ABOUT | Bridal 2011 by ABOUT the River Valley Magazine

One Fine Evening • Love Lifts Us Up

2011 Issue

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

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ABOUT 5 One Fine Evening

Kaci and Preston Rood’s storybook romance began on a long, hot summer day, and just over a year later, they became husband and wife on a splendid, hot summer evening.

7 Obtaining the License 8 A Time Honored Tradition

table of

contents

12 ABOUT...Food 14 How to Stay Married

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. VI, Issue 1 – 2011 Issue

OWNER/PUBLISHER Nolan and Dianne Edwards editor@aboutrvmag.com

Advertising/Sales Melanie Conley

melanie@aboutrvmag.com

Vonna Marpel

vonna@aboutrvmag.com

for 50+ Years

16 Love Lifts Us Up 18 Resource Directory 19 ABOUT...Engagements

A PAGE FROM ________________________________________________________

The Editor’s Notebook For the last several months we’ve teased our FaceBook followers, promising a February issue we hoped they’d “flip over.” Well, here it is. Besides being one of our most popular publications, ABOUT... Weddings and Special Occasions, the month of February is known worldwide as the ‘month of love.’ What better way to ‘share the love’ than combining our regular February issue with our popular ‘bridal’ issue? Love comes to us in many different ways. There is the love of family and friends or parent and child, bonds between classmate and co-worker, and ultimately, the love that ignites and brings together couples of all ages. Dianne Edwards, Our daughter Laura, photographed with her husband Daniel Editor/Publisher and featured on our 2011 issue cover, wasn’t looking for love when she accepted a job teaching in Lonoke several years ago. She was looking for an apartment, a new church, and a comfortable life. She briefly questioned why she was moving there. Many months later, she found what she wasn’t really searching for – that someone special with whom to spend her life. Surrounded by the love of family and friends, the couple was married June 26, 2010. Other such couples, whose stories you will read in this issue, discovered the love of their life in various ways. Each story is different and unique. Some ‘loves’ are new; others have proven the test of time. (In the flip side of this bridal issue, you’ll find the story of new Russellville Mayor Bill Eaton, who recently celebrated his 45th year of marriage to college sweetheart Sharon.) For a listing of this month’s special content, see the listings above. We hope you’ll enjoy --- maybe even ‘flip over’ -- the 2011 ABOUT... Weddings and Special Occasions.

Graphic Design Chris Zimmerman

zimcreative@aboutrvmag.com

Contributing Writers Holly Ruppel hollyruppel@hotmail.com

Connie Las Schneider connie@aboutrvmag.com

Contributing Photographers Steve Newby

stevenewbyphotography@aboutrvmag.com

Melissa McCrotty

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

Cover photographed by Joshua Mashon. (501) 250-7867 - www.joshuamashon.com February 2011

ABOUT...the River Valley | 3

4 | ABOUT...the River Valley

February 2011

aci and Preston Rood’s storybook romance began on a long, hot summer day, and just over a year later, they became husband and wife on a splendid, hot summer evening. The couple met while both were students at Arkansas Tech University, but it wasn’t until the 2009 Galla Creek Country Club Golf Invitational, in which both Preston and Kaci’s father were playing, that Preston approached Kaci and asked her on a date. “Preston just came up to me and never batted an eye,” Kaci recalled. “He said, ‘I don’t mean to be too forward, but I’d like to ask you out on a date.’” Kaci was impressed by Preston’s confidence. “He was a smooth talker,” she disclosed. Preston’s phone was out of battery, she said, so Kaci wrote her phone number on a napkin and handed it to him. Preston thought the number was a fake. She thought he wouldn’t call. But he did call, and their first date was dinner at the end of June 2009. Their follow-up date was watching Fourth of July fireworks on Mount Nebo. It didn’t take Kaci and Preston long to realize they’d each met the person they wanted to marry. December 2009 was a life-changing month for the couple and their families. Preston’s sister, Heather, delivered her first child, Dylan, on the 15th;

Preston was set to graduate from Arkansas Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree on the 19th. On December 18th, only three days after Dylan’s birth, Kaci and Preston went to visit Heather and her family. “He was being really quiet and rushing me,” Kaci said of Preston, pointing out he is normally super laidback. She knew he was “up to something.” “I was getting suspicious,” she said. Heather handed Kaci baby Dylan, who was fussing. Kaci was trying to soothe her when she noticed Dylan’s onesie outfit. It read, “My Aunt Rocks,” and Kaci’s engagement ring was tied onto it. “It was really sweet,” Kaci remarked. Kaci, who is in her second year at Harding University’s College of Pharmacy, immediately started planning the wedding. She enlisted the help of wedding planner Diane Race, and together, along with Kaci’s mom, Kim Statler, they managed to plan the details on Kaci’s breaks from school. Race said most of the details were finalized over Kaci’s spring break and that Kaci had a hand in every stage of the planning process. “It was clear she had a vision of what she

“We were both just really excited. We really just felt loved by our family and friends.” wanted from our very first visit,” Race said, adding Preston was involved in the preparations, too, assembling wedding programs which doubled as fans. Kaci said after the planning was complete, she tried to concentrate on school until summer, and, her’s and Preston’s big day. One piece of the planning was a ‘given’ for Kaci and Preston: they knew they wanted to marry at the Russellville home of Preston’s grandparents, Freddie and June Rood. Preston’s parents, Eddie and Traci, married there, and his sister, Heather, married there in 2008.

Story by Holly Ruppel Photos by Melissa McCrotty

February 2011

ABOUT...the River Valley | 5

Family and tradition is important to the couple and they wanted to carry on and honor the tradition of getting married at the grand home. “We loved the idea of doing what Preston’s parents did, and his aunt and his sister,” Kaci said. Another way the couple showed respect for family and tradition was in displaying Kaci’s and Preston’s mothers’ wedding gowns and photographs from their weddings. When Kaci, who wore a white, strapless chiffon gown with a sweetheart neckline, chapel-length train and asymmetrical pleating across the bodice, arrived at the event with her attendants, they were greeted by her father, Jamie Statler, who walked her down the aisle. The ceremony took place at 7:30 p.m. July 24, 2010, on the Roods’ verdant front lawn; the reception followed on the back lawn. White and cream floral arrangements accented with lush greenery adorned the balustrade and entry doors, and sprays of flowers cascaded over towering white columns. Joe Turner of Cathy’s Flowers designed the elegant floral arrangements. The simply decorated tables were covered with white tablecloths and strewn with white petals. Candles in pretty glass holders hung from the trees and lit up the darkening landscape. Of the décor, Kaci said, “I just had this vision in my head.” The ceremony and reception were elegant, but laidback, with many guests attired in casual summer shirts and shorts or skirts. “It was pretty simple, Kaci said. “I just wanted everyone to have a good time.” During the reception, catered by Susan Moorehouse, guests mingled and enjoyed elegant hors d’oeuvres and refreshing drinks. In keeping with the laidback atmosphere, the couple also offered an assortment of bottled beers. The simple and elegant four-tier white wedding cake and the whimsical, 6 | ABOUT...the River Valley

Razorback-shaped groom’s cake were created by Michelle Mayer. Soloists Will Gunselman and Sara Madjerich performed for guests, and the country band Four Aces played throughout the evening. Kaci and Preston even performed a duet for their friends and family. Every moment of the couple’s big day, from Kaci’s arrival to the vow exchange, to the bouquet toss (Kaci’s sister, Shelby, was the lucky catcher), to the couple’s departure was captured by photographer Melissa McCrotty and videographers Will and Jan Townshend. One of those moments was the couple’s first dance. Kaci danced with father Jamie; Preston danced with his mother, Traci. After the festivities, the beaming couple departed the event through a tunnel of glittering sparklers held aloft by their family and friends. Kaci said she and Preston were both caught up in the moment and in the celebratory mood. “Honestly, we both said it’s just a blur,” she recalled. “We were both just really excited. We really just felt loved by our family and friends.” Kaci noted while some weddings have snags, hers and Preston’s “went flawlessly.” ”If (a disaster) happened, I didn’t know about it,” she said. Wedding planner Diane Race made sure Kaci and Preston never noticed a snag. “My job is to make sure the day flows smoothly so that the bride can have her perfect day,” she said, “and I think Preston and Kaci’s day was pretty close to perfect. This is a wedding I will never forget.” Kaci and Preston’s top priority was that their friends and family have a wonderful time at their wedding. “We are both very, very family-oriented,” Kaci said, adding that she and Preston are both close with their families. Kaci indicated the young couple is excited at the prospect of starting their own family, as well. “We’re excited to find out what we’ll do when the time comes,” she said. n February 2011

Obtaining

the License By now you probably are receiving more advice about marriage than you’d like. However, this is one piece of information you’ll definitely appreciate before you and your intended purchase your marriage license – you’ll need cash or a check before you can obtain that important piece of paper! Before you and your bride-or-groomto-be may marry, you must purchase a marriage license from the County Clerk’s office. In Pope County, that office is located in Suite 6 of the Pope County Courthouse, 102 West Main in Russellville. Office hours are 8-4, Monday through Friday. The cost of a marriage license in Pope County is $60. (Fees may vary slightly per county so it’s best to call for specific information.) And, payment is accepted by cash or check only. Debit or credit cards are not generally accepted. The document (license) you receive allows you to officially become a couple. Rules for obtaining a marriage license will

vary from state to state, so be sure to know exactly what laws apply by checking with the clerk of the court’s office. There is no waiting period in Arkansas but both the prospective bride and groom must appear together to purchase the license. You are required to present a governmentissued photo id. Social security numbers of both parties are required. There are no tests required to obtain the license but anyone under the age of 18 must have the consent of the custodial parent(s) and documentation is required. If you have been married previously, proof of dissolution of marriage (divorce) also is required. Receiving a marriage license does not mean you are married. The license you are issued is valid only in Arkansas and good for a period of 60 days. You must have a clergyman or justice of the peace sign the license and submit it back to the County Clerk’s office within 10 days of the marriage in order for it to become official. n

For additional information, contact the following offices: Pope County, County Clerk, Russellville, (479) 968-6064; Yell County Clerk, Dardanelle, (479) 229-4404; Johnson County Clerk, Clarksville, (479) 754-3967, and the Conway County Clerk, Morrilton, (501) 354-9621.

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479-968-2138 ABOUT...the River Valley | 7

A Time Honored

Tradition Story by Holly Ruppel Photos courtesy of the Bell Family

Photo by Steve Newby

Looking forward to their future together, newlyweds Amanda and Kevin Corrigan wanted to pay tribute to their families and memories on their wedding day. In keeping with tradition, they each found special ways to honor the past. The couple met five years ago at The University of Arkansas, where he was pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management with a minor in Economics and she was pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics. Amanda said one of her sorority sisters, Stephanie, was friends with Kevin and introduced them. 8 | ABOUT...the River Valley

Their first date was a group hiking trip near the Buffalo River. Amanda and Kevin rode in the same car. Amanda said at first, she “was hesitant and uncertain about this guy sitting beside me, but by the time the group stopped for a travel break, I pulled my friend Stephanie aside and told her, that ‘He is absolutely precious!’”

During that car ride, Amanda said, she and Kevin shared their stories and knew each other was “the one.” “We had an immediate connection,” she said. “There was this excitement, yet also a subtle reassurance of comfort that hovered over our conversation, and spurred us to all the other dates that followed.” Kevin and Amanda both love the outdoors and more hiking trips followed the one on which their love blossomed. The couple’s favorite hiking spot is Hawk’s Bill Crag near Jasper. “Every time we go hiking out there and get to the bluff,” Amanda said, “Kevin usually sets the timer on the camera, and then comes around to join me in a picture.” But when the couple hiked to the bluff on Christmas Eve 2009 Kevin had a surprise for Amanda. “Kevin set up the camera like he usually February 2011

does,” she recalled, “and then ran around to join me and his dog in a photo on the bluff. But it was very different this time, as he got down on one knee and proposed as the camera took the picture. Amanda said Kevin’s proposal was perfect. “I could not have thought of a better place, timing or way to propose. (It) blew me away.” Amanda was ecstatic to be marrying her best friend. She said she and Kevin manage to strike a healthy balance between romance and friendship, and that the obstacles and challenges they have both had to overcome in their personal lives have strengthened them as a couple, causing them to depend more on God and each other. “He picks me up when I am down,” she said, “and I do the same for him. We are both far from perfect, but it seems like when one of us is having a difficult time, the other counteracts with strength.” The couple exchanged vows June 5, 2010, at First United Methodist Church in Russellville. Following the ceremony, Amanda and Kevin celebrated with their family and friends at Lake Point Conference Center (which also catered the event), where guests enjoyed a a wedding cake baked by Juanita Sutterfield and music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Amanda said she thought she would feel overwhelmed on the day of the wedding, and she credits her parents, bridesmaids, attendants, family and friends for making sure she didn’t have to worry about anything possibly going wrong. She also credits Joe Turner of Cathy’s Flowers for making the ceremony and reception beautiful. “He is just the best,” Amanda gushed. She called the wedding day “smooth sailing” and confessed that truly, she was just eager to see Kevin.

“We hadn’t seen each other throughout the preparation on the wedding day, and I just couldn’t wait to see him for the first time,” Amanda said joyfully. “The day was complete bliss. (It) makes me smile to think about it.” “I was excited, calm and confident all at the same time,” Kevin said of his wedding day. “I was so excited to see Amanda for the first time on that day. I think I felt so calm because I knew marrying Amanda is what I wanted to do.” To honor their families and their history, Amanda and Kevin wanted to carry on special family traditions. Amanda chose to wear her greatgrandmother’s heirloom wedding veil from France. Her great-grandmother, Marie “Maw” Schwartz Seiler, first wore the chapel-length veil, designed with Brussels lace on point d’esprit, for her own wedding in 1928, but over the years, several brides in the family have worn it, including Amanda’s grandmother, Joan Seiler Bell, in 1952, and her mother, Deborah Cook Bell, in 1978. Amanda represents the fourth generation of women to wear the treasured article. According to her mother, when Amanda expressed interest in wearing the veil, the family contacted her Aunt Carolyn, who is known fondly in the family as “The Keeper of the Veil.” The veil had not been worn in 23 years, but Aunt Carolyn was happy to bring it out of storage. However, because it is a cherished family heirloom, Amanda’s father, Dr. Michael Bell, flew to Ohio and brought the carefully packed veil back to Arkansas for Amanda’s and Kevin’s wedding. Deborah said the veil holds special meaning

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“He picks me up when I am down,” she said, “and I do the same for him. We are both far from perfect, but it seems like when one of us is having a difficult time, the other counteracts with strength.”

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 9

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for her husband Michael because his grandmother, mother and wife have worn it at their weddings. He was proud, she said, to retrieve the veil for Amanda. Amanda said she has great respect for her great-grandmother and her memory. “She was no doubt one-of-a-kind,” Amanda said. “Maw was a respectful woman, a woman who could be polite, witty, passionate and strong all at the same time. She knew her identity as a follower of the Lord, and her confidence was really something to admire.” Amanda fondly remembers Maw telling stories of the Great Depression and passing down the wisdom she procured in her 102 years. “I hope to live up to expectations she may have had for me,” Amanda said, “and I only dream to live my life with the wisdom and grace she had.” Amanda wore her great-grandmother’s veil during her bridal photo shoot. “It made me feel a lot of different things,” she said of wearing the veil during the photo session. “I couldn’t help but cry. It was so emotional. I almost felt her presence,” Amanda said. Like Amanda, Kevin wanted to honor his past and upbringing, so on his wedding day, he wore his grandfather’s cufflinks to pay tribute to the impact his grandfather, Jean Carl Gladden, had on his life. “I loved and respected my grandfather very much, so it was so special to wear his cufflinks the day of our wedding,” he said, stressing that carrying on traditions is important to him. “It’s important to know your history and who molded you to become the person that you are,” he said. Wearing the cufflinks is a new wedding tradition in Kevin’s family. His cousin Peter also wore the cufflinks at his own wedding, so the tradition is already taking hold. Tradition played a big part in Amanda’s engagement and wedding rings, as well.

The engagement ring Kevin gave to her was melted down from his mother’s gold wedding band and his great-grandmother’s gold engagement ring. Amanda’s wedding band belonged to Kevin’s grandmother, and the diamond in her engagement ring symbolically represents Amanda’s addition to Kevin’s family. “There are four generations represented in the rings,” Amanda said. Kevin and Amanda feel grateful they were able to honor their families in such beautiful, meaningful ways. Family “means the world” to her and Kevin, Amanda said, “so we felt blessed to be able to carry on such special traditions on top of having the best day of our lives.” The couple resides in Fayetteville, where Kevin works as a logistics analyst for Transplace and Amanda is a registered dietitian and the Director of Food and Nutrition Services for Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville. There’s at least one more tradition they both hope to carry on in their new life together. “Amanda and I both come from large families,” Kevin said, “so we definitely hope to carry on the ‘large family’ tradition one day.” n

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 11

food

A Charming

Tradition by Dianna Qualls About the River Valley Food Editor

n article published sometime in the past about a “charm cake” served at a bridal tea brought to mind a “CHARMING” idea. The article described a tradition of serving a cake with special charms hidden in the cake with a ribbon attached to each one to be chosen by each bridesmaid or guest attending the affair. Each charm bears a special message for the recipient. You might also use a Bundt cake and place the charms in the center opening of the cake, with the ribbons streaming over the cake. To hide the charms, place a small bouquet of fresh flowers in the center of the cake.

CHOCOLATE LOVERS BUNDT CAKE 1 (18.25 oz) pkg devil’s food cake mix 1 (3.9 oz) pkg instant chocolate pudding mix 2 c. sour cream 1 c. melted butter 5 eggs 1 tsp. almond extract 2 c. semisweet chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan. In a large bowl, stir together cake mix and pudding mix. Make a well in the center and pour in sour cream, melted butter, eggs and almond extract. Beat on low speed until blended. Scrape bowl, and beat 4 minutes on medium speed. Blend in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

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12 | ABOUT...the River Valley

SOCK IT TO ME CAKE

high speed for 2 minutes. Pour 2/3 of the batter into prepared tube pan. Combine pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and sprinkle over batter in pan. Spread remaining batter evenly over filling mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 45-55 minutes until the cake springs back when touched lightly. Cool right-side-up in pan about 25 minutes. Mix together confectioners› sugar and milk. Remove cake from pan Preheat oven to 375 degrees. and drizzle with glaze. Grease and flour a one 10-inch tube Note: Dr. Dan Ryder (my boss pan or Bundt pan. for 17 years) made this cake for In large bowl, blend together my birthday every year I worked cake mix, sour cream, oil, white for him. What a great boss and sugar, water, and eggs. Beat at dear friend! 1 (18.25 oz) package butter cake mix 1 c. sour cream ½ c. vegetable oil ¼ c. white sugar ¼ c. water 4 eggs 1 c. chopped pecans 2 T. brown sugar 2 T. ground cinnamon 1 c. confectioners› sugar 2 T. milk

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PETIT SANDWICHES

Spoon the cream mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe the cream into the strawberries. If not serving immediately, cover, and place in the refrigerator until serving time. Recipe from Joyofbaking.com. Modified by Dianna Qualls.

4 (9-inch) purchased rosemary-and-onion focaccia bread rounds or desired flavor focaccia bread 1 (9-oz.) jar mango chutney 1 c. mayonnaise or salad dressing 3 T. purchased pesto 3/4 lb. thinly sliced cooked ham 3/4 lb. thinly sliced cooked chicken or turkey Thinly sliced tomato or red onion Cut each focaccia round in half horizontally. Using kitchen scissors snip any large pieces of chutney. Spread the bottom halves of 2 of the rounds with chutney; set aside. In a small bowl stir together the mayonnaise and pesto; spread over the bottom halves of the remaining focaccia rounds. Arrange the ham on the chutney-spread focaccia. Arrange chicken on the pestospread focaccia. Top each with sliced tomato or red onion and cover with focaccia tops. Cut each round into sixteen 2-inchwide wedges, secure each sandwich with a decorative pick, and arrange on serving platters. Cover and chill up to 4 hours before serving. Makes 64 appetizers.

CUCUMBER SANDWICHES 1 loaf cocktail-size pumpernickel slices 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese 4 to 6 oz. sour cream 1 (4 oz.) Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix Cucumbers, sliced Dill weed, fresh, chopped Cream softened cream cheese. Add enough sour cream to make desired consistency for spreading on bread slices. Mix in one small package Hidden Valley (dry) Ranch Dressing mix. Spread mixture on Pumpernickel slices. Top with a slice of cucumber. Sprinkle cucumber with dill weed. Refrigerate and serve. Reduced calorie ingredients may be used.

APRICOT NECTAR CAKE 1 (18.25 oz) pkg. yellow cake mix 4 eggs 1 (3 oz.) pkg. lemon flavored gelatin mix ¾ c. vegetable oil ¾ c. apricot nectar ½ c. confectioners› sugar ½ c. lemon juice

STRAWBERRY FRILLS 16-18 large strawberries 1/3 c. mascarpone cheese 1/3 c. heavy whipping cream 2-3 T. Splenda or white sugar ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract You want the berries to sit flat. So if they are a little wobbly with the stems left on, cut the green stems off the berries so they will stand upright when placed on your serving tray. With a small sharp knife, cut an “X” in each strawberry, cutting almost to the bottom of each strawberry. (The cut should be such that the strawberry will open up but not fall apart.) Gently, with your fingertips, spread each strawberry apart to make “petals”. Set aside while you make the cream filling. In a medium sized bowl, whip the mascarpone cheese and whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one 10-inch tube or Bundt pan. Mix the cake mix, eggs, gelatin, vegetable oil, and apricot nectar together. Mix well and pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes. Invert cake onto a plate and cool for several minutes. Pour glaze over cake while it is still warm. Glaze: Combine the confectioner›s sugar and the lemon juice. Use immediately to pour over still warm cake. Recipe from Shelbia Willis

FAVORITE PARTY PUNCH 1 (46 oz.) can Pineapple Juice 1 (46 oz.) can apple juice 1 (2-liter) bottle of lemon-lime soda or ginger ale Chill all ingredients. The juice can be placed in freezer for an hour or so before serving to make it slightly slushy. Place juice in punch bowl. Just before serving add lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. Yield about 25 (4 oz) servings. Q’s-Tip: An ice ring placed in the punch bowl will keep the punch chilled. n

The Bride & Groom’s Wish List at Collectors Gallery

We have many Wonderful Gift Ideas:

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(479) 967-6773 • Mon. - Sat. 10-5:30 • 130 E. Harrell Drive • Russellville, AR 72802 February 2011

ABOUT...the River Valley | 13

RESPECT How to Stay Married for 50+ years

Story by Connie Las Schneider Photos Courtesy of Moody Family Other Photos by Connie Las Schneider

What is the secret of a long and happy marriage? According to

one local family whose members have all been happily married to the same spouses for 50 years or more, the answer can be boiled down to a simple seven letter word; respect.

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Webster’s Dictionary gives the meaning of “respect” as esteem, admiration and courtesy. “Always treat your spouse better than you treat yourself,” explained Dorris (D.L.) Moody, one of four brothers who, like their deceased parents, have all been married a half century or more. DL’s wife, Martha, agreed. “You’ve got to respect each other. If you have differences, discuss it, but work it out together.” Easier said than done, perhaps, but consider this. Respect for others is a learned behavior. “We all learned by the example of our parents,” said Owen Devure Moody, who has been married to his wife Faye for 60 years. “Our parents taught us to be unselfish. They had

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a ‘what’s mine is ours’ philosophy and always lived a Christ centered life.” They kept the Lord’s Day holy and took their family to church faithfully and taught them to trust in God and live according to His word, the Bible. We truly believe it certainly has been the glue that has held our marriages together,” said Owen. The brother’s parents, Alvie and Rachel Moody, who were originally from Heber Springs, were married 51 years before Alvie died in 1975. Rachel died in 2006, only 36 days before she would have celebrated her 100th birthday. Youngest brother Charles Moody, married to his wife Lorene for 50 years, added, “We all knew what was expected of us. Our parents expected us to follow through by example.” That life-long example has worked its magic on the Moody brother’s children as well. With two children in each of the four families, all Moody children are also happily married. You might say “love begets love”. Oldest brother, Julius, who moved to Clarksville in 1963 along with his wife of 63 years, Edith, remembers how their parents “loved everybody. If one of the neighbors needed help, our Dad was the first one there and the last to leave. Their door was always open.”

Story by Connie Las Schneider, Photos Courtesy of Moody Family, Other Photos by Connie Las Schneider, Story by Connie Las Schneider, Photos Courtesy of Moody Family,

piece of advice. As Ruth, the wife of Billy Graham once said, “Agree to disagree. If you don’t have differences of opinion, one of you is unnecessary.” This is what respect is all about. Or, to put it in secular terms, recording artist Aretha Franklin sang it best in the movie, “Blues Brothers,” when she belted out her smash hit ‘R-E-S-P-E-C-T’: “I ain’t gonna do you wrong while you’re gone; Ain’t gonna do you wrong (oo) ‘cause respective churches. D.L. and Martha’s son, I don’t wanna (oo) All I’m askin’... Is for a Randy, also carries on the family’s Christian little respect when you come home (just a tradition as pastor of a Presbyterian Church little bit); Baby (just a little bit) when you get home (just a little bit); in the state of Florida. Everyone in the Moody family agrees Yeah (just a little bit) on a few simple rules for maintaining a R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what is means to me; healthy marriage. “Read the Scriptures. You can’t pray when R-E-S-P-E-C-T, take care, TCB (Take Care Baby.)” you are mad. And, never go to bed mad.” n The Moody family offered one final Lyrics provided courtesy of website Lyrics007. their families are all actively involved in the Christian Church. Brother, Owen Devure is a retired Southern Baptist Minister who served as pastor to four Baptist churches over a period of 40 years, and all three others brothers are Deacons in their

“ You’ve got to respect each other. If you have differences, discuss it, but work it out together.” “As the Moody home was located only one-half mile from the railroad, our mother thought the hobos, who generally traveled by train, had a way to tell the Moody house was always open.” “I guess word got around camp they were never turned away,” said D.L. “During the great depression several homeless relatives were provided food and a bed,” he added. Like their parents, the Moody boys and

Match Made in Heaven... Just like a Bride & Groom!

3521 West Main Street Russellville • 479-967-4107 February 2011

ABOUT...the River Valley | 15

Love Lifts Us Up Story by Holly Ruppel Courtesy Photos

hen Brenda and Thomas Irmer met 11 years ago, neither had any idea they would ever be married to each other. They were both married to other people, and between them, had three children. At the time, Brenda, who works as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at Millard Henry Clinic and Thomas, who is full-time military and works as a communications staff sergeant in the Arkansas Army National Guard, were just friends. They enjoyed hanging out together, and offered a supportive ear to each other through some difficult times, but never saw their relationship as anything more than platonic. After some time, Thomas and his wife divorced and he was deployed to Iraq to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-05. During that time, Brenda and her husband divorced, too. When Thomas returned home, he and Brenda started hanging out with each other a little. Brenda’s divorce had left her in low spirits. “I was at my lowest,” she recalled. “I didn’t think I could do anything by myself.” At this crucial point in her life, she decided to do something to empower herself and started going to a women’s self-defense course at River Valley Martial Arts. Brenda wanted a friend to accompany her to the classes, so she asked Thomas to go with her. He’d always wanted to learn martial arts, he said, and he wanted to be there for Brenda, so he went along and started taking classes, too. As Brenda’s inner strength increased, so did the couple’s feelings for each other. The pair was soon spending more and more time together, and they began to realize their feelings for each other were stronger than just friendship. Because of the failure of their past relationships, both Brenda and Thomas were hesitant to take the next step in their new relationship. Brenda was scared to make the

“What better place in the world,’ they thought, ‘than the one which helped them fall in love.” 16 | ABOUT...the River Valley

leap to getting married. She and Thomas did some soul searching, and after some introspection and much discussion between them, they decided to take the chance. Thomas said he and Brenda asked themselves, “Can we walk side-by-side in this world together?” “I just can’t think of anybody that I’d rather do that with,” he said. He indicated he felt confident taking that chance with Brenda. “She was still standing here next to me after knowing all my faults,” Thomas said of Brenda. “He was there for me,” Brenda said, “while I was there for him.” One thing that made it easier for the couple to take a chance on marriage is that they had become best friends. “If anything else,” Thomas said, “you hope to marry your best friend.” He marvels at the fact they didn’t realize it sooner. “For ten years, I didn’t realize I’d been looking at my best friend,” Thomas said. Their families are the most important part of their lives, Thomas and Brenda said. Thomas has two daughters, Amber, 22, and Anna, 20, and Brenda has a son, Will, 7. The couple loves spending time with their children and their extended families. To make their engagement even more special, Thomas waited until a visit to his family to ask Brenda to be his wife. They were together to celebrate his uncle’s 50th birthday and his mother and father’s wedding anniversary. “It was very important to me to have my family (there,)” Thomas said. Brenda said she was so caught up in the celebrations, she had no idea Thomas was going to propose. February 2011

“The fact he proposed on that day made it even more magical because I didn’t know,” she said. “I got the biggest surprise of my life.” The pair agrees that martial arts played a key role in their blossoming relationship. “That was our central interest,” Thomas said. “It did bring us closer together.” Since they both had traditional marriage ceremonies in the past and it didn’t work out, Thomas and Brenda knew they wanted to do something different. Not only did the couple break tradition with their wedding bands, choosing silver instead of the gold ones they had both worn before, but they chose a singular venue for the ceremony: the River Valley Martial Arts dojo. ‘What better place in the world,’ they thought, ‘than the one which helped them fall in love.’ Thomas asked owner/instructor John Terry to officiate the ceremony. Brenda said she knew they were getting married, but she didn’t know which date and didn’t find out until the morning of the wedding. On May 28, 2009, still wearing their white karate uniforms, Thomas (a 3rd stripe white belt) and Brenda (a yellow belt) exchanged vows after completing their class for that day.

The couple’s families were present for their vow ceremony, but their fellow students also stayed to witness the exchange. “It’s nice to know that our fellow karate students were willing to stick around and celebrate with us,” Brenda said. To celebrate at the dojo, John had arranged yellow smiley face cookies that Brenda and Thomas said put smiles on their own faces. Things were put together quickly and he didn’t have time to get a cake, they said. Later, the couple had a casual reception with family and friends at Brenda’s parents’ home, where they had an oriental lantern and Japanese cherry blossom wedding cake designed by Michelle Myers. For now, the couple is enjoying their time together and with their families, especially since Thomas is scheduled to be deployed again at the end of the year and will be gone for about a year. Brenda and Thomas both admit they’ve let their training at River Valley Martial Arts slide in the recent past, but they would both love to rededicate themselves to their training. It did finally bring them together, after all. n

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2149 East Parkway, Russellville • (479)890-6932 510 South Rogers, Clarksville • (479)705-8282 Follow us on

ABOUT...the River Valley | 17

resource directory Arkansas Beauty College 109 North Commerce Russellville, AR (479) 968-3075

Bethany’s Design

407 North Arkansas Avenue Russellville, AR Inside City Mall (479) 968-6807

Catherine’s Cakes 311 West B Street Russellville, AR (479) 967-4202

C&D Drug Store 121 North Commerce Russellville, AR (479) 968-2456

Chamberlyne Country Club 10614 Country Club Drive Danville, AR (479) 495-4120 or (479) 453-9623

Chartwells Catering

8807 Tech Lane Russellville, AR (479) 968-0279 or (479) 280-0059

Cogswell Car Rentals 1900 East Main Russellville, AR (479) 968-2665

Collectors Gallery 130 East Harrell Drive Russellville, AR (479)967-6773

Coutts Law Firm 110 South Commerce Russellville, AR (479) 967-3225

Dalton Family Dentistry 3105 West Main Russellville, AR (479) 968-1001

Danielle’s Bridal 2382 West Clark Road Clarksville, AR (479) 754-5885

Ewing Tropical Tanning 1610 South Arkansas Avenue Russellville, AR (479) 968-2728

From This Day Forward 11

139 Atwater Place Russellville, AR (479) 264-4182

The Frame Shop & Gallery 11

Downtown @ 311 West C Street Russellville, AR (479) 967-1398

Gifts of Parkway 9

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

Gifts of Rogers 2

510 South Rogers Clarksville, AR (479) 705-8282

Hacks Cleaners 18

116 South Commerce Russellville, AR (479) 968-4121

142 West Main Clarksville, AR www.jlgallery.net (479) 754-1030

Joshua’s Fine Jewelry 310 West Main Russellville, AR (479) 968-3117

Let’s Celebrate

Life Made Simple Event Planning

Melissa McCrotty Photography

916 South Arkansas Russellville, AR (479) 967-0541

Michelle McCurrie Lifemadesimple3@hotmail.com (479) 880-0062 or (479) 747-3485

www.melissamccrotty.com melissa@melissamccrotty.com (479) 967-1982 Front Street 124 South Dardanelle, AR (479) 229-4144

PattiCakes 10 10

3521 West Main Street Russellville, AR (479) 967-4107

Jolie Leeds Photography 11

2015 West Parkway Drive Russellville, AR (479) 968-2138

Millyn’s 2

Hollingsworth 15 13

Dr. Carmella M. Knoernschild 7 Orthodontist

411 West Parkway Russellville, AR (479) 968-8945

Peters Family Living

Rose Drug

Russellville’s Historic Missouri-Pacific Depot

201 North Arkansas Avenue Russellville, AR (479) 968-2929 3103 West Mail Place Russellville, AR (479) 968-1323

320 West C Street Russellville, AR (479) 967-1437

Limousine Service Driver Included S

Call Cathy Wilbourn, Rental Manager, to discuss your bridal transportation needs.

(479) 968-2665

Cogswell Rentals 1900 East Main, Russellville 18 | ABOUT...the River Valley

February 2011

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.) Registry listings courtesy of Gifts on Parkway/Gifts on Rogers and Millyn’s of Dardanelle.

–February 5– Jennifer Elliott and Matt McCoy

–March 19–

– May 21–

–February 12–

Laura Buford and Marcus Aynes Dana Callaway and Mark Crouch

Kalli Anderson and Zach Bluhm Laura Monfee and Larry Shingleur

–March 25–

– May 28–

–February 19–

Whitney Landon and Cole Lewis

–March 5–

Monica Bell and Jason Irwin

–March 12–

Katy Scott and Jared Winston

Jordan Franks and Tim Mills

Beverly McSheehy and Glenn Ballard Destiny Keville to Nicholas Payton Sarah Fink and Donald Johnson

–March 15–

Darla Hancock and Bob Harper

–April 9–

–April 23– – May 7–

Marissa Hawkins and Tyler Wells Jilliann Jacimore and Matt Johnston

Alicia Chivers and Ben Woods Jennifer Fall and Nathan Peters

–June 4–

Whitley Robertson and Albert Martin Doriane Woollery and Scott Wray

–June 11–

Carmen Estes and Tim Sherman

–June 25–

Lindsay Williams and Kyle Dixon

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.

Wedding and Party Rentals & Supplies

Worry free from beginning to end. I do. I do. I do. the only two words you need to remember... we’ll handle the rest. Chance and Kalie Knight Wright Photo by Crystal Goss Photography

Let’s Celebrate 967-0541

916 South Arkansas ~ Russellville February 2011

Bridal Attire | Tuxedos

Bridesmaids | F lower Girls Accessories | Rentals Mother of Bride

Danielle’s Bridal 2382 West Clark Road Clarksville, AR 72830

(479) 754-5885