packed 1/4 c coconut oil 1 T turbinado (raw) sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg Pinch of salt Lightly coat an 8Ă—8 baking dish with nonstick spray. Place bread cubes evenly into the baking dish. In a glass measuring cup or another bowl, whisk together eggnog, eggs and vanilla. Pour mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. To make the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, coconut oil, turbinado sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the bread cubes. Top with strawberries. Place into oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve immediately, drizzled with syrup, if desired. Recipe courtesy of damndelicious.net CHRISTMAS CHEESECAKE DIP 12 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature 1/4 c eggnog 1/2 c powdered sugar 1/4 c brown sugar 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Merry Christmas (479) 968-1157 • 715 W. MAIN, RUSSELLVILLE, AR
Eggnog Coconut Custard Pie
1 tsp pure vanilla extract Gingerbread cookies, for serving Combine all ingredients, except for the cookies, in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to cream together all the ingredients until smooth and fluffy. Transfer to a small bowl for serving. Serve immediately with cookies for dipping. Or store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Recipe courtesy of womansday.com
from Bill & Marlene Newton and the staff of
Serving the River Valley Since 1970 DECEMBER 2019
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2019 DOWNTOWN FALL FESTIVAL PIE CONTEST WINNERS APPLE CREAM PIE (1ST PLACE WINNER) 5 large Granny Smith Apples 3 T Flour 3/4 c granulated sugar 2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp cloves 2 pre-made pie crusts 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 c heavy cream Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Peel and cut apples 1/4” thick. Add all the dry ingredients to the apples and mix well. Roll out the first pie crust into the pie plate. Pour the apple filling into the pie crust. Roll the second pie crust onto the top of the pie filling. Cut slits into top of pie crust and place in preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. While pie is baking, mix the heavy cream and the vanilla extract. Remove pie from oven and pour the heavy cream/vanilla extract mixture into the slits of the pie crust. Place pie back into oven for 10 minutes. Pull out of the oven and allow to cool
EGGNOG COOKIE DIP 1 lb White Baking Chocolate divided 3/4 c Powdered Sugar 4 oz Cream Cheese 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp Imitation Rum Flavoring
before serving. Recipe courtesy of Lauren May of Hattieville, AR BLUEBERRY BANANA CREAM PIE (2ND PLACE WINNER) 2 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 1 c granulated sugar 2 (8 oz) cool whip, thawed 4 bananas 2 baked pie shells, cooled Blend sugar and cream cheese. Fold cool whip into cheese mixture. Slice bananas into the pie shell. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the pie shell and chill. Top with blueberry pie filling before serving. (makes 2 pies). Garnish with more cool whip if desired.. Recipe courtesy of Barbie McCutchen of Russellville, AR COCONUT CREAM PIE (3RD PLACE WINNER) Crust: 2 c Flour 3/4 c shortening 2 T ice water
In the bowl of a standing mixer, mix together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Meanwhile, melt 8 oz of the white chocolate in a microwave safe bowl for 30 second increments. Mix the white chocolate, nutmeg and
Filling: 1 c granulated sugar 4 T flour 1/8 tsp salt 2 whole eggs 2 c milk 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 c coconut flakes 1 egg yolk (hold white for meringue) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients in a saucepan, add milk. Cook until desired consistency, then remove from heat, add coconut flakes and vanilla extract. Mix well. Pour mixture into a prefaced pie shell. Meringue: 5 egg whites 1 tsp sugar Beat egg whites and 1 tsp sugar until stiff and then spread onto pie filling. Add coconut flakes on top and bake in oven set at 350 degrees until golden brown. Recipe courtesy of Debbie Keeling of Russellville, AR
rum in with the cream cheese mixture and then cover in saran wrap. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until hardened. Roll into a large ball and place on a platter. Drizzle with remaining white chocolate and sprinkle with nutmeg if desired. Recipe courtesy of ohsweetbasil.com
Wishing you a Safe and Happy
Christmas Holiday!
Licensed Massage Therapist
479.223.1028 • Find me on Facebook 2755 EAST PARKWAY DRIVE, SUITE B-7, RUSSELLVILLE
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
2731 S. Arkansas Ave, Russellville • (479) 968-9732 • F: (479)968-0821 • dwane.ahrens@gmail.com
QUICK TOFFEE EGGNOG For the Toffee Syrup: 2/3 c brown sugar 1 T water 1 T butter 1 c cream (heavy) For the Eggnog: 2 oz half-and-half (or whole milk) 1 oz toffee syrup 1 large egg Optional: 1 1/2 oz rye whiskey (or aged rum) Garnish: 1 cinnamon stick (or toffee candy) Garnish: 1 pinch nutmeg (grated) To Make the Toffee Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar with the butter and water. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until the butter and sugar melt. Reduce the heat and gently whisk in the heavy cream. Continue whisking for about 1 minute, careful not to scorch the cream. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. The syrup will be more runny than thick, and the recipe makes about 1 c. It can be refrigerated for two to three days. Make the Toffee Eggnog: The trick to shaking any egg cocktail is to start with a dry shake, then add ice and shake until it hurts. If you find that there’s still bits of egg yolk in it, use a whisk to finish mixing it up. The fattier the dairy is, the richer and more luscious your eggnog will be. Halfand-half is a perfect balance. If you’re using milk, try either whole or 2 percent. In a cocktail shaker, combine the toffee syrup, half and half, egg, and whiskey or rum (if using). Shake without ice for about 10 seconds.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake again for at least 30 seconds to ensure the egg is completely broken up and incorporated. Strain into a chilled old-fashioned or cocktail glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or toffee candy and a dusting of grated nutmeg. Recipe courtesy of thespruceeats.com SPIKED EGGNOG CREAM PIE PARFAITS 1 pk Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz) 1 1/2 c Eggnog 1/4 c Rum (optional) 1 tsp Cinnamon 1/2 tsp Nutmeg 2 c Heavy whipping cream 1/2 c Powdered sugar 1 1/2–2 c Graham cracker crumbs 6 T Unsalted butter Combine instant vanilla pudding mix with eggnog, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk until powder dissolves. Refrigerate until pudding is firm. Put bowl and whisk in the freezer for 15 minutes until completely cold. Whip heavy cream on medium high speed for several minutes until bubbly. Add powdered sugar and beat on medium high until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate whipped cream until you are ready to use. Take 2 c of the whipped cream and fold into pudding until mixed. Do not mix vigorously as it will deflate the whipped cream. Put mousse in a Ziploc bag and refrigerate until you are ready to use. Save remaining Whipped Cream to top the parfaits with. Use a food processor to grind graham crackers into a fine crumb. Put graham crackers crumbs in a microwave safe bowl.
Reserve a spot for your holiday party, today!
Melt butter together with graham crackers. Stir to coat the crumbs. To assemble these jars, place 1-2 T of graham crackers in the bottom of the jar. Cut a small hole in the corner of the Ziploc bag and fill the jars with eggnog mousse. Top mousse with a dollop of the leftover whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg. Jars must stay refrigerated until ready to serve. Recipe courtesy of beyondfrosting.com PUMPKIN SPICE EGGNOG WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE 1/2 c. white hot chocolate 1 oz. rum 1/2 c. pumpkin spice eggnog 3 marshmallows, for serving Cinnamon stick, for serving Add white hot chocolate, rum, and eggnog into a sauce pan. Heat mixture, then add to serving glass. Garnish with marshmallows and cinnamon stick. Recipe courtesy of delish.com
Call now to book your holiday party reservations TWO ROOMS FOR PRIVATE PARTIES, SEATING FOR UP TO 150
Casual dining at a beautiful location!
501 N. Johnson
(behind the University of the Ozarks)
Clarksville, AR
220 W Main Street, Russellville | (479) 219-5181
Hours: 11am to 10pm Sun-Thurs • 11am to Midnight Friday & Saturday
(479) 647-4332
www.kaspersclarksville.com
DECEMBER 2019
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39
COMMUNITY COMMERCE
Newton’s Pharmacy Story and photos by HANNAH BUTLER
NEWTON’S PHARMACY IS YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP for all Newton empathizes with customers and says that most people of the little things you need. While it is a pharmacy, Newton’s do not want to come into the pharmacy very often, especially if also offers vitamin supplements, gift items for your family, immu- they are already sick and do not feel well. nizations and consultation for individuals on long term care and Newton’s offers free delivery, and in order to serve in the most conmedication. venient way, the pharmacy added a drive-thru so customers can pick Owner Bill Newton, however, is extremely proud of the medical up prescriptions without the need to leave their vehicle. Although, synchronization that Newton’s offers. the inside of Newton’s Pharmacy might just Medical synchronization is where Newbe the best part. Newton’s Pharmacy ton’s will “pair up” each medication refill Both the medications in the back and (479) 968-1157 so that medications are picked up only once general pharmaceutical needs in the front 715 West Main Street per month. All an individual needs to do is are neatly organized, with different sections Russellville, AR 72801 speak with a staff member to set this up. squared away for the pharmacy’s gift items
& BLESSED NEW YEAR
479-968-1143 2757 East Parkway Drive • Russellville 40
ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
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.
and an old-time soda fountain. At this time of year, Newton’s offer Christmas goodies that even Santa’s elves will be jealous of. Bath balm sets, stuffed animals, paintings and dishes are all available for purchase. You’ll also find more localized items, such as nods to the Russellville Cyclones within some of their gifts available for purchase. Once upon a time, Newton’s Pharmacy even sold baseball cards. But the most unique portion of Newton’s
Pharmacy might just be its old-time soda fountain. All of that started long ago when Bill Newton first decided to own a pharmacy in 1970. Bill asked his children what one feature that the pharmacy should have, and his children chose a soda fountain. The soda fountain includes its own little diner with weekly specials.Taco soup, ham, and chicken and dressing are all delights you might find at Newton’s on any given day. All of this contributes to Newton’s unique atmosphere making the pharmacy feel more like a family hangout rather than another errand to run. The pharmacy’s website at newtonsrx. com is also a resource. On its website, coupons are available, as well as wellness videos focused on diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and tips to help someone quit smoking. Newton’s Pharmacy is open from 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Sundays, Newton’s is closed, though the pharmacy is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The pharmacy is located on 715 W. Main St.
Locally owned and operated for more than 20 years. Owner Daniel Crow
Card
The perfect box under your Christmas tree! SAVINGS ON
APPLIANCES
Tues-Fri, 10-5 & Sat 9:30-3:30 109 Warehouse Row Russellville, AR
479-968-4044
3521 West Main Street Russellville • 479-967-3744
www.centralbeekeeperssupply.com DECEMBER 2019
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41
Gifts from the garden Story & Photo by JILL MCSHEEHY
DO YOU EVER GET STUCK IN A GIFT-GIVING RUT? Every year you set out to find that “perfect” gift, but you end up settling on another sweater knowing full well the sweater will take its place alongside the others you’ve given in previous years. For many years my Christmas shopping revolved around Black Friday sales and flash deals. Gone were the days of enjoyable weekends of Christmas shopping; life got too busy and online purchases filled the gap. Tired of the “same old same old,” I began seeking truly unique ideas, realizing not all gifts needed to fit in a shirt box. That’s when I turned to my garden for inspiration. Even if the garden has stopped giving, you can still use it (and some workarounds) to give fresh, unique, homemade gifts. While many of these options can be bought in a store, your gift will come with the handmade thought behind it, while
Home for the
Holidays
www.youramcare.com 42
ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
leaving behind questionable ingredients found in their store-bought counterparts. Below you’ll find a few of my favorite gifts to give. In my first year, I bought many of the ingredients and tested differ-
ent recipes. Still, these homemade versions always proved economical. Now that I know which recipes I enjoy the most, I plan some of my garden’s vegetables, herbs, and flowers with Christmas
Wishing you a Blessed Christmas AMCARE’s honored to assist you or your loved ones in your home with activities of daily living. We’re here to help you remain as independent as possible in the place you call home!
Call (479) 880-1112 for your FREE Assessment
gift-giving in mind. No matter where you are on your homemade garden-gift journey, use these suggestions to spark ideas of your own. Jams & jellies. I now plant an extra jalapeno and bell pepper plants so I can make yummy jams and jellies. These can be given as gifts on their own or brought as an appetizer to a Christmas party. They also make great hostess gifts! My favorites this season were jalapeno jelly, blackberry jalapeno jelly, peach jalapeno jam, and red pepper jelly. Lotion bars & lip balms. You wouldn’t believe how easy it can be to make lotion bars and lip balms, and when you customize the scents with favorite essential oils, the recipients of these gifts will ask for more. Most recipes only require shea butter, beeswax, essential oils, and another oil like coconut, almond, grapeseed, or olive. Natural hand sanitizer spray. During cold and flu season, mix up a batch of natural hand sanitizer spray. Combine 2 oz witch hazel, 1 oz. aloe vera, 1 tsp glycerin, 10 drops lemon essential oil, 10 drops lavender essential oil, and 10 drops peppermint or tea tree oil in a 2-ounce spray bottle for a quick and easy gift for anyone on your list. Specialty soaps. Gone are the days when homemade soaps require a chemistry degree (slight exaggeration). Melt and pour soaps are fun and easy, allowing you to add custom scents through essential oils, and you can dress them up with dried leaves from dried flowers and herbs in your garden. My favorite is goat milk soap (available at Hobby Lobby) with rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils. Spice mix blends. If you harvested a bumper crop of herbs this year and dried them for spices, why not mix up some custom spice blends? My favorite is Ranch Seasoning: 2 tbsp. dried parsley, 5 tsp. dried dill, 1 tbsp. dried chives, 1 tbsp. onion powder, 1 tbsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp. dried basil, and ¼ tsp. black pepper. Place mix in a small mason jar and dress up with ribbons and a nice label. Test out other spice blends and add some of those herbs to your garden plan next season! Relishes. My most-requested homemade gift is sweet pickle relish. Taken from a basic recipe from the Ball Blue Book of Can-
ning, I now plant extra cucumbers each season to ensure I have enough to give at Christmas time. Other unique relish ideas include zucchini relish, mustard pickles, and endless heirloom recipes. Gift recipients love homemade edible gifts that can’t be purchased from a store. Hand and body scrub. One of the easiest body care gifts I make is hand scrub. You can whip up a batch of sugar scrub, but I’ve found this Salt Glow to be quick and easy: 2 cups of fine sea salt, 4 cups of grapeseed oil, and 25 drops of essential oils of your choice. Mix in a wide-mouth jar or plastic container, starting with the sea salt. (Ingredients in the recipe can be halved for smaller batches.) Bath salts. Who doesn’t love a warm bath on a cold evening? Mix up a custom bath salt blend including 2 cups borax, ⅛ cup sea salt, ⅛ cup white clay, and essential oils of your choice. For an even easier option, purchase a bag of unscented Epsom salts and add essential oils and ground up fragrant herbs to the mix. Bath bombs. A bit tougher to master
than body scrubs and bath salts, bath bombs are fun to make (and young girls absolutely love making and using them). Purchase an all-in-one kit or find a tutorial online. Tea blends. For the tea lover in your family, mix up a custom blend of tea in a decorative tin or jar. If you can use your own herbs and flowers for the recipe, that’s even better! I enjoy a blend with equal parts peppermint, lemon balm, and chamomile, but you can find options for relaxation, cold care, headaches, and more. Don’t assume you have to be a “crafty” type person to make homemade Christmas gifts. Pinterest is full of ideas and tutorials, and you can purchase ingredients from a local health food store or online. Of course, the more you can use your own homegrown vegetables, herbs, and flowers, the more special (and more cost-effective) these gifts will be. Test out some of these ideas, and make notes of which vegetables and herbs you want to plant in your garden next year to add even more garden goodness to your gift-giving!
Warmest Wishes for a
Merry Christmas from Dependable.
Residential • Commercial Sales • Service • Installation
968-5555
3904 S. Arkansas • Russellville
HVACR 143034
www.dependableaircond.com DECEMBER 2019
Since 1972
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Story & Photo by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN
A JOURNAL of our RURAL & NATURAL HERITAGE
Eat or be eaten GUT-HOOKED BASS ARE NEARLY ALWAYS DEAD BASS, but this one was just barely gut hooked. Thankfully, I’d pressed the barb down on this #2 wooly bugger fly (actually, it was my own tie with trademark outlandishly big hackles I’d christened the beasty bugger) and it looked like I could slip the point out of that tender lining easily. It was a decent bass, but with my hand in its mouth I couldn’t see what I was doing. It was all by feel. And after feeling the hook, what I felt next was that bass trying to suck me into its gut — trying to to eat me — index finger first. Reflexively jerking my hand out of the 14-inch spot’s mouth with I’m sure a look of terror on my face, I nearly yelled. “What the… ?” I dunked the spotted bass into the creek’s gentle currents while regaining my composure. Because something trying to eat me, not matter how small, is cause for losing composure. Reaching back into the fish’s mouth with thoughts of Jonah’s fate swishing through my brain, I was careful not to get my fingers into that gullet and with a quick movement the hook was loose. Before setting it free, I looked into the bass’ pupils. It’s eye swiveled onto mine and the blackness locked onto my soul. It was an unnerving experience. But it wasn’t the first time I’d watched the cold fires burn in a minuscule predator’s eye while feeling more than a little unsure about my place in the food chain. Bullfrogs were probably the first creatures to make me feel edible, so much like potential prey, if only they could figure out where to start. Maybe it was the unblinking lidless eyes. It might have been the impossibly wide mouth. But it was most likely because I’d watched bullfrogs try to eat birds, other bullfrogs and even a
small rabbit — literally anything they could fit into their mouth was on the menu. I wasn’t worried about catching bullfrogs, they seemed to know they’re place when I was chasing them. But after the capture, when I held them head high and looked straight on at their primordial faces, I swear I could see the wheels spinning. And it sure felt like the tables could turn. And now I can add another seemingly benign critter to the list of animals I think would eat me if they could: Chickens. Our closed-in garage doubles as my office and storage shed with only a thin wall as separation. The storage section holds hunting stuff, fishing stuff, old deer antlers, magazines, and memories
Merry
and a Happy New Year
Russellville
Pediatric & Adolescent
clinic Neylon S. Pilkington, M.D. | Robin Kirby, M.D. | Mallory Cranor, APRN
220 N. Sidney, Russellville | www.rpa.clinic | 479.498.0858 | Open 8am to 5pm Monday thru Friday 44
ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
stored in plastic tubs, along with sacks of bird seed and chicken feed. With the cooler weather in place and plenty of food available, it’s been no surprise that mice have moved in. I hear them scurry and scrape inside the thin wall, and I see their mess after chewing through the chicken feed sack. So I unenthusiastically decided to set a trap. I’m not opposed to standard ol’ noggin’-smashin’ mouse traps, but I found a small live trap for not much more. And the genteel nature of it, as opposed to the barbaric violence of a snap trap, was very appealing. But when you catch the mouse, you’ve still got to do something with the mouse, and it’s best to give no quarter when it comes to mice. Though I never checked uniform numbers, I’m fairly certain that any house mouse I’ve treated with mercy in the past has misinterpreted my act of kindness as an invitation to visit again. When I found the little gray being hopping back and forth in the live trap this morning, I knew what I had to do. So I’m out there as the frigid dawn breaks on our backyard, shaking this poor mouse out of the trap, when our chickens spy the commotion. The oldest hen arrives on the scene in a waddling gallop just as the mouse hits the grass. I’ve been around chickens my whole life. I’ve watched them eat little snakes, giant centipedes, lizards, and insects of all forms. But I was not prepared for Becky (that’s our oldest hen) to channel a T-Rex in the cold light of morning.
There was no hesitation, and the mouse never had a chance. I’ve watched a few predator/prey interactions, and this was easily one of the most efficient. She grabbed the mouse in her beak and gave it three or four whacks on the frozen ground. The mouse was done and quickly down her gullet. Lots of calories for a cold day. And since the mouse was fattened on chicken feed, it was a savagely poetic death. But mostly it was just savage. When Becky finished with the mouse, she strolled into the sun-flecked frosty grass next to me and beat her wings three times. She peered high and cocked her head with a tilt that fixed her saurian gaze dead into my eyes. Chickens are descended from dinosaurs, heck, they are dinosaurs. I’ve often wondered if somewhere deep in their hollow bones they feel that old dominance. I’ve wondered if the blood of toothy bipedal ancestors pumping through their plump, feathered bodies enables them to instinctively know this heritage. After this morning’s terrible event, after Becky focused her predator eyes on me — her crop freshly stuffed with another mammal — I have no doubts. They know it. So now I put chickens in the same category as bullfrogs and bass. In their eat or be eaten world, when they look into my eyes, I know they’re sizing me up. They’re eyeballin’ me with a subtle predatory malevolence. And they’re wishing I was smaller.
INDOOR POOL
OPEN YEAR ROUND INDOOR POOL MEMBERSHIPS
Indoor pool only (does not include waterpark) Single Day Use $6 00 1 Month $25 00 3 Month $60 00 6 Month $90 00 9 Month $125 00 12 Month $150 00 College Students (Sept-May) $99 00 WEEKEND SPECIAL (5pm Fri- 5pm Sun, all year long) $4 00
2019 INDOOR/OUTDOOR SEASON PASS #1
2019 INDOOR/OUTDOOR SEASON PASS #3
Valid through August 11, 2019 $95 00 (use both facilities, summer only) Family of 3 - Valid through August 11, 2019 $250 00 ($85 per additional person)
FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS Family of 3 / Must live in same household / children under 18
1 mo $60 00 $20 per additional person 6 mo $210 00 $70 per additional person 9 mo $310 00 $90 per additional person 12 mo $380 00 $112 per additional person
Members with 12 month Indoor Pool Memberships, valid through August 11, 2019 $55 00 (use both facilities, summer only)
PARTY ROOM (Kitchenette) $15 per hour PARTY ROOM (Courtyard) $30 per hour
Membership prices/fees cannot be refunded or transferred Pool scheduling/hours will change periodically Pool will be closed for public swimming during swim meets, inclement weather and maintenance Notices will be posted whenever possible but could happen without notice Membership fees/prices will not change due to closings
PRIVATE PARTY (Kitchenette only) $300 PRIVATE PARTY (Kitchenette and Courtyard) $350
(Room access only during normal business hours, does not include fee/access into pool area Anyone entering pool deck area must pay )
Only available Saturday or Sunday, 5:30pm to 8:30pm
ALL-INCLUSIVE INDOOR PARTIES starting at $100
479-754-4100
1611 Oakland St., Clarksville Clarksville Arkansas Parks and Recreation or Clarksville Aquatic Park
www.ClarksvilleAquaticCenter.com DECEMBER 2019
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COMMUNITY LEADERS
...
Korri
FREEMAN AGE: 26 OCCUPATION: Business owner and art teacher
at KaleidoKids Art Studio in Russellville Downtown. HOMETOWN: Russellville/River Valley native, RHS and ATU graduate. FAMILY: I work every day at the studio with my husband, Daniel and our 18-month-old daughter, Finnli.
1
What is your favorite book and why?
Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. It is full of inspiration and challenges to live up to your real creative potential. I love it, and I often need reminders!
2 3
Dog or cat?
Dog. They’re more high-maintenance but so much more fun! I don’t think I have ever not had a dog at home. What's the best thing about living in the River Valley?
I love living in the River Valley and being able to know so many people here. I’m a people person, so I love being able to go downtown or to the coffee shop and see people I know every day. The River Valley has the great qualities of a big town while still feeling like a small, tight-knit community.
4
What’s something no one would ever guess about you?
I’m an author! Daniel and I just finished our very first book —The Beginner Art Book for Kids. It is available to buy at our studio as well as on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble and Books A Million!
5
Photo by LIZ CHRISMAN 46
ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ DECEMBER 2019
What is your favorite music genre and artist?
I listen to just about anything on the radio, but anyone who has seen the sticker of his face on my computer would know that I love Justin Timberlake. I still haven’t gotten over *NSYNC and I’ll love JT forever.
6
What do you nerd out on?
Planners. I’m not great at sticking to one way of planning, so I’m constantly buying a new planner and carrying at least three planners or notebooks with me. I have a really heavy purse.
7
If you could change one thing about the River Valley, what would it be?
I’m sure there’s a better word for this, but — awareness. There are lots of awesome places and things happening here, but I always hear people say that there’s just nothing to do and nowhere to go. I think that a lot of people are in their own little bubble and don’t realize how cool of a place this is.
8
Where is the one location in the River Valley you would tell a firsttime visitor that they must go?
Downtown! Not just because we
own a business downtown (shout-out Kaleidoclasm and KaleidoKids), but there are so many cool things to check out that a lot of people don’t know about. Park on one side of Russellville Downtown and take a walk to see what you find — art galleries, awesome restaurants, and plenty of free events throughout the year.
9
Pizza, tacos, cheeseburger, or fried chicken?
Always pizza. I could eat pizza for every meal, every day, no problem. But don’t feed me cold pizza.
10
May you find hope and peace this joyous season.
Merry Christmas from the Lemley family.
What is your favorite quote? Could be from an inspirational person or an original.
A quote that seems very fitting right now: “You can measure your worth by your dedication to your path, not by your successes or failures.” - Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
A Century of Service ~ 1916-2016
FIRST IMPRESSIONS and great professional portraits last a lifetime.
www.lizchrisman.com
A few of my favorite subjects: Layton Reeves (owner of J&B Music Sales, The Freemans (owners of Kaleidoclasm) and Brian Rohlman (President of Crow Croup.)
DECEMBER 2019
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