ABOUT | August 2010

‘Hold On, Carry On’...ValleyFest 2010

AUGUST 2010

a publication of SILVER PLATTER PRODUCTIONS, INC. $ www.aboutrvmag.com 2.50 Value

Russellville School District Educates, Equips, Empowers Every Child, Every Day

220 W. 10th Street, Russellville, AR 72801 • 479-968-1306 • rsdweb.k12.ar.us

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August 2010

table of

contents

8

20

8 ValleyFest Returns to August The premier festival and fundraiser for The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley, ValleyFest has been moved back to August just as school kids and college students are returning back to school after their summer vacation.

10

A Work of Art, A Labor of Love

14

Living the American Dream

18

Reading from the Same Page

20

Word of Mouth

24

Robert Powell Smith DDS has been fixing the teeth of Johnson County residents for nearly 50 years. His technique must be working, because Smith has treated the mouths of over 9,000 patients over the years, with many third and fourth generation patients.

ABOUT...Food

ABOUTour Cover ValleyFest will return to its August

timeframe. Originally created as a back

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Wonka Takes the Stage

30

Back to School

40

Engagements and Weddings

The music conductor dons his lime green vest and steps forward as the house lights go down. “Willy Wonka” is the culmination of six weeks of rehearsals by the cast, directed by Dr. Ardith Morris, Professor of Speech, Theatre and Journalism at ATU.

Our Associates Melanie Conley

ad ve r tis in g

479.858.2708

Vonna

Marpel

ad ve r tis ing

479.970.4263

yard barbecue and developed into a hugelypopular community festival, the event

should draw an anticipated 20,000 guests

on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20-21, at Old Post Road Park in Russellville. The festival

Tonda

Steve

Bradley

Newby

ad ve r tis in g

ph o to g r a phy

479.970.7659

479.880.1006

includes entertainment, midway rides, games, concessions and two nights of live concerts.

For a list of activities and parking fees, please see ‘ValleyFest 2010’ beginning on page 8.

Cliff

Zimmerman

il l u s tr a to r

l ayo u t/ d e s ig n

479.890.3630

4 | ABOUT...the River Valley

Chris

Thomas

479.264.2438

August 2010

community

Mumert Top Educator Tommy Mumert, assistant professor of journalism at Arkansas Tech University, was named Arkansas journalism educator of the year by the Arkansas Press Association recently. Mumert received his award during a tri-state convention presented by the press associations of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee at Harrah’s Veranda Hotel and Mid-South Convention Center near Tunica, Miss.

A member of the Arkansas Tech faculty since 1989, Mumert teaches courses in news writing, editorial, column and review writing, basic photography and news photography. He is also the advisor for the Arka Tech newspaper staff and for the Society of Professional Journalists chapter at Arkansas Tech.

Mumert served as director of the news bureau at Arkansas Tech from 1989-2007.

He assumed full-time teaching duties in the Department of Speech, Theatre and Journalism in 2007. Prior to joining the Tech faculty, Mumert spent 10 years in the newspaper business. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree from Arkansas State University.

FARMERS MARKET FRESH PRODUCE

Tyson ‘Heritage’ Exhibit Unveiled The August exhibit at the River Valley Arts Center will have historical significance.

Ginnie Tyson has prepared an exhibit called “A Heritage of Art: Women of My Grandmother’s Family,” which includes paintings by her grandmother, Margaret Pearl Howard Wooldridge, accompanied by paintings by Wooldridge’s daughters (one of whom was Tyson’s mother, Searcy Wooldridge Thompson) and others.

Also showing will be paintings by Tyson and by her sister, Barbara Thompson Sengbusch, as well as work by Tyson’s daughters, Gail Tyson Murdoch and Emory Tyson Molitor.

QUALITY MEAT CUT FRESH DAILY BY OUR BUTCHERS!

“This exhibit grew out of my realization of how uncommon this family history might be.

I thought such an exhibit might provide a sort of history of art over a certain period of time.”

Her grandmother was born in Troy, Tenn., in 1873, so the exhibit shows paintings from the late 19th century until present day.

The artist reception opening this exhibit is Sunday, August 1 from 1 until 3 p.m.

Presentation will last during the month of August at the Arts Center, 1001 East B Street, Russellville. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Account Set Up for Alfords A benefit account has been set up at Liberty Bank of Arkansas for Michelle and Joe Alford of Hector, who lost their home and its contents to a fire on Saturday, July 17.

According to the Hector Fire Department, the fire was the result of a faulty electrical outlet in the living room. The family has two small boys and a new baby. Anyone interested in making a donations to this account is encouraged to stop by any Liberty Bank of Arkansas location for details. According to a family member, “Any donations would be greatly appreciated by the family.” n

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 5

ABOUT the River Valley

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. V, Issue 6 – August 2010

OWNERS/EDITOR Nolan and Dianne Edwards editor@aboutrvmag.com

Advertising Sales Melanie Conley

melanie@aboutrvmag.com

Vonna Marpel

vonna@aboutrvmag.com

Tonda Bradley

tonda@aboutrvmag.com

Graphic Design Chris Zimmerman

zimcreative@aboutrvmag.com

Writers Dianna Qualls

food@aboutrvmag.com

Kechia Bentley kechia@aboutrvmag.com

Connie Las Schneider connie@aboutrvmag.com

PhotographY Steve Newby stevenewbyphotography@aboutrvmag.com

Max Slaughter max@maxphotography.net

ILLUSTRATION Cliff Thomas 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.

Subscriptions are available by sending $20 for one-year (10 issues) to: SPPI/ABOUT Magazine P.O. Box 10176 Russellville AR 72812 Material contained in this issue may not be copied or reproduced without written consent. Inquiries may be made by calling (479) 970-6628.

A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

Summer break is about renewal, for the most part. The kids are home from school for a short three months (that is, unless you get the mom’s version of ‘short.’) Lucky families are able to take a vacation away from the rigors of regular routine. Days are longer and those of us who enjoy gardening -- minus the pesky mosquitoes that NEVER seem to leave Arkansas – have extended daylight in which to enjoy the fruits of our labors.

Our loyal readers recall that we take a short hiatus from publishing a regular monthly issue each July (as we do in January) so that we might spend a bit more time with our families. Thanks to those of you who always call to let me know politely that your “July” issue wasn’t in the mail!

And, after that short hiatus, it’s always a bit tough to get the mind back in functioning order. Now, just because we do not publish, don’t think we are idle. We are constantly planning, reviewing and scheduling content for our upcoming issues, so taking a “break” really only means that we’re not in the office during regular business hours!

My personal summer has been filled with family events – our daughter Laura’s wedding in June, we’ve welcomed a new son-in-law into the fold, a planned delayed celebration of my husband and my 30 years together, summer school and work for our daughter Melissa (who also assists her panicked mom when my laptop misbehaves!)

Our daughter Stephanie has filled her “time off” from teaching second grade to prepare her classroom for the upcoming fall semester (along with the help of her hubby.)

Mental preparation is sometimes the best preparation one can enjoy, whether during the summer or throughout the year. As someone who often ‘burns the candles at both ends,” I frequently neglect that personal mental preparation time, moving through the days in reactionary mode. I’ve always been a planner, just never able to move quickly ahead on the planning calendar to accomplish all that I should, or could.

A recent last-minute trip to the roots of my childhood – East Texas – for a luncheon with a dozen of my girlfriends gave me more than a few hours of mental “down” time to think. It’s amazing what 11 hours in a car alone can do for you. I didn’t realize it, but that’s probably the first time in a long time that I’ve had that block of time to spend in reflection and contemplation.

I had received the invitation several weeks in advance, but had decided to skip this summer’s gathering. After all, I had a new issue to finish, wedding flowers and paraphernalia still to pack away, family to attend to and a ‘surprise’ anniversary cruise to prepare for – I had lots of excuses. On Thursday (before the Saturday luncheon) I had emailed everyone expressing my apologies. By Friday night, I was contemplating attending... feeling guilty for not seeing friends I hadn’t been in touch with in 20 years.

At 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning, I was up and dressed, ready to hit the road at 6 for the five and a half hour drive. My plans – get there, have lunch and return the same day.

Crazy? Probably, but I’m so glad that I did. Not only did I get some mental down time on the drive to and fro, but I got to catch up with my girlfriends, many of whom I had known since first grade and most of whom I had lost contact with over the years. We’d all become busy women, going off in all directions. We have among us several teachers, a microbiologist, a phlebotomist, an accomplished accountant, a talented musician and photographer, several librarians, an oil company owner, a parole officer and myself – who my best friend from grade school has labeled a “paparazzi” for posting a less-thanflattering photo of her on Facebook. Ah, the drama queen!

Renewal – isn’t that what summer is all about? Now, let’s welcome the final “dog days” of August and prepare for a fabulous back-to-school!

Office: 417 West Parkway Email: editor@aboutrvmag.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: SPPI, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812.

6 | ABOUT...the River Valley

Dianne Edwards, Editor/Publisher

August 2010

Out and ABOUT “I’m sure you’ll get the point soon.”

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What’s Happening This Month...

“Hey, Doc, what’s with this story ABOUT new advancements in dentistry?”

Talk ABOUT...Advancement Ah, the good old days! Who are we kidding? Our modern conveniences possibly have created a generation of individuals perhaps not quite as tough as our forefathers. (Bring on the air conditioning and the anesthesia!)

Such is true in the advancements of the modern dental practice. While our talented illustrator Cliff Thomas pokes fun at the archaic dentist above – using what “equipment” he had on hand to pull the tooth of an unsuspecting patient – the patient appears to be engrossed in a copy of ABOUT... the River Valley Magazine. Hmm... wouldn’t it have been wonderful if just reading a copy of ABOUT would take your mind off of your worries, if only for a few minutes?

We recently received a note from a new subscriber in Altus. She thanked us for a recent story and expressed August 2010

her appreciation for the manner in which we “informed and entertained” residents of the River Valley. I have to be honest, I never thought of the magazine as a way of “entertaining” folks, but she’s right. We do set out to inform and entertain our readers. We like to share stories of the individuals who make this such a great place to live, work and play – and occasionally poke fun at our fears.

If you are one of our faithful who have been reading complimentary issues of ABOUT...the River Valley Magazine, we’d like to encourage you to subscribe. Save the time and trouble of locating a copy of our regular publication by sending $20 for 10 issues (one-year) to: ABOUT Magazine, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72802.

Have each issue conveniently mailed to your home or office.

An added bonus, you’ll never miss another of Cliff’s cartoons again!

Aug. 1: Ginnie Tyson and Family Exhibit Opening, 1-3 p.m., River Valley Arts Center. 968-2452.

Aug. 2-6: Summer Art Camp, 9-noon; instructors Winston Taylor and Tonya Rhodes. For fees and registration, call 968-2452.

Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: West Side Singles, 6 p.m.; guest speakers, game nights, trips, activities. 205 N. Waco, 968-6565 or 970-4447.

Aug. 4: 2010 River Valley Business Expo, sponsored by the Rsvl. Chamber of Commerce, Tucker Coliseum.

Free admission, retail sales during event. 968-2530.

Aug. 4-5: Animals of Arkansas Camp, ages 8-12; 9-4, Lake Dardanelle State Park. 967-5516.

Aug. 5: Sunset Cinema, Lake Dardanelle State Park.

Free admission, family-friendly. Info: 968-2530.

Aug. 6,7: Dance Party/CW Workshop, 7:30-10:30 p.m., $10 admission, dance lesson followed by open dancing; casual/dressy, reservations required. Call for details. 968-1620, or website: DWJstudio.com.

Aug. 10: Transitions Bereavement Support Group, 10 a.m., Arkansas Hospice, 2405 E. Parkway; second Tuesday of each month. Info: 498-2050.

Aug 12-14: 11th Annual Bargains Galore on 64, 160 miles of antiques, yard sales, sidewalk sales, and flea markets from Fort Smith to Beebe. (888) 568-3552.

Aug. 14: “That 70’s Relay Party!” Relay for Life, 6 to 10 p.m. Lake Point; social hour, dance, silent auction.

Tickets $35 per person. Info: 970-2250.

Aug. 18: Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon, noon, Savanah’s Riverfront Café; info: 229-3328.

Aug. 19: Reach Out 2010 Free Community Event, 5-10 p.m., Downtown Pottsville City Hall; Free concerts.

(479) 886-1141 or findunity.net.

Aug. 20-21: ValleyFest 2010, Old Post Road Park.

Free concerts. Parking: $5 and $10. Armbands: $12 advance, $15 at the park. T-shirts, $15. Info: 968-7819.

Aug. 26: Community Bingo, seniors 55 and older invited; 2-3 p.m. 4th Thurs. of each month; door prizes, grand prize, refreshments; Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood, Russellville; 890-6709. *Unless otherwise indicated, all area codes are 479.

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

ABOUT...the River Valley | 7

Returns to August

V

alleyFest, the premier festival and fundraiser for The Boys and Girls Clubs of favorites -- BBQ, funnel cakes, corn dogs,

hamburgers, hot dogs, squeezed lemonade,

the Arkansas River Valley, has been moved back to August just as school kids and other tempting treats. Parking cost is for and college students are returning back to school after their summer vacation. $5 per vehicle Friday night, $5 per vehicle for

all day Saturday until 5 p.m. then increases

Organizers urge everyone to ‘load up your family and head on out’ Friday and to $10 per vehicle for Saturday night.

Saturday, Aug. 20-21, to Old Post Road Park, Russellville. ValleyFest has been a “Special thanks are expressed to the community festival for the past 21 years.

Last September the preparations for ValleyFest began by organizing a restructuring committee specifically for making some much needed improvements.

“After surveying some of our sponsors and individuals, we concluded that some changes were apparent,” says Cathy Andrasik, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club.

“The most important change was the date.

Three years ago when we made the decision to move the festival to June, it was mainly because we were sure to have cooler weather, but what we experienced were smaller crowds in our midway area,” she recalled.

“This was attributed to June being a time for family vacations, ball games, Arkansas Tech students going home for the summer, and school kids just getting out of school for the summer. Toward the end of August vacations are over, ATU students are back and school kids enjoyed congregating with friends after their summer break.”

“We also realized that we needed to bring more rides to our midway area for all kids to enjoy”, commented Lyle Manning, cochairman of ValleyFest 2010.

8 | ABOUT...the River Valley

“After searching our options, we have contracted with Funland Rogers Brothers Amusements to bring out a full midway and 12 carnival rides including two spectaculars -- more rides than we have ever had in the past.”

Another change that will be well received is that all rides will honor ValleyFest armbands when they are in use.

“Regretfully, we will have to increase armband sales to $12 presale and $15 at the park,” added Manning.

After months of preparation, the ValleyFest committee is excited about the change in date, the new carnival group that will bring more rides than ever before for a total of 12, the performance by the popular band Kansas and much more.

“A lot of time and energy is expended by many community members starting in November to make sure this festival is a top-rate event,” said the organizers.

Throughout the ValleyFest weekend, the committee estimates approximately 20,000 people will attend. The ValleyFest concessions will include some festival

approximately 60 community sponsors that graciously support the Boys and Girls Club with monetary and in-kind donations to put on this event,” say the organizers. Other income from the festival -- concessions sold during the weekend of ValleyFest and midway area, $15.00 T-shirts and patrons paying for parking -- help defray the cost of the entertainment.

ValleyFest sponsors provide everything for the festival and approximately 400 volunteers provide the manpower to present one of the area’s premier festivals.

This year’s entertainment lineup includes Friday night’s “Singletree” and other local bands sponsored by River Valley Radio; Saturday night talent begins with Some Guy Named Robb, On the Verge, Mr. Lucky and the festival headliner, KANSAS. The weekend is filled with family fun for all ages.

Competitive events include softball, tennis, basketball, a 5K run, Tour De Valley bike ride, a Car Show, beach volleyball, horseshoes, a Slam Dunk contest and more.

“We host a BBQ cook off and great BBQ is available at the concession stands,” added Andrasik.

“The committee is excited about the change in date, the new carnival group

August 2010

that will bring more rides, “Kansas taking the main stage Saturday night and so much more, echoed Lannis Nicholson, cochairman of ValleyFest 2010.

“We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and in appreciation of their support, we are excited to announce that our Sponsors recognition party will be held at James and Laurie Biblers’ Trophy room.”

“When you have an event of this importance and magnitude, you have to make sure that your focus remains intact,” stated Nicholson.

“In the early stages of preparing this fund raiser, it was brought to the table as a back yard barbecue and then developed into a Community Festival. This idea of the back yard barbecue was for family involvement with fun and entertainment.”

“Well, we definitely have the fun and entertainment, but we would like to see our sponsors and other supporters utilize a barbecue spot that is provided with their sponsorship, or at a minimal fee, by either competing or choosing to just cook for your employees and their children,” added Nicholson.

“We have a few major sponsors that have been doing this for several years and it has been very successful. It will provide you a place in the shade to simply relax and have a great meal while taking part in the activities of ValleyFest.”

For the second year, a BMX bike show starring the Freestyle Connection BMX Stunt Team, will appear. Shows are 6 and 7 p.m. Friday night show and three shows on Saturday at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

“And, as always, the fishing derby is a huge hit with the kids,” added Andrasik.

ValleyFest has a management team committee that reviews the income and

“A lot of time and energy is expended by many community members starting in November to make sure this festival is a top-rate event.” expenditures very closely to eliminate unnecessary spending and ensure the greatest return to the Boys and Girls Clubs.

The team also strives to create a festival that can be enjoyed by all and that the community can be proud of.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley (Russellville and Dardanelle Units) operate under an annual budget of $580,000. The organization’s two major fundraisers – the John Daly Golf Classic, and ValleyFest – provided 30 percent of their annual budget.

“Our other funds are obtained through grants, foundations, individual and corporate donations, United Way, civic clubs and the city of Dardanelle and Russellville,” said Andrasik.

The Boys and Girls Club provides numerous opportunities to its members. It is open daily after school from 3 until 7 p.m. and during the summer months from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. The clubs offer homework help, individual tutoring (when possible,) arts and crafts classes, computer classes, organized games and leadership development groups.

The also provide drug, alcohol and negative behavior resistance training, life skills, physical recreation, educational activities, and a host of other fun. All of these activities are available to children 6 to 18 who join the club for a $10 bi-annual membership fee.

The Boys and Girls Club operates a youth athletic program that in 2009 involved

more than 1,500 boys and girls. Programs included flag football, girls’ softball – fast and slow pitch, wrestling, basketball, tennis, MAYB tournament and swim team.

Summer activities include summer day camps that operate from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for 10 weeks during the summer. Registration is currently open; contact the club for more information.

The mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley is to enhance the quality of life of its members for today and to provide opportunity for development into productive citizens for tomorrow. To accomplish this mission, the clubs provide services based on principles of a youth development strategy that promotes the health, social, education, vocational, character and leadership development of girls and boys served. The Clubs play a crucial role in helping young people build a sense of self worth, enabling them to envision and achieve productive futures.

The clubs are designed to give girls and boys responsible adult guidance, thereby filling needs frequently not met elsewhere.

By offering, continuous, concerned leadership, the boys and Girls Clubs help youngsters grow into mature, constructive adults, better able to benefit from and meet the responsibilities of life.

For additional information, contact the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley at (479) 968-7819. n

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August 2010

ABOUT...the River Valley | 9

inspiration

Story and photos by Dianne S. Edwards

A Work of Art, A Labor of Love

A

limited “teacher’s budget” caused the creative juices to flow in Dover Primary teacher Suzanne Srader. Struggling with the need to fill a blank wall with colorful images – images that could captivate the mind of a first grader – in her room on the newlyopened wing of Dover Primary School in 2009, Suzanne flipped through page after page of wall banners.

“Most were too expensive, or not the image I was searching for,” said Suzanne.

“I didn’t want my kids to walk into my room on the first day of class and find it boring, and I had this great space above their lockers that I knew I needed to fill with something to inspire their imagination.

“I knew that the new Disney princess movie, “The Frog Prince,” would be released soon, and, since my room is filled with frogs anyway, I wanted something that would capture and hold the attention of the girls and the boys in my classroom.”

10 | ABOUT...the River Valley

“I knew the scene I wanted, a castle, water, a flowing stream... I found a similar scene in an expensive catalogue – it was $300! Way beyond my teacher’s budget,” Suzanne stressed.

“So, I thought of my cousin, Gary Lynn Adkison, a talented artist, and hoped I could twist his arm to do the painting for me.”

Suzanne recounted how many times she had called in favors from her slightly-older cousin, who used to “get stuck babysitting me when I was younger.” Suzanne and Gary are related through their mothers, Sue Humphrey and Opal Adkison.

The cousins are close although Suzanne had moved to and lived in New Mexico for some of her adult life, returning to the River Valley some ten years ago.

So with a plan to call upon Gary’s talented skills as a painter, Suzanne took crayons and paper in hand and began drawing a likeness of what she wanted on her wall hanging.

“It was awful. My mountains looked like triangles, the colors in the rainbow were wrong, but Gary saw the vision of what I wanted,” related Suzanne. “So, with a 4’x12’ painter’s drop cloth that I bought for $9.99 as a canvas and acrylic paints, he began to work.”

Suzanne explains that the wall hanging is much, much more than just a painting.

“It is truly a labor of love,” she explains. Gary, who has experienced two serious car wrecks and suffers from constant pain, had to work on the wall hanging while standing. The sheer size made it necessary to work on the piece while upright.

“He’s a walking miracle, though the pain he suffers daily is enormous,” said Suzanne.

“The fact that he’s here, and still walking, is a miracle.” And yet, Gary describes his art as “relaxing.”

Unlike a regular artist’s canvas and with a definitely different texture, the drop August 2010

“Just to see the smile on the recipient’s face... that’s payment enough for me.” cloth absorbed paint like nothing Gary had encountered before. “It was like a sponge; it soaked up the paint in an unbelievable way,” he recalled.

The banner, which Suzanne uses as a visualization for her students, is the envy of her fellow teachers. Gary quickly adds that this banner was strictly a labor of love for his cousin, “who can be quite persistent” and he’s out of the wall banner business.

She explains: “The banner is like a ‘picture in the mind,’ a scene that I use to get my students thinking about the story-telling, and later during the year, the writing process.”

“We begin with ‘once upon a time, (student’s name) lived in a beautiful castle.

From there, the children begin to weave their story verbally. They learn the way that the structure of a story is written. Then, when they begin to work on their writing, we call upon those story-telling skills as a way of learning structure.”

With the banner complete and hung with the required poster hangers – “it’s a new school, after all, and we are very limited with what we can use on the walls,” Suzanne began creating her ‘learning kingdom’ before last year’s school year began.

A neighboring teacher loaned Suzanne a metal shield and a three-foot knight in armor which had been in her son’s bedroom. Both occupied a location on either side of the “learning kingdom.”

“One of my students turned, observing the banner, and asked me if the water was running,” Suzanne recalled, amused. “To them, and to us, the scene is that life-like.”

Gary, the son of Bob and Opal Adkison of Russellville, grew up in Dardanelle, along with his younger brother Greg who now lives in Little Rock.

“I believe I’ve been drawing as far back as I’m able to recall,” says Gary.

“It wasn’t until around my 4th or 5th grade elementary school years that I became aware that, to a lot of people, drawing things wasn’t developed along with learning to sign your name,” recalled Gary.

He admits his talent is responsible for getting out of a lot of class time while in high school.

“There was always someone who needed a backdrop or a poster, or something that needed my attention,” he chuckled.

Gary graduated from Dardanelle High School and attended Arkansas Tech University following graduation.

As Gary explains his path of life after high school and the early college years at Arkansas Tech, “Life happened,” and he left his original career path.

“I had thought about possibly instructing art, but things didn’t really go that way.”

He later attended ATU as a psychology major and professed his love of learning.

He enjoys studying and researching, and admits to a love of science.

Speaking to Gary’s undeniable talent,

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Suzanne relays a story of Ajax can drawing that Gary did when he was three years old.

“He’d been bugging his mom to do something, so, out of desperation, she plopped him down in front of an Ajax cleaner can and he proceeded to draw. It was perfect, down to the last detail. His mom was astonished but she knew right then and there that Gary had an amazing ability.”

Beside his mom, his aunt Sue, Suzanne’s mother, is also one of Gary’s biggest cheerleaders, declares Suzanne.

Gary’s other ‘cheerleader’ Suzanne reminded him of one of her favorite drawings – charcoal pencil creations of lifelike of Harley Davidson motorcycles. The rendition of a pair that Gary drew for himself and Greg.

“They used to pretend they were racing them, the drawings,” Suzanne added.

“They were amazing.”

Gary admits that any type of vehicle drawings are a favorite theme – he has owned a number of classic mustangs. >>

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 11

“I enjoy any type of classic, hot rod muscle cars, and the like.”

With the subject of cars being broached, Suzanne interjects another family story, a time when Gary, who owned a Ford Pinto, had been “hired” to baby sit her as his “summer job.” After sharing a laugh about something involving “standing and looking out of the sunroof,” the pair quickly moves on to another story.

Before he moved back to Russellville from his former home in Jacksonville, Gary was reminded of the paintings he had done on the walls of his home, which he rented.

“When I moved in, I asked my landlord if I could paint murals on the walls – and volunteered to repaint them once again if I were to move out. She agreed. But, when I moved out, she specifically asked me NOT

12 | ABOUT...the River Valley

to paint over the murals. I think she liked them that much.”

He’s painted satellite dishes and mail boxes, bleached cow skulls and weathered barn wood; he’s sketched beautiful women, painted murals and even painted the detail work on a stock car for a friend.

A recent work included charcoal sketches of airplanes for his father, Bob, who was a pilot during his service days. His creativity also lies in other areas, fashioning an entertainment center from an iron gate and a former picnic table. He created a curtain of sorts out of a barn window with original glass for Suzanne, which he painted with a favorite sunflower motif.

“He has produced his fair share of ‘shock factor art,’ as well,” interjects Suzanne. “But he is capable of doing absolutely anything,” chimes his biggest fan.

Gary said some of his greatest blessings stem from the numerous opportunities he’s been afforded to exchange personal ideas with individuals that he wouldn’t otherwise every rub shoulders with, if it weren’t for a “creative bridge.”

He’s made some amazing friends, “I’ve made a couple of friends who are quite well-off, millionaires, whom I’ve also done some pieces for. I did one as a gift but

the recipient wouldn’t hear of it. I couldn’t believe he wanted to pay me for my work.”

“I don’t necessarily have a favorite medium to work with, but some feel more comfortable than others. If I find a threedimensional object that may be restricted in order to provoke new impressions; I’d say that was most fun and creative for me.”

Gary has held an active life, working in different places as a paramedic, and other jobs, “which almost always ended up being in engineering,” he said. All the while, he continued to call upon his talent for personal enjoyment. But making a living off his art isn’t something that comes easily for the shy and humble artist.

He frequently gives away most of his artwork, attests Suzanne, though she tells him constantly that he should be earning “big bucks” for his work. He has performed commissioned work in the past but his greatest joy is giving a piece that he has created.

“Just to see the smile on the recipient’s face... that’s payment enough for me,” says the unassuming artist.

“I believe we are all here to use what we have. After all, we don’t get to take it with us,” Gary said, flashing a shy, ChuckNorris-like grin. n

August 2010

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 13

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Story by Connie Las-Schneider | Photos Courtesy of Willy Wijaya

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ussellville business owner and entrepreneur, Willy Wijaya, is living the American Dream. The second of four sons born in Indonesia of Chinese decent, Wijaya first set foot on American soil at Paris, Arkansas in 1992 as a 16-year-old exchange student following in the footsteps of his older brother, Terry, who came to Paris as an exchange student two years earlier.

Upon completion of his undergraduate degree at Arkansas Tech, Terry moved back to Indonesia and is a property manager for an island resort owned by his uncle. But unlike his brother, Willy decided to stay in the United States and pursue the American Dream.

Today, Willy Wijaya is a proud United States citizen and successful partner in the Russellville computer consulting company, Advanced Solutions Inc., which provides

14 | ABOUT...the River Valley

“Being born into the United States, citizenship is something we take for granted...” a wide range of technology services and is the only authorized Apple repair service between Little Rock and Fayetteville. Willy and his wife Martha, who were married in March 2008, live in Dover with their German Shepherd Chin-Chin.

Wijaya’s story began in the city of Bandung, Indonesia, (population 5 million) where his parents were merchants.

Chinese Indonesians have a long history of suppression under the ruling parties of the country, initially by the Colonial

Dutch who controlled the country and later by various factions of the Indonesian government. To compound matters, Wijaya’s family was Buddhist as his grandparents were native Chinese, while 90-95% of the country’s population is Muslim. Wijaya converted to Christianity shortly before he moved to America.

Despite the political problems of his native country, moving from a huge metropolitan city to friendly, rural Paris, Arkansas, was a real “culture shock”, said Wijaya.

August 2010

Computers 101 Owning a computer is definitely part of the American Dream, and while we usually love our computers, technological problems can cause lots of headaches.

First, there is the question of which computer or software is best for our needs. While Microsoft/ Windows based computers are best for most business applications, Apple computers with Mac applications are growing in popularity.

Before discussing the difference between computers, more history is needed. Computers in the 1950s and 60s were huge monstrosities with banks of mainframes housed in tightly air-conditioned rooms. Data came in for processing from thousands of hand key-punched cards. Over time, much smaller mainframes were built and eventually the DOSbased PC operating system was introduced, which was still complicated to use. DOS based programs did not have readily accessible graphic programs, so their uses were limited.

To fill the graphics niche, Apple computers unveiled a mouse driven computer in 1983-84 that revolutionized the graphic arts, printing and publishing industry. However, Apples were still not widely used for general applications.

Then, in the late 1990’s, the I-Pod and later the I-Phone and I-Pad were introduced and popularity of Apple computers soared. With its user-friendly Mac based software and low incidence of viruses, Apple has become popular for academic and student use. However, service was still a problem and while there are many authorized service providers for Microsoft/IBM based computers, up until recently, there were “Paris was so small you could walk anywhere. No traffic, no people, and so much open space; it was a little scary at first.”

Fortunately, Wijaya had already been taught to read and write the English language at his native school, but he still lacked conversational skills. Like many other Asian students, he had also been exposed to American culture by listening to American music and television, but

only a few authorized Apple service providers in western AR, one in Little Rock and one in Fayetteville. Fortunately for Apple owners, a third site has opened in Russellville at Advanced Solutions, Inc. Despite Apple’s current popularity, the largest portion of business for a value added reseller like Advanced Solutions (ASI) is still the IBM/Microsoft computer that has programs specifically tailored to small business, construction and medical applications, said ASI owner, Monty Kasselman.

Microsoft based business computers have their own set of problems, such as data protection and recovery, system conversion and implementation and document imaging.

Accounting systems for small business are almost exclusively handled today by a Microsoft client/server application.

In the medical field, which depends on Microsoft technology, “electronic medical records” is the new technology. In fact, the HITECH Act of 2009 was enacted under the federal Stimulus Bill to increase the use of Electronic Health Records by physicians and hospitals.

Within the next 10 years, many companies will go virtually “paperless,” although some paperwork will always be necessary, predicted ASI co-owner, Willy Wijaya.

To be in business today, besides having good working computers, you need an effective website, said Wijaya.

“In the 1980’s a business needed an office to have a presence. Today, in addition to an office, most businesses will need a computer system and a website.” Web site development and management is another ASI specialty.

For further information on ASI and their services, go to www. asitechnology.com.

speaking conversationally took a lot of “courage,” he said.

It also took Wijaya some time to learn how American families relate to each other.

“I like the American way better.

Teenagers are a lot more independent here. I always had to ask permission from my elders for everything. There was a title for every member of the family and it was considered rude to call an older family

member by name. And, of course, the food is totally different.”

As Asian students tend to take education seriously and Wijaya’s schooling in Indonesia was more academically structured, the only classes he needed to graduate from Paris High School were American History and English. Consequently, Wijaya was able to skip a grade and start as a senior although he was technically an incoming junior. >>

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After high school, Wijaya continued his education at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, earning both a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Information Technology.

Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Wijaya was granted a “practical training” Visa for one year and started working for 3W Companies as the IT manager. Wijaya shared an office with the company CFO, Monty Kasselman, and the two forged an invaluable working relationship while implementing the company’s first enterprise-wide network and mission critical job cost accounting software.

The next step was for Wijaya to acquire a H1-B “employment” Visa by proving he had a skill set that was needed in the United States. Additionally, he was required to be “sponsored” through this process by a US-based company, which 3W Companies agreed to do.

“The timing was perfect,” said Kasselman. “It would have been difficult for Willy to do this without the sponsorship of 3W Companies. Fortunately the dot-com business was booming, so he was able to keep his H1-B status for several years.

When Wijaya’s job at 3W was phased out in 2003, he needed to find another

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technology related job. As it turned out, Kasselman had left 3W Companies in 1999 to start Advanced Solutions, Inc. (ASI) andwas able to hire him. Then, after studying the Constitution, American History and other American Civics courses and passing a reading and writing test, Wijaya earned his citizenship in 2006, 14 years after first coming to the U.S. “I am convinced it was Divine Intervention to bring Terry, then Willy and now his brothers here,” said Monty Kasselman, Wijaya’s partner in Advanced Solutions Inc. Just as Wijaya’s big brother once paved the way for him to come to America, Wijaya is now paying his blessings forward and financially supporting his two younger brothers as they complete their American educations. His youngest brother, John, attends ATU and other brother, Kevy, will soon be graduating from Yale.

“I’m glad I can help my brothers. My parents admired this culture and wisely gave us both Chinese and American names to make it easier for us here,” said Wijaya.

The road from student Visa to U.S. citizen is not an easy one.

“Being born into the United States, citizenship is something we take for granted,” said Kasselman.

There are only five ways a foreign national person can legally stay in the United and acquire their Green card, explained Wijaya.

“You can marry a U.S. citizen; get political asylum if you are being repressed by your government; win a Green Card in a lottery where 50,000 visas are issued each year; have an immediate family member already in the U.S. legally sponsor you; or get a U.S.-based company to sponsor you through employment. When Wijaya applied in 1998 for his H1-B card, only 65,000 H1-B visas were available, although 115,000 are available today.

“It was a long road to get here but I’m very proud to be an American!” said Wijaya.

Besides being half owner of Advanced Solutions, Inc, he is also part owner of AmCare Senior Life Partners, a private nonmedical “companion care” service majority owned by Kasselman and his wife, Avona.

Both Advanced Solutions, Inc. and AmCare Senior Life Partners are located in the same building at 220 E. 4th Street, Russellville. n

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Chamberlyne Chamberlyne Restaurant & Bar $10 Annual Membership

Fall Fest, Chili Cookoff Oct. 30 Russellville’s Downtown Historic District will be the site of the 19th Annual Downtown Fall Festival and Chili Cookoff on Saturday, Oct. 30.

In addition to the CASI sanctioned chili cookoff activties of the day include a 5K Run, Tour de Pumpkin Bike Ride, Old Fashioned Pie Contest, Children’s Games, Costume Contest and Parade of Wagons, Omelet Breakfast, Antique, Classic & Custom Car Show, Arts & Crafts, Live Music, Entertainment and Festival Food. Admission to the festival is free.

Since 1992, the Downtown Fall Festival and Chili Cookoff has been a project of Main Street Russellville, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit downtown revitalization, preservation and re-development program.

Seeking Organization to Assist with a Haunted House

Main Street Russellville would like to add a Haunted House to this year’s Downtown Fall Festival and Chili Cookoff on Saturday, Oct. 30. If your organization is interested in assisting with and benefiting from a fun and interactive addition to this established festival, contact Main Street Russellville at 320 W. “C” St., by phone at (479) 967-1437, or email at: msrsvl@centurytel.net.

Lunch Hours: Tue-Fri 11am-2pm Dinner Hours: Thur, Fri & Sat 5:30pm-9:30pm

We have the perfect place to accommodate up to 500 people. Private parties, reunions, weddings or business meetings.

Contact Judy at (479) 495-4120 or (479) 453-9623

Chamberlyne Country Club

Old Fashioned Pie Contest

The Old Fashioned Pie Contest, held in connection with the annual Downtown Fall Fest and Chili Cookoff, will begin at 8 a.m. with judging starting from 10 until noon. Categories include: holiday, cream, sugar free, fruit, youth and other. Contestants must use a standard size disposable pie pan. Copies of the recipe must be submitted with the entry form. Prizes will be awarded in each category including the popular “Aunt Bea” Award.

Competition forms and additional information are available at the Depot and online at mainstreetrussellville.org.

For additional information contact the office of Main Street Russellville, 320 W. ‘C” St., 479-967-1437, msrsvl@centurytel.net.

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 17

family

Reading from the Same Page Story by Kechia Bentley | Photo by Steve Newby

The basics of my ‘life script’ were always the same. Go to college, get married, career, and then children. I have accomplished all those things, although, not as neatly as my original script had called for.

I began college right on time. But, things got a little off track when my dad died right after my freshman year. That really messed up my script. I had to delete the scenes of him walking me down the aisle at my wedding and of him playing golf with my children.

Then I married after my sophomore year of college – that came a few years too early. And, to top it off, I had my first child in September of my senior year of college. That really messed up the plot line of my ‘life script.’ Being a writer has made me a professional at the art of the rewrite. However, keeping up with all the revisions does get complicated sometimes.

The trickiest part of my script is the little bitty daily details: the dialogue between my husband and me. Women, you know what I mean. For instance if I am crying when my husband gets home from work he is suppose to ask, “What’s wrong?” then just listen as I tell him – not offer solutions. I mean really, this script has been around for a long time, why is it he refuses to read it? Or, if I am not speaking to him when he gets home from work, he is not suppose to just think, “oh, well” and go off to the garage and work on the lawn mower. No, he is to ask me over and over again ‘what is wrong,’ and ‘what can I do to make it up to you’ until I finally give in and tell him.

Why oh why can he not read the script? Okay, let me be honest, that last scene, even if I gave him the script for it - that just isn’t going to happen.

This whole “script” thing has actually turned into a point of humor and communication in our family, but it was learned through a very hard - absolutely not in the script - moment of our lives. After the death of our infant son, my husband and I ended up in marriage counseling. Neither one of us had ever even considered a script for this scene in our lives and we were writing it by the seat of our pants every day.

Unfortunately, our scripts had nothing in common and they were tearing us apart. At one point it seemed that it would be easier to write the other person out of the rest of our lives just to survive the grief. We had a two-year-old son so we thought, ‘before we throw the whole storybook away let’s seek some help.’

We all expect those closest to us to know our script. They are supposed to know the perfect thing to say and how to react to our every mood. It is in the script isn’t it? Sure it is, but that script is in our head. Our counselor helped us realize that we each had an idea of what grief should look like and what grief should do. Our problem was our ideas were very different and we weren’t sharing them with each other.

We were asked to not talk to each other but to write to each other instead. We were to tell the other person on paper what our lines were and what their lines were. It was remarkable to see that 18 | ABOUT...the River Valley

we both were feeling the same grief and needing the exact same comfort, we just didn’t know how to say it in a way that the other person could hear it. But when we saw each other’s scripts – what he needed me to say and what I needed him to say - it saved our marriage and healed our broken hearts.

We have taken that lesson with us and used it more or less successfully throughout the years. Now when things are getting tense and communication is going south we say, “You have not read the script!!!”

Let me give you a specific example. I would call my husband during the day while he was at work and say something like, “Please come home. I miss you so much.” I knew he couldn’t come home, but in my script I was just showing him that I was thinking about him. In my script this was suppose to make him feel loved and needed – things we are told are important to men.

Remember I knew he couldn’t actually come home.

However, in his script all he heard was my wife wants me to come home and I have all this work to do. He had written a lot of guilt into his script because he often worked long hours and would miss family events or evening meals. I didn’t know that.

Having to tell me he couldn’t come home only added more guilt.

Our scripts were working against each other. He would start listing all the reasons he couldn’t come home and it would frustrate me. In my script when I said, “I miss you and want you to come home” my husband’s line would read something like this, “Oh honey, if I could I would.”

Problem was he didn’t have a copy of my script. So this phone call that was suppose to make us both feel loved and cherished left us both frustrated and lonely.

That is until, finally one day, I made one of my “miss you” phone calls... and before he got a chance to start in on all the reasons he couldn’t come home I said, ”Now say, ‘if I could, I would. I miss you too.” It was like magic. I had shared the script and now the scene played out the way it was intended. I wish I could say that the next time I called he remembered his lines, but he didn’t. It took a few good dress rehearsals for him to get it right.

So the next time a loved one, friend, or even a stranger reacts in a way you didn’t expect or can’t understand, maybe it is because they just didn’t get a chance to read the script. Go ahead and give them a copy. I promise it will help. n August 2010

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Arkansas Tech Nike active wear available now.

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August 2010

ABOUT...the River Valley | 19

Word of Mouth Story by Connie Las-Schneider | Photos by Max Slaughter & Melanie Conley

An estimated 75% of adults have experienced some degree of dental fear, from mild to severe. A dental phobia forum on the web contains pages and pages of blogs from (mostly) perfectly sane people raging about their fears of dental work. And, no wonder. Pulling teeth was once considered a form of torture.

St. Apollonia, the patron saint of teeth, was martyred in 300 AD after having all her teeth violently extracted. Even Shakespeare mentioned toothaches several times throughout his writings. In Much Ado About Nothing, he wrote, “For there was never yet (a) philosopher who could endure the toothache patiently.”

During Shakespeare’s day, toothaches were believed caused by “worms” that burrowed into teeth or “an excess of humors” or body fluids. Adding to the pain, up until the late 19th century most dentistry was done by “barbers” who specialized in pulling teeth (and cutting hair?), mostly without anesthetics.

First President George Washington was inaugurated with only one tooth left in his mouth. Despite popular myth, his dentures were made of ivory, not wood.

The reason many people are still afraid of dentists today is simply “instinct,” according to a Dental Hygienist on the web, who said mammals don’t generally like to be on their backs in a submissive position. Teeth are close to the brain, so any intrusion into a person’s mouth (hence brain) can be traumatizing, she explained.

Fortunately, dental procedures have come a long way since the “barber” days. During the 20th century, the dental profession began conquering the pain and uncertainty of dental procedures and licensed Dentists became the norm rather than the exception. Although Novacaine was developed in 1905 and has since been replaced by “caine” derivatives for dental work, these anesthetics work well to prevent the pain, if not the fear of injections. Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) has surprisingly been around since the mid 1800’s and is now also used routinely on children and anxious adults to provide general relaxation and a feeling of detachment.

But the best cure for dental fear seems to be trust in your dentist.

20 | ABOUT...the River Valley

August 2010

“You have no idea how scared I am of hurting my patients,” said Robert Powell Smith DDS, who has been fixing the teeth of Johnson County residents for nearly 50 years. His technique must be working, because Smith has treated the mouths of over 9,000 patients over the years, with many third and fourth generation patients.

Talk about word of mouth. On the wall of Smith’s reception room is a plaque presented to him from the “people of Johnson County” for the 40th anniversary of his practice which reads “To the Best of the Best.” Beside it, hangs a framed poem written to him by a grateful patient.

Smith still practices in a 100-plus-yearold building above Teeters drug store across from the Johnson County Courthouse in Clarksville. Although the old building now has a motorized electric stair climber for less agile patients, the upstairs hallway with its dark wood and frosted glass doors and windows, looks much as it must have looked long before Smith went into practice in 1961.

While Smith’s office still has old fashioned glass “cuspidors” to spit into and patients look out on the Courthouse across the street instead of at a high-tech monitor suspended above the dental chair, Smith uses modern high speed air-turbine drills and has diligently kept up with his training.

He was also the first Dentist in Johnson County to use computers.

“I always loved technology,” said the trim and spritely Arkansas native, who still walks two miles per day. “I’ll probably keep practicing until they carry me out feet first. Deceased Dentist William Hunt, who originally enticed Smith to set up practice in Clarksville, died in his office.

Important changes in dentistry have also made a trip to the dentist much less intimidating. Besides better medications, the use of high powered drills and improved teeth cleaning techniques, filling materials like the FDA approved amalgam, a mixture of “silver, other things and a tiny (but safe) bit

Congratulations

to Dr. Powell Smith on a long career and many more years to come. He not only has been invaluable to his patients, but he has been great help to me during my last 25 years in Clarksville.

THANKS PAL!!

– Dr. Stephen Fisher August 2010

of Mercury”, composite fillings and porcelain have vastly improved dental care, said Smith.

Although Smith recommends amalgam for back teeth and composite fillings for front teeth, some Dentist’s want to replace all amalgam fillings with the newer “composite” material. “I don’t think that’s doing my patients any justice. It’s just another way to get into the patient’s pocketbook.”

Gold, once considered the Cadillac of restorative materials, is seldom used today because of the cost. What used to cost $35 an ounce is now $500 per ounce, said Smith. In the early days of his practice, amalgam filling used to cost $3 per surface and an extraction was $4.

“Nothing we get today from food, clothing, housing etc. seems to be worth what we have to pay for it anymore,” said Smith who tries to keep his prices reasonable by today’s standards.

Although Smith no longer does root canals, or works on children, he remembers the days “when people got as excited about getting their driver’s licenses at age 16 as getting dentures at middle age.” Fluoride in the water and fluoride toothpaste has improved dental hygiene immensely, and while some people are now against the use of fluoride, it has been a good thing, he added.

Today, the dental profession has many specialists for specific problems, including Orthodontists (braces,) Periodontists (gums,) Prosthodontists (dentures,) Pedodontists (exclusively children) and Oral Surgeons.

“When I started here there were no specialists in Clarksville or Russellville.

The nearest one was in Ft Smith at the time,” he remembered.

However, the biggest change in dentistry has not been so much the equipment, materials and techniques, but Dental insurance and regulations by OSHA and CDC (Center for Disease Control,) said Smith.

Today, more than 50% of Smith’s patients are covered by insurance or Medicaid and his computer holds information on 285

different dental insurance carriers. Each claim takes a lot of paperwork when done manually, he said. As a testament to Smith’s expertise, he has never had a liability claim filed against him.

From his office windows overlooking the courthouse, Smith has also seen a lot of changes in Johnson County.

“Downtown Clarksville used to be the hub of all activity. Before I-40, Russellville used to be a long way from here. There used to be only two paved roads leading in and out of Clarksville; one was Hwy 64 going east and the other Hwy 64 going west, with the pavement ending at Rogers Ave on the East and Poplar on the west. Located where the Clarksville Light and Power Company now stands, the city had a movie theatre and the Ford Hotel and the county hospital was located on Rogers Street, he explained.

Despite all the changes in the dental profession and the city in general, Smith said, “I still love my work. The people of Johnson County have been awfully good to me and I hope I have been good to them.”

“I know my #1 priority in life is to God, my fellow man and then to myself, but my first love today is my wife.” Smith and his wife, Billie, will be married 57 years at the end of December and have two children, four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. n

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 21

healthcare Saint Mary’s celebrates its newest arrival!

Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center recently celebrated the completion of its Women’s and Children’s area renovation with an open house, which offered guided tours, detailed information and delightful refreshments. Over 100 guests from around the River Valley enjoyed viewing the contemporary re-design and new and upgraded technologies.

The remodel features new furnishings, modern lighting and sleek finishes. It began in October 2009, and includes six Labor/Delivery/ Recovery (LDR) rooms, 13 private rooms, departmental nursing stations, a classroom, Saint Mary’s nursery, and the family waiting room. Specific updates and new technologies include: State-of-the art ultrasound equipment. This technology is smaller than most laptops, allowing it to be used wherever it is needed.

Advanced fetal monitoring systems which provide physicians and nursing staff vital statistics on multiple patients from a central location.

A strobe-guided, remote-controlled birthing room lighting system has also been installed in several LDRs. During the hospital stay, Mom and family can bond with their newest addition in all-private post-partum rooms.

Dad or another guest can room in on a convertible sofa/daybed, and parents, visitors and newborns alike can enjoy relaxing in new glider rockers. These rockers feature a safety mechanism that locks the chair when weight is shifting forward into a standing position.

Parents can also take advantage of newborn-care programming such as “Baby Basics” from Saint Mary’s Patient Channel, on new flat-screen TVs. Newborns at Saint Mary’s now relax and travel within the hospital in beautiful new bassinets, and receive care in a cheerful, newly remodeled nursery.

The “Tele-Nursery” telecommunication program provides Saint

Dr. Rick Harrison, pediatrician with Saint Mary’s and Millard Henry Clinic, with a new patient and the hospital’s new Tele-Nursery equipment.

Mary’s pediatricians and nursery staff immediate audio and visual access to neonatologists and specialists at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

This summer, the hospital will have the leading technology in infant security in place. The BabyMatch system is currently being installed, which will provide nurses with constant, real-time monitoring of each baby’s location.

Patients, family members and guests can now enjoy wireless internet service at Saint Mary’s. This service is free, and can be accessed with most properly configured wireless devices.

delivery and their stay at Saint Mary’s. “We received wonderful care. The doctors and nurses were so kind and supportive, and the facilities are lovely,” she said. “Even the sofa bed in Alyssa’s room was comfortable, much more so than I would have expected!”

Brian is currently back on convoys, traveling across Afghanistan. He is scheduled to return to the U.S. in October. While he and Alyssa are originally from De Queen, the family resides at their home in Clarksville.

Bringing families together: Alyssa and Corporal Brian Butler of Clarksville were recently able to share the birth of new baby girl, Kylie Michelle, via Saint Mary’s wireless internet, the couple’s laptop and Skype webcam. Brian serves with the U.S. Marine Corps and is currently stationed at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan. He and Alyssa learned that she was pregnant in November of last year, just weeks before he was to leave for Camp Pendleton in California for training. They shared their situation with Alyssa’s obstetrician, Dr. Vickie Henderson of Millard Henry Clinic in Russellville. Dr. Henderson worked with the couple, arranging for one ultrasound before Brian left, and another when he was able to come home for a few days in February.

Alyssa asked Dr. Henderson about Skypeing the birth, so that Brian could be a part of the event. Henderson and the nursing management staff of Saint Mary’s Women’s and Children’s unit were all in support, and worked to make sure it would be a success.

As Alyssa’s due date neared, Brian was pulled off of convoys in Afghanistan and stationed back at Camp Leatherneck to await the arrival of his daughter. Alyssa was 22 | ABOUT...the River Valley

admitted to the hospital on July 10, and gave birth to Kylie Michelle later the same day.

“Brian was right there with us, watching through the webcam,” said Alyssa. “He knew exactly what was happening, and knew the moment Kylie arrived. He was able to talk to her, and she just gazed at the computer screen in awe.”

The family was also able to keep in touch during Alyssa and Kylie’s hospital stay.

“She was fussy at one point,” said Alyssa, “and we could barely hear Brian on the computer. He started talking to her, and she calmed right down.”

Alyssa’s mother, Evelyn Helms of De Queen, was with Alyssa and Kylie during the

Dedicated to women’s care: Expectant parents Angela and Dusty Bonds of Russellville were in attendance at the open house, and look forward to the birth of their first child at Saint Mary’s in September. “We enjoyed the tour and the opportunity to learn about some of the new technologies. We’re confident that we will receive the best care available,” said Angela.

The Bonds will get an additional detailed tour of the hospital’s Women’s and Children’s facilities as part of Saint Mary’s Prepared Childbirth class. The class provides information regarding pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum care, and encourages parents to be active August 2010

UAMS, ACH and outlying nurseries. Saint Mary’s is one of only seventeen hospitals in the state currently chosen to participate in the program, which is funded in most part by a grant from UAMS. Dr. Rick Harrison, a pediatrician with Saint Mary’s and Millard Henry Clinic, said the benefits of this program are immeasurable.

He explained that technically, it is now much easier to get a consult or opinion on a newborn’s condition from neonatologists at ACH. Teleconferences are regularly scheduled three days a week, but physicians and nurses have access to the equipment and supporting specialists any time it is needed. “We can share lab and other test results face-to-face, and these specialists can actually visualize the baby here in our nursery,” he said. “It gives us another set of eyes on our infants that experience difficulties.”

Tele-Nursery also allows the pediatricians and nursing staff at Saint Mary’s to stay apprised of new medical research findings.

“Now we know almost immediately if there are new treatments available, or changes in previous recommendations, as opposed to having to wait to read about them in a journal,” said Dr. Harrison. “And we’ll continue to see advantages to having this program that we can’t even anticipate as new situations present themselves.”

participants in the birth experience. “The class has taught us what to expect when we arrive and during our stay, and has helped put us a little more at ease,” Angela said. “It’s been a real benefit.”

Prepared Childbirth is taught by the dedicated nursing staff of the women’s and children’s unit. Call 479-964-5436 or 479-964-9178 for class schedules and registration information.

Dr. Joe Cloud, gynecologic surgeon with Millard Henry Clinic, and Saint Mary’s Medical Chief of staff, considers the hospital’s Women’s and Children’s nursing staff “the real gem of the unit.”

“We are proud of these renovations,” he said, “and to provide these state-of-the-art physical facilities and technologies for our patients and staff. Our facilities are now up to par with our staff, who are second to none. They are capable, competent and compassionate, and provide care that is Expecting? unequaled anywhere in the state.”

Beyond quality in-hospital care, Saint Mary’s provides comprehensive support Saint Mary’s becomes and education to new and growing families Tele-Nursery site: through the goodmoms and goodsiblings Tele-Nursery, a video-based telecom- programs. Parents-, grandparents- and munications system, is a key feature of the siblings-to-be can count on Saint Mary’s Women’s and Children’s area renovation. The to help them every step of the way. Call technology allows physicians and nurses at 479-964-5333 to learn more, and go to Saint Mary’s to communicate in real time with saintmarysregional.com to sign up for the several Arkansas hospitals. weekly goodmoms e-newsletter. Enjoy timely Tele-Nursery is a UAMS and Arkansas health and wellness information specific to Children’s Hospital (ACH) program with the you and your family, and stay up to date on goals of supporting nurseries statewide, programs, seminars, Saint Mary’s Women’s and enhancing communication between and Children’s Services, and more. n

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food

YO! Listen Up T

he following recipes are the remaining entrants from our Recipe Contest in April. Try ‘em you’ll like ’em.

Send us your comments on all our recipe selections, not just this month, but any you may have prepared from past articles, or any you may prepare in the future.

In a nut shell I am asking for reviews. I will work to share any I receive with all our readers.

I am working on a food section to be printed in the future

by Dianna Qualls and I would really like your help. “Family Favorites” send me About the River your family’s favorite recipes and the stories behind them.

Valley Food Editor Our family favorites have evolved through generations and some of these recipes have been given names that only your family recognizes and understands and laughs at. Aunt Ann’s cottage cheese Jello salad that she made and brought to a family reunion, when I was maybe 14 years old, received an obnoxious name from my Uncle Joe and Uncle Kerry. I still make that Jello salad to this day and love it.

The original recipe used pistachio Jello so the salad was green, I use sugar-free orange so the obnoxious name does not really apply but we still use that “Obnoxious Name.”

So share your “Family Favorites” with our family of readers. Send your reviews, recipes, and questions to: food@aboutrvmag.com.

HERBED DEVILED EGG BRUSCHETTA 6 eggs 1 T. freeze dried chives ½ T. dried dill ¼ c. mayonnaise 1 ½ T. Dijon mustard 1 sourdough baguette Olive oil Paprika

Place eggs in single layer in medium and add water to cover eggs by 1 inch. Bring to rapid boil over high heat. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 20 minutes. Drain and place eggs in bowl of ice water until cool enough to handle. Peel eggs under cool running water. Thinly slice eggs and set aside.

In a shallow dish, combine chives, dill, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth. Set aside.

Slice baguette and place on baking sheet. Brush bread with olive oil and place under broiler until golden brown. Remove and let cool.

Spread Dijon mixture on bread and top with sliced eggs. Sprinkle with paprika.

– Brandi Hodge, Dover

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1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 cup butter or margarine 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla 1 tsp butter flavoring 2 1/2 c. flour 1 tsp. soda 1 tsp. cream of tartar Cream sugar and butter. Mix in egg and flavorings. Add dry ingredients together. Blend into creamed mixture thoroughly. Refrigerate at least a couple of hours.

Roll into balls. Flatten slightly. Bake 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Frost with following icing: Buttercream Icing: 1 box powdered sugar (16 oz.)

1 stick butter 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. butter flavoring evaporated milk Melt 1 stick butter. Add confectioners sugar and flavorings. Using a mixer, gradually add sugar along with the evaporated milk until you get the consistency you want.

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DO NOT PREHEAT OVEN! Spray an 8” X 8” pan with spray vegetable oil

3 eggs 2 T. all purpose flour 1/8 tsp salt 1 c. Steel’s vanilla sugar free syrup ¼ c. butter, melted 1 c. pecan pieces ½ c. Splenda

Batter: Mix (in pan or bowl) 1½ c. flour 2 envelopes rapid rise yeast 2/3 c. milk (very warm) 2 T cooking oil ¼ c. sugar ¼ tsp. salt 2 T. melted margarine 1 egg (room temp)

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Beat eggs and salt.

Mix flour and Splenda. Add syrup and mix well. Add butter and pecans, mix.

Pour into crust. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 300 degrees, or until pie is done (you will see a slight crack on top). DO NOT BURN.

–Theresa McPherson, Russellville

Let rise 10 minutes.

Cinnamon Mixture: ¾ c. brown sugar 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon 3 T. soft butter ½ c. chopped nuts (optional) Mix together

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BANANA BREAD

2 c. all-purpose flour 1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 c. brown sugar, packed 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda Spread cinnamon mixture over batter. 1/2 tsp. salt Press into batter with back of spoon. Put 3 extra-ripe bananas into a cold oven. Bake at 350 degree oven 1/2 c. melted margarine (batter will rise while oven is warming). 2 eggs, lightly beaten Bake 25 to 35 minutes until browned and 1 tsp. vanilla firm in the center. Cool 10 minutes then 1 c. semi sweet chocolate chips 1 c. pecans, chopped drizzle on icing.

Icing: 1 c. powdered sugar 1 T. butter – melted 2 T. milk ½ tsp. vanilla (you can use 1/3 of a can of frosting, thinned with milk instead.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixing bowl, stir together flour, cocoa, sugars, baking powder, soda and salt. Puree bananas in a blender to measure 1 1/2 cups. Stir banana puree, melted margarine, eggs and vanilla into dry ingredients. Mix just until blended. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Turn batter into a greased 9x5 loaf pan. Bake for 60 to 65 Cut into squares like brownies. Good minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the cool or great warm. Easy to make and center comes out clean. Remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool before slicing. looks great!

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CINNAMON ROLLS 3-4 medium russet potatoes 4 packets active dry yeast 3/4 c. plus 1 tsp sugar 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted 3 large eggs 2 tsp. salt 9 c. unbleached flour

Peel and quarter potatoes. Boil until soft.

Mash. Reserve 3 cups potato water and let cool until it registers 110 -115 on a candy thermometer. Mix yeast and 1 tsp sugar into potato water.

In large bowl whisk together potatoes, 3/4 cup sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and yeast-potato water. Add flour in 3 cup increments and stir until flour in incorporated. Place dough in large greased bowl. Cover with damp cloth and leave in warm, draft free place until dough doubles in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.

Leaving dough in bowl, punch it until it deflates. It can now be refrigerated until next day.

Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Divide dough in half and roll each half into 1/4 inch thick rectangles.

Spread each half evenly with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar

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mixture. Roll up each rectangle and cut crosswise in 2-inch slices.

Grease 4 9xl3-inch disposable pans.

Place 6 rolls in each pan. Rolls can now be refrigerated until next day. When ready to bake, let rolls rise about 1 hour. Bake at 375 for 18-23 minutes.

To make icing, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in medium bowl. Spread icing on rolls while they are still hot.

– Beth Whitlow, Russellville

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH CUPCAKES

COOKIE DOUGH: 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. sea salt 1/2 c. butter, softened 1/4 c. white sugar 1/2 c. brown sugar 1 egg 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. miniature semisweet chocolate chips

BROWN SUGAR POUND CAKE

BROWN SUGAR CUPCAKES: 3/4 c. (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature ¾ c. light brown sugar 2 large eggs, room temperature 1 1/3 c. all-purpose flour Mix above dry ingredients together. Add: 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 c. oil 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 c. warm water 1/8 tsp. salt 1/2 c. milk Mix well with electric mixer. Add 4 large 1 tsp. vanilla eggs.

Beat for 3 minutes with electric Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and mixer on medium speed. Bake at 350 sea salt; set aside. Beat the butter, white degrees for approximately 1 hour in sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer tube or bundt pan. Cool slightly before in a large bowl until smooth. Add 1 egg and removing from pan. the vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Mix

– Pam Halverson, Russellville in the flour mixture until just incorporated.

1 yellow cake mix 1 3 oz. pkg. of instant vanilla pudding mix 1 c. light brown sugar 1 c. finely chopped nuts (optional)

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Fold in the chocolate chips; mixing just enough to evenly combine. Form the dough into tablespoon-sized balls; place onto a baking sheet, and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat butter on high until soft, about 30 seconds. Add sugar. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beat for 30 seconds after each. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

Measure out milk and vanilla together.

Add about a fourth of the flour to the butter/ sugar mixture and beat to combine. Add about one third the milk/vanilla mixture and beat until combined. Repeat, alternating flour and milk and ending with the flour mixture. Fill cupcake liners about threequarters full of batter, then place previously prepared frozen cookie dough ball on top of batter. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and the cake springs back when lightly touched (Testing by using a toothpick would be insufficient because of the gooey cookie dough in the center).

Frost cookies with Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting. Decorate with mini chocolate chip cookies and mini chocolate chips.

butter, salt, and vanilla, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as necessary. Add milk and continue mixing until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, as necessary. With the mixer running, slowly add remaining 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar, mix until well combined. Mix in the eggless cookie dough.

COOKIE DOUGH BUTTERCREAM FROSTING: 1 3/4 c. confectioner’s sugar 1/2 c. unsalted butter, chilled 1/8 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 T milk

Cream the butter and brown sugar in a small bowl. Add water and vanilla and mix well. Add flour and salt and stir to combine.

Store in refrigerator until ready to use.

– Brandi Hodge, Dover

EGGLESS COOKIE DOUGH 1/4 c. butter, softened 1/4 c. brown sugar, plus 2 T 2 tsp. water 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/2 c. flour 1/4 tsp. salt

Send your suggestions, comments, questions and recipes to: food@ aboutrvmag.com. Correction to recipe in EGGLESS COOKIE DOUGH May 2010 issue: Rosemary and Balsamic (RECIPE BELOW) In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted Focaccia Bread. “In another bowl, add with the paddle attachment, combine the sugar to the remaining 1 ¾ cups warm 1-1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar, unsalted water” not ¾ cups warm water. n

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theatre

D

iscordant notes ring out as the orchestra warms up and tunes their instruments. Although it is not a pleasant sound, it is necessary to make sure that the music is sweet and beautiful at the beginning of the show. The crowd continues to shuffle in and look for that perfect seat.

The seats creak as parents help their children get settled. Excitement and anticipation are palpable in the air. Friends greet each other and talk as they wait for the show to begin.

The lights dim and brighten, signaling the five minute warning. The voices hush as anticipation builds.

The music conductor, Mr. Ken Futterer, Associate Professor of Music at Arkansas Tech University, dons his lime green vest and steps forward into the spotlight as the house lights go down. All eyes and attention are focused on him. He turns to the orchestra, begins to wave his arms, and the first notes of the evening are played as the curtain opens.

Willy Wonka (played by Kane Bradley, a senior vocal music education major at Arkansas Tech University) steps into the spotlight. As fog rolls around him, he begins to sing, “Come with me, and you’ll be, in a

Insulation & Welding

Story by Tonda Bradley Photos Courtesy of River Valley Arts Center

world of pure imagination….” His costume is a bright purple overcoat and top hat with a lime green bow-tie, and a bright orange vest.

Wonka calls for his “oompa loompas,” and over 20 orange-faced, green-haired children from the local community take the stage.

Thus begins the evening of magic as the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center presents the musical “Willy Wonka,” with music and lyrics by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, and book by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy A. McDonald. The musical is based on children’s novel, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl.

The play is the culmination of six weeks of rehearsals by the cast, directed by Dr. Ardith Morris, Professor of Speech, Theatre and Journalism at Arkansas Tech University.

The set is bright, colorful and imaginative.

It was designed by Catherine Martin and constructed by Technical Director, Daniel Stahl, who is also the theatre director at Clarksville High School. He and his crew spent over 100 hours constructing the set.

It was built in Clarksville, moved to the Techionary, and moved again to Witherspoon Auditorium the week of the show.

Special effects such as bubbles, fog, snow, conveyer belts, tinted spotlights and innumerable others add to the ambience of the show. Jason Hann, lighting designer, makes sure that each scene is lit to reflect the mood.

Costumes designed and created by Janet Cook add the visual effect of color and imagination. She and her assistants spent over 140 hours sewing and painting. Altogether, it is an evening that will be remembered for delighting children as well as adults, as the final bow elicits a standing ovation.

Every year, local actors and actresses, young and old, anticipate the summer musical. Try-outs are usually in mid-May and many families come to participate. Missy Hooten and her four daughters, Hannah, Rachel, Sarah, and Rebekah, ages fourteen, eleven, eight, and seven respectively, look forward to the performance every summer.

“When I was growing up”, says Missy, “I had a good friend, Emory, that was involved in theatre. I always wanted to be in theatre, and I loved to sing and dance, but circumstances prevented me from being able to participate.”

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“It was so exciting this year to come to practices and see Emory Tyson Molitar and her daughter, Olivia. It was great to reconnect after so many years, and for our girls to spend time together.”

Hannah and Rebekah say that their favorite part of being involved is meeting new friends. Rachel loves the fact that she gets to spend time with her mom and sisters. She feels that the experience brings them all closer together as a family. Sarah just wants to be a star. She loves theatre, singing and dancing, being in the spotlight, and the hard work.

operator, and her sister, Carling Futterer, a freshman at Arkansas Tech University, was part of the orchestra, playing violin.

This was Daniel Stahl’s 10th year of working with Ardith Morris. This year, Stahl’s wife Sherry, was cast as Mrs. Gloop; his oldest daughter, Avery , age 7, was cast as one of the town’s children, and his youngest daughter, Audrey, age 5, was the youngest oompa loompa.

“I have been working on the summer productions for 10 years, but this is the first year that my wife and daughters were all involved. It was great because my family got to experience the thrill of the theatre with me.”

Families are involved every year because parents know that theatre is a wonderful learning experience for their children. It teaches children about commitment, hard work, team effort, history, self esteem, and time management, to name a few.

“I love sharing my love for theatre with each new generation” states Ardith Morris. She has been involved with directing community summer theatre for the past 18 years.

“Everything I have learned about anything, I’ve used in theatre” she says.

There is so much knowledge required to direct and produce a show. Everything

“Everything I have learned about anything, I’ve used in theatre” Summer theatre is definitely a family affair, and a family-bonding experience.

There were 30 families that were involved in this year’s musical.

Keely Futterer, Assistant Director/Assistant Musical Director, Arkansas Tech University Vocal Performance major, states “It is wonderful having so many families involved. Two families, the Hootens and the Mullins, had all four of their children involved this year. Many of the families return year after year, and a lot of the kids that participated in Annie, two years ago, returned with younger siblings in tow. It’s really fun,” Keely said.

“They become like our family, because we get to watch them grow up. It’s also really great having families participate because many of the moms and dads work behind the scenes wrangling oompas’ and helping with make-up.”

Keely and her family are no strangers to the theatre scene either. She and her family have been doing summer theatre for over 25 years. Her sister, Erin Futterer, a graduate of Arkansas Tech University, was Stage Manager/Prop Designer/Assistant Director.

Her mother, Karen Futterer, Associate Professor, Music Department, Arkansas Tech University, was the FOH sound

Stahl feels that his daughters will carry on the tradition of theatre in his family for years to come.

Julie Jacks Robinson lamented that this was the first year she had done the play without any of her three girls. One of her favorite memories is talking about the rehearsals on the way home in the car with her daughters.

She states that, “Theatre really is a team effort. It takes everyone doing his or her part to make the whole thing work. Each person depends on his/her fellow actor to deliver their lines, because you feed off those with your lines.”

from colors used on the set, to the style of the costumes, to even the mannerisms of the actors/actresses must be correct for the time period it is reflecting. Attention to detail is crucial.

Theatre is a wonderful experience all around, not only for the audience watching, but for the performers as well. Kane Bradley states, “I perform so much better when I know that the audience is enjoying what I’m doing. I don’t want to let them down, so when I know they’re into it, I give it all I’ve got. I love that part. That’s what makes this experience worthwhile.” n

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Back

to school

Arkansas Beauty College is a great place to begin a beautiful and profitable career with unlimited potential. It is also the perfect place to discover that great look for hair and nails, just in time for school. All services are provided to the public under the supervision of State and Department of Education certified instructors. New classes begin each month. For information on services or inquiries, call Barbara Ward, owner. Arkansas Beauty College 109 North Commerce, Downtown, Russellville. (479) 968-3075.

Serving Arkansas Tech University since 1959, the ATU Bookstore provides all your required and optional, USED and NEW textbooks. We are also your one and only provider for all official Tech apparel and gift items. The bookstore also has study guides, reference books, school and office supplies, computer software, huge selection of backpacks, greeting cards, general gifts, Greek wear and so much more. We welcome all of you to visit our store often. Summer Hours through August 13th: Monday thru Friday, 7:30 until 4. Fall Hours: Monday thru Thursday, 7:30 until 4:30 and Friday, 7:30 until 4; The bookstore will also be open on Saturday, Aug. 21st, 9 until 3, Family Day, Sept. 18th from 1 until 5 and Homecoming Day, Oct. 16th from 1 until 5. Located on the campus of Arkansas Tech University in the Young Building, West End; (479) 968-0255.

Bethany’s Design Center cordially invites you to see their biggest selection of home accessories ever. You’ll find the most current styles and colors in wall art, lamps, fabric and rugs at affordable prices. The newest addition is the exquisite gift line for the bride that includes spa items, luxury towels, bamboo sheets, fragrances and home décor. All brides are invited to come in and make a selection. A complimentary gift will be sent to her first shower.

Holiday merchandise will be arriving soon with a fabulous new concept to astonish the most avid Christmas shopper; available by mid-October. If you’re in the market for outstanding window blinds, check out Bethanysdesigncenter.com for the newest styles and window treatments from Hunter Douglas, available from Bethany’s, custom selected and installed. In-home design services are available by request. Located in the City Mall, Russellville, Bethany’s is open Monday through Saturday. Phone: (479) 968-6807.

Kay Larsen, owner of Body Heart & Soul LLC, is a Natural Health Professional, currently working toward her certification. She offers health assessments in order to present each individual client with the most beneficial path in choosing health in daily life. Clients also have the ability to enjoy the benefits of vibration exercise with monthly memberships for the Euro Body Shaper. Some of the many benefits include weight loss, stress reduction, and improved blood circulation. Body Heart & Soul also serves as a gift shop offering Gluten-Free products, handmade soaps, Malaysian essential oil candles, Himalayan salt and salt lamps, massage candles, photography and more. Body Heart & Soul is located at 104 N Denver Ave., Russellville. Call (479) 567-6616 or visit her Facebook page; email: bodyheartnsoul@gmail.com.

Bonds Family Dentistry is celebrating 10 years of service, thank you River Valley for allowing us to serve you! Parents, don’t forget to schedule your children’s check up and cleaning before school starts. Other services include: Bonding, Crowns, Root Canals, Dentures-Bridges, Preventative, Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry. Most insurances are accepted. Bonds Family Dentistry 1919 West Main Street, Russellville (479) 880-2311.

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products

• Personal Care Products

(paraben free) All natural skin creams, fine line repair, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, insect repellant & much more!

121 North Commerce Avenue Russellville, AR 72801 P: 479/968-2456 • F: 479/968-7914 August 2010

C and D Drug Store, a full-service pharmacy located on the corner of B and Commerce Streets in downtown Russellville, has been committed to bringing River Valley residents the very best in courtesy and service. of since 1958. Though their dedication to “courtesy and service” can be traced back to founders Dale Walker and Charles Oates, they are committed to remaining “state of the art” with their pharmacy computer system and compounding equipment. Need a prescription, a gift, a quick bite to eat? Value, sincere, friendly service, free delivery and curbside pickup, coupled with 24-Hour Emergency Service, is one reason customers make C&D Drug Store their hometown pharmacy. Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8:30 until 1 p.m. C& D Drug Store, 121 N. Commerce, Russellville; (479) 968-7914.

Copper Pig, located at City Mall in Russellville, encourages everyone to visit their location for all your back-to-school needs. We have ID holders, back packs, computer cases, lunch boxes, pencil bags, and pencils by Vera Bradley in various styles and colors. We also carry a wide variety of gifts, home décor and accessories. Check out our bridal registry in this month’s issue. We also do custom embroidery items for all your sorority and fraternity needs. (479) 968-5551.

Ewing Tropical Tanning & You-Nique Boutique is your Back to school source for your return to school looking good and feeling great! With the latest technology in Tanning and Sunless Tanning, we have something for everyone. Our Sling Backpacks will be arriving in time for School in amazing fashionable colors and your choice of school colors. New shipment of handbags and wallets are always the favorite for BTS clients. We have hard to find sizes in Silver Jeans and can special order any size we may not have. With your own personalized flip flops you are sure to begin your school year as a Fashion Diva. Let us help you start your new school year, not only looking GOOD but also FEELING Great! Ewing’s is located at 1610 S Arkansas, Russellville, (479) 968-2728, and at Hwy. 7 and 27 in Dover, (479) 331-3256.

Back to School is colorful and fun with Vera Bradley. Gifts on Parkway is the premier retailer in the River Valley for Vera Bradley. We have a large selection of back to school essentials starting with the Laptop Backpack. This little number will keep you organized and comfortable. It features a padded compartment to hold up to a 15” laptop. Also available is the Keepin’ It Together binders, notebooks, file folders, lunch totes, laptop skins, tote bags for your books, Student Agenda and much more. They also have a Razorback section featuring jewelry, thermos, Tervis tumblers that leave no rings on your table, purses, totes and more.

Free gift wrapping. Monday 10 a.m. through Friday 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. Find them at 2149 East Parkway, Russellville (479) 890-6932.

Heart & Soul Christian Bookstore has been serving God and the community for 11 years, now. We are located in the City Mall on Hwy. 7. Heart & Soul has a large selection of Bibles, non-fiction and fiction books, baby gifts, prints, music, DVD’s and more for all ages. Each week we place special orders for our customers at no additional charge. The staff at Heart & Soul will be happy to help you select your next group study. Heart & Soul offers group and church discounts on regularly priced Bibles and books. With the coupon found in this month’s issue of ABOUT MAGAZINE, customers will receive 15% off one in-store item between Aug. 15th and 30th, 2010. (Limit one coupon per household.

Lifeway and church supply items are excluded.) Come in and visit us or call (479) 880-1833. Hours of operation are: Monday-Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 10-5:30.

Hollingsworth Home Entertainment and Appliance carries name-brand appliances including KitchenAid and Whirlpool, and name-brand electronics including Sony, LG and Mitsubishi. We offer special discounts for builders, contractors and remodeling projects. Come by and check us out at 3521 West Main Street, Russellville. (479) 967-4107.

AT BRO’S W O N LKINS WI

NS E M

WO

S N E AND M

COUPON

TAX FREE SHOPPING Bring in this coupon and we will pay the tax for you!

Offer Expires 8-21-10. Only good on casual clothing and footwear.

Must Present Coupon.

815 NORTH ARKANSAS AVE RUSSELLVILLE

(479) 968-4322 August 2010

ABOUT...the River Valley | 31

INTRODUCING HD TECHNOLOGY TURNS UP THE HEAT ON YOUR

OVERALL SUNLESS EXPERIENCE

2 FOR $34

Ewing Tropical Tanning

1610 S. Arkansas, Russellville (479) 968-2728 • www.mystictan.com

Weekend Brunch 11am-4pm Eggs Benedict, Blueberry Ricotta, Pancakes & More Visit us at oaktreebistro.com for weekly specials

1019 N. Arkansas Ave. Russellville

(479) 890-9576

T hank You

River Valley!

Italian Gardens is the perfect place for the family to take a break from those hectic back-to-school preparations. Dine in or carry-out. Feed your family for less than $5 each with a spaghetti, lasagna, manicotti or alfredo feast starting at $19.95. Watching your weight? We offer Lite Menu Items or cool off with a fresh grilled shrimp, grilled chicken or garden salad.

Italian Gardens can feed from one to 500 either at the restaurant or off site through their catering, offering items both on and off the menu. Serving Prime Rib on the weekends and what many declare are the best steaks in town! Lunch specials offered each day plus a new sandwich menu now available. 319 West Main St., Russellville. (479) 967-1707.

Lefler’s, located in City Mall in Russellville, is ‘your Estee Lauder and Clinique source.’ This charming boutique carries Brighton charms, jewelry and sunglasses along with contemporary fashions and popularly sought after jeans such as Joes and Citizen of Humanity. Let our friendly, knowledgeable staff show you our collections of Spanx, Karen Kane, Tribal and Flax Linen. Lefler’s is perfect for all your ‘back-to-school’ shopping! (479) 968-3001 Morgan’s Fashions, situated at Exit 58 at I-40, 116 East Main in Clarksville, is definitely worth the short drive to Clarksville. David and Deanna Morgan have been bringing the latest styles and fashions to the River Valley for over 37 years. They have a wonderful selection of clothing and shoes for men, women and juniors. Just a few of the brands that they carry are Miss Me jeans, tops and dresses; Sinful and Affliction tops, The North Face, Fox, ENRO dress shirts and much more. They have a large selection of jeans featuring Silver jeans, Seven For All Mankind and many other brands. They carry straight leg, boot cut and specialize in XS sizes to extra long lengths.

Morgan’s Fashions offers free alterations on regular price jeans and free gift wrapping. They have a very knowledgeable staff, customer service is their top priority and they make you feel right at home while shopping.

Store hours: Monday thru Friday 9 to 6 and Saturday 9 to 5:30. (479) 7548130.

The Oak Tree Bistro is located on Arkansas Ave. in Russellville.

Set right at the back steps of Arkansas Tech University, the Bistro serves hand roasted coffees from Rosark roasters in Rosebud, roasted weekly to ensure the best cup of coffee or espresso drink possible. We use only the finest products. We are also proud to serve Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes. Our Cannolies are homemade daily. We offer a wide variety of appetizers -- from Brushetta and Hummus to Black Bean Nachos – fresh scones and croissants, fresh salads and wide sandwich selection, flat bread pizzas and paninis and our famous wraps coming in close behind. Open for brunch on Sundays from 11-4 pm, serving Eggs Benedict and other daily brunch specials. Join us for a fresh meal or coffee and deserts anytime. Use our convenient drive through window. Open Mon.Fri. 7 a.m. until 8 p.m., Sat. 8-8; Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It’s all about the customer at Peters Family Living… This family owned and operated Furniture and Appliance store in Historic Downtown Russellville is celebrating its 65th year of servicing Five Generations of Satisfied Customers. With its store operated Appliance Service Department, In-Store Financing, and 30-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee, Peters is on track for the best year since it was established in 1944.

Celebrating 10 Years

Bonds

General Dentistry for the Whole Family

FAMILY DENTISTRY J. Dustin Bonds, D.D.S. Most Insurances Accepted

Card

1919 West Main St., Russellville (479) 880-2311 32 | ABOUT...the River Valley

We offer special discounts for builders, contractors, and remodeling projects!

3521 West Main Street Russellville • 479-967-4107 August 2010

Embellished Jeans by

Miss Me Jeans

August 2010

Straight Leg / Boot Cut Tapered

Sinful & Affliction Tops

Seven for All Mankind

This business is made up of Customer Caring individuals in its Sales, Credit, Delivery, and Service Departments who work as a team focused on taking care of You, The Customer. You will like the way they do business. (479) 968-2929.

Pottery Worx, a subsidiary of Friendship Community Care, offers child friendly, family entertainment. Specializing in paint-your-own pottery!

Everyone is welcome including: Ladies meetings, church events, birthday parties, baby and wedding showers. Let us take care of all the details...we’re here for you.

Located at 320 West B Street, Downtown, Russellville. Monday by appointment only; Open Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. (479) 967-0882.

Quiznos is the perfect pause for the back-to-school munchies – and anytime your family craves a good, healthy meal! Open daily and located at 407 North Arkansas in Russellville’s City Mall. “Quiznos makes a good time even better!” Their current specials include $5 large deli sandwiches, $4 torpedoes and $3 bullets. Round out your meal with a healthy salad or their famous soup and hearty chili. Having a back-to-school gathering?

Quiznos caters any size group. Give them a call at (479) 967-7827.

Rose Drug in Russellville has been professionally filling prescription for 30 years. They are also known for having one-of-a-kind gifts. New to the store is the gourmet food line, The Resident Chef. This consists of soups, rubs, dip mixes and cheese balls. These are very scrumptious and makes entertaining very easy. Come visit their new children’s corner and find a wide variety of specialty items for kids including apparel, baby gifts, toys and more. Rose Drug also has baby registry and bridal registry, lamps, purses, bakeware and linens. Store hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. 3103 West Main Place, Russellville. (479) 968-1323.

If there’s a special event in your future, Russellville’s Historic MissouriPacific Train Depot may be the venue you’ve been looking for. Built in 1916, this local landmark is a beautifully restored public building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Depot is available for a variety of public and private social events and is suitable for wedding receptions, bridal and baby showers, church gatherings, civic group meetings, birthday parties, class and family reunions, fundraisers and corporate functions.

The Depot is a Wi-Fi facility and permanent furnishings and exhibits provide added interest.

East and west end porches, breezeway and deep eaves provide coverage for outdoor gatherings. An attendant is provided. For information and rental rates contact The Depot at 320 W. ‘C’ Street, (479) 967-1437.

Simply Sam is a classic children’s boutique carrying preemie thru size 16 clothing, shoes, bows, bedding, and books. Come visit us today to see our wonderful selection of children’s clothing. We carry the following Kicky Pants, Little Giraffe, Baby Lulu, Eland, Auraluz, Fantasia Too and letop and many more. They are located at #5 Colonial Square in Clarksville. The store opens Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m. and closes Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Saturday at 4 p.m. and Friday at 5 p.m. (479) 754-7010; email: simplysam@centurytel.net.

STUDENT AGENDA

PARKWAY

2149 East Parkway, Russellville • (479)890-6932

You Can Depend On Us! & Maytag Ice2O French Door Refrigerator • 27 cu. ft. capacity - our largest french door refrigerator ever • Store-N-Door system creates more shelf storage space inside • Color LCD touch screen • LED lighting enhances visibility • Measured Fill dispenses water in cups, liters or ounces

201 N. Arkansas Ave Historic Downtown Russellville (479) 968-2929 www.petersfamilyliving.com

SILVER JEANS straight leg & boot cut, for men and women • SINFUL & AFFLICTION for Juniors & Men • FOX for Guys & Gals • MISS ME Tops & Dresses • ENRO Shirts

Morgan’s Fashions

“Where Fashion is a Distinction” Exit 58 • 116 E. Main St. Clarksville • 479.754.8130

ABOUT...the River Valley | 33

BACK 2 SCHOOL in Style! with new fall fashions

Become Our Fan on Facebook!

968-4900

2143 E. Parkway • Russellville

COUPON

$34.50

Dermaplaning & Peel Pedicure & Manicure Shampoo & Blow Dry EXPIRES 8-31-10 COUPON

$45.50

Papaya Peel ~ Hand & Foot Oil Treatment Shampoo & Blow Dry

COUPON

EXPIRES 8-31-10

A Great Place to Begin a Beautiful & Profitable Career with Unlimited Potential!

Grants and Loans Available to Those Who Qualify!

NEW CLASSES BEGIN EACH MONTH! Offering Classes in: Cosmetology, Manicuring, Esthetics and Instructor All Services Provided to the Public under the Supervision of State and Department of Education Certified Instructors.

$70.50

Stone Therapy Facial Inch Loss Body Wrap Shampoo & Blow Dry

Tangles Salon is conveniently located inside the City Mall in Russellville.

Owner and stylist Terra Wilmoth, along with stylists Shelly Tidwell, Michele Brown and Danielle Smith, offer the latest trends and styles for all your hairstyle needs. Let them give you the latest on the greatest way to get an instant tan with Fake Bake spray tan. Ask about our Spray Tan special for $25.00. Tangles Salon also offers body waxing. You can get a relaxing pedicure in our spa pedicure chair. Everything you need to start off the school year in one convenient location! Open Tues. thru Fri. 9 to 5:30; Sat. 9 to 2. (479) 967-0990.

The Other Foot and More, located at 2143 East Parkway Drive in Russellville, is the place to shop if you are looking for the popular TOMS shoes. They have new styles for both men and women just in time for Back to School. TOMS shoes has the One for One program. When you purchase a pair of TOMS shoes, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child that does not have any shoes. The Other Foot and More also carries a variety of purses, apparel and jewelry. When you shop at The Other Foot and More you will see the hottest styles in the shoe market right here in the River Valley.

Come in and check out the new styles for fall. Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; (479) 968-4900.

Vintage Books, located at 602 East Parkway in Russellville, has seven rooms of quality used books, at surprisingly low prices. See hundreds of children’s books that qualify for those AR points your young reader is required to attain in school; with an average price $2 each. Find something for that young reader’s younger siblings too, with picture books and board books averaging $3 each. Treat yourself, best sellers start at $3 each! Check out the cookbooks, history, hunting and fishing books, and classics while you are there.

Find the dollar table, for unexpected bargains. Mention ABOUT Magazine -- for 20% off during the month of August!

Scrapbook Panache is located at 407 North Arkansas in the City Mall, Russellville. “We are celebrating our first year anniversary,” says owner Harriet Thone. “We carry Cricket and Slice products and specialize in scrapbook classes. Our classes are scheduled throughout the month. We cater classes to children and adults and offer specialized school papers for area schools. Check with the store for details. For information on hours, classes and products, Scrapbook Panache may be reached at (479) 967-3010.

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) is a two-year, state-supported institution offering a com­prehensive curriculum of university-transfer and career-specific training programs as well as adult education, workforce education and community outreach programs. UACCM offers associate degrees for university transfer with plans of study available in business, com­puter information science, general education, health professions, surveying, and teaching. Associate of applied science degrees, technical certificates and certificates of pro­ficiency are offered in accounting, air conditioning heating and refrigeration technology, automotive collision

EXPIRES 8-31-10

Cuts ~ Styles ~ Perms Colors ~ Extensions Braids ~ Facials Ear Piercings Mannies ~ Peddies Hot & Cold Stone Facials ~ Back Facials Body Wraps Manicures, Pedicures and Dermaplaning.

Beauty ARKANSAS COLLEGE

Barbara Ward, Owner 27 Years Tuesday thru Saturday 8:00 to 4:00

109 N. Commerce (Downtown Russellville)

(479) 968-3075

34 | ABOUT...the River Valley

Rose Drug Since 1984

Visit our New Children’s Corner Baby Registry

Bridal Registry

One Of A Kind Gifts

“Professional Prescription Service for over 30 Years in the Arkansas River Valley” Mike Smith & Gary Denton, Owners 3103 W Main Place, Russellville AR

~

FREE ERY DELIV

(479) 968-1323

www.rosedrug.com

August 2010

repair technology, automotive technology, busi­ness office technology, computer information systems technology, dietary management, drafting, early childhood development, emergency medi­cal technology, graphic design, nurs­ing assisting, petroleum technology, practical nursing, registered nursing, retail marketing, surveying and pipe and structural welding.

WesleyAtWesley: There once was a group of people who looked around their world and looked within themselves and came to a dramatic conclusion. “We can do better.”

They began to “rethink church” and everything surrounding it. What if church is less about Sunday and more about the other days of the week? What if we abandoned all that drags us down, took a fresh look at the Way of Jesus and then began a new dance?

How can we rethink church as more of an out-of-building 365-days-a-year experience, where anyone seeking may find a spiritual journey they can call their own? And, what if we invited the world to come? What if we rethink church, not in terms of what it is, but rather what it could be? And what would happen if you joined us? We’d love to find out.

Wesley@Wesley. 1111 North El Paso, Russellville; (479) 968-1860.

Hunt no further than 816 North Arkansas Avenue in Russellville and you’ll find Wilkins Brothers Outdoors, the largest full service sporting goods store in the Arkansas River Valley. “At Wilkins Brother’s Outdoors we are not only your one-stop shop for all of your outdoor needs, but we are also your one-stop shop for your footwear and clothing needs. With many brands to choose from like Silver, Royal Robbins and many more arriving weekly, we have what you need to get back to school. We have the largest selection of Merrell, Teva, and Simple Shoes in the River Valley. Stop by and see us for all of your shopping needs!” Help you on your next adventure. Open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (479) 968-4322.

Buy 1 Dinner Get One ½ Price (Limit to Dinner Menu Item $10 or less item)

A Local Landmark for Your Special Events

COUPON • EXPIRES 9/30/10

A unique venue for Reunions, Birthdays, Showers, Church Gatherings, Civic Groups & Business Functions

Historic Russellville Depot

Daily Lunch Specials Catering Party Reservations Featuring Local Artists: Boyd Osborne & Angela Anderson

320 W. “C” Street Downtown Russellville, AR 479.967.1437 for Reservations msrsvl@centurytel.net www.mainstreetrussellville.com

child friendly family entertainment specializing in paint-your-own pottery!

Let us take care of all the details...We’re here for you!

Ladies Meetings • Church Events Birthday Parties • Baby & Wedding Showers

320 West “B” Street Russellville, AR 72801 August 2010

479-967-0882 Hours: Mon BY APPT. ONLY Tue-Sat 10am-6pm A subsidiary of Friendship Community Care, Inc.

319 West Main st ~ Russellville

479-967-1707

ABOUT...the River Valley | 35

Get in the ‘Game’ Expo Aug. 4th Before the back-to-school rush hits, take time to visit the Seventh Annual River Valley Business Expo, one of the largest expos in Arkansas. The event will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 4, in Tucker Coliseum on the campus of Arkansas Tech University. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. Admission to the expo is free and open to the public. The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce is producing the event.

The business expo gives businesses the opportunity to showcase and SELL their products and services to a captive audience.

The Expo Preview, held the evening before the public event on Wednesday, is a special-invitation-only Chamber

and Exhibitor networking event where businesses are given the opportunity to meet and exchange business information and leads. Expo Preview will be held on the trade show floor Tuesday, August 3, 2010.

Tickets will not be available at the door.

Vendors using the “Get in the Game” theme will be eligible for a Best Booth Award which will receive a complimentary booth in the 2011 River Valley Business Expo. All exhibitors are required to provide a door prize of $25 or higher in value to be given out periodically during the day.

Other door prize drawings may be held by individual merchants.

Exhibit space was open to the public and available on a first-come basis. Both Chamber members and non-members

are eligible to participate in future business expos.

For additional information on the 2010 River Valley Business Expo, please call the Chamber at (479) 968-2530 or stop by their offices at 708 West Main St., Russellville.

Body Heart & Soul

Children’s Clothing for

Back-2-School

simply sam a classic children’s

boutique

Arriving Daily!

Kicky Pants • Little Giraffe Baby Lulu • ELand (for boys & girls) Auraluz • Fantasia Too • letop (sizes infant thru 16)

Sam Parker, Owner

#5 Colonial Square, Clarksville, AR ~ 479-754-7010

located at 104 N Denver Ave (one block from the Train Depot and next to Opal Mae's.)

Many gift ideas including natural hand-made soaps with essential oils, Himalayan Salt products/gifts, Candles from Malaysia, Photography & more.

Also, the ultimate 10-minute workout on the Euro Body Shaper.

FREE GIFT WITH THIS AD! Call 479-567-6616

proudly serving your community for almost

YEARS

Enjoy the benefits of a small, relaxed campus setting at a location close to home. UACCM makes education affordable, accessible, and convenient.

Occupational-Specific and College-Transfer Degrees Workforce Training Non-Credit Community Education Courses Adult Education Program

36 | ABOUT...the River Valley

August 2010

2010 Expo Exhibitors

Arvest Bank, CenturyLink, The Bug Man, Russellville Adult Education Center, Alpha Countertops, Inc., River Valley Chiropractors, American Cancer Society, St. John’s Catholic School, Wight Office Machines, Inc., Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Sprint, Coldwell Banker/James R Ford & Assoc., Exxon Tiger Mart, Ozark Conference Center, Cowell Steel Structures, Inc., Russellville Lions Club, Wilkins Bros. Outdoors, Coulter Physical Therapy, Russellville Christian Center, Window World, APEX Communications, The Salvation Army, ABC Block & Brick, Simmons First Bank, ClickRiverValley.com, U of A Community College at Morrilton, Service Plus Telecommunications, Inc., River Valley United Way, Lowe’s, Suddenlink, Chartwells, Hope Center The, Beacon Tire, Home Instead Senior Care, Pope County Democrats, Arkansas Insurance Department/ Consumer Services, Southwind Animal Hospital, AAA Fire Safety, Diamond International of Russellville, Wildflower, FCS Home Mortgage/ Farm Credit Services, AmCare, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Russellville Cleaning Systems, Liberty Bank of Arkansas, Arkansas Workforce Center, Bird’s Hospitality, Teen Challenge, Wells Fargo Advisors, NEW Corp., Pope County Republican Committee, Downey Publishing, La Quinta Inn & Suites, C & D Drug Store, Arkansas Hospice, Lee Ann’s Fine Jewelry, Second Baptist Church, Fleet Tire & Retreading, D Sound, Entergy - Arkansas Nuclear One, Care IV Home Health, The Dog House, Inc., Express Employment Professionals, Arkansas Secretary of State, Frontier Steel Co. Inc., TEC Staffing Service, Gary’s Sharpening, Waste Management, Pro-Power Midsouth Inc., River Valley Alarm and Satellite Systems, MARVA Workshop, The Courier, ATU - Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, Arkansas Tech University, River Valley Equipment Sales, River Valley Log a Load for Kids, Home Theater Store/ Car Stereo Express, AT&T, United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas, Telcoe Federal Credit Union, Morning Star, Central Arkansas Surgical Center, River Valley Vacuums, Equestrian Zone, McAlister Deli, TDS River Valley Xerox, and Verizon Wireless.

August 2010

ARKANSAS TECH

BOOKSTORE

209 West O St. • Russellville, AR

479-968-0255 bookstore.atu.edu

15% OFF

Large Selection of young reader books on Accelerated Reader list just in time for school!

UNBEATABLY LOW PRICES! Quality Classics for ATU Required Reading List BUY SELL OR TRADE 602 E. Parkway, Russellville, AR 72801 (479) 880-2152 • vintagebooks@centurytel.net

ABOUT...the River Valley | 37

SHOP

City Mall for

Back to school

1 Year Anniversary Sale!

• Specialized School Papers • Cricket & Slice Products Available • Classes for Children & Adults

Convenient Parking Centrally Located Great Savings & Selection

GIFT FOR YOU

Your Free Gift with any Estée Lauder purchase of $29.50 or more. Worth over $80.00.

Heading back to

SCHOOL?

MORE GIFTS

Begins August 1

Offer good while supplies last.

Quantities limited. One of each gift to a customer, please.

479-968-3001

Tangles Salon "Let our professional stylists make your hair as cute as ours."

City Mall • (479) 967-3010

Add 4 super-shiny High Gloss shades with $55 Purchase

City Mall Russellville

Trendy Style Back t for s o Scho ol

TAKE US WITH YOU THIS SCHOOL YEAR

VERA BRADLEY starting at $10.00 Backpacks • Lunch Bags Pencil Bags • Pencils Computer Bags

of

Clarksville

CITY MALL, RUSSELLVILLE • 968-5551

A New Kind of Bridal Registry Gifts for the most distinguished Bride and Groom

Luxury Towels • Fragrances • Fire Lites Bamboo Sheets • Light Gardens Unique Home Accessories • Spa Items The Bride will receive a Free Gift at 1st Shower, compliments of Bethany’s

Bethany’s Design Center

Inside City Mall, Russellville • 967-0990

in the City Mall on Hwy. 7 Celebrates 11 years of Business!

(479) 880-1833 Thank you for your business!

Bring in this coupon and receive 15% off one in-store item between Aug. 15th-30th. (Limit 1 coupon per household. LifeWay & church supply items excluded.)

38 | ABOUT...the River Valley

407 North Arkansas, Russellville • 968-6807 www.bethanysdesigncenter.com

5-4-3

$5 large deli sandwiches $4 torpedoes • $3 bullets

Quiznos makes a good time even better!

407 N. Arkansas ~ City Mall ~ 967-7827 August 2010

organizations

Symphony Officers, Brunch Members and guests of the Russellville Symphony Guild enjoyed a membership brunch at the home of Gretchen Douthit.

New officers and board members were introduced along with Philip Mann, music director and conductor of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and Christina Littlejohn, executive director of the ASO. Officers for the 2010-11 year include (as pictured): Betty Snellings, historian; Rita Goodman, secretary; Judy Murphy, treasurer; Elizabeth Stinnett, president, Linda Rush, vice president, and Mary Clark, publicity (not pictured.)

New board members include: Ann Squyres, Jan Hill, Doris Lawrence and Nancy Shaw.

LOG A LOAD FOR KIDS The River Valley Log A Load for Kids invite the public to the 2010 Fish Fry Fundraiser to be held at the L.V. Williamson Boys and Girls Club in Russellville from 4 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on September 11 th. The LV Williamson Boys and Girls Club is located at 600 East 16 th Street.

Since the program began in 1993, loggers and members of the forestry community have demonstrated their commitment to Arkansas’s Children by raising almost $5 million for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital at events throughout the state. The program is sponsored by the Arkansas Forestry Association in cooperation with the Arkansas Timber Producers Association.

Miss Arkansas USA 2010, Adrielle Churchill, will be participating in this important fund raising effort for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital on Sept. 11th at the Boys and Girls Club in Russellville.

Miss Churchill will be giving autographs and photo opportunities for everyone attending. Miss Churchill is a big supporter of ACH and has volunteered with them on numerous occasions, and she is actively involved with her family’s Tree Farm at Dover, AR. Adrielle is an accomplished speaker and writer and will be speaking during the event.

In 2001, the Log A Load For Kids committee pledged $1.5 million to support the hospital’s Angel One helicopter program. In 2004, the group pledged $1 million to support the Imaging/MRI program. In 2008, the committee pledged $2 million over the next five years to fund a Trauma Unit in a planned expansion of Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s Emergency Department.

ACH Director of Emergency Services Dr. Steve Shirm said “Injury is the most serious health problem for children of Arkansas, it is the leading cause of death in people ages one through 34, and Arkansas leads the nation in motor vehicle injury death, burn death and traumatic brain injury.”

The River Valley “Log A Load For Kids” event will begin with the doors open at 4pm to view auction items followed by the fish fry, guest speakers, live and silent auctions and results from the raffle items. Last Year we rose over $81,000 for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

For additional information, contact Kevin Tuckfield, event chairman, at (501) 354-2461 or Allen Farley at (501) 3542461 or email at: afarley@gbp.com for tickets and information. n

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 11 Year Study- If our healthcare workers had a BMI ♥ greater than 40 - they had an 11 time higher incidence ♥ of workers’ comp injuries and/or catastrophic ♥ disease processes.... - Duke University ♥ ♥ This Is A New Year For A New You! ♥ The Key to reducing high healthcare costs is ♥ wellness and prevention. We can Help. ♥ ♥ Call 890-9355 for appointment! ♥ N. Phoenix Wellness Consulting Services, Inc. ♥ Jacky F. Dunn, D.O. • 1650 West C Place ~ Russellville ♥ ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ West Main

WHAT IS YOUR BMI?

August 2010

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 39

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.)

–August 7–

–September 25–

Karla Beeson and C.J. Foley Hannah McCormick and Scott Grubb

Jenna Estes and Josh Rogers

–October 2–

–August 9–

Kayla Avery and Zachary Lynch

Shavon Davis and Jon Howard

–October 10–

Kristin Carr and Aaron Squyers

–August 14–

Sarah Melton and Bradley Stewart

–October 16–

–August 19–

Mary Lonon and Grant Harkreader

Kalie Knight and Chance Wright Katie Souto and Joe Davidson

–August 21–

– Fall wedding (TBA) –

Melissa Northcott and Noah Verwiebe

Ashley Driver and Robert Younger

–August 28–

– November (TBA) – Hannah Steffy and Robert Pruitt

Victoria Landes and Neil Golden Lindsay Langdon and Blaine Sims Crystal Miller and Ian Goodman Kelli Page Morris and Tom Brawley

– December 3–

Dakota Dorney and Matthew Cates

– January 8–

–September 5–

Melissa Delgado and Justin Singleton

Ashley Graham and Brad Donaldson

– May 7–

–September 18–

Jilliann Jacimore and Matt Johnston

Garyn Burton and Sam Hugen Katie Magness and James Austin

Registry listings courtesy of Gifts on Parkway/Gifts on Rogers, Millyn’s of Dardanelle, Copper Pig - Russellville and Bethany’s Design Center

RIVER VALLEY FOOTBALL 99.3

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WE’VE GOT ‘EM ALL! 40 | ABOUT...the River Valley

August 2010

Estes, Rogers to Wed

Page-Morris, Brawley to Wed Page Patrick Morris of Russellville, and Zachary Thomas Brawley of Greenbrier, announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their parents, Kelli Page Morris and Tommy Joe Brawley.

Kelli is the daughter of Patti and Bert Page Jr. of Russellville. The Bride elect is a Delta Airlines, International Flight Attendant. She has been based in Dallas and Atlanta for the past 18 years.

Tom is the son of Barbara and the late Thomas Brawley of Greers Ferry. The prospective groom is owner and President of VRV, inc. of Conway. He designs and builds eco-friendly recreational vehicles.

The wedding will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, at Westside Church of Christ in Russellville. A continental breakfast and cake cutting reception will precede the ceremony at 9 a.m. Friends and family are invited to attend.

Following the marriage, the family will reside in Greenbrier.

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. Word count is limited to 225 words. Deadline is

the 15th of the month preceding publication.

For additional information, call (479) 970-

6628. *Digital files are accepted and will be published upon receipt of payment.

August 2010

Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Payne of Little Rock and Mr. and Mrs. David Estes of Heber Springs announce the engagement and forthcoming wedding of their daughter, Jenna Nicole Estes to Joshua Stephen Rogers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rogers of Russellville.

Miss Estes is the granddaughter of Mrs. Norma Gammill of Cave City and the late Oal Gammill and Mr. and Mrs. John Estes of Poughkeepsie.

The bride-elect is a 2002 graduate of Lonoke High School, 2006 Graduate of University of Arkansas and has been accepted to Graduate School at Harding University in the Speech – Language Pathology Program.

Mr. Rogers is the grandson of Mrs. May Lee Pierce of Grapevine, the late M.C. Red Pierce and Mrs. Louise G Rogers of Hot Springs Village, and the late W.A. Rogers.

The prospective groom is a 2002 Graduate of Russellville High School and a 2006 Graduate of Arkansas Tech University. He is currently employed with ADEM and is owner of JSR Consulting Firm.

The wedding will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, at Saint James United Methodist Church in Little Rock. A reception will follow at Pleasant Valley Country Club, Little Rock. Invitations will be sent.

Following their marriage, the couple will make their home in Benton.

Edwards, Melton Marry Laura Elizabeth Edwards and John Daniel Melton, both of Cabot, were married Saturday, June 26, 2010, at First Baptist Church in Cabot. Pastor Greg Hooper officiated the afternoon ceremony.

Laura is the daughter of Nolan and Dianne Edwards of Russellville. She is the granddaughter of Sue Siler of Russellville, the late Harold Richard Siler, and Robert and Virginia Edwards of Dardanelle.

Daniel is the son of Don and Marla Melton of Cabot. He is the grandson of Betty Acree Johnson of Cabot, the late Ralph Acree, and James and Sue Melton of North Little Rock.

Melissa Edwards and Stephanie Lane, sisters of the brides, served as Maid and Matron of Honor. Bridesmaids included Joanna Hanna, sister of the groom; Candace Salmon, Karyn Collie,and Laura Gentry, friends of the bride. Kindsay and Eric Bennett, Jr., cousins of the brides, were Flower Girl and Ring Bearer.

Don Melton, father of the groom, served as Best Man. Groomsmen included, Jesse Lane, brother-in-law of the bride; Johnathon Melton and Jamie Acree, cousins of the groom; Scott Salmon, friend of the groom, and Ryan Miller, friend of the bride.

A reception followed in the church’s fellowship hall before the couple departed for a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico.

They live in Cabot where she is employed by Lonoke Public Schools and teaches Spanish. Daniel works as assistant produce manager for The Kroger Company in Cabot.

ABOUT...the River Valley | 41

Tech Travel Visits Imperial Cities Nearly two dozen excited travelers set out in early June for a 10-day tour of the Imperial Cities of Central Europe. Described as a ‘cultural tour of a lifetime,’ the group arrived in Budapest, Hungary, following an overnight flight originating in Little Rock.

Highlights included a visit to a typical Puszta horse farm for a spectacular Hungarian horse show, and views of the St. Vitus Cathedral and the lovely statuelined Charles Bridge while on a tour of the “Golden City” of Prague. Also included, among numerous visits of popular and scenic sites, was a tour of the amazing Schonbrunn Palace and the amazing gothic St. Stephan’s Cathedral in the Austrian capital of Vienna.

Near the end of the tour, the group witnessed a performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634 when, during the 30 Year War, the village was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, they vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ.

“The Oberammergau (Germany) Passion Play was the most inspirational Christian event that I have ever attended. I enjoyed the whole trip immensely,” said Dana Moseley, 42 | ABOUT...the River Valley

director of the ATU Office of Gift Planning and travel coordinator for Tech Travel.

“We were very impressed on how smoothly everything went on the trip. There were places to see and thins scheduled every day of the tour that we enjoyed very much,” said Alfred and Shirl`ey Hartman of Russellville.

“All of the hotels were very nice and the food everywhere was especially fabulous!”

“Tech Travel and Collette Travel took very good care of us in every way. The tour director did a good job informing us of the history of the cities we visited,” said Joy Miller of Russellville. “Of course, the Passion Play in Oberammergau was the highlight for me. The commitment and dedication of the people in that little village to portray the life of Jesus Christ is very impressive.”

She continued: “Traveling with Tech is a wonderful way to travel, meeting new friends -- all the arrangements are taken care of. All you have to do is pack and get on the plane. I’m ready to go again!”

Anyone interested in traveling with the group, which is not restricted to ATU Alumni, is urged to contact Dana Moseley or Phyllis Stone at (479) 964-0532. Upcoming trips to Sicily, London, Paris, the Northern National Parks and Spain are being planned. n

TECH TRAVEL

DISCOVER SICILY: Nov. 3, 2010. (9-Day Tour)

A wonderful climate, spectacular landscapes, historic town, charming vilages and the finest archaeological sites in Europe. A single hotel stay in Catania. Enjoy Taormina, Mt. Etna, a winery tour,cooking demo, villa Casale and more.

NEW ENGLAND YULETIDE TREASURES:

Nov. 30, 2010 (6-Day Tour) Festive journey begins in Newport, R.I., the yachting capital of the East. Travel breathtaking Ocean Drive enroute to famous Bellevue Ave., especially beautiful through the holiday. View Newport Mansions decorated for bygone days. Travel to N. Conway, N.H., Kittery Outlets, M.E., and Boston. Explore historical sites with warm holiday glow -- from quiet back roads to timeless towns.

CAROLING IN THE CAVERNS: Dec. 11, 2010.

Blanchard Springs Trip. Waiting List Only.

LONDON AND PARIS: April 14, 2011 (8-Day Tour) Experience two of the world’s most popular cities on one fabulous tour. Enjoy unpacking just once in each city for a relaxing journey as you discover the beauty and allure of both London and Paris. Preview: Oct. 5, 2010.

NORTHERN NATIONAL PARKS: July 29, 2011 (8 Day Tour) View the unspoiled beauty of Yellowstone and see world-famous Old Faithful. Enjoy Moon National Monument, Idaho Falls, Grand Teton National park, Jackson Hole and spend two nights exploring Salt Lake City. Preview: Jan. 25, 2011.

SPAIN’S CLASSICS: September 25, 2011 (10 Day Tour) A colorful pageant of art, history and culture set against the sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges; visit the erotic Alhambra palace resplendent with Moorish regal flare. Experience the passion of the Flamenco with reserved seating in Seville. Explore Valencia, Barcelona, Granada, Cordorba and Toledo. Much more! Preview: Feb. 15, 2011.

Tech Travel

Alumni and Friends of Arkansas Tech For additional information, please contact Dana Moseley, Office of Gift Planning, (479) 964-0532

August 2010

Welcome to The Surgery Center at Saint Mary’s.

Dr. Bruce Brown, Orthopaedic Surgeon

Same-day Surgery backed by a full-service hospital.

All-Private All The Time

Welcome to the future of surgery in Russellville. Saint Mary’s Regional

Comprehensive Surgical Specialties

Medical Center is proud to offer a comprehensive approach to outpatient

Skilled Surgical Nursing Care

surgery, combining the convenience and flexibility of same-day surgery with

Expedited Registration & Discharge 24-hr M.D. Anesthesiology Coverage Personal Comfort Robes Warm Blanket Service

the strength and reliability of a full-service hospital. It’s something we call Saint Mary’s Care, the perfect blend of surgical expertise, patient safety

and personal attention. It’s outpatient surgery with your safety, comfort

Reserved Parking

and privacy as our top priority, and you won’t find a better combination

Post-Procedure Follow-up

anywhere. For more information on The Surgery Center at Saint Mary’s,

Full-Service Hospital Support

visit our website or call today.

1808 West Main Street • 479-968-2841

•

saintmarysregional.com

©2010 BCI