The Courage of a Mother’s Love
May 2009 a publication of SILVER PLATTER PRODUCTIONS, INC. www.aboutrvmag.com
May 2009
contents
n Nettie Dress by Patagonia Low-Wrinkle Seer Sucker makes for a Cool, Comfortable Throw-It-On-Everyday Dress that you’ll love! Modeled by Lindsey Virden.
Feltner’s Athletes Corner
8
The Courage of a Mother’s Love
2320 West Main • Russellville (479) 968-6464
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Planning a Family? Better Check the Graduation Schedule First!
14
Big Brothers Lend an Ear n Handcrafted Bamboo Candles 100% Soy Wax with all cotton wicks. Earth Friendly Home Décor by Bamboo Aromatiques. Candle holder is by Demdaco.
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18 Vendors, Sponsors Sought for Expo 19
Girls of Promise
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A Ukrainian Love Story
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ABOUT.. the Best Cooks Winners Announced
30
Women’s Week: Focus on Health Education, Awareness
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Bone Up on Bone Health
32
Peggy Hoban Memorial Show
34
To Russia With Love
38
ABOUT... Engagements
n Mother’s Day Gifts Tell your mother how much she is appreciated and loved this Mother’s Day. Special Flower arrangements as well as gifts, candy bouquets and more.
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ABOUT our Cover
Photo by Steve Newby
Celebrating a photographic moment with their mother, Becca Talley, the family of siblings, including Austin, 12; Albricia, 10, and Tatiana, 9, demonstrate that love can prevail over adversity. Believing that the hand of God has delivered her through the worst of times, the love of her children has given Becca that courage to break the bonds of abusive relationships. Read the family’s story beginning on page 8.
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4 ABOUT...the River Valley
May 2009
Beth Moore: ‘Living Proof Live’ Local Showing In late August, First United Methodist Church of Russellville will sponsor a simulcast of a live event featuring popular Bible teacher Beth Moore. The event will give participants the chance to connect with friends and experience a fresh encounter with God, say organizers. Born on an Army base in Green Bay, Wis., during what was described by her father as the worst thunderstorm the city saw in five years, Beth Moore’s father says the Lord brought her into the world with a drum roll. Beth was raised in Arkadelphia, Ark., where her father managed the local cinema. Each of the five Moore siblings had a role to play. Beth’s job was to hand out samples of popcorn and soda and it was there, seated in a theater chair, that wide-eyed Beth began her life-long love for stories. She loved to hear, write and relay the stories that captured her heart and consumed her life, but not those told in the movie theater. Her favorite story was of a Savior who loved children and thought she was special told in her Sunday School class. A seed began to grow in her young heart that would mark the rest of her life. At 18, Beth sensed a calling to serve God. She graduated from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, with a degree
May 2009
in political science, later receiving an honorary doctorate in humanities from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas. She married Keith Moore in 1978 and began serving the Lord, speaking at luncheons and retreats, working at Mother’s Day Out and teaching Christian aerobics while raising daughters Amanda and Melissa. Her love for the Word of God was embedded through Bible doctrine classes such as one taught by Buddy Walters, a former college football player who taught scriptures with tears streaming down his face. Her passion for sharing her faith resulted in the founding of Living Proof Ministries in 1994 with the purpose of teaching women how to love and live on God’s Word. She has written numerous books and Bible studies, including Breaking Free, Believing God, and The Patriarchs, that have been read by women of all ages, races, and denominations. Through the years, American missionaries and expatriates have taken the Bible studies overseas, resulting in Beth Moore Bible study groups popping up all over the world. Upon completion of a tour of New England this fall, Beth’s Living Proof Live conferences will have taken her to all fifty states since 1994. The events have been
attended by more than 658,000 women. Beth has been graciously given the opportunity to serve the body of Christ in many different countries, including Ireland, England, Singapore, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, India, Angola, Kenya and South Africa. With great joy, she began a radio ministry in 2004 called Living Proof with Beth Moore. The local showing of the simulcast of Living Proof Live from Green Bay, Wis., will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, and at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29. Tickets (May-August) are $30 and are available by contacting First United Methodist Church, 304 S. Commerce, Russellville, (479) 968-1232. Childcare will be available for a small fee. For further information about the event, contact Terri Kulbeth or Lacy Dicks at 9681232; Roy Beth Kelley at 264-2045, or Sabrina Kendrick at 970-1224. Additional information is available at fumc.rsvl.org or lifeway.com/women. n Note: Local churches featuring on-going Beth Moore studies include, but are not limited to: First United Methodist, Russellville; First Baptist Church, Russellville; Fellowship of Christians, Russellville; Union Grove Freewill Baptist, Atkins, and Mt. Vernon Freewill Baptist, Hector/Buttermilk.
ABOUT...the River Valley 5
ABOUT the River Valley
A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. IV, Issue 4 – May 2009
OWNERS/EDITOR Nolan and Dianne Edwards Advertising Sales Melanie Conley Vonna Marple Graphic Design Chris Zimmerman Zim Creative Contributing Writers Kechia Bentley Dianna Qualls Jeannie Stone Johnna Walker Contributing PhotographerS Steve Newby Assistant to the Publisher Melissa Edwards
ABOUT… the River Valley
is locally owned and published for distribution by direct mail and targeted delivery to those interested in the Arkansas River Valley. Subscriptions are available by sending $20 for one-year (10 issues) to: SPPI/ABOUT Magazine P.O. Box 10176 Russellville AR 72812 Material contained in this issue may not be copied or reproduced without written consent. Inquiries may be made by calling (479) 970-6628. Office: 417 West Parkway Email: editor@aboutrvmag.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: SPPI, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812.
6 ABOUT...the River Valley
A PAGE FROM ___________________________________________________
The Editor’s Notebook April showers bring May flowers... how many times have we heard that familiar adage? The River Valley has certainly had its fair share of typical (and not-sotypical) spring weather. My side yard still feels like walking on a sponge! I’ve always heard it said that ‘if you don’t like the weather in Arkansas, stay a while. It will change.’ How true! Recent correspondence with my younger first cousin caused us each to question where the hours go in a day. (Now for my cousin, Lisa, she drives a distance to and from work each day, helps with her three grandsons, checks on her father and is remodeling her house with the blessings of her husband, Ike. I KNOW where her hours go!) Granted, we all share the same number of hours in a day, but recently those 24 hours seem shorter than in days past. The recent time change increased our number of evening daylight hours but the darkness still comes long before the chores of the day are complete. Spring has come and my vegetable garden remains unplanted. The room I’d planned to repaint is still untouched. Nice thing is the room will be ready to repaint when I am, and, thanks to the nice folks at Drewey’s and the Farmer’s Market, I’ll never run short of fresh, locally-grown summer vegetables! Are we cramming more into the day, or becoming distracted and accomplishing less? What happened to those ‘lazy days of summer?’ I, for one, am searching for them again, all while filling my life with busy, enjoyable activities involving family and friends. *** Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Thank your mom (and dad) for the life you’ve enjoyed – if that is indeed the case. You’ll become even more thankful for the love and comfort of family when you read the challenges overcome by a determined mother in “The Courage of a Mother’s Love,” beginning on page 8. “A Ukrainian Love Story,” beginning on page 22, tells the joys of expanding family when the Cawyers of Russellville combined the lives of their two ‘new’ children with their older son and daughter.
A love story of another type may be found on page 35. “To Russia with Love,” highlights the giving ways and efforts of self-directed missionaries Paul and Barbara Hubbard. But when love extends beyond traditional ‘family,’ enter the commitment of Big Brothers Bill Converse and Ralph Horner. These two have dedicated a portion of their lives to mentor two young men. Read their stories on page 14. In the mid 1980s, a Tacoma, Wash. Colorectal surgeon wanted to show support for his patients who were battling cancer. Deciding to personally raise money by doing something he enjoyed – running marathons – the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life was born. See how you can become involved with the Pope County effort and the annual “Relay for Life” on page 24. Two opportunities to give back to the community include the “Boots and Benefactors Barbecue” fundraiser for Equestrian Zone (see page 7) and the Teen Challenge Women’s Ministry Spring Banquet (page 17.) Both are worthy organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others in our area. Recognition of outstanding area artists was conducted recently when the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center held its second annual Beaux Arts celebration. Don’t miss the stories of these outstanding talents on page 33. Keep searching for the ‘lazy days of summer,’ but in the meantime, don’t forget to live a happy, productive May! Time goes by too quickly and quite often, postponed good intentions fall by the wayside. Keep smelling the roses -- avoiding the thorns whenever you can!
Dianne Edwards, Editor/Publisher
Editor’s Note: Our family has been touched by the love, prayers and generosity expressed by extended family and friends through the unexpected sudden illness and death of my father, Richard Siler. Your kind words and deeds have lightened our sadness and will never be forgotten. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! May 2009
Out and ABOUT
ABOUT...the Benefits of Benefactors Friends and patrons of Equestrian Zone (EZ) hope to generate at least $15,000 during their first-ever “Boots and Benefactors Barbecue” 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, May 30. The event will be held at the group’s facility, 4800 S. Frankfort in Russellville. Tickets are $35 each and include live entertainment featuring Nik & Sam, a Chuck Wagon Dinner, an evening at the races and rider stories. Corporate sponsors include Cargill and the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. EZ’s mission is to enrich the lives of persons with special needs/disabilities and foster functional independence with increased self-confidence and improved skills of daily living through the use of safe and enjoyable therapeutic, equine-assisted activities. They serve children and adults with a wide diversity of physical, cognitive, mental and emotional disabilities. The group strives to provide an environment rich in the sights and smells of farm life. Equestrian Zone is located between Russellville and Dardanelle. Participants come to Equestrian Zone for its unique programs, experienced staff, convenient location and clean, accessible facility. Horseback riding moves the rider’s body in a manner most similar to a human gait, therefore riders show improvement in posture, balance, and muscle control, and sensory
May 2009
motor skills. Psychologically, riders make gains in self-awareness, self-confidence, self-discipline, and concentration. “As the legs of these beautiful animals become the legs of our riders, they are permitted a sense of freedom and mobility seldom experienced elsewhere in their lives,” say organizers. Opportunities for volunteering vary from assisting with horses and riders, odd jobs or data entry, to helping with special events and fundraising activities. Rider fees cover only a small portion of program expenses, and while we vigorously pursue grant opportunities, we are always in need of donations to cover operating costs and to further our outreach. The group continually seeks members of the community to serve on their board of directors and on the EZ fundraising committee. The organization relies heavily on the community for donations and inkind support. Donations of any level are greatly appreciated. For a list of donor levels, visit the organization’s web site at equestrianzone.org. EZ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, pending application, that provides therapeutic riding and hippotherapy to individuals with disabilities. Donations may be sent to: Equestrian Zone, 4800 S. Frankfort, Russellville AR 72802. For more information, call (479) 970-8351.
May 2: Yard Sale & Auction, 7 a.m. until ?; benefitting Special Olympics, sponsored by Russellville Board of Realtors; East Main St. next to Ridout Lumber. May 2: Welcome Home Celebration, 1-206th Field Artillery, parade begins 10 a.m. Info: (479) 968-4411. May 3: ARV Arts Center exhibit opening receptions, 1-3 p.m. Info: (479) 968-2452. May 8: Cinco de Mayo party, sponsored by the ARV Arts Center. Tickets: (479) 968-2452. May 8-9: 20th Annual Yell Fest, Veterans Riverfront Park, Dardanelle. (479) 229-3328. May 10: ACA Dog Show, 1 p.m., 3 p.m. showings, Jon-Tam’s Pet Boutique; info: Tammy McKellar, (479) 284-4059. May 15-16: Relay for Life, RHS track, 5 p.m. – 5 a.m. Info: (479) 858-1439. May 20: ‘Forget-Me-Nots’ Alzheimer’s Support Group, Arkansas Hospice, 1 p.m.; (479) 498-2050. May 24: Mustangs on the Mountain, Museum of Automobiles, Petit Jean Mtn.; (501) 727-5427. May 28: Community Bingo, all seniors 55 and older invited; 2-3 p.m. 4th Thurs. of each month; door prizes, grand prize and refreshments. Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood, Russellville; 890-6709. May 29-30: 9th Annual Rummage Around the Rails, Historic Train Depot, Downtown Russellville; (479) 967-1437. May 29: Country Dance Workshop, 7:30-10:30 p.m., $10 pp. Dance with Joy Studio. RSVP (479) 968-1620, (479) 264-7287 or email: dancewithjoy@suddenlink.net. May 30: Ballroom Dance Party, 7:30-10:30. $10 pp. Dance with Joy Studio. RSVP (479) 9681620, (479) 264-7287 or email: dancewithjoy@ suddenlink.net. May 30: Boots & Benefactors Barbeque, Equestrian Zone fundraiser, 4800 S. Frankfort, Russellville; (479) 970-8351. Info: equestrianzone@suddenlink.org. 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. May 2009
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ABOUT...the River Valley 7
The Courage of a
Mother’s Love
p Becca Talley, born in Danville, has lived through hell, and like the prodigal son in the biblical account, she has come back from the dead. The hand of God has delivered her through the worst of times, and the love for her children has given her the courage to break the bonds of abusive relationships. What you are about to read is the true story of a remarkable woman, who against all odds, has reclaimed her role as mother to her children. Talley, who grew up in Illinois, Texas and Kansas due to her step-father’s military career, was pregnant at 14 when she returned to Arkansas. Her mother divorced her step-father the following year, and she, her mother and her newborn son, Dustin, moved in with her granny in Harkey Valley. “I had spent summers with my granny in her 100-year-old house, surrounded by her 40 acres,” Talley said, “and those times were my favorite childhood memories... She is a strong Christian lady, and I was afraid she would judge me harshly for having a baby.”
Story by Jeannie Stone Photos by Steve Newby
Celebrating Love for Becca
Jan Townshend, owner of Reflections Tea Room and More, recently joined others in recognizing and honoring Becca Talley for the accomplishments she has achieved in turning her life, and the lives of her children, around. Becca was treated as “queen for a day’ that included offerings from local businesses. The day of pampering included a visit to Salon 121, a makeover and shopping excursion at Belk’s, a stop for a smoothie at the Vitamin Shop and a delightful lunch donated by Reflection’s Tea Room and More. Below is a heartfelt comment in praise of Becca during her special day.
“Dear, Dear Becca, I feel that I have known you forever. Your heart is so precious and full of God’s love. I know that you have and are going through some hard times. But, look where you have come from to where you are now... You are such an inspiration to me and to many others. God is building within you an incredible testimony. He is taking you places you have never been before. He is “broadening your territory... It is my privilege today to honor you and call you friend. Blessings now and always!” - Jan Townshend She found that her granny’s love, however, transcended her actions. “She was very forgiving and loving,” Talley said. “I went back to high school in Havana, and during that first summer I worked at Wayne Farms chicken processing plant. I was cutting out hearts and livers,” she said. During that summer she was eviscerating chicken carcasses, Talley developed a relationship with a co-worker. “I got mixed up with some guy, got pregnant again at 17 and dropped out of school. My thinking at the time was that I needed to work full-time to support my children,” she said. Talley hadn’t planned on a problem pregnancy, however, and she ended up spending four weeks at UAMS until her second son Austin was born. The premature baby weighed only three pounds, eight ounces and measured just 11½ inches long. “He was sickly, and I was afraid he was going to die,” Talley said. He stayed in the hospital for four weeks of his own. “I wasn’t allowed to hold him for two weeks,” Talley said. “That was so hard.” When she did pick him up she was afraid she would break the tiny body. After gaining five pounds, Austin was transferred to Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Russellville where he stayed for a few days of monitoring. “He had jaundice and had to have a blood transfusion. It was all pretty scary. When he came home, a nurse practitioner had to visit May 2009
us every day because he was on a heart monitor,” she said. When Austin was three months old, Talley landed a job at Tyson’s Dardanelle plant and promptly entered into another relationship with a co-worker. “I was the kind of person that believed I needed a man to make me complete,” Talley said. Within a month she had married the man who knew practically no English, and she knew no Spanish. “I was 18 at the time and rebellious and out of control. By then, I just wanted to get out from living under my mother and my granny.” The two boys continued to live with her grandmother while Talley and her new husband began a life raising chickens as part of a corporate farm and living in a trailer. Eventually, the boys moved back with their mother, who soon discovered she was pregnant again. Thirteen months after delivering her first daughter Albricia, Tatiana was born. “We were just living life the only way we knew,” Talley said. To make matters more difficult, half way through her last pregnancy, Talley’s brother was murdered. “To my boys, he hung the moon,” she said softly. “To lose him like that was just terrible.” Because of the stress of the murder and reliving it daily during the trial, Talley nearly lost Tatiana. To this day, although two men were convicted for the slaying, it is unclear
what their motives were. All Talley knew was that she had lost her best friend. “My brother and granny were my only real family,” she said. “We didn’t grow up in a Christian home except for my Granny’s influence during our summer visits. During the years of living with my step-father my brother and I had been abused. He was an alcoholic, and my mother was an enabler, so we were not close to my mother. All my brother and I had were each other.” Meanwhile, Talley and her husband bought a house, left the chicken farm business, and were working at the Tyson plant. “He was abusive in every way,” Talley said, “but then I didn’t know what ‘normal’ was when it came to men.” Talley found the nerve to leave her husband when Tatiana was nearly one year old. Three months later, her best friend from work moved in with her ex-husband. “It was like a slap in my face,” she said, “so, shortly after renting a place, I fell into another relationship to heal that hurt.” Unfortunately for all involved, it was an even worse marriage than the one she’d just left because he was a substance abuser. “I knew he drank and smoked pot when we met,” she said, with head bowed, “but I didn’t think it was a big deal.” It was a slow descent into the pits of hell, Talley said: “Black eye here, bruise there, I was his punching bag, and his drug dependency grew stronger as he tried different drugs. The abuse got worse each day.” >> ABOUT...the River Valley 9
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10 ABOUT...the River Valley
Talley picked her chin up and said, “I can look back now and see the signs, but I was naïve, and there was no one to help at all. The fathers of the boys had never been a part of our lives, physically, financially or emotionally. Not even my ex-husband would come and take his daughters away from it. He didn’t want any part of their lives until much later. And I wasn’t allowed friends.” Talley continued to work third shift at the plant. Her husband had long lost his job and wasn’t interested in working anymore. “He always portrayed the good dad during the early part,” she said. “He’d get kids ready for school and cook breakfast. I thought I had it made even with the abuse.” But what Talley didn’t know came to haunt her later. “It was a miserable time in my life,” she said. “I thought he was going to bed when I went to work, but he was staying up all night doing meth.” Then, the beatings began. He had already been physically abusing Talley, but he started abusing the children as well. “I didn’t know it at the time. Little by little, I learned of it. So much of it was emotional abuse – the kind that didn’t leave bruises or scars – like telling my children in detail how he was going to dismember me and kill me and even where he would bury my body parts if they told anybody about the abuse. He would force the boys to fess up to me that they had given their sister a black eye or made marks on them. It was evil,” she said. “He raped me a lot, and threatened to kill my children if I tried to run away,” Talley said. “He would always hold on to at least one child whenever I’d run to the store. He was always threatening us.” And still, nobody helped. Neighbors called the Department of Human Services (DHS.) The school repeatedly reported their suspicions when they saw the children’s continuous injuries, but Talley said that DHS didn’t help. “They came out to our house, but they refused to help me,” Talley said. “They said their hands were tied since they didn’t actually see any signs of abuse.” But, oh the abuse they could have seen had they stuck around. Talley said she and her children paid dearly for those visits. “He knocked all my front teeth out, and he wouldn’t let me go to the doctor. The one time I went to the emergency room because he plunged a metal rod all the way through my leg, I panicked and lied to the nurses. I didn’t want him to kill my babies.” It is here that Talley paused and said, “You know, one of the saddest part about all this is that people blame me for not doing something, but the fear I lived under, the poverty, the abuse, the failed attempts are more than some of us can overcome alone.”
The husband was growing paranoid because of the meth and was sure they were under surveillance (partly due to the DHS visits.) He moved the family to Texas for a couple of months but returned to Arkansas settling in the Ft. Smith area where his cousins lived. “He didn’t get along with his cousins so we moved into his mom’s van,” Talley said. “I found a job in a chicken plant in Ft. Smith and finally talked him into allowing Dustin and Albricia to go live with their separate fathers. I was just trying to save who I could.” Talley convinced her husband that it would ease their financial burden to let the two children go. “It was the hardest thing I’d ever done, to call Dustin’s father. The two had never met, but I knew it was my son’s only chance at survival. Dustin was eight years old.” Upon returning to Ft. Smith, things changed rapidly: “That is when God stepped in,” Talley said. “I told my husband I wanted to go to church that Sunday morning. We were staying in a hotel room. He told me if I wanted to go I could walk. We did, and we never went back,” she said. “I had a child on each hip.” Talley contacted the women’s shelter in Ft. Smith, but was told they didn’t take children. She found a room at the shelter in Russellville, but there was no support to get her life back together. “I found a job, but I had to also find my own transportation and child care,” she said. So, this mother who gave up two children so they’d have a chance at life gave up the other two. “I called DHS to see if they could take the children for a little while, so I could get on my feet, and they seemed to agree, but they didn’t intend on giving me back the children. They had me arrested for failure to protect my children against child abuse,” Talley said. The police located her ex-husband and charged him with child abuse and drug possession. “We were both sent to prison, but they dropped his child abuse charges in a plea bargain. He never served time for the horrors my children and I suffered at his hands,” Talley said. It was during her time in jail that the seeds planted by her granny years before began to produce. “I was saved and developed a personal relationship with God,” she said. “I dove in and learned His word.” The Lord visited Talley immediately, she said: “I heard Him call my name, and then He said, ‘You’ve lived your life your own way, and look where it got you.” Talley sat in the detention center for 10½ months not knowing what would happen to her next. May 2009
“But I knew I was in God’s hands, and He had a plan for me. He began to speak to me, assuring me everything would be okay, and He was going to restore everything back to me that was stolen by the enemy. I just stood, in faith, on that promise.” Talley was sentenced to five years of probation after pleading no contest. She moved in with her granny and began to walk a life with God. She was mentored by the minister she met in jail, Effie Renken. “We grew very close,” Talley said. “She taught me everything. She belonged to Fellowship of Christians and invited me to go to church with her. The people there have embraced me.” The church family became her family: “The first time I visited the church the Holy Spirit came to me and told me that is where he wanted me to be,” Talley said. Her church family has supported her with their love and prayers, but they’ve also helped to meet her needs. “My rent’s never been unpaid. My electricity has never been cut off. My children have never been without presents or clothes,” she said. “The Lord is my husband and provider.” Talley is well known in the church: “I was so hungry and thirsty for the Word that I attended every Bible study I could,” she said. “The Lord was faithful and has blessed me with the miracle of having my children back in my life.” Although the girls continue to live with their father -- he received custody of Tatiana when Talley was arrested -- they visit their mother during the week and on alternating weekends. Austin lives with his mother full-time, and 15-year-old Dustin, who has lived with his father for seven years, is still healing.
May 2009
“The last time we talked on the phone, he told me he’d forgiven me,” Talley managed to say between tears. The Lord is good.” The Lord has also revealed His plan for Talley’s life. “My purpose is to work with battered and abused women and children,” she said. “I came across the verse in the Bible that says, ‘You will defend widows and orphans,’ and I started to sob. I remember feeling like nobody cared, and I remember how horrible the system treated me. No mother should ever be made to feel like that.” Talley is a full-time student at Tech. “I’m living on student loans,” she said. And she participates in a work-study program assisting the event planner at Lake Point Conference Center. She is also a paid nursery worker at her church.
She receives no child support. “I let God take the place of the earthly father I never had,” she said, “and he makes sure everything is taken care of.” Talley is majoring in pre-law with a minor in criminal justice. She is working towards a bachelor’s degree in psychology. “My goal is to come back to Russellville and open a free-and-low-income law firm, primarily for abused women, because they and their children deserve it,” she said. From the depths of despair, Talley wants to create a belonging place where women can connect with the Lord, and be a part of a loving family. “Hurting women do not need men. They need Christ,” she said. She wants to bring hope to the hopeless. n
Dustin Talley, 15, still lives with his father in Kansas. “I haven’t seen him since I gave him up seven years ago,” she said. “I was ordered to stay away because of the healing he needed although we’ve talked on the phone. He finally says he’s forgiven me,” Talley said. Austin Talley, 12, lives with his mother. “He’s so smart,” Talley said. “He earns all As and Bs, plays football, plays percussion in the band, and is in the youth group at church. We are happy.” Austin reports he loves visiting Granny just like his mother did. He also shares he wants to grow up to be an NFL player. About his mom, he said, “She can be irritating because she’s always working and studying and cleaning house.” Albricia Ramirez is 10 years old. “My mom is awesome,” she said. “We like to go shopping together and get our hair done.” She wants to be a heart surgeon when she grows up. “I want to fix people’s hearts,” she said. Albricia is a budding performer. She takes dance at school and loves to sing. Her favorite song is “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Tatiana, 9, wants to be a trainer for killer whales, but she also loves dolphins. She, too, wants to go into law. She wants to make a lot of money, so they can each have their own bedroom. “We need four bedrooms,” she said. She also loves to dance and enjoys attending church. What is her favorite thing about her mother? “She loves me,” she said.
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n 1 Graduation Gifts Little River Picture Frames, Angels Among Us Figurine and Initial Stainless Water Bottles.
3
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n 2 New at Rose Drug! Tunic Coverups: Assorted Styles Sizes and Colors with matching totes.
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n 4 Cards by Chrissy Personalized, hand painted note cards for all occasions. These make the perfect gift for someone else or yourself. Over 100 designs to choose from. Custom designs also available.
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n 5 Creative Copper Conversational Art Hand made in South Africa. This unique jewelry is handcrafted from solid copper and brass and is heat treated to give the earthy colors.
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2149 E. Parkway, Russellville • (479) 890-6932 510 S. Rogers, Clarksville • (479) 705-8282 n 6 Assorted Chacos Cute, fashionable summer sandals. Recommended by the American Podiatric Association.
Feltner’s Athletes Corner 2320 West Main • Russellville (479) 968-6464
12 ABOUT...the River Valley
May 2009
ABOUT
Family
Planning a Family? Better Check the Graduation Schedule First!
Story by Kechia Bentley ~ Photo by Steve Newby
Lately I have been thinking that my husband and I should have given a little more thought to family planning. Actually, it probably would be more like we should have exercised a little bit more selfcontrol, but that is a completely different story. There are two distinct camps when it comes to family planning. Those who plan the birth of every child to the letter, and those who plan to have as many as God gives when He gives them. It looks like we temporarily and accidently fell into camp number two. I am not sure these people would claim us since they planned to have their children that way and we just kinda went, ‘oops, we did it again.’ We had a better plan than “oops” but it got lost along the way. Our plan looked like this: I would finish college, work for a few years, and around age 26, I would have a child every two years until we reached four little bundles of joy. Due to that lack of selfcontrol mentioned previously bundle number one popped out at age 22 and bundle number four popped out at age 27. Not exactly the two years apart we had planned. Some would question why I have devoted so much time and energy to this topic considering my children are 22, 19 and 18 years of age. I know it is akin to closing the barn door after the horse is out – what’s the point right? This ‘family-planning fixation’ was set off as I looked at my calendar for the month of May and it dawned on me we had created a monster. I had a child graduating from college one weekend and a child graduating from high school the next. This is not good. Okay, yes, it is good, but having two graduations in one week can make life complicated. Both graduations are a big deal, but the older two boys had their “day in the sun” all by themselves. I was feeling guilty that my baby boy might not get all the attention the other two had enjoyed upon their high school graduation. I could make it a joint celebration but then Payton would not have his very own special day as the others had had. It did not help that I was already feeling badly about my lack of enthusiasm for some of this year’s senior events. Running the high school senior gauntlet two years in a row is exhausting. If I had planned better I would have had a year or two to rest between senior trips, senior pictures, senior prom, after prom, after-prom skit, graduation announcements, college visits and graduation ceremonies. What am I to do? Do I down play the college graduation just to make the high school one the main event? Just the thought of that makes me feel guilty. Also, what are family members to do? Do they come for the graduation on Saturday and stay the entire week for the next graduation on Friday? Lord, help me that could be a long week. May 2009
Do they come one weekend only to turn around and come back the next weekend? Do they choose one over the other? How do they choose? Of course, I feel guilty for putting them in this situation. Once again, I should have planned better. Where was the public service announcement warning me of all these consequences? What about announcements? Do I send announcements for both graduations? That means some people will feel obligated to send two gifts. I feel guilty about that. So, do I just announce the high school graduate’s accomplishment and ignore the college graduate? I feel guilty about that. What’s a mother to do? Then to top it all off, in the midst of this guilt and angst, I suddenly remember the poor middle child. Sometime in the month of May we have to go get him from Oklahoma State and bring him home for the summer. We had almost forgotten about him. I feel guilty about that. I have joked that he is going to have to sit on the curb with all his stuff and just wait for us to find time to come get him. It is somewhat funny but I still feel guilty. The poor boy is finishing his first year of college and no one has time to notice. So now my May looks like this: Mother’s Day weekend -- go get Dillon from Oklahoma State University; the next weekend Adrin graduates from Arkansas Tech; the next weekend Payton graduates from Russellville High School, and the next weekend mom collapses. (I think that is sometime in June.) Therefore, a word of warning. I know many families plan their children four years apart so to avoid having two in college at the same time. That is all well and good, but I am warning you -- you had better have a plan for a dual college and high school graduation. I think three years works really well. Yes, you will have one year of overlap for college. However, in my book, that is easier than deciding who gets the bigger celebration for graduation... and it involves a lot less guilt. n ABOUT...the River Valley 13
Big Brothers Lend an Ear Story and Photos by Jeannie Stone
14 ABOUT...the River Valley
Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Arkansas believes in saving children. They stand on some pretty solid ground, too, because national statistics support the immediate and long–term benefits of children who are mentored by a Big Brother of Big Sister. Out of 6,300 children living in Pope County an estimated 1,153 children live in poverty. Although Big Brothers Big Sisters strives to serve those children, many of whom come from single-parent households, all requests are considered. There are two programs offered through the local office. Through community mentoring, children and mentors meet in the community according to individual schedules and interests. Site-based mentoring offers children and mentors the chance to meet at the schools.
May 2009
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Ralph Horner
Brad Crow We were on the nines times-table while the rest of the class was on fours. My wife was a teacher, and she gave me some tips.” Horner takes the weekly lunch hour out of his day working at St. John’s Catholic School as a custodian. “My grandchildren are all up north,” he said. “This gives me an opportunity to hang with a younger person.” Horner moved to Russellville because of the warmer climate and retired from Tyson’s after 18 years as a forklift operator before picking up work at St. John’s. One of the earliest interests they shared is a love for fishing. “I didn’t do all that much fishing in Nebraska, so most of what I know I learned here in Arkansas. I’ve been pretty successful with trout and catfish,” Horner said. Crow has played football since junior high, and his Big Brother has supported him in that as well. “I would just sit with his parents,” Horner said. “Brad has a lot of people who care about him.” “The whole experience has been great. I never wanted it to stop,” Crow said, “and my parents love him. We’re definitely going through graduation together.” “My wife told me I just might have to go to college with him,” Horner said, with a chuckle.” “I would definitely recommend this program to younger kids,” Crow said. “When I was little I was really shy, and I’ve become more social. Having a Big Brother will help you develop a lot.” “His shyness sure went away,” Horner said. “They told me he didn’t have a lot of friends, and his grades needed help, but now he has lots of friends, great grades, and he talks at least as much as I do, and that’s a lot.” “I have a lot of friends now that Ralph has become my brother,” Crow said. >>
Ralph Horner knows what it’s like having brothers and sisters. He is the baby of five children with two older sisters and two older brothers. Brad Crow, 17, has two sisters, so he always wanted a big brother. Horner fit the bill. Crow, son of Brent and Cindy Crow, is a junior at Russellville High School, but it was many years ago when he first met Horner in third grade. It was cool getting to sit at the visitors’ table at Dwight Elementary School, Crow said. “It made me feel special.” Because Horner and Crow are part of a school-based program, they have shared many cafeteria meals together. “It really is true,” Crow said, “the food gets better as you go from one school to the next. We have more choices in high school.” “I don’t know,” Horner said. “I thought the food was pretty good in elementary school.” The pair meets on a weekly schedule, but what used to be an hour lunch break has been reduced to about 20 minutes Horner said. “These kids don’t even have time to digest their food. We barely get a chance to catch up.”
“When I was little I was really shy, and I’ve become more social. Having a Big Brother will help you develop a lot.” Crow agreed, “We just like to talk about school stuff. I can relate better to Ralph because he seems to have more time. It’s just us in here, so we can really talk.” Ever since middle school, the two have met in a separate room from the rest of the student body. “At the beginning, when we had more time, he would practice reading to me. He loved Harry Potter, and we practiced the multiplication tables using flash cards,” Horner said. “He really got ahead of the class with those practice sessions.
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Bill Converse
Albert Arce
“Technically, he’s not my little brother anymore,” Bill Converse said of 18-year-old Albert Arce who now towers over Converse. “The program only goes up to age 18, but we decided to continue our friendship even though Albert’s in college now.” Converse and Arce have a unique relationship which began the month Arce turned thirteen. “My mom heard about the program and recommended me, but I had to be talked into it,” he said, “I wasn’t excited about meeting someone new.” Converse, on the other hand, was encouraged by his wife, Marvelee, to check out Big Brothers. “I had just retired from ANO (Arkansas Nuclear One), and she was afraid I’d get bored,” Converse said. “After all, I don’t fish really or hunt or play a musical instrument.” Converse did have experience volunteering at Saint Mary’s Medical Center and did have experience with youth both as a former soccer coach and as a helper in his church’s youth ministry. When fellow church member Beth Latham mentioned the opportunity to become a Big Brother, he thought he’d give it a try. Converse, who has no grandchildren by either his son who lives in Santa Fe or his daughter in Washington D.C., approached mentoring eager to try his untapped grandfather talents. “We tried a variety of things when Albert was young,” he said. “We went bowling, played pool, and Albert and I tried fishing together. He also likes to play video games, so I watched him play games. We would just take off and explore different places. We even went to a Tech football game. I had never been to one before.” The two bonded over every adventure, but two activities proved to be their common ground. “We both loved going to movies and eating,” Converse said. “We’ve tried just about every restaurant in Russellville,” Arce added, “and we’ve been to a lot of movies.” Over the years the two-some have allowed room for individual movie preferences, but they agree on one thing. “We don’t like idiotic movies that are just plain dumb,” Converse said. “I talked Bill into seeing a movie once that was really bad,” Arce said. “It was ‘The Date Movie’, and it was so terrible, it was embarrassing, and I apologized all the way home. I generally like parodies, but that one was pointless.” Converse shared he didn’t like war movies.
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“We kind of eliminated that right off the bat,” he said, “but it’s been great having a friend to take to all the action movies Marvelee doesn’t like.” Arce, whose two younger sisters also participate in the Big Sisters program, has enjoyed the relational aspect of the match. “I respect Bill’s opinion, and I’ve asked for his advice a lot. He’s even offered to help me with homework which I appreciate,” he said. “We talked a lot this past year about what Albert’s options were after high school, and what college would be like,” Converse said, “and now look at him. He’s an old pro now.” Miriam Garcia, Arce’s mother, has nothing but praise for Bill: “He helped Albert a lot,” she said. “Albert lives in a houseful of women, and he needed a positive male figure in his life. Bill encourages Albert to open up and talk to me, and I’m so grateful because he tends to bottle everything up inside.” Arce is glad to have the ongoing friendship during his freshman year at Arkansas Tech. “I’ve been so busy studying, and now I’m looking for a summer job, that I’ve not had time to make friends.” “And I get a guy pal to do stuff with,” Converse said. “Oh, I would have never gotten to do everything I’ve done without Bill,” Arce said. The truth of the matter is one can never have too many friends. n Editor’s Note: A Big Brothers Big Sisters Night Golf Tournament has been scheduled for Friday, May 8th at the Russellville Country Club. Tee off at 6:30 p.m. includes nine holes in the daylight followed by dinner. The last nine holes are glow in the dark; 4-man scramble: $400 per team, Sponsorships available. Call 479-968-5525 for more information.
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1310 West Main Street, Suite 101 Russellville, AR 72801 P: 479-967-3555 • F: 479-967-3556 clarklawfirm@centurytel.net May 2009
Teen Challenge Banquet in June
Established in 1958, Teen Challenge is one of the oldest, largest and most successful programs of its type in the world. Teen Challenge has grown to include more than 170 enters in the United States, with a most recent addition to the River Valley area. The local organization has planned a banquet for Thursday, June 4, in the Chambers Dining hall at Arkansas Tech University. Information is available by calling Kim Kolinsky at (601) 297-2977. The Arkansas Teen Challenge Women’s Ministry was recently confirmed at one of the top 10 of all 212 Teen Challenge programs in the United States. Studies have uncovered an extremely high cure rate for Teen Challenge graduates. “We received high honors for our recent accreditation, and were the fastest to do so ever!” said Kolinsky. “We have an amazing program going on right here in Russellville!” The group’s purpose is to provide youth, adults and families with an effective and comprehensive Christian faith-based solution to life-controlling drug and alcohol problems in order to become productive
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Recent national drug surveys report an estimated 7.7 to 18.5 million individuals age 12 or older required care for an illicit drug or alcohol problem. Teen Challenge provides residential and non-residential care for thousands of men and women seeking freedom from these life-controlling issues. Teachers are certified to teach the program by the National Teen Challenge curriculum committee. Teen Challenge of Arkansas is not supported with state or federal funds, but by caring individuals and churches. Famous supporters of the program have included Rev. Billy Graham and his wife, Ruth; former Presidents George H. Bush and Ronald Reagan, Art Linkletter and actor John Ashcroft. The public is invited attend and to support the local organization of Teen Challenge Women’s Ministries through their spring banquet on June 4. For information, contact (479) 967-1355 or (601) 297-2977. n
sey H Lind
nd
Looking Good from
members of society. By applying biblical principles, Teen Challenge endeavors to help people become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well and spiritually alive. The multi-phased discipleship training program works through personal and group sessions to break down the cycle of addiction and has been known throughout the world for providing successful recovery programs. Teen Challenge works to establish solid, positive relationships within the community and family. During residential stay programs, individuals learn how to live drug-free lives and their attention is focused solely on the program. Residents are challenged to embrace the Christian faith and often their lives are transformed as they find true meaning and purpose, say program organizers. The approach is nonmedical and non-clinical. Teen Challenge of Arkansas is a certified program of the National Teen Challenge Corporation headquartered in Springfield, Mo. The program is governed by an independent Board of Directors. Teen Challenge of Arkansas is a 501(c) (3) charitable corporation approved by the state of Arkansas, and is a member in good standing and approved by the Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability (ECFA.)
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ABOUT...the River Valley 17
Vendor, Sponsors Sought for Expo
“History in the Making,” the theme of this year’s River Valley Business Expo, will allow participants to incorporate a decade theme into booth décor as they promote their business during the sixth annual event. The Expo, sponsored by Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, gives area businesses an opportunity to meet potential customers and make “business to business” contacts. Admission to the event is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5. It will be held at Tucker Coliseum on the campus of Arkansas Tech University. Exhibit space is open to the public and is available on a first-come basis. Payment is required to secure space. Contracts for the 2009 Expo are available at the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce office. Contracts must be received with payment by July 17, 2009. The chamber is not obligated to accept any contracts after that day. Early Bird Booth Rate (received by June 12) is $235 for chamber members; $400 for non-chamber members. Late booth rate (June 15-July 17) is $285 for chamber members; $500 non-chamber members. Electricity rate is $35 per booth space.
Vendors utilizing the “History in the Making” theme will be eligible for a Best Booth Award, the winner of which will receive a complimentary booth at the 2010 Expo. Exhibitors will be permitted to conduct retail sales at their booths this year, provided specific guidelines are met, say organizers. All merchandise shall be inside the Coliseum at exhibitor’s booths prior to the start of the event. Sale of food and beverages will not be permitted but distribution of samples is acceptable. (Additional guidelines apply. See chamber contract for specifics.) “We are looking forward to the Sixth Annual Business Expo,” added Johnna Walker, chair of this year’s Business Expo. “Even though the economic times are a bit tough this year, we have had a good response from our past exhibitors and we already have many new exhibitors lined up as well.” A Chamber and Exhibitor networking event, the Expo Preview, will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Tickets will not be available at the door. An Expo luncheon will take place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. during the Business expo and will feature a guest speaker. Tickets are required for the luncheon and are available at the Chamber office. Seating is limited. Sponsorship levels are limited and include: Platinum ($1,000 or more); Gold ($750$999); and Silver ($500-$749.) Sponsorships will be granted on a first-come basis.
Platinum Level sponsors receive complimentary booth and premium booth location, electricity at booth location, a large logo on printed materials, eight tickets to preview party, hourly announcements day of Expo, banner displayed inside of Tucker, and an outdoor Expo Banner at their business location. Gold Level sponsors receive 50% off booth and premium booth location, electricity at booth, logo on signage and printed materials, six tickets to preview party, six announcements day of Expo, banner displayed inside Tucker and an exterior Expo banner. Silver Level sponsors receive 25% off their booth, electricity at booth, name on signage and printed materials, four tickets at preview party and four announcements day of Expo. “Our event sponsors have been great to give us continual support throughout the years and we appreciate them,” stressed Walker. “Our committee members, as well as the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce staff, plan and prepare for many months to make the Expo a success.” River Valley Business Expo is a program of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, 708 W. Main St., Russellville. For information, contact Felecia Turnbow at (479) 968-2530. n
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Dog Show
Girls of Promise Story and Photos by Jeannie Stone
The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA) recently hosted ‘Girls of Promise,’ an allday motivational and educational convention for local eighth grade girls. The event was held at the Doc Bryan building on the campus of Arkansas Tech University. The aim of the Girls of Promise is to promote math, science and technology careers to girls, and to de-mystify the college experience. Guest speakers were Arkansas’s first lady, Ginger Beebe, and Russellville native Stephanie Street, executive director of the William J. Clinton Foundation. The girls were treated to fun break-out sessions including a class entitled “Getting Your College Degree in 45 Minutes,” led by Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, chancellor of ATU’s Ozark campus. Also featured were a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, hosted by the international college students, and the opportunity to board the Museum of Discovery’s “Race for the Planet X” tour bus. Jill Brown, event organizer and WFA member, pitched the idea of hosting the program to local women from various professional backgrounds. The women, along with members of the community including the Russellville chapter of Junior Auxiliary, offered enthusiastic support to the event. Familiarizing girls with life on a college campus, participants enjoyed lunch in the food court. Tech students served as counselors. Girls were divided into small teams and, in addition to creating banners displaying names of heroic female figures, the teams participated in a ‘dance off’ during the final awards assembly. Breanna Epperson of Hector was chosen by the counselors as a ‘Girls of Promise Hall of Famer’ for her spirit and enthusiasm and was awarded a certificate. Additional information of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas and Girls of Promise are available online at womensfoundationarkansas.org. n
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ABOUT...the River Valley 19
D E C O R AT I N G
Style W I T H
S T Y L E
A
breathtaking bluff view is only part of the beauty that adorns the Crow Mountain home of Ricky and Ginger Freeman. The interior is just as spectacular!!! Ginger and I had a great time mixing traditional elements with modern touches which suited the family’s need for comfort, style and quality. I always enjoy assisting Ginger with decorating ideas and updates. A beautiful home for a beautiful lady...
Karen Ray and River Valley Furniture
S A M U E L L AW R E N C E F U R N I T U R E
Joey Pack
Interior Designer
Complimentary In-Store Design Service & Delivery 20 ABOUT...the River Valley
(479) 967-9984 • www.rivervalleyfurnitur Hours: M. thru F. ~ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; May 2009
When shopping for furniture, there is no better place than River Valley Furniture. Ricky and I have been customers for years. I love the friendly, helpful service you get when shopping there. When we moved into our new home a few years ago, I wanted new furniture for several rooms. Karen Ray assisted me in selecting furnishings that would fit my family’s lifestyle and budget. She also arrived with the delivery and helped me with arrangement of my new furniture, lamps, accessories and pictures. Karen, Joey, the Duvall’s and all the staff at River Valley Furniture make me feel like family when I walk through the door. I have enjoyed my shopping experiences and plan to have more in the future.
Ricky and Ginger Freeman
Riverside
Karen Ray
Interior Designer
re.net • 2609 E. Parkway, Russellville, AR Sat. ~ 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sun. ~ Closed May 2009
Photos by Steve Newby
ABOUT...the River Valley 21
A UKRAINIAN R LOVE STORY Story and Photos by Jeannie Stone
Alex and Rebecca Cawyer couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw their American home for the first time. The siblings were equally impressed that their new family owned a car, but what made new adoptive mom Jennifer blink back tears was when Alex, 7, and little sister Rebecca, 4½, saw their toys. “They had never had their own toys,” Jennifer said. “In fact, the toys we took over there had to be left at the orphanage.” “Over there” was the Ukraine where the children have lived with their adoptive family, Lloyd and Jennifer Cawyer and their children Renee, 10, and Steven, 12, since November. The Cawyers, active members of West Side Church of Christ in Russellville, have long supported the church’s commitment in the Ukraine, and Lloyd, an operator for ANO, had participated on four mission trips before meeting up with an interpreter who had worked with orphans there. “Jennifer and I discussed the possibility of opening our home to Russian children,” Lloyd said, “but it just wasn’t the right time.” All that changed, however, when the church showed a video featuring the orphanages in Eastern Europe. It shared startling statistics. “We learned that only 27 percent of those kids will get a job when they graduate from the state- run orphanages, but the rest of them will become prostitutes and get into crime,” Lloyd said. Furthermore, the video stated that only 25 percent of all orphans were adopted. “Most people want babies,” he said. The Lord pressed on their hearts to start looking for an older child to adopt, Lloyd said. The couple began a campaign of prayer and research and decided to work with the Christian World Adoption Agency, and after months of paperwork, background checks, tests and home studies, they were cleared to adopt. By then, the couple knew they were interested in more than one child. “When we went over there we were told it would be very difficult to adopt siblings,” Lloyd said, “but the next morning, the interpreter knocked on our hotel door in Kiev and told us the government had just received portfolios on a brother and sister who had been placed in separate orphanages because their mother had abandoned them. 22 ABOUT...the River Valley
Rebecca plays as rough as the boys and loves the toys and the pets, Bruno, the dog, and Ashley, the cat.
May 2009
After traveling to the two different orphanages to visit the children, who appeared to be in good health, Jennifer and Lloyd knew the Lord had chosen the two for their family. “Kiev is rich and full of fancy houses and cars,” Lloyd said, “but since the Soviet Union dissolved, there’s a lot of corruption. Now pornography and prostitution are rampant, and mobs are very active.” Poverty is reality for most common people. “A miner makes $100 a month, and families can’t live on that. The minister I work with there said the only thing being sold right now is food and basic necessities. It’s surprising, however, to see that most people carry cell phones,” Lloyd said.
“When they went in a grocery store for the first time they were overwhelmed. They just didn’t know what to do.” Many of the children in the orphanages display unhealthy behaviors. “One of the more common habits children show is food hording,” Lloyd said. “I saw a two year old hiding food in his diaper when I was there. Sometimes the children resort to the hording because if they get punished, they might be denied food. Other times, it’s sheer hunger motivating them.” Mental problems are also prevalent. “Depression is common, and a lot of that is centered on abandonment issues,” Lloyds said “such as being resistant to new relationships.” “We saw a little hording of toys,” Jennifer said, “and when they went in a grocery store for the first time they were overwhelmed. They just didn’t know what to do.”
“There were just so many new things,” Lloyd said. “Initially, everything was just so special. They were excited we had a car; they were excited they each had a bed; they were excited over all the toys; they were excited to discover movies, and Rebecca loves the dog and cat to death.” “And stuffed animals,” Renee, 10, added. “And they barely had clothes. They are lucky.” “It’s a proven fact that the longer the children stay in the orphanages, the more delayed physically, mentally and emotionally they become,” Lloyd said. Rebecca, who was treated for tuberculosis for a year in a hospital, suffered a more profound delay. She is a student at MiChild Enrichment Center and Pediatric Services. “We had Alex 10 days before we got Rebecca,” Jennifer said. “They hadn’t been together for two or three years. They were in different orphanages three hours apart. Alex remembers her as a baby, but Rebecca has no recollection of him.” The Cawyers were advised that the transition to a different language would be easier than they thought. “They were right,” Lloyd said. “They don’t seem to have too much trouble expressing themselves.” Alex remembers how to read Russian, and the Cawyers have already located a teenager (an exchange student) who visits once a week to keep his language skills intact. “Rebecca’s already losing the spoken language,” Jennifer said. When asked about her favorite American things, Rebecca sweetly responds, “Macaroni and cheese, flowers, and Ashley is my cat.” Alex, a first grader at Dwight Elementary School, loves his lime green bike he received for Christmas. His favorite foods are hot dogs, sausage (kielbasa) and chicken noodle soup, in that order.
Renee and Alex are joined at the hip. Alex is learning to ride his first bike.
They Cawyer children look like any other family on the block playing in the front yard. Renee and Rebecca wear identical purple horse shirts. “Alex is a daredevil,” Jennifer said. “He’s very active. When we went to visit Lloyd’s parents in Texas, he was 20 or 30 feet up a tree in just a few minutes.” Jennifer remembers when they picked up Alex at the orphanage. “It was night, probably 30 degrees, and he was stripped of his clothes and turned out without so much as a goodbye. We had to dress him outside as quick as we could.” “Kids in the orphanages really learn independence at an early age,” Lloyd said. “And how to take care of each other,” Jennifer said. “If one gets hurt, the other holds him.” It seems Alex and Rebecca aren’t going to have to practice that independence for a long time. For the rest of their lives, they belong to a family. n
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ABOUT...the River Valley 23
Russellville ~ 2009 They gather together, often camping under one roof, for a 24-hour period with the sole purpose of fighting one of the world’s most ravaging diseases – cancer. There are tears for lives lost, joy for funds raised, and vows made to work toward finding a cure. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15, teams of area individuals will join others fighting the battle to end cancer in our lifetime as they gather at the 2009 American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Relay for Life event, held at Russellville High School’s outdoor track. Alternate team members and individuals will walk or run consistently during the 24hour period that generates funds, honors cancer survivors and celebrates the memories of those who have passed. The event will end at 5 p.m. on Saturday. One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Cancer is indiscriminate and knows no boundaries. Relay for Life is the signature activity of the American Cancer Society. The event allows those in the community a chance to participate in the fight against cancer. The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life began in Tacoma, Wash., in the mid-1980s. Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to show support for all of his patients who battled cancer by enhancing the income of his local ACS office. He decided to personally raise
money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed – running marathons. In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, running more than 83 miles. The first year, 300 of the doctor’s friends watched as he ran and walked the course, donating $25 to run or walk with him for 30 minutes. The surgeon’s efforts raised $27,000 that night. As he ran the track, Dr. Klatt considered how others could join in his mission to fight cancer, envisioning a 24-hour relay that could raise more money to fight the dreaded disease. Teams consist of individuals from all walks of life. The event is often life changing and brings together 3.5 million people nationally. The organization’s philosophy is simple – they Relay for Life as a way to represent the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten. They also strive to support those faced with cancer and work so that one day cancer may be eliminated. Considered ‘a moving celebration of cancer survivorship,’ the event begins with a Survivors Lap in which cancer survivors take a victory lap around the track. The ACS offers the opportunity to remember people through one of the most moving parts of the event, the Luminaria Ceremony of Hope. As the sun sets over campsites and darkness falls, the night is brightened by the glow of illuminated bags called luminaries, each of which has a special meaning. Some celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and have lived to tell their stories. Many remember the lives of those who have been lost to this disease. All represent someone special who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to fight back in their honor. The ACS recommended donation amount is $100 per each participant though there is no required amount of
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money to be raised in order to participate. Anyone with an interest in battling the disease and creating awareness is invited to participate. They are required to submit the $10 registration/commitment fee per person due upon registration. Monies raised through individual, team or online fundraising is graciously accepted, say organizers. In addition to local pledges and monies gathered in connection with the annual fundraiser, other items of interest are often donated to generate funds for the event. Russellville Mayor Tyrone Williamson donated a basketball containing the signatures of all the members of the 1994 University of Arkansas men’s national championship basketball team, including Corliss Williamson. Mayor Williamson, along with Pope County Judge Jim Ed Gibson, has established a goal of $50,000 to be raised for Relay for Life in Pope County. Mayor Williamson, whose family has experienced losses due to cancer-related illnesses, donated the basketball “in order that tickets sold for the opportunity to win it will go toward funds raised during the Relay for Life program.” “I have witnessed deaths in my family related to this dreaded disease and will help in any way I can to help stamp out this dreaded disease in our lifetime,” he added. The basketball will be passed along to several businesses in the month prior to the event as will tickets available for $5 each. “This is a wonderful gift for someone that will last a lifetime, especially the thought that goes with it, that money raised from this giveaway could save several lives through research,” added Scott Dorminy, area American Cancer Society representative. “We thank the mayor for this generous gift and look forward to working with him on many of these worthwhile projects,” added Dorminy. The funds raised at Relay save lives by funding cutting-edge cancer research, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts, and life-affirming patient services. It is because of local involvement that we are able to save lives, help those battling cancer, and empower all to fight back against the disease. Relay For Life ® is the American Cancer Society’s signature event that brings more than 3.5 million people from 4,900 communities across the country together each year. n To participate, form a team, or dedicate a
luminary at your local American Cancer Society Relay For Life, please call Scott Dorminy at (479) 858-1439 or 800-ACS-2345. Additional information is available on the organization’s web site, or www.relayforlife.org/pope.
May 2009
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ABOUT...the River Valley 25
ABOUT
Food
ABOUT
the Best Cooks
Story by Dianna Qualls ~ Photos by Steve Newby
Consider the scene: The drama begins to mount. It is Saturday April 4, 2009. The time is 11:45 a.m. Location -- the Historic Missouri-Pacific Depot. A million last-minute items to complete before the first contestant arrives. A little after noon, the door opens and in comes our first entrant with six dishes to enter in the contest. The distinguished judges arrive at 12:45 and at 1 p.m. the tasting begins. About ninety hectic, tension-filled minutes later, we have our WINNERS. Yeah! Our first “ABOUT…the Best Cooks” recipe contest is now behind us. The response by the participating contestants was above and beyond our expectations even though public attendance was short of what we had hoped for. A total of 14 contestants entered 34 recipes. The dishes prepared for our various categories were outstanding, creative and tasty. Thank you for sharing your culinary skills! Featured in this issue are the nine winning recipes for our readers to try and enjoy. The remaining entries will be featured in future issues of the ABOUT magazine. We would like to express a special “thank you” to our judges. They included: Tyrone Williamson, mayor of Russellville; Jim Ed Gibson, Pope County Judge; Becki Bryson, marketing director at Wildflower Retirement Reisdence; Lanell Johnson of the Arkansas River Valley Shelter for Battered Women and Children; SSGT J.C.Grubbs, Marine Recruiter, Russellville; Ray Moll, assistant professor/special events coordinator for
Zander Ivey--Grand Champion and first in appetizers, with his mom Amanda Ivey (right) with ABOUT Associate, Melanie Conley
the Parks, Recreation and Hospitality Administration and Betsy McGuire, director of Main Street Russellville. Thank you to our servers! Ray Moll, assistant Sue West and several students from the Arkansas Tech Hospitality Department helped us by serving the samples. The event could not have been as successful without their help. Awesome Job, everyone! Thank you to Patti Stobaugh, owner of PattiCakes Bakery for donating plates, napkins and forks. And last but no least, Bill and Pam Walton, who graciously volunteered their assistance after the contest ended. We didn’t even have to ask and the Waltons became our ‘clean-up crew extraordinaire.’ We hope our readers will enjoy trying these recipes and encourage you to check out future issues for the other recipes entered in the contest.
Theresa McPherson - 3rd place appetizers
Debby Harris - 3rd in desserts
Hailey Hardgrave - 2nd in appetizers
Aaron Janus - 1st in breads, 2nd in desserts
Lauren Jones - 1st in desserts, 2nd in breads
Pam Halverson Walton - 3rd in breads
26 ABOUT...the River Valley
May 2009
BACON WRAPPED WATERMELON RINDS Grand Champion First Place Appetizer Division Winner: Zander Ivey
CLOVER ROLLS First Place Bread Division Winner: Aaron Janus Sour dough starter: 3 T instant potatoes ¾ c sugar 1 c warm water (not hot)
1 jar (16 oz) pickled watermelon rind Tony Chachere’s or your favorite cajun-like seasoning or rub 1 Ib. bacon Cut Bacon Strips in thirds or fourths to fit rind pieces. Wrap a pickled watermelon rind with bacon and secure with a toothpick. Sprinkle liberally with seasoning. Grill at approximately 350 degrees. Until bacon is crisp an browned. You have to watch them closely and rotate often, because with the high sugar content, they burn easily.
HEAVENLY STRAWBERRIES Second Place Appetizers Division Winner: Hailey Hardgrave 1 lb fresh Strawberries, washed and dried 4 oz. cream cheese ½ c powdered sugar ½ tsp vanilla Cut off stem end of strawberries so they will sit flat. Place on platter with pointed end up. Cut an “X” in the strawberries not going all the way through. Mix cream cheese powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Pipe mixture into tops of strawberries. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar.
THERESA’S SALSA Third Place Appetizer Division Winner: Theresa McPherson 1 ½ lb whole jalapeno peppers 1 ½ lb whole serrano peppers Remove stems from jalapeno and serrano peppers. Place in large sauce pan, cover with water and cook till tender. Cool peppers and chop, place in a large bowl. Add the following: 3 chopped red bell peppers (raw) 3 chopped green bell peppers (raw) 3 chopped yellow bell peppers (raw) 3 chopped orange bell peppers (raw) 1 bunch cilantro chopped 4 medium onions chopped 6 large fresh tomatoes diced 1 ½ c (hot) Pace Picante Sauce 2 T vinegar 1 T Louisiana hot sauce 1 T Green Tabasco sauce 1 T salt 1 tsp pepper 1 T lemon pepper 2 T granulated garlic 1 T cumin Mix all ingredients well. Cover and store in refrigerator till serve.
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In a large bowl (glass or plastic) mix: 6 c of bread flour ¼ c sugar ½ c oil (I use canola) 1 c starter 1 tsp salt 1 ½ c warm water Mix well with greased wooden spoon. Grease large bowl (glass or plastic). Place dough in bowl and spray with cooking spray. Cover with towel, place in a draft free spot, for 8 to 12 hours. Punch down, knead 3 to 4 times. Set out on floured surface make 1 inch balls rolled between greased palms about 8 times. Place 3 balls in greased muffin tins. Spray with cooking spray, cover with towel, let rise for 6 to 8 hours. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown or desired doneness. Pat with butter and let cool on wire rack or pull apart and enjoy! This is a versatile dough that can be used for various recipes from cinnamon rolls to French bread, buns and loaves. >>
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Mix in a glass or plastic bowl with wooden spoon, place in a jar large enough to hold 3 cups. Punch holes in lid, let sit draft free for 8 to 12 hours. Refrigerate. Feed weekly with same mixture and process. To make bread, use fed starter that has set out. Eventually you will have extra starter that you may share with a friend or dispose of.
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ABOUT...the River Valley 27
Breakfast Pastries • Gourmet Coffees and Teas • Homemade Pies, Cakes & Cookies • Specialty Desserts
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GRANDMA FERN’S PUMPKIN BREAD Second Place Bread Division Winner: Lauren Jones 1 can pumpkin 2/3 c water 1 tsp salt 3 ¼ c all purpose flour 1 tsp allspice 2 tsp baking soda 4 eggs 1 tsp cinnamon 3 cup granulated sugar 1 c corn oil Nutmeg to taste (4 to 5 shakes) ½ c pecan pieces (optional) In large bowl mix on low speed the pumpkin and water. Add sugar and oil and mix well. One at a time beat in the eggs. Sift together remaining dry ingredients and gradually add to wet ingredients. (If adding pecans, add them now). Lightly grease 2 loaf pans. Pour half of batter into each loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 30 minutes in pans and remove to a cooling rack.
CHOCOLATE CHIP PUMPKIN BREAD Third Place Bread Division Winner: Pam Halverson 3 c all-purpose flour 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 4 eggs 2 c sugar 2 c canned pumpkin 1 ¼ c vegetable oil 1 ½ c semisweet chocolate chips
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, pumpkin and oil. Stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour into two greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Yield: 2 loaves
STRAWBERRY BROWNIE TORTE First Place Dessert Division Winner: Lauren Jones 1 pkg. brownie mix (for 9x13 pan) 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 c cold water 1 small pkg. instant Vanilla pudding mix 1-8 oz. container whipped topping, thawed 1 qt fresh strawberries Bake brownie mix according to package directions. Let cool and then cut into 1 inch squares. Using a mixer on low speed, blend the condensed milk and water. Add the vanilla pudding and mix thoroughly. Fold in the whipped topping. Wash and pat dry the strawberries. Set aside 2 – 4 for garnish. Slice strawberries, set aside.
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28 ABOUT...the River Valley
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In a clear 3 quart bowl, layer half of the brownies, half of the sliced strawberries, and half of the pudding mixture. Repeat layers, and garnish with remaining whole strawberries. Chill 2 to 3 hours before serving.
SNICKER BAR PIE Third Place Dessert Division Winner: Debby Harris 8 oz cream cheese, softened 1½ c powdered sugar 2/3 c Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter 4 regular sized Snickers Candy Bars, chopped 16 oz Cool Whip, thawed 1 large Graham Cracker Pie Crust or 2 6 oz. chocolate cookie crust if desired
GRANNY BUTKUS’ KALACHKIS Second Place Dessert Division Winner: Aaron Janus Scald 3/4 cup of milk, set aside to cool. Mix 1 packet dry yeast to 1/4 cup warm water. Mix 5 cups all purpose flour with 1 pound Crisco (equals 2 cups or 2 sticks) just like you would pie dough. Add 4 egg yolks to cooled milk and stir then add 3 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt and the yeast mixture. Add flour mixture and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Roll out on powdered sugar. Cut with biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter. Place 1 teaspoon filling in center, take 2 sides and pinch up in center to make bow tie shape. Place on greased and floured cookie sheet for 20 to 25 minutes at 375° until golden brown. Be careful not to burn. When cooled sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Lekvar (Fruit filling) 1 pound dried apricots or prunes (pitted) Water 1 cup sugar Place fruit in pan with enough water to cover fruit, simmer until soft. Add more water as needed. Do not drain. Add sugar and continue cooking until thick. Remove from pan and puree. Puree should be thick not runny. Cook longer if necessary. Ladle into freezer bag. These bags may be frozen until ready to use. Snip off corner of bag and dot each cookie with about 1 teaspoon of filling. (I personally do not care for prunes, but they are delicious in these cookies.)
Enjoy our savory new dinner entrées served hot and full of flavor!
French Onion Pot Roast
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and peanut butter until creamy. Stir in 3 chopped candy bars. Gently fold in 12 oz. Cool Whip just until mixed. Pour into crusts Top pie with remaining candy Bar and cool whip, refrigerate overnight. n Editor’s Note: When my father, Richard Siler, passed away on April 1, ABOUT Magazine associates Dianna and Lloyd Qualls and Melanie Conley continued plans to host ABOUT’s FirstEver Community-Wide Best Cook’s Recipe Contest with my blessing and gratitude. The April 4th event was an entertaining success which generated funds split between The ATU Hospitality scholarship fund and the Arkansas River Valley Shelter for Battered Women and Children. Mark your calendars now for next year’s event planned tentatively for April 3, 2010.
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479.970.6628 ABOUT...the River Valley 29
Women’s Week Turns Focus on Health Education, Awareness Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center is joining the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health in celebrating National Women’s Health Week 2009. This year marks the 10th anniversary for this nationwide initiative that empowers women to make their health a top priority. During this week, which runs from Mother’s Day, May 10 through May 16, families, health organizations, businesses, communities, the government and individuals will come together to raise awareness about women’s health issues, and to educate women on simple steps they can take to improve their physical and mental well-being for a longer, healthier and happier life. Saint Mary’s will celebrate National Women’s Health Week with the kickoff to its “Live Well” Women’s Seminar Series on Tuesday, May 12th. Joe Cloud, M.D., gynecologist with Millard Henry Clinic will discuss women’s general health topics, with a focus on age-appropriate preventive screenings. Dr. Cloud’s presentation is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in the Saint Mary’s annex. Decadent chocolate treats and door prize drawings should sweeten this opportunity to learn more about these important women’s issues. For more information and to reserve your seat, call (479) 964-9468. According to Dr. Cloud, “National Women’s Health Week is important because it encourages women to take time for their own health. Women are most often the main caregivers for their families. As a result, they may forget to make their own health a priority. “During this week, and with the continued seminar series, we want to remind women that they too need to see the doctor, make sure that their screenings are up to date and just take the time to think about their own well-being.” Cloud offered these important steps toward improving your physical and mental health and lowering your risk of certain diseases: • Get at least two and a half hours of moderate physical activity, one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both, each week. • Eat a nutritious diet. • Visit a health care professional for regular checkups and preventive screenings. • Avoid risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt. • Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress. The Saint Mary’s “Live Well” series was created in partnership with area physicians to provide the community current medical information and services that promote living well and maintaining good health.
“Live Well” includes a Lunch & Learn series, as well as the Women’s Seminar Series. The women’s seminar series will feature a broad range of women’s health topics ranging from general health in the teens and twenties through reproductive health, birth control methods, bone and breast health, menopause and immunizations through the sixties and beyond. Meeting the unique health care needs of women requires having both physicians and services committed to these patients. The talented and experienced women’s health specialists on staff with Saint Mary’s include: Dr. Cloud and Dr. Jody Callaway, Gynecology, Millard Henry Clinic; Dr. Michael Escue, Dr. Vickie Henderson and Dr. Dean Papageorge, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Millard Henry Clinic; and Dr. Larry Battles, Gynecology, Russellville Gynecology Clinic. With comforting environments and advanced medical treatments and technologies, these physicians offer female patients the level of quality care needed to help maintain good health through all stages of life. n
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30 ABOUT...the River Valley
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Bone Up on Bone Health When you think about staying healthy, you probably think about making lifestyle changes to avoid life-threatening conditions like cancer and heart disease. Keeping your bones healthy to prevent osteoporosis is probably not at the top of your wellness list. After all, breaking a bone might strike you as painful and inconvenient, but not necessarily as dangerous. If your thinking runs along these lines, the following facts from the National Osteoporosis Foundation might make you think again: Fact 1: Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and the loss of bone density over time. Fact 2: The problem with osteoporosis isn’t just that it causes broken bones. The problem is that when you’re older, breaking a bone is serious. It often starts a downward spiral of pain, disability and the loss of independence. Fact 3: Osteoporosis is a disease you can do something about. It can be prevented, detected and treated.
First, the bad news The U.S. Surgeon General reports that half of all women older than 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis. Up to one in four men will, too -- and breaking a bone when you’re older is serious. It can lead to immobility, which in turn can lead to isolation, depression and other health problems. More than 20 percent of seniors who break a hip will die within one year. Many of those who survive will need longterm nursing home care. Now, the good news Thirty years ago, most people considered osteoporosis and broken bones to be a part of normal aging. That view has changed. Researchers today know a lot about how you
can protect your bones throughout your life with nutrition and exercise. And although it’s never too late to start protecting your bones, the best time to begin is when you’re young. But if you already have osteoporosis or are at risk for it, the good news is that in the last 15 years, researchers have developed effective new treatments for osteoporosis. They’re not a cure, but they can help, especially when you exercise and eat right. Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center invites you to learn more about osteoporosis prevention and treatment with Dr. Robert Thurlby at this month’s Vintage Club “Lunch with your Doctor.” Thurlby is an internal medicine specialist with Millard Henry Clinic – Dover, and will share his knowledge and expertise on this important topic on May 27th in the Saint Mary’s annex. Through the Vintage Club program, Saint Mary’s provides River Valley seniors with health and wellness information as well as social and travel opportunities. Vintage Club membership is exclusive to people 55 and older and their spouses. “Lunch with your Doctor” is a popular Vintage seminar event at which a physician or other health care professional speaks on topics relevant to
senior wellness while guests enjoy lunch. A brief question and answer session follows. Admission is $5 per guest and includes the meal and registration for door prizes. Dr. Thurlby’s presentation is scheduled to begin at noon. For reservations, please call (479) 964-9355. For more information on Vintage Club, contact Vintage Coordinator Stephanie Beerman at (479) 968-2841. n
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Russellville Animal Shelter Open Monday through Friday 9 am-1 pm • 2-5 pm 3115 S. Mobile Russellville
(off Jimmy Lile Rd, Hwy 7T)
(479) 968-1944 Answering Machine available for After-Hours Calls
May 2009
Come Visit Our Showroom 709 South El Mira, Russellville ~ (479) 967-0229 ABOUT...the River Valley 31
Peggy Hoban Memorial Show Story by Rachel Willingham ~ Photos by Phyllis Bewley
Saturday, March 21st was a rainy but busy day at the Pope County Riding Club Arena. The Peggy Hoban Memorial Show drew equine lovers and competitors from all over the River Valley Region in a shared effort to raise money for Arkansas Hospice, remember Peggy Hoban and engage in friendly competition. Peggy grew up with horses and her love for them was contagious. “If you knew Peggy, you almost had to be involved with a horse,” said John Hoban, Peggy’s husband. John admitted that Peggy “roped” him into the horse business and together they bred horses and managed a farm. Peggy’s battle with leukemia never extinguished her passion or kept her from competing. She showed her yearling stallion, Jaws, up until a month before her death and her favorite horse, Music, not long before that. Arkansas Hospice wasn’t a familiar presence to the Hobans until it was necessary. Debra Burris, a good friend of Peggy’s, coordinated the horse show and arranged for the proceeds to benefit the organization. Regardless of the rain, the show was a success, collecting almost $800 for the Hospice program. Among the competitors at the show was Peggy’s daughter, Angela Dumas, and none other than Peggy’s treasured horse, Music. Angela showed and placed in the categories of western pleasure and trail. John contributed to the horse show by sponsoring several classes being taught there. The show was open to all breeds of horses and offered classes and competitions for both children and adults alike. This was the second consecutive year that Debra has managed a horse show in memory of her good friend, Peggy.
32 ABOUT...the River Valley
May 2009
ABOUT
the Arts
Beaux Arts Recipients Honored at Dinner Story by Jeannie Stone Photo by Steve Newby
The River Valley Art Center recently honored three local artists and a Patron of the Arts with induction into the Beaux Arts Academy at a dinner held at the Russellville Country Club. The recipients, chosen for their esteemed contributions to the art community, are performing artist Holly Ruth Green Gale, visual artist Sarah Keathley, lifetime achievement honoree Polly Loibner, and Patron of the Arts inductee Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, represented by Mike McCoy.
Holly Ruth Gale
Known for her involvement with and promotion of the performing arts far beyond the city limits of Russellville, Holly Ruth Gale, born to Roland and Elaine Green, was born to a family who nurtured her musical passions. Because the Greens encouraged music and all forms of art, Holly Ruth and her sisters Rolaine Hetherinton and Julia Calloway continue to perform together at every opportunity. Gale is on the voice faculty at Arkansas Tech University where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music in 1986. She received her master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Central Arkansas in 1999. Gale is active in professional Summer Stock theatre and as a recitalist. She is a frequent performer with the local Jazz Reunion and freely donates her time and
Polly Loibner, Sarah Keathley, Holly Ruth Gale and Mike McCoy
talent. She is well known and respected for the encouragement she gives to young people pursuing voice and has served as a guest clinician for various all-region choirs in Arkansas. Gale has a genuine desire to preserve indigenous art forms and is a founding member of the Executive Committee for the Shape Note Gathering in Mountain View. In addition, she has guest lectured on Singing Schools and Shape-Note Music. In presenting Gale with the award, admirer Bonnie Ring succinctly described her talent. “Holly Ruth could have made it in New York or anywhere, but she chose to share her talent with us,” Ring said, “and because of her choice, we are the lucky ones.” An emotional Gale thanked the Russellville community. “This is such a humbling and beautiful honor,” she said to the capacityroom crowd. “I really appreciate everyone
for letting me be a part of your lives and allowing me the privilege of embracing life as a River Valley girl.” Holly Ruth resides near London with her husband John Gale and their two daughters Talley Elizabeth and Ian Kathleen.
Sara Keathley
Honored for her contributions as an oil painter and teacher, Sarah Keathley -- born and raised in Russellville -- is the daughter of Sue and Ray Tucker. Her mother is a local watercolorist. Keathley’s artistic talents emerged during her childhood encouraged by Mrs. Gertrude VanCleve, who judged a local art competition and recommended that Sarah study painting. Longtime friend and former Russellville High School art teacher Norris Church Mailer also encouraged Keathley’s studies and greatly influenced her artistic growth. Continued on page 37
Welcome to ABOUT...the River Valley’s Website http://www.aboutrvmag.com
ABOUT...the River Valley Magazine
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May 2009
ABOUT...the River Valley 33
To Russia, With Love ne Story by Jeannie Sto Hubbards the Photos Courtesy of
Paul and Barbara Hubbard are not your ordinary missionaries. They are not
sponsored by any one church. They are not members of any one group. They did not go through training or learn a new language, and they are a bit older than the norm. Paul is 86 and Barbara is 68.
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Barbara admits she always had a love affair with Russia ever since she read a book as a child about the famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. “That just intrigued me,” she said, “and I started reading everything about Russia I could get my hands on.” Paul, who retired from Bibler Brother, Inc. lumber company, has always had the heart of a servant, Barbara said. “He has served several years at Main Street Mission, taught Vacation Bible School, and worked with children during an annual women’s retreat I host,” she said. “And all of his adult life he has maintained an acre garden, giving the produce to the elderly and to the poor. It just killed him to have to give that up last year because of his health.” Nobody was surprised when the Hubbards ended up hosting a Russian evangelist with former ties to the Billy Graham crusade whenever he was in the area.
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“We went to listen to him preach,” Barbara said, “and he told Paul and I that we must go to Russia because the people need us. Well, if ever there was a man with a purposedriven heart, it’s Paul,” she said, “and his servant heart latched on to those words.” After much prayer the Hubbards began to arrange their ordered lives into an active mission of support and love for the Russian Christians trying to survive hundreds of miles away from the wealthier cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. “Russia is a beautiful country with lovely scenery,” Barbara said, “but it also very ugly because of the poverty, crime, poor economy and spiritual darkness.” According to Barbara, what we are experiencing now is nothing compared to the hardships the Russian people have endured. “It costs more each year with their economy out of control – not only for us but
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for the people too,” she said. “The first year our hotel room was $39. Less than a year later it was $129, and last year it was $165. Everything has escalated in price at the market; our airline tickets have increased, too.” The expense of the ministry is precisely what drives the Hubbards to the various churches and groups to tell of their burden for Russia and offer opportunities to support their work. “We cannot return without the love and help of our friends and churches,” Barbara said. The work they do is relief ministering. They encourage and spread love to fledging Christian communities and to cramped orphanages. After the initial visit five years ago, the Hubbards were asked by two pastors to adopt their congregations. Through Pastor Sergie Milnikov, once brainwashed by the communists to embrace atheism, the Hubbards’ ministry has expanded to include his tiny church in the Tula region and his work at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Both are located in the former state-run Young Pioneer propaganda camp where he was housed as a child. “The camp was purchased by a wealthy patron,” Barbara said, “and it is now being used to glorify God.” Milnikov’s church is located in Schekino in the Tula region and before visiting for the first time the Hubbards were told it was a rich church. However, Barbara said the concept of wealth is altogether different in Russia. “They were rich because three families in the church owned cars,” she said, “all of which were at least 40 years old, and one car didn’t even have a floorboard in the back seat.” Poverty is rampant, partly due to the consequences of widespread alcoholism, Barbara said. The one paid employee, a little secretary for the camp and employed by the generous patron, used her first year’s earnings to purchase clothes for every member of the church.
“She also sent one of the girls to barber school, and that girl now cuts everyone’s hair outside in a little chair,” Barbara said. “The ministry is a very big undertaking and very expensive, but the people are precious,” Barbara said. “They share everything they have. After five years visiting over there, though, only twice were we served meat, and it was boiled fish. Every meal over there is cheese, bread and hot tea. I’ve never even seen a skillet there.” The poor in the United States have the ability to take advantage of social welfare programs or at least get a hot meal or a food basket, Barbara said. “But the government won’t address the problem of poverty there, and churches simply can’t afford food baskets.” To add to their concerns Christians are routinely persecuted in some states Barbara said. In predominantly Muslim Nizhney, Novgorod, 1,000 miles away from Schekino where the Hubbards support a different church pastured by Vlad and Olga (last names withheld for security reasons) evangelical churches have been ordered closed. Christians there have been labeled “heretics.” In fact, Olga’s grandparents, and later her parents, were all imprisoned for their faith. “They’re going underground rather than leave the area,’ Barbara said. “They tell Paul and me that they have to stay because there is no one else to minster to their people.” The Hubbards send monthly food packages to Vlad and Olga but can’t use their names and must mail to a neutral address. They send powdered milk, Jello (for the nutritional content), powdered potatoes, oatmeal, dried fruits, nuts, Tang and peanut butter. Barbara said, “Missionary organizations in the United States estimate that the number of martyrs in Russia and China in the last 10 years has exceeded the number of those who were put to death in biblical times.” >>
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Most upsetting to the Hubbards is the condition the children are forced to live in. Their mission work includes several orphanages. “There seems to be an orphanage almost on every street corner,” Barbara said, “and many of those children are social orphans, unwanted by their parents, and that’s mostly because of the rampant alcohol and drug abuse. Children must fend for themselves, rummaging for food in trashcans.” There is a large amount of mental retardation because of the lack of proper nutrition and the squalor. Barbara said, “In orphanages, there are five or six babies in the same crib, pooping on each other, and not one of them cries because no one will come.” Barbara and Paul take toys and clothes to the children and teach Bible school. The children are always shocked to see the toys Barbara said recalling the complete surprise a little girl showed when she was given a stuffed rabbit. “She didn’t know there was such a thing as a stuffed animal.” One of the pleasures of presenting the toys is watching the parents react. “Mothers who have never had a doll cradle the dolls we give to their daughters,” Barbara said, “and they get on the floor and learn to play jacks that we’d picked up at the Dollar Store.” One time, the Hubbards were distributing shoeboxes delivered by the Franklin Graham organization, and they ran out of boxes when the last orphans, four teenage boys, stepped up in line. “Paul remembered the four harmonicas River Valley Piano always gives us,” Barbara said, “and so they received those harmonicas. It was pure joy.” “One of the first questions children ask is if we have orphanages in the United States,” Barbara said, “and if the children here get adopted.” “Oh, we cry rivers when we go over there,” Barbara said. Three years ago Pastor Milnikov asked
Barbara for help in establishing some type of craft ministry with the ladies of the church, so that they could have something constructive to do. “Several churches in the area helped me by supplying scissors, thread and hundreds of quilt blocks, so I could teach them how to quilt,” Barbara said. “They are naturally skilled at working with their hands, but they had only one pair of scissors and no money for supplies.” The women of the church a world away proudly sew on their quilts, and Barbara brings them home to sell. “None of this would be possible without our many supporters,” she said. “A tiny freewill church in Centerville sends $100 to Pastor Sergei (Milnikov) every month just so they can keep their ministry going. Paul’s age has had a positive impact on the ministry, Barbara said. “Most young people have never seen an old person because of the wars and famines in the region. The life expectancy is only 45 for men and 48 for women.” The government recognized Paul with a medal of valor, the traditional honor given to Russia’s World War II veterans. “They told him that any man his age and his condition would leave the comfort of his own country to come to the service of people in another was a true veteran, a true
hero,” Barbara said. “No denomination would commission us at our age, but as Paul says, ‘God has not released us yet from our work in Russia,’” Barbara said. n Editor’s Note: To learn more about the ministry of Barbara and Paul Hubbard, call (479) 967-3206.
1st Friday Art Walk & Sale June 6 5 til 8
Music by David and Ben Eslick
The Frame Shop & Gallery Downtown @ 311 West C Street
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(479) 967-1398 36 ABOUT...the River Valley
May 2009
Continued from page 33
Although she enjoyed painting during her youth the demands of raising a family forced Keathley, who owns WestArk Closing Services in Dardanelle, to defer her painting pursuits. She is the mother of Mathew Benson, Mary Snider and Elizabeth Rehm and grandmother to three precious grandchildren. Making up for lost time, Keathley now paints every opportunity she has and teaches students two nights a week at the Lemley Art Studio. Her students marvel at her own developed gift of encouragement. In presenting the award to Keathley, longtime friend and admirer Suzanne Hodges praised Sarah’s artistic interpretations. “I have driven past roadsides lined with sumac all my life, and it was Sarah’s interpretation of sumac trees that opened my eyes to see the blues and purples. Because of her eyes I can see something new in my old familiar landscape, and my world is wider because of it,” Hodges said. “My friend Sarah Keathley is doing her part in passing on her talents to her students. As a true artist, she teaches her students to apply their own perspectives to their work and listen to others’ interpretations. What may follow if we all taught this view of art is a greater tolerance for living in peace with our neighbors,” Hodges said. “Sarah is a community peacemaker.”
Keathley has studied under Bill Garrison, Bruce Peil, Charles Peer, Skip Thompson and Doug Gorrell. Her works grace area homes and offices and are shown at The Frame Shop and Art, Etc., both in Russellville. Sarah lives in Danville with her husband Bood.
Polly Loibner
Polly Loibner, known around the state as “Miss Polly,” was born Frances Pauline Loibner and raised near Kensett, Ark. in the farming bottoms of the Little Red River. Loibner earned her moniker “Miss Polly” by virtue of her years teaching art via the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) airwaves to thousands of school children across the state in the day when watching T.V. at school was nothing short of extraordinary. Prior to her television work, Loibner worked as a draftsman for the U.S. Navy during WWII then as an art teacher in the public schools teaching in the Russellville schools between her television tapings. Presenting the lifetime achievement award to Loibner was Robert Ford, one of those long-ago television students. He remembers when she visited his elementary school in Russellville. “I was convinced she lived in Hollywood because she was a star,” he said, “so
when she showed up for a visit at our school I could barely contain myself. I got goose bumps all over and butterflies in my stomach, but I was determined to speak to her. When I was before her all I could do was to blurt out, ‘I love you, Miss Polly,’ and I did. I still do.” Loibner bedazzled the crowd with anecdotes from her years as a television teacher and as an art teacher in Russellville. “We had so much money for art materials back then. It allowed us to really have fun,” she said. Loibner’s works are prized by collectors and hang in numerous public and private collections throughout the United States and Mexico. She currently works in oil, watercolor, charcoal, acrylic, lithographs and mixed media. She has received many awards and exhibits throughout Arkansas. She and her husband Bill, parents of four sons, make their home at Pittsburg Landing near Knoxville The Loibners formerly owned and operated VanGo Gallery in Russellville. Honorees received an original handmade blackware pot made by local potter Winston Taylor featuring his trademark bear on the lid. Congratulations to all recipients. n
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ABOUT...the River Valley 37
ABOUT
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.)
–May 1, 2009–
Jamie Brittenum and Bentley Reynolds
–May 2, 2009–
Brenda Gibbons and Chad Stephenson Allison Samuels and Matthew Bell
–May 9, 2009– Chelsie Griffin and Jake King
–May 16, 2009–
Brandi Flippo and Daniel Dorris Meredith Goodson and Andrew Curtis Amber Kara and Brian McGoogan Hannah Kennedy and JayO Howe Morgan Sain and Matt Wilkins
–June 13, 2009–
Sheena Robinson and Scotty Ashlock Kelli Vogt and Jared Mayer Holly Shaffer and Justin Price
–June 19, 2009– Rachel Storment and Justin Bond
–June 20, 2009– Elizabeth Virden and Ben Hogan
–June 27, 2009–
Goodson, Curtis to Marry
–May 22, 2009–
Krystal Carr and Kyle Shipp Kelly Collins and Jarrod Hughes Autumn King and Jared Hunstable Kristen Qandah and Jonathan Welk Jessica Straight and Scott Pearson
Mike and Mary Lou Goodson of Russellville are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Meredith Leigh, to Andrew Douglas Curtis, son of Doug and Sherri Curtis of Wickes. Meredith is the granddaughter of Patrick Henry O’Neal of Memphis, Tenn., the late Norma Davis O’Neal, and Edwin Goodson and Jo Frances Tuck of Texarkana, Texas. Andrew is the grandson of Carl and Patricia Hodges of Malvern and Dwight Curtis of Texarkana, Ark., and the late Ruth Elkins Curtis. Meredith graduated from Russellville High School in 2006 and attends Ouachita Baptist University where she is majoring in early childhood education and is a member of the EEE Women’s Social Club. Meredith will complete graduation requirements in August. Andrew is a 2005 graduate of Wickes High School and is a senior history major at Ouachita Baptist University. He is a member of the Beta Beta Men’s Social Club. Andrew is a candidate for May graduation and will pursue a graduate degree at the University of Arkansas in the fall. The couple will marry at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at Victory Baptist Church in Russellville. Family and friends are invited to attend. No local invitations were mailed.
–May 23, 2009–
Courtney Coffman and Jacob Davis
To have your 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, Rsvl. AR 72812. Information is available by calling (479) 970-6628. Word count is limited to 225 words.
38 ABOUT...the River Valley
Sarah Loyd and Tracy Watson
Candace Bennett and Mark Freeman
–May 30, 2009–
Courtney Clarke and Brad Hottinger Lisa Beck and Adam Xaysuda
–May 30 or June 7 (TBA)– Courtney Wilson and Jake Dunn
–June 6, 2009–
Heather Cambell and Daniel Deering Tara Carroll and Jared Davis Rachel Hays and Michael Hearndon Katie Keenan and Wes Rawlings
–July 4, 2009–
–July 11, 2009–
Meghan Eaton and John Teeter Stephanie Gregory and Adam Gaines
–July 18, 2009–
Cassin Holbrook and Jordan McGuire Tryston Lambert and Michael Hines
–July 23, 2009–
Amanda Simmons and Matthew McHam
–July 24, 2009– Ashely Tippin and Jared Nance
Registry listings courtesy of Gifts on Parkway/Gifts on Rogers and Millyn’s of Dardanelle. To have your wedding published in a future issue of ABOUT Magazine, send your information, photo and a check for $57.50 to: ABOUT Magazine, PO Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812. Word count is limited to 225 words. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. For additional information, call (479) 970-6628.
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May 2009
ABOUT Main Street Arkansas Receives Tourism Award
Main Street Arkansas received the Arkansas Heritage Award during the Henry Awards ceremony held March 15-17 at the 35th annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Fort Smith. The Arkansas Heritage Award is presented to an individual, organization, or community that has made a significant contribution toward the preservation of some aspect of the Arkansas natural, cultural, or aesthetic legacy. “We accept this honor on behalf of the tremendous work of our local programs that have committed tens of thousands of volunteer hours to ensure that the heart of their community--Downtown-- is a viable place to live, work and play,” Main Street Arkansas Director Cary Tyson said. Governor Beebe presided at the banquet and addressed more than 500 attendees concerning tourism issues in Arkansas. Following his speech, Richard W. Davies, executive director of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, served as master of the ceremonies. The annual Henry Awards honor individuals and organizations which have made important contributions to the state’s tourism industry in the preceding year. The 2009 Henry Award recipients are: Media Support - Arkansas Broadcasters Association; Bootstrap - Town of Calico Rock; Arkansas Heritage: Main Street Arkansas; Grand Old Classic Special Event - Arkansas/Oklahoma State Fair; Outstanding Volunteer Service - Coleman
May 2009
Community Dairy Team; and Community Tourism Development - Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour, Mountain View. Other recognition included: The Natural State Award - Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, Morrilton; Tourism Special Achievement Award - Cathy and Ernest Cunningham, HelenaWest Helena; Tourism Person of the Year - Jim Shamburger of Little Rock; and Tourism Hall of Fame Inductees - Craig Ogilvie of Batesville and Wayne Thompson of Harrison. The Henry Awards have been a feature of the annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism since their debut in 1981. The awards are named for Henri de Tonti, founder of Arkansas Post in 1686 and who is often hailed as the first “Arkansas Traveler.”
ATU group donates computers
A technology recycling drive by a group of Arkansas Tech University students has resulted in the donation of 18 refurbished computers to Johnson County Westside High School in Coal Hill. Tech students used parts from donated computers collected in January to build the 18 desktop computers. The student group, known as ATU CONNECT, is involved in a year-long project to collect laptop computers, refurbish them and send them to underprivileged children in Guatemala. But, when several functional desktop units were donated for recycling in January, the group decided it wanted to help a local school as well. “It blows my mind that we were able to answer the needs of the students at
Johnson County Westside in just a few days,” said Dr. Pat Buford, head of the Arkansas Tech Department of Electrical Engineering and faculty advisor to the ATU CONNECT group. “The students at Coal Hill were so thankful and grateful. They were anxious to help us unload the van, and the next period’s class walked in the room with their mouths wide open in surprise.” For more information about assisting in the ATU CONNECT effort or donating a used laptop computer for the Guatemala project, call (479) 968-0338 or send e-mail to pbuford@atu.edu.
Thanks from JA
“On behalf of Junior Auxiliary of Russellville, we would like to thank the community for their overwhelming generosity and support in helping us make “JA Italia Bravissima” very successful. This year’s ball raised over $100,000 for the children of Russellville. As a volunteer–service organization, Junior Auxiliary relies on community support for their resources necessary to implement our projects that serve and benefit our community. There are many worthy, charitable organizations competing for the same dollars and the community’s commitment to Junior Auxiliary shows confidence in our organization. For that we are grateful. Thank you for believing in what we do!” With sincere thanks, Finance Co-Chairs, Laurie Reasoner and Tammy Rhodes.
ABOUT...the River Valley 39
Women living well... at every stage of life.
WOMEN’S SEMINAR SERIES
Moms. Daughters. Aunts. Sisters.
It’s Your Time! Tuesday, May 12 • 6 p.m. Saint Mary’s Annex
Ever noticed how women often focus on the health of others before taking care of their own? That’s why during National Women’s Health Week, May 11-16, Saint Mary’s is inviting you to our first Live Well Women’s Seminar. This seminar series will target the special health issues of women, empowering them at every stage of life to live well, listen to their bodies, and get their recommended annual screenings and check-ups. Join us for this special kickoff event. There will be: •decadent chocolate treats •great door prizes •discount coupons •gifts •samples •timely information ...all shared in a female-friendly setting. Joe Cloud, MD, FACOG Millard-Henry Clinic
Call your girlfriends, and then call Saint Mary’s to make your reservations!
Seating is limited; for reservations call 964-5333. Continue to look for upcoming events in 2009.