ABOUT | June 2011

Burris Memorial Plaza: A Lasting Tribute

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley JUNE 2011

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June 2011

table of

contents

8

8 A Lasting Tribute

“Memorials cannot take away the

16 16

sorrow, emptiness or pain, but they can

Sharks in Training ‘Who are we? WE ARE THE

26 26

SHARKS!’ resounds the voices of over

make a place in time to express the value

Heights Elementary School as students

great practice. It’s enough to bring tears

years to come.”

There could be no greater excitement

found in Russellville than at Oakland

100 hundred Sharks huddled up after a

of lives lost, and assure their memory for

And Their Off!

Pre-K through 4th grade prepared for

to the eyes of even the hardest of hearts.

the 19th annual Turtle Derby.

11

ABOUT...family

18

Peaches and Dreams

28

ABOUT...Engagements

12

Making Abilities Count

22

ABOUT...Food

30

Hands, Hearts that Serve

ABOUTour Cover Photo by Steve Newby Photography

Our Associates Melanie Conley

ad ve r tis in g

479.858.2708

Burris Memorial Park is located at 101

Vonna

Marpel

ad ve r tis ing

479.970.4263

West Main Street on the corner of Arkansas Avenue (Highway 7) and Main Street (Highway 64.) The park serves as a lasting tribute to the six community members, victims of the American Airlines tragedy in Little Rock which occurred on June 1, 1999.

Connie

Steve

Las Schneider

Newby

w r ite r

ph o to g r a phy

479.497.1110

479.880.1006

The downtown “pocket park” was completed and dedicated 10 years ago this month.

Join us as we revisit “Burris Memorial Park: A Lasting Tribute” 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

Chris

Thomas

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

479.264.2438

June 2011

community

CHOICES Banquet Organizers SAY Thanks

Choices Pregnancy Resource Clinic (Choices PRC) recently celebrated offering “20 Years of HOPE” to the River Valley during their annual fundraising banquet at the Russellville First Baptist Church. The evening consisted of musical entertainment provided by one of Arkansas’ favorite families, The Duggars of “19 Kids and Counting.” The Duggar Family sang, played violins, harps and quoted scripture during their program.

Sherry Berger, Executive Director of Choices PRC was the main speaker, sharing the ministry and purpose of Choices PRC. One highlight of the banquet was a videotaped testimony of Choices PRC’s first client 20 years ago. As Diana Bratton shared her journey of becoming pregnant at 16 years old, she told about the struggles

and hardships she experienced as a young high school student balancing motherhood, school, and a job.

Terminating the pregnancy was encouraged by some of her friends and teachers, but Diana knew that abortion was not the answer. She thanked God for the tenacity and fortitude He provided her and for all He taught her through those lean years. Alan, Diana’s husband of eight years, was also a part of the videotaped testimony, showing the guests how God had brought them together, fulfilling 11 years of Diana’s prayers for a husband that would love her and her daughter.

Diana and her daughter, Kourtney, 19, and Alan and his daughter, Erin, 21, were present at the banquet that night. They were introduced to the audience as living proof of God’s hope that is available to women and their families walking through an unplanned pregnancy. Alan and Diana adopted each other’s daughters, and one year later, were blessed with a son, Zakariah.

Choices PRC expressed thankfulness to the banquet Underwriters and those who made donations.

Over $30,000 was raised in one-time donations and monthly pledges, allowing Choices PRC to continue to provide compassionate and caring support to women and their families facing unplanned pregnancies. Choices PRC considers it a privilege to serve the community by offering life alternatives to abortion through physical, emotional and spiritual support.

To learn more about Choices PRC, go to their website: www. choicespregnancyresourceclinic.org, email: cprc4u@yahoo.com or call (479) 967-2255.

Local shopping, business showcases at Expo

Community members will have the opportunity to shop locally at the Eighth Annual River Valley Business Expo. Over 80 local businesses have signed up for booths at the event, including service providers, retail stores, and non-profit organizations.

This year, the annual Business Expo will allow exhibitors to not only showcase their products and services, but to sell them during the event as well. This is only the second year businesses participating in the Expo have been allowed to do so.

The Eighth Annual River Valley Business Expo will be held on August 2. Produced by the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, the expo will be held in Tucker Coliseum on the ATU campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The theme for expo is Rock Star.

Admission to the expo is free and open to the public. Last year, over 3,500 people attended the event.

For an application or more information about the 2011 River Valley Business Expo call the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce at (479) 968-2530.

Outdoor Cinema Set

The Promotion and Events committee of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Advertising and Promotion Commission have partnered again this year to produce the outdoor movie event, Sunset Cinema. This summer will mark the fifth season of Sunset Cinema, which aims to enhance the quality of life in the Russellville area by bringing together members of the community.

Story cont. on page 21

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

ABOUT | 5

ABOUT the River Valley

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. VI, Issue 5 – June 2011

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

Advertising Sales Melanie Conley

melanie@aboutrvmag.com

Vonna Marpel

vonna@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

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

A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

In my profession, I use a lot of “taglines.” There are taglines on ad run sheets, billing invoices and folders. There are taglines in my planner, notes about what to do when, reminding me about appointments and the like.

If I were to assign a tagline to the month preceding this issue, I’d have to call it “Moving Day.” Our family has experienced a lot of moving lately. Our youngest daughter moved out of her on-campus apartment and then back into her room at home. Then, a few weeks later, she was moving from her room into a new apartment and a new office space in Fort Smith.

All the while, we were moving ABOUT... the River Valley Magazine from our previous location – the Rock Island Green Train Car located at 417 West Parkway – into our new office space at 220 East Fourth Street. When we moved into the Green Train Car three years ago, I shoveled boxes of reference material and files into the eclectic space of the Pullman Parlor Car located between Stoby’s Restaurant and pattiCakes Bakery.

After three years of conducting business from that location, we took the opportunity to move once again. This time, our destination was the two-story yellow and white building that houses ASI, AmCare and ZimCreative, the offices of our designer Chris Zimmerman.

No longer will our issues be constructed via emails, afternoon sessions and phone, but collaboration will take place with back-and-forth visits down the hall from one another. Plus, we’ll share a building with young professionals and occasionally call upon their expertise when our skill sets fall short.

For our customers, it means a location that will be open Monday through Friday. Even though the doors will be open from 8-5, appointments are still encouraged to assure a particular someone from the ABOUT family will be reachable when needed. We still will be out and ‘ABOUT’ in the community calling on customers and meeting with story subjects. For phone numbers and contact information, see page 4 or visit us online at www.aboutrvmag.com.

We’ll be planning an open house in the future – a way of introducing our new space and to thank those of you who have been continued supporters of ABOUT... the River Valley Magazine these past five years.

With combined associate experience of more than 100 years among us, the time and talents that bring you each issue, we happily celebrate our “fifth year” as ABOUT Magazine.

In an era of uncertain times, it’s nice to know that some things still remain the same – there are still stories worth telling that “Reflect the Character of the River Valley.” And for that, we thank you.

Note: Loyal readers will remember that we publish ten issues each year, skipping January and July. See you in August!

Local Landmark Available for Rental

Material contained in this issue may not be copied or reproduced without written consent. Inquiries may be made by calling (479) 970-6628.

Office: 220 East 4th Street Email: editor@aboutrvmag.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: SPPI, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812.

Dianne Edwards, Editor/Publisher

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320 W. ‘C’ Street Historic Downtown Russellville, AR

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6 | ABOUT

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

June 2011

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What’s Happening This Month...

Talk ABOUT...Sharks in Training Though I loved the water as a young child, I never really conquered the art of swimming until I was about 9 or 10.

My mother and grandmothers did not swim; my father not only swam but was an accomplished water skier, as well.

Though I never had the opportunity to water ski until I was a college freshman, I was encouraged as a youngster to learn to swim and attended swim classes at the local pool in the small East Texas town where I grew up. I became first a “pollywog, frog, fish and then a flying fish” as I escalated through the ranks of Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls, earning patches along the way to adorn my “ceremonial gown.”

After earning my “flying fish” patch – followed by my junior and senior life saving certification – I began teaching swimming lessons to Cub Scouts and Boys Scouts, as well as working as a life guard at our city pool. It was a teenager’s dream job.

Later, as a young mother of three certified as a Water Safety Instructor, I taught swimming lessons for the Pope County Office of Red Cross. Our girls June 2011

grew up quite familiar and comfortable with the water.

When our children were small, we planned our first Florida vacation. My husband grew up traveling the South Alabama/Florida coast to visit his aunt and uncle on a regular basis, so visits to Destin were frequent. However, before our family trip, the girls and I watched “Jaws,” something I would later come to regret. You see, their first experience at the beach was sprinkled with some of the first shark-upon-human attacks that my husband could ever remember. I was in the dog house for quite some time.

Fortunately the Russellville Sharks – illustrated by talented designer Cliff Thomas above – have a different connotation. As a summer swim program coordinated through volunteers, parents and the Arkansas River Valley Boys and Girls Club, this sought-after Shark swim program provides excellent opportunities for youth ages 6-18. To learn more about the history of the Russellville Sharks and those who have made this a “fun” and healthy option, don’t miss “Sharks in Training” beginning on page 26.

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

June 2: Sunset Cinema, Lake Dardanelle State Park, 30 minutes after dusk. “Yogi Bear.” 968-2530.

June 3: Downtown Artwalk, 5-8 p.m. Stroll the streets of Historic Downtown Russellville, artistic displays, refreshments. Info: 967-1437.

June 4: Mona’s Run Memorial 5K Race and 1 Mile Bunny Run; 7:30 a.m, Bona Dea Trails, $20 adults, $10 children ($5 additional if not preregistered.)

Proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association.

Info: FaceBook - Mona’s Run/5K Race.

June 8-10: Great Outdoors Camp, Lake Dardanelle State Park, ages 8-12. 9-4. Cost: $65. Info: 967-5516.

June 11, 18: “Simple Ideas for the Common Cook,” Chef Series, Winthrop Rockefeller Institute. Info: (501) 727-5435.

June 11: Children’s Fishing Derby, Pleasant View Park, 8 a.m. Info: 968-1272.

June 14: Transitions Bereavement Support Group, 10 a.m., Ark. Hospice, 2405 E. Parkway; second Tuesday of each month. Info: 498-2050.

June 14: Forget Me Not’s – Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, 6 p.m., second Tuesday of each month, Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood Ave. 264-8805.

June 15: Forget Me Not’s – Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, 1:30 p.m., third Wednesday of each month; Arkansas Hospice, 2405 E. Parkway. 264-8805.

June 15: Johnson Co. Peach Festival Gospel Singing, 6-9 p.m., Free admission. Country Heritage Music Barn, 134 W. Main St., Clarksville.

June 17-18: 22nd Annual Free State of Yell Fest, Veteran’s Riverfront Park; Yell Fest 5K, 1st Annual Poker Run, Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast, and Little Mr. & Miss Yell Fest Pageant, Miller Spectacular Carnivals and entertainment; sponsored by the Dardanelle Chamber, 2011 State Hwy 22 W. Info:229-3328 June 23: 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.

July 4: Community Fireworks Display, New Location: Pope County Fairgrounds, 9:15 p.m. Info: 968-1272. *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 | 7

“Memorials cannot take away the sorrow, emptiness or pain, but they can make a place in time to express the value of lives lost, and assure their memory for years to come.”

BURRIS MEMORIAL PLAZA

A Lasting Tribute Story by Dianne S. Edwards

When Judy Coffman Thacker approached long-time Russellville businessman Troy Burris about the possibility of creating a pocket park on the downtown corner property he owned, neither one realized it would be one of the last altruistic endeavors she would make.

Judy, a tireless community advocate and charter board member of the Main Street Russellville program, would ironically perish – along with five of her fellow Russellvillearea travelers – in the June 1, 1999, fateful Little Rock crash of American Airlines Flight 1420. The tragedy occurred just days before the first official meeting between the Burris Family and Main Street board members scheduled for early June.

The initial conversation held prior to Judy’s trip to Europe projected the board’s dreams of seeing the lot – which once housed the original Burris Office Supply business – become a wonderful green space. Because of its prime location and high visibility at the intersection of two state highways, the spot could provide a welcoming gateway into Russellville. Burris, extremely civic-minded himself, agreed with Judy that the spot could become a source of community pride as an important civic landmark.

8 | ABOUT

Photos by Steve Newby Photography

Troy and wife Marjorie Burris were longtime residents of Russellville. Their familyowned business has been an anchor in the downtown community since it began as a small typewriter store in 1953.

Troy’s brother Roy worked with him in the family business during those early years.

In fact, the Burris’ daughter Troylynn and husband Roy McSpadden lived upstairs over the original store after they were first married. Recalling evenings of sitting in the former location, the pair enjoyed the lights of the cars driving by the intersection of Highways 7 and 64, and are considered Russellville’s “pioneers in Upper Floor Development.”

Years later, when, in 1985, the Burris moved their business from this location to new quarters across the street, the highly visible corner lot was deemed perfect for a pocket park.

Eleven lives lost – six from the Russellville area alone – less than a week prior to the meeting to discuss plans for the potential park – lead the Burris Family to make the decision to donate Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

the property to Main Street Russellville for the creation of a lasting tribute and fitting memorial to their friends and loved ones.

In addition to Judy Thacker, 53, a vice president of River Valley Bank who led a group of local travelers on a tour of Europe the week prior to the fateful crash, those lost included: Sue Gray, 78, a retired Russellville School teacher; Betty Ingram, 69, of Russellville, a retired administrative assistant; Mary Elizabeth Couch, 68, a retired teacher living in Havana; Gordon McLerran, 64, a retired chemist, and his wife, Joyce McLerran, 65, a former insurance associate and avid potter.

A memorial now on their mind, members of the Burris Family and the Main Street Board met in the days following the crash, deciding to push forward not only the pocket-park plan but the newly-fueled objective to create a lasting tribute to the lives of the six civic-minded members.

June 2011

The Burris Memorial Plaza Committee was formed and included representatives of the Burris family, the families of the victims, design professionals, officials representing the City of Russellville and board members of Main Street Russellville. The committee oversaw all stages of the project -- from design development to construction, including plans for perpetual maintenance and continued development.

Original committee members included Arnold Bowden, survivor and close friend of many who perished; Tim Hale, Burris Family representative; Cliff Kirchner, City Council Representative; Peggy Talkington, MSR Board President; Camille Thurlby, design committee chairman, and Betsy McGuire. MSR Director.

A committee advisory board to ensure the park’s long term operation and management included many of the above as well as representatives of the City, the Parks and Recreations director, several aldermen serving as liaisons to the Parks Department, and director and representatives of the Main Street Russellville program and its design committee. The project’s groundbreaking ceremony was held October 9, 1999.

Located at 101 West Main Street in the southwest corner of Main Street (Highway 64) and Arkansas Avenue (Highway 7) the park was built in the two years following the tragedy and dedicated on the second anniversary of the crash – June 1, 2001 – in a poignant ceremony befitting the memory of the six.

Funding was a necessary ingredient in order to be able to move forward with the project, and Main Street Russellville did not have the resources to purchase the space.

“We called upon the benevolent nature of Mr. Troy Burris who donated the green space for the project,” board members gratefully acknowledged.

Andy Kinslow of Integrated Space Design, Inc. of Tulsa, Okla., a cousin to Judy Thacker, donated the design. He served as project and conceptual design landscape architect.

Project Engineer and Contractor Don Johnston, P.E. of Johnston Engineering coordinated the project on a very tight budget who gave countless hours of time and labor without compensation.

June 2011

The dedication program contained the names of many who provided services for the project, but countless individuals and businesses, large and small, private and corporate, gave generously to establish the lasting memorial.

MSR had an additional $3,500 that was obtained through grant funds from the State of Arkansas earmarked as matching funds for a park project on the property.

Much of the time, materials and labor were either donated or discounted. However, in project records, the plaza, (excluding land donation) was projected to cost the following: Arbor: $20,000 (actual: $14,500); concrete, $6,750, (actual $7,250); precast material and labor, $7,650, (actual $2,100); electrical, $10,000, ($800 with one bill outstanding); bricklaying, none budgeted, (actual $3,000); fill dirt, $1,500, (actual none); pump system, $18,000 (actual $18,000); Bronze Sculpture, $4,000, (actual $4,000); Landscaping, trees: $6,500, (actual $6,500.)

Other landscaping miscellaneous was not shown.

In September of 2000, monetary donations, which included $40,000 from American Airlines and $25,000 from Collette Tours, totaled just under $80,000.

The park was built “with love, from the smallest gift to the largest, every donation was a cog in the wheel,” said Peggy Talkington, MSR board president at the time of the dedication.

Recognizing that the area was designated as a remembrance, to bring comfort and peace, Talkington acknowledged establishing a green space in the downtown corridor had been an objective when Judy Thacker and the board first began discussing the Burris property two years earlier. >>

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

ABOUT | 9

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“Memorials cannot take away the sorrow, emptiness or pain, but they can make a place in time to express the value of lives lost and assure the memory for years to come,” Talkington told those gathered at the dedication.

Arnold Bowden echoed his sentiments: “My job is reflections of what happened.”

He told of 45 travelers and 14 days spent touring the beautiful countryside of England, Wales and Scotland in beautiful free verse, chronicling their return which led them down different paths on the journey home.

“All six were a special part of this community, business, education, the arts and community development,” recalled Bowden during the dedication. “In their travels they sought out places of beauty.

The Burris Memorial Plaza would be pleasing to all of them.”

Symbolism abounds within the plaza’s 6,000-square-foot boundary. The arbor, which features six benches and six evergreen trees standing behind each serves as an everlasting memory for each person lost. The six spouts emitting from the fountain signify each person’s life. White flowers planted in the plaza represented purity and resurrection.

Children of Peace, the bronze sculpture of a young boy and girl reaching skyward with doves, was created by nationallyknown artist Gary Price, “instills that feeling of hope and inspiration that we wanted people to take away from visiting the plaza.”

Six fountains at the base of the sculpture spray water at varying angles representing the varying personalities of the victims.

Problems with the fountain pump and/or drainage currently prevent it from working.

Burris Memorial Park won the 2002 Main Street Arkansas award for the Best Downtown Public Improvement Project and was featured on the cover of City & Town. The award, honoring the Main Street organization or municipality that

has designed and implemented quality physical improvements, was presented

by Senator Blanche Lincoln during the Arkansas Municipal League annual conference in Hot Springs.

MSR is the property owner of Burris Memorial Plaza. A warranty deed was issued between Troy Burris and Marjorie Burris, conveyed to Main Street Russellville, an Arkansas non-profit corporation, on Dec. 30, 1999.

Memorial planners said American Airlines contributed $10,000 for the McLerran Memorial Water Garden also dedicated June 1, 2001, at the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center, 1001 East B St. The garden, designed by arts center artist-in-residence Winston Taylor, was created as a tribute to Gordon and Joyce McLerran and as a place where community members could ‘relax, find peace, pray or simply enjoy.”

The Burris Memorial Plaza Maintenance Endowment was established in April 2006 between the Arkansas Community Foundation, Inc, and Main Street Russellville. The fund was designated for maintenance that includes landscaping, insurance, sprinkler system and monthly utilities. However, over the past decade, contributions have dwindled.

To make a memorial contribution to the maintenance fund, please contact Main Street Russellville at (479) 967-1437.

Donations made to Burris Memorial Park are tax deductible as Main Street Russellville is a 501(c)3 organization. n Editor’s Note: I was entrusted with documents relating to the history of and creation of Burris Memorial Plaza, courtesy of Main Street Russellville. While handling the materials, I re-lived the days that followed the crash of 1420. I was privileged to know many of those involved and join others in the community who appreciate their lives, mourn their loss, and acknowledge their deeds of kindness.

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10 | ABOUT

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

June 2011

family Story by Kechia Bentley

L

adies, we need to talk. Apparently, I have been watching way too many infomercials lately because I have become obsessed with arm hair. Yes, I said arm hair. Can someone please tell me when arm hair became so unfashionable?

Now, I know arm hair probably was never really fashionable to begin with, but when, where, and how did it become something we all need to eradicate? On every infomercial I have seen having to do with hair removal they are taking hair off their arms! Really?

Now through the years I have willingly and eagerly bought into beauty telling me I need to remove unwanted body hair. I have no problem seeing the need to pluck my eyebrows – especially mine.

I have been plucking my eyebrows since I was in the fourth grade.

Granted, at that time, it was just those hairs in the middle across the bridge of my nose. I wanted to make sure the world knew I had two eyebrows instead of just one.

I also have had no problem with beauty telling me I need to shave my legs. I have been doing that since the fifth grade. Hey, I was a hairy little girl. I even gratefully and willingly bought into beauty telling me I need to remove arm-pit hair. I can’t exactly remember when I started doing that but I am sure it was at the first sign of a hair. And the older I get, the more facial hair removal I seem to be doing. What is up with that?

It should be obvious that I am not opposed to hair removal in general; I have been doing it for most of my life. I am just trying to figure out when beauty decided arm hair had to go as well. And while we are at it, does anyone know who in the beauty world made that decision?

I know it wasn’t while I was in high school. None of us spent any time at all on our arm hair. It wasn’t while I was in college either. Actually, I have only noticed it in the last maybe three to four years. At first I just ignored it. And then I noticed a friend of mine didn’t have any arm hair. I thought – “wait a minute, maybe I am supposed to be removing my arm hair.” No, that can’t be right.

So I just ignored the little voice in my brain saying that everyone is noticing how much arm hair I have.

Then I decided I would start looking at every woman’s arms to see if they were removing their arm hair. Only problem with that was I would forget to do it. I would come home from church or some lunch gathering and think, “Oh, shoot. I forgot to look.” Obviously, arm hair must not be that noticeable, at least not to me. But I endeavored in my fact gathering only to fail time and time again.

I just recently spent a whole weekend in a hotel room with three other women and I cannot tell you if a single one of them does or does not have arm hair. Go figure.

So why am I so bugged by this? Because, here it comes, I have given into the pressure that beauty places on all of us and have a time or two or three removed my arm hair. There, I have said it. Yes, I have given into peer pressure. Well, I think it is peer pressure, but I can’t really be sure because I have yet to really see if any of my friends actually remove their arm hair. The only ones I can be sure are doing it are those ladies on those TV commercials and I don’t even know them. This is a sickness, isn’t it?

But let me take a moment to possibly redeem myself. I recently was preparing for a trip to Florida. The day before our departure I was doing all the proper beauty treatments and hair removal rituals. I looked down at my arms and said to myself, “Leave that arm hair alone!”

I mean really, in my lifetime I have had three men ask me to marry them, placed first runner-up in the Miss Florida Teen pageant and won Miss Congenitally. I have great friends, a wonderful family and extended family. I have been asked to help with community projects and host special events. And I have had arm hair the whole time!!!! It just doesn’t seem to be an issue.

So this time, beauty, I will resist the urge to follow the crowd!

Also, it really helps that while I was in Florida having dinner with two of my longest and dearest girlfriends we discussed this issue. Guess what? They both have arm hair and have no plan to remove any of it.

I am feeling much better already. n

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June 2011

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

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320 West “B” Street • Russellville, AR 72801 ABOUT | 11

Making Abilities Count Story by Connie Las Schneider | Photos Courtesy of Forrester-Davis

The title painted above the Making Abilities Count (MAC) sheltered workshop on the Forrester Davis Development Center campus in Clarksville beautifully sums up the philosophy of the center. Forrester Davis serves developmentally disabled children and adults from Johnson, Franklin and Logan Counties.

The center’s 40th anniversary was celebrated in May with an open house. The Center opened in 1971 to serve school age children with disabilities in Johnson County.

The facilities first building was a trailer at Sallis School serving six children. Today the center encompasses four buildings in downtown Clarksville at 1000 Buchanan St. and serves 120 children (from newborn to age five) and 62 disabled adults, ages 18 to 65.

The Children’s programs offered at the Center are Early Intervention (birth to age three,) Pre-School education (age 3-5) with integrated daycare for Birth to age 5. FDDC serves disabled Adults through two programs, the adult center and MAC Industries.

Other services the Center provides are Food Service, Transportation, Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, Speech therapy.

According to the Center’s mission statement, their main objective and purpose is to provide educational/habilitation services to the developmentally disabled children and adults of Johnson County. Since it is the only program of its kind in the area, qualified individuals from other counties are also served.

Over time, this non-profit organization has gone through five name changes.

Originally named the Johnson County Child Development Center, the Center was developed by a group of families with special needs children in 1971. In 1974 the name became the Johnson Counter Center for Exceptional Children. In 1984 the name was changed to the Don E. Davis Memorial Center and in 1988 the Center became the Forrester-Davis Development Center.

Parental involvement has been the corner stone of the program since its inception.

Sarah Colvett, currently a board member, was one of the founding parents whose plea for education for her disabled son helped start the original program serving six children. Her son, Tracy, still attends the Center with one other of the original six.

Today the campus has a dedicated staff of 67+ providing day habilitation training to children and adults with physical and mental 12 | ABOUT

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

disabilities. Their staff includes Certified teachers, Instructors, Aides, Bus Drivers, Cooks, Therapists and volunteers.

“We are a blessed team to be employed to provide services for these individuals” said Forrester-Davis Director, Joy Wilson, a soft spoken yet supremely capable woman raised in Hartman. Wilson first got involved with the Center 17 years ago, when her daughter needed speech therapy and was enrolled in the program. Wilson has been the Center Director since 1994.

“It’s been an evolution. When I started working here 16 years ago we had only one building with 11 developmentally delayed children and 11 adults enrolled in the program. Now we have four buildings with over 180 clients and nine bus routes and a food service program that provides 11,340 meals a month.

“I’m the lucky one,” said Wilson. “You don’t make these people better; they make you better. The Bible says “blessed are the pure hearted.” That’s what our clients are.”

Forrester-Davis Development Center has enhanced services for the disabled adults through two programs, the Adult Center which includes the Special Olympic program and MAC Industries. Education of these adults focuses on integrating them into their community and improving their quality of life.

Adult program coordinator, Cathy Needham, who supervises 29 adults at the day facility located in a home purchased by the Center in 2000 said, “Many people underestimate the ability of these adults. Our clients can do a lot of things that no one believed possible, like reading and basic sewing and cooking.

Giving them a feeling of self-sufficiency and independence is so important. They are so proud of their accomplishments, and when they go home they can do something rather than just sit and watch TV.” Board members Sarah Colvett and Mary Sears have been involved with FDDC and Special Olympics for the past 30 years and give their love and time to enhancing and enriching the lives of 47 athletes through the Special Olympic program. The Forrester-Davis Special Olympic team is named the Falcons.

“Once you become involved with these special people you don’t want to quit,” said Sears. While the program is focused on athletic training for their summer Olympics, it goes year round. Colvett added, “This is the most fulfilling thing I have ever done!” >> June 2011

Forrester-Davis: From Cradle to Retirement With its diverse programs, Forrester-Davis Development Center programs can provide a life time of experiences for people with or without disabilities. “We become family and often have life-long relationships with our clients,” said Forrester-Davis Director, Joy Wilson.

Enrolled at the Center are newborns to age five and adults from age 18 to 65, although a gentleman recently retired from the Adult Center at age 70, said Wilson. The infant and pre-school programs are also available to children without disabilities, depending on space available.

Early identification and intervention are critical to the success of a person with disabilities, said Wilson. With a total of 10 classrooms in two buildings, the children’s program goals are to provide services to children in the five developmental areas: fine and gross motor, self help, language, cognitive and social skills. Services are designed to help children function at or as close as possible to their chorological age as they grow and mature.

According to Gretchen Reeder, a former teacher’s aide, teacher and now Physical Plant manager, “the most rewarding part of my job is watching our DDS (Developmentally Delayed Students) test out.” This means these children can be included in regular school programs, she explained. “That’s why we are here.”

The Centers children’s services are licensed through the Department of Education, Developmental Disability Services, Department of Human Services, Day Care, Early Intervention, and Department of Health. In the Infant/Toddler program, the ratio of staff to children is one staff to four children. In the Preschool program, the ratio is one staff member to seven children. All Children’s program instructors are supervised by Early Childhood Special Education teachers, said Wilson.

The Adult Center provides educational/habilitation services to mentally and/or physically disabled clients and their families in their pursuit of independence and a better quality of life. The program, which started in 1980, and moved several times, now occupies a home next door to the MAC Center that ForrestDavis purchased entirely from community donations.

The Adult program focuses on four skill areas. The first is

June 2011

Daily Living skills such as personal hygiene, laundry skills, cooking skills etc. Social/Community skills include proper behavior skills, social skills, and how to find things in the community etc. Recreation/Leisure skills are learning arts and crafts, new hobbies and participating in an exercise program.

Basic Fundamentals include learning new job skills, filling out a job application, recycling paper and aluminum cans and shredding paper. Clients also raise a yearly garden, learn proper yard maintenance and care for two dogs at the Center.

Many of these clients are able to transition into MAC Industries, either full or part time, by teaching them to meet criteria like following instructions and staying on task.

The M.A.C (Making Abilities Count) Industries provides on the job vocational training in competitive or sheltered employment. Services are provided in cooperation with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, Developmental Disabilities Services, Arkansas Social Services and other referring agencies. MAC has contracts with several area companies like Baldor and Hanes, has a screen print business, a laundry service, and plans to add embroidery and trophies to its list of services.

The center’s Special Olympics program is very popular.

Although the program is year round, next year the campus will host the first of three years of Special Olympic summer events with up to 600 participants and serve up to 1,500 dinners.

Special Olympic events that Forrester-Davis Development Center adult clients participate in are bowling, track and field, basketball, power lifting, unified softball, swimming and Bocce. Wilson said she hopes to recruit more coaches for the program, so please contact the center if you are interested.

FDDC currently serves several individuals who live in their own apartments and one couple from the Center got married, said Wilson. In the past year, five adult clients have transitioned from the Adult Development program to M.A.C. Industries full time, allowing them to earn a paycheck, be more productive, become more independent and enhance self esteem, she added.

Besides all these services, Forrester- Davis also maintains a nine route bus service for clients and also provides breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack for all children and adults.

Donations are vital to the facility’s operations and sponsors in various areas urgently needed, said Wilson. For more information on their programs, visit FDDC’s website, forresterdavis.com.

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

ABOUT | 13

For the next three years, the Area IV Special Olympics field and track will be hosted at Clarksville High School. Area IV includes athletes from Johnson, Franklin, Crawford and Sebastian counties and up to 600 athletes will be participating.

MAC Coordinator, Christina Mize, summed up the MAC philosophy simply but eloquently. “It’s a win-win for both our clients and local industries.” Ms. Mize noted that Mac employees are perfect employees. “They are always here, love what they do and are never bored.” All are paid for their work.

MAC has a variety of contracts through Baldor and Hanesbrands. MAC also has a laundry service and a screen printing business that prints on tee shirts and accessories for individuals, local schools and other organizations. The workshop has a gift shop at the facility which sells merchandise made

by MAC clients including soy based candles, melting scent blocks, lotions, greeting cards, tee shirts and accessories. Wilson also said MAC will add embroidery and trophy engraving to its list of services as of June 1.

Because of the diversity of the Center’s programs, funding is a big issue, and the

Proudly Serving the River Valley for

Center depends heavily on donations from the community. Each program has needs and a “wish List”. Building a gym and a separate therapy facility with a covered walkway to the children’s program are top priorities and the Center is actively seeking grants, donations and loans for the financial means to accomplish these goals.

Anyone wishing to donate to Forrest Davis is encouraged to contact Wilson at (479) 754-6210. Information on the facility, including each department’s “wish list” is also available at info@forresterdavis.com. n

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In Training

Story by Janna Ritchie Photos by Steve Newby

‘Who are we? WE ARE THE SHARKS!’ resounds the voices of over 100 hundred Sharks huddled up after a great practice.

It’s enough to bring tears to the eyes of even the hardest of hearts. These voices range in age, ability, background and life paths . . . but the love of being in the water unites them in the pursuit of excellence.

partnered up under the direction of Newton and Les Galloway, then director of the Club, to form the Russellville Sharks. This would prove to be a much needed partnership to add the structure that the fledgling team needed to succeed and grow.

And grow it did. As head coach I, Janna Ritchie, have seen the team grow from around 40 members to 115 over the six years I have coached. A former Shark myself, I have seen countless amazing swimmers and have been privileged to have many great coaches come through the program. And it’s not only swimmers that deserve mention; it’s the parent/family involvement that makes this sport such a family affair. So many community-minded families have been involved with the swim team, to many to mention really, and it is without a doubt that the team would not be where it is today without the help of these families!

It was Shark families who got the high school swim team up and running in the late 1990’s. And those families have kept it going for the last 15 years. Coach Knudsen and his sons were all involved with the Sharks as swimmers and coaches -- and of course his wife was behind the scenes making it all happen.

“The Russellville Sharks summer swim team program has been part of our life for

Even at the youngest ages, after one season your child will be a very strong swimmer.

The Russellville Sharks Swim Team is a River Valley Boys and Girls Club-sponsored competitive swimming team for youth ages 6 to 18. The Swim Team was founded by Billy Newton’s mother around his love of swimming in the mid 1950s. He and his fellow team mates would travel to the War Memorial pool in Little Rock to compete alongside other competitive swimmers each summer. This love grew with Billy into his adulthood, and when he was a father to his own children, he and wife Marlene logged countless hours keeping the team alive in the 1980s and 90s.

Since then, it is that love of swimming which has drawn thousands throughout the years to the pool for early morning workouts and weekend competitions.

In 1993, the Russellville Swim Team and the River Valley Boys and Girls Club 16 | ABOUT

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

the past 10 years. Following the footsteps of my children’s cousin, they decided they wanted to join the team. Swimming is such a healthy sport and also a fun one, so I was more than happy to let them participate.

Many new friends have been made not only from the Russellville team but also from the other teams they have competed with.”

“With the wonderful leadership and teaching by our coaches, the team has continually been at the top of all meets.

Parental support has also been a big part of the Sharks. Everyone works so well together to promote the program. It is truly a great summer sport and I would encourage anyone to become a Russellville Shark,” reports Shark-Mom Kathy Price.

The Sharks Swim Team is a member of the River Valley Swim Association, consisting of teams from Alma, Clarksville, Paris, Ozark and Waldron. They practice Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Hickey Pool and compete six weekends throughout the summer, each team hosting a Friday night or Saturday meet.

Competitive swimmers race using the following strokes in various distances: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly. Swimming is an individual as well as a team sport. Through striving for their best, swimmers are able to help the team through individual races and relays which consist of four swimmers.

“As a parent of two Russellville Sharks, Cameron, 12, and Cassie, 11, I have seen my children grow in character, as June 2011

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well as improve as swimmers, over the last five years with the program. You can easily see goal setting, perseverance, and encouragement translate from the pool to school and home. They have learned that in order to achieve something you must work at it or ‘practice’, but if they put in the time and effort results can be seen,” said Coach Danya Johnson.

“I am also a coach of our 10 & Under swimmers. I am so proud to coach a sport where everyone can improve. A lot of youth activities require some specific talent or skill for participation but every swimmer can swim faster than themself in the race prior.

I gain such joy from watching confidence develop from improving their time.”

Senator Michael Lamoureux, a parent participant in the Sharks, feels strongly about the long-lasting benefits of the program, as well.

“There are so many benefits to participating on the Sharks. As a parent, the

part I appreciate the most is the confidence it gives the kids in the water. Even at the youngest ages, after one season your child will be a very strong swimmer.”

Practices will begin June 13th with a team meeting to be held 6:30-8 p.m.

Sunday June 12, at Hickey Pool. For more information visit the team’s website at russellvillesharks.com.

Sign ups for the 2011 season are underway now at the Boys and Girls Club, located at 600 East 16th Street in Russellville. Swimmers will need a copy of their birth certificate in order to sign up.

Swimming is one of the few sports you can do your entire life, and the Sharks Swim Team is one of the only teams in the area that you can participate in for 12 years straight. The Sharks swim toward strong character and body through perseverance, confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork, personal bests and friendships. Most of all, they have fun! n

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Story by Connie Las Schneider | Courtesy Photos

Peaches are probably the most universally loved of all these celebrated foods. Not many people can resist a wholesome fresh picked peach, rosy hued and juicy with flavor; or those “oh so good” pies, cobblers, jams and jellies.

Nicknamed “Persian Apples”, peaches were thought to originate in Persia and later spread by caravan throughout Asia and Europe. Columbus probably introduced peaches to America and native Indians spread peach trees to many regions before the settlers arrived, according to a publication by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Clarksville’s annual Peach Festival is more than a celebration of fruit. It’s also a celebration of the forward- thinking farmers of Johnson County who dreamed up a new way to supplement income when prices dropped out of the cotton market in the 1890’s.

Peaches were in high demand up North then and the climate around Clarksville, Ludwig and nearby Red Lick Mountain provided a perfect environment for peach orchards. The soil was well adapted and “air drainage” good for growing conditions.

The Missouri Pacific railroad, which built a loading platform in Clarksville, provided fast transport to markets in St Louis and beyond.

Although commercial peach orchards have dwindled to less than five in recent years, at 18 | ABOUT

The River Valley has a long history of celebrating its favorite food products with a festival. Altus in Franklin County has grapes and wine fests; Pope County celebrates Atkins pickles; Crawford County loves its spinach, but Clarksville in Johnson County takes the grand prize. Their 70th annual Peach Festival is the longest-running outdoor festival in Arkansas. one time Johnson County reportedly had more peach bearing trees than any other county in the United States and much of area around Clarksville was planted in orchards, according to a recent installed wall poster about the Peach industry at the U of A Fruit Research Station on Red Lick Mountain in Ludwig.

In the late 1930’s, when the annual festival started as a pot luck picnic in Ludwig, until the early 1940’s peach production in the area was at its peak and the area produced 500,000 bushels a year.

The peach craze in Johnson County all started with an article on Elberta Peaches in the Atlanta Constitution newspaper back in 1893, according to a 1949 newspaper article in Clarksville’s Herald Democrat. JR Tolbert, editor of the then called Johnson County Herald and JJ Taylor of Ludwig, who both subscribed to the Atlanta Constitution newspaper, decided to give peaches a try and ordered trees at 5 cents per dozen. Three years later, the peaches “looked like cantaloupes in Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

comparison and color” to other peach strains with which the men were familiar.

Tolbert planted 100 trees and soon other area farmers like L.W. Mickel and M.D. Lamb planted 400 trees each. That’s when F.M. Farris, who owned an apple orchard nearby, decided to contact the railroad about shipping possibilities. Farris eventually went to work for the railroad and became a ‘”peach missionary” and sold 30,000 young trees to area farmers at two cents each.

Soon other farmers planted peach orchards including the Taylors, Landthrips, Kings, Morgans, Pitts, Yarbrough and Holloway families and the Johnson County peach industry went into full swing.

Although a prolonged drought in the late 1930’s cause some orchards to become unprofitable, by the early 1940’s the peach orchards were back in business. In the 1950’s bad weather caused another set back to the industry and again drastically reduced the peach crops in Arkansas. >> June 2011

Peach Fest 2011

If you go north of Clarksville on Hwy 21, just south of the Hwy 292 on the east side of the road next to an old peach shed, you’ll find a stone monument commemorating the first Johnson County Peach Festival in 1938. Once the J.J. Taylor homestead property, the festival was hosted by the Johnson County Fruit Growers Association and was the brainchild of Robbie Taylor Landthrip, a lifetime resident of the Johnson County and the wife and mother of peach growers.

Since then, the location and line-up of activities have changed considerably, but many traditions remain.

Queen Elberta (peach) and Princess Elberta are still crowned each year, there’s a peach cobbler and peach jam and jelly bake-offs, a peach-eating contest, horse shoe tournament, a grand parade and free live music.

This year the 70th Annual Johnson County Peach Festival will be held June 16-19 around the Johnson County Courthouse square and other locations in Clarksville. The 2011 parade theme is “Peach Wonderland.”

According to the Johnson County Peach Festival website (jocopeachfestival.8m.com) the festival has non-stop fun planned for all. Check out their event schedule for a complete listing of activities or call (479) 754-9152.

On Wednesday evening at 6 pm bring your lawn chair to enjoy gospel music on the Johnson County Courthouse Square. Thursday concessioners set up around the Court Square with wares from handmade arts and crafts to home cooked food. Thursday evening’s entertainment showcases a popular local band and free street dance.

Plan to stay all day Friday with events such as a frog jump contest, terrapin derby and a greased pig chase and a peach eating contest.

A peach cobbler, jam and jelly bake-off will also be held Friday at the

Johnson County Courthouse. No fruit other than peaches may be used.

All entries must be registered between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. There is no entry fee, judging will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, contact Leta Willis at 754-3056 before 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Friday night begins the festival’s two night pageant schedule at the Clarksville High School Arts Center. Miss Arkansas Alyse Eady will be appearing both Friday for the preliminary event and Saturday night for final judging and crowning.

The Miss America preliminary scholarship pageant begins Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Clarksville High School Arts Center and the Princess Elberta pageant, open to girls 6-7 years of age from Johnson County, is also held there.

Also on Friday evening, an open talent contest will be held downtown at the Courthouse Square and all are invited to participate or attend.

Saturday morning starts with a 4-mile run and parade through downtown at 10 a.m. The Peach Festival Committee builds three floats; one for the reigning royalty; one for princesses; one for Little Mister, who was crowned in April. Contact Mike Hartley at 754-5748 for details.

The pageant concludes Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. with the crowning of Queen Elberta of Johnson County, Miss Arkansas Valley who does not live in Johnson County, and Miss Teen Arkansas Valley.

Both Miss Elberta and Miss Arkansas Valley will go on to compete in the Miss Arkansas Pageant. Further information on these pageants may be obtained by calling 754-9152 or 754-6884.

On Sunday, June 19th the 35th annual Peach Festival horse shoe pitching tournament will be held at Cline Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m and pitching starts at 10 am. For more information call 754-9152.

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ABOUT | 19

Because of the unpredictability of crops here, fruit brokers began contracting for peaches grown in more temperate areas, and the hey-day of peaches in Johnson County was over.

That didn’t stop all Johnson County growers. Lloyd Yarborough, who was a grower, packer and shipper of peaches from 1948 until his death in 1996, was very influential in the industry as past president of the Arkansas Peach Council, 1997 Arkansas Horticulture Society Hall of Fame nominee and Grower Magazine Grower of the Year and Arkansas Farm Family of the Year.

The King and Morgan families are also big names in the peach industry of Johnson County. Geraldine King Morgan, who grew up in Ludwig as a King and later married George L. Morgan from another peach growing family, was crowned Queen Elberta VI in 1947. A generation later, Geraldine’s daughter, Marilyn became Queen Elberta XXIX in 1970 and Miss Arkansas in 1971.

For many years Queen Elberta’s job description was to wear the crown and promote peaches, said Geraldine Morgan.

Accompanied by community leaders, they caravanned to Fort Smith and to Little Rock stopping at all the towns along the way giving out samples of our sumptuous fruit, creating good will, and conveying an invitation to the

Peach Festival. It was neighborly face to face marketing with a delicious message. What a thrill for a 16 year old Queen Elberta VI. Just before Marilyn became Miss Arkansas, there had been serious discussion about discontinuing the Peach Festival, said Geraldine.

“The timing of bringing home the crown to Clarksville renewed resolve to carry on the tradition of the festival in spite of countless hours of work from volunteers,” she added.

Today, area peach growers can expect a full crop three out of five years and only a handful of peach orchards remain in Johnson County. For those that stay in the business, some diversify with other fruit and vegetable crops or raise cattle.

At Morgan’s Peach Pickin’ Paradise, five generations of the Morgan family maintain peach orchards on the same farmland.

Although Geraldine is no longer involved in production, she said she “can’t resist dropping in during harvest time to enjoy the people and the peaches.”

How has the business changed? “In earlier days we would never have allowed people into the orchard to pick their own peaches. Now we urge them to do just that.

It is a joyful experience,” said Geraldine.

Holloway Farm and Orchard west of Coal Hill on Hwy 64 Altus is another

multi-generation peach farm. As a fourth generation grower, Fred Holloway doubled his orchard size in the last few years and added new peach varieties that ripen from early June until mid- August, although July is his big month for peaches, Holloway said.

“Not many people here are in the Peach business any more. It is labor intense because there aren’t mechanized tools so it’s all hand labor. Despite the work involved, Holloway said one reason he planted new trees because he want his boys (the fifth generation) to someday inherit the family business.

Other commercial orchards in the area are Larry Holben’s Triple D Orchard on Red Lick Mountain, the Richardson Family Peach Orchard in Clarksville and Cox Berry Farm and Nursery on Hwy. 292 and Hwy. 818, which has diversified to include strawberries, blueberries and other fruit.

According to Dan Chapman, Director of the U of A Fruit Research Station where a peach orchard is tested and monitored, “there is plenty of money in peaches but also a lot of risks (hail and frosts) and hard work. Peaches are not a friendly homeowner crop because they must be sprayed every week to ten days.”

However, he added, “There is nothing like a fresh peach just picked off the tree.

It can’t be beat!” n

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

June 2011

Story cont. from page 5...

Sunset Cinema is an outdoor movie theater which operates during the summer months at Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville. The cost is $1 per person, children under 12 are free.

These family-friendly events brought in over 650 attendees last year. The two feature presentations scheduled this summer are Yogi Bear on Thursday, June 2 and Cats and Dogs on Thursday, July 7. Each showing will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. For more information call 968-2530.

Children’s Fishing Derby

The Russellville Recreation and Parks Department will present the annual Children’s Fishing Derby at Pleasant View Park on June 11, beginning at 8 a.m. with the weigh-in at 10. This free event is for children ages 4 to 12. Prizes will be given in three age divisions for the heaviest catfish and the heaviest stringer of catfish.

A special prize is given for biggest fish of any kind caught during the derby. Please pre-register at the Hughes Center. For more information on the Children’s Fishing Derby contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 968-1272.

Summer Culinary Institute presents Dinner Series, Event

Out of 64 Certified Master Chefs in the United States, few are women.* A Summer Culinary Institute funded by the Women’s Foundation and hosted at Arkansas Tech University’s state-of-the-art kitchen will encourage 50 young women (grades 9-12) to consider this career path.

Chef Chrissy Sanderson, Executive Chef for U.S. Foods and formerly of Bordinos, will teach nutrition and food costs. She will prepare a meal at Williamson Dining Room Tuesday June 7th. Tickets are $25.

Guest speaker Chef Tracy Griffith will host a hands-on culinary learning event for participants. Chef Tracy is the first female to graduate from the California Sushi Academy and one of the world’s first female certified sushi chefs. Chef Tracy will host a book signing for the public on Wednesday June 8th 6:30 p.m. at the Main Street Depot in Russellville. Her book Sushi American Style is available for $20. Friday June 10, Chef Tracy will prepare a meal at Williamson Dining Room. Tickets are $50.

The week-long Institute will expose participants to all areas of the Hospitality industry including: entrepreneurship, nutrition, culinary, job readiness and other areas that are pertinent to college level course work.

Institute dates and times are June 6-10 from 8 a.m. until noon. For more information and tickets, please contact Susan West at swest7@atu.edu or (479) 200-6136, or you may call Williamson (479) 968-0378. n June 2011

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food

by Dianna Qualls About the River Valley Food Editor

Pack a Picnic O

nce upon a lovely weekend my husband Lloyd, our son Tony and I decided to go to the Buffalo River for a picnic. We stopped at the little park beside the big bridge across the river on Hwy. 7. We did not unload our picnic stuff right away but decided to walk down to the river.

When our tummies informed us it was time to EAT, we began walking back to the truck. About half way there it began to rain. We decided to take cover in the backend of the truck which had a camper top on it. Trying to wait out the rain did not work. We were not to be robbed of our picnic so we proceeded to set up our FEAST inside our cozy haven. I do not remember what we ate but we laughed at our predicament and enjoyed the day.

You only need a few things to make a picnic memorable: sunshine (hopefully), family, friends, a cooler full of your favorite foods, a blankie for the ground or the bed of the truck, or, if you must, find a picnic table.

NEW POTATO SALAD No warm-weather picnic or potluck is complete without potato salad, and this carb-conscious new potato version is the perfect serve-along for burgers, chicken, or just about any other grilled summer favorite.

2 lbs. tiny new potatoes 1 c. low-fat mayonnaise or light salad dressing 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 1/3 c. chopped sweet or dill pickles ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. coarsely ground black pepper 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped 1 to 2 T. fat-free milk

Cool potatoes. Cut potatoes into quarters.

In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise dressing, celery, onion, pickles, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Add the potatoes and egg, gently tossing to coat. Cover and chill for 6 to 24 hours.

To serve, stir enough of the milk into salad to reach desired consistency. Season to taste. Makes 16 servings.

1 c. (7-oz.) jar roasted sweet peppers, drained and sliced 1 c. spinach leaves For the cream cheese spread, stir together the cream cheese, lemon juice, mustard, and garlic pepper. Split sourdough loaf horizontally and spread cut sides with the cream cheese spread.

On bottom half of the loaf, layer turkey, Provolone or Swiss cheese, sweet peppers, and spinach. Cover with top of loaf.

Slice crosswise into four pieces. Wrap sandwiches in plastic wrap or waxed paper and chill until serving time, up to six hours.

Makes four main-dish servings.

Make-ahead tip: Mix the cream cheese spread ingredients; cover and chill up to 24 hours. Rinse spinach leaves; pat dry, cover, and chill up to 24 hours. Next morning: Assemble the sandwiches, wrap, and surround them with ice packs in a cooler.

PICNIC BASKET BAGUETTES

4 oz. soft-style cream cheese with chives and onion 1 T. fresh lemon juice 1 T. Dijon-style mustard ¼ tsp. garlic pepper 1 loaf (8 oz) baguette (sourdough or French) In a large saucepan, combine potatoes 8 oz. boneless fully cooked smoked and enough water to cover. Bring to boiling; turkey breast, sliced reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 4 slices Provolone or Swiss cheese minutes or until tender. Drain well.

(2 to 3 ounces)

Containers & Plants for Your Summer Decorating

Taylor Nursery

130 S Cumberland • 479-968-2778 22 | ABOUT

Now servicing all your Apple Products.

In & out of Warranty.

PC Service, Sales, Training & Networking

220 East 4th St. Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

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479.880.2005

www.asitechnology.com June 2011

CLASSIC ULTIMATE HAMBURGERS To prevent burgers from falling apart, turn them only once, and for heaven’s sake don’t press on a burger with a spatula. All you’re doing is pushing all the juice out of the burger. Another trick to getting an evenly cooked burger is to put a slight depression in the center of each patty before you put it on the grill.

1½ lbs. 80% lean ground chuck 1 8 oz. 90% lean ground sirloin Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 T. unsalted butter, at room temperature 6 good-quality hamburger buns 6 slices dead-ripe tomato 6 Iceberg or Romaine lettuce leaves Condiments of your choice Oil the grill racks. Preheat grill using all burners set on high and with the lid closed for 10 to 12 minutes.

Put the meat in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper; go light on the salt here because we’re going to add more. Being as tender as you possibly can, use your hands to mix the seasonings into the meat and then form it into six patties 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns.

Take your thumb and make a good depression in the middle of each burger.

Season the patties with salt and pepper.

Butter the cut side of your hamburger buns.

Place the burgers on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes. Turn the burgers and cook for an additional four minutes for a medium-pink doneness. If you want a welldone burger, cook for 12 to 15 minutes.

If you feel your burger is not complete without cheese, then add a slice to each patty during the last two minutes of cooking time. The cheese should melt nicely but not turn to liquid, and will continue to melt even after you take the burger off the grill.

During the last minute of the cooking time, add buns to the grill, cut side down, and grill

until lightly toasted. Hamburgers are best served straight off the grill, into the bun, into your mouth. If the burgers are going to have to sit for a few minutes, place them on one platter and the buns on another instead of inserting the burger between the buns. Top each burger with tomato and lettuce, and dress with the condiments of your choice.

These are a couple of condiments you might enjoy trying: Tart Apple Mustard: In a small bowl stir together 1/2 cup honey mustard, 2 tablespoons shredded green apple, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Cover and refrigerate two hours to blend flavors before serving. Store any remaining mustard in the refrigerator up to 24 hours. Makes about 2/3 cup.

Bacon Brown-Sugar Mustard: In a small bowl stir together 3/4 cup yellow mustard, 3 slices crisp-cooked bacon, and 4 teaspoons brown sugar. Cover; refrigerate overnight to blend flavors before serving. Store any remaining mustard in the refrigerator up to two days. Makes 1 cup.

GRILLED BROWN SUGAR PORK CHOPS 1/2 c. brown sugar, firmly packed 1/2 c. apple juice 4 T. vegetable oil 1 T. soy sauce 1/2 tsp. ground ginger salt and pepper to taste 2 tsp. cornstarch 1/2 c. water 6 boneless pork chops Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, apple juice, oil, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring to boil. Combine water and cornstarch in small bowl, and whisk into brown sugar mixture. Stir until thick.

Brush grate lightly with oil before placing pork chops on the grill. Cook over hot coals for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once.

Brush with sauce just before removing chops from grill. Serve with remaining sauce. Yield six servings. Recipe from allrecipes.com >>

Second Baptist Church Invites You To our Vacation Bible School

XP15 The quietest heat pump you can buy.

Compatible with the exclusive Humiditrol® whole-home dehumidification system– indoor air quality you can feel

Sunday July 10 thru Thursday July 14, 6-8:45pm For online registration, go to

www.sbcr.org

4yrs to 6th Grade Completion Adult class also Second Baptist Church • 1100 N Frankfort Ave, Russellville • 967-4085 June 2011

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

Griffin Electric Heat & Air, Inc.

2605 S. Knoxville • Russellville (479) 968-8555 License #122314

Jay & Dennis Griffin

ABOUT | 23

TECH TRAVEL

NORTHERN NATIONAL PARKS: July 22-29, 2011 (8-Day Tour) An unforgettable tour of Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, the Oregon Trail Museum, Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful and the Grand Teton National Park.

CANADIAN ROCKIES BY TRAIN (9-Days) August 8 – 16, 2011 Travel back in time aboard VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” as you relax and discover the delight of overnight training. Enjoy first-class meals and aweinspiring Canadian Rockies vistas during the day. Highlights include Vancouver, British Columbia, Jasper, Columbia Icefields, Lake Louise, Banff and Calgary.

SPAIN’S CLASSIC: Sept. 25 – Oct. 4, 2011 (10-Day Tour) A colorful pageant of art, history and culture, set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges. Highlights: Madrid, Prado Museum, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Flamenco Show, Granada, Alhambra, Valencia and Barcelona.

FALL DAY IN THE OZARKS- MT. VIEW, ARKANSAS: (October 2011) Details Coming Soon!

CHRISTMAS TOUR – NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA (December 2011) Details Coming Soon!

UPDATED PASSPORTS REQUIRED ON TRIPS OUTSIDE OF THE USA!

Tech Travel

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

Estate Planning REVOCABLE LIVING TRUSTS WILLS ELDER LAW

(479) 967-3225

THE COUTTS LAW FIRM, P.A.

SOUTHWESTERN SUMMER SALAD

MALTED MOCHA BARS

1 lb. fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces 6 fresh ears of corn or one 16-oz. package frozen whole kernel corn 1 dried chipotle chili pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 T. white wine vinegar 1 T. balsamic vinegar 1 T. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed ½ c. loosely packed fresh basil leaves ¼ c. loosely packed fresh parsley 1 shallot, cut up ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. ground black pepper ¼ c. olive oil 1 large tomato, chopped 1 c. plain croutons Purple flowering kale (optional)

2/3 c. butter, softened 2/3 c. packed brown sugar 1 ¼ c. all-purpose flour Nonstick cooking spray 3 eggs, beaten 1/3 c. granulated sugar 4 tsp. vanilla 1 ½ c. flaked coconut ¾ c. chocolate malted milk powder ¼ c. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. instant espresso powder or instant coffee crystals ¼ tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt 1 ½ c. sifted powdered sugar 3 T. chocolate malted milk powder 1 T. boiling water

In a covered large saucepan cook fresh beans in a small amount of boiling water for 12 to 15 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain.

If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cobs. Cook corn, covered, in boiling water about 10 minutes or until corn is tender.

Drain. (If using frozen beans and corn, cook according to package directions; drain). Set vegetables aside to cool.

Rinse dried pepper in water; cut open and discard stems and seeds. Cut pepper into small pieces. Soak in boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes or until softened; drain well.

Place pepper pieces, garlic, vinegars, juice concentrate, basil, parsley, shallot, salt, and black pepper in bowl of food processor or blender container. Cover and process or blend until combined. Add oil in a thin stream, processing or blending until nearly smooth.

Pour 1/3 c. of the dressing over vegetables. (Cover and chill remaining dressing for another use.) Add tomato chunks and croutons; toss lightly. Serve on a bed of purple flowering kale. Makes 6 to 8 side-dish servings.

Closest to home

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In mixing bowl stir together butter, brown sugar, and 1-1/4 c. flour until smooth. If needed, knead to blend. Coat a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; pat flour mixture into the bottom of pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until just set.

Beat together eggs, granulated sugar, and 2 tsp. of the vanilla. Stir in coconut, the 3/4 c. malted milk powder, the 1/4 c. flour, 1-1/2 tsp. of the espresso powder or coffee crystals, baking powder, and salt. Carefully spread mixture on top of baked layer. Bake 20 to 25 minutes more or until set. Cool on a wire rack.

In a medium bowl beat together powdered sugar, the 3 T. malted milk powder, the remaining 2 tsp. vanilla, the remaining 1/2 tsp. espresso powder or coffee crystals, and boiling water.

If necessary, beat in a little additional boiling water until icing is of spreading consistency.

Spread over cooled bars. Makes 36 bars.

Emeritus Senior Living Choosing assisted living at an Emeritus Senior Living community will actually give your loved one greater independence. You will gain peace of mind knowing that they are nearby in a safe and comfortable senior living community.

Call us today to learn more about the benefits of assisted living for your loved one. We will be glad to arrange a private tour experience for you.

James V. Coutts

WILDFLOWER

Attorney at Law

An Emeritus Senior Living Community

110 South Commerce Russellville 24 | ABOUT

Come and join us for Community Bingo June 23, 2pm-3pm. Ages 55 and over.

240 S. Inglewood Ave., Russellville, AR www.Emeritus.com

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

479-890-6709 June 2011

SINGAPORE SLAW 3 c. shredded cabbage or 1/2 of a (16oz.) bag shredded cabbage with carrot 1½ c. jicama cut into strips 1 c. orange, peeled and sectioned ½ c. green, red, or yellow sweet pepper, cut into julienne strips 1 small red onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings 2 T. snipped fresh cilantro 2 T. peanut oil or salad oil 4 tsp. rice vinegar 1 T. sugar 1 tsp. toasted sesame seed (optional) 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil 1 tsp. soy sauce ¼ tsp. dry mustard ¼ c. peanuts In a large mixing bowl combine cabbage, jicama, orange sections, sweet pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Cover and chill up to four hours.

For dressing, in a screw-top jar combine peanut oil or salad oil, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame seed (if desired), toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and dry mustard. Cover and shake well. Chill up to four hours.

To serve, shake dressing again; pour over salad. Toss lightly to coat. Sprinkle with peanuts. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare dressing up to four hours ahead. Cover and store in refrigerator. Shake well before using.

Technologically Advanced Dental Care for the Entire Family With over a decade of experience, Dr. Leeds will be continuing the great tradition of Dr. Garry Hudson in Pottsville

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SESAME PASTA CHICKEN SALAD 1/4 c. sesame seeds 1 (16 oz.) package bow tie pasta 1/2 c. vegetable oil 1/3 c. light soy sauce 1/3 c. rice vinegar 1 tsp. sesame oil 3 T. white sugar 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 3 c. shredded, cooked chicken breast meat 1/3 c. chopped fresh cilantro 1/3 c. chopped green onion Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame seeds, and cook stirring frequently until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and set aside.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain pasta, and rinse under cold water until cool. Transfer to a large bowl.

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds, ginger, and pepper. Shake well.

Pour sesame dressing over pasta, and toss to coat evenly. Gently mix in chicken, cilantro, and green onions. Recipe from allrecipes.com n June 2011

River Valley Radio and Maus Implement have teamed up for our annual Lawn Tractor Giveaway... valued at over $ dollars!

2,500

Sign up at any of the following businesses: • Georgia Carpet Mills • CBay Trading and Loan • Chicken Mart • D&R Pittsburgh Paints • Best Ride

• Taco John's • Good Deal Charlie • Nebo II • Petsense • Leonards Hardware

• Arkansas Valley Farmer's Co-op • Arkansas Tire and Auto Service • CJ’s Clothing, Furniture, and More

Includes Trailer. Drawing June 17, 2011.

Must be 18 or older to win.

KCJC 102.3 100.9 KWKK Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

KVLD 99.3 KCAB AM980 ABOUT | 25

education

Story and Photos by Allyson Johnson

‘And They’re Off !’

On Friday, May 13, there could be no greater excitement found in Russellville than at Oakland Heights Elementary School as students Pre-K through 4th grade prepared for the 19th annual Turtle Derby. What exactly is a turtle derby, one might ask? It’s a very fun end-of-the year event for students at Oakland Heights. Third and fourth grade students are allowed to participate in the race, and all other students are able to watch and cheer on their favorite turtle.

This school-wide event is something every student at Oakland Heights anticipates each year. But not just the students are excited -- this excitement is visibly seen in the faculty, staff and parents that come to support the race. In addition to the actual races, students enjoy popcorn, snow cones and turtle-themed carnival games.

The rules for the derby are quite simple.

The derby track is a large circle with a smaller circle inside. Each race starts with four turtles being placed into the small

One Bonus to a client, please, per event. While supplies last.

center circle. The first turtle to reach the perimeter of the larger outside circle is the winner. The races are double elimination to allow everyone a second chance. Winning turtles keep progressing until they reach the championship race. The owners of the top three winning turtles receive a nice trophy and a “good feeling in their heart,” says Brad Beatty, co-chairman of the Oakland Heights Turtle Derby.

The turtles in these races are cared for with much respect and love. Students participating attend a session to gain better understanding of turtles and their importance. Safety is, of course, the most important element in this event. It is stressed numerous times of how important it is to handle the turtle with care, especially protecting its shell, because that is the turtle’s home. Students are not allowed to paint or mark their turtle’s shell because it is very unhealthy for them. All turtles are to be returned to where they were found

immediately following the race. It is very important to keep them in captivity the least amount of time as possible. Children are also taught the proper way to hold and transport their turtle. Snapping turtles are absolutely not allowed in the event.

How did turtle races end up here in Arkansas? Teacher Lacretia Keaster visited Perham, Minn., about 19 years ago where there were weekly turtle races held. Her daughter, Christina, was just starting kindergarten and loved the races. Mrs. Keaster and Jeanine Humphrey decided to begin the tradition of turtle racing at Oakland Heights. It started off small, only a few racers and few spectators but every year the event has grown. Now, the entire school either races or cheers on the racers at the end-of-the-year event.

Turtle derby isn’t just a way to have fun, but it’s also a way for Oakland Heights to give back to the community. Every year the school uses the turtle-racing event to raise money for Relay for Life. They usually generate over $1,000 each year.

Each class is encouraged to raise at least $30, and this amount is usually surpassed, say organizers. T-shirts and turtle derby merchandise, such as turtle hats, plastic turtles and turtle bubbles, are sold to help raise monies.

According to Beatty, the total dollar amount raised for Relay for Life this year was $984.17.

The winners were students McKinley Rose, first place; Sylas Apodaca, second place, and Holly Kirkpatrick, third place. Beatty and the Oakland Heights’ staff expressed their thankfulness to area businesses, including Whatta-burger and Blue Chip Ice, that help support the annual event.

For additional information on Oakland Heights Elementary and the annual Turtle Races, contact Brad Beatty at (479) 968-2084. n

Pup MODEL ENGINE 5200 Pup 30hp Kohler 6000 Pup 30hp Kohler

DECK FUEL TANK SPEED 52” 14.5 Gallon 10 mph 60” 14.5 Gallon 10 mph

Prices Starting at $6,799 City Mall Russellville (479)968-3001

26 | ABOUT

RIVER VALLEY EQUIPMENT 479-968-5900 4200 East Main • Russellville

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

June 2011

1

2

3

ABOUT

... the Best Products

The Original RedNek™ Wine Glass

n1

You don’t have to reside in the backwoods to appreciate the humor! A great conversation piece, whatever your pleasure, from wine to white lightning. New at Gifts on Parkway; 2149 E. Parkway, Russellville (479) 890-6932

n2

Snack With Us

We can customize your Vending Needs with sodas and snacks. Package bulk candy with your logo to help promote your business. Snack With Us; (479) 214-3289, dhandley000@centurytel.net

4

n3

BeAch Ready

Black and brown strapless swimsuit cover-up with matching sandals and bag.

Different colors and designs. By Mud Pie. rose drug; 3103 West Main Place, Russellville; (479) 968-1323

n4

Women’s Casual

Catalina Short and Bam Beautiful Top

by Kavu. Feltner’s Athlete’s Corner;

2320 West Main, Russellville; (479) 968-6464

n5

5

June 2011

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

Calling All Hog Fans!

New Razorback watches available along with other Razorback items. Visit our wonderful selection of other Razorback team items.

Gifts on Parkway; 2149 E. Parkway, Russellville (479) 890-6932

ABOUT | 27

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.)

Teeth Bleaching ~ Cosmetic Dentistry (Gift Certificates Available)

–June 4–

–June 25–

Whitley Robertson and Albert Martin Doriane Woollery and Scott Wray Macy Blair and Zach Massey Colleen Day and Matt Goddard Brittany Jones and Nick Noles

Lindsay Williams and Kyle Dixon Brittany Tippin and Geoff West

3105 West Main, Russellville AR (across from Rose Drug)

www.daltonwecatertocowards.com

Huge Selection of Bridal Sets and Bands Custom Designs Available

Leslee Fowler and Braxton Lay

–July 2–

Let usJune make your – 10– Wedding DayBellott Katie Bellott and Jacob

Ryan Hughes and Gary Berner

–June 11–

Megan Souto and Scott Fleck Sarah Taylor and Josh Jones Lesha Greer--Ritter and Seth Ritter

(Formal Ceremony)

(479) 968-1001

–June 29–

Anna Pabian and Matt MacFarlane Carmen Estes and Tim Sherman Tiffany LoPorto and Cody Kraus Meghan Brown and Blake Crabill Allie Dickey and Darren Turner

–June 18– Karla Parchman and Scott Johnson Jennifer Boyd and Jordan Roe

–June 28– Emily Peevy and Micah Bubbus

–July 9–

–July 16– Judy Dillon and Justin Renfroe Erin Howard and Jeff Green Cari Thompson and Jeremy Curtis

–July 19– Lauren Perez and Aaron Carson

–July 21– Mark Anthony and Samantha Lee Dagenhart (Anniversary)

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. Forms available at 220 East 4th Street, Russellville. For additional information, call (479) 970-6628. *Digital f iles are accepted and will be published upon receipt of payment.

Storewide Sale

SEMI-ANNUAL

J shua’s Fine Jewelry

310 West Main, Downtown Russellville

(479) 968-3117

28 | ABOUT

Dresses Starting at

99

$

Danielle’s Bridal

& Up

Complete the rest of your wedding party with Tuxes & Bridesmaid Dresses!

2382 West Clark Road, Clarksville, AR 72830 (479) 754-5885 • www.daniellesbridalshop.com

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

June 2011

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

–July 23– Kathryn Ussery and Darren Pledger

–July 30– Lydia Alford and Zachary Mabry Kristie Sanders and Michael Irwin Sarah Casey and Justin Wyles

– August 13– Elizabeth Eason and DJ Martin

– Aug/Sept TBA– Karla Helton and Andy Snow

–September 10– Holly Freyaldenhoven and Joshua Shepard Kristin Littrell and Justin Cothren

–September 24– Charity Stuart and Bryce Smith Allison York and Thomas Jones Lindsay Terry and Zach Orlicek

–October 22– Megan Johnston and Kane Moix Adam McMahan and Kristin Shehorn

–October 29– Miki King and Coe Biggers

–November 19– Jessica Rutledge and Christopher Smith

Learning Land

MILLYN’S 42nd

ANNIVERSARY SALE Thursday, June 9th thru Saturday, June 18th

20 50

% OFF Storewide %OFF Selected

(479) 229-4144 Front Street Dardanelle

Millyn’s

Items

Bridal Registry Decorating Service

25% OFF for all EARLY BIRD shoppers!

Everyone shopping between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. each day.

AWARD WINNING

Have Your Day

Perfect

in Every Way Catering ~ Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Showers ~ Large Parties Room Rentals

Bringing Quality Childcare to the River Valley

The 2011-2012 hours of operation are

Monday-Friday, 7:30am - 3:30pm beginning Tuesday, August 16

For more information, please call 968-3007 Located at 1103 East L St., Russellville Learning Land is a ministry of First Free Will Baptist Church

June 2011

For additional information or to book your event, please call us today at (479) 229-3425 208 North Front Street • Dardanelle • (479) 229-3425 Lunch Buffet Tuesday-Friday 11am-2pm ~ Dinner: Tuesday-Sunday, 5-10pm

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

ABOUT | 29

healthcare Hands that Serve, Hearts that Care

baked potatoes, steamed vegetables and a wonderful variety of decadent desserts.

Wendell Van Es, Saint Mary’s chief financial officer, expressed his sincere gratitude for the work of the volunteers, adding, “We realize the immense value of your service to this hospital and community – we certainly could not hire the work that For the past 37 years, the members you do, nor the spirit in which you give so of Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center much of your time.” Van Es noted that Saint Volunteer Auxiliary have focused on Mary’s 70-plus volunteers gave over 17,000 service above self. Like their counterparts hours of their time in 2010. around the country, they make up an Following Van Es’ remarks, Saint Mary’s irreplaceable force. chief executive officer Mike McCoy echoed The job description for a healthcare the expression of appreciation. “You are volunteer might read something like: “this a special group which spends countless job is non-profit, non-government and non- hours devoted to the patients, families and business.” Sound promising? employees of Saint Mary’s Regional Medical But there are many who are looking at Center,” he said. ” The kindness you extend the potential and the purpose of such jobs. to our guests, and the enthusiastic way in If they choose this line of work, they know which you give of your time and talents to that day in and day out, they will make a help others is truly commendable. We are genuine difference in people’s lives. thankful for all that you do.”

So what compels Saint Mary’s and other volunteers to become one of these generous givers?

The answers are many: • They can help others who appreciate their dedication and positive attitude.

• They make new friends and stay connected with the community.

• They build self-confidence by sharing talents, gifts and experience.

• They stay active, which not only benefits their physical health, but their mental and emotional health as well.

• They remember how blessed their lives are. They are able to put aside their tough situations to help others through theirs.

Saint Mary’s recently celebrated the contributions of these unsung heroes during National Healthcare Volunteer Week in April and the annual Installation Luncheon in May. During each annual celebration of Healthcare Volunteer Week, the hospital brings awareness to the service and care shown by the 70 people who make up the active volunteer roster. And each spring, the installation luncheon is held to recognize new members and incoming officers, and to award pins for members’ annual service.

This year’s luncheon featured special guests Mike Chaffin, saxophonist, and Miss Tech 2011 Brandi Cromer. Bright Gerber daisies in clear glass vases sat atop fun faux grass centerpieces, adding gorgeous color to the spring-themed event. Lunch fare, prepared by the hospital dietary staff, included tossed salad, roast beef au jus with horseradish, chicken cordon bleu, twice 30 | ABOUT

Saint Mary’s CEO Mike McCoy (right) with incoming 2011 Auxiliary officers (l to r): Treasurer Barbara Boeh, Secretary Wanda Reed, Vice President Janet Thurber, and President Evelyn Denton.

Used books sold in the gift shop, ranging in cost from 50 cents to $1.50, are collected entirely through donations. The community is encouraged to bring gently used books to be re-sold. Proceeds from two annual jewelry sales and gold exchanges, sponsored and hosted by the auxiliary, are also donated to scholarships.

Volunteer President Evelyn Denton noted “we want our friends, families and neighbors to have the very best of care.

One way we as volunteers can contribute is to help further educate the clinical staff who will be caring for those we love. Our goal is to keep these compassionate, qualified caregivers here at Saint Mary’s.”

Is it time for you to give as a Saint Mary’s volunteer? Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center is always looking for people to join its dedicated, energetic and enthusiastic team.

Applications for volunteer auxilians age 18 and Local saxophonist Mike Chaffin. up are available at the hospital’s information desk, or can be downloaded from the The needs that Saint Mary’s volunteers hospital website, www.saintmarysregional. fill are big and small: filling coffee pots in com, or the auxiliary’s online site: www. a waiting room, delivering flowers to a new saintmarysvolunteers.blogspot.com. mom, ringing up sales in Compliments Gift Additional information about membership is Shop, responding with grace to a patient’s available at (479) 968-2841, ext. 0. n anxiety. By meeting these immediate needs, they make measurable and immeasurable contributions that significantly affect the hospital’s healing atmosphere.

But Saint Mary’s volunteers take their giving even beyond their valuable everyday activities, awarding a number of $500 scholarships each spring and fall semester.

These are available to current hospital employees who are actively continuing their education in nursing and clinical fields. Recipients are selected by the Volunteer Scholarship Committee based Saint Mary’s scholarship presenters and recipients: on criteria such as field of study and unit (l to r): scholarship committee members Verna Daniels manager recommendation. and Trilby Maul; Francis Poole, pre-med; Abby Alford, Scholarship funding is raised throughout nursing; Melanie Elmore, assistant lab director; and the year in part through monies received as BJ Meyers, committee member. Not pictured: Louisa Peterson, scholarship committee chair; Gena Hanney, profit from Compliments Gift Shop, which nursing; Blake Hollowoa, pre-med. is owned and managed by the auxiliary.

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

June 2011

Full Service For Your Safety and Convenience.

Dr. Joe Cloud, Gynecology

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

SAME

DAY

SURGERY

Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center is proud to offer advanced outpa-

All-Private All The Time

tient surgery for your safety and privacy. Welcome to Saint Mary’s Care, a

Comprehensive Surgical Specialties

comprehensive approach to same-day surgery that combines the best in patient

Skilled Surgical Nursing Care Expedited Registration & Discharge Personal Comfort Robes 24-hr. M.D. Anesthesia Coverage Warm Blanket Service Reserved Parking

care with the peace of mind that comes from knowing it’s all backed by a fullservice hospital. In our desire to always put our patients first, we’ve designed a complete program of surgical expertise, patient safety and personal one-on-one care that can’t be matched anywhere in the area. For more information on The Surgery Center at Saint Mary’s, visit our website or call 479-968-2841.

Post-Procedure Follow-up Full-Service Hospital Support

1808 West Main Street • 479-968-2841

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saintmarysregional.com

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