ABOUT | June 2019 by ABOUT the River Valley Magazine

JUDY OLSON

June 2019 â&#x20AC;¢ www.aboutrvmag.com

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

1,000 MEMORIES

LINEAGE

Join us for frEE mEals all summEr long! When? May 29 - August 2 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Closed July 4 and July 5 Where? Summer School - RJHS May 29 - June 18 Summer School - Oakland Heights June 3 - June 14 Connect Church - 1103 East L. St. June 3 - August 2 Wood Brook Apt. Complex - 1616 East 16th St. June 3 - August 2 Time? Breakfast @ RJHS 7:30-8:30 a.m. Breakfast @ Oakland Heights 8:00- 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be delivered at each site from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

For all ages 18 & under No registration or ID required This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

June 2019

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

8 Nice to be Home

Judy Olson’s first audience was the congregation of Crane Lake Chapel. Someone from the church community had given her a mandolin. “I figured out how to play it and sing along with it,” Judy says. After that, Judy knew she had found her calling. .

14 All about mom

16 5 Years, 52 Parks, 1,000 Memories

Amanda Guizar has been fascinated with the outside world since she made memories with her family at Petit Jean State Park as a child. As someone who had struggled with weight issues, she also remembered that hiking had once been a challenge. So after weight loss surgery, Amanda Guizar had several goals in mind. One of those goals was to visit every state parks in Arkansas. Then she found out there were 52.

8 16

20 In your face 26 The Biography of a House - Lineage

People have often wondered what a house would say if only the walls could speak. This little house tells stories of our history and the first settlers who shaped Russellville and the River Valley.

34 There’s no taste like homegrown 36 Guns and responsibility

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

Russellville Family Funeral

ABOUT THIS MONTH’S COVER Judy Olson welcomed us inside her “music barn” - a space that has hosted local music legends over the past few decades. Her legacy and support have given a stage to talented singers and songwriters of the River Valley and her unquenchable light makes everyone feel like family.

B U I L D I N G Relationships THAT LAST A LIFETIME.

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JUNE 2019

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

EDITOR’S LETTER

We can’t stand in silence Ethnically, Pope county is about 90 percent or higher white. And without looking at the demographics, I’d wager that this is roughly the same for other counties in the River Valley region. I don’t recall much blatant racism while growing up in Atkins, though, there was plenty of passive racism in the way of jokes and such behind the scenes. Those jokes at school were the only place I ever heard the “N” word. I remember in my young ignorance -- probably early teens -- using that word. It was in the company of my one African-American friend who, with angry tears in his eyes, explained to me how incredibly hurtful it was. I never said that word again. The town I live in now, along with neighboring communities in the northern part of the county are and were nearly 100 percent white. On up into the 1980s, they were known as “sundown towns.” The bold implication being, if you weren’t white, you best not be around after sundown. Things got a little better in the next decade. I remember playing pickup basketball in one of those high school gyms in the early 90s and being pleasantly shocked when an African-American young man walked in and no one said a thing. But we all had a common interest in basketball. Outside of the gym, things were different.

In the years since, I really thought we’d turned a corner. But I’ve heard the “N” used more during the last decade than at any other time of my life, and from sometimes surprising sources. I’ve also heard countless other thinly veiled racist remarks with the preamble “I’m not racist but…” Still, I’ve held on to hope that things were changing for the better. And then, just a few weeks ago — in the year 2019 — a group of megaphone-equipped self-proclaimed Neo-Nazis felt emboldened to surface in downtown Russellville. And we were shocked. We shouldn’t have been Active racism festers because passive racism -- the muttered slurs, racist jokes, belief in white entitlement grounded in the “I’m not racist, but…” stereotypes -- enables it. Our apathy enables it. You don’t have to be a social justice warrior or an activist to bring true change to our communities. But you do have to speak up when racism rears its despicable head. We can’t argue that those waving swastikas and chants of genocide are the fringe minority, that they don’t represent us, while we stand in silence as they parade hate on our streets.

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley since 2006 A Publication of One14 Productions, Inc Vol. XIV, Issue 5 – June 2019

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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 ~ JUNE 2019

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 2019 2nd — River Valley Arts Center Gallery Opening: Angela Anderson from 1-3 p.m. For more information contact 968-2452.

2nd

— Gangsters & Gals Benefit at the Old Bank Bar and Grill in downtown Russellville. The fundraiser, which will include live music, dancing, and food, will benefit CASA of the 5th, a local non-profit organization whose volunteers advocate for abused and neglected children in foster care. Tickets are $50 per person. There is limited seating. You can purchase your ticket by calling 880-1195, visiting our office at 400 W Main Street, Suite 2 or from any committee members.

3rd

— Welding Camp at UACCM in Morrilton from 8 a.m.-noon. A program implemented through UACCM Workforce Development and Community Education for grades 10-12. $75 per student. Only 18 students accepted. For more information contact 501-208-5322.

7th — Downtown Art Walk from 6-9 p.m. in downtown Russellville. Stroll around downtown to participating locations to see great local artists and musicians.

8th — Mountain Fishin’ Derby 2019 at Petit Jean State Park from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at the Old Boathouse. Admission is

Find up-to-date information and future events @

www.aboutrvmag.com/events free. This derby is open to children ages 15 and under. Parents may help, but the kids must do the fishing. Bring your own bait and tackle. Fish are stocked and door prizes provided by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. For more information contact 501-727-5441.

10th-13th — Creative Writing Camp at UACCM in Morrilton from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A program implemented through UACCM Workforce Development and Community Education for grades 7-9. $75 per student. Only 20 students accepted. For more information contact 501-208-5322.

11th — Petit Jean State Park Summer Day Camp 2019 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: TBA. Kids ages 8-12 are invited to join in the summer fun at Petit Jean, discovering outdoor skills and experiencing adventures in the park. Activities and programs include hiking, kayaking, swimming, orienteering, horseback riding, discovering more about nature, and making new friends. Contact the park for schedule and cost at 501-727-5441. 19th-21st

— Wild Things Day Camp at Lake Dardanelle State Park from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Discover the wild things that call Lake Dardanelle State Park home. Hike, kayak, and experience the natural

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*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.

world around us. The camp is open to kids ages 8-12. The $65 registration fee includes meals and supplies. Pre-registration is required. For information call 967-5516.

21st-23rd — River Valley Arts Center Summer Musical “Oklahoma” at the Center for the Arts on the RHS campus. For more information contact 498-6600.

29th — Music Downtown @ Sundown across from The Depot in downtown Russellville. For information call 967-1437.

JUNE 2019

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

From Minnesota to Arkansas, Judy Olson’s Nashville-level talent might have led to superstardom – but Judy chose country music on her own terms. Story by CATHY GRAVES | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

JUDY OLSON’S FIRST AUDIENCE WAS THE CONGREGATION OF CRANE LAKE CHAPEL, a church her father pastored near the Canadian border in Minnesota. Someone from the church community had given her a mandolin. “I figured out how to play it and sing along with it,” Judy says. “My parents recognized my musical ability and gave me the opportunity to sing in the church with my mandolin.” Her first public performance outside of church was a grade school event at age 10. She sang “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Riendeer.” After that, Judy knew she had found her calling. “I found out that everybody liked it. And I liked it,” Judy says. “This was my spot.” Young Judy began practicing in the church, which was only yards from their home. “I’d walk over to

the church and get up on the podium and sing my heart out.” She didn’t always sing from the hymnal. “I was in love with Elvis Presley, so I’d get up there and sing all my worldly songs, and one day my mom walked in on me playing ‘You Ain’t Nothing but a Hound Dog,” Judy says. “I was so embarrassed. After that, I locked the church door.” Since those humble beginnings, Judy has enjoyed 40 years of writing, recording, and performing music in the Arkansas River Valley. She’s had brushes with fame and rare opportunities in the Nashville music scene. And all of these amazing accomplishments were done from her home in Yell County, in local recording studios with local musicians, and with the love and encouragement of her family and the River Valley. JUNE 2019

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

But Judy’s adolescence wasn’t filled only with song. There were rough patches, too. “When I was ready to go to high school, Mom and Dad sent me away to a private Christian school,” Judy says. “It was a hard time in my life. I was very lonely there.” The private school was in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada, 2,000 miles from her home. “You were supposed to go there and concentrate on your Bible education and not be concerned with boys or anything else,” Judy says. The school handed out detentions for talking to boys. After a certain number of detentions, students were expelled. “I liked boys,” Judy says. “I was up to nine or ten detentions.” To save herself from expulsion, Judy called her dad and told him she just couldn’t take being away anymore. “He listened to my heart,” Judy says, “and let me come home.” Judy wrote her fist song as she transitioned back into regular high school. She was a preacher’s kid and felt a bit ostracized. “In the ninth grade, I was sitting in class and was supposed to be listening when I wrote ‘Just Us Two.’” Judy says. “I could hear Buddy Holly singing it to me.” When Judy was home that afternoon, she learned to play her new song on her guitar. “And it sounded good,” Judy says. When her classmates found out she could sing and write

songs, it opened a new door. “My whole life changed,” Judy says. “I knew the bad part of my life was over. I knew where my confidence was. I had a little niche and I knew what I could do. I loved my high school years.” After her talent was out in the open, Judy’s teenage days were all about music, cheerleading, and boyfriends. “It was a wonderful time,” Judy says. After high school graduation came St. Paul Bible College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Judy played events at college and sang outside the dorms. That’s where she met Jim, her future husband. “He was also a preacher’s kid,” Judy says. “He was kind of like me. We weren’t bad kids, but a little on the wild side.” How the young couple was able to see country music artist Connie Smith — Judy’s singing idol — perform at a Minneapolis club is a good example of “a little on the wild side.” “Jim and I were trying to figure out how two Bible college students, who were underage, could get into the club,” Judy says. “But, Jim was a salesman and talked the man taking IDs into letting us in by promising we wouldn’t drink. We just wanted to hear Connie Smith” Judy and Jim got in and listened to two songs. “I thought , I want to be her someday,” Judy says. “We had to rush back to school before they locked the dorms. We didn’t tell many

“I was too naïve for the big city business in Nashville,” Judy says. “I wanted to be a good mother and have the Lord’s approval.”

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

people about our adventure because we didn’t want our parents or teachers to find out.” Judy and Jim soon fell in love, left college, and were married. Then, Jim was inducted into the Army. When he was discharged, the couple moved back to St. Paul with their two sons. They bought a house and Judy began playing music with a country band. The move to Arkansas came as a shock to Judy. While on vacation visiting Jim’s two brothers in Russellville, and with his brother’s encouragement, Jim went house hunting. He came back to Minnesota and told Judy he’d found the perfect house in Dardanelle with acreage, a pond and at a good price. Also, he’d already made an offer. “He told me, ‘honey, you’re going to love it,’” Judy says. “‘We’ll have horses, cattle, ducks, and chickens.’” In 1967, Judy and Jim and their two sons moved. “I was a big city gal,” Judy says. “Dardanelle? People were friendly, but they were all Southern and I was all northern. I wore hats to the First Baptist Church and found out years later that I was known as the hat lady. I thought you were supposed to dress up for church. People here were more casual. I was trying hard to fit in.” Thankfully, a neighbor helped Judy find out how much fun the country way of life could be. “I got to know all these country ladies and found myself in a home economics club in Gum Springs,” Judy says. “They knew I played guitar and sang and told me about The Valley Jamboree, located in the little red schoolhouse in Chickalah.” The Valley Jamboree was a big thing on Friday and Saturday nights in Chicalah. “I started playing there and got paid $10 a night. I wore my go-go boots and my little mini-skirt. The place was jampacked.” And Judy learned what rural folks do for fun. “People here went to church, the movies, the race track, or The Valley Jamboree,” Judy says. After a few gigs at the Valley Jamboree, Judy started playing with a country group called The Ramblers. “After that,” Judy says, “I was never without a place to play.” Judy entered a competition for Miss TV Country girl in 1969 and won second place. It earned her a spot in the independent movie The Sound of Country Music where she square danced and then sang original songs in pink, skin-tight, sparkly pants. She saw the movie for the first time when it played in Russellville at the old Ritz Theater. Wider recognition of Judy’s talent came in 1971 with her first recorded single, “Bobby Jack” by Rainey Recordings in Concord, Arkansas. Through her music contacts, someone knew Faron Young, a famous country music singer/songwriter, and through that relationship Judy was to meet with promotor Ray Kinnamon, who was also Connie Smith’s promoter. “He told me to bring my record to Nashville to Faron Young’s office,” Judy says. Ray liked the song and then a whirlwind week followed. “He took me to the Ralph Emory’s Radio station, and I was on the air with him as a guest,” Judy says. When he asked where I was playing, I proudly said the little red schoolhouse in Chickalah, Arkansas.” Ray took Judy to RCA Records and introduced her to Roy Clark, Jerry Reed, and other country music legends. “Then, he offered me a contract,” Judy says. JUNE 2019

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

It was a promised recording contract with Ray Kinnamon as her promotor including gigs all over Nashville and beyond with RCA Records. “I wanted to sign the contract, but Jim had cold feet,” Judy says. “I realized I was going to have to have peace with this. I realized that in the music business you’re subject to all kinds of things.” It was Judy’s moment of truth. “I was too naïve for the big city business in Nashville,” Judy says. “I wanted to be a good mother and have the Lord’s approval.” Judy walked away from the deal.   But as she was leaving, Ray told her the offer would still be standing if she changed her mind. Judy said she thought about calling many times, but never did. Instead, she went home and performed at The Valley Jamboree on weekends. Judy’s song, “Mr. Jones” was inspired by a man she met while doing hospital visitation with members of her church. Judy was

so touched by the love he showed his disabled wife, she wrote a song about him. She sang it at a Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce event attended by Governor Bumpers, Bonnie Brown, and Mr. Jones. “After I sang, Mr. Jones stood up and everyone there loved it,” Judy says. “The Governor asked me to play at his next speaking engagement. Bonnie Brown, a famous country singer with The Browns, wanted to produce the record.” Bonnie took Judy to a Russellville recording studio. “The recording had to be sent away to be pressed into a record,” Judy says. “When she listened to it she advised me not to accept it because it was poor quality.” But Judy didn’t know enough to know better and accepted the record. “That meant it wasn’t good enough for the big radio stations,” Judy says. “Bonnie was trying to make me a star. I completely blew it.” Judy’s next touch of fame came with her recording of Debbie

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

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Hupp’s song, “We Need a Saturday Night” in 1989. It was Cash Box Magazine’s number one single and was ranked number 90 on the Country Music Chart, seven places above Dolly Parton’s “Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That.” This success was the result of Judy being asked by Buzz Cason, a well-known producer in Nashville, to sing another writer’s songs. Familiar to most River Valley residents is Judy’s collaboration with Bill Sparks on the song “The Grand Old Lady” to commemorate Russellville’s railroad history. The song debuted in 2004 at Reunion ‘Round the Rails, then with a new verse added, in 2017 at the 100th-anniversary celebration. Their CD, “Judy Olson and the Two Plus One,” was recorded in 2004. Judy and Jim have lived a relatively quiet life in Dardanelle

where they’ve raised their three sons Tracy, Kerry, and Ryan. Judy still performs, and she and Jim entertain in their well-appointed “music barn” at home. “I am still able to write songs and go out and play music and play it here (at home) and enjoy it” Judy says. Judy believes her musical talents are a gift from on high. “God gave me the gift of music,” Judy says. “Life is about taking these gifts and sharing them. I’m blessed. I cherish my life here in my little Nashville. I love my family, my musician buddies, and all the friends I’ve made. Mostly, I love being able to share my music.” Recordings of Judy’s “Nice to Be Home,” in 2010” and “Cowgirl Enough,” in 2018 are offered on CDBaby.com.

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~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

E V E R Y D AY L I F E

“A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take.” – CARDINAL MEYMILLOD

All about mom Story by SARAH CLOWER | Illustration by CLIFF THOMAS

I AM ALWAYS SO CURIOUS as to what most children think of their mother; what she does all day, things she says and habits she has, what she looks like, and what they think her own childhood was like. I am forever entertained and endeared by their answers. I interviewed several kids about their mom, and these are some of their responses. How old is your mom? (Most common answer: her correct age.) “20? Maybe 28?” - Jasmine, age 5 “14.” - Isobel, age 5 “6… maybe 8.” - Emi, age 5 What is your mom’s favorite food? (Most common answer: vegetables) “Chips and salsa, and jalapeños with hot sauce.” - Raff, age 9 “Broccoli.” - Jasmine, age 5 “Salad.” - Isobel, age 5

“Dinner.” - Aspen, age 7 “Keto. I don’t know what that is, but she always says she can’t have anything but Keto.” - Gracie, age 4 What is your mom’s favorite drink? (Most common answer: coffee) “Water that fizzes.” - Hayden, age 13 “That brown bottle in the fridge…” {goes to check} “Kentucky Bourbon Stout.” - Raff, age 9 “Adult beverages.” - Cody, age 13

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

What is your mom’s job? (Most common answer: Nurse.) “Working at the school.” - Jasmine, age 5 “Working in the laboratory.” - Isobel, age 5 “Client worker.” - Cody, age 13 “A hair salon worker.” - Raff, age 9 What is something you see your mom doing a lot of? (Most common answer: Tie between cleaning and laundry.) “Being good.” - Jasmine, age 5 “Cuddling with me.” - Aspen, age 7

“Talking on the phone.” - Ruby, age 13

“Gets on Facebook.” - Hayden, age 13

“Plucking her gray hairs.” - Gracie, age 4

“Goes on an adventure.” - Raff, age 9

What is something you wish your mom did more of? (Most common answer: Spend more time with me.)

Is your mom a good cook? If so, what is your favorite thing she makes? (Most common answer: Yes, macaroni and cheese.)

“Not go to work so we can play.” - Isobel, age 5

“Chinese noodles!” - Emi, age 5

“Buy candy.” - Hayden, age 13

“No, she burns stuff and we have to open a window.” - Gracie, age 4

What is something your mom always says to you? (Most common answer: I love you.) “Go to bed.” - Cody, age 13 “You can do it yourself.” - Ruby, age 13

If your mom became the first woman president, what do you think her first rule would be? (Most common answer: Kids have to clean their rooms.) “Keep people safe in the name of the law!” - Emi, age 5

“Don’t eat your booger’s.” - Ben, age 3

“Have your kids in bed by 9 p.m.” Hayden, age 13

How would you describe your mom, and what’s her style? (Most common answer: Dresses good.)

“Only poop in the toilet and be sure to wipe good.” - Ben, age 3

“Dresses and high heels.” - Jasmine, age 5 “Brown eyes and brown hair, a bright face, and sparkly fingernails!” - Isobel, age 5

“Be kind to everyone.” - Raff, age 9

“She likes colors.” - Cody, age 13

What do you think your mom wanted to be when she grew up? (Most common answer: A doctor.)

“She dresses like a mom.” - Ruby, age 13

“A model.” - Emery, age 7

“She’s short.” - Hayden, age 13

“A knitter.” - Cody, age 13

“Beautiful, and her style is tattoos.” - Raff, age 9

“A cat holder.” - Ben, 3

If you had to describe your mom as an animal, what animal would it be? (Most common answer: A cat.) “A unicorn.” - Jasmine, age 5 “Quiet as a mouse and soft as a bear.” Aspen, age 7 “A lizard.” - Cody, age 13 “A white mole.” - Raff, age 9

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“She makes good rolls.” - Emery, age 7

“See the future of my mind.” - Emi, age 5 “Go out to eat!” - Kristyn, age 16

“A Real Housewife like on that TV show.” - Gracie, age 4 Do you think your mom is scared of anything? (Most common answer: Spiders) “Actually, yes. Tigers.” - Emi, age 5 “What the world is turning into.” - Cody, age 13 “Heating stuff up in plastic, because of cancer.” - Raff, age 9

What is something your mom does to relax? (Most common answer: Lays down.)

Would you trade your mom for a different mom?

“Plays in her bedroom.” - Emi, age 5

Unanimous: “No!”

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“Takes her anxiety X medicine.” - Gracie, age 4 JUNE 2019

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

Amanda Guizar has been fascinated with the outside world since she made memories with her family at Petit Jean State Park as a child. She remembered learning to fish with her father and running around the woods and fields. As someone who had struggled with weight issues, she also remembered that hiking had once been a challenge.

Story by HANNAH BUTLER | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

So after weight loss surgery, Amanda Guizar had several goals in mind. She’d been listing them for weeks before the surgery, even picking up a pen and writing them down. One of those goals was to visit every state parks in Arkansas. Then she found out there were 52. “I did think, ‘wow, this is going to be a really big challenge — 52, ’” Amanda says. But after a few were under her belt, she could see success in reaching the goal. “After I got almost halfway,” Amanda says, “it became quite attainable then.” Amanda set out to accomplish her goal one state park at a

time, and she started with hiking to the highest point in Arkansas — Mount Magazine at Mount Magazine State Park near Paris. From there, she knocked out several easy-to-reach state parks within her commute to and from the Arkansas Department of Health each morning and afternoon. Amanda is a preparedness lead planner for the health department. Her job is planning for public health threats but day-to-day work responsibilities are diverse. “I’ve done everything from give a presentation at a conference to picking up trash at our warehouse,” Amanda says. JUNE 2019

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

Although Amanda graduated with a degree in emergency administration management from Arkansas Tech back in 2010, she was once a fisheries and wildlife science major. The change in majors and career paths was inspired by a documentary on Super volcanoes. Amanda says she admired the first responders rushing to care of victims and wanted to do what they did. And now she does. She still hears the call of the wild, so to speak, but says she’s content with her current occupation. “If I had to do it all over again, it would be to work in the parks system,” Amanda says. “But this [her current job] is a pretty close second.” Amanda documented her travels on Facebook, always snapping a photo, and trying to do an activity at each park rather than just visiting for a few moments. However, each state park is different. Some aren’t filled with challenging hiking trails or walls packed with historical information. For example, there’s Conway Cemetery Historic State Park in Lafayette County — the resting place of James Sevier Con18

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

way, the first governor of Arkansas. There wasn’t anything for Amanda to do — the park doesn’t have any visitor or recreational amenities — besides admire nature and take a peek at the graves. So she sat down and ate lunch. Amanda says she thought it might be a little spooky, but the park became one of her favorites. Amanda also stumbled upon a state park near McNeil called Logoly State Park that encourages environmental education and was the first state park in Arkansas to host events such as volunteer clean ups. Logoly created a template for other state parks to follow. During her travels, Amanda discovered the incredible diversity of Arkansas. “If you’re from Russellville, from all the way up northwest, it’s mountainous,” Amanda says. “But if you’re from southeast Arkansas, it’s the Delta. It’s amazing how a small geographical area such as Arkansas can be so different.” Out of all 52, Petit Jean State Park stands out amongst all the rest in Amanda’s heart. It’s her gem, the park that holds some of the best memories of her fami-

ly and, in her eyes, truly holds the beauty of Arkansas. It was the first state park she visited as a child, and it’s the one that she’ll never stop visiting. “I still go there two or three times a year, and more so in the summer,” Amanda says. Aside form the memories, the scenery on Petit Jean calms her despite the noise in her life. It’s one of the larger state parks so there is more foot traffic, but Amanda doesn’t mind. “The scenery is just different, and it’s just so tranquil and peaceful up there,” Amanda says. “It’s just a great experience every time.” While the state park travels started as a way to commemorate her weight loss journey, Amanda gained so much more. She learned that all of the road trips, hiking adventures and attempts at fishing led to memories she would never trade. “I went on an adult trip with some friends to Lake Ouachita and we rented a jon boat,” Amanda says. “We were out there all day long and we didn’t catch a single thing. But we had so much fun just putting around in that little jon boat.”

Amanda says that visiting state parks is also a thrifty way to make memories. A tank of gas is often all you’ll need to purchase. “All Arkansas state parks are free to get into,” Amanda says. “They may have a small fee for renting a canoe, or if you want to camp, but to get in and actually enjoy the actual property is free.” There are also free events held at state parks regularly such as fish feedings, lake cruises, hikes with a park interpreter, and other outdoor activities often designed to educate. Five years after beginning, Amanda finished up at Wooly Hollow State Park near Greenbrier this past March.The entire experience was so much fun that as Amanda neared the end, she dreaded the thought of it being over. “I did feel quite a sense of accomplishment in that I had achieved a goal,” Amanda says. “A lot of times, I think we’re too hard on ourselves when we don’t achieve a goal, so it was really important for me to go ahead and achieve the goal. I thought as I first started it that accomplishing it would be the reward. But really, it wasn’t. It was the actual progression that was the reward.” Though she doesn’t have any more state parks to check off the list, Amanda isn’t finished exploring. Amanda’s next goal is to visit all seven Corps of Engineers sites in Arkansas. Most offer campsites and other activities. And then she dreams of visiting more national parks.

“I actually kind of fell in love with national parks,” Amanda says.“I remember in second grade we learned about the Appalachian Trail, and I just thought that was the coolest thing ever. I still do think that’s an ultimate bucket list. I would like to at least hike part of it, even it’s just 10 miles.” Overall, Amanda has become an avid advertiser for state parks. She spreads the word about her experience and shares posts from the National Park Service on Facebook. Amanda even helped her kids fall in love with Arkansas State Parks. But she didn’t do it alone. She says the park interpreters helped. “They played volleyball with one, they went on a bat

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hunting exhibition with one,” Amanda says. “The staff — all the way from the landscaping and the custodians that keep the parks in pristine condition to the park superintendents — I never had a negative or even just mediocre experience. It was all A-plus.” Now Amanda’s daughter is on a mission to visit all 52 state parks as well. Amanda also did her best to purchase something from the parks or donate while visiting. Money spent at Arkansas State Parks goes to fund improvements, activities, and new parks. “The more you visit parks,” Amanda says, “the better parks will be.”

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151 E. Aspen Lane, Russellville, AR 72802 • Phone: 479-967-1117 • Fax: 479-967-0089 • www.centralarkansassurgical.com JUNE 2019

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Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN Story by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN

DAILY BREAD (479) 967-0025 407 N. ARKANSAS STE 6 RUSSELLVILLE

In your face The Russellville City Mall, in the heart of town, has long been a distribution point for ABOUT with several advertisers and a big magazine rack located there. We deliver new issues several times a month. Yet, I’d never sampled food from one of the newest mall tenants — Daily Bread — until this year’s Taste of the Valley. Daily Bread’s goulash and chicken spaghetti took some honors that night, but those entrees were only a sampling of what this restaurant specializing in home cooking can offer. Sitting beside the winning dishes were cups of pimento cheese and desserts that were simply delectable. But even with all the goodies on hand, the folks from Daily Bread didn’t bring the 20

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

big guns to TOV, or rather, the big sweets. And when I say “big,” I mean as big as your face. Literally. Daily Bread’s cinnamon roll isn’t just big, though, it tastes exactly how a cinnamon roll should taste. Because size matters, sure, but a heaping helping of bad is just a whole lot of bad. This cinnamon roll is delicious because it was thoughtfully made from scratch. It’s not too sweet — the bane of most cinnamon rolls — but is instead a beautiful blend of slightly sour dough, frosting, and lots of cinnamon. The perfect pastry — big as my face and right in my face all this time.

JUNE 2019

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

Disney Dreamin’ Story by LYDIA ZIMMERMAN, Food Editor Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

Pineapple Carrot Salad

PINEAPPLE CARROT SALAD 1 (8 oz) can of crushed pineapple 2 c finely grated carrots 1 c finely chopped raisins (optional) 1 (3 oz) box of orange jello 1 1/2 c boiling water

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

ll who know me well know that my favorite place on earth, besides home, is Walt Disney World (WDW.) The pageantry and parades… The polish of the resorts… It’s a place I can go and leave all my worries behind. My family and I have many great memories there, and I look forward to making more. I was recently reminiscing about our first visit to WDW and a luau we attended at the Polynesian Resort. The entertainment was amazing and also — the FOOD. Of course, I’m all about the food. And one item that I remember tasting heavenly was the fresh pineapple. I purchase a pineapple from the store every now and then, but nothing has come close to the pineapple I had there. Maybe it was just the atmosphere. So to celebrate my love of pineapple and the planning of my next WDW adventure, I’ve compiled some recipes using pineapple as an ingredient. From desserts and entrees to eats that will cool you off this summer, I’ve found some yummy goodness. As always, enjoy. Or as Mickey would say, “see ya real soon!”

ABOUT Magazine Featured Recipe ~ June 2019

In a large glass bowl,pour boiling water over jello and stir until dissolved. Add raisins (optional), carrots and pineapple, stir. Place in refrigerator for 3-4 hours or until set. For added color you can serve in lettuce leaves.

PINEAPPLE CHESS PIE 2 c sugar 3 T all purpose flour 1/2 c butter, softened 4 eggs 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained 1 tsp vanilla or 1/2 tsp lemon extract 1 (9 in) unbaked pie shell Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together the butter, sugar and flour in a mixing bowl. Add eggs, beating well. Stir in the pineapple and extract. Pour mixture into the unbaked pie crust.Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted between center and edge comes out clean. Cool thoroughly before serving. For a variation: For a Hawaiian pie add 1/3 c canned coconut cream to the pineapple pie and sprinkle top with flaked coconut before baking. BACON WRAPPED PINEAPPLE BITES 24 (1 inch) chunks of fresh pineapple 8 strips of thick cut bacon cut into thirds 1/3 c brown sugar 24 wooden toothpicks Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut the pineapple into 1 inch cubes. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (for easy clean up), then place a cooling rack onto the lined baking sheet. Wrap each piece of pineapple with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Dip each wrapped pineapple bite into some brown sugar, patting it on as needed. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes,

Pineapple Chess Pie

until bacon is slightly crispy and the sugar is cartelized. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Recipe courtesy of delishdlites.com PINEAPPLE-LIME SUMMER SALAD 8 oz can crushed pineapple, in syrup 6 oz box lime jello 8 oz whipped topping 32 oz small-curd cottage cheese 11 oz can mandarin oranges, drained 1 c pecans or walnuts, finely chopped 1/2 c flaked coconut Maraschino cherries for garnish Drain pineapple; reserve syrup; set aside.

Combine pineapple syrup and water to measure 1 cup; heat in a saucepan to a boil. Add lime jello to the saucepan and cook until jello is dissolved.Remove from heat and add 1 c cold water, stir; set aside. In a large bowl combine pineapple, whipped topping, cottage cheese, mandarin oranges, pecans and coconut; mix well. Add lime jello mixture to fruit/cottage cheese mixture. Turn into a 13X9 in glass dish and cover. Place in refrigerator until set. Cut into squares and garnish with maraschino cherries before serving.

THE RIVER VALLEY'S FINEST

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PINEAPPLE SPINACH SALAD For the dressing 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx 2-3 tsp) 1/3 c olive oil 1/3 c white wine vinegar 1 T sugar 1/2 tsp salt pepper to taste 1/8 to 1/4 tsp dry mustard (optional--taste it first) For the pecans 2 T butter 1 c pecan halves 2 T brown sugar For the salad 10-13 oz spinach, add more as you like 1 pineapple, chopped into bite-size pieces 6 oz feta cheese Combine all the dressing ingredients in a mason jar or tupperware. Shake vigorously and set aside. In a small pan, heat the butter over medium-high heat. When hot, add the pecans and stir to coat. Add the brown sugar and stir again. Stir occasionally until the sugar starts to caramelize, about 2-5 minutes. Remove to a wax paper lined cookie sheet and let cool. In a large bowl add the spinach, pineapple, and feta. Toss to combine. Sprinkle the top with pecans and serve with the salad dressing (you might not use all of it). Serve chilled. Recipe courtesy of thefoodcharlatan.com

HAM, CHEESE AND PINEAPPLE SCROLLS 2 c self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting 80g (1/3 c) butter, chilled, chopped 2 tsp sugar 1/3 c milk salt and pepper to taste 1/4 c pizza sauce 1 c grated mozzarella 100g (2/3 c) sliced ham, chopped 227g (1 c) canned crushed pineapple in juice, drained Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 12-hole muffin pan. Process flour, butter and sugar in a food processor until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Transfer to a bowl. Make a well. Add milk. Season with salt and pepper. Stir with a butter knife to form a sticky dough. Turn out onto a well-floured surface. Knead gently. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out dough to form a 8x16 in rectangle. Spread dough with pizza sauce, leaving a 1cm border. Sprinkle with mozzarella, ham and pineapple. Season with salt and pepper. Roll up dough from 1 long edge to enclose filling. Trim ends. Cut into 12 equal slices. Place, cut-side up, into holes of prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and just firm to the touch. Stand in pan for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a baking paper-lined wire rack. Serve warm or cold. Recipe courtesy of taste.com.au

EASY HAWAIIAN DIP 8 oz cream cheese, softened 2 T sour cream 1/4 c pineapple juice, from the crushed pineapple 1 c shredded cheddar cheese 1 can crushed pineapple, drained (save 1/4 c juice) 1 c chopped ham 2 (2.8 oz) pkgs bacon bit pieces 2 T chopped green onion In a large bowl blend together the cream cheese, sour cream, and pineapple juice until well mixed and smooth. Spread into a pie pan. Top the cream cheese mixture with the shredded cheese, crushed pineapple, chopped ham, bacon pieces, and green onion. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve with tortilla chips or ritz crackers. PINA COLADA ‘NICE’ CREAM 2 frozen bananas, coarsely chopped 250g (1 1/4 c) frozen pineapple chunks 1/4 c (60ml) coconut cream 1 T coarsely chopped mint 1 T lime juice Thinly sliced pineapple, to serve (optional) Lime zest, to serve Lime wedges, to serve Place banana, frozen pineapple, coconut cream, mint and lime juice in a food processor. Process until pineapple mixture is smooth and creamy.

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

Divide the pineapple mixture evenly between serving glasses. Top with sliced pineapple, if desired, and lime zest. Serve with lime wedge. Recipe courtesy of taste.com.au MAKE AHEAD FREEZER MEALHAWAIIAN PORK CHOPS 4 boneless pork chops 20 oz can pineapple chunks (do not drain) 3 T brown sugar 2 T soy sauce 1 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper Label gallon size freezer bag with name of recipe, date and instructions. Place all ingredients in bag and seal. Place in freezer. To Cook: Thaw overnight in fridge. Dump bag in slow cooker. Place lid on cooker and cook on low for 6 hrs. Serve over rice. Recipe courtesy of stockpilingmoms.com HONEY BOURBON PINEAPPLE CHICKEN FOIL PACKETS 3 lrg.bell peppers, seeded & roughly chopped 8 fresh pineapple rings, sliced in half Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, to taste 4 chicken breasts 1 1/3 c Lawry’s Honey Bourbon Marinade Heat grill to medium heat. Cut 4 sheets of foil into large rectangles, enough to wrap chicken and veggies. Divide bell papers into four and place them in center of aluminum foil rectan-

gles. Top each packet with 4 pineapple ring halves. Season with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. Place chicken breasts on top of each pile of veggies. Pour 1/3 c of Lawry’s Honey Bourbon Marinade on top of each chicken breast. Fold closed the top of each packet, making sure to seal it well. Place chicken packets onto grill and grill for 16-18 minutes, flipping half way through. Cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. To serve, carefully open packets (they will be full of steam!) and enjoy!

If you prefer you can place whipped mixture into small bowls and serve as pineapple whips instead of freezing. Recipe courtesy of superhealthykids.com EASY SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN 3 T cooking oil 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/4 c flour 10 oz canned pineapple chunks 3 T soy sauce 1 T orange juice 1 tsp ground ginger salt and pepper to taste

OVEN Baking Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake for 20 minutes on the middle rack. Cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Recipe courtesy of thenovicechefblog.com

Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and saute until golden brown. Remove chicken and place into a slow cooker. Add flour to the skillet with the remixing cooking oil and blend. Cook for 1 minute. Drain juice from pineapple into a large measuring cup. Add enough water to pineapple juice to reach 1 1/4 c liquid. Add the liquid to the skillet and bring to a boil until thickened, stir frequently. Add pineapple, soy sauce, OJ, ground ginger and a pinch of salt and pepper stir well; return to a boil. Pour mixture over chicken in the slow cooker.; cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, then reduce to low heat and cook for an additional 4 hours. This is a great recipe to start on sunday mornings and have for lunch that afternoon. You can serve over rice if you like.

WHIPPED PINEAPPLE POPS 1 medium lime 1 1/2 c heavy whipping cream, whipped 2 (20 oz) cans of crushed (in juice) pineapple, drain juice off of one can 1-2 T Stevia (or other sweetener), optional Juice lime. Place both cans of pineapple (and juice of one can) and lime juice in a high power blender. Blend until smooth and frothy. Whip your heavy cream until light and fluffy. Fold the heavy whipped cream into your pineapple mixture. Pour mixture into popsicle molds and freeze until hardened.

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The Biography of a house: PART 2

Lineage Story by SALLY LATHAM LAWRENCE Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

First January, 1859 Clear and cold. Left camp, crossed the Pine ridges between Piney and Illinois Bayou a 9 mile drive. Passed several saw mills on our way. After crossing the Bayou a four miles drive brought us again to the ancient village of Russellville, a small inland village, the buildings all appeared to have been erected years before. But we found all the dwellers to be good and clever people, a few of the descendants of the old settlers are still there, an honor to their predecessors. JOHN DARR’S PIONEER DIARY

Sometime after they settled, John Darr and his family came to see us at Christmas...oh, I remember it was before the Civil War broke out, because after that so many of our men were gone. Even when they came home there were years of trouble to follow. But this was a good year. Lawson rode in with his children. Being Presbyterians, we did not celebrate Christmas as the Catholics do. I know this because the children whispered to each other in a quiet corner where only I could hear, that if it had been a Green house, we would have a giant holly wreath full of berries on the door, and a great candle in the window to guide Mary and Joseph. There would have been Christmas carols, which I knew nothing about at the time. And while I do still consider myself to be a Presbyterian house, I was happy when I heard they celebrate Christmas nowadays. I’m not fond of candles, but the music is lovely. As I remember, Mister Darr made quite a presentation, reading from the diary he kept of his journey to the Arkansas Territory. He wished he had written more at the time of his experiences, but even I could tell from what he’d recorded that every single day 26

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

was a trial of excitement and exhaustion as they journeyed in their wagon this way and that to find a place fit enough to settle. Some of the “good and clever” people he spoke of were my Torrences, who remembered meeting the Darrs at the time. I think we all shared in the pleasure of being mentioned if not specifically. I was in just as grand a state at Mister Darr’s first inspection as I was at his Christmas-time visit, with space aplenty for men to meet, children to play, and women to chat as they set a large table for dinner – which was quite plentiful enough to be considered a Christmas meal. Our kitchen was outside then, but the well-spiced goose on the spit announced itself in every room and made merry hearts even merrier. Oh, what a glorious time that was. They talked of those other families in the valley, like the Shinns who had come almost two

decades before, and had at the time three generations living in Russellville and yet another in the ground, since their old mother had died in 1852. Ransom’s eldest daughter married young to Coke Darnul, and now their eldest daughter was married and hoping for a child soon. But I’ve forgotten, the Darnuls had all moved to California by then. Even so, besides Ransom were nine other siblings alive at the time, with too many children and grandchildren to count. Even Jacob Shinn, who had only recently married, was already blessed with two little ones. And his store an eight-year institution by then. The tannery was also eight years old. It had proved to be a fine investment and occupation for John Torrence. I benefited handsomely; why just consider my having no less than thirteen large windows with six panes each, at a time when such things

were unheard of. They boast about it at Potts Inn the next town over, but Kirkbridge Potts wasn’t the only one having glass shipped up the river from New Orleans. He would say he gave Ezra the idea, but I believe it was the other way around. It was no small thing, my Ezra coming west. He arrived in 1855 having looked into all of the particulars and bringing such additional supplies as we might need. Even as I came into consciousness, I knew there was an air of deep gratitude whenever the brothers were together. Not so many years before, as he worked to settle his valuable bottomland homestead, Lawson discovered the lack of a sturdy house jeopardized his success and the family’s safety. They were in the path of many a season’s tornadoes whereas I am safe in the uplands. John came as much to help as to settle his own family, JUNE 2019

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

but he discovered as Lawson did that building a shelter took skill even when you had the help of your neighbors. Back in Gaston, Ezra was overseeing the building of the new church, and he must have sensed with each letter from Lawson’s daughter Emily that his knowledge was gaining in importance. It became an obsession that some certain of the cousins did not appreciate. On the Mendenhall side of the family — and it still burns to think of this so I wonder I should share it — these words made their way Westward at the suggestion this young man might extend his condolences on the loss of the very man who gave him work fixing up homes to match my design. If you will inform me in your next the name of that cousin who says I am not doing my duty I will call on them & inquire what my duty is. As to fixing up I only fixed an ell and bedroom & I don’t think that is any bodys business but my own, for I suppose a man can work where he can get employ. It was only when I heard Ezra’s obituary that I developed an idea of what he’d left behind when he came to build me. He was the child of pious parents, who early instructed him in the principles and precepts of the gospel, and under the blessing of that God who is ever faithful to his covenant, young Ezra was led to the Savior, and to devote himself to the service of his Redeemer. He united himself with the Independent Presbyterian Church, and ever afterward maintained a strictly upright, honorable and pious deportment. In 1854 he was elected and ordained a Ruling Elder in Olney Church, but soon afterward removed to Arkansas, where he continued to reside until the time of his death. A Ruling Elder is much like a deacon, and in time John would hold this same title for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Russellville. The accomplishment, nomination, and bequeathal was no small thing to the Torrence family. It was indeed an honor, as well as a grave responsibility. To leave this post and one’s congregation...I can only imagine. I have spent many decades thinking of it and I am both proud and humbled by the idea that I exist as a symbol of Ezra’s love and duty to his family. I am a

memorial to his remarkable life. Many were the letters that flew to Gaston, explaining the events that led to the family’s loss. How Ezra and John had been to visit a certain Jasper Holland in his illness. That was early March 1859. By the end of the month he had bouts of illness, and always seemed to be pulling out of it until May arrived and with it the fullness of Typhoid fever. Cousin Emily wrote: He continued bad the 5th day after he was confined to bed. His mind began to wander, his speech went as his mind went. He would often try to talk but could not speak so as to be understood. O how very painful it is to have a friend so dearly beloved as he was leave us and not be able to speak while they are sick. He called my name some times. That and Father’s name was all that we could understand. When Ezra died, Lawson sent word since he was soon taken ill himself. It was left to John to settle whatever income and debts were left behind. There was a house, like me only larger, newly completed in Dardanelle. John paid a visit there to receive the final payment. I often think of that house as a sister, only she was lost with the rest of Dardanelle during the skirmishes of war. Mother Torrence was Ezra’s only heir and John dutifully provided her with whatever remained of his brother’s worldly goods. There was not much, since Ezra wasn’t a creature of this world as I am. One or two mocking cousins aside, the family spoke often of a future reunion in the heavenly realms; a solace I cannot share. All these events had dimmed by the time the Darrs returned. They had not met Ezra to speak of him, and so the talk was of the hardships that other families were even yet facing as they poured into the valley. Darr shared such tales as we had already heard of “good-hearted” folk selling out to the weary pioneers. They might labor for months repairing whatever tiny hovel they’d purchased before learning they’d overpaid some crafty opportunist who never had the title in the first place. Before I was made, there might have been several other structures where I stand. I do not know if the Shinn brothers had a shack where they rested after working at the tannery up the way. When they arrived from Gaston, John and his family likely slept

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

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in tents and their wagon as most pioneers did. Then there would have been a house-raising as all the families had; timbers erected from the remains of other cabins as was common in the valley. I’ve heard people speak of house raisings almost carelessly, as you might a birthday party, knowing the meager dwellings will be replaced in better times when circumstances offered better materials and a better plan. Nobody spoke of a place that existed before me, and as houses cannot speak (at least, in ways humans might notice), there was no way for me to ask the many questions I’ve accumulated over the years. Ezra preached from his arrival about building good homes on good foundations. He was against the squatters whose only vision

was to get by until it was time to settle up. They came and went often. A squatter’s rights came about when the land sold and even then their only right was to make the first offer. Meanwhile, the job of settling 80 or even 40 acres was a mighty large feat that required years of good planning, good luck, and good weather. It was Ezra who convinced John to divide our land into small portions that people could afford to purchase and build sensible homes. He often said good people were looking for a good town with good jobs. He was right, and within half a century his dream was accomplished even if he never lived to see it. John, Lawson, Ezra and the children, they all came from genuine, Christian people. These are my people, as much a part of my heritage as the valley.

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COMMUNITY

Jamie Lou and the Hullabaloo

June’s Music Downtown at Sundown Features Holy Smokes! and Jamie Lou and the Hullabaloo Holy Smokes! is coming to Russellville’s Depot Park on June 29 for Music Downtown at Sundown. Based out of Fort Smith, Holy Smokes is an emo/alternative band who began writing and playing in the emo and DIY scene in October of 2013. The bands members are Michael Dicks on drums, Phillip Morris on bass, and Stanley Soultaire on guitar and vocals. After self-releasing a single and their three song self-titled EP, Holy Smokes! traveled lightly while playing several shows before deciding to change their line up a bit. They soon returned to the road, and released their seven track EP, “Scorched” in 2016, shortly after joining forces with Ronald Records. The release of their first full-length LP, “Framework,” was highly anticipated in 2018. Holy Smokes! is known for an energetic mix of dance licks, heavy riffs, and sliding transitions paired with a powerful vocal presence. Their lyrics are thoughtful, and deeply personal. They tour regularly and are aiming to keeping the local DIY scene alive and well to their best abilities. Jamie Lou and the Hullabaloo are coming back to their hometown with their trademark folk, rock, and a lot of soul. Band members include Matt White on drums, Peyton Finley on bass, Garrett Brolund on guitar, and Jamie Lou Connoly 30

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

on vocals and lead guitar. Jamie Lou’s seasoned poetry transformed into a lyrical dream and backed by the Hullabaloo has the listener discovering and asking themselves who they are in the world as a lover, a friend, and an individual. Numerous reviews have noted that Jamie Lou and the Hullabaloo carry vibes that lead them to be a modern Fleetwood Mac. Jamie Lou has won numerous singer-songwriter competitions, and in 2018, Jamie Lou and the Hullabaloo took home the title of the Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase Championship where they competed against 16 other Arkansas musical acts. The second session of Music Downtown at Sundown is June 29 at Russellville’s Depot Park across from The Depot. For more information contact 967-1437.

Kesler Frost to Take Part in Envision’s National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM This summer, Kesler Frost from Russellville will join outstanding elementary school students from across the state to take part in a unique academic and career oriented development experience, the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Pathways to STEM, taking place in Dallas, TX. NYLF Pathways to STEM is one of the Envision family of programs (www.envi-

Holy Smokes!

sionexperience.com) that enable students to explore their interests and experience learning beyond the classroom. Kesler was nominated for the program by his 4th grade teacher Mrs. Talina Tankersley. He attends Oakland Heights Elementary. Kesler aspires to work with marine mammals as a career, and later return to Russellville, where he hopes to someday become the Mayor. Kesler is on Oakland Heights’ robotics team and in the Media Club. Outside of school he takes guitar lessons at River Valley Music Center, Art Lessons and KaleidoKids Art, and plays RYBA baseball. He looks forward to the independence this program will help instill; as well as, the hands-on knowledge he will gain. “As an alumna of Envision myself, I am excited for Kesler to meet, work, and collaborate with fellow high-aspiring students from other cities and schools,” said Amanda Freitag Thomas, SVP for Envision. “Hands down, my favorite part of attending an Envision program was being with motivated students in an environment designed to help us challenge our assumptions, meet new people, and grow. Creating that same learning environment is a central focus for all of our programs. At NYLF Pathways to STEM, students build the confidence and skills needed to excel

RUSSELLVILLE ANIMAL SHELTER

Featured Friend

Newly elected Symphony Guild Officers (left to right) Kathy Westmoreland, President; Paula Stamps, Publicity; Ann Squyres, Vice President; Robin Danielson, Historian; Judy Murphy, Treasurer; Sue Ann Strait is not pictured.

in the classroom while gaining exposure to STEM fields and concepts. They learn how to adapt to and communicate in new situations, to new challenges, and with new people, which, given how rapidly the world is changing due to technology and innovation, are essential skills for success.” Since 1985, Envision programs have served more than 800,000 students in more than 145 countries, with programs designed to help students develop the leadership, scholarship and career skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive college and career landscape.

Symphony Guild Membership Brunch This yearly brunch was recently held at the home of Mrs. Sue McCoy. She is a member of the Guild, and was the hostess for the event. Along with the new officers being presented, two new members were

also introduced, Pam Halverson and Susan McInerney. The primary focus of the Guild is to provide support and assistance to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. One is bringing the Orchestra to Russellville each year, to perform at ATU in a special concer. The Guild is dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for local and are students, by bringing in the ASO each year to also perform just for them in a special concert. The Quartets also visits the schools to perform and also given hands-on with the instruments. The Guild also awards music scholarships to high school seniors who plan to attend ATU and major in music. If you are interested in joining, and you missed the recent membership brunch, please call board member Judy Murphy at 967-1177. Dues are $30.00 and may be mailed to Judy at 126 Lakeview Circle, Russellville, AR 72802.

Tiger

BREED: Short

haired tabby (spayed)

GENDER: Female

Tiger may be an older cat but she is a fierce one. She likes to walk around and hates being kept in small spaces. Tiger also enjoys sitting by the window and watching outside with her green eyes. She loves to eat and won’t turn down a second breakfast, and she can get along with anyone… unless they try to eat her food. Tiger needs a home with room to roam. To learn more, or to adopt this month’s featured friend, please contact the Russellville Animal Shelter at (479) 968-1944. Photo by ALICIA MEUANGMANY

Millyn’s 51st Anniversary Sale Friday, June 7th thru Saturday, June 15th 20% off Storewide* 30% off Early Bird Shoppers (between 9 and 11am each day)

50% Off Selected Items

Wedding Registry | Baby Registry | Decorator Service

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JUNE 2019

*refers to all regular price items

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

COMMUNITY COMMERCE

Russellville Family Funeral

Story by HANNAH BUTLER

he modern look of the new Russellville Family Funeral grief no one is alone. Through every step of the process, Russellbuilding sets a theme for the business as a whole: a place ville Family Funeral offers a hand to hold. where funerals are professionally handled yet affordable “I didn’t want the new building to look like a typical funeral for families. The new building makes a way for funeral planning home,” Pam says. “It needed to be unique and comfortable, a to become a more comfortable process. peaceful place.” But Russellville Family Funeral is made The added space and modern ameniRussellville Family Funeral personable by funeral director and owner Pam ties means that Russellville Family Funeral (479) 968-1143 Smith, and funeral directors Kelsey Peak and can expand on their service choices. “We can 2757 East Parkway Drive Keith Linn. Their motto is “our family helpoffer traditional and nontraditional type serRussellville, AR 72802 ing your family,” emphasizing that even in vices,” Kelsey says.

Kirt Mosley

Father's Day Headquarters

Interior Design

35 Years Experience | Design Work by-the-hour

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

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

The design includes a new family and multipurpose room, a larger space intended for visitations, memorials, family gatherings — with or without refreshments — featuring stylish sofas and oversized chairs. “This room is the perfect space for families to gather and visit before or after a funeral or memorial service,” Kelsey says. The entire building features 35-foot vaulted ceilings with modern lighting. There’s also a rock fireplace and comfortable seating throughout. “The heart of the new building is the chapel,” Kelsey says. Gold toned chandeliers with accented lighting line its ceiling, and church chairs comfortably accommodate 160 guests. But looks aside, attentive service and reasonable cost are Russellville Family Funeral’s goals. “We are a full service funeral home, offering cremations, prearrangement of funerals, immediate burials, monuments, and of course, traditional funerals.” Russellville Family Funeral also offers financing, if there is a need for assistance. “We encourage families to preplan their funeral or cremation,” Kelsey says. “It’s one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family. You can lock in on today’s funeral price. You can make payments with no interest, no fees, and you can contact us for a free, no obligation consultation”. Pam and her team also like to think of their services as providing a celebration of life. “Funeral services or life celebrations don’t always have to be sad,” Pam says. “Yes, you’re sad because you’ve lost someone, but you want to remember their life, you want to celebrate their life. The goal of building this facility was to have an atmosphere to help make life celebrations,” Pam says. “It’s very rewarding when you’re helping people at one of the most critical times in their life.” Russellville Family Funeral’s new address is 2757 East Parkway Drive in Russellville. Though office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Pam and her team are always on call. More information can be found by calling Family Funeral at 968-1143 or at russellvillefamilyfuneral.com.

Thanks Dad.

Your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever.

Happy Father’s Day!

(479) 880-1112 | 914 West ‘B’ Street, Russellville AR

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

Z-fence a safe and natural product to keep the Arkansas bugs away while you play! Courtesy and Service Since 1958

Custom Compounding Free Delivery

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The incense is a favorite at outdoor parties and camping! JUNE 2019

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

There’s no taste like homegrown Story & Photo by JILL MCSHEEHY

I had waited two long years for this moment. My husband and children sat next to me at the dinner table, oblivious to my anticipation. Two years ago, I planted my first asparagus crowns in a newly built raised bed garden. Unlike other vegetables in the garden, the first harvest wouldn’t come for a few years. But I wanted to try growing this crop that, when established, would provide a spring harvest for decades. I had heard stories about the flavor of homegrown asparagus, but I shrugged it off. I mean, it’s asparagus. Strawberries and tomatoes I understand. But asparagus? Seemingly in slow motion (I wanted to

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

savor this moment), I ate the first bite of my homegrown roasted asparagus -- seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, and a sprinkle of goat cheese (my personal indulgence). My skepticism ended when the burst of flavor exploded in my mouth like a healthy version of Pop Rocks, and in a millisecond I understood the hype. You have to taste it to believe it.

I think we’ve all tasted the difference in homegrown strawberries, blueberries, melons, and tomatoes. But what is it about homegrown everything that really does taste better? Recently I had the pleasure of sharing this very topic with the sixth grade science classes at my son’s school. When I posed this question to them, their thoughtful and knowledgeable answers surprised and de-

lighted me. But one young lady offered an answer beyond her years. “When you put hard work into something, it’s just naturally going to taste better.” Absolutely. But there’s more. Science is also showing us why homegrown and locally sourced produce do, in fact, taste better. Hybridization. In order for the produce that line our grocery store shelves to maintain the long shelf life needed for transportation and storage until we consume it, many of those fruits and vegetables have been specifically bred for traits conducive to such shelf life. Much of the time, this breeding comes at the cost of flavor and even nutrition. Fruit and vegetables we grow locally do not require a long shelf life; therefore, we can choose varieties for flavor instead of resilience. Artificial Ripening. With sixty percent of America’s tomatoes transported from Florida farms, these vegetables are harvested long before optimum ripeness. During transport they receive a dose of ethylene

gas to ripen the tomatoes to the red color we see in grocery stores. In contrast, true “vine-ripened” tomatoes burst with flavor only nature can produce. Sugar Conversion. Upon harvest, natural sugars in fruits and vegetables begin converting to starch. The most well-known example is sweet corn. Have you ever been told to get the water boiling before harvesting corn? It may seem like an old practice, but it’s based on fact. Standard sweet corn loses up to fifty percent of its sugars within twelve hours of harvest. If you ever pick a fruit or vegetable in your garden and then eat it right there in the garden, you know the sooner you can consume a fruit or vegetable, the sweeter -- and tastier -- it will be. The longer our produce sits away from the garden or farm, the more sweetness and flavor it loses. Soil Nutrients. In a small home garden, we can take special care to add organic matter to our soils year after year in the form of compost, mulch, manures, and more. As these organic materials break down into the soil, both major and minor nutrients be-

come available to subsequent crops. Minor nutrients like calcium, sulfur, manganese, magnesium, copper, iron, boron and zinc — largely ignored in commercial operations — contribute significantly to both the nutritional value and flavor of fruits and vegetables. Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful for the vast availability of fruits and vegetables lining our produce departments, especially in the winter and early spring when the garden harvest is scarce. But I believe the more we can grow and consume homegrown and locally-sourced fruits and vegetables, the healthier we’ll be and the more we’ll come to appreciate all that the garden has to offer us. Most of us can grow something, even if it’s a pepper plant in a pot. But all of us can support local growers through U-pick farms, farmer’s markets, and other local growers, right here in the River Valley. Whether we grow our own or buy from local farmers and gardeners, we’ll enjoy all the flavor that true homegrown has to offer us. Because homegrown and local always tastes better. Even if it’s asparagus.

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@ Clarksville Aquatic Park JUNE 2019

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

Story and photo by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN

Guns and Responsibility D

uring my rural childhood, I was taught, as I’m sure many of you were, that there were two appropriate places for guns — either on the rack or in the woods. No one had to tell me that school or downtown was not the proper context for a gun. But then, we didn’t worry about a tyrannical government or our neighbors, or anyone really. Dad said the only time a gun should ever be pointed at a person was under threat of your life or another person’s — only if there were no other options. Theft would never get you shot, and it’s not like we ever owned anything worth killing over. Dad said there was no such thing. We were taught that guns were deadly serious, and if we didn’t treat them with the respect due something so deadly serious, we weren’t allowed to use them. We didn’t fetishize our guns, take photos with them or even talk about them outside of the hunting context. I started with a BB gun at age 7 and got daily safety reminders from 36

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

A JOURNAL of our RURAL & NATURAL HERITAGE

Dad with the Red Ryder. The first lesson even with the BB gun — never point the gun at anything you don’t intend to kill. I recall one epic “butt whoopin’” over a ricocheted BB. In looking back, I think corporal punishment for the accident was overkill, but there was no excuse under the sun that would have spared my tail that day, and the lesson stuck hard and deep. As Dad correctly pointed out, I made the decision to shoot. The projectile was my responsibility regardless of the whims of physics. I made sure of the backstop from then on, and I remember that lesson every time I settle the sights to this day. At age 10, I bought a new H&R shotgun with chore money I’d saved. I got a hand-me-down pump .22 that same year. I was allowed to take the single-shot 12 gauge out whenever I wanted, but wasn’t allowed to shoot the .22 without adult supervision until I was 14. Those .22 bullets just travelled too far. And every time I took the guns out, I was reminded again and again about how serious my decisions were, about how the BB or shot or bullet was gone forever once I pulled the trigger. I had to empty the gun and check the chamber three times before I could get on the porch and once more before I came in the house. I was always aware of where my muzzle was pointed, and I never joked about shooting

anything or anyone. Shooting something, killing something — even a squirrel — was no laughing matter. I don’t think Dad ever read any Thoreau, but I remember smiling with the recollection of his words when as a young adult I came across HDT’s quote about about the squirrel you kill in jest dying in earnest. There were other benefits of the gun besides putting meat in the skillet. I also remember the sweet feeling of earning a privilege, a reward or just plain knowledge. There was the enlightening realization ( I didn’t want to admit) that real fulfillment, satisfaction, and wisdom can only be attained through long, tedious, and often uncomfortable apprenticeship. I can’t help but think that those lessons led to my moderate professional success today. I remember the pride and confidence I felt when Dad handed me the rifle and watched me walk off alone in the woods after I’d earned his trust through lessons about respect for the gun, for life, for the cold finality of consequences when you pulled the trigger. Surely I’m not the only one that got to smell gunpowder in the woods only after endless lectures, tests and trials, and harsh punishment when those lessons weren’t employed. I’ll never forget the afternoon my .22 accidentally discharged into the ground when I thought it was unloaded. I can still hear the lecture as I

cried and Dad took the gun away for a week. And I thank the heavens that pointing its muzzle toward the ground at all times was already ingrained into my head. As a mentor, I’ve felt pride and confidence from the other side as my apprentice learned the mechanics and gained hand-eye coordination. They also learned the value of awareness and a healthy respect for the power they held. And they learned, as the saying goes, that with great power comes great responsibility. Guns were tools to us -- deadly tools -- not political statements or accessories, and using a gun was an earned privilege never to be taken lightly. I don’t how we lost this, but it seems like we have. And while I won’t make the sweeping statement that the rise in gun deaths — the highest number in 40 years — is directly attributable to our lack of respect for the gun for what it is. I’m also convinced that this lack of respect on a cultural level has certainly contributed. We are fierce defenders of the right to own a gun. We are far less invested in the responsibilities of owning a gun. Me and my old man didn’t agree on much while he was alive and probably wouldn’t agree on much if he was still around. But I’m forever grateful for his lessons about guns. He taught me that a decision behind the sights was always a matter of life and death.

Guns were tools to us -- deadly tools -- not political statements or accessories, and using a gun was an earned privilege never to be taken lightly.

What’s there to do about the river valley?

BIKE.

www.lizchrisman.com

*The Bona Dea Trail System is perfect for families, friends, or fitness. JUNE 2019

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

What

we’re reading

Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil As reviewed by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN

“It is indeed my opinion now that evil is never ‘radical,’ that it is only extreme, and that it possesses neither depth nor any demonic dimension. It can overgrow and lay waste the whole world precisely because it spreads like a fungus on the surface. It is ‘thought-defying,’ as I said, because thought tries to reach some depth, to go to the roots, and the moment it concerns itself with evil, it is frustrated because there is nothing. That is its ‘banality.’ Only the good has depth that can be radical.”

~ HANNAH ARENDT

rendt’s book -- Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil, is a densely packed but fascinating read about the life, heinous actions, and finally the trial of Adolph Eichmann, S.S. leader just a few rungs down from Heinrich Himmler. Eichmann oversaw the deportation of Jews and later facilitated their transportation to death camps as part of the Nazi’s “final solution.” Arendt offers copious insight into the relative frailty of the Nazi movement (spoiler: it hinged on merely the thoughtlessness and apathy of other European nations and the German people in general) as well as a surprising look at the seemingly paradoxical connection between the Nazis and powerful Zionists of the day, which will make you scratch your head even more about the current Israeli attitude toward Palestinians. Or maybe it makes it more understandable. The book has that kind of confounding depth, often offering more questions than answers and asking the reader to deeply ponder on just what is the difference

between “good” people and “bad” people. Arendt’s assertation of the “banality of evil” has drawn fire ever since the book was published over 50 years ago, but her point is neatly summarized with this quote: “The trouble with Eichmann was precisely that so many were like him, and that the many were neither perverted or sadistic, that they were, and still are, terribly and terrifyingly normal.” And this one: “That such remoteness from reality and such thoughtlessness can wreak more havoc than all the evil instincts taken together which, perhaps, are inherent in man — that was, in fact, the lesson one could learn in Jerusalem.” When you read through this thorough look at one facet of the inner workings of the Nazi regime, it becomes crystal clear that the only thing that kept the machine running for as long as it did was so few people trying to stop it. That’s a timeless lesson.

Author HANNAH ARENDT

Each month we’ll feature a book review guest written by various folks around the River Valley that know a thing or two about good reads. Reading is the cornerstone of a well-informed citizenry and a well-rounded individual. We’re hoping this column will turn into something more, perhaps a movement community wide that leads to deeper thought and discussion.

Over 10,000 Sq. Ft. of ‘A Little Something for Everyone!’ BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE

(479) 219-5128 200 N. Arkansas Downtown Russellville 38

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ JUNE 2019

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.

Engagements Calendar listings of engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements on the pages of each issue of ABOUTâ&#x20AC;Śthe River Valley are available at no charge. They may be mailed to: ABOUT Magazine, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812 or sent via email to: editor@aboutrvmag.com. (A phone number must be included for verification.)

JUNE

SEPTEMBER

1st

Donna Helms & David Mayes

7th Kaylee Konsella & Kendall Goates

1st

Brooke Rogers & Jordan Graves

14th Ashlyn Dale & Brandon Baugh

7th Mary Grace Piker & Dalton Daughtrey 14th Taylor Richard & Kyle Rollans 14th Sydni Tolliver & Daniel Parker 14th Molly Gibson & Cade Coffman 14th MorganWoodward & JD Bridgforth 15th Bailey Floyd and Treyton Anderson 21st Summer Dawson & Adam Land 21st Mallory Leavell & Addison Woker 28th Kelsey Fincher & Tyler Edwards

JULY 6th Sydney Hinkle & Garrett Johnson

OCTOBER 12th Leslie Hudgeons & Parker Witt

13th Linsey Samuels & Matthew Futrell

12th Keeli Matchett & Ryan Rooke

20th Fayth Braton & Noah Johnson

19th Alahna Martin & Derrick James

20th Maylia Henderson & Stephen Sohn

NOVEMBER

27th Kristen Connelly & John Dickey

2nd Lexi Culwell & Garrett Crosby

AUGUST

8th Anna Maria Walker & Jeremy Greene

10th Emilee Smith & Stephen Hunt

9th Hunter Eshnaur & Rance Ellis

17th Olivia Castleman-Dry & Kyle Roberson 23rd Lizzy Tripp & Brandon Grice 24th Bonnie Daily & Casey Moore

DECEMBER

31st Lauren Lovelady & Hugh Benfer

7th Hannah Bowden & Clay Singleton

Providing free quality instruction and support to literacyseeking adults. River Valley Adult Learning Alliance (479) 477-3910

rivervalleyliteracycouncil@gmail.com

JUNE 2019

~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY