Practically Perfectly in Every Way
Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley August 2015
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RUSSELLVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS: Tuesday, August 11 • RHS Sophomore and New Student Orientation 6-6:45 pm • RHS Open House 7-8:30 pm
Thursday, August 13 • Center Valley Open House 2:30-3:30 pm (Grades K-1); 4-5 pm (Grades 2-4) • Crawford Open House 4-6 pm • Dwight Open House 4:30-6:30 pm • London Open House 4-5 pm • Oakland Heights Open House 4-5:30 pm • Sequoyah Open House 4-6 pm • RMS Open House 5:30-7 pm • RJHS Open House 7-8:30 pm
Monday, August 17 • RHS Senior Welcome Back Breakfast 7:15 am
BACK TO SCHOOL AUGUST 17, 2015 The administration, teachers, and staff at Russellville School District are looking forward to a new school year with your child. Check out the RSD website for more information on the registration process, schedule pick-up, classroom assignments, and supply lists.
Tuesday, September 8 • UE5G Open House 6 pm
220 West 10th Street ■ Russellville, AR. 72801 ■ 479.968.1306 ■ www.russellvilleschools.net
From August 15 – September 26, save an extra $8/gallon with Sikkens Rebates. While most rebates are a pain, your Paint Guys make them pain-less by handling everything, even stamping the envelope. Just sit back & wait for the check!
August 2015 8 Practically Perfectly in Every Way
Besides being a wonderful movie, Mary Poppins has appeared on Broadway and even closer to home in the River Valley. We attended a performance at the Center for the Arts at Russellville High School; I cannot speak for the others, but I was swept back to “jolly ole” London, England.
14 Buckwheat
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Camp Caudle
Like most River Valley boys and girls who’ve been to Camp Caudle, Lee Henson and Brent Ruple’s connection to the 60-acre spread of land at the foothills of the Ozarks began with a fondness for the area’s physical allure.
20 Rustic and Refined
26 A Creative in Us All
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A River Valley business and advocate for artists and creative hobbyists alike is helping bridge the gap between doing the work they love and doing work that will make them money.
32 Summer Reading
36 Crawling Under a Rock
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ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
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August 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley
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A PAGE FROM
The Editor’s Notebook
ABOUT the River Valley
What are Grandpas for? It’s easy to imagine yourself as a parent before you become a parent. For the most fortunate among us, our role models have been in place since we first became aware of their existence. We saw mom and dad through eyes of an understudy, and we knew that one day the spotlight would be on us in the most important roles of our lives. But we don’t often think about the parts we play beyond parent. I don’t recall a single daydream about being a grandparent. “Grandpa,” was a title that I would wear… someday. Someday was clouded in even more haze than my imagined one day appointment as “Dad.” But the one day I became a parent two decades ago has rocketed by and this past June the someday came and went so fast I still can’t believe my little granddaughter is closing in on two months of age. Her name is Nixie Rose Carrol Sain, and all the cliches about granddaughters wearing rings made of grandpas are true. She holds me hostage with every coo and every yawn and every twinkle of her eye. Her arrival was not planned and the circumstances leading up to it were not ideal, but she is here and that is all that matters. Figuring out what I’m supposed to do as grandpa has been puzzling. Grandmas are helpmates and mentors. They’ve got tricks and child-rearing advice to pass along. But what does Grandpa do? I doubt you’ve ever met a Nixie before so let me tell you about the origins of her name. “Sain” is a German name. It comes from “Zain,” which I think is a much cooler sounding name, but apparently my first ancestors in the New World did not. Anyway, “nixie” is the German word for water sprite or fairy. My daughter has a wide streak of romanticism passed down from her dad and she fell in love with the name when she first heard it. Combining fairytales and history runs in the family, and it’s why I’ve got to be careful when telling stories. It’s so easy to embroider over the gaps and ragged edges. I believe this is what my daughter did by choosing a name steeped in fantasy and a facet of her father’s ethnicity. Bright pastels and fairy dust can temporarily cover some of our darker realities, but light is the only power that can chase the shadows away for good. And as this baby girl has enriched my life beyond measure, I’ve figured out that bringing light — warm, soft yet powerful light — is what grandpas are for. It’s a role I’ve been preparing for since my grandpas brought the light to me, and it may be my most important job yet. Johnny Sain, Editor
johnny@aboutrvmag.com
DIANNE EDWARDS | founding editor JOHNNY SAIN | managing editor johnny@aboutrvmag.com BENITA DREW | advertising benita@aboutrvmag.com CHRISTINE SAIN | advertising christine@aboutrvmag.com KECHIA BENTLEY | columnist kechia@aboutrvmag.com MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS | freelance meredith@aboutrvmag.com EMILY LANGFORD | freelance emily@aboutrvmag.com LYDIA ZIMMERMAN | columnist lydia@aboutrvmag.com LIZ CHRISMAN | photography lizchrismanphoto@gmail.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@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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A Publication of One14 Productions, Inc Vol. X, Issue 7 – August 2015
4 7 9 .9 7 0 .1 998 ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
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ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
Calendar of Events Aug 5 - 2015 River Valley Business Expo at Tucker Coliseum 9 a.m. For more information contact 968-2530. Aug 5 - Belk gives on the go Mobile Mammography (FREE) at Belk in Russellville. If you are over 40 and have not had a mammogram in the last 12 months call 855-655-2662 to schedule your free mammogram today. Come on out enjoy a day where you can be pampered. There will be a professional on hand for you to be fitted for the right size bra, there will also be a drawing for a door prize. For more information contact 855-655-2662 Aug 5-7 - Wild Adventures Day Camp at Lake Dardanelle State Park. For more information contact 967-5516. Aug 7 - Small Business Forum: Ask the Experts - #ATUSBTDC at 106 West O Street Russellville 9-11 a.m. For more information contact 356-2067 Aug 26-30 - American Veteran's Traveling Tribute at the Pope County Fairgrounds. For more information contact 968-4864. Aug 29 - 2015 Alzheimer's Arkansas
River Valley Walk in Russellville at L.V. Willliamson Boys and Girls Club. Registration 9 a.m. Participants who donate at least $25 each will receive a commemorative T-Shirt while supplies last. Please bring a canned food item to the walk to donate to the local Food Bank. For information contact Tara Dollar at 264-4247 or Barbara Jensen at 501-224-0021. Sept 1 - One Night One Cause benefit for Boys and Girls Christian Home at the Center for the Arts in Russellville. No ticket required, offering accepted. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. concert starts at 6:30. For more information contact 970-1533 or 970-0794. Sept 2-7 - Arkansas State Parks Legacy Week at Petit Jean State Park. Family friendly programs that celebrate the founding and building of Petit Jean State Park and the legacy of Arkansas State Parks. For more information contact (501) 727-5441. Sept 4 - Downtown Art Walk in Downtown Russellville 6-9 p.m. Sept 9 - Equestrian Zone Poker Bike
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Tour. Register at www.equestrianzone.org. For more information contact 968-2530. Sept 26 - Ozark Memories Day 5K run/walk. Begins and ends at Dover Elementary School. Registration/Check in will be from 6:15-6:45 am and the race will start at 7 am. Registration forms can be picked up starting August 3rd at the Dover City Hall or at the Dover High School Office. Registration forms can also be downloaded from facebook at Pirate Choir Dover. For more information contact Brenda Minks at 331-2633 or at dbminks@gmail.com.
*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 (866) 757-3282. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication.
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August 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley
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Practically Perfectly in Every Way Story by STEPHANIE BRISON | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN
SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS
This song is one of my favorites from the movie, Mary Poppins, which was released fifty years ago, and is based on the children’s books by P.L. Travers. The Disney movie, with its quirky characters and unforgettable songs, is a childhood favorite for so many. Besides being a wonderful movie, Mary Poppins has appeared on Broadway and even closer to home in the River Valley. My family and I attended one of the performances at the Center for the Arts at Russellville High School; I cannot speak for the others, but I was swept back to “jolly ole” London, England. To say the performance was fantastic is an understatement. The songs, the costumes, and the atmosphere united to create a spell-bounding tribute to this all-time favorite. I am not an 8
ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
aficionado of the arts, but the talent I observed on the stage was “spot-on.” Just like any community event that the public attends, many long hours were painstakingly put into this occasion. Compare if you will a drama to a band concert, football game, or anything else you enjoy. The planning, the organizing, the sacrificing all started way before the ticket holders take their seats. Before the characters took the stage or sang a song on opening night, there was a lot of hard work that was put into making it so spectacular. The truth is that many people put in tireless hours to present this outstanding family experience. Getting to know the skilled people who were behind the scenes and on the stage makes the performances even more interesting.
STAGE DIRECTOR “Communication with the actors and everyone else involved is so important,” stated Ardith Morris, stage director of Mary Poppins. Mrs. Morris was the one who analyzed and assessed every aspect of the production. “This has been the biggest performance so far at the River Valley Arts Center.” Typically, a production has one or two scenes whereas Mary Poppins had over eight scenes. There were over ninety actors; moreover, at least forty of those were children. It is children’s literature, after all. She had many compliments about the stage “moms.” They helped so much with providing snacks, organizing clothes, building scenes, and volunteering their time for anything else that needed to be done. Mrs. Morris elaborated about how the musicians practiced their music at home, the actors recited their script, the costume hands constructed the attire, and how everyone did their part individually; then it is so fantastic when it all comes together. She also complimented the parents of the very young actors stating that they “plan their summers around their children’s activities with the arts center.” ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS One of the assistant stage managers is Katie Lynch, who has plenty of experience in musicals and dramas. “Patience, organization, and determination” are three of the attributes that help the performance run smoothly, according to Katie. During rehearsals she and the other stage manager would take notes and work diligently to make sure everything lined up for the upcoming performances. After rehearsals they would get together and compare notes and make any modifications needed. Katie is basically the one who was in charge of the lights, stage, and the set changes. The other assistant stage manager is Maegan Anderson, who also has plenty of experience in the theater. Maegan describes her job as “rewarding.” She was responsible for making sure the cast members were at the right place at the right time, and she also helped with costume changes. What she enjoyed most about her position was being able to see the entire process from beginning to end. COSTUME DESIGNER Since the setting of Mary Poppins is 1910, the attire had to reflect what British people wore at the time. Rachel Green is the name of the visionary who spear-headed this crucial part of the performance. A newcomer to the River Valley Arts Center and mother of four, she conducted many hours of research before “sketching out the costume ideas and sharing them with the director.” She also stated that the collaboration with the actors, volunteers, parents, and others helped her to create the cast’s attire. Rachel did build some of the pieces from scratch, and some were revamped from other pieces contributed or “found” in various places. She enjoyed the fact that everyone in this community theater worked together. “Everyone gives it their all, and I am so thankful to be around such an amazing group.” >> August 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley
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MAKEUP ARTIST The young lady who was responsible for how authentic the characters looked is Lori Wilson, a choir director who recently gained employment at Ozark High School. Lori enjoys being in charge of makeup; she knows when characters have enough or not enough makeup. As she explained, “It’s a skill that comes with experience.” One of the challenges with this production was racing the clock to pull off some elaborate makeup changes for upcoming scenes. For example, the three muse statues in “Jolly Holiday,” who had to be painted entirely white with finely chiseled features, took Lori a combined total of forty-five minutes to an hour to perfect. After that scene all of the statues’ makeup had to be removed and replaced with different makeup for the next scene. She included that having a makeup team helped her accomplish her goals. SCENIC ARTIST AND DESIGNER Jenava Harris, the Theatre Arts Technical Supervisor at Arkansas Tech University, is the artist who was responsible for the set designs used in the performances. Before anything was built, she immersed herself back into history to learn about the architectural styles of the time period. After creating her designs, she presented her ideas to the director. Then, the building began. The park scene, the interior of the Banks’ home, the chimney scene, the attic scene were of visual perfection. “The entire production team worked so hard to bring this world to life.” Mrs. Harris may definitely be called a “multitasker.” She was creating and developing these artistic elements while taking care of her newborn. MUSIC DIRECTOR Ken Futterer was the conductor for the awardwinning music performed during the shows. Of course, all of the action revolved around the musical score, so his job was colossal. The auditions for the parts are usually held eight to ten weeks prior to the performance week. When asked about any challenges with this drama, he replied, “I feel like the captain of a river raft shooting the rapids. All is prepared, but anything can and does happen to change the pace of the voyage, as this is live theater.” He bragged about the talented musicians in the pit who made the part of the “white water rafting” a pleasure. Mr. Futterer’s involvement with this production started right after the previous show finished. >> 10
ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
August 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley
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MAIN CHARACTERS Who wouldn’t want a nanny like Mary Poppins? A bit strict, yet always focused…there’s nothing wrong with these character traits. One of the young ladies to portray Mary Poppins was Sarah Curlin, one of the sweetest young women you will ever meet. According to Sarah, “the four-day-a-week rehearsals started in May; then as time drew closer to opening night, the rehearsals were increased to five rehearsals per week. Sarah also did her research prior to the shows; her goal was to develop the character of the much-loved nanny as well as Julie Andrews. Another one of the main characters is Bert, a good friend of Mary Poppins, who has a thick Cockney accent. Benjamin Stevens is the talented actor who filled this important role. Benjamin has been involved in the theater since 2002. To prepare for the role of Bert, he focused more on the character in Broadway shows instead of the movie. According to Benjamin, “Bert is a man, yes, but he represents the child in all of us.” What a wonderful way to compare a good-natured character to all of us. 12
ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
Now, the skilled actors, actresses, and people “behind the scenes” are basking in the afterglow of a week of phenomenal performances. With all of the hard work and determination, Dr. Ardith Morris (director), Mr. Ken Futterer (music director), and many others may be enjoying a short catharsis now, but chances are they are already contemplating the next show. “Hats off” to everyone who helped with Mary Poppins. l
RiverValley AssistedLiving At River Valley Assisted Living
we have recently opened a specialty cottage with 15 apartments. We’ve also increased staffing to care for residents with increased needs, such as those with short term memory or wandering. We offer total assistance with activities of daily living, and medication administration by a licensed nurse. We have a registered nurse who evaluates the residences’ needs and supervises their care. Specialized activities are planned daily for the individual’s interests. Our courtyard is fenced to allow secure outdoor activities. Couples are welcome! Please come by for a tour or call Diana Tillman at (479) 567-5578.
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ABOUT...the River Valley | Every Day Life
It's not you, it's me. By KECHIA BENTLEY
I feel like a teenage girl trying to find the right words to break-up with her boyfriend. There is just no way around the awkwardness in that situation. You know it is the right thing to do, but still it feels so wrong. So I am just going to say it: Dear Reader, I am breaking up with you. I don’t know if I am just going on a break or if this is final. Let me explain: it is not you; it is me. (Yeah, that was always a good line to use in a breakup). You see I have been writing a monthly column for the past 10 years (wow, we have been together a long time). The stories would usually just spill out onto the page exposing the craziness of my life. And in sharing the “realness” of my life I was always hoping to maybe, just maybe make you feel better about yourselves or at least let you know you were not alone in the crazy. But lately, the words just won’t come. Oh the stories are still happening and waiting to burst forth, but there is just something blocking their exit. So for now, I am walking away. When you dear reader (all five of you), get over the pain of this great loss, I hope we can still be friends.
Buckwheat
Story by OTIS HIBBARD | Illustration by CLIFF THOMAS
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s our livestock population grew, I wanted to add a miniature goat. I truly wanted a fainting goat even though fainting goats have a genetic defect. If you made a loud noise or clapped your hands, they fainted. I wished that I could do that to my boys if they misbehaved. I envisioned having a picnic on a Sunday afternoon, company over visiting, and just clap your hands or make a Razorback sooie call and we could watch all of the goats faint in the pasture. This sounded like a new pastime on Linker Mountain. “What did you do this weekend?” “We went over to our neighbors and let the kids scream and watched the goats faint while we were eating pork chops.” We never did find any fainting goats, but we did find a miniature goat with three inch horns, and black and gray in color. He measured about 18 inches tall and was a very independent little creature. Goats have a mind of their own. I think they are on a natural high and can’t be taught anything. I don’t believe in evolution, but if I did, I would think that goats never completely evolved. Buckwheat followed me everywhere. He would even follow me into the house. He was so quiet I would close the screen door and there he would be nudging my leg. Susan never liked Buckwheat after he followed me into our kitchen. She said, “I followed you to Arkansas but we are not going to have a goat in our house! Period!” I chained Buckwheat to our doghouse and painstakingly constructed five-foot hog wire fencing around it. I put my tools in the barn, walked back to the house, and Buckwheat was already loose and following me back to the house. 14
ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
So Buckwheat had the run of the property while we were at work. One particular day I arrived home only to find that he had eaten all of the leaves on every plant in our garden. Have you ever seen a tomato plant with no leaves just tomatoes? It looked like napalm had hit our garden. Our nosy neighbor came over, and exclaimed when he saw the state of the garden, “My God! What has happened to your garden?” Yes, I was upset and humiliated at the way my garden looked. Continued on page 37...
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ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
CAMP CAUDLE Story by RYAN SMITH | Photos in part by JOHNNY SAIN & contributed by CAMP CAUDLE
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ike most River Valley boys and girls who’ve been to Camp Caudle, Lee Henson and Brent Ruple’s connection to the 60-acre spread of land at the foothills of the Ozarks began with a fondness for the area’s physical allure. They loved what they could touch. The stilldewy grass on the rolling hills they ran across, the white oaks and scrawny pines they climbed and the Illinois Bayou they fished and swam in all offered themselves up to the boys. They were hooked. They still love the land—enough to live on it full time as camp directors while raising their families. But after attending the camp as youths, volunteering as counselors in their teenage years and operating a now thriving Christian Camp, what started with an enjoyment of the tangible has over time translated, as feelings toward prior experiences should, into a thoughtful approach to life. Camp Caudle, like those who forged its history, has its own story of transformation. From grand beginnings birthed out of toil, through decades of falling into desuetude,
the camp is now known as a haven for young, religious Thoreaus looking for a change, looking to live deliberately and with purpose. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his Works Progress Administration too had a distinct purpose in mind when they ordered the nucleus of Camp Caudle’s construction in 1936. Then, it was to be used by Boy Scouts and any civic group who needed it. Local laborers, mostly teenagers, Henson says, were hired out for about $1 a day to put up the same stone structures Camp Caudleites sleep and eat in today.
Renovation has been extensive, but those River Valley boys must have had no idea the native rock and mortar they fashioned into cabins through grunts and sweat would still be standing for their great grandchildren’s use. “They made very little money, and they would usually send about 50 cents of their pay back to their family,” Henson says about the Depression-era day laborers. “But they were still able to build 19 buildings in all—15 small cabins, two larger cabins, a mess hall and a chapel.” Henson says he likes to think those first Boy Scouts roved the land just as campers do today, exploring the flora and fauna that immerses a young mind into the interactive spectacle of nature. But additions like a zip line, slip-n-slide, playground, water trampoline, a manmade lake and a 250-seat amphitheater probably weren’t at the forefront of the camp’s provincial creators’ minds. >> August 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley
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After a few years of Boy Scout use, a local man named T.A. Caudle purchased the land from the government and retained ownership for the entirety of his life. He passed it down to his son, and his son passed it down to his daughter. A Southerner knows never to sell land. When money, power and ideas lose the weight they can only carry during isolated periods of time, the land retains its subtle grandeur like secrets. In the 1970s and ‘80s, the Caudle family land became disused. Thickets of tangled brush cropped up over areas previously tended to with scrupulous eyes and workworn hands. Roofs collapsed. Cows took up permanent residence in the mess hall. Grass grew noggin high. No one was willing to turn their attention to the land, so it rightfully took back its acreage by that slow usurpation nature and time perform as one. But a descendent of T.A. Caudle, who wishes not to be named in this story, wanted the land returned to its former prestige, and for the youth of the River Valley to use it as their growing grounds—physically and spiritually. The Southerners’ creed never said anything about giving land away. So that’s exactly what the granddaughter of the first proprietor and her husband did in 1991. “My [other] grandfather Langford was a preacher at the Dover Church of Christ, and my husband and I went there pretty much all our lives,” she says over the phone. 18
ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
“When the land started going downhill, my husband and a man named Joe Miller got the idea to have a group of people from various Church of Christs in the community to get started [renovating the land]. We wanted the land to remain with them, and for kids to be able to use it.” This is the moment in Henson and Ruple’s lives when the past and present intersect. Gauging where they started at Camp Caudle against where they are now, they have a pretty clear outline of where they want to be. Their goal is “to win as many as possible” over to Christ. But although Henson can point clearly to the $1-a-year, 99-year lease as the donation that
made his life’s work feasible, he was facing much more immediate challenges when he stepped onto the property for the first time in ’91 as a boy blindly volunteering alongside his family to breathe life back into the land’s structures. “There were no roofs on any of the buildings, no windows, no doors,” Henson says, sitting in an air conditioned and spacious dining hall, recently built. “Some of the rocks were crumbling, and cabins were filled like stalls with junk. That next year in ’92 when we had the first camp, it was very primitive.” “We’re talking pit toilets and three outhouses,” Ruple adds. “Yeah, there was an old green bathhouse out here, but it was unusable,” Henson says. “We had to carry our water everywhere. It was really like stepping back in time.” The land called to them in all its primordial beauty, and as they got older, their passion for the rustic summer home they’d spent so long caring for began to take shape as a spiritual call. Ruple’s first Camp Caudle summer was in ’95, and neither of the two has missed a summer camp since their introductions to the experiences they still revel in. Servants to their God and their land, they agree the renovation and maintenance they began in the early ‘90s should and will continue to grow in direct proportion to the number of camp goers, which increases every year. The “monumental effort” organized to make the camp functional again is a work in unceasing progress that shows no signs of slowing up. They fix, build and create the best environment possible for those around
them—just like they always have. “We never really left the land. I guess we weren’t smart enough to get out,” Henson says with a laugh. It’s evident they’d never leave. Camp Caudle is home. The boys who were enthralled by the craggy mountain rises and cool river flow grew up. They went to college. Ruple went as far away as Colorado for work, but they knew the place they belonged lay on a donated plat in Scottsville, the unincorporated community between Dover and Hector where Camp Caudle has seen generation come and go, lives altered and cultivated. “When we were too old to be campers, we came back as counselors and eventually became guest directors,” Henson says. He’s been living on the land full time for seven years, and Ruple would make the trip down during summers to operate the Christian camp until he became a fulltime director in 2012. “It was obvious we needed more help, so he moved out here to come on full time too. There were people who lived here to tend the grounds and make sure everything was up to snuff, but
we’re the first people who try to direct the future of the camp.” “Our positions have grown from caretakers to having our hands directly in ministry,” Ruple says. “Neither one of us has missed a summer for 20 years, and our jobs and duties have evolved during that time and are still evolving.” With daily effort that’d make the youthful laborers of 1936 proud, the men have set up a structure of camp life that allows volunteers and interns to interact with, teach and learn from the kids. One section of the camp is specified for 2-6 graders, while the other is for 7-12 graders. Ten weeks are set aside during the summer for one week sessions of church camp. Camp Caudle averages about 100 campers weekly during its busiest 10 weeks of the year. Weeks have also been set aside for kids in foster care and children of incarcerated parents. Facilities are rented out during the rest of the year to civic and church groups, as well as for weddings and family reunions. No one is cut off from the beauty endemic to the Caudle land,
precisely as its donators intended. Ruple says he cherishes opportunity to get involved with the 7-12 grade groups in particular because they’re usually at the camp by their own volition and want to work toward spiritual maturity. “They’re really hungry for knowledge and spiritual growth. That’s what brings kids as campers and then brings them back as counselors. They grow, and in turn they want to help others grow behind them.” As campers get older, the weeks at Camp Caudle become less focused on what the land has to offer and more directed toward spiritual offerings. But there will always be moments when the two rise and converge into a single feeling. Walking the land in the early morning fog, Ruple points to the amphitheater and says evening worship services are usually held there because from their seats the campers are able see an Arkansas sunset cradling itself into the Ozark Mountains and the waters of the Illinois Bayou. He says it’s a powerful moment, for everyone. l
CLARKSVILLE AQUATICS CENTER INDOOR POOL OPEN YEAR ROUND
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Water Aerobics Classes Begin in August! Check our website for schedules Like us on Facebook at “Clarksville Arkansas Parks and Recreation”
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www.clarksvilleaquaticcenter.com • 1611 Oakland St., Clarksville • 479-754-4100 August 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley
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ABOUT...the River Valley | Valley Vittles
SKYCREST RESTAURANT | The Lodge at Mount Magazine, Paris
Rustic and Refined Story by JOHNNY SAIN | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN
Rustic and refined — opposites, counters, mutually exclusive. Anything described as a combination of the two would appear to be an oxymoron. But in contradiction we often find genius. The best cut of pork, of any meat, is the loin. Tender and flavorful, pork loin’s closest pork rival for the crown could only be bacon, but bacon brings a wholly different dynamic to the plate. Bacon is decidedly back woods. Pork loin is an aristocratic cut from a working class meat. Pork takes a backseat to nothing in the flavor department, pork is delicious. But it’s also common. Pigs were the livestock of choice and necessity for poor folks in Arkansas. Turn em loose in springtime woods and round em up in the fall, that’s about all there was to raising hogs for early Arkansans. And porkers are prolific. One sow can have two or even three litters of up to a dozen pigs per year. So “what’s for dinner” was usually pork, at least through the fall and winter months. But the good people at Skycrest restaurant atop Arkansas’s highest peak, Mount Magazine, have turned pork into something quite uncommon. It’s a bonein loin seasoned just right, your choice of sides, and then they add the harmonious accompaniment of sweet yet tart apple chutney. Chutney is a condiment of South Asian origins that has found perfect placement right next to Arkansas pork loin. It’s a match made in the heavenly heights of Mount Magazine, in a restaurant that is the perfect oxymoron — rustic and refined. l 20
ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
August 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley
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ABOUT...the River Valley | Countertop Creations
Peaches, Peaches, Peaches... August is national peach month! Story by LYDIA ZIMMERMAN, Food Editor
L
ast month’s issue of ABOUT discussed summer jobs we adults had as teenagers and what teenagers are doing these days. I remember my first job, not that I enjoyed it. Its earnings purchased my school clothes, and what was left went in the bank to purchase my first car. I was a peach picker at Shinn’s Orchards, owned by my aunt and uncle, on Crow Mountain. I did this for three summers starting at the age of 13. It was hot, strenuous and itchy. I had to be covered from head to toe to keep the peach fuzz from eating me, which made it even hotter working in the often 100-plus degree weather. We started work at daylight and often finished grading peaches late into the night, then we would start again at daylight the next day. Often, when we were hungry, we would just pick a peach and rinse it off with water from our water jug. I ate so many peaches those summers that for years I would not touch a peach. Just in the last 10 years did I come out of my peach-phobia, and now I love to eat them whenever the chance arises. In celebration of national peach month I have compiled some tasty recipes using peaches, this much loved fruit. As always, enjoy! 22
ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
COCONUT-PEACH COBBLER WITH BOURBONPECAN ICE CREAM Ice cream: 4 c vanilla low-fat ice cream, softened 1/4 c chopped pecans, toasted 1/4 c bourbon Crust: 2 c all-purpose flour 3 T granulated sugar 1 T baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 c flaked sweetened coconut, toasted 6 T chilled butter, cut into small pieces 1/2 c evaporated fat-free milk 2 lg egg yolks Filling: 11 c sliced peeled peaches (about 4 pounds) 1 c packed brown sugar 6 T all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Dash of salt Cooking spray 1 tablespoon granulated sugar To prepare ice cream, combine vanilla ice cream, chopped pecans, and bourbon in a bowl; cover and freeze mixture for at least 3 hours. To prepare crust, lightly spoon 2 cups flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 2 cups flour, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor; pulse 2 times or until blended. Add coconut and butter; pulse 10 times or until mixture resembles coarse meal. Combine milk and egg yolks. Remove 1 tablespoon milk mixture; set aside. With processor on, slowly pour remaining milk mixture through food chute; pulse 5 times or just until blended. Gently press mixture into a 6-inch square on heavy-duty plastic wrap; cover with additional plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Roll dough, still covered, into a 14 x 10-inch rectangle. Preheat oven to 350°. To prepare filling, combine sliced peeled peaches, brown sugar, 6 tablespoons flour, nutmeg, and dash of salt in a large bowl; spoon into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Remove one sheet of plastic wrap from dough; place dough on peach mixture, pressing to edge of dish. Remove the remaining sheet of plastic wrap; brush dough with reserved milk mixture. Cut 6 (2-inch) slits in dough, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until golden. Let stand 30 minutes on a wire rack. Serve with bourbon-pecan ice cream. Recipe courtesy of cookinglight.com
WHITE PEACH FLOATS 2/3 c granulated sugar 1 2-in piece fresh ginger, roughly chopped 4 lbs ripe white peaches, roughly chopped juice of 1 lemon (about 1/4 c) 4 scoops vanilla ice cream 1. Fill a bowl halfway with ice water. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, dissolve the sugar in 2 cups of water. Add the ginger, bring to a boil, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and discard the ginger. Add half the peaches and cook for 2 minutes. Transfer to the ice water for 1 minute and slip off the skins; set aside. Repeat with the remaining peaches. 2. Pour the syrup into a bowl to cool (you should have about 1½ cups). Place the peaches and lemon juice in a bowl and, using your hands, crush the fruit. Spoon the pulp into a strainer placed over a bowl, then press it with the back of a spoon to extract the juice (you should have at least 4 cups). Stir in the syrup and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 3. Divide the mixture among 4 glasses and top each with a scoop of the ice cream. Recipe courtesy of realsimple.com SUMMER-FRUIT SOUP 2 c ripe cantaloupe chunks (about 1 in.) 1 ripe peach (6 oz.), peeled, pitted, and cut into chunks 1 c canned peach nectar 1/2 c white Zinfandel (or 1/2 c additional peach nectar) 2 T lemon juice Sugar (optional) 1 c raspberries, rinsed and drained Mint sprigs, rinsed
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Homemade Ice Cream, Gelato, Shakes, Slushes or Iced Coffee in Minutes!!!
1. In a blender or food processor, whirl cantaloupe, peach, peach nectar, white Zinfandel, and lemon juice until smooth. Taste and add sugar if desired. 2. Pour soup into a container, cover, and chill until cold, at least 1 hour, or up to 1 day. To chill faster, nest container in a bowl of ice water and stir soup often until cold, about 30 minutes. 3. Pour the soup into shallow bowls. Scatter raspberries on top. Garnish with mint sprigs. Recipe courtesy of sunset.com PEACHY COFFEE CAKE 4 c flour 2 c sugar 2 lg eggs 4 tsp baking powder 1 stick (1/2 c) margarine or butter 4 T milk or cream 2-3 lbs fresh sliced peaches * Topping (see recipe below) Mix all ingredients, except peaches, to a smooth dough using your hands. Place 3/4 of the dough into a greased 12 X 18inch edged cookie sheet or jelly roll pan. Roll with rolling pin or press with hands to cover entire pan, including edges.Spoon peaches over dough and sprinkle with a little sugar. Roll remaining dough into strips and cover peaches. *Topping: 1 1/2 c flour, 1 stick (1/2 c) margarine or butter and 1 c sugar. Work into crumbs. Sprinkle crumbs over peaches. OPTIONAL: You can add a little almond flavor to the peaches. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. This is a large coffee cake that freezes well.
FIERY GRILLED PEACH AND HABANERO SALSA 4 large peeled peaches, halved and pitted (about 1 pound) 2 (1/4-inch-thick) slices red onion Cooking spray 2 T chopped fresh cilantro 1 T fresh lime juice 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp grated orange rind 1 tsp finely chopped seeded habanero pepper 1/2 tsp salt 1. Prepare grill to medium-high heat. 2. Lightly coat peaches and onion with cooking spray. Place peaches and onion on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill peaches 2 minutes on each side. Cool and chop peaches. Grill onion 3 minutes on each side. Cool and chop onion. Combine peaches, onion, cilantro, and remaining ingredients in a medium bowl; toss well. Let stand 15 minutes. Recipe courtesy of cookinglight.com >>
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West “C” Street (near the Depot) August 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley
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SALTED CARAMEL PEACH CRUMBLE PIE For the crust: 1 1/2 c all-purpose flour 1 T packed light brown sugar 1/2 tsp kosher salt 2 T vegetable shortening 6 T butter, cubed and chilled 3-5 T ice cold water For the crumble: 1/2 c all-purpose flour 1/2 c sugar 1/4 tsp kosher salt 1/4 c butter, cubed and chilled For the filling: 5 medium peaches, peeled, stone removed, and sliced 1/4 c cornstarch 1/4 c salted caramel* 1/2 tsp vanilla 1/8 tsp cinnamon 1/8 tsp cardamom Salted caramel sauce: 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 3/4 cup heavy cream 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt Directions for Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan with deep sides add the sugar, water, and corn syrup. Place the pot over medium heat and, swirling but never stirring, bring the mixture to a boil. Brush the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush if any sugar crystals cling to the edge of the pot.
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Allow the mixture to boil until it is a deep amber color and the sugar smells like dark caramel, about 6 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and, very carefully as it will bubble up, whisk in the heavy cream, butter, and salt. Once the butter is melted let the caramel cool to room temperature. Left-overs can be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to a month. Directions for pie crust: In a large bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine then add the vegetable shortening and rub it in with your fingers until it completely coats the flour. Add the cubed butter and, still using your fingers, rub it in until the mixture looks like coarse sand and no large pieces of butter remain. Add the water, a tablespoons at a time, until the mixture forms a shaggy ball. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured works surface and press the dough into a disk. Flatten the dough, fold it in half, and flatten it again. Repeat this process 4 times, then wrap the dough in plastic and chill for 1 hour. Once chilled pull the dough out of the refrigerator and let stand for 5 minutes to warm up. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thick, about a 12-inch circle, turning the dough often to make sure it does not stick. Dust the surface with additional flour if needed. Press the dough into a 9-inch pie plate and trim the dough to 1/2-inch of the plates edge. Tuck the dough under and crimp the edges. Cover with plastic and chill until
Directions for filling: In a medium bowl combine the sliced peaches, cornstarch, salted caramel sauce, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom. Gently toss to coat, then allow to stand for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. Heat the oven to 425 F. To assemble the pie fill the pastry crust with the peach filling, then evenly spread the crumble over the top. Bake for 12 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 F and bake for 45 to 55 more minutes, or until the crumble is deeply golden brown and the filling is bubbling all over. Allow to cool to room temperature before serving. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over pie. Recipe courtesy of evilshenanigans.com STRAWBERRY, PEACH AND COCONUT POPSICLES 4 oz chopped Strawberries 1 Peach, roughly chopped 6 oz (3/4 c) light unsweetened Coconut Milk Stevia drops or your favorite natural sweetener to taste 1/4 c unsweetened Coconut Flake Optional Ingredients Chocolate Chips: Dark, Milk or White a dash of ground Ginger
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Next, prepare the crumble. In a medium bowl combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Cover and chill for 30 minutes before using.
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ready to fill and bake.
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Put strawberries and peach in a small sauce pan over medium high heat with 1 tablespoon of water. Bring to a boil, partially cover pot & then reduce heat to medium. Cook for about 5 minutes until fruit is soft, stir occasionally. Remove from heat & let mixture cool. Mix fruit with coconut milk and purée in blender or food processor until smooth. Put a pinch of coconut flake in popsicle molds. Fill pop containers with purée, gently press another pinch of coconut on before you add the stick. Wrap with foil and pierce with popsicle sticks. Freeze for about 2 hours or until solid. Note: If you do not have popsicle molds you can use dixie cups instead. Recipe courtesy of familyfreshcooking. com RANGER - PEACH CREAM CHEESE PIE Cookie crust: 1/2 c butter 1/2 c (granulated) white sugar 1/2 c brown sugar, packed 1 well beaten egg 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 c flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 c oatmeal 1 c corn flakes 1/2 c coconut 1/4 c butter melted
Cream cheese filling: 16 oz cream cheese 1 1/2 c powdered sugar 1 c whipping cream 2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp ginger
evenly on top. Refrigerate until filling is firm, about 2 hours. Recipe courtesy of michiganpeaches.com
Fruit topping: 1 T lemon juice 4 lg peaches, peeled, pitted & sliced 1/2 pt blueberries 1/4 c peach jam, melted
THE PERFECT PEACH DAIQUIRI 3 c frozen peaches 3 c crushed ice 1/3 c key lime juice 1/3 c sugar. 1/3 generous c of good high quality golden Rum 3 fresh mint leaves (If you cannot find fresh mint, do not bother making this recipe. It’s that simple. The fresh mint makes it.)
Cookie crust: Cream 1/2 cup butter, sugar, egg and vanilla. Stir in flour, soda, baking powder, salt, oatmeal, corn flakes, and coconut. Drop by rounded tablespoons full onto cookie sheet. Bake cookies in preheated 350 degree oven for approximately 10 minutes. Cool cookies completely. When cool, crumble cookies and mix in medium bowl with 1/4 cup melted butter. Pat mixture into bottom and sides of 10 inch glass pie dish, bake crust until just golden, about 8 minutes in preheated 375 degree oven. Let cool completely. Filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, beat in sugar, whipping cream, and vanilla. Divide mixture in half and put in separate bowls. Blend cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger into one half, and leave the other half plain. Spread spiced filling evenly into crust then spread fruit topping
Preparation: Slightly thaw peaches. Crush ice. Juice limes. It takes about 6 Key limes to make 1/3 C of juice. Measure sugar. Measure rum. Select the 3 finest mint leaves you can find. Fresh from your garden means you win. Alternately add above ingredients to a blender and blend til quite smooth but not liquefied. the desired consistency is thick and very smooth. Make sure you add the mint leaves whole and blend them in. This is the magic—the infusion of mint is truly amazing. Makes two servings. Some people feel this makes enough for 4 to 5 people to sip. I feel this makes two servings for two special peach luvin’ people to consume over, say, two to three hours. Recipe courtesy of iamfriday.me l
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ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
Story by EMILY LANGFORD | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN
AS A SOON-TO-BE COLLEGE GRADUATE I KNOW THE VERY REAL STRUGGLE AND FEAR OF FEELING YOU HAVE TO DECIDE BETWEEN PASSION AND A PAYCHECK, OR AT LEAST A PAYCHECK BIG ENOUGH TO PAY THE BILLS. However, I learned at a young age that money will eventually follow passion but passion can never follow money. A River Valley business and advocate for artists and creative hobbyists alike is helping bridge the gap between doing work you love and doing work that will make you money. A Conversation Piece, perfectly nestled in Downtown Russellville, has quickly become an asset to not only local artists but to those looking for an experience. While the contents of the building collaboratively inspire each person to walk through the door, what is most inspiring is the talent that serves as the heartbeat of the business. “We have got close to 40 people who are craftsman or hobbyist for us,” said owner, Buster Smith.
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August 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley
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Originally purchasing the building as a business opportunity, Smith unintentionally turned his weekend hobby, making pottery, into a place to nurture and highlight creatives while giving them access to resources they need. “The reason we got started is because a lot of people would express interest in pottery, but there wasn’t a place in town to go practice or fire. Plus, who has the room for wheels and the others tools needed? So in a way it was a request from the public,” said manager, Mary Ann Knight.
“This can kind of be like a therapy....Your stresses, worries, any tension builds up, just come in here, get on the wheel, and you will instantly decompress.” In the beginning, Smith had planned on only offering studio time and not providing any classes, but word spread fast and things took off quickly. They now offer numerous learning opportunities ranging from intro to hand-building and wheel instruction, and offer wheel rentals and access to supplies for those more experienced. “I caught word that someone was wanting to build a studio space and thought I better go check it out. I walked in at the right time,” said Nick Hancock, studio director. “I’ve got experience in ceramics and other arts. I graduated with a degree in art from Arkansas Tech and had some experience teaching before, helping students at Tech who hadn’t been there as long so I was ready to give this a shot. This is one of those things that if you don’t have the equipment you’re never going to try it,” said Hancock. Going into college, Hancock intended to become a graphic designer, but found himself taking many fine art classes. “By the end of my four years I ended up being in both senior shows, which is not typical. I had to fight to do that. It is like taking on an extra course load. I featured some ceramic and carpentry work. That sort of ignited the switch. I like that type of tactile work where you can get messy. I enjoy the process of that more,” explained Hancock. 28
ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
Hancock assures that you don’t have to have any past knowledge or experience of pottery to enjoy his classes, which, according to him, are often therapeutic. “This can kind of be like a therapy. I also work at the climbing gym in town and the similarity between ceramic work or artistic adventure and climbing is that when you’re engaged with that you can only be focused on that. Your stresses, worries, any tension builds up,
just come in here, get on the wheel, and you will instantly decompress,” said Hancock. It’s clear that his passion is not for creating his own work, or even teaching, but directly for the success of his students. “When someone comes in and has never worked with clay, their face lights up when they find a little bit of success and that is so rewarding. It’s opening the door for them to express themselves in a new way. There is a creative in all of us,” said Hancock. “Most importantly, the goal when working as an artist is always that you value the art whether or not someone buys it,” said Hancock. “Additionally, there are so many talented people who can create, but aren’t as good at the business aspect. That is where Mary Ann can come in and help seal the deal. Artists aren’t typically renowned for their social skill; that’s the reality. They work from a different side of the brain, so having someone who can bridge the gap encourages artists. When your stuff is selling it pushes you to keep creating and even begin creating different things,” added Hancock. l
August 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley
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ABOUT...the River Valley | Community and Events
College of eTech established at Arkansas Tech University
A commitment to make higher education accessible to all has driven Arkansas Tech University to create the College of eTech to better serve students through online learning. The College of eTech was established as of July 1, and Dr. Hanna Norton was appointed to serve as its first dean. Norton, who also holds the titles of assistant vice president for academic affairs and professor of journalism, has served on the Arkansas Tech faculty since 2001. “It is important that we offer educational opportunities to people regardless of their station in life,” said Norton. “We exist to help students meet their educational and professional goals. Their educational goals can be a single course, an associate degree, a baccalaureate degree or a graduate degree. We will help them reach that goal, and we will do it in a way that is engaging, rigorous and transformational to that person’s life.” Norton earned the Arkansas Tech Faculty Award of Excellence in the teaching category in 2009. In 2013, she was voted outstanding student organization advisor for her work with the institution’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter.
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She has also been recognized by the Arkansas Blackboard Users Group for her acumen in developing web-based academic courses and the National Academic Advising Association for her work in assisting students. An alumna of the University of Georgia, Norton has served the Arkansas Tech community as faculty senate chair and as head of the Department of Communication and Journalism. She graduated from the Leadership Russellville program offered by the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce in 2015. “Our role in the College of eTech includes helping faculty develop quality, online course work that fosters studentto-instructor and student-to-student interaction,” said Norton. Other functions of the College of eTech identified by Norton include a vetting process for online course development, faculty training and certification in online teaching methods, connecting with veterans and active military in search of online learning opportunities, building partnerships with organizations that could benefit from online courses and coordination of multimedia materials for coursework. One aspect of the College of eTech is the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree, including the Arkansas Tech Accelerated Degree Program that was introduced in 2011 as a means of providing adult learners with an opportunity to complete their baccalaureate degrees in as little as 18 months.
Since the 2010-11 academic year, 1,071 individuals have earned their Bachelor of Professional Studies degrees at Arkansas Tech. “The faculty and staff in the Department of Professional Studies are incredibly dedicated to student success,” said Norton. “Their department is running close to 800 students, and the advisors and faculty members invest the time necessary to build relationships with their students. It’s great to see a characteristic that is so prevalent on our traditional campuses extended to our digital campus.” The College of eTech will work with the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree program and all other online courses at Arkansas Tech. So far, 83
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ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
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courses have been vetted for online delivery. That process has involved each college on campus, 16 departments and 60 faculty members. In addition to the Bachelor of Professional Studies, other Arkansas Tech degrees available online include the Associate of Science in early childhood education (pre-K), Associate of Arts in general studies, Bachelor of Science in emergency management, Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Arts in teaching English to speakers of other languages, Master of Education in educational leadership and Master of Science programs in emergency management and homeland security, college student personnel, health informatics and business administration. K-12 education professionals seeking a credential beyond the Master of Education degree may also obtain an Educational Specialist degree in educational leadership online through Arkansas Tech.
You don’t have to be a farmer or an insured to take advantage of all the great benefits that being a member of Farm Bureau has to offer. Arkansas Farm Bureau members have access to SavingsPlus, an exclusive benefit which contains the nation’s largest private discount network. You’ll find savings on everyday necessities like food, clothing, car care and more. In fact, you’ll save enough to offset the entire cost of your membership and beyond!
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Norton’s goals for the College of eTech include simplified navigation menus for all online courses, further integration of multiple media into classes, ensuring accessibility regardless of connection speed and encouraging collaborative activities between online students. “We want the rigor of our face-toface classes and our online classes to be exactly the same,” said Norton. “We are working toward a more seamless process for students from the moment they express an interest through graduation day. Our responsibility is to build quality programs and offer the infrastructure that makes the learning experience as positive as possible.” Visit www.atu.edu/etech to learn more.
AUGUST GALLERY EXHIBIT
The Arkansas River Valley Arts Center invites the public, relatives and friends to an exhibit opening reception for Boyd Osborne Thursday, August 6 from 5-7p.m. at the River Valley Arts
50% OFF
Center located at 1001 East B Street in Russellville. Boyd will be on hand to give a gallery talk and welcome visitors. Refreshments will be served and the event is free and open to the public. Boyd and his wife Debbie have been residents of Russellville, Arkansas for over 38 years. Born in Crawford County, Arkansas, Boyd developed a love for drawing and painting early in life. He earned a BA degree in fine art from the University of Central Arkansas in 1970. A prolific oil painter, he has painted with and been influenced by contemporaries Bill Garrison, Barry Thomas and Guido Frick. He has visited the Louvre Paris, Musee d’Orsay Paris, Victoria and Albert Museum London, The galleries of Florence, Italy, The Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art New York, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Joslin Art Museum in Omaha and many others to study the works of the masters. He currently exhibits and sells at Carmen’s Art and Antiques, Conway and The NEST, Russellville. His purpose in painting is to stir the emotion of happiness and exalt God. Continued on page 35...
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ABOUT...the River Valley | Backyard Living
Read more from Meredith at www.boileddownjuice.com
The Boiled Down Juice
Summer Reading
Story & Photo by MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS
AS A CHILD, I NEVER DID VERY WELL IN SCIENCE CLASSES. I passed the classes with decent grades but something always felt so out of reach, so disconnected. Now that I'm well into my thirties I find myself craving a more solid foundation in biology, botany, even physics. I'm discovering that my children are the best science teachers around. At five-years-old, they're enamored with the way anything and everything works. They're fascinated with the idea that numbers can have no end and that things appear smaller the further they are away. They're curious about how water freezes and how it boils. They want to know all about the body parts of a grasshopper and how ants poop. They ask questions about meteors and stars and the sun and the moon. Finding a spider or praying mantis in the garden shuts down all other activities. They make inventions and suggest hypotheses, their curious minds lighting a spark in my own. Together we explore. As a young child my mom always took me to the Dardanelle library, making sure I made it to story time and took part in all the summer reading programs. She taught me about interlibrary loaning and always encouraged —or at the very least, tolerated — my short-lived reading obsession with everything from horses to pirates to historical fiction. She believed in the fundamental power of childhood reading. Even when she was confused by or disapproved of my topics of interest, she always encouraged me to learn more. Because of this curiosity she honored in me, I can honestly say that as an adult I don't ever get bored. Should I ever happen upon some free time (hahahaha), there is always a book waiting. I consider this inoculation against boredom one of her greatest gifts to me. 32
ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
This summer my sons are taking part in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, and we've been plowing through the hardcovers left and right. We've read picture books about Frog and Toad and the twins Ling and Ting and the Good Dog Carl series and pretty much anything we can find written by Mo Williams (be sure and check out City Dog, County Frog, even if you are 68-years-old and there are no kids around. It's a book for the ages). We read books to their little sister about bushing teeth and the importance of going to sleep. But more often than not we read science books. I love our time reading together, and not just because I get to watch their excited faces or hear their joyful exclamations or any of those other clichés everyone always says about kids and books and discovery. I love it because I am learning so much. So far this summer I've learned how to make a wormery for compost, everything I could ever need to know about the life cycles of bees, dragonflies and grasshoppers, and how people go to the bathroom in a space ship. I've learned about the secret life of microbes and the details of pollination and the hibernation habits of bears and how owls make pellets. I have learned how wind makes weather and how microbes multiply. Just this morning I learned about Antarctica. I'm taken aback by the spark of hope and creativity I am finding in a 20 page book on how sea salt is made. And I'm throughly impressed with all the information that can be packed into a large font publication on bulbs and roots. Thanks to the generosity of several dear friends who sent us boxes of math-focused books, we've even started reading about fractions and basic math, and I am
finding that maybe I have more of a math brain that I originally thought. Children's books leave so much up to the imagination, and maybe that's what I was missing all those years in science classes. After all, when you have less than 20 pages, there is no time to wallow in the minutia of a subject. The authors get straight to the heart of the matter in simple and straight forward sentences. I keep thinking of the well-worn but useful quote from Einstein: “The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple.”So hats off to children's book authors. Anyone who thinks there just simple little books is missing out on what might be the most important thing we can ever come to know. Below is a list of just a few of our favorites, all checked out from the Arkansas public library system. What are you reading this summer? Visit me online at www.boileddownjuice.com or www.tendingthebittersweets.wordpress. com and tell me about your favorite kids books this summer.
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What Are Bulbs and Roots? by Molly Aloian World of Insects series - What is Pollination? by Bobbie Kalman Underground by Denise Fleming (a book about ants) The Frog Scientist by Pamela S. Turner Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Emily Sutton How Does Weather Change? by Jennifer Boothroyd
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ABOUT...the River Valley | Community Commerce
Griffin Electric Heating & Air 2605 S. Knoxville, Russellville, AR (479) 968-8555 | (877) 373-2855 Story and Photos by EMILY LANGFORD
W
hen you think about your family and how much you love them, do you think you love them enough to work around them every single day and still like them? If your answer is no, then the business model found at Griffin Electric Heating & Air would not be your slice of pie. Made up of a husband and wife duo, their son and daughter-in-law are the hands behind this 32-years-strong business are making the model work well. “We opened in 1983 at a location on South Glenwood. At the time, Jay, my husband, had been working for the Corps of Engineers several years as an electrician and decided he wanted to open his own business and we have been going ever since. When he said he wanted to start a business, I really thought he was crazy,” said Nancy Griffin Griffin worked at the phone company downtown until they closed and, following her retirement, decided to work with her husband full-time. “We have been married
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ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
for 51 years, and while he’s in and out most of the day and I’m in the office, without fail, we eat lunch together about every day,” said Griffin When the Griffin’s son, Dennis, graduated from high school, he stayed out of continued education for a year before deciding to attend a vocational school in Ozark. “He flourished there and he is such a hands on learner. When he finished, he came to work with us. His wife, Shannon, joined us fulltime in 1999,” explained Griffin. “It is really neat to be able to work with your family, not many people have that. When our granddaughter, Shelby, was born in 2002, we kept her here until she was old enough to go to daycare. The downside to working with your whole family is that we can never travel together and that has been challenging, ” said Griffin Griffin Electric Heating & Air specializes in electrical work, heat and air, generators sales and service calls. While their hours are not 24/7, special situations can sometimes be accommodated if someone is
ill and needs power, heat or air for medical equipment or their health. “We make it a priority to do quality work and treat our customers the same way we would want to be treated. We have customers who have worked with us from the very beginning,” said Griffin Even with the scorching temperatures our area has seen the past month, your friends at Griffin manage to get everything done in the same day to avoid being backed up the next day, preventing long wait periods for service calls. While the backbone of the business may be family, strong work ethic comes in second. “My husband will be 72 on his next birthday and still works five days a week,” said Griffin. Additionally, their granddaughter has spent her summer helping around the office making copies, mowing the lawn, and doing her most important job, entertaining trusty family pet, Sadie. To learn more about this family owned business and the brands they carry, call them at 479-968-8555. l
Community continued from page 31 The exhibit will continue through the month of August. River Valley Arts Center is open to the public from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m.4 p.m. on Friday. To schedule a group or private tour please call 479-968-2452.
ONE NIGHT ONE CAUSE
The Boys and Girls Christian Home Ministry benefit, One Night One Cause, will be Sept 1 at the Center for the Arts in Russellville. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the concert starting at 6:30. River Valley resident Brad Palmer serves as general manager of BGCH. Since 1899, the Boys and Girls Christian Home Ministry has been responding to the needs of India’s children The original Boys and Girls Christian home began as a boys’ orphanage in Dhond, a small town near Pune, which was founded by American and British missionaries during a terrible famine at the turn of the last century. In 1899, Methodist missionary Albert Norton and his wife, Mary, witnessing the growing number of starving people, and especially orphans, started the Home with $60 and a lot of faith. In 1992, the Home began accepting girls and built a new dormitory for them, becoming the Boys and Girls Christian Home. In the space of a few short years, the Home has grown to house nearly 200 boys and girls. At BGCH, school aged children are housed on campus 10 ½ months out of the year and are provided with daily meals, clothing, medical care, both elementary and secondary educations, birthday and Christmas presents, as well as emotional and spiritual care. For more information about One Night One Cause, contact Sarah Palmer at 9701533 or Brad Palmer at 970-0794. l
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ABOUT...the River Valley | Outdoors
Read more from Johnny at www.aviewfromthebackroads.com
Crawling under a rock
W
hat is it about a big flat rock that just beckons you, or at least me, to flip it over? Maybe it’s because for years -- nope, make that eons — a big flat rock could provide some food for a hungry Homo sapiens. Way back in our history, before we became…civilized, we weren’t so discerning regarding what we put in our mouths. Maybe that lingering thought, passed down through generations that never knew refrigerators and McDonalds, still echoes in our heads. Maybe it’s just curiosity. After all, we humans are insatiably curious. Perhaps wondering what could be under that big rock is what led to the discovery that, by golly, there are vittles underneath there. It’s kind of a chicken or egg thing. Whatever the reason, I am compelled to flip over any descent sized flat rock I see. In the water or high and dry, it doesn’t matter. This compulsion has led to some rather embarrassing moments for my wife, as we might be in the company of other adults who aren’t familiar with her husband’s nerdy-kid behavior. Underneath the rock an alien world teems with life. There are critters here you seldom see in the light of day. They scuttle and crawl as the piercing, blinding sunlight invades the dark dampness of their home. You’d better look fast for some of them. Lizards like to hang out under rocks. Most of the time you’ll find skinks, either the five-lined, broad-headed, or little brown varieties. Sometimes a fence lizard or race-runner will get out of the heat and under the shade of a big rock. You could find a snake. Most are harmless, but be careful. Other venomous critters live under rocks too. Scorpions, centipedes, or maybe a wolf spider will take off as you lift off the cover of their home. Often these 36 ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
Story & Photo by JOHNNY SAIN
creatures will try to get under your shoe if another rock isn’t handy. They’re not trying to get you, they’re just taking cover. Earthworms pull themselves down into the soil and you’ll need to dig in a few inches if you want any fish bait. Some of the slower creatures, the pill bugs or roly polys, and millipedes hurry along at their own definition of fast. Snails and slugs are pretty much at your mercy. The snails have a shell but it’s flimsy protection from humans. The slugs can only count on your humanity, so please, hold the salt. Aquatic rocks hide even more weird creatures. The speedsters of the creek are the darters and madtoms. Sometimes a darter will lay on the bottom, counting on its camouflage to make it invisible and then just as your hand gets close...ZOOM! It’s gone. Madtoms are nothing more than a black blur. They move so fast you’re left wondering if you really saw the tiny inky catfish. The crawdads seem torn in their decision. Sometimes, as the silt settles, you can spy Mr. Pinchers playing it cool. He’s hoping you’ll look past him. Sometimes he’s off like a shot and you’re left scratching your head, wondering which rock he’s under now. Hellgrammites, larvae of the dobsonfly, cling to the rocks. Other animals that have relatives on land are found here, too. Fresh water snails and aquatic sow bugs that look just like roly polys crawl across the wet rocks. You think it’s weird to see a roly poly living under water, but the terrestrial pill bugs are the oddballs. Pill bugs are related to shrimp, crabs and crawdads. They are in fact land-living crustaceans. Little worlds of untold wonder are all around us everywhere just waiting to be discovered. After we lift the cover and revel in the diversity of souls we scarcely knew existed, we rest their refuge just as we found it and life under the rock resumes its pace. l
Little worlds of untold wonder are all around us everywhere just waiting to be discovered.
...continued from page 12 I just crossed my arms and replied, “it’s a new tomato hybrid. I got the seeds out of a new seed catalogue. The plants only produce tomatoes without leaves, less water and faster bearing tomatoes.” My neighbor was very impressed. Looking back, I think I could have sold him ocean front property in Arizona that day. Now Buckwheat had jeopardized my only cash crop. Men of the South, take great pride in their tomatoes. If you were broke you could always sell tomatoes at the local farmer’s market. So I decided to grow them at my sweet mother-in-law’s place. Joyce lived too far away for Buckwheat to visit. Joyce was excited at the thought of fresh tomatoes so I, being the loving son-in-law that I am, gave her a potted tomato plant. I thought it was best to start her off with just one. The next time I went to visit her I checked on the plant and it had an inch of water in the pot. I had told Joyce that tomatoes needed a lot of water but we weren’t growing water lilies. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but the tomato plant struggled so whenever I went to visit Joyce I would take one of my ripe tomatoes and lodge it between the branches on her plant. I carefully changed the location of the tomato each time. The next day Joyce always called so excited, “Otis, you won’t believe it! Got another tomato last night! I sliced it and put in on my BLT sandwich. Delicious!” I continued sneaking tomatoes to her plant that entire summer. The pathetic stalk never even had a bloom. But, thanks to me, she had plenty to harvest. I never told Joyce, just enjoyed her excitement. After Buckwheat’s tomato escapade, he
continued to wear out his welcome. That mischievous little guy wreaked havoc everywhere he went. Buckwheat tried to climb up the side of the barn almost every day. Whatever he didn’t butt with his horns he kicked with his hooves. I don’t think that goats have a memory. If we tried to enjoy a meal out at the picnic table, he would always have to be on top of the table after I repeatedly scolded him. At best, Buckwheat had become extremely annoying. The sultry summer passed and a wet fall led us into December. We were going to have a Chevy Chase Christmas. My goal was to illuminate our end of the mountain. We strung multicolor lights along our barb wire fencing, but we didn’t hang them high enough. Buckwheat ate them. It’s true. Goats will eat anything they can get in their mouths. I knew people in Pope County who ate goats, but Buckwheat was not on our menu. I probably should have bought a nanny goat. We could have produced organic goat milk or cheese. We might have made the
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cover of Organic Homestead magazine. As always, you learn from your mistakes.. Finding a new home for Buckwheat became my obsession. I finally gave him to Martin, a friend of mine that I work with at the Chevy store. Martin was excited to have the infamous Buckwheat, and I was jumping for joy. But at work the next day, Martin rushed up to me, “ Buckwheat got out of his pen on his first night!“ “Well, imagine that,” I thought to myself. Martin said is neighbor’s dog took delight in chasing Buckwheat. The dog wouldn’t stop, so Martin had to shoot the dog. “So sorry. I’m just sick about that,” I replied. Looking back, I should have made Martin sign a disclaimer form when he took Buckwheat. It would have read as follows: Not responsible for eating bushes, small trees, flowers, light bulbs, picnic foods, beverages, climbing up the side of your house or barn, following you into your home or truck, butting small children, and lastly, many a sleepless night. Sign here______________Non Returnable l
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On a Personal Note Education is a Priority Guest Written by Julie Morgan
For the community to grow, be progressive and successful, it takes all entities working together without advocacies, promoting and supporting initiatives, programs and activities that will help achieve common goals and positively impact economic development.
38
This year will be the first in many that I have not started a new academic/school year. The beginning of school is one of my favorite times. Russellville and the River Valley are home to some wonderful school districts and Arkansas Tech University. Most cities in Arkansas have a school district; it is part of the community identity and a source of pride. However, not all communities are home to a college or university. Russellville has been home to Arkansas Tech University since the site was announced (February 10, 1910) and the first classes began on October 26, 1910. The community and university have worked together for over a century. Over the years, this partnership has provided unlimited opportunities not only to Tech students but to the community. Formal and informal partnerships have supported Tech and the community. The partnerships between Tech and the business community, the professional community, civic organizations, area school districts, alumni and friends of the university are constantly developing and strengthening the bond between Tech and the River Valley. The partnerships are critical to the success of the university and the community. If you are reading ABOUT, I assume you have an interest in Russellville and the River Valley. The majority of you are residents of the River Valley and you made a conscious decision to live here. For the community to grow, be progressive and successful, it takes all entities working together without advocacies, promoting and supporting initiatives, programs and activities that will help achieve common goals and positively impact economic development. Key to community success is education. Arkansas Tech, my alma mater, has become the third largest university in the state. Tech’s contributions to the community are many and varied, though not always easily defined or measured. With regard to community, one of the most obvious contributions is the economic impact. The last economic impact study, which was done a few years ago, attributed approximately 20% of the River Valley economy to Arkansas Tech University. Russellville would be a very different city without Tech. I want to personally ask everyone in the River Valley to embrace the green and gold of Tech. Tech is a significant part of Russellville’s identity. The visual support speaks volumes when prospective students and their families visit campus. Numbers alone for move-in weekend,
ABOUT...the River Valley | August 2015
homecoming and graduations generate revenue and provide an opportunity to showcase the River Valley. With the excitement and energy that a new school/ academic year brings, please consider how you can help and support the area school districts and Arkansas Tech University: • Regardless of age or grade, all students need support and encouragement. • Be an advocate and recruiter for Arkansas Tech. • Attend events: athletic, music, theater, lectures, etc. The River Valley is home to some of the strongest programs in the state and region. • Have breakfast, lunch or dinner on campus at Chambers Cafeteria or Baswell Techionery. • Fly a Tech flag—there should be a sea of green and gold throughout the River Valley. • Purchase a Tech license plate at the Revenue Office. • Call Norman Career Center to advertise jobs. • Visit the Tech website to see what is happening on campus (www.atu.edu). • Wear green and gold every Friday—this was proclaimed by then Mayor Bill Eaton and Judge Jim Ed Gibson! • Give financially as you can. Your first responsibility is to your own alma mater. As a very proud alumna (and Witherspoon kid) of Arkansas Polytechnic College (1972) and Arkansas Tech University (1983), I have had the privilege of being on staff at my alma mater and just recently retired. I have a love for Tech, a passion for which I make no apologies! The transformation of Tech, under the leadership of Dr. Robert C. Brown and now Dr. Robin E. Bowen is unsurpassed. Together, Arkansas Tech University and the community can be a leader in the state and provide the best education possible for our students. That education will open doors, create opportunities for a better life and promote economic development. Under the umbrella of education, I have been given 40-plus years of opportunities, experiences and memories. Those include years as a public school music teacher, high school choral director, high school library media specialist, director of alumni relations and assistant to the president at Tech. I owe all of this to Arkansas Tech. Tech has given me much more than I can ever give back. With a new school year, please commit to making education in the River Valley a priority and support it as a priority. Look for more interesting features and tidbits in "On a Personal Note" each month in future issues of ABOUT...the River Valley. You'll find short stories, interesting pieces and other great reads from people you know, or would like to know from around the River Valley.
ABOUT...the River Valley | Engagements
Save the Date!
Calendar listings of engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements on the pages of each issue of ABOUT‌the River Valley are available at no charge. They may be mailed to: ABOUT Magazine, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812 or sent via email to: editor@aboutrvmag.com. (A phone number must be included for verification.)
~ August 1 ~
~ October 15 ~
Lauren Talkington & Alex Pipkin
Breckan Gatlin & Micah Piker
~ August 8 ~
~ October 24 ~
Leanna Morrison & Kevin Watkins Brandy Standridge & Jon Nathan George
Lauren Berdin & Mike Strong Erin Duvall & Bobby Possage
~ August 15 ~
~ November 7 ~
Bailey Craig and Casey Nickleson
Emily Blackard & Clayton Frazier
~ September 5 ~
Mindy Cooper & Derick Echols
LaRaye Anderson & Josh Harris
~ November 14 ~
~ September 6 ~
Ramie Hay & Ethan Domerese
Kelly Langton & Aaron Williams Emily Richison & Drew Pendergraft
~ November 27 ~
~ September 12 ~
Emma Zachary & Thomas Van Hunt
Taylor Harrington & Jackson Jacobs Courtney Jones & Austin Foster Ashley Paxton & Jeremy Nordman
~ September 19 ~
~ January 2 ~ Savannah Callan & Drew Hancock
~ February 13 ~
Bethany Richardson & Jonathan Reasoner
Sloane Roberts & Zach Hocker
~ October 10 ~
~ June 4 ~
Khianna Wilson and Adrin Bentley
Photo by Benita's Photography
Emily Callaway & Alex Enderlin
To have your engagement or wedding published in a future issue of ABOUT Magazine, send your information, photo* and a check for $57.50 to: ABOUT Magazine, PO Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812, or visit visit www.aboutrvmag.com/forms.html. Word count is limited to 225 words. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. For additional information, call (479) 857-6791. *Digital files are accepted and will be published upon receipt of payment.
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39
Heart Stories from Home Jean Harbison | Cardiac Cath Patient
HER HEART PROBLEMS WERE SOLVED RIGHT HERE. All Jean Harbison knew was that she was not feeling her best. Her primary care physician referred her to cardiologist Dai-Yuan Wang. After he performed a few tests, it was determined that Jean’s heart condition was serious. Her arrhythmia was life-threatening. Dr. Wang performed a surgical procedure in Saint Mary’s cardiac cath lab to install a dual pacemaker, correcting Jean’s heart rhythm. “Throughout my treatment, the nurses were great about keeping my friends and family informed of my progress,” Jean said. “Dr. Wang and his team were all very nice. I never had to ask for anything.” Now in her 5th week of cardiac rehabilitation, she is getting stronger every day. Today, Jean has returned to putting her heart into her favorite hobby — solving jigsaw puzzles.
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