ABOUT | May 2011 by ABOUT the River Valley Magazine

A Passion for Pickles

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley MAY 2011

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Equestrian Zone is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities in our community, by providing therapy services through equine assisted activities. We invite you to experience Equestrian Zone by joining us at our 3rd annual Boots and Benefactors Barbecue. Grab your boots, put on your favorite western wear, and join us for an evening (ticket is a tax deductible donation) of some boot-scootin fun!

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May 2011

table of

contents

8 A Passion for Pickles

When Cotton was King

Pets are God’s Creatures too

Sweet Sport, Sour Name

“Isaac and Debra Patty of Russellville are USAPA members and wonderful ambassadors of Pickleball, but literally spend many, many hours helping with grants, convincing facilities to paint lines for us, etc. Their energy and enthusiasm is endless,” attributes Sue Hayes, Pickleall enthusiast.

ABOUT...family

ABOUTour Cover Photo by Steve Newby

Adan Killins, 4, poses in her 2010 sash and crown with a name-sake of the Atkins PickleFest – a juicy sweet pickle. Adan, the daughter of Brittany Killins of Atkins, was selected as Little Miss Sweet Pickle a second time in 2010, having earned the initial title in 2009. The adorable soon-to-be five-year-old began competing in pageants when she was two. Open the secrets of this half-century tribute to the Atkins Pickle as you read, “Passion for Pickles,” beginning on page 8.

An animal shelter is a facility that becomes home to lost, abandoned, and homeless animals, primarily dogs and cats. While the goal of an animal shelter is to provide a safe environment to nurse sick dogs back to health, and keep healthy dogs happy and alive, it isn’t the reality in all shelters these days.

River Valley Art Notes

Good Moms Mommy Makeover

In Celebration of Mom

ABOUT...food

A total of 38 beautiful new mommies entered the first annual Saint Mary’s goodmoms New Mommy MakeOver contest this spring, and thanks to the generous contributions of 28 Community Partners from around the River Valley, six mommies were awarded fun and fabulous prize packages!

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

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Summer Math, Literacy Refresher

community

businesses the opportunity to showcase and sell their products and services to a captive audience. A wide variety of businesses participate each year, including those offering home improvements, lawn and garden, cellular, real estate, financial, healthcare and educational services. To qualify for the Early Bird rate of $235 for Chamber members and $400 for Non-Chamber members, application and payment must be received at the Chamber office by Monday, June 13. After June 13, booth spaces will be $285 for Chamber members and $500 for non-members. The final deadline for the exhibitor booth space is July 16. For an application or for additional information about the 2011 River Valley Business Expo, call the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce office at (479) 9682530 or visit the office located at 708 West Main Street in Russellville.

St. John’s Catholic School in Russellville will sponsor a Summer Academic Math and Literacy Enrichment Camp. The twoweek camp will be held 9 a.m.-12 p.m., July 18-22 and July 25-29. The camp is designed to refresh math and literacy skills that were taught previously so that students can more readily transition to the next grade level in the fall. The camp is open to graduating Kindergarten through 5th graders. Class size is limited to 10 students per grade. Classes will be taught by highly recommended student-teachers from Arkansas Tech University under the supervision of Marcel Finan, Ph.D. The cost of the camp is $160 for two weeks which includes a $10 materials fee and a $50 non-refundable deposit. For a camp registration form or more information, contact the school office at (479) 967-4644 or stjohnscatholicschool.com. Arkansas Scholars

Expo Applications Accepted Applications for the 8th Annual Business Expo are now being accepted at the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce. The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, in Tucker Coliseum on the Arkansas Tech University campus. Admission to the expo is free and open to the public. The River Valley Business Expo, one of the largest expos in Arkansas, gives

May 2011

Recognized

The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce began the Arkansas Scholars program during the 1998-99 school year. The program of the Arkansas Business and Education Alliance is participated in by Chambers of Commerce’s throughout the state. Arkansas Scholars is a program that recognizes students in grades 9-12 with outstanding achievement in academics and attendance. The program is presented

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

to all 9th grade students at Russellville Junior High by area business leaders that serve on the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee. Criteria for Arkansas Scholars includes: maintaining a 95 percent attendance rate and a C average or above in 9th through 12th grades, complete their high school career in eight consecutive semesters, and take the core curriculum to graduate. As students progress to 10th, 11th and 12th grades, the education committee returns to the schools annually to remind students what an Arkansas Scholar is and encourage them to continue to strive to be attain Arkansas Scholar status. Students receive incentives such as key chains, water bottles and t-shirts. On April 4 over 120 people attended the Arkansas Scholars Recognition Banquet. Banquet supporters included Arkansas Tech University, CenturyLink, Mobley Construction, Priority Federal Credit Union, Simmons Bank, Sorrells Body Shop, Taber Extrusions, Tyson Foods and Waste Management. A total of 85 Russellville High School seniors who met the requirements were given ‘Arkansas Scholars’ designation and were recognized at the annual banquet. The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce encourages local businesses to let the Arkansas Scholar distinction be the deciding factor in employment if all other credentials and qualifications n are equal.

ABOUT | 5

ABOUT the River Valley

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. VI, Issue 4 – May 2011

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

Advertising Sales Melanie Conley

melanie@aboutrvmag.com

Vonna Marpel

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Graphic Design Chris Zimmerman

zimcreative@aboutrvmag.com

Writers Dianna Qualls

food@aboutrvmag.com

Kechia Bentley kechia@aboutrvmag.com

Connie Las Schneider connie@aboutrvmag.com

PhotographY Steve Newby stevenewbyphotography@aboutrvmag.com

ILLUSTRATION Cliff Thomas maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com

ABOUT… the River Valley

is locally owned and published for distribution by direct mail and targeted delivery to those interested in the Arkansas River Valley. Subscriptions are available by sending $20 for one-year (10 issues) to: SPPI/ABOUT Magazine P.O. Box 10176 Russellville AR 72812 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

A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

With days of 90 degree weather already staring us in the face, it’s evident that summer cannot be far away. Not one to rush away Spring, I will be pleased when the pollen disappears but the cool nights and pleasant days of April and May will be missed. I spend a lot of time driving around the area and recently, within a 10-minute time span, I saw something that struck a chord. Both in town and on the country fringe, I saw two parents mowing their lawn on riding lawn mowers – each with a toddler either standing on the machine with them or riding in their lap. One was a dad; the other a mom. Honestly, do these parents not realize that, while this might be “fun” for the child, it is an accident waiting to happen? I’ve been known to be conservative on more than one occasion and I suppose age has taught me a lot, but either of these small children could have been moments away from losing a limb, finger or toe. I remember when our youngest daughter was in middle school and one of her classmates lost part of his foot to a lawn mower accident. Things happen, I accept that, but when you think of the lazy days of summer, having a child hurt at the hand of a parent’s stupidity is just pointless and sad. Hopefully both of these incidents continued without anyone being hurt, but I could only drive by and wonder... When I think of parent/child activities, there are abundant options in the River Valley. Aside from organized sports – soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, football, track and swimming – not to mention dance, gymnastics, karate, tennis, golf... the traditional sports easily come to mind. But to those residing in the area, some relatively new options have recently surfaced. Readers hopefully enjoyed last month’s introduction (of sorts) to disc golf and learned that the Arkansas River Valley is considered a mecca to competitive players, now offering two fields at which to play. It is hoped that the area will become recognized as one of the premiere arenas for disc golf. Enter PickleBall – a relatively unfamiliar sport to many in this area. Brought to the Valley in 2007 by Isacc and Debra Patty, PickleBall is best described as a combination of sports – similar in some ways to tennis, badminton and ping pong. The wonderful aspect of this sport is that it involves all ages and all abilities, and costs very little to play. A testament to its success is that enthusiasts play in this area six days a week! Not to be confused with PickleFest, which celebrates the Valley’s 50-year love affair with the now-defunct Atkins’ Pickle, PickleBall traces its roots to a family dog named “Pickles.” Don’t miss the tribute to PickleFest on page 8, and for more about PickleBall, see page 10. This is the season to “Pucker Up and Yell” because both PickleFest -- hosted by People for A Better Atkins -- and YellFest, sponsored by the Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce, offer fun events and opportunities to welcome summer’s arrival. The 22nd Annual Free State of Yell Fest will be held May 6-7 at Veteran’s Riverfront Park in Dardanelle. This year’s event will include the Yell Fest 5K, 1st Annual Poker Run, Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast, and Little Mr. & Miss Yell Fest Pageant. The event will also feature Miller Spectacular Carnivals and wonderful entertainment. For more information, contact the Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce at 2011 State Hwy 22 West in Dardanelle or call (479) 229-3328. If you are still searching for something to do this Spring and Summer, stop by the Advertising and Promotions Commission office inside the Russellville Chamber of Commerce and pick up the latest copy of “Top 50 Things to Do” in the Russellville area. But be forewarned, you might just discover a whole new world right outside your door!

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: SPPI, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812.

Dianne Edwards, Editor/Publisher

6 | ABOUT

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

May 2011

Out and ABOUT

MAY 2011 Su

What’s Happening This Month...

Talk ABOUT...pickles Ever felt like you were caught “in a pickle?” The archaic saying was once popular among ‘oldsters’ but probably not very popular among the young. Around here, getting “caught in a pickle” is not such a bad thing... The family-friendly Atkins PickleFest, on the other hand, is quite popular, especially during this “festival season” time of year. Occurring for the past two decades, PickleFest pays homage to a half-century business which was a mainstay anchor and employer for the Pope County community for generations. Atkins was known for years as “the Pickle Capital of the World.” From the moment a test run was made in the Atkins plant July 17, 1946, to beginning full operations with 100, then 150, employees in the coming months, the plant continued to grow and prosper through a series of new owners, managers, chemists and developers. In the early years, the plant had contracts with 831 farmers for 1,200 acres of cucumbers. The “tomolive” – a pickled baby tomato – was developed there. By the 1970s, the company’s sales had grown to $5 million. When Dean Foods bought the plant in 1983, sales had reached more than $40 million and employment grew upwards of 500 during the fresh-pack seasons. The inaugural PickleFest was held in 1992 but a decade later the pickle plant

May 2011

was closed in the midst of a flooded market and purchase of the parent corporation. This year’s PickleFest begins on Saturday, May 14, with the pageantry of the Pickle Pageant. The event will be held in the auditorium of Atkins High School. Amanda Freeman, coordinator, may be reached by phone at (479) 970-5801. The event is open to contestants (Arkansas residents) from birth through age 9 for boys, and birth through age 20 for girls. The attire is casual wear only for all age groups (no Pickle costumes required, thankfully!) Beginning Friday, May 20, and running through Saturday evening, PickleFest activities will be centered in Downtown Atkins, State Highways 64 and 105. There you’ll find pickle-themed contests, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, a ‘Bump and Jump’ alley for the kids and much more! Looking to bite into a juicy signature dish made famous by deep-fried pickle inventor, the late Bernell “Fatman” Austin. Sherry Reel, contact for the event, may be reached at (479) 890-6421. The event continues the history of the Pickle industry through more than 50 years that were both sweet and sour. Note: Many thanks to Dr. Van and Mrs. Ginnie Tyson for their contributions to this month’s issue. Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

May 1: Exhibit Reception for Darlene McNeely, RV Arts Center, 1-3 p.m.; info: 968-2452. May 6: Money Make Over: Business Cash Flow Analysis, seminar by ASBTDC; Chamber of Commerce, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Info, registration: 356-2077. May 6-7: 22nd Annual Free State of Yell Fest, Veteran’s Riverfront Park, Dardanelle. Info. (479) 229-3328. May 7: 3rd Annual Boots and Benefactors Barbecue, Pope County Fairgrounds, 4-7 p.m.; 970-8351 or visit equestrianzone.org. May 10: Forget Me Not’s – Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, 6 p.m., second Tuesday of each month, Wildflower Community Rooms, 240 S. Inglewood Ave. 264-8805. May 11: Walk with the Mayor, 10 a.m. Starting point to be determined. Info: 968-2098. May 13-14: Relay for Life of Pope/Yell Counties, Russellville H S track; info: 858-1439. May 14: Arkansas Tech University Graduation, Tucker Coliseum. Times vary. May 18: Forget Me Not’s – Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, 1:30 p.m., third Wednesday of each month; Arkansas Hospice Conference Room, 2405 E. Parkway. 264-8805. May 20: Russellville High School Graduation, 7 p.m., Tucker Coliseum. May 20-21: 20th Annual Atkins Pickle Fest, downtown Atkins. Info: 890-6421. May 20-21: Rummage ‘Round the Rails, Historic Train Depot. Info: 967-1437. May 21-22: Annual Hope & Justice Dice Run by ABATE 17 and CASA 20th Judicial District, Clinton Main Street Park in Clinton, 9-3:30, registration 8 a.m. Info: (501) 247-5935 or (501) 328-3347. May 26: Community Bingo, seniors 55 and older invited; 2-3 p.m. 4th Thurs. of each month; door prizes, grand prize, refreshments; Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood, Russellville; 890-6709. *Unless otherwise indicated, all area codes are 479. Visit www.aboutrvmag.com for a list of activities updated as they are received. To have your event included in the ABOUT Calendar of Events, email: editor@aboutrvmag. com or fax to (866) 757-3282. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication.

ABOUT | 7

A Passion for Pickles Story by Connie Las Schneider Photos courtesy of Van and Ginnie Tyson

Pucker up pickle lovers! The 20th annual Atkins PickleFest is Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21. Sponsored by People for a Better Atkins (PBA) and Teen PBA, this pickle party packs a peck of people with its pickle canning, pickle eating and pickle juice drinking contests, and its Pickle Pageant crowning Little Miss Sweet and Little Mr. Dill May 14th.

Deep-fried pickles are a PickleFest specialty. The city’s signature dish was developed across the street from the Atkins pickle plant at the old Duchess Drive-In by deep-fried pickle inventor, Bernell “Fatman” Austin, who died in 1999. But pickles alone don’t make a meal, so the PBA PickleFest people have added a rodeo and parade, Army National Guard Humvee and Artillery display, live entertainment, crafts booths, bingo, horse shoe pitching, a quilt show and a tractor pull. PickleFest could have shriveled like a cucumber in brine when Hunt Foods (formerly Atkins) closed the pickle factory in 2002 after 55 years of production. But soon the pickle plant was reopened as a chicken processing facility owned by Twin Rivers Processing and many of the workers traded pickles for chickens.

But like the pickling process itself, Atkins preserved its identity as Pickle City USA and the city of 3,400 still celebrate its love for green condiments. Atkin’s passion for pickles began in 1946 when a group of local citizens raised $17,000 to secure a loan to entice the Goldsmith Pickle Company of Chicago to purchase land and build a pickle processing factory there. A few years later the pickle business was purchased by the E.G. Watkins family who hired Robert Switzer, a chemist who improved the flavor and crispness of the cucumber pickles and developed “Tomolives” or pickled baby tomatoes. The pickle business was the main source of income in Atkins area for more than half a century. At one time the plant produced a variety of sweet and dill pickles, relish and pickled tomatoes plus pickled okra, peppers, and onions. Packed in their distinctively flavored juices, the jars all carried the colorful

Atkins label featuring a red barn and happy farmer in straw hat holding a bushel of fresh picked cucumbers. As ownership changed over the year, new managers like Russell Dilks and Scotty Wallace joined the pickle business and improved product and production, making Atkins Pickles a nationally-popular brand. One year the plant produced 7.5 million cases of pickles. The city’s proximity to truck farmers who had a ready market for their fresh cucumbers and to transportation corridors like the Arkansas River, railroad and I-40 made it an ideal spot for a pickle factory. Work was also available at the plant and during the plant’s hey-day, it employed up to 500 workers during the peak fresh-pack (sweet pickle) season. In 1985, Dean Foods purchased the factory but continued the city’s picklepacking tradition under their own labels until 2002, when Dean closed the plant and moved its pickle operation to Texas. This ended Atkins’ 55 year run as the pickle capital of Arkansas. According to Stephen Kent, retired Atkins and Dean Plant Supervisor and former Mayor of Atkins, closing the plant was a great loss to Atkins. “The pickle plant was our main employer and usually employed 200 and up to 450 or 500 during the busy summer season. The plant also had a high rate of (city) water consumption, so we lost a lot of revenue when Dean closed the plant.” Despite the 2002 closing, PickleFest continued until 2005, when PBA held a contest to rename the festival. The name “Chickenfest” was suggested but the group decided on Atkins Spring Jubilee for 2005. That name soured quickly, so the name PickleFest returned in 2006. One of the enduring highlights of the festival is the pickle juice drinking contest, a competition mainly for the strong of stomach and young at heart. Imagine chugging a quart of more of seasoned salt and vinegar brine as fast as you can; then try keeping it down. “It gets pretty rough, sometimes” said Charles May, whose wife Shirley May, is Chairman of this year’s PickleFest. “We keep buckets for contestants to use since they often get sick from drinking the pickle juice.” Did May ever try it? “Oh no, that’s not for me,” chuckled May who worked summers as a teenager at the Atkins plant. “The pickle juice drinking contest mainly attracts teenagers who have strong stomachs and are willing to try anything once,” he explained. While only a few people have a taste for pickle brine, almost everyone likes some kind of pickles whether sweet, sour, Polish or Kosher. Imagine taking a bite of your favorite pickle. Feel the crispness, hear the crunch and taste the tangy flavor. Makes your mouth water, doesn’t it? n

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Sweet Sport. Sour Name. Information from the United State of American Pickleball Association with contribution from Russellville, Ark., players.

“Isaac and Debra Patty of Russellville are USA Pickleball Association members and wonderful ambassadors. They spend countless hours helping with grants, convincing facilities to paint lines for us, etc. Their energy and enthusiasm is endless,” says Sue Hayes, Pickleball enthusiast. According to Sue, the Pattys visited Debra’s brother in the Villages in Florida in April 2007 and learned all about Pickleball. Having caught the Pickleball “bug,” they became ambassadors and introduced the sport locally. “They began by getting our local fitness center to permit them to have workshops to teach and hold open play time. This has grown into twice monthly Saturday morning sessions to continue to introduce Pickleball to the members and community, while allowing us to also have indoor play time,” said Sue.

Then the couple talked with the park districts and the Corps of Engineers’ offices to get lines painted on the tennis courts at the parks in town. Currently, three parks have painted Pickleball lines for a total of eight courts. “The Pattys approached our local (Hughes) community center and convinced them to paint lines on the gym floor (two courts) so we have another indoor facility when the weather is poor for outdoor play,” added Sue. Isaac and Debra worked with the facility’s staff to apply for a grant from USAPA for equipment. They were granted funds to help them purchase two nets. “We play every day of the week that we possibly can with a group of 10-20. Debra sends out daily text messages keeping us informed as to where and

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

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May 2011

what time play will begin --plus, calling a few in our group that don’t have texting on their phones,” Said Sue. Often play continues for two to three hours; the group has become a close group of competitors, as well as friends. Isaac and Debra are always enthusiastic about sharing the info about Pickleball with anyone who passes by and shows an interest. They immediately stop what they are doing and answer questions or start teaching them the game, said Sue. “With their help we now have two local gym teachers playing. They, in turn, have started teaching the sport in their schools, have lines on their floors and have received enough equipment to teach. We can even play inside their gyms when scheduling allows.” Last year the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of the River Valley approached Isaac and Debra about holding a Pickleball tournament during the Club’s yearly fundraiser, ValleyFest. Each year the Boys and Girls Club holds “ValleyFest” to raise funds to help run the

What is Pickleball?

club the remainder of the year. In 2010 it was held August 20Pickleball – named after the family 21 at Old Post Lock and Dam cocker spaniel (Pickles) of the co-inventors Park in Russellville. According of Pickleball) is a fun game that is played to Sue, Isaac and Debra on a badminton court with the net lowered jumped in and put together to 34 inches at the center. It is played with a Pickleball tournament a perforated plastic baseball (similar to during those two nights. Play a whiffle ball) and wood or composite took place outside despite paddles. The sport is easy for beginners temps near 100 degrees and heat indexes reaching over 110 to learn, but can develop into a quick, degrees. Despite the weather fast-paced, competitive game for we had a great turnout and raised experienced players. money for the Boy’s and Girl’s Club.” There were 38 participants who helped Debra raise $985. For Arkansas Senior Olympics and for the Valleyfest tournament, Isaac and Debra gathered sponsors so the group could all “This spring they have teamed up with have matching t-shirts. They came up Arkansas Tech for a tournament between with the design on the front of the shirt, the local group and the students who obtained prices from local stores, and learn Pickleball through their physical placed orders after collecting all our sizes, education classes.” continued Sue. The all-day event was held on April 30th on the Tech campus. “The Battle of the Ages” was featured the Pickleball Tournament students vs “the others.” Sue and her husband Ken, as a result of the Patty’s friendship and guidance have become Ambassadors-At-Large while Dan Ellsworth, from the group, has become the USAPA Treasurer. “Isaac and Debra are just amazing in their energy level while promoting Pickleball,” declares Sue. “They even developed a FaceBook page for our group.” April 11th marked the beginning of International Pickleball Week. “Like Isaac and Debra Patty, and Ken and Sue Hayes, there are 485 local, regional and at-large Ambassadors that provide promotion and training,” said Dan Ellsworth of Russellville. >>

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

11th Annual Rummage

’Round the Rails WHAT: Huge Rummage Sale! WHEN: May 13 & 14; 8am–1pm WHERE: Russellville Depot 320 West C Street

All items are half-price on Saturday!

To donate items contact Frances Parker at 479-747-3360. All donations are tax deductible.

For more information contact Main Street Russellville at the Depot: 479-967-1437 ABOUT | 11

THE HISTORY OF PICKLEBALL

In January 2011, Ellsworth was elected to the National Board of Directors as Treasurer for 2011-2012. “My duties are to track all income and expenses with the national organizations. The USAPA is a non-profit organization. A monthly newsletter is sent out to members. Membership is about 2,900. The USAPA.org also has a database with places to play -- good if you are traveling. There are over 1,000 places to play representing over 3,000 courts.” “The usapa.org also has a grant program that will provide up to $250 for nets and supplies to get a new program started (great for schools, boys & girls clubs, churches, etc.) n Contact Isaac Patty at (479) 747-9501, (479) 747-0601 or email rivervalleypickleball@suddenlink.net for more information.

After playing golf one Saturday during the summer of 1965, Joel Pritchard, congressman from Washington State, and Bill Bell, successful businessman, returned to Pritchard’s home on Bainbridge Island, Wash., to find their families sitting around with nothing to do. The property had an old badminton court so Pritchard and Bell looked for some badminton equipment and could not find a full set of rackets. They improvised, cutting shafts of the damaged rackets and found a perforated plastic ball. The rackets didn’t work very well, so the dads created four wood paddles, similar to today’s wood paddles. As the weekend progressed, the players found that the ball bounced well on the asphalt surface and soon the net was lowered to 36 inches. The following weekend, Barney McCallum was introduced to the game at Pritchard’s home. Soon, the three men created rules, relying heavily on badminton. The original purpose was to provide a game that the whole family could play together. The Pritchards had a cocker spaniel named Pickles, who became interested in this new game. Whenever a ball would come his way, he would take the ball and run off with it, because you see, it was Pickle’s ball. And that is how the game got its name.

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

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1967 The first permanent Pickleball court was constructed in Joel Pritchard’s backyard in Seattle, Wash. 1972 A corporation was formed to protect the creation of this new sport. 1975 The National Observer published an article about Pickleball followed by a 1976 article in Tennis magazine about “America’s newest racquet sport.” 1976 The first known Pickleball tournament in the world was held at South Center Athletic Club in Tukwila, Wash. 1984 USAPA “was organized to perpetuate the growth and advancement of Pickleball on a national level.” The first rulebook was published in March, 1984. 1984 – The first composite paddle was made by Arlen Paranto, a Boeing Industrial Engineer. He used the fiberglas/nomex honeycomb panels that commercial airlines use for their floors and part of the airplane’s structural system 1990 By 1990, Pickleball was being played in all 50 states. 1997 Joel Pritchard, Washington State’s Lieutenant governor from 1988 to 1996, passed away at age 72. He is probably better known for his connection to the birth of Pickleball.

RESTAURANT & BAR

2003 There are 39 known places to play in North America listed on the Pickleball Stuff website. This represents 10 States, 3 Canadian Provinces and about 150 individual courts. 2003 Pickleball was included for the first time in the Huntsman World Senior Games, held each year in St. George, Utah. 2005 Steve Wong created the new, improved USAPA website that went live in March. USAPA became a Non-Profit Corporation on July 1. 2008 The Rules Committee published the USA Pickleball Association Official Tournament Rulebook 2008 Pickleball has been included for the first time in the National Senior Games Champion Festival to be held in Providence, R.I. 2008 There are now 420 places to play in North American as listed on the USAPA website. This represents 43 States and 4 Canadian Provinces and about 1500 individual courts. 2009 The first USAPA National Tournament for players of all ages was held in Buckeye, Ariz.

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

ABOUT | 13

family

A Tiny Speck vs The Giant Beam

It has happened again. I have spent so much time focusing on someone else’s shortcomings that mine were able to sneak up from behind and bite me in the rear end. There is a verse in the Bible that says we should not spend all our time trying to get the tiny little speck out of our brother’s eye when we have a gigantic beam sticking out of our own. You would think this would be obvious advice, but thankfully God put this verse in there for people like me. Unfortunately, it is a lesson I have not quite learned. It is so much more fun to point out the mistakes of others than take time to examine mine. It is much less painful, as well. They say confession is good for the soul -- so here it goes. Several weeks ago I had decided my husband was not living up to his responsibilities as a husband and father. We “churchy” women will often call this “not being the spiritual leader of the home”. There were some issues in our family and I just didn’t think he was saying, or doing, the right things. Loosely translated, this means he wasn’t doing things my way. I had expressed my feelings of frustration with his decisions but being the good “churchy” wife that I am, I was going to trust him. NOT!!! Anyway, I said with my mouth -- but definitely not my heart -- that I would go along with his decisions. So since I couldn’t complain to him anymore I thought I should talk to God about him. It really was more like tattling to God about him. I wanted to make sure God knew what this man was and was not doing. I wanted God to do something about it and I wanted Him to do it right now! My prayer time – tattling – took place on a Sunday morning in my shower. I was re-hashing the conversation from the previous week and lamenting the lack of what I regarded as Donald’s spiritual sensitivity. Oh yes, I was on my high horse. About that time he came into the bathroom and I can’t remember exactly what he said, but it had something to do with us going to church that morning. I curtly replied something about him doing whatever he wanted, that I was not in charge of his spiritual life. Yes, there was a little voice in my head saying, “STOP!” But did I listen? No. Now, while I was doing all this tattling on Donald I was also using my specialty beauty products. Let add that when I got in the shower, I knew I had exactly 40 minutes to be ready to walk out the door so we could arrive at church on time. I am never ready on time; my husband is always ready to leave on time. Yes, I know we could go right to the beam and speck verse right now, but I am still picking away at his speck at this point in the story. 14 | ABOUT

Story by Kechia Bentley / Photo by Steve Newby

Donald comes into the bathroom again and asks, “Do you want me to wait for you or should I just meet you at church?” I replied, “Do whatever you want.” Yes, I had a tone. He left and went on to Sunday School without me, something he usually doesn’t do. Some of you might think this would make me mad but actually, I was thrilled. Somehow I saw this as an answer to my tattling -- that man was going to go worship his God with or without me. Good for him! I was just beginning to talk to God again -- between my lovely spa treatments -telling Him ‘thank you’ for this answer to my prayers. But before I could even get the words formulated and out of my mouth, it felt like someone grabbed my tongue. It hit me. I was standing in the shower, taking my own sweet time pampering myself instead of getting myself to church on time. Yet the husband that I had been complaining about not being spiritual enough and not leading our family like I thought he should was on his way to church! Oh, I didn’t hear a voice, but I got the message loud and clear. That man and his God were just fine; I, on the other hand, had some explaining to do. Why was I still in the shower exfoliating? Seems someone’s priorities might have been out of line, but they sure weren’t his. Ouch! That beam was really starting to bother me. I thought to myself, when I finish exfoliating I might want to find a big pair of tweezers and start removing that thing. I am sure it will be quite painful and I am sure I won’t get all of it out this time. But, I will quit picking at that speck in my husband’s eye – at least for a n little while.

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

May 2011

Scottish Society Appears Locally

Special guests appearing during the annual pARTy in the Park included the Scottish Country Dance Society. The group performed a dance demonstration and offered a mini-class under the instruction of Judy Robertson. The Arkansas Scottish Country Dance Society is a non-profit organization formed in 1985 by people who are interested in helping increase the interest in traditional Scottish dancing and music. ASCDS is an affiliate chapter of the Royal Scottish Country Dance headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland. A Scottish country dance or “reel” is a form of social dance involving groups of mixed couples dancing according to a predetermined choreography. They dance by tracing progressive patterns as square dancers do. Scottish country dance has its roots in the courtly dances of the Renaissance. When it first became popular around the 18th century, it filled the niche that is occupied today by ballroom dancing, as a fairly refined form of entertainment.

Visitors to the annual “art in the park” event welcomed this group to the River Valley, enjoying their vibrant costumes and lively dancing and music. The Scottish dancers were just one of many performers, exhibitors and vendors who made the annual Spring event a success. The performance was part of River Valley Arts Center’s pARTy in the Park Saturday, held each April, in City Park and Hughes Center, located in Russellville at 1000 East Parkway, Russellville. For information on other upcoming Art Center-sponsored event, call the River Valley Arts Center at (479) 968-2452. n

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

Exit 58, 116 E. Main St., Clarksville 479.754.8130 • M-F 9-6 / Sat 9-5:30 ABOUT | 15

When Cotton was King Story by Connie Las Schneider • Courtesy Photos

Most people take cotton for granted these days. We wear it, use it or sit on it and never give a thought to the work it took to produce what was once the most important commodity in the River Valley. At one time the River Valley was well known for its cotton. Dardanelle had three cotton gins where local famers carted in their hard-earned cotton by the bale. These gins processed the raw cotton by separating the cotton seeds from the lint; cotton fiber left after the seeds are removed. A 1,500 lb bale generally produced 500 lbs of lint and 900 lbs of seed, with 100 lbs of trash. The cotton seeds would pay for the ginning and later be processed into cattle feed. The lint would go to a compress which would mash it into half the size. From there,

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the compressed lint was sold and shipped to factories that turned lint into thread. Cotton was so important to the local economy, the Federal government under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s commissioned a wall fresco depicting the work that went into the production of the fruit (yes, cotton is classified as a fruit) for the Dardanelle Post Office lobby. Dardanelle’s cotton gins are now empty or converted for other uses and the fertile bottoms of the Arkansas River Valley planted in soybeans and corn. But, that doesn’t mean king cotton is entirely forgotten. Anyone who ever held a cotton hoe and chopped, picked or ginned cotton remembers it well.

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16 | ABOUT

“I remember the cotton would be knee deep on the street back then. “I remember the cotton plants had burrs on them that made your fingers raw when you picked it. After we picked it, we’d pile it up and when we got enough,

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“It was back breaking work,” said 86-yearold Delma Merritt, owner of Yell County Gin and a life-long resident of Dardanelle. One of three sons born to Henry and Nora Merritt, he was raised in the Upper Bottoms. “Like everyone else here, we were poor and cotton was our cash crop.”

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Delma aligns with son David Merritt at the dealership.

we’d use mules to haul the cotton to the gin for processing.” “We used to bring our cotton to Cotton Street from the gins,” said Merritt. “I remember the cotton would be knee deep on the street back then. Once the cotton was ginned, we’d get a “card” which graded the cotton and a receipt from the compress. We used the card and receipt to sell our cotton and we usually got 5 cents a pound or $25 a 500 lb bale. Now cotton goes for about $2 lb and a bale is worth $1,000,” said Merritt with a shake of his head. Despite the hard work, the Merritt family kept on working, and in 1936, Merritt’s Daddy bought a tractor. “That’s when I started thinking someday I’d like to own a tractor dealership.” “I got into the Gin business by accident. I was trying to buy a tractor dealership but all

I could find in a farm-related business was a cotton gin and grain elevator. I needed $15,000 for a down payment but I didn’t have 25 cents but my brothers did, so the bank gave us the loan,” said Merritt. In 1966 Merritt started running the gin and grain elevator and in 1971 fulfilled his dream by opening a Deutz tractor dealership (now a Mahindra and Deutz-Fahr tractor dealership.) A community-minded businessman like his brother Dana Merritt -- Mayor of Dardanelle for 25 years – Delma Merritt worked hard to build, maintain and grow the business. But despite Merritt’s efforts, the cotton industry had been in a long slump in the River Valley, and Mother Nature was ready to ring the crop’s death bell. “The cotton crop here just faded away because of Boll Weevils and Boll Worms. You could fight them by day but they’d get you at night,” said Merritt, who explained that the Boll’s life cycle and the pesticides available made the insects almost impossible to eradicate. By 1974, the cotton industry was dead and the gin closed. Fortunately, Merritt had opened up a feed store and still had his tractor dealership with a mechanic’s garage in the converted gin. He also used his grain elevator to purchase and store soybeans which he traded as “futures” on the volatile Commodity Exchange. Unfortunately, the soybean market also crashed and by 1978 Merritt said he was “flat as a flitter.” So Merritt sold out everything he owned. “If I’d kept those soybeans only 90 days more, I’d have made $800,000 instead of nothing,” he added. “Bankruptcy in the 1970’s was a no-no. Fortunately, I still had the feed business

so we (Merritt and wife Polly) hobbled by until we finally paid it (the bank loan on the business) off. We worked until we brought it all back. We had some of the best help in the business,” said Merritt. Two years ago, Merritt gave the gin and the tractor dealership to his son, David. “Forty-five years ago my son was working for me. Now I’m working for him,” laughed Merritt with a twinkle in his eye.

Polly and Delma Merritt pose with a historic shot of the old cotton gin in Yell County.

Will cotton ever again be king in the River Valley? While cotton is still grown in Arkansas, you can’t find a cotton gin today this side of England, Ark., said Merritt. “Some years ago a man tried to grow cotton in the Coal Hill bottoms, but it was too hard to fight the Boll Weevils so he only did it for one year.” Historically speaking, this isn’t the first time an insect brought down an empire; let’s hope for the River Valley’s sake, it is the last. n

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

1650 West “C” Place ~ Russellville ABOUT | 17

Cash in on Savings at Newest Grocery

business

When Steve Goode of Vilonia first visited Russellville in the early 1990s as a prospective student considering a football scholarship opportunity, he could only guess that, years later, he would once again find himself in the area. Goode pursued his education at UALR but later returned to Russellville as store manager for the former Food-4-Less grocery store before the business was purchased and closed by Wal-Mart. Goode, as one of three partners in Three Guys, Inc. based in Mayflower, is co-owner in CashSaver – Cost Plus Food Outlet located at 3301 West Main in Russellville. Locals will remember the site as the former Four Seasons Market which closed in 2009 after years as a mainstay in the grocery market. Three Guys, Inc. opened the building originally as “Big Star Marketplace” in 2010. Partner Tom Watson, company patriarch and father to third partner Chris Watson, founded Perry County Food and Drug in Perryville in 1983. The senior Watson was originally from Greenbrier. Both father and son are pharmacists, and together founded the Mayflower Big Star Food and Drug in 1999. The opening of the Morrilton Big Star Food and Drug followed. Though Tom is semi-retired, he is still the “decision maker,” maintains Steve. The father/son pair is mostly involved in the Food and Drug businesses while Steve’s primary responsibility is the grocery-side of the partnership. Steve went to work for Tom in October 1993, becoming a partner in 2002 in all three parent companies.

In comparison, the other three stores are smaller, ranging in size from 17,500 to 19,500 sq. ft. while CashSaver is larger. The Russellville store is approximately 26,000 sq. ft. The service area of the other stores is smaller, explained Steve, while CashSaver draws customers from Dover, Atkins, Clarksville, Hector, Dover and other surrounding communities. “But we run the same pricing zone in all four locations, not ‘gouging’ an area just because we could,” Steve stressed. While he still lives in Vilonia, Steve visits each of the stores on a regular basis and is frequently in Russellville daily, “and as often as I can be,” he explained. He even moved his camper to Russellville, along with his family and children who were on spring break, when closing Big Star and planning the reopening of CashSaver. “But when things got too crowded, I moved myself to a hotel,” he added, laughing. The Three Guys partnership was looking to grow and when the former Four Seasons Market site became available, the trio seized the opportunity to open a store in what they felt was an underserved market. When Big Star Marketplace opened in April 2010, they were pleased with their “numbers” and the community’s response, but later in the year, it became apparent that the store had not “dug in, developed any traction,” explained Steve. “We were not seeing the level of consistency we needed to keep the store running as it should. A business plan has to have growth, and we weren’t seeing any signs of that.” As the economy continued a downswing, the partners decided change was

Story by Dianne S. Edwards

needed. Steve began a demographics study in October. After the unexpected slump, the trio began considering their options. A visit to a trade show led to the answer. After meeting and discussing the success of a 67-year-old retired grocer who had re-entered the business, Steve found his business model. In this down-trend economy, what do people want and need? “They need to save money on their groceries. At a time when everyone is reaching deeper into their pocket – higher gas prices, cost of living expenses, everything costing more and more, our customers needed to find a way to save money.” Visiting similar “cost saver” businesses in Florida and Tennessee, Steve discovered a way to develop the Russellville business while offering drastic savings to the customer. “Everything in our store is less expensive because we really do price items at the price of what it costs us to obtain the item and deliver it on the shelf, plus 10%. That’s it, it’s that simple,” the grocer explained. Steve urges shoppers to “do the math.” “I’m not going to guarantee that 100% of every item we carry will be priced lower every single time – their ‘sale prices’ may occasionally be lower -- but I promise that you’ll save significant money on your groceries.” “Vendor reduced pricing will be passed along to the consumer, not absorbed by this business as profit,” Steve pledged. To prove his point, Steve pulled three packages of name-brand chips from a shelf. “The retail price marked on this bag of chips is $3.99. Now, most stores never sell at the pre-printed retail price. Right now,

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

May 2011

because of a ‘deal price’ we’re able to price this bag at $2.18. Our regular price is $2.52. Our customer will pay the $2.18 (plus 10% at the register) as long as we are able to procure these chips at our ‘deal price.’ After that, the price will return to $2.52 – still $1.47 less than the retail price.” He continued, sighting a previous “Pick 5 for $19.99” meat pricing. “That worked out to $4 per package. We’re now offering a ‘6 for $20’ – that’s $3.33 per package, even with the 10%, that’s a huge savings,” he explained. Shoppers have shared their experiences with Steve regarding their personal savings. “We came away with eight baskets of groceries and money left over from our monthly allotment. Shopping at (the local big box discount store) we only came away with five baskets of the same groceries, and no money left over.” A weekly “Hot Sheet” listing additional deals with weekly` specials will be made available to customers both in-store and on the company’s website, www. beacashsaver.com. In order to be able to operate in a savings-mode and keep prices to their customers as low as possible, the company will eventually reduce their print and advertising expenses, a “necessary evil of doing business.”

The store will continue their focus on customer service, abundant merchandise and cleanliness. They have added more than a dozen individuals and have pledged to continue on with the things they “were doing right.” “Our demographics study revealed that our customers loved our meat, produce and bakery/deli departments but felt that the grocery items were priced high,” said Steve. “So, we will continue to focus on customer service, such as our meat department. There will be a meat cutter available seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.” “The business in our deli (steam table) has increased,” he continued, adding, “most days, at lunch, folks are standing in line.” “If a customer wants a particular item that they don’t see, they need to request it. If we can offer it, we will,” urged Steve. The company is very community minded and involved, not just in Russellville but in all four of their stores. The local grocery has supported such activities as the inaugural Destination Downtown event held last Fall, the anuual summer festival ValleyFest and Main Street Russellville’s Taste of the Valley. They have provided meals through a partnership with Arkansas Tech sports teams, as well as partnering with Crawford Elementary to

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provide food for their Open House. Sonja Brent, office manager for CashSaver, is instrumental in “keeping us plugged into the community,” said Steve. She was one of those first hired by the company. “We have a great staff,” bragged Steve. “Craig Patterson, store manager for CashSaver, does an excellent job buying and seeing special deals available that will save the customer money. And the rest of our employees are outstanding.” Has the new store plan worked? According to Steve, 98 percent of the comments he has heard about the new format have been positive. And he wants to know what shoppers need and want. “I’m available – I tell folks I AM the customer service department. I want to know what they think or need. They can call me on my cell phone anytime.” Steve went even further – giving his (501) 514-2013 number for inclusion. The store is open 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week, closing only on Christmas Day and closing early on Thanksgiving “so that our families can be with their loved ones,” said Steve “We just want folks to come in and look at the prices on our shelves. We want them to be a ‘CashSaver.’” n

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

ABOUT | 19

Pets are God’s Creatures too

Many shelters euthanize animals that are sick or very old, and many euthanize animals that aren’t adopted in a certain amount of time. Can you imagine killing an animal just because no one wants them? It’s becoming a sad reality for much of the United States, even right here in Russellville. Cindy Bellow has started a nonprofit animal rescue organization called “Animals are God’s Creatures Too.” Their primary focus is to open a no-kill animal shelter in Russellville as well as a spay and neuter clinic. Their reason for doing this is because there are so many homeless animals in Russellville; the local animal shelter just cannot contain them all. They are overloaded, and each animal may not be receiving the care they should. Of course with all organizations, Bellow is trying to raise money for her project. She is working on writing grants and conducting fundraisers to raise money for the rescue shelter. Spay and neuter clinics can charge upwards of $100, which a lot of families can’t afford. Many people place their pets at the bottom of their necessities list, and “that just isn’t acceptable,” says Bellow. She wants the new spay and neuter clinic to offer affordable procedures, around $30-40, so that more families will participate in spaying and neutering their animals. Of course any animals at the no-kill animal rescue shelter will be available for adoption.

Story by Allyson Johnson Photos by Bethany Lacy

20 | ABOUT

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

May 2011

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1903 S. Arkansas • (479) 968-3991

Bellow is also looking for permanent or foster homes for many animals. “The alternative if we can’t find foster or permanent homes is not acceptable” says Bellow. The organization is also accepting donations of puppy and dog food for their food bank. Due to the economy, many pet owners have to give up their bets because of the cost of food, and Bellow says “with your donations, we can keep those pets with people that love them.” Individuals can contact Bellow and the group will pick up your donation, or one can donate money directly on their website. “Anything will be appreciated not only by the rescue or shelter, but it might give a dog or puppy a soft warm place to sleep or another few meals,” say organizers. There are currently only five members of Animals are God’s Creatures Too. Bellow says that she is always welcoming serious volunteers. To get in contact with her you can e-mail her at Silvrbrd54@aol.com, or call her at (479)-970-3447. The organization also has a website, http://www.petfinder. com/shelters/AR259.html. n Note: Russellville maintains a citysupported animal shelter at 3115 S. Mobile Ave. The Animal Control Department’s mission is to maintain public safety by capturing stray animals, enforcing city ordinances and state laws concerning domestic animals, and to care for the animals under the department’s protection. The organizers of “Pets are God’s Creatures Too” met with Russellville Mayor Bill Eaton during a recent “Coffee with the Mayor” session to address the issue of animal overpopulation both inside and outside Pope County. The group is in need of serious assistance if they are to accomplish their goals. For more information on how you can help with this critical issue, visit the group’s website above or call the number above. Even the smallest donation of time or manpower can help. May 2011

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

ABOUT | 21

the arts

River Valley Art Notes

The River Valley Arts Center is a nonprofit community organization serving the River Valley area since 1982. In June of 1981 the first public meeting was held to organize the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center. After an initial donation of $5,000 from the Russellville Junior Auxiliary and commitments from community leaders for over $10,000, the Center officially opened its doors to the public at an all day celebration on October 7, 1981. The official service area is Pope, Johnson, and Yell counties but the arts center serves residents, visitors and tourists from both inside and outside the state. Several times each year the gallery will display art from artists around the state and often from outside Arkansas. Students come from as far away as Little Rock, especially to take pottery classes from Winston Taylor. The organization’s mission statement is “to create opportunities for education, participation, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts for all people. This will lead to a greater understanding of the arts and artists who create all the different kinds of art that touches and affects our lives every day.” Their vision is to encourage youth and adults to improve the quality of life for themselves, their families and community and through art strengthen their capacity to make meaningful contributions to society. Our Motto has always been “Art is for Everyone.” Services, programs, and projects are always available without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, ability, or economic status.

22 | ABOUT

R.E. Hodges, Susan Hibbard, Suzanne Hodges, Gene Ringhardt, Otis Hibbard, Brenda Ringhardt and (far right) Laura Speer, Patty Goyette and Jeannie Wichman.

Bob Edwards, Carolyn Edwards, Nancy Grant, Pete Grant, Barbara Blalack, Millie and Bill Chevaillier.

Performing as ‘The Blarney Tones’ were Mark Hlass, Lawanda Hlass, Sarah Bush and Bob Hlass.

River Valley Art Center’s St. Patty’s Day Party Photos courtesy of Ginnie Tyson

Fundraising events are held throughout the year by River Valley Art Center supporters. The third annual St. Patty’s Day Party was held at Dance with Joy Studio as a fundraiser for the River Valley Arts Center. Hosts included: Suzanne and R. E. Hodges, Joy Murphy, Emory and Jason Molitor, Debra and Dr. Robert Fithen, and Ginnie and Dr. Van Tyson.

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

Patty Goyette, Jeannie Wichman & Laura Speer

May 2011

Betty LaGrone serves as Executive Director. “I am so impressed with the great talent and number of artists in the River Valley,” she says repeatedly. Betty is passionate about promoting the arts and artists, individually and collectively, not just to the immediate area but to the state as a whole – “to let everyone know what an unrecognized treasure we have.” Erica Hull serves the arts center as Administrative Assistant and is becoming the technology specialist for the Arts Center. Her enthusiasm for the arts is evident in all the time she spends on the Arts Center’s programs and activities “often engaging her family to volunteer and help out our limited staff,” Betty stressed. Well-known potter Winston Taylor is the center’s “Artist-in-Residence.” He has developed a state-wide reputation as an outstanding potter and pottery instructor. He has been at the Arts Center about 20 years and has taught students who are now accomplished artisans in their own right. “He is a tremendous asset to the Arts Center and area,” said Betty LaGrone.

Visual Artist, Jeannie Stone

Performing Artist, B.J. Dunn

They include: 2010 Visual Artist, Jeannie Stone; 2010 Performing Artist, B J Dunn, and 2010 Patron of the Arts: Bridgestone America’s Tube Co. (Firestone), Scott Gateley, General Manager, and Carla Stanton. Betty LaGrone was “surprised and humbled to receive a Lifetime Patron of the Arts Award” during the event and expressed her heartfelt “Thank You to a great Board of Directors, members and friends.”

Patron of the Arts: Bridgestone America’s Tube Co. (Firestone), Scott Gateley, General Manager.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 1-2 and 8-9; 2 p.m. Sunday, July 3 and July 10. Tickets will be: $15 Adults, $12 Arts Center Members, Senior Citizens and Students; and $8 Ages 4-12. Children 3 and under will be admitted free.

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

1620 E. Harding, Morrilton AR

501-354-1646 • 877-354-1646 ABOUT | 23

Residents of Russellville overwhelmingly voted for the construction of the Center for Performing Arts which indicates the desire for more cultural activities. The River Valley Arts Center is working hard to support these activities and develop more opportunities for area residents. All levels of membership include the following benefits: Name in Annual Report, Monthly Newsletter, Discount on Classes and Theatre Tickets, Invitation to Arts Center Events and the Holiday Jubilee. Classifications range from Basic, $20; individual, $35; family, $50; supporting, $250; benefactor, $500; Patron, $750; sustaining, $1,000; and Mega, $5,000. Information about these categories and membership forms are available online at arvartscenter.org or by visiting the arts center at 1001 East B St, Russellville, AR 72802. Additional information is available by calling (479) 968-2452.

informative gallery talk, ask questions, mingle with other artists and art patrons and enjoy refreshments. Receptions are held at the River Valley Arts Center on the first Sunday of each month from 1-3 p.m. When a holiday falls on the first weekend, the reception is usually changed to the second Sunday. During this time you can join your children for a Sunday Funday where supplies and instructor are provided for them to make crafts. Viewing the exhibits, refreshments and Funday are free of charge and open to the public.

MAY EXHIBITS Exhibition Pals: Painting and Laughing Sisters -- What a treat this exhibit will be: five great women artist who paint together will be showing together! They are Marion Hotz, Pat Aures, B. Jean Bowden, Bonnie Peyton and Irene Roberts. The exhibit will include works in watercolor, oil, acrylic and collage as varied as the women who created them. PALS have many years of experience between them, which they EXHIBITS, RECEPTIONS A new exhibition opens each month in share as they paint together weekly. They the gallery with a public reception which have been involved in differing areas with is a great time to enjoy exceptional the Arts Center for several years, with works of art, an opportunity to meet each of them exhibiting in the Annual the exhibiting artist, hear a short, Local Artist Showcase.

Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center: Angela Anderson has entered her works of art in the Local Artist Showcase and had a tremendous exhibit at Lake Dardanelle a few years ago. Pope County Library, Russellville: Sandra Millsap. As is our tradition, Sandra Millsap’s Exhibition will move to the Library for the month of May. The arts center loves to give area residents and visitors every opportunity to view, appreciate and enjoy the many great works of art by our talented local artists. The River Valley Arts Center is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 to 4 p.m. on Friday. To schedule a group or private tour please call (479) 968-2452. To be considered as an exhibitor in the Arts Center’s Gallery, artists must submit good quality photographs of 2-or 3-D works or an actual piece of art along with their biography to the Visual Arts Committee. This committee reviews and schedules exhibits several months in advance. There is also the opportunity to exhibit in the Arts Center’s classroom gallery, lobby, Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center or Russellville Branch of Pope County Library. n

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

May 2011

ABOUT

... the Best Products

graduation gifts

Give your special graduating senior a gift they can really use. These bright colored collapsible storage bins will help for extra space. 2011 Senior picture frames, with some autograph signing pens. All are by Mud Pie. Check them out at rose drug; 3103 West

Main Place, Russellville; (479) 968-1323

Graduate Gifts

Give the grad in your life a fun belt, scarf or hat from our new line, Pistil. Feltner’s Athlete’s Corner; 2320 Russellville; (479) 968-6464

n3 4

West

Main,

Gourmet du Village

We can offer you the finest of award-winning gourmet tastes...dip mixes, desserts, rubs, gift sets, drink mixes and more. All of these gourmet products feature recipes. Perfect for your family, entertaining or gifts. Gifts on Parkway; 2149 E. Parkway, Russellville (479) 890-6932

Think Keen…

for Mom’s Day! Cabo Flip Flops - a vacation for her feet! Feltner’s Athlete’s Corner;

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

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Two new fragrances now available. Morelia Monarch and No. 25 (25th Anniversary Fragrance.) Both of these are contemporary fragrances and are available in glycerine hand care, perfumes, cream, lotions and gift sets. Come by and sample these today. Gifts on Parkway; 2149 E. Parkway, Russellville (479) 890-6932

n6 6

Spring Cleaning

Bring us your home arrangements and door wreaths for a makeover. FLOWERS ETC.; 900

West “B” Street, Russellville; (479) 968-3600

May 2011

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

ABOUT | 25

hirty-eight beautiful new mommies entered the first annual Saint Mary’s goodmoms New Mommy MakeOver contest this spring, and thanks to the generous contributions of 28 Community Partners from around the River Valley, six mommies were awarded fun and fabulous prize packages! The New Mommy MakeOver contest took place on Saint Mary’s Facebook page, and began on March 1. Submissions and voting ran through April 8. New moms who entered were asked to post photos of their babies or families; along with a short story about their birth experience at Saint Mary’s and reasons they deserved the “special treatment!” Finalists were selected based on the quality of their stories and the number of “Likes” or “Votes” they received. Among 15 finalists, Kristy Freyaldenhoven was the lucky “Ultimate Grand Prize” package winner. Kristy gave birth to her second child, a son named Logan, in August of 2010. Logan and his big sister Madison were both born at Saint Mary’s. “My husband and I took the birthing class at Saint Mary’s when we were pregnant with our first child. We received exceptional care, both from my nurses and doctor during our stay in the hospital. The new (Women’s and Children’s) remodel had just been completed when I had my second child. I requested the same nurse that helped deliver my first child because I had such a pleasant experience. Again, we were treated with exceptional care. We loved the newly remodeled facility. The sleeper sofa was a plus for Daddy! We will be delivering our next child at Saint Mary’s someday,” said Kristy in her New Mommy MakeOver contest submission. “As a mother of two, I am much more frazzled. Life is a little more crazy and complicated. Winning a makeover would be any mother’s dream. Every mother deserves one!”

Kristy took advantage of the opportunity to "branch out" with her New Mommy MakeOver, and went for dramatic eyes, trendy heels, and bold jewelry.

26 | ABOUT

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

May 2011

Kristy’s “Ultimate” prize package included: Head-to-toe clothing, accessories and a Clinique makeover from Belk, with new outfits for Madison and Logan, too! A refreshing facial with Brooke Fletcher, Licensed Massage Therapist and stylist; a shampoo, blowout and style with stylist Sieanne Plumb; and a onehour student massage from The Mirage. A professional shoot with Russellville photographer Steve Newby. Once her fresh and trendy new look was complete, Kristy and her family enjoyed a session with Steve at his downtown studio. A delicious candle-lit dinner for two at Italian Gardens. Kristy and her husband Gabe’s table was dressed extravagantly with linens from Sweeden’s Florist. A beautiful bouquet, a long-stemmed rose, and decadent chocolates were provided by Cathy’s Flowers and Gifts. As the couple was seated at Italian Gardens, Lee Ann Hartley of Lee Ann’s Fine Jewelry presented Kristy with a gorgeous sterling silver cable link bracelet and a “BabyFeet” charm in sterling silver and 14 carat yellow gold.

Mirage stylist Sieanne Plumb provided Kristy a shampoo, blowout and sleek style.

Childcare for “date night” was provided by ATU Zeta Tau Alpha Women’s Fraternity. Saint Mary’s Wellness Fitness Center has provided Kristy with a 30-day pass and fitness assessment. ABOUT…the River Valley Magazine has featured the New Mommy MakeOver since the contest began in March, and will provide additional highlights on all package winners and Community Partners once more in June!

Lee Ann Hartley of Lee Ann's Fine Jewelry presented Kristy with a gorgeous sterling silver and 14 carat gold bracelet and charm from her store's new BabyFeet line.

ClickRiverValley.com documented Kristy’s makeover journey, and offered photos and a “video reveal” available on Saint Mary’s and Click’s Facebook pages and YouTube channels!

Nursing Gowns & PJs

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#5 Colonial Square, Clarksville, AR ~ 479-754-7010 May 2011

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

City Mall, Russellville

479-968-3001

ABOUT | 27

The five additional amazing moms and prizes to be highlighted throughout May and June include: Angela Bonds, mother to Grayson, who enjoyed her fun and fashionable New Mommy MakeOver compliments of Wilkins Bros. Outdoors, Tangles Salon, Lefler’s Fashions, Copper Pig Kids, Goody’s, Quizno’s, The Frame Shop, and Saint Mary’s Wellness Fitness Center. Miranda Van Wie, mother to Miles, had fun shopping at The Mulberry Bush, and received a cosmetic makeover and certificate from Mary Kay representative Heather Hall, a scent bar and warmer from Independent Scentsy Consultant Angela Holland, and a one-hour student massage from The Mirage. Jessie Hogan, busy mom to Carter, received a Five-Star Spa Facial from VSPA, a $100 shopping spree from The Other Foot & More, and a luxurious personal care gift basket from Millyn’s. Chelsea Platt, mom to Zaelyn, had a fun meal at Stoby’s, did some shopping at Flowers Etc., received a sterling silver babyname bracelet from the Mulberry Bush, and relaxed with a one-hour student massage from The Mirage.

All finalists and winners received a fun and functional duffle bag compliments of Saint Mary’s. Several will also enjoy an insulated cooler bag, perfect for on-the-go meals and snacks! Saint Mary’s CEO Mike McCoy extended a sincere thanks to all 38 contestants. “Thank Cara Payne, mother of four, perked up with you for choosing Saint Mary’s, and for a goodie basket from Starbucks, stocked sharing your heart-warming stories with our the medicine cabinet with a “healthy baby” community. We are proud to deliver close gift basket from C&D Drug Store, and to one thousand babies here each year, and enjoyed some “mommy time” with a one- we are grateful to the many families who hour student massage from The Mirage. entrust their care to our outstanding staff.

Come to

Tangles Salon and get the new Keratin Complex Smoothing System! Makes hair smooth & silky. Less drying & straightening time.

Inside City Mall Russellville

967-0990 28 | ABOUT

Also, a special ‘thank you’ to all twentyeight Community Partners who made this event possible.” Follow Saint Mary’s on Facebook at facebook.com/saintmarysregional, and watch for fun videos and photos of New Mommy MakeOver winners and Community Partners. Additional hospital events and services are featured here as well, such as upcoming physician seminars, goodsiblings class photos, employee and volunteer recognition, and valuable health and wellness information. n

To Mom. Because of you...we care.

Non-Medical In Home Care Senior Life Partners

(479) 880-1112 • www.amcareseniorlife.com

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

May 2011

ABOUT

... the Best Products

Check This Out!

Feltner’s is proud to introduce our exciting new footwear line by Olukai for men and women. Feltner’s Athlete’s Corner;

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

Mother’s Day Gifts

Beautiful butterfly design lamp and woven pillow. Bird pottery candle by Swan Creek. Gift Certificates. FLOWERS ETC.; 900 West

“B” Street, Russellville; (479) 968-3600

Tervis Drinkware

Insulated tumblers for hot or cold. Lifetime guarantee. Dishwasher and freezer safe. Leaves no rings on furniture. Large selection for anyone’s interest, personalizable and stylish. Gifts on Parkway; 2149 E. Parkway,

Russellville (479) 890-6932

Great Graduation Gifts

n 4

Trendy iPad and laptop cases. Toiletry bags by Danica. Gift Certificates. FLOWERS ETC.;

900 West “B” Street, Russellville; (479) 9683600

picnic time

What better way to get ready for any picnic, reunion, sports outing or camping than with this red/black nylon insulated cooler. Easy to put together and comes with its own red carrying case. Made by Picnic Plus and can be found at rose drug; 3103 West Main

Place, Russellville; (479) 968-1323

juicy burst

is the color - Buckhead Betty is the company that shows off with this insulated picnic basket and tumbler, train case and quilted cosmetic bag. All at rose drug; 3103 West

Main Place, Russellville; (479) 968-1323

May 2011

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

ABOUT | 29

motherhood

ancient Egyptians, celebrated Goddesses and symbols rather than actual mothers, including mythical female deities and in later years, icons of the Christian Church. The ancient Romans celebrated with the festival of Isis, who used the three-day timeframe to celebrate an important battle and the beginning of Winter. The event was regaled by mainly female dancers, musicians and singers. The Roman root of Mother’s day is vested in recognition of the goddess Cybele (or Great Mother) who was considered to be the Greek Goddess Rhea, mother of Zeus. She was celebrated as the ‘mother goddess’ around the time of the Vernal Equinox. Common gifts included Mother’s Day is celebrated on different honey cakes and flowers, as well as days and dates around the world. The processions held in the street followed by most commonly-recognized date in the displays of elaborate arts and crafts. Many United States is the second Sunday in May, of the mother goddess festivals were so celebrated this year on Sunday, May 8th. wild that they were eventually banned. Mothers around the world have been The holiday was later reinvigorated in lavished with special attention and gifts Europe to honor Motherhood. The event from their family, friends and loved ones fell on the fourth Sunday Lent (the 40 days because of a traditional practice of honoring of fasting preceding Easter Sunday.) Early Motherhood dating back to antiquity. Christians used the day to honor the church Historically, society, in particular the in which they were baptized – known as

In Celebration of Mom Are you ready for Mother’s Day? If not, area merchants will gladly assist you with the purchase of flowers, gifts and mementoes to celebrate the special women in your life! But recognition of one’s mother can be as simple as a phone call, an afternoon visit or a handwritten note. Who among us has not received a lovingly-grown plant from a child’s classroom project? Or, perhaps a crayon-adorned card containing thoughts straight from the heart?

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

May 2011

"Healthcare For Women By Women."

Shanno n CaSe, MD o b St et r i C S & G y n eC o l o G y 1100 East Poplar Suite A, Clarksville, AR (479) 754-5337 • Fax: (479) 754-5348 May 2011

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

From the Heart.

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310 W. Main, Downtown Russellville

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GRADUATES MOMS GRADUATES MOMS GRADUATES MOMS GRADUATES MOMS GRADUATES MOMS GRADUATES MOMS

A Mother’s Friendship Day was held to re-unite families and neighbors divided between the Union and Confederate Sides of the Civil War, coordinated by Anna R. Jarvis as an adaption of Howe’s holiday. Daughter of Anna Reeves Jarvis, Anna M., campaigned for the creation of an official Mother’s Day to honor her mother and in honor of peace. On May 10, 1908, the first official Mother’s Day celebrated in Grafton, W.V, and at a church in Philadelphia, Penn. It was there that the introduction of honoring deceased mothers with a white carnation (Jarvis’ favorite flower) originated. Today, pink or red carnations pay tribute to Moms who are still living. In 1908, U.S. Senator Elmer Burkett, Neb., proposed making Mother’s Day a national holiday on behalf of a request from the YMCA. Though the proposal was defeated, 46 states – as well as parts of Canada and Mexico -- began holding Mother’s Day services by 1909. In 1912 West Virginia became the first state to officially recognize Mother’s Day as a result of Anna Jarvis’ intense campaign to recognize the holiday. In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed the holiday into a national observance, declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. Jarvis strongly protested the commercialization of Mother’s Day and in the 1930s was arrested for disturbing the peace. Despite her efforts, flower sales continued to grow and the commercial-aspect of celebrating Mother’s Day flourished. At the time of her death in 1948, over 40 countries observed Mother’s Day as the holiday designed to celebrate motherhood gained world-wide acceptance and recognition. The National Retail Foundation predicts Mother’s Day is a $14 Billion dollar industry. Florists see their highest sales in May and restaurants in the United States claim it is their busiest day of the year. According to Hallmark, 96% of American consumers participate in shopping on Mother’s Day. n

968-4900

2143 E. Parkway • Russellville

GRADUATES MOMS GRADUATES MOMS GRADUATES MOMS GRADUATES MOMS

the ‘mother church’ – which would be decorated with jewels, flowers and gifts. A 1600’s clerical degree in England encompassed the celebration to include actual Mothers, known as “Mothering Day.” The holiday was especially revered by the working classes in England as servants and trade workers were allowed to travel back to their home town to visit their family. During Mothering Day, the fasting and penance of Lent received a reprieve to allow families across Englad to enjoy a family feasting, honoring their Mother. The first English settlers in America discontinued the tradition of Mothering Day. However, the British holiday of Mothering would live on centuries later as the American Mother’s Day was created with its own history. It was said the early settlers didn’t have time, lived under harsh conditions or simply abandoned the holiday because of their Puritan ideals – fleeing England to practice their more conservative Christianity without fear of persecution. Their practice was to ignore the more secular holidays. Even Christmas and Easter were more somber, taking place in a Church that was devoid of ornamentation. Julia Ward Howe proclaimed the first North American Mother’s Day with her Mother’s Day Proclamation in 1870. She authored ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’ 12 years prior but called on mothers – so distraught by the death and carnage of the Civil War – to protest their sons killing the sons of other mothers. She called for an international Mother’s Day to celebrate peace and motherhood. Howe initially funded the celebration of the Mother’s holiday, proposing at one time to celebrate July 4th as Mother’s Day, dedicating the Nation’s anniversary to peace. June 2nd was later designated for the celebration in 1873. Despite the later failure of the holiday, Howe planted the seed that would blossom into what we know today as “Mother’s Day.”

GRADUATES MOMS GRADUATES MOMS

ABOUT | 31

food

CINNAMON PICKLES 2 gallons of cucumbers (measure after peeling, slicing ¼ inch slices, all seeds removed creating a ring.) Removing the seeds will be easier by using a donut hole cutter or something similar. Combine: 2 c. pickling lime 2 ½ gallon water Add cucumber rings in the lime water for 24 hours. Drain. Wash 5 or 6 times. Set in cool water for at least 3 hours. Drain. Combine in large stockpot: 1 c. white vinegar 1 tsp. Alum 1 small bottle red food coloring Drained cucumbers

Life is like a...Pickle

Over medium heat bring to a simmer, lower heat and simmer for 2 hours. Drain.

by Dianna Qualls About the River Valley Food Editor

f you turn it upside down it is still a pickle. I like pickles -- sweet, sour, gherkins, kosher, polish, hamburger, bread and butter, great big pickles, little baby pickles, stackers, slices, spears. My daughter-in-law Patti, does not have such a fondness for pickles. I think she encountered way too many cucumbers when she worked at the pickle plant in Atkins when she was in high school. My brother Robbie will drink pickle juice when he has leg cramps, swears it makes them stop. My hubby, Lloyd, orders a hamburger with mustard, ketchup, and extra pickles only. I have included one of my all-time favorite pickle recipes, “Cinnamon Pickles”. My Mom shared this recipe with me many years ago. She had gotten the recipe from Edith (Weaver) Young who lives in Plainview. Edith was gracious enough to provide an offering of one of her jars of Cinnamon Pickles for the picture in this article. Mom and I have consumed an entire pint jar at one sitting, blotted our lips with a napkin and saying, “Yum, yum, yum!” These are the most awesome treats, try them.

Danielle’s Bridal

Combine in large stockpot: 3 c. white vinegar 3 ½ c. water 5 drops of Cinnamon oil 13 c. sugar Over medium heat bring to a boil, pour over cucumbers, cover and let set overnight. For the next 3 days drain off syrup, bring to a boil pour over cucumbers, cover and allow to sit. On the third day bring syrup to a boil, add cucumbers, bring to a hard boil. Put cucumbers and syrup in sterilized jars and seal. Makes approximately 11 pints. Recipe from Edith Young through Beulah Tramel. Q’s-Tip: The best cucumbers to use for this recipe are the ones you didn’t get picked soon enough. They are oversized and beginning to turn yellow.

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208 North Front Street • Dardanelle • (479) 229-3425 Tuesday - Saturday, 5:00 - 10:00 PM Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

May 2011

MICROWAVE BREAD AND BUTTER PICKLES 1 large cucumber, sliced 1 tsp. salt 1 onion, thinly sliced ½ tsp. mustard seeds 1 c. white sugar ½ c. distilled white vinegar ¼ tsp. celery seed ¼ tsp. ground turmeric In a medium microwave safe bowl, mix cucumber, salt, onion, mustard seeds, white sugar, distilled white vinegar, celery seed and turmeric. Microwave on high 7-8 minutes, stirring twice until cucumbers are tender and onion is translucent. Transfer to sterile container. Seal and chill in the refrigerator until serving. Nutritional Info: 24 Servings per recipe; 36 Calories, 0 g Total Fat, 0 gm Cholesterol, 97 mg Sodium, 9.2 g Total Carbs, 0.2 g Dietary Fiber, 0.2 g. Protein.

PICKLE ROLL-UPS 16 oz sliced pastrami, or Ham 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened 1 (16 oz) jar dill pickles, cut into strips lengthwise Spread cream cheese over a meat slice to cover. Place a pickle piece on one end, and roll the meat up. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces, and chill until ready to serve. Recipe from allrecipes.com. Nutritional Info: 10 Servings Per Recipe, 230 calorie, 18.3 g. Total Fat: 18.3g 80 mg Cholesterol, 1103 mg. Sodium, 3.2 g. Total Carbs, 0.5 g Fiber, 13.4 g. Protein.

REFRIGERATOR PICKLES 7 c. cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced 1 tsp. salt 2 c. white sugar 1 c. diced red onion 1 c. chopped green bell pepper 1 c. cider vinegar 1 tsp. celery seed

longer pink. May also be cooked under the broiler or on an indoor grill.

SUPER EASY AND SPICY FRIED PICKLES

2 c. peanut oil for frying, or as needed 32 oz. jar dill pickle slices, drained 1 c. Italian seasoned bread crumbs 1 tsp. cayenne pepper Mix the cucumbers and salt and let sit 1 tsp. black pepper for one hour. Do not drain mixture and ½ tsp. garlic powder follow by adding the sugar, onions, bell 2 eggs, beaten pepper, cider vinegar and celery seed. 8 oz. bottle Ranch dressing Mix well, cover and refrigerate. Recipe Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over from cooks.com. medium heat. Pat the pickle slices dry with PORK CHOPS WITH DILL PICKLE paper towels. In a small bowl, stir together MARINADE the bread crumbs, cayenne pepper, black 4 center cut pork chops pepper and garlic powder. Dip pickle slices 1 c. dill pickle juice into the egg, and then coat with the bread salt and pepper to taste crumb mixture. Fry the pickles in the hot oil, until Arrange pork chops in a shallow dish. golden brown on each side, turning Cover with pickle juice. Marinate in once. Transfer to paper towels, and serve refrigerator for 8 to 24 hours. hot with Ranch dressing. Recipe from Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high allrecipes.com. heat, and lightly oil grate. Nutritional Info: 8 Servings per recipe; Drain, and discard marinade. Season 291 Calories, 23 g. Total Fat, 61 mg. pork chops with salt and pepper. Grill for Cholesterol. 1956 mg. Sodium, 16 g. Total 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until meat is no Carbs, 2g Fiber and 4 g. Protein.

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Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

ABOUT | 33

APPLE, ONION, AND PICKLE SALAD

Q’s-Tips: PICKLE JUICE USES. When the pickle jar is empty, use the leftover pickle ½ C white sugar juice as a marinade for making pickled ½ C distilled white vinegar beets or green beans. 3 tart apples - peeled, cored and julienned Cook thin sticks of carrots until just 2/3 C chopped onion tender. Marinate in leftover dill pickle juice ½ C chopped dill pickles overnight in the refrigerator. A little leftover pickle juice mixed with In a small bowl, combine sugar and vinegar. mayonnaise makes a tasty salad dressing. In a medium bowl, mix together apples, Use leftover pickle juice in a marinade for onion, and pickle. Toss with vinegar mixture. kebabs. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Recipe from Allrecipes.com. SWEET AND SOUR PICKLES Nutritional Information 6 Servings Fresh cucumbers (how many pickles do Per Recipe. 110 Calories, .2 g fat, 0 mg you want to make?) Cholesterol, 154 mg Sodium, 28 g Carbs, 2 Jalapeno peppers, one per jar g Fiber, and .4 g Protein. Grape leaves (fresh), 2 per jar Whole peppercorns, 1/2 tsp. per jar DILL PICKLE SOUP Whole garlic cloves (peeled), 3 per jar 8 c. chicken broth Fresh dill sprigs, (one large per jar) 2 grated carrots Crushed red pepper (optional) 2 c. peeled & cubed potatoes 5 grated Polish dill pickles BRINE: Per Batch ½ c. milk 8 c. water 1 egg 1/4 c. pickling salt 5 T. sour cream 6 c. 5% distilled white vinegar Salt and pepper Wash cucumbers (any type.) Cut 1/16 Combine broth, carrots, potatoes and inch slice off blossom end and discard. If celery in soup pot, cook, covered over low using whole cucumbers, rather than sliced, heat until potatoes are tender. Add pickles and they have stems; leave 1/4-inch of and cook 15 minutes. stem attached. Mix milk and flour until smooth, add Prepare jars and lids in boiling water. to hot soup, mixing well. Bring to boil, Allow to stand in boiling water at least 15 stirring until slightly thickened. Remove minutes. from heat. In a large pot, combine brine ingredients. Beat egg with sour cream until smooth. Bring to a boil until all the salt is dissolved. Add to hot soup, stirring until smooth. Keep at a slow simmer until used. Keep soup warm but do not boil or it will In each sterilized jar place: one large sprig curdle. Add salt and pepper to taste. Makes of dill weed, 1 medium jalapeno pepper pproximately 10 servings. Recipe from (sliced length-wise), 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 tsp. cooks.com. black peppercorn and 2 grape leaves. If you

want a real spicy pickle, add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper. Fill jar with cucumbers (previously washed in cold water) and pour hot vinegar mix in jar to within 1 inch of top. Seal jars and process in boiling water bath 15 minutes. Store in cool area; best if allowed to sit at least 2-3 weeks before eating. NOTE: This recipe makes a pickle that is too salty for many people. Others love it. If you prefer a less salty flavor, reduce the salt to 3 tsp. salt per batch of brine. Grape leaves are in the recipe to aid in making a crunchy pickle. If grape leaves are unavailable, don’t worry, you will still get a pretty good crunchy pickle if you do not over process in step 6 and refrigerate prior to eating.

SWEET DILL PICKLES 8 lbs. small pickling cucumbers (more or less) 1 c. vinegar 1 qt. water 4 T. salt 1/2 c. sugar 1 T. mustard seeds, per jar 1 tsp. crushed red pepper, per jar Dill weed (2 fresh sprigs or 1 tsp. dried dill weed per jar) Combine vinegar, water, salt and sugar and bring to a boil while stirring. In each sterilized jar, place 1 T. mustard seed, 1 tsp. crushed red pepper and 2 sprigs fresh dill weed (or 1 tsp. dried dill if fresh unavailable.) Wash cucumbers and stuff each jar with cucumbers, leaving 2 inches head space. Pour vinegar mix over cucumbers in jars to within 1 inch of rim. Seal the jars.

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Process sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Store in cool, dark place. Allow flavors to develop for 2 weeks before eating.

GREEN TOMATO PICKLES 4 qts. sliced green tomatoes, loosely packed 1 qts. sliced onion, loosely packed 1 c. pickling salt, divided 2 lbs. brown sugar 6 c. vinegar, 5% acidity 2 small red chili pepper pods 1/4 c. + 2 T. whole mustard seeds 1/4 c. celery seed 1 tsp. pepper 1 T. whole allspice 2 tsp. whole cloves

Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and cook, uncovered, over low heat 20 minutes or until tomatoes are tender. Pack tomato mixture and liquid into hot sterilized 1-pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch head space; wipe jar rims. Cover at once with metal lids, and screw on bands. Start timer when water returns to a boil with jars in it, process for 10 min. Makes 4 pints.

FAMOUS PICKLES

2 c. medium sized cucumbers 1 c. onions 1 c. vinegar ¼ c. kosher salt 1 c. water ¾ c. sugar ½ tsp. mustard seeds ½ tsp. turmeric Place tomatoes and onion in separate ½ tsp. ginger bowls; sprinkle 3/4 c. salt over tomatoes ½ tsp. celery seeds and 1/4 c. salt over onion, mixing well. Cover both bowls and let stand at least 4 Wash the cucumbers well. Cut thin slices hours. and jeep aside. Mix well the onions, salt Place tomatoes in a cheesecloth bag, and cucumbers. Keep aside the mixture for and squeeze gently to remove excess juice. about 1 to 2 hours. Drain off the liquid. Repeat this procedure for onion. Discard Cook the remaining ingredients in a large the salt liquid. cooking pot properly. Add cucumbers, salt Combine tomatoes, onion, sugar, vinegar, and onions to the pot. Boil 7 to 10 minutes chili peppers, mustard seeds, celery seeds, until crisp and tender. Store in sterilized jars and pepper in a large Dutch oven. Tie for about a month. allspice and cloves in a cheesecloth bag; Onions, cauliflowers, green tomatoes can add to tomato mixture. also be used with this recipe. n

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Johnson County Laissez les bon temps rouler (Let the good times roll)! Story and Photos by Connie Las Schneider

The spirit of Mardi Gras was celebrated Cajun style at the 90th annual ClarksvilleJohnson County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet in a purple, gold and green festooned Seay Student Center at the University of Ozarks. Chock a block (abundant, packed) with celebrants, awards, door prizes and silent auction items, the March 1ith event broke all attendance records at this year’s fay dodo (party) as more than 260 of the Chamber krewe (club) and their guests celebrated. Revelers feasted on a wide variety of Creole favorites like gumbo, mudbugs (crawfish), a tower of swimps (shrimp) and a sweet table fit for a king cake. Note-worthy musical entertainment was provided by musicians from each school in the area’s

four districts. A power point presentation by students at Lamar’s East Lab showed stunning photographs taken by students to complete the evening’s entertainment. Although a new chamber director has not yet been named, the Chamber has conducted “a lot of interviews and the final selection of a new CEO is getting close,” said Karl Mace, vice president of the chamber board. He also recognized

Other awards presented during the evening included: U of O Educator: Ms. Amy Oatis

Tourism Organization: Hideaway Meadows Bed and Breakfast-owners Calvin and Linda Mason

Clarksville Educator: Dale Caldwell

Exemplary Employee of the Year: Deanna Holman, General Manager of Quality Inn and Suites

Oark Educator: Diana Gregory

Community Volunteer: Sterling Penix

Lamar Educator: Debbie Sears Westside Educator: Nola Newton Clarksville Student: Emily Black

Community Pride: Rusty Hardgrave

Lamar Student: Sarah Payne

Chamber Member: Susan Miller

Oark Student: Elizabeth Ann Sampley

Chamber Ambassador: Cody Black

Westside Student: Greg Stricklin

chamber president, Herman Houston, board members and several county and district dignitaries including Johnson County Judge Mike Jacobs; State House of Representative for District 69 Betty Overbey, and Johnson County Sheriff Jimmy Dorney. Despite the down turn in the economy, the Chamber gained 30 new members during 2010 and the future looks bright, said Mace. Awards were presented in 12 categories including the Lee White Legacy Award for a retiring leader in the community and the Pillar of Progress/Llifetime Achievement Award. This year’s Lee White Legacy Award went to Turner Whitson. Turner is a lifelong resident of Clarksville who has donated his skills and time to Johnson County his entire life. His hard work and dedication to Johnson County have contributed to many new industries and job creations in our area. The Pillar of Progress/Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Matt Wylie. Matt is a Chamber member that has possessed leadership qualities over a period of years and actions that have enhanced the quality of life of the citizens of Johnson County. He has most recently

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served as the chairman of the Clarksville Economic Development Committee and chairman of the Clarksville Regional Economic Development Organization (CREDO) focusin on internal development and external marketing. Corporate Business of the Year was awarded to the 80- bed Johnson Regional Medical Center. With its 35,000 sq. ft expansion and state-of-the-art emergency facility, the hospital was recently recognized by the state as a designated trauma facility. Small Business of the Year was awarded to KXIO 106.9 Radio and its owner of three years, Jody Copeland. Copeland, who besides teaching school in Clarksville is also a member of “On the Verge”, a popular area band.

ABOUT...HERITAGE

Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky brought many of our early settlers. They were all looking for good farm land and plenty of water. Johnson County covers 700 square miles, there are five incorporated towns in the county, the population is 18,221 and Clarksville’s population is 5,833. The first blind school in the state was organized here in Clarksville as well as the first deaf-mute school in 1850. Clarksville was incorporated December 21, 1848. The College of the Ozarks originated in Cane Hill, Ark., Washington County in 1834, was chartered in 1852, then was moved to Clarksville in 1891. The first Spadra Creek Bridge was built in 1852. The same location has been used for every bridge that has been built ascending East Hill, on East Main Street, as have the same locations been used for the Court House as the first one built in 1838. Every Methodist Church since the first one built in 1843, has been built on the same location. The College of the Ozarks School of Pharmacy in 1946 was the first in the state. The first free delivery of rural mail in Arkansas was begun in Johnson County in 1896. There have been one or more banks in Clarksville since 1901. The first Educational Association in the State was organized in Clarksville, April 12, 1869, and was incorporated on February 23, 1881. Many Indian signs can be found over the county. One called “the Rock House” is a cave of red sandstone. On the walls are many figures of turtles, lizards, and other reptiles. Other places too numerous to mention have turned up arrow heads and Indian relics. There is no region of this state where the towering ranges of the Ozarks loom up more majestically. The Boston and Mulberry Mountains traverse the northern areas of the county to the Arkansas River. The Mountains afford the widest and loveliest prospects it is possible to conceive. n

Johnson County was created from a portion of Pope County, by the Act of November 16, 1833, and was named Johnson honoring the first Territorial Judge of Arkansas, Judge Benjamin Johnson. The Act creating the county, directed the temporary seat of justice should be held at the home of Elijah Alson, son of the pioneers of the county and whose home was at the Spadra Boat landing. In 1836 the county seat was established here after Josiah Cravens offered 1/4 mile square on Spadra Creek free to the Commissioners if they would locate the county seat here. Clarksville was named honoring Loenzo N. Clarke another large land owner of the county, and one of the Commissioners who was chosen to locate the county seat. As early as 1828 there were a few white settlers here and still some Indians. The river boat landings at Spadra Bluff, Morrisons Bluff and Pittsburg Landings were the main river landings in our County. Those who came on barges had to land at one or the other of these places. Numerous wagon trains from

-- By Lilian Mickel (clarksvillearchamber.com)

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ABOUT | 37

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 3–

–June 18–

Amelia Rook and Jonathan Underwood

Karla Parchman and Scott Johnson

– May 7–

–June 25–

Marissa Hawkins and Tyler Wells Jessi Hoelzeman and Brandon Turner

Lindsay Williams and Kyle Dixon Brittany Tippin and Geoff West

–May 13–

–June 29–

Jessica Locke and Jared Hunt

–May 14–

Jasmine Balch and Matthew White

– May 15–

Christina Keaster and Cory Williams Danielle Smith and Kyle Hayes

Leslee Fowler and Braxton Lay

–July 9–

Megan Souto and Scott Fleck Sarah Taylor and Josh Jones

–July 16–

– May 21–

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

– May 27–

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

Kalli Anderson and Zach Bluhm Laura Monfee and Larry Shingleur Haley Jones and Bret Passmore Sarah Milligan and Chris Lemley

– May 28–

Alicia Chivers and Ben Woods Jennifer Fall and Nathan Peters

–June 4–

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

–June 11–

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

–July 30–

– August 13– Elizabeth Eason and DJ Martin

–September 24– Charity Stuart and Bryce Smith

–Sept 10–

Holly Freyaldenhoven and Joshua Shepard

–Sept 24–

Charity Stuart and Bryce Smith Allison York and Thomas Jones

–October 22– Megan Johnston and Kane Moix

–Oct 29– Miki King and Coe Biggers

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

To have your engagement or wedding published in a future issue of ABOUT Magazine, send your information, photo* and a check for $57.50 to: ABOUT Magazine, PO Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812. Word count is limited to 225 words. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. For additional information, call (479) 970-6628. *Digital f iles are accepted and will be published upon receipt of payment. 38 | ABOUT

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

Souto, Fleck to Wed Jon and Betsy Souto of Russellville, along with Bert and Janine Fleck of Russellville, announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their children, Megan Souto and Scott Fleck. Megan is the granddaughter of Mrs. Virginia Rives of Colfax, N.C., the late Luke Darnell, the late Jack Rives, Mrs. Francis Souto of Buford. Ga., and the late Frank Souto. She is a 2006 graduate of Russellville High School and a 2011 graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. Scott is the grandson of the late Kenny and Lorraine Korn, Judy Fleck and Al Kelly of Denver, Colo., and Bert and Piper Fleck of Arvada, Colo. He is a 2007 graduate of Russellville High School and a 2011 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. The couple will be married at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2011, at First Methodist Church in Russellville. Family and friends are invited to attend. A reception will follow at Chamberlyn Country Club in Danville. The couple plans a honeymoon trip to St. Lucia. May 2011

May 2011

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

ABOUT | 39

Joe Cloud, M.D., Dean Papageorge, M.D., Vickie Henderson, M.D., David Nelson, M.D., Jody Callaway, M.D., Stephen Lefler, M.D., Michael Escue, M.D.