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MARCH 2019 • www.aboutrvmag.com
Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley
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March 2019
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
8 Transformers
Whether it be Rosie from the Jetsons, R2D2 from Star Wars or Autobot Transformer Optimus Prime, we as a culture are fascinated by robots. While these famous automatons may seem like pure spaceage fantasy, the robots in Russellville are very real...and are in our schools under the control of students as young as third grade.
14 A good sport
16 Rock Island Line
22 A taste of old Mexico
Arkansas has a long tradition of folk songs and ballads from the fun-loving “Arkansas Traveler” to the labor songs of “We’re Going to Roll the Union On” and “Raggedy, Raggedy Are We.” But few pieces of Arkansas River Valley history have had the widespread influence of the folk song “Rock Island Line,” or the railroad it was written about.
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Defining Mexican food is best done by first clearly understanding what is not Mexican food. As Anthony Bourdain once said: “It’s not melted cheese over tortilla chips.”
34 The Perfect Companion 36 When friends pass on
Subscribe Today! Have every issue of ABOUT...the River Valley delivered to you monthly! Subscribe online today at www.aboutrvmag.com or send a $20 check for a One-Year Subscription (11 Issues) to ABOUT Magazine 220 East 4th Street Russellville, AR 72801 Call 479.219.5031 for more information.
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MARCH 2019
Main Street Russellville
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ABOUT THIS MONTH’S COVER Two members of the highly competitive Russellville 5th grade Robotics team move a yellow hub from the hanging bar during an after school practice. This team is preparing for the state competition, being held March 7th & 9th on the ATU campus.
Spring is on its way and it's time to get out and play! Be ready, with a visit to Sorrells
1903 S. Arkansas
(479) 968-3991
We Took The Plunge Again!
C&D Drug Store is happy to once again have a team of employees who are willing to take the 2019 Polar Bear Plunge into Lake Dardanelle to benefit our local Special Olympics Program. We would like to thank our staff and friends plunging for the Special Olympics!
Downtown Russellville
We are honored to have been awarded the Spirit Award and the Best Team Costume Award at the Polar Plunge 2019!
(479) 968-2456 North Commerce Avenue
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What’s there to do about the river valley?
RIDE TRAIL.
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*Check out the improvements to the Ouita Coal Company Trail, outside of London. MARCH 2019
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EDITOR’S LETTER
The rails run through and through Hank Williams Sr. sang about the midnight train whining low and how that forlorn moan — along with a whip-poor-will, a crying moon, weeping robin, and a falling star — amplified his loneliness. It’s a song of poetic beauty. But my experience with all of those components has had the opposite affect on me. The trains, especially, make me feel more connected. Of course, the pleasures of a roaring train are always in inverse proportion to your distance from the tracks. Growing up in the city limits of Atkins, I was never far from the rails. But from our house, the passing trains offered only a friendly holler and gentle rumble. Back then, I didn’t know that those sounds were quintessential small-town Americana. To me, they were just part of the fabric of everyday life woven into my soul. From all of my River Vally addresses — Atkins, north of Morrilton, the Yell County river Bottoms, the foot of Buck Mountain, and my current residence just south of Dover, the comforting melody of the railroad has always brought me peace. I remember drifting off to sleep in Kansas one spring night with whip-poorwills, a full moon, and a wailing train spurring the Hank Williams tune along with warm thoughts of home. I slept like a baby. Trains have brought a lot of other stuff to the River Valley besides euphonic pleasure to a few sentimental ears. Railroad tracks
run through the history of the region. They brought raw materials for industry and they brought people. They shipped our products across the nation. They sometimes swung political power between the communities. It’s an oversimplification, but Dover was the Pope County seat… until the railroad decided to run through Russellville. In this issue of ABOUT, we uncover another layer of railroad lore in the River Valley. The Rock Island Line has been defunct for decades, but the remnants still remain, scattered throughout the area. And in a wonderful coincidence, one of those remnants is tied to ABOUT. Our founder Dianne Edwards chose one of the old Rock Island rail cars resting behind Stoby’s in Russellville as ABOUT the River Valley magazine’s first official office. Like the communities whose stories we tell, those railroad tracks run through our history as well. And in a bit of irony, writer Mike Quain was drawn to the Rock Island story because he’s a music nerd, which you can read all about in the story. That’s right. It was a song that brought the story of the Rock Island Line to these pages. The music of the rails is simply a part of who we all are here in the River Valley.
Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley since 2006 A Publication of One14 Productions, Inc Vol. XIV, Issue 2 – March 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 CHRISTINE SAIN | advertising christine@aboutrvmag.com MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS | freelance meredith@aboutrvmag.com JILL MCSHEEHY | freelance jill@aboutrvmag.com SARAH CLOWER | freelance sarah@aboutrvmag.com LYDIA ZIMMERMAN | columnist lydia@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@aboutrvmag.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com
ABOUT… the River Valley is locally owned and published for distribution by direct mail and targeted delivery to those interested in the Arkansas River Valley. Material contained in this issue may not be copied or reproduced without written consent. Inquiries may be made by calling (479) 219-5031. Office: 220 East 4th Street Email: info@aboutrvmag.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: One14 Productions 220 East 4th Street Russellville, AR 72801
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 2019 1st — Downtown Art Walk in downtown
Find up-to-date information and future events @
www.aboutrvmag.com/events
Russellville from 6-9 p.m.
Jean State Park. For more information contact 501-727-5441.
1st
18th-22nd
— River Valley Arts Center Beaux Arts Awards at Lake Point Conference Center. For more information contact 968-2452.
10th — Spring forward! Daylight Savings Time begins. 11th-12th — Boater Education Class at Lake Dardanelle State Park from 6-9 p.m. Must attend both nights from to take the test and complete the course. Registration is required. For more information contact 967-5516.
14th-16th — Whirlwind Theatre presents The Aristocats at the Center for the Arts. Tickets are $5 for adults and students are $3. For more information contact 498-6600. 18th — Celebrating Trees at Petit Jean State Park 2019 from 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission is free. March 18 is Arbor Day in Arkansas. You are invited to enjoy park programs that celebrate our bounty and variety of trees and the natural beauty of Petit
— Spring Break at Lake Dardanelle State Park. School is out, State Parks are in. Lake Dardanelle State Park will offer programs and activities all week as we discover the many signs in nature that signal the coming of spring. Most activities are free. For more information contact 967-5516.
29th — River Valley Arts Center Chili Bowl Friday, March 30th from 5:308:00pm. Tickets are $40 per person. Dinner includes: chili donated by Quizno’s, a large variety of toppings, adult beverage, a dessert, and a hand-crafted pottery bowl made by Winston Taylor and pottery students of River Valley Arts Center.
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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.
April 6th
— Symphony Concert at ATU Witherspoon Auditorium 7:30 p.m. The reception at Lake Point Conference Center for people with $30 tickets will begin at 5:30 p.m.. For information and tickets call board member Ann Squyres at 968-5080.
MARCH 2019
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MARCH 2019
TRANSFORMERS Robotics competition is changing STEM education and communities for the better Story by DANIELLE J. HOUSENICK Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN
Whether it be Rosie from the Jetsons, R2-D2 from Star Wars or Autobot Transformer Optimus Prime, we as a culture are fascinated by robots. While these famous automatons may seem like pure space-age fantasy, the robots in Russellville are very real. Not only are these robots real, they are in our schools under the control of students as young as third grade. Over the past two years, the Russellville School District has integrated the VEX IQ robotics program into the elementary schools including the upper elementary fifth grade.
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As you can imagine, the program is extremely pop-
ular. Because of that popularity, students must complete an application and participate in tryouts. Though these differ from school to school, they may include a written, robot building, or computer coding aspect as well as a recommendation from past classroom teachers. If chosen for the team, students and parents are asked to commit to attending weekly after-school practices and day-long competitions. Sequoyah and Oakland Heights Elementary were among the first schools to embrace the program. This year, 80 third and fourth grade students from Oakland Heights tried out for the robotics teams, but only 16 students made the cut. As the parent of a robotics team student, I’ve had a unique view of the program. Last year I accompanied the Sequoyah Elementary team to the world championship in Kentucky. The event was comprised of teams from over 30 nations, and the River Valley was represented by two teams from Russellville, the second team from Oakland Heights. The trip was made possible through the passionate fundraising by parents and support from sponsors and the community.
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This year many of those same students are poised to compete as fifth graders at the state level in an upcoming competition to be held at Arkansas Tech. At a recent practice, I watched them prepare and spoke to team members about their roles. Though the program is referred to as a robotics program, it includes much more than simply building and driving robots. There are many roles that round out the team. While two robot drivers practiced the maneuver known as a high hang on one of the practice fields, robot builders refined modifications to the other robot. Using feedback from the drivers and always striving for better results, the builders make continuous changes to the robots at weekly practices. I watched as they added weights, measured and adjusted the robot arms to enable the robot to better grasp the game pieces. When the builders experienced a setback, Coach Aaron Lensing provided patient guidance through thoughtful analogy: “Think of the forks on a forklift. How does that compare to the robot?� Builders collaborate with other team members to keep an engineering notebook. The notebook documents goals and
modifications builders make to the robots with words and sketches. Accurate records allow team members to track progress, changes, and recreate their work. And an organized comprehensive engineering notebook will garner points for the team in competition. Coders are responsible for the programs that direct a robot’s movements during the autonomous portion of competition. Making every movement as accurate as possible involves many trials and errors, but interestingly, that is what the coders enjoy most about their roles. Last, but not least on the team, are STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) researchers. These researchers identify a problem and explore creative ways to solve it. Last year, the Sequoyah STEM researchers focused on using robotics to help the elderly. Their creative solution won the state level and was presented at the World Championship. This year one team has designed a dream school, including an inclusive budget — even teacher salaries. The other fifth grade team designed a park accessible for disabled children. The award winning project takes into account the height of basketball hoops, type of playground surface, along with other factors. When asked about how robotics benefits students at the elementary level, Oakland Heights coach Marcia Correia says it teaches life lessons. “We have successes and we have failures,” Marcia says. “They are learning to rise above those failures, and turn them into something rewarding. This is a wonderful program that teaches kids to work together, to help each other, and the benefits of working hard at something.” Successes and failures are definitely a hard reality for students and coaches. Brad Beatty, a coach for the Sequoyah team, recalls a student who did not make the cut when she tried out for the team as a third grader. This student turned that into a learning experience. Over the summer, she studied and attended two summer robotics programs. All that work paid off and this year she is a proud member of the Sequoyah robotics team. Beatty also believes that the program helps more female students become engaged and excel in the STEM field. According to the website girlpowered.
com, women comprise only 24 percent of the STEM workforce. However, the robotics teams in Russellville seem to be around 50 percent female. The coaches I spoke with all agree that the robotics program teaches students to problem solve and to honor the struggles they encounter. If they persist, that struggle does come to fruition. “It is very exciting when your team accomplishes something that they have worked hard toward for a while,” says Jonathan Livermore, London Elementary coach. “The whole team was jumping and shouting after we built our first robot and the drivers were able to make the robot reach up and hang from a bar. Aaron
MARCH 2019
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Lensing, coach of the fifth grade team, agrees that teaching students persistence in solving problems is what leads to great accomplishment. Aaron says that the current fifth grade teams have “far exceeded” his expectations. So how do these kids score points with robots? The game oriented competitions have several components including
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MARCH 2019
coding or autonomous challenges as well as demonstrating robot design, strategy, and robot driving skills. Teams score points when they complete tasks. Other areas in which teams may also compete involve scholarly presentation such as submission of the team’s engineering notebook and a problem solving STEM project. The game competition actually changes each year and is revealed at the VEX Robotics World Competition. Last year’s game for the elementary level involved moving and stacking various colored rings. This year, team members are challenged to stack tall pieces called hubs and race to hang from a bar hov-
ering over the game field before time runs out. Another challenge to the game is that teams have two drivers and both must drive the robot an equal amount of time. The competition also has a a cooperative component where two teams work together, each with their own team robot. This piece of the puzzle reinforces strategy and teamwork since players compete alongside teams they may have met moments before they play Russellville also offers the opportunity to participate at the high school level. High school coach Ethan Hodge says the high school program helps prepare students for life after high school. “They learn to analyze situations, develop a solution, communicate their ideas with others, be a productive member of a team, support their ideas with reasons, use tools, follow proper safety protocols, and how to program,” Ethan says. “These students are learning skills that are directly relevant to careers, college, and life in general.”
Similar to the elementary tournaments, the high school robotics team members compete in a new game each year. Last year’s game involved cones. This year, teams compete alongside an alliance team but also in direct competition with two other teams. They can score points through a sophisticated game course that includes flags, caps, platforms, and balls. The robotics program is also beneficial to the entire River Valley. “This summer I did some training at an international tech company called Cerner, based in Kansas City,” Ethan says. “I asked them how tech companies choose locations. They told me that the biggest driver of their choice is available talent. I think that it is important that the River Valley, and Arkansas as a whole, understands that we must invest in the education of our young people and invest in STEM education so that we can be an active contributor to the technological revolution.”
MARCH 2019
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E V E R Y D AY L I F E
A good sport Story by SARAH CLOWER | Illustration by CLIFF THOMAS
AS MY SON GETS OLDER, HIS INTEREST IN THE GAMES HE USED TO LOVE HAS WANED — hide and seek, tickle monster, and duck-duckgoose are a thing of the past. When he asks me to play with him nowadays, he usually wants me to dare him to drink or eat a gross concoction of items in the fridge, allow him to fire Nerf guns at me, or toss some sort of sports ball back and forth, all the while coaching me on my bad throwing and catching abilities. One afternoon, we were throwing a football around in the driveway. My performance wasn’t up to his standards, as usual. “Mom, just let it glide off your fingers like this,” he said as he demonstrated how the football was supposed to be thrown. I tossed it back. “No, Mom, like this,” he demonstrated again. I tossed it back. “Mom, just give it a little twirl as it leaves your hand. A little razzle dazzle as they say,” he said as he tossed it again. “They say that, huh?” I said and tossed it back. “Raff,” I continued, “I’ve never been very good at throwing or catching. I’m sorry. I’m just not very coordinated.” “Did you ever play any sports in school?” Raff asked curiously. “Well, none that required hand and eye coordination. I was on the swim team all through high school.” Raff looked unimpressed. “Did you play any other sports?” he asked.
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MARCH 2019
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I guess he was hoping that I had suppressed some awesome memories of me being a sports legend. “No. I didn’t. Everyone expected me to play basketball because of my height, but I didn’t have the coordination or the competitive drive to practice to get better.” I explained. Suddenly I was reliving my junior high years. It wasn’t easy being 5’9 in the ninth grade and being clumsy and uncoordinated as all get out. “But how do you know if you never tried?” Raff asked, with a look of hope on his face. I sighed. “Well, if you must know, I did try once. I tried out for the basketball team when I was in the ninth grade. I had a crush on a boy who played basketball, and I thought I could impress him by attempting to play.” “And?” Raff prompted. “And… it did not end well for me. I ended up in the basketball court with my dress up over my head. It was very embarrassing.” “Oh no. You have to tell me what happened.” Raff took my hand and lead me to the porch steps and beckoned me to sit down. “Well, like I said, I decided to try out for the basketball team to try to impress a boy. The girls had practice in the afternoon, after school, and the boys practiced in the morning before school. I would bring a gym bag to school with me with my basketball clothes in it that I would change into before practice. So one morning, I wore a dress to school, and it was raining. So all of the kids had to go into the gym before school instead of getting to play outside.” “My school does that too!” Raff said, still clinging on my every word. “Exactly, just like yours. So we were all in the gym, and I was sitting with my friends. And all of a sudden, a basketball accidentally got away from the guy that I had a crush on and bounced
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close to where I was sitting. And I thought ‘here’s my chance! I can show him the basketball skills I’ve been learning!’ so I rushed to get the basketball. But another girl rushed to get it, too. And out of fear that I wouldn’t be the one that got to throw it back to him, I got in too big of a hurry and didn’t watch my footing as I rushed down the bleacher steps.” “Oh no!” Raff exclaimed. He covered his face with his hands then peeked at me through his fingers. “Oh yes,” I said, assuring him that his assumptions were correct. “I tripped over my own feet and tumbled the rest of the way down the bleachers, and skidded out onto the basketball court. And somehow the back of my dress ended up over my head. And I didn’t even have cute undies on that day.” I said sadly. “That is awful! Did you get hurt?” Raff asked in a concerned voice. “Only my pride. But I didn’t go to basketball practice any more after that day. I was just too embarrassed.” “Did that boy you liked come over to help you up?” Raff asked. “No he didn’t. He and his friends just laughed at me,” I said while cringing as if I were reliving it all over again. “Oh. Mama, I’m sorry he did that. If I was there a long time ago, I would have helped you up,” He said sweetly. “I know you would have because you’re my sweetie. I’m so proud of your kind heartedness.” “Well I promise that if I ever see a girl fall down I’ll help her up. and if her dress comes up I won’t look at her ugly underwear,” Raff said with all sincerity. I busted up laughing and pulled him closer and hugged him tightly. “Oh, Raff, I love you so. Don’t ever quit being so sweet.” “I won’t Mama. Because I know you’ll find out and I’ll get in big trouble,” he said, still wrapped up in my hug. “Yep, as long as you remember that you’re going to do just fine,” I said with a smile.
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151 E. Aspen Lane, Russellville, AR 72802 • Phone: 479-967-1117 • Fax: 479-967-0089 • www.centralarkansassurgical.com MARCH 2019
~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY
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Rock Island Line
Immortalized through song, the railroad company was once a vital component of the River Valley economy. Story by MIKE QUAIN | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MARCH 2019
Old depot in Perry MARCH MARCH 2019 2019
~ ~ ABOUT ABOUT the the RIVER RIVER VALLEY VALLEY
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Belleville
“The Rock Island Line, it’s a mighty good road. Rock Island Line, it’s a road to ride. Rock Island Line, it’s a mighty good road. If you want to ride it, you gotta ride it like you find it. Get your tickets at the station on the Rock Island Line.” Arkansas has a long tradition of folk songs and ballads from the fun-loving “Arkansas Traveler” to the labor songs of “We’re Going to Roll the Union On” and “Raggedy, Raggedy Are We.” But few pieces of Arkansas River Valley history have had the widespread influence of the folk song “Rock Island Line,” or the railroad it was written about. Originally written in 1929 by Clarence Wilson of the Rock Island Colored Booster Quartet. Clarence, along with fellow rail-workers Jake Mason, Walter Dennis, and Phil Garrett, were tasked with writing a song to improve the railroad’s popularity as part of a company initiative. At the time, 38 railroads operated statewide, and the company fought for every passenger and payload. Since its first known recording by the Lomax brothers, the song has spread far and wide. It has been covered by Lead Belly, Paul Simon, Johnny Cash, Sonny Terry, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and by each individual member of the Beatles. It topped the charts in both the UK and the US, and later helped start the skiffle craze in England. The song evolved from a company jingle to a prison working song, to a gospel, and finally into one of the great folk songs of the 20th century.
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in between Danville and Belleville
Their original song is much different than the popular versions that came about in the years to follow: The California Limited is the best you ever rode, We have good engines running on the road, We have roundhouse firemen that know they’re right, We have engine wipers to keep them bright. Chorus: Rock Island Line is a mighty good road, Passengers get on board if you want to ride, Ride like you’re flying, be sure you buy your ticket Over the Rock Island Line. We have good engineers to run these trains, Mr. Pard Cole is one of their names, He is never late, always on time, Be sure you buy your ticket over the Rock Island Line. Engineer Kugler is a good one, too. He blows his whistle ‘til it makes you blue, He runs a freight train on passenger time, Be sure and buy your ticket over the Rock Island Line. We have Pullmans, chair cars and diners, too, We have good service all the way through; Keep good service on your mind And buy your ticket over the Rock Island Line. Mr. Church leaves Little Rock and Biddle Shops, Runs into Memphis makes just two stops; He’s never late, always on time, The engine that he runs is 849. Mr. Sharp, our master mechanic, is a very good man; Mr. Welch is, too, They see that all the trains go through, They keep the Rock Island business on their minds-Things must go right on the Rock Island Lines. The first version of the song discusses the great service and interesting characters who work for the rail line. One particular
line references the engineer George Kugler, who “blows his whistle ‘til it makes you blue.” This line was written about an actual engineer who invented a steam whistle attachment that allowed him to control its pitch. He was famous for playing entire tunes on his train’s whistle as he came through our River Valley stations. Unfortunately, this original song never saw widespread popularity and was never recorded. Most company songs and jingles are largely forgotten, but this one was different. The chorus was catchy enough that it happened to stick in an Arkansas State prisoner’s head and quickly made its way into the work fields of Central Arkansas at Cummin’s State Prison near Pine Bluff. The jingle became a call-and-response lead by a inmate named Kelly Pace from Camden. Pace had been in and out of prison for most of his life for petty crimes, but later became known as a major traditional singer with many recordings now preserved in the Library of Congress. The chorus was modified and the structure simplified. Instead of an advertisement for the company, it became a song detailing a train so fast that it arrives at its destination in Little Rock before its departure from Memphis. Instead of “The engine that he runs is 849,” we get the line: “Well, the train left Memphis at half-past nine, It made it back to Little Rock at 8:49” The chorus was modified into an easier to sing and catchier version: “Oh, The Rock Island Line is a mighty good road, The Rock Island Line, it’s a road to ride, The Rock Island Line, is a mighty good road, If you want to ride it, you gotta ride it like you find it. Get your tickets at the station on the Rock Island Line” Outside of Perry In addition, the references to Rock Island celebrities were removed. The first recordings of this song were done by the famous folk historians John and Alan Lomax along with the recording artist Huddie Ledbetter at the Arkansas State Prison in Little Rock, and the Cummins Prison Farm near Pine Bluff, Arkansas in 1934. They heard the tune being used as a work song, by the inmates. >>
Stationary car in Russellville MARCH 2019
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Booneville
Ledbetter, better known as Leadbelly, first heard this song while accompanying the Lomax brothers. His recording in 1937 was the public’s first exposure to the song. Leadbelly’s cover of the song included a guitar part and additional gospel lines. It’s this rendition that was responsible for the song’s explosion of popularity. Leadbelly was also the first to add a narrative intro to the song, which recounts the story of an engineer tricking a toll operator into letting him run the line for free. The story explains that lighter loads like livestock were free to pass without a toll, while heavy loads like pig iron had to pay. As the train leaves the gate and begins to pick up speed, the song picks up tempo. The toll gates open and the engineer whistles the message, “I thank you, I thank you, I thank you.” The next major recording wasn’t until 1955 by Lonnie Donegan, but resulted in another spike in popularity. This version was certified gold in the UK and helped trigger the skiffle craze, which was a genre of music with jazz, blues, and folk influences, performed up-tempo with traditional folk instruments. Johnny Cash’s cover in 1957 is the most commonly heard version for American audiences and is still played on country radio. Cash refines the storytelling introduction and adds a line about the engineer indicating two beverages he wants to try before he dies: “a hot cup of coffee and a cold glass of tea.” His version of the story is as follows: Now this here’s a story about the Rock Island Line Well the Rock Island Line she runs down into New Orleans There’s a big tollgate down there and you know If you got certain things on board when you go through the tollgate Well you don’t have to pay the man no toll Well a train driver, he pulled up to the tollgate And a man hollered and asked him what all he had on board and he said: I got livestock I got livestock I got cows I got pigs I got sheep I got mules I got all livestock Well he said you’re alright boy you don’t have to pay no toll, You can just go right on through. So he went on through the tollgate. And as he went through he started picking up a little bit of speed, Picking up a little bit of steam He got on through and he turned and looked back at the man he said: Well I fooled you I fooled you I got pig iron I got pig iron I got all pig iron
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This version peaked the tune’s popularity, and later versions kept the same basic structure cemented by Johnny Cash and Leadbelly. Over the
Booneville
years, Rock Island Line evolved from a railroad company jingle to a song about an outlaw engineer duping the rail company. The Rock Island Line is not just a song, though. The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad operated in Arkansas beginning in 1902. It originally ran from the gateway to the west in Ft. Smith to Memphis and from Chicago to New Orleans. The River Valley portion of the line ran south of the Arkansas River and was a major part of the economy in towns like Booneville, Danville, Belleville, and Ola. The rail line had a particular impact on the town of Booneville in south Logan County. When the tracks were originally laid, much of the town was south of the railroad. To encourage development, the company bought the farmland north of the track and offered it for free to business owners if they would move their businesses to the north side of the tracks. Booneville was also the railroad crew change where trains would stop to change engineers. This crew change stop
is responsible for the most notable event in Booneville’s history on July 9, 1938 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt made a speech from the back of his railcar to a crowd of 3,000. The line carried passengers, oil from El Dorado, logs from the Ouachitas, and agricultural products from eastern Arkansas for almost 80 years. It was unfortunately shut down in January 1980 after entering bankruptcy. Through song, story, and steel, the Rock Island Line is an important part of Arkansas history. If you have a chance, take a drive along highway 10 from Ola to Booneville. You’ll often catch glimpses of the old rail line hidden in the trees. Many of the iron rail bridges still stand, and the rail crossings can still be seen in Belleville. The remains of the crew change station in Booneville can still be seen behind the town post office, and Stoby’s restaurant in Russellville even has a few Rock Island passenger cars on display.
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~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY
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Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN Story by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN
GUERRERO’S (479) 223-3090 | 713 E. 4th St. RUSSELLVILLE
A taste of old Mexico Defining Mexican food is best done by first clearly understanding what is not Mexican food. As Anthony Bourdain once said: “It’s not melted cheese over tortilla chips.” It’s also not Taco Bell.Though the offerings are often delicious in their own right, it’s not the various Tex-Mex establishments found in nearly every town. I used to think that any menu with salsa and burritos qualified an establishment as “Mexican.” But that was before I had tasted real Mexican fare prepared by folks that were, well, Mexican. Real Mexican food is a nuanced blend of taste sensations and textures from a food culture that predates many Europe22
ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MARCH 2019
an food cultures. It’s sometimes spicy, often sophisticated, and always fresh. Fresh ingredients are key. The creation of a masterpiece Mexican meal requires melding the subtle with the savory, and that combo harmonizes only when the components are crisp. Guerrero’s on 4th street in Russellville is the place to get real Mexican food in the River Valley. We had empanadas, gorditas, and some incredible tamales washed down with traditional Mexican drinks including tamarind and horchata. Every bite and sip was a joyous fiesta, a brassy mariachi band, a taste of real Mexican food created by culinary secrets from south of the border.
MARCH 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
To fry or not to fry... Story by LYDIA ZIMMERMAN, Food Editor Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN
F
or years now, I’ve been baking chicken and other foods that traditionally in the South would have been fried in oil or shortening. This is in part due to my concerns about high cholesterol as a result of eating fried foods. But the game has changed. I recently purchased an Air Fryer for my husband. Now, rather than baking everything, we use the air fryer on a regular basis. Everything from fries, chicken, vegetables and cakes can be prepared in the fryer with little or no oil. It’s even made clean up easier. So I’ve been researching air fryer recipes and found quite a few that I believe you must try. Some are easy for a quick meal and others are very kid-friendly with spring break coming up. As always, enjoy!
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Cashew Stir Fry
QUICK AND EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN CASHEW STIR FRY ABOUT Magazine Featured Recipe ~ MARCH 2019
2-3 boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed 2 c Great Value Frozen Broccoli Stir Fry vegetables 1/2 c mushroom slices 1 c Kikkoman stir fry sauce 2 c prepared white rice
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MARCH 2019
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. Once air fryer has reached desired temperature lightly spray basket with olive oil cooking spray. Add diced chicken to basket and set timer for 3 minutes. After alarm sounds open basket and stir chicken. Close basket and set timer for another 2 minutes. When timer alarms again, place the
frozen vegetables and mushrooms into the basket and close fryer. Set timer for 5 minutes and cook until vegetables are tender. Once timer alarms (or vegetables are tender), pour the sauce over the contents and set timer for another 3 minutes. Once timer alarms again, add cashews to the basket and stir. Serve over rice. Serve with yum yum sauce.
AIR FRYER CHICKEN AND CHEESE EMPANADAS 4 Goya Empanada Discs, room temp. 1 c cooked and shredded chicken 1 c chunky salsa 1/2 c hot sauce 1/2 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees. On a piece of parchment paper, roll each Empanada disc out as flat as possible. Place 1 T chicken, 1 T salsa, 2 tsp hot sauce and 1 T shredded cheese onto each disc. Fold disc over filling into a 1/2 moon shape. Pinch the edge of the disc closed to seal the empanada (it helps if you wet your fingers first). Place empanada in the preheated air fryer and set the timer to 8 minutes. Remove from the air fryer when the empanada has started to brown. Serve with sour cream and additional salsa for dipping. AIR FRYER MOZZARELLA STICKS 1 (10 oz) package part skim mozzarella string cheese each stick cut in half 1/4 c whole wheat flour 1 large egg 1/4 c breadcrumbs 1/4 c panko 1/2 - 1 tsp onion powder 1/2 - 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 - 1 tsp salt 1/2 - 1 tsp chili powder* 1/2 - 1 tsp smoked paprika* Marinara sauce or Ranch for dipping
Chicken and Cheese Empanadas
Place halved cheese sticks into a ziplock baggie and place in freezer until frozen, at least 30 minutes. Place egg into a shallow bowl and whisk until broken up. Set aside. Place breadcrumbs, panko, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, chili powder, and smoked paprika in another shallow bowl and whisk until well combined. Set aside. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Place frozen cheese sticks and flour into another ziplock baggie (the one from the freezer will have too many ice chunks) and shake until the cheese sticks and fully coated in the flour. Discard excess flour. Dunk one cheese stick in egg until fully coated and then in panko mixture until fully coated.
Place on lined baking sheet and repeat with remaining cheese sticks. Place baking sheet in freezer until all the cheese sticks have re-frozen, at least an hour. Hit “ON” on the air fryer. Set the temperature to 370 degrees. After it reaches the desired temperature.Open up the air fryer and spray the basket with cooking spray. Place in the mozzarella sticks, work with about 6 at a time, so you don’t over crowd them. Close the air fryer. It will beep at you when it’s finished cooking. Repeat with as many mozzarella sticks as you’d like. Store uncooked leftovers in the freezer! Serve with dipping sauces and enjoy! Recipe courtesy of showmetheyummy. com
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~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY
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CRISPY BUTTERMILK CHICKEN TENDERS 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts 3/4 c buttermilk 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce divided 3/4 tsp kosher salt divided 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper divided 1/2 tsp smoked paprika divided 2 T butter 1 1/2 c panko crumbs 1/4 c ground Parmesan cheese 2 lg eggs 1/2 c flour Honey mustard sauce barbecue sauce or Ranch dressing for dipping. Use a chef’s knife to trim the fat from the chicken breasts and cut into tenders, about 5 per breast. Tap the thicker parts of the tenders with the flat part of the knife to even the thickness, about 1/2 inch at most. In a bowl or jar with a fitted lid, combine the buttermilk with half of the Worcestershire sauce, and half of the salt and pepper and paprika. Add to a gallon freezer bag with the chicken and refrigerate for at least 6 hours up to overnight. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, watching closely as the butter melts and begins to foam and changes to a golden color with a nutty aroma. Remove the browned butter from the heat and let cook slightly. Combine the panko and the butter on a plate, tossing until well combined, then add the Parmesan cheese and toss. In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with the remaining Worcestershire sauce. On another plate, toss the flour with the remaining salt, pep-
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per and smoked paprika. Drain the chicken and discard the buttermilk. Using tongs, work with one tender at a time and dredge the chicken through the flour to coat, then the egg, and then the panko. To Air Fry Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken tenders in the basket, adding in batches so not to crowd or overlap. Cook for 13-15 flipping the chicken half way through so they’re crispy on both sides. Repeat with the remaining tenders. Serve with sauces. Can be refrigerated for 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat from frozen for 20-25 min at 350°F. Recipe courtesy of foodiecrush.com BUFFALO CHICKEN WONTONS 1 c shredded chicken 1 T buffalo sauce 8 oz cream cheese softened 1 scallion, green part only thinly sliced 2 T blue cheese crumbles 12 wonton wrappers Preheat AirFryer by placing it on 400 degrees. Run unit for 3 minutes. In a small bowl, toss the chicken with the buffalo sauce, set aside. In a medium-sized bowl, cream the cream cheese until smooth, you can do this with a fork or hand mixer. Mix in the scallion, blue cheese, and seasoned chicken. Mix to combine. Dip a finger in a small amount of water, run finger along the edges. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of the wonton. Bring the corners of the wontons together on top of the filling, pinch the
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(479) 880-1112 • www.youramcare.com ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MARCH 2019
AIR FRYER PEACH HAND PIES 2 (5-oz.) fresh peaches, peeled and chopped 1 T fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) 3 T granulated sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp table salt 1 tsp cornstarch 1 (14.1-oz.) pkg. refrigerated pie crusts Cooking spray Stir together peaches, lemon juice, sugar, vanilla, and salt a in medium bowl. Let stand 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain peaches, reserving 1 tablespoon liquid. Whisk cornstarch into reserved liquid; stir into drained peaches. Cut pie crusts into 8 (4-in) circles. Place about 1 tablespoon filling in center of each circle. Brush edges of dough with water; fold dough over filling to form half-moons. Crimp edges with a fork to seal; cut 3 small slits in top of pies. Coat pies well with cooking spray. Place 3 pies in single layer in air fryer basket, and cook at 350°F until golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes. Repeat with remaining pies. Recipe courtesy of cookinglight.com
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seams together. Spray the basket of the AirFryer with cooking spray. Spray the bottom of the wontons with cooking spray. Place wontons, not touching in the AirFryer, you will need to do this in batches. Cook at 400 degrees for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Serve with blue cheese and celery sticks, optional. Recipe courtesy of thissillygirlskitchen.com
EASY PIZZA CHIMICHANGA 4 flour tortillas (I use low carb tortillas) 2 c marinara 40 pepperoni slices 1 c shredded Mozzarella cheese Preheat Air fryer to 400 degrees. Place tortilla on a clean, flat surface. Spread 1/4 c marinara on each flour tortilla. Spread evenly leaving 1/2 inch around the edge sauce free. Place 10 slices of pepperoni in a row down the center of each tortilla. Top pepperoni, with 1/4 c of mozzarella cheese. Fold tortilla into a burrito. Place into the air fryer basket and set timer for 6 minutes. After timer alarms open basket and check that chimichanga has begun to brown lightly. If it has not done so return to basket for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve with remaining marinara or with ranch dressing for dipping. AIR FRYER APPLE CHIPS 3 lg sweet, crisp apples, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Jazz, or Pink Lady 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon a pinch of salt Thoroughly wash the apples in warn water or apple cider vinegar. You can either core the apples or if you are like me just leave the seeds in there. Preheat the air fryer at 390 degrees F. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, cut the apple sideways into 1/8th inch rounds. Mix cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Arrange apples in a single layer and sprinkle or rub some cinnamon and salt mixture. Arrange a single layer of the above apple slices in the air fryer. Cook for 8 minutes
at 390 degrees F, flipping sides half way through. First batch is ready in 8 mins. Repeat above step for other batches. Once you are happy with the crispiness, cool the chips on a cooling rack. Enjoy them as is or store them into an air tight container. Recipe courtesy of thebellyrulesthemind.net AIR FRYER ROASTED RED PEPPER & PROSCIUTTO STUFFED CHICKEN 8 thin chicken cutlets, 3 oz each 4 (2.8 oz) slices thin lean prosciutto, sliced in half 4 slices reduced fat provolone or mozzarella, sliced in half (Sargento) 8 slices (2.5 oz) roasted peppers (packed in water or homemade) 24 fresh baby spinach leaves (about 1 oz) 1/2 c Italian seasoned breadcrumbs 1 lemon, juice of 1 T olive oil
salt and fresh pepper olive oil non-stick spray Wash and dry the chicken cutlets well with paper towels. Combine breadcrumbs in one bowl and in a second bowl mix the olive oil, lemon juice and pepper. Place each cutlet on a work surface such as a cutting board and lay 1/2 slice prosciutto, 1/2 slice cheese, 1 slice of roasted pepper and 3 spinach leaves on one side of the chicken cutlet. Roll and place seam side down on a dish (no toothpicks needed). Repeat with the remaining chicken. Cook in the air fryer in batches at 400°F for 12 minutes, turning half way through. Recipe courtesy of skinnytaste.com
...Recipes continued on page 31
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Monday-Saturday 9am - 7pm MARCH 2019
~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY
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COMMUNITY
Former sod farm becomes part of ATU campus Arkansas Tech University and local elected officials celebrated the addition of 84 acres to the ATU campus in Russellville during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, Feb. 4. The land, formerly a sod farm located in what is now the 1600 block of North Phoenix Avenue, will be utilized by the ATU Department of Agriculture. “It was a movement by the Farmers’ Educational and Cooperative Union that led to the creation of four agricultural boarding schools in Arkansas,” said Fritz Kronberger, chairman of the ATU Board of Trustees, during Monday’s ceremony. “Signed into law by Gov. George Donaghey on April 1, 1909, Act 100 of the 37th General Assembly established schools that would eventually be located in Jonesboro, Monticello, Magnolia and Russellville. The Second District Agricultural School in Russellville has grown and evolved to become Arkansas Tech University. “With more than 12,000 students, we are the third-largest institution of higher learning in the state,” continued Kronberger. “Our diverse curriculum represents the modern, comprehensive university that we are today. And yet, we remain connected to our origins by maintaining strong academic programs in agriculture business and ag28
ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MARCH 2019
ricultural education. We do this not out of nostalgia, but because 110 years later, agriculture remains the backbone of our state’s economy.” Local elected officials in attendance included Russellville Mayor Richard Harris and four members of the 92nd Arkansas General Assembly: Rep. Rick Beck of District 65, Rep. Mary Bentley of District 73, Rep. Stan Berry of District 68 and Rep. Joe Cloud of District 71. “I have so many great memories of the ag department, Dr. (Mack) Rainey and all the students there,” said Bentley in remarks during the ceremony. “I’ve met so many of them as I have worked across the state, and I’ve been very, very impressed with the program here and the students they are putting out. I can tell you that you can be very proud of the students that are coming from Arkansas Tech. Today, we are excited about new things moving forward and Tech’s commitment to the ag department. As we get to the legislature and look at the budget, without agriculture we’d be done for. It’s a backbone of our state. There are opportunities across the state. As a state legislature, we are committed to keep (Arkansas Tech) going strong and we are committed to get some funding here. I can tell you all of us are working together to make
that happen.” Secretary Wes Ward from the Arkansas Agriculture Department and Phil Sims from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service were in attendance. The ATU Board of Trustees was represented by Kronberger, Stephanie Duffield of Russellville and Jim Smith of Fayetteville. Misty Lumpkins of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce and representatives of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce Red Coat Ambassadors committee assisted in the ribbon cutting. Dr. Robin E. Bowen, ATU president, served as master of ceremonies and Dr. Judy Cezeaux, dean of the ATU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, spoke on behalf of her college while students and faculty from the ATU Department of Agriculture listened from the audience. “The Department of Agriculture is a vital part of the college and embodies the university vision statement...where students succeed, innovation thrives and communities flourish,” said Cezeaux. “On behalf of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, I would like to thank Dr. Bowen and the university administration for their ongoing support of the Department of Agriculture.”
UACCM’s #moreinmorrilton Info Session Planned For March 9 The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton will hold a “#MoreInMorrilton” Information Session on Saturday, March 9 9:15 a.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium. There is also a financial aid session that begins at 12:30 p.m. This event is designed to give prospective students and the general public of all educational backgrounds the opportunity to explore UACCM’s programs. Along with learning about the college’s campus, financial aid and support services, and a student panel will discuss their experiences at UACCM during the event. Instructors and representatives from every program will also be present to discuss what UACCM has to offer. Areas of interest include: • General Education (Transfer Programs) • Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology • Automotive Service Technology • Business • Computer Information Systems Technology • Drafting • Early Childhood Development • Education • Health Science (Nursing & EMT) • Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance Technology • Surveying • Welding Attendees will be treated to free food following the event at the Workforce Training Center, in addition to a chance to win one
of three $1,000 scholarships courtesy of the Fayetteville Shale Scholarship Fund, Inc. Following lunch, the financial aid representatives will contact a session about financial aid options and opportunities. RSVP to this event uaccm.edu, or by calling (501) 977-2053. If you have an accommodation need for this event, contact Counseling & Disability Services at (501) 977-2095.
RUSSELLVILLE ANIMAL SHELTER
Featured Friend
Timon
New River Valley member of Arkansas Craft Guild
TYPE: Tabby
Alexis Barber, Cross Plains Pottery, of Russellville has been accepted as a member in the Arkansas Craft Guild. Alexis makes functional, beautiful dinnerware and unique pieces to make a cook’s life easier. “Clay holds the most creative potential of any material I have ever encountered,” Alexis says. “I love the freedom and accomplishment that I feel when throwing pots.” Alexis also believes that pottery can be used as a metaphor for spiritual beliefs. “I think God lets the potter share in a shadow of the creation process,” Alexis says. “We are centered, our hearts are opened, we are pushed, pulled,
Mix Male AGE: 6 Years Old
GENDER: Neutered
This is Timon. He’s a big boy who was adopted from the shelter three years ago, but his owner couldn’t care for him anymore and needs someone to take him in. Timon gets along with everyone and knows how to use a liter box. He would love it if you came to visit at the Russellville Animal Shelter. Maybe you can give him a forever home. 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
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 | Saturday 9 am to 11pm MARCH 2019
~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY
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on March 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn the rules and how to use the basic tools for sound business financial management. Topics include bookkeeping best practices, an overview of common financial statements, and financing for your business. There is no cost to attend thanks to Simmons Bank. Seating is limited and registration is required no later than March 27 at 479-356-2067 or asbtdc.org/russellville-events.
Symphony Concert at ATU shaped, and put through trials and fires. The creation that results, for pottery and people both, is always worth the trouble. I am honored and reminded daily about my constant dependence on God. Every pot I make is my own testimony in physical form.” Alexis holds a BA in fine arts from Arkansas Tech University. She will participate in Artisans Market on the Square in Mountain View on April 19 and 20. Alexis’ work can be viewed on her Cross Plains Pottery Facebook page and Etsy shop. Six new members were welcomed into the Arkansas Craft Guild for 2019. The Guild, incorporated in 1962 as a for-profit cooperative to market quality handicrafts and to further develop the skills of these artisans, is headquartered in Mountain View at the Arkansas Craft Gallery.
“Small Business Financial Management” Presentation The Arkansas Tech Small Business and Technology Development Center presents “Small Business Financial Management”
The Russellville Symphony Guild would like to invite the community to attend the upcoming performance of The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. This year the concert will be at the ATU Witherspoon Auditorium on April 6, 2019 7:30 p.m. The reception at Lake Point Conference Center will be from 5:30-7:30p.m. for people with $30 tickets. Other tickets are general admission for $10 for adults and $5 for students K-12. Tickets are free for ATU and UACCM students with current college ID. For ticket information and purchase, call board member Ann Squyres at 880-7523, or go to Brown & Brown Ins. at 706 W. Main Street in Russellville. Tickets may also be purchased at the door on the evening of the performance.
Taylor pays forward gift of study in China It was almost 20 years ago when Joanne Taylor was selected to study China’s school system and curriculum through a grant from the Freeman Foundation. Now, as her 43-year career in education
comes to a close with her retirement this spring, Taylor is donating the teaching materials she obtained in China so that students in the Arkansas Tech University College of Education may benefit from them. “I appreciate they are going to be used and not just stuffed in a closet,” said Taylor, who holds a master’s degree from ATU and teaches fifth grade mathematics in the Clarksville School District. The texts include information about ancient China, native folklore, calligraphy handwriting, teaching methodology and Hong Kong. There are also postcards, maps and an abacus. One of the treasures of the collection donated by Taylor is a guide book from the Terracotta Army site in the Lingtong District of China. There, thousands of clay statues have stood guard at the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, first emperor of China, since approximately 210 B.C. The guide book donated by Taylor is signed by the farmer who discovered the site in 1974. The materials will be available in the ATU Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center.
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MARCH 2019
Kirt Mosley Interiors
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..Recipes cont. from page 27 AIR-FRY BEIGNETS ¾ c lukewarm water (about 90ºF) ¼ c sugar 1 generous tsp active dry yeast (½ envelope) 3½ to 4 c all-purpose flour ½ tsp salt 2 T unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into small pieces 1 egg, lightly beaten ½ c evaporated milk ¼ c melted butter 1 c confectioners’ sugar chocolate sauce or raspberry sauce, to dip Combine the lukewarm water, a pinch of the sugar and the yeast in a bowl and let it proof for 5 minutes. It should froth a little. If it doesn’t froth, your yeast is not active and you should start again with new yeast. Combine 3½ c of the flour, salt, 2 T of butter and the remaining sugar in a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the egg, evaporated milk and yeast mixture to the bowl and mix with a wooden spoon (or the paddle attachment of the stand mixer) until the dough comes together in a sticky ball. Add a little more flour if necessary to get the dough to form. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for at least 2 hours or until it has doubled in bulk. Longer is better for flavor development and you can even let the dough rest in the refrigerator overnight (just remember to bring it to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe). Roll the dough out to ½-inch thickness. Cut the dough into rectangular or diamond-shaped pieces. You can make the beignets any size you like, but this recipe will give you 24 (2-inch x 3-inch) rectangles. Pre-heat the air fryer to 350ºF. Brush the beignets on both sides with some of the melted butter and air-fry in batches at 350ºF for 5 minutes, turning them over halfway through if desired. (They will brown on all sides without being flipped, but flipping them will brown them more evenly.) As soon as the beignets are finished, transfer them to a plate or baking sheet and dust with the confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm with a chocolate or raspberry sauce. Recipe courtesy of meredithlaurence.com
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~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY
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COMMUNITY COMMERCE
Main Street Russellville
A
Story by HANNAH BUTLER
t the heart of downtown Russellville, you’ll find The Before becoming the ED of MSR, Danielle worked at Dog Russellville Train Depot. Passengers haven’t boarded a Ear Books, where she found her passion for revitalizing downtrain here in more than 50 years, but town. “I loved talking to people when they the train conductor — in his sculpted metal came in and sort of the whole vibe and culimmortality — still stands outside beckoning ture downtown,” says Danielle. “That’s one Main Street Russellville you to take a ride. Inside The Depot, along of the things that I really want to nurture. (479) 967-1437 with layers of history, you’ll find Danielle I want to make sure our downtown reflects 320 West “C” Street Housenick, executive director of Main Street our culture.” Russellville, AR 72801 Russellville for a little over a month now. Danielle imagines a downtown that is
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MARCH 2019
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filled with entertainment and family-friendly activities. Her plans for MSR are to create and promote more programs to accompany MSR’s already vibrant calendar of events like the free quarterly Downtown Art Walks, summer concerts, Fall Fest, and the upcoming Taste of the Valley on May 2. All of these have and will continue to play a central role in unifying the community and focusing attention on the still growing downtown Russellville economy. “The more that we do to make downtown amazing, it’s like everything just follows,” Danielle says. “It’s like a domino effect.” All proceeds from MSR fundraising events help pay for free events like Music Downtown at Sundown. Fundraisers also help MSR to provide revitalization grants for downtown businesses. MSR isn’t just Danielle, though. Volunteers are vital for any event. Though, the volunteer pool runs deep, MSR’s 10-member board of directors tends to shoulder most of the load. The board is active through fundraising, promoting the organization, and sometimes even taking a more day-to-day role within MSR. All of this activity is working toward the goal of increasing local shopping, which injects more money back into the community. MSR’s philosophy is inspired by ideas like the 3/50 Project, an awareness program designed to promote shopping at local brick and mortar businesses through educating consumers on how vital these businesses are to local economies.
According to the 3/50 Project, for every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. Although The Depot is owned by the City of Russellville, MSR works with the city to rent out the space for events such as birthday parties, baby showers, and business meetings. To rent space at the depot, you can message Main Street Russellville on Facebook, through their website or by calling. The Depot also regularly fundraises, selling bricks and children’s train books throughout the year. MSR is open from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 301 W. C St. You can contact them by calling 479-967-1437 or by mail at mainstreetrussellville@gmail.com. The website can be found at mainstreetrussellville.com.
Jo Ann Meyer, M.D. Ophthalmologist
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1 Medicine Drive, Clarksville, AR • www.JRMC.com MARCH 2019
~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY
33
The Perfect Companion Story & Photos by JILL MCSHEEHY
I
mingled among the women, waiting to begin my “How to Start a Garden” workshop. On the cusp of spring, I delighted to hear of garden dreams for the upcoming year. The early arrivals peppered me with basic questions: “When should I plant tomatoes outside?” “Should I plant squash from seed or buy a plant?” Then a question came concerning flowers. My hands immediately drew up like two stop signs between this woman and me. “I don’t know anything about flowers,” I said. Detecting a flash of confusion cross her face, I rushed to explain myself with an injection of humor. “If we can’t eat it, what’s the point?” Though an exaggerated sentiment, I communicated my true feelings on the matter. In the quest to save money on groceries and provide healthier food for my family, flowers were hardly a priority in my garden. I grew up in a world where food belonged in the backyard vegetable garden and flowers decorated the exterior of the house -- and never the two shall meet. Though I could not deny the beauty of flowers -- my mother, in fact, grew the most beautiful flowers in the neighborhood -- they just didn’t fit my purpose for gardening. Until they did.
The more I pursued organic food gardening, the more I found flowers rising to the top as a legitimate pest-control strategy. Having tossed the bottle of Sevin dust out of my garden long ago, I had begun to observe a beautiful transformation in my garden. A variety of unique insects frequented the flowers of peas, beans, tomatoes, and okra, as well as the flower clusters of bolting onions, broccoli, lettuce, radishes, and carrots. At the same time, the previously pernicious pests like aphids, Colorado po-
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tato beetles, and squash bugs declined in population each year -- and now rarely even spotted. My garden research and garden observations coalesced into a thought pattern I pursued further. If the flowers from my vegetables attracted beneficial insects that preyed on destructive pests, could more flowers draw even more of them? Dare I hope for a similar decline in cabbage worms, Japanese beetles, and the tomato hornworm? In 2018 I planted more sunflowers and marigolds, and I added flowers like zinnias and cosmos. By incorporating just those few flowers and by letting bolting onions, lettuce, and radishes form flowers, I observed an increased population of lacewings, syrphid flies, ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and bees. As it turns out, flower gardening and vegetable gardening do not have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, they shouldn’t be. By bringing the beauty of flowers into the vegetable garden, we create a habitat for the “good bugs” while harvesting vegetables unmarred by dangerous pesticides. If you want to transition to organic gardening or simply bring more beauty to your vegetable garden, here are three steps to begin adding flowers to the space once reserved solely for edibles. If a flower-adverse gardener like me can do it, anyone can. 1. Stop using chemical pesticides. If you want to use flowers to attract beneficial insects to your vegetable garden, you want to rid your garden of the chemicals that can harm them.
Even organic and homemade options can kill our insect friends. Look for less-invasive methods like handpicking or floating row covers, and if you must apply organic pest control methods, read the instructions carefully and apply at times when beneficial insects are less active. 2. Start with flowers that many beneficial insects love. Great options include sunflowers, cosmos, and alyssum. Any flower with small clusters attracts minute beneficial insects that work for you without you even realizing it. Nasturtium is another fantastic option, as it often attracts the harmful insects away from your prized vegetables and to it instead. 3. Aim for diversity. The more varieties of flowers you can incorporate in your vegetable garden, the more variety you’ll observe in beneficial insects. As you gain experience, take note of bloom times and plan to plant flowers that bloom at varying times of the year, from spring through autumn. As you begin to let flowers migrate from your home to your vegetable garden, you’ll notice more than beauty. Walk your garden frequently, taking note of new insects you observe on the flowers. Although the transition to a healthy, active, natural ecosystem in your garden will not take place overnight, over time you’ll notice the difference. And you’ll wonder why your flower garden and your vegetable garden didn’t meet a long time ago.
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Story by MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS
A JOURNAL of our RURAL & NATURAL HERITAGE
When friends pass on We recently lost our sweet Katie Dog to heart failure. A few weeks before that, we lost our cat Orwell to old age. In both cases, we buried them behind the shed near where my own childhood horses and dogs are buried — a morbid, but peaceful, reminder that our family has been on this land for several decades. Katie was mostly our son’s dog. They begged for a tiny dog, and I said yes, if we could find a rescue. I’m not much of a tiny dog person myself. I like my dogs large enough that they’re too hard to accidentally step on. My Elsie — who at 16 years old still runs through the yard — is about 35 pounds, and she seems fairly small to me. But I want my children to make their own choices. So when friends contacted us about a little rat terrier, a starving and sickly stray they had nursed back to health, I said… maybe. She was heartworm positive. I talked to our children about this extensively before we decided to adopt her. We explained what it meant and how it might change her life. They knew her life would be limited. But in the end, we all decided her sweet little spirit needed a home and we loved her. We had lost our family dog Patchen some years before, and the kids remembered that loss. Pet death
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INVENTORY REDUCTION hurts, but we all knew it was possible to grieve well and then get back up and go on. So we brought her home. During her first few weeks of country life she was very guarded. She wasn’t sure what to make of all the space. But it wasn’t long before she was running across the expanse and following the hens, most of which were bigger than her. Mostly, though, she liked to cuddle with my son Elijah. She cuddled in his lap during movies, slept by his feet when he slept, and ran to him when he got home. I mentioned earlier that we buried Katie and Orwell near where my own dogs are buried. I remember when my own childhood dog passed away. I was in high school. I’d had the dog since I was five, and as an only child he was literally my best friend. I’d named him Pups and we were inseparable. I remember the day my dad broke it to me he had passed. We lived in town, but we drove out to the valley to bury him. It was pouring rain, and, though I didn’t have the words for it at the time, I knew my dad loved me because he cared enough to give her a proper burial. I remember not many years after that when my father lost his own dear horse, an ornery spunky pony he called Toney. They had more in common than my father would ever care to admit. It broke his heart to bury him, and my own horse, out by that pond. No matter how many ways we try and hide it, pet loss hits us deep in the gut and the heart and says a lot about who are, and, I think, who we want to be. We were all shocked the morning Katie passed away. It was peaceful but quick.
We waited until near sundown to bury her, allowing each of the children to touch her body and ask any questions they wanted. I figure the best way you can teach your children about the circle of life is to let them see it up close; let them ask questions; let them process as they need. We dug up some daffodil bulbs from nearby, evidence of the location of the old home place that had housed my relatives at the turn of the century. We put the bulbs in between Orwell and Katie, not far from my own dogs Pups and Peanut and my horse Stormy and my dad’s horse Tony. I watched the sun go down in the trees behind us, lighting up Springs Mountain an auburn red. I felt grateful that I didn’t feel the need to hide sadness from my children. I have been struggling with how to frame this column and getting down to the root of what I really want to share. You might read this and think of my poor children, heartbroken over this loss. They’re not. Are they sad? Sure. But they knew this day was coming. And they say they’d do it again. Katie needed a family to love, and we all fit together rather well even if it was a little too short. I think the core idea is that I want to share the importance of talking about death, of letting children experience it as a natural process, letting them create their own rituals and choose their level of involvement with the process. It feels like sacred work. I think back to the days when my own pets died and my own parents let me grieve as I needed, even sharing in the grief. It was in those moments I knew that love is bigger than we can ever name.
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What
we’re reading
Woe to Live On As reviewed by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN
E
very now and then you stumble across one of those books. Maybe it was suggested by a friend. Maybe you’ve read the author’s previous work and yearned for more. But whatever brings you to the book, you know within just a few pages that this is one that’s going to stick with you. A magnetic energy pulses from the words and sucks you into orbit around the story. And no matter what else is going on in your life you can’t get out. Woe to Live On is one of those books. I devoured it in less than a day. It was a book that demanded I find time, and I can think of no higher praise for any form of the written word. But this is what I’ve come to expect from Daniel Woodrell and why he is quickly becoming my favorite novelist. It’s why there is a fresh Woodrell novel on my desk as I type this. He’s an Ozark author from southern Missouri who grew up eating fried squirrel just down the road from Mark Twain’s hometown. And the guy can tell a story like no other. The book is written in first person from the perspective of a western Missouri bushwhacker during the Civil War. It’s raw and gritty — you can almost taste the dust and smell the gunpowder. It speaks of gruesome
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acts. And it sure makes the line between good and bad seem fuzzy. But then, isn’t the line between good and bad almost always a matter of perspective in times of war? Woodrell’s phrasing and word choices in this book reminded me of Portis’ work in True Grit and is one of my favorite facets of his writing. He perfectly captures the essence of his characters, and because they’re from my region, they seem an awful lot like me even when we’re separated by a century. The voice of a barely educated late 1800s teenager from rural Missouri comes through, and the sentiment of Jake Roedel is clear as mountain creek water even when it’s behind those colorful colloquialisms. This is an outstanding book that boils down the reasoning behind so many poor non-slaveholding secession supporters — it was about home. It was about defending all that you knew and loved. It was about revenge and hot-blooded young men, teenagers mostly, fighting not for the blue or gray, not for slavery or abolition, but for something much simpler and much more personal. A superlative novel. Perhaps one of the best I’ve ever read.
“What we’re reading” is brought to you by ABOUT the River Valley magazine in partnership with Dog Ear Books of Russellville. Each month we’ll feature a book review guest written by various folks around the River Valley that know a thing or two about good reads. Reading is the cornerstone of a well-informed citizenry and a well-rounded individual. We’re hoping this partnership will turn into something more, perhaps a movement community wide that leads to deeper thought and discussion. Look for all titles spotlighted here at Dog Ear Books.
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Author DANIEL WOODRELL
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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MARCH 2019
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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.)
MARCH
MAY
2nd Brooke Knight & Peyton Duffield
25th Kathryn Jones & Jared Floyd
2nd Areana Lopez & Antonio Gomez
25th Meghan Spencer & Samuel Gillespie
16th Jenna Goodwin & Dalton Pearson
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30th Cecelia Hampton & Brock Langford
JUNE
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Donna Helms & David Mayes
APRIL
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19th Rachel Arnold & Andrea Campioni
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20th Caroline Vining & Michael Kitchens 14th Molly Gibson & Cade Coffman 27th Sophie McElroy & Keith Humphreys
AUGUST
MAY
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OCTOBER
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12th Leslie Hudgeons & Parker Witt 12th Keeli Matchett & Ryan Rooke
18th Ashley Cornett & John Robb
NOVEMBER
18th Madison Sain & Luke Reves
2nd Lexi Culwell & Garrett Crosby
18th Hannah Coffee & Luke Duvall
DECEMBER
18th Megan Etheridge & Trip Hensley 18th Katherine Hefley & Conlee Hale
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2909 South Arkansas Ave (Hwy 7 S) Russellville, Arkansas • (479) 967-7439 www.russellvillelawn.com MARCH 2019
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