Come Home Magazine

Come Home 6 ry 201 Februa

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Vol. 2, Issue 2

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2 Come Home2 Come Home

WELCOME HOME February, the month of love. I will admit it’s not my favorite month and Valentine’s Day, well, not my favorite holiday. Don’t get me wrong, I love LOVE! I love everything about love. One of my children even wrote in a poem that hung in the hallway in his elementary school for all to see, “My Mother is a Great Lover!”

Let that sink in a minute. I did ask why he wrote that and in his six-year-old voice I can still hear him say, “because you love our family good and I needed a word that ended in -er”. I think the main reason why this month, more exact, Valentine’s Day, and me don’t get along is that people focus on putting all they got into this one day, dinner, flowers, candy, kindness and the rest of the year they are just lukewarm about love. We should be good at love all year long, not just on the fourteenth of February.

We should love like Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians chapter 13 every day. You know this verse; it has been in every wedding you have ever been to. We should love with patience and kindness. We should love without arrogance and rudeness. We should love by giving of ourselves and giving way more than we need. We should rejoice when love wins and be heartbroken when it doesn’t. We should love like children, with faith and hope. We should love passionately and with strong convictions when standing up for others or lend a helping hand to someone in need. Our love should be ever present when we are working on attaining a goal for ourselves or for others. Our mantra should, before we address the person behind a counter or on the phone when we have been on hold longer than we thought or before we post something on social media, ring out: Love Never Fails, Love Never Fails, Love Never Fails. So, as for February and Valentine’s Day, let those lightweights who think they rock this holiday have their moment but for the rest of us “Great Lovers” out there, we know, with love, how good every day of the year can be.

Come Home Crew Heather Hinrichs Editor/Art Director

Robin Seymore

Contributing Editor/ Graphic Designer

Kerrie Szabo Photographer

Advisory Board Ashley Hoppis Beth Crenshaw Monique Wilson Kerrie Szabo Contributing Writers Valerie Haight Gigi Crenshaw Robin Seymore Monique Wilson Heather Hinrichs Contributing Photographers Beth Crenshaw Ashton Keeton Kerrie Szabo Published by Black Bear Publishing LLC

All content is protected by U.S. copyright law and may not be reproduced without permission.

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Come Home 3

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contents

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MATCH.COMehome: A Day with OHS Dogs Written by Robin Seymore Photographed by Kerrie Szabo

Barber Shop Boys Written by Valerie Haight Photographed by Heather Hinrichs

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COME HOME KIDS: My Hero Written by GiGi Crenshaw age 13 Photographed by Beth Crenshaw

Hot Springs Haven, a Couple’s Getaway Written by Monique Wilson Photographed by Monique Wilson

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Come Home Kitchen: Sweets for your Sweets Written by Heather Hinrichs Photographed by Kerrie Szabo

All the Pretty (and Fast) Horses Written by Monique Wilson Photographed by Ashton Keeton & Monique Wilson

Come Home 5

Sullivan

MAIN STREET PHARMACY 731 North Main, Suite B Harrison, AR 72601

CLEANING OUT CLOSETS? BRING US YOUR STUFF! 105 Highway 65 North Harrison, AR 72601 6 Come870-741-3130 Home

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MATCH.COMehome

A day with the dogs

of Ozark Humane Society MATCH.COMehome Profile Name: EMILY Gender: FEMALE Years at Shelter: 7. YES, SEVEN. Relationship Status: SINGLE. I GOT ADOPTED ONCE, BUT IT DIDN’T WORK OUT. Likes: PEOPLE, SMILING, LOVE Dislikes: OTHER DOGS Interesting Fact: I’M MISSING A TOE ON MY RIGHT FOOT AND IT’S ADORABLE.

Written by Robin Seymore / Photographed by Kerrie Szabo

Come Home 7

This is not like the commercial you might have seen with slow motion images of teary, quaking animals. Shelter animals aren’t necessarily sad. They are caged, but not sad. Dogs are adaptable. They have to be because we “made” them that way. Circumstances could have made them aggressive or shy, but a good human(e) attitude and spirit can transform them to a happier, and even more predictable, existence.

Name: GINGER Gender: FEMALE Years at Shelter: QUITE SOME TIME. Relationship Status: I GOT ADOPTED ONCE, BUT IT DIDN’T WORK OUT. Likes: RUNNING, LOOKING IN THE MIRROR. Dislikes: OTHER DOGS Interesting Fact: I’M A BODYBUILDER. CHECK OUT MY MUSCLES!

Have you ever had a longeared puppy run at you and try to knock you down? That’s one of my best memories of childhood. Sitting in the front yard, repeatedly calling our cocker spaniel just to watch him run and trip over his ears, clumsily galloping toward me to “attack” me.

Now, have you ever fostered or adopted a dog? It’s the same feeling. There may not be eartripping or the puppy smell, but there is fun and love and hilarity to come. You might just have to work a bit harder to get there.

Name: MANALOW Gender: MALE Years at Shelter: 4 Relationship Status: SINGLE. Likes: BONES, PEOPLE Dislikes: OTHER DOGS Interesting Fact: MY EYES ARE THE WINDOWS TO MY SOUL. DID YOU SEE HOW PRETTY MY EYES ARE? 8 Come Home

It’s like anything you sign up for. You get back what you put in, and usually tenfold.

Many shelter dogs are aggressive, especially toward other dogs. Aggressive dogs aren’t bad dogs. They are inexperienced dogs. Unfamiliar with love, respect and attention, they simply haven’t had the time invested in them that

someone either couldn’t or wouldn’t provide. The fact is that they need love just like aggressive people do. And you know, we humans are capable of giving love to the unloved. We are awesome like that.

Loving a dog seems easy enough. But loving a living creature is not just a series of Valentine’s

Name: OMAR Gender: MALE Years at Shelter: SEVERAL. Relationship Status: SINGLE. Likes: PEOPLE, TOYS Dislikes: OTHER DOGS Interesting Fact: I APPEAR ALL BUSINESS, BUT I’M ACTUALLY A BARREL OF MONKEYS.

Come Home 9

Days, if you will. It’s hard. It hurts. It’s a series of tasks to add to your overflowing list. And, unlike ironing or sweeping, where you are instantly gratified at your progress, it can be tedious and annoying. Dogs get sick. They have all the endearing bodily functions humans have, plus they like to roll in dead things and, BONUS, sometimes even get sprayed by skunks!

And dogs die. That’s when you realize all those shenanigans they pulled in their living, whilst learning to love and trust, were SO FUN. That’s when the human understands that—not instantly—they could see the progress, but not just the dog’s progress. The human is better because of the dog.

Loving a dog is like parenting a child you didn’t give birth to. At first glance, it’s love. You’re sure you can do it; never been more confident about anything. At first thought, you’re apprehensive.

Fear tries to take over, but love usually wins. Thank God. Or dog.

Because then comes action. Whether that means volunteering, donating, fostering or adopting, it’s all needed. Not just for the dogs, but for us humans, too. k

Name: DAN

Name: SHERMAN

Gender: MALE

Gender: MALE

Years at Shelter: WHY, DO I LOOK LIKE THE SHELTER BOTHERS ME? NOPE, I’M COOL. Relationship Status: UP FOR WHATEVS. Likes: PEOPLE, MASSAGES Dislikes: BOWTIES Interesting Fact: JUST ONE FACT? OK, HOW ABOUT, I’M AWESOME.

Come Home 10

Years at Shelter: TOO MANY. Relationship Status: SINGLE. Likes: NICE PEOPLE Dislikes: MEAN PEOPLE Interesting Fact: I’M A SUCKER FOR TREATS.

Name: GRU Gender: MALE Years at Shelter: 4 Relationship Status: SINGLE Likes: BACKSCRATCHERS Dislikes: CAGES Interesting Fact: I COULD USE A NAP.

Come Home 11

Arkansans on Medicare choose a health plan that’s good for you

First Choice FInsurance, C i Inc., i Arkansans on Medicare -

choose a health plan that’s good for you. irst

hoiCe nsuranCe

nC.

RE-ELECT RHONDA WATKINS Boone County Circuit Clerk PREFERENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION EARLY VOTING February 16-29

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Arkansas Soliciting agent only. Not authorized to issue policies.

BlueCross BlueShield Available only to residents in Arkansas.

Marilyn Mathis Independent Broker

Medi-Pak insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the Soliciting agentArkansas only. Not issueis policies. federal Medicare Program.

Blue authorized Cross and BluetoShield a Medicare-approved Part D Available only to residents in Arkansas. sponsor and is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract.

Medi-Pak Insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or federal Medicare Program.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor and is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract.

12 Come Home

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HOURS Weekdays 8am - 5pm Saturdays 10am - 4pm PRIMARY ELECTION March 1 HOURS 7:30am - 7:30pm

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200 E. Rush, Suite #2 200 E. Rush, Suite 2 870-741-5222 Harrison AR 72601 Harrison, AR 72601

Ken Savells | Aldon Taylor | Lisa Hunt, administrative assistant 200 E. Rush Ave. Suite 2 • Harrison, AR 72601 Phone (870)743-6677 • Fax (870) 743-6675 Securities Offered Through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC

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Medical Services

Clear Skin Medical Services is a comprehensive skin diagnosis and treatment clinic. Robin Griffin, APRN, is a board certified nurse practitioner specializing in diseases of the skin, hair and nails. We offer complete skin cancer screenings to detect abnormal moles, melanoma and other skin cancers, as well as provide patient education and medical care for a variety of skin diseases.

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Barber Shop

BOYS

WRITTEN BY VALERIE HAIGHT / PHOTOGRAPHED BY HEATHER HINRICHS

Come Home 16

It’s a cold, gray morning the day I visit a

barber shop for the very first time. I push open the door, expecting a roomful of stoic men checking “haircut” off their Saturday to-do lists. But gloomy and solemn is nowhere near what greets me at the door. I step straight into 1970 as I enter the old cinder block building coated thick with layers of white paint. It tells its own story along with the cheery men and boys sitting, waiting for their turn under the barber’s cape.

Nathan Ragland signals for his next customer and the man sinks into one of three faded yellow and green vinyl barber chairs. Once the tissue paper collar protector is placed and cape secured, my senses finally catch up and I notice the whirring noise. Three whitesmocked barbers, three caped clients, happy chatter and the buzzzz of clippers meld into such an enchanting, nostalgic environment that I almost miss my favorite part about the place! The clipper vacuums. A hose attaches to each set of clippers to minimize the amount of floor hair and maximize customer flow. Of course, this sets questions in motion and Nate graciously shares his passion; Nelson’s Barber Shop.

“My dad, Nelson Ragland, bought this place about 14 years ago from Troy Harmon, who bought it in 1971. They worked together for 45 years and I just bought the place myself last week.” Nate sports a proud smile and sprinkles Pinaud styptic (nick relief) powder into a duster brush. He sweeps it left and right, whisking hair clippings from the man’s neck. Then he sets the tall, green bottle back on the counter as I ask him how many employees they’ve had over the years.

Nathan continues, “It was just my Dad and Troy for years. Now it’s Dad, myself and Jeremiah Comer.” Jeremiah flashes a smile, proving his love for the trade so I table my burning curiosity for the vacuums and tell them about my research findings. I already knew barber shops have long been a social gathering spot for men to solve the world’s problems while getting a trim, but I had no idea surgical and dentistry procedures took place there too. Because if a barber was trained to cut hair, why couldn’t he remove a cyst or a few bad teeth? Which leads me to my next question; what has been your strangest request so far? Jeremiah

steps closer and grins bigger.

He raises his hands above his head to show me how tall a client once requested spikes dyed orange and the rest of his head shaved close. A far cry from the high and tights happening today but Jeremiah is excited about describing this particular request, and I venture to guess it’s probably because it didn’t involve the pulling of bad teeth.

No longer able to hold back, I corner Nate. “So what’s the story on the vacuum? Where do the hoses lead? How does it work?

Where does the hair go?” He

smiles like I’m not bombarding his workday with first-timer barber curiosity and points to the cabinets behind him. “Each pair of clippers has its own vacuum hose that goes under the cabinet to a main holding tank in the back and we empty it at closing.” Simple enough, but oh so clever!

I’m reminded how efficient the place runs as Nate grabs a comb out of a glass jar of blue Barbercide. He’s given three haircuts while I’m getting my first whiff of authentic barber shave lotion. He acts as if “Can I smell it?” is a perfectly sane

question and says he’ll do me one better. He reaches over and places the white foamy soap in my hand. The light, clean, piney scented foam is warm! It’s at this point I realize I’d have my neck shaved too if I got this kind of treatment.

The old-fashioned business procedures of barbering still exist in a modern world so it makes me want to know what I would’ve paid for a haircut here in 1970 (if I were male, of course). Nelson Ragland grins, “Somebody said he remembered when he could get a haircut for $1.50. I told him

you’re still getting a $1.50 haircut, it just costs you $11.00 now.” The room explodes with laughter while the clippers still fly.

Nate holds out a plastic container of individually wrapped pink, sugary gum pieces and a little boy with a fresh cut carefully selects the largest one.

Nelson’s Barber Shop is much more than just a well-oiled machine. It’s a step back in time, where life was simpler, things were better, and people slow down to take in life’s little enjoyments. It occurs to me that this is one of the last frontiers of old time masculinity and how happy this legacy and this little barber shop make so many. Barber on, boys.

Barber on.

CLAY MAXEY FORD OF BERRYVILLE IS NOW OPEN! They have a strong and committed sales staff with many years of experience satisfying their customers’ needs.

Feel free to browse their inventory online, request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!

CALL CLAY MAXEY FORD OF BERRYVILLE AT

870.423.3303

OR VISIT THEM AT

706 W. TRIMBLE

EARNEST AGENCY R.G. EARNEST AGENCY MANAGER 103 EAST PROSPECT HARRISON, AR 72602-1900 BUS: 870-741-8412 FAX: 870-741-4294 EMAIL: REARNEST@SHELTERINSURANCE.COM SHELTERINSURANCE.COM/ROGEREARNEST

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On the Downtown Harrison Square 127 N. Main St. Harrison, AR 72601 (870) 741-6511

come home kids

My o r e H

Written by GiGi Crenshaw age 13 Photographed by Beth Crenshaw

Come Home 21

My name is GiGi Crenshaw, and I am 13 years old. I live in a house with 2 parents and 4 other siblings. Their ages range from 16 to 4 years old. The 4 year olds are twins who were born premature by 3 months.

They stayed at Arkansas Children Hospital for 4 months and had many surgeries during their stay.

When they were first born I was 9 years old and in fourth grade.

One twin is a girl named Willa Inez. She has cerebral palsy, and she has oversized ventricles.

The other twin is a boy named Desmond Chief. We call him Chief and he, too, had oversized ventricles, just not as severe as Willa’s, and Chief does not have cerebral palsy. He can walk, run, jump, and communicate easily, but not so much for Willa. She can’t walk or even crawl properly, so she scoots. Because of her cerebral palsy her right arm is very tight and she doesn’t use

it often, and the same goes with her leg but it is not as bad. Now that you have an understanding of her conditions it is time for me to tell you what it is like to be a sibling of someone with special needs.

There are many ups and downs to having a sister like Willa. One of the best things about Willa is that she makes me be more aware of others who have disabilities or have siblings who are different. Being with Willa has taught me to respect them and to not make fun of kids who are different. Also now I know how hard it is for them and their siblings. Every day I see kids at school getting made fun of because they are different and that is not right. Having a sibling with disabilities has taught me about showing kindness and acceptance to everyone, whether or not they have a disability.

The hardest thing about having disabled siblings is seeing them struggle. I see Willa everyday trying to communicate and move around. Simple tasks for children her age are very difficult and even though I might want to do it for her because I hate to see her struggle, I know that she has to learn to do things on her own. It is also a huge struggle for her to express her emotions or thoughts. Sometimes this communication barrier makes her angry and it is frustrating. I also have a cousin who has cerebral palsy and he actually has it harder than Willa.

He can barely sit up by himself and he can’t say many words at all.

Having a sibling with disabilities I feel does give me an advantage in life.

For example if I were to have a child who has some disabilities I would have background knowledge of how to handle it and I would also know what they need and what kind of special attention they require.

HEROES

IN

ACTION

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I have to admit before Chief and Willa I did feel like those kids I knew who had a special needs brother or sister were embarrassed of them. Now I can’t say this for others but personally I have never felt embarrassed of Chief or Willa. The only thing I feel is proud. Proud because they have come so far. They were in the NICU for so long and now they are home and happy and I couldn’t love them more.

When you are in a family with someone who has special needs that means they need special attention. In a family of 7, like mine, it is already a struggle to find your place and it can become little harder because you would find your mother and sister gone a lot to Little Rock for checkups or surgery. This doesn’t really bother me and it never has.

I never really think about it or feel left out in my family. I know that they love me and I love them also.

I could list out all of the pros and cons of having a sister like Willa, but none of them really matter. All that matters is that I have Willa in my life.

She brightens my day when I see her. She is so funny and such a dare devil. I wouldn’t change a thing about her and I feel so blessed that I have her in my life. Even when she bites me and I get mad, I can’t stay mad forever. She is my sister, she is my sidekick, she is my hero, but most importantly she is my friend. If she wasn’t here my whole world would be different. I can’t really imagine my life without Willa.

People wonder if things have changed since the twins were born, and many assume my life must be really hard for me and my parents. And I guess in many ways it has changed having Willa and Chief in our lives but the change is no more than having any set 4 year old twins. Taking care of Willa and being aware of the things she can and can’t do is normal for me and my whole family.

The biggest thing that has changed for my parents would be time. My mom spends so much time taking care of all five of us, but she does spend a little more time with Willa. This is because Willa can’t do things on her own like we all can. She needs someone to feed her and get her around the house.

Now this really does make me sad to think about this and admit it, but I have seen people make fun of others who have disabilities. I have never experienced one of my friends make fun of Willa, but I have seen the exact same people make fun of others. This hurts me and I hope my experience with this can show them a better way. I have also heard people say the ‘’R‘’ word (which I am not allowed to say), and this really hurts me. If you know me at all, then you know to never say that word around me. There is no sense in saying it and it is just hurtful.

Now, something that I want to make clear: Willa is not defined by her disability. Willa is a strong, funny, teasing, loving, and a cute little girl.

She loves to jump on the trampoline (but only if someone will bounce her) and loves to sing. If I put on a song that she knows then she will sing along with it. Willa also loves to dance, she will really suck the energy out of you when you dance with her. She will make me hold her and spin her around, do dips, and jump up and down over and

over. The reason I do this for her, though, is to see her laugh. She smiles so big and her giggle is so cute. How can I not play with her? Sometimes when she dances on her own on the floor she will make herself dizzy and then fall over but quickly catch herself. She really knows how to get a laugh out of me even when I am upset.

If I could say one thing to anyone out there who has never been around someone disabled it would be this: Smile at her, ask me about her, don’t judge her. I know people are curious and I want them to know how much I love her and how much I have learned from her. I want people to know she is special because she is my sister, not because of her needs.

MORE HEROES...

[according to their siblings]

CANNON HARNESS Age 4. Polymicrogyria (PMG).He likes Yo Gabba Gabba. He LOVES being on the farm and riding tractors with his dad. He laughs so hard when his family tries to scare him. His favorite food is yogurt.

Riley Kate (Cannon’s sister, age 6) and Hank Harness (Brother, 1): They say Cannon is special and they love to make him laugh. They love him so much.

AVA KALIS Age 7. Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Favorite color: pink; favorite toy: bicycles, swings, monkey bars; favorite food: pizza; favorite subject in school: PE Cody Allison (Ava’s brother, age 15) says this about Ava: “She is a strong little girl and very active and full of life. She always has a smile on her face and she loves to dance.”

REED ROSE Age 6. Down Syndrome. Favorite food: spaghetti; favorite toy: his Woody doll; favorite color: blue; favorite movie: all musicals, but loves Annie and Mary Poppins. He loves to dance with his own shadow!

Bane Gibson (Reed’s brother, age 16) says this about Reed: “He is very energetic and has always tried to make people happy no matter how mean that person is. He’s always tried to make people laugh and is always successful at it. He is very smart and is always finding new friends.”

WILLA CRENSHAW Age 4. Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus. WIlla LOVES straws, all shapes, sizes, and colors! Loves to get bounced on the trampoline. Her favorite food is cereal. She likes to sing and dance.

CHIEF CRENSHAW Age 4. Hydrocephalus + Craniosynontosis.

Loves Captain America.

Halloween is his favorite holiday. He’s wild and crazy and he loves all four of his sisters!

Come in with your sweetheart on Valentine's Day! GET A FREE CAKE SHOP CUPCAKE WHEN YOU ORDER AN APPETIZER AND 2 ENTREES. WE’LL BE OPEN 11AM-7PM ON SUNDAY, FEB. 14.

MON-SAT: 11AM-9PM

SUNDAY: 11AM-3PM

870-743-9277 FOR CARRYOUT

1409 N. MAIN ST. HARRISON

Hot Springs Haven, a Couple’s Ge taway Written by Monique Wilson Photographed by Monique Wilson Are you looking for a bright spot in the cold of winter? Need some alone time with your special someone? Or craving a break from the routine of daily life? Well, the solution lies in Hot Springs, AR. We, my boyfriend Jody and I, decided to make a weekend of it as I had an interview at Oaklawn for another Come Home story in this issue. Here are a few highlights from our weekend getaway.

Day 1

Oaklawn Racing & Gaming 2705 Central A venue It was Opening Weekend. There were lots of people out and about that day. Being in the Oaklawn Grandstand gives you a positive energy vibe. There are different areas to watch races. You can even stand outside right by the track. One of

the cooler things about Oaklawn is that you see the horses being led onto the track. They are just in their blankets and a halter. They are led into the paddock area. It is inside and you can go down and stand around as the horses are led into their respective numbered stall. There they are saddled and the jockeys come in to mount the beautiful beasts. This is where you can feel the energy of the horses. They like the attention and they know they are about to do what they have been bred to do – run. The horses then go back out to the track where they are met by an escort horse and rider that helps them go down to the starting gate.

These escorts also retrieve a horse should it lose its rider and is a runaway. The horses load in the starting gate and “they’rrrrrre OFFFFF!!”

I will suggest patience for attending Opening Weekend. Oaklawn runs specials of $.50 corned beef sandwiches (a park staple) and $.10 soft drinks. As you can imagine, the lines were long. It was all worth the wait. We finally had our snacks and drinks and went in to watch the races with the pros. We were fortunate to be able to sit with some gentlemen that were veterans of the races and answered our multitude of questions. We did some betting and hit it big! We won a total of $13.60 (no I didn’t forget a zero). We were happy campers.

We love people watching so we had a ball. The horses added a level of excitement to the crowd.

People get fired up and yell for “their” horses. It wasn’t difficult to know who won or lost. As the day winds down, the losing tickets litter the floor everywhere you go.

It was great fun and we attend to go back. Racing season is mid-January to mid-April.

Come Home 26

The Porte rhouse 707 Central A venue.

Evidently horse racing and a cold day make you hungry. We were starving. We did think ahead and called The Porterhouse for reservations. The kind staff said they do suggest reservations on racing weekends.

The boyfriend always enjoys a good steak and it did sound good after an exciting day. We asked our waitress, Shaelyn, what she recommended.

We started with The Porterhouse Crab Cakes in a seafood bisque sauce. They were some of the sweetest crab cakes I’ve ever tasted and the bisque sauce was creamy and delectable. Our entrees were another great recommendation from the very attentive Shaelyn. I had the Filet a la Oscar which was a perfectly cooked medium steak with crab meat, asparagus and Oscar sauce on top. Jody had the Filet Mignon “Al Gorgonzola” that was medium rare with a Gorgonzola Cream sauce with baby shrimp and fresh mozzarella cheese all on top of a garlic crostini. Both steaks can be ordered however you like them cooked and are paired with a buttery, perfected steamed vegetable medley and a baked potato that you can load up as you wish. By now, I thought there is no room left in my tummy. However, Shaelyn said the magic word, cheesecake. Strawberry Daiquiri Cheesecake to be exact. We shared the sweet concoction and it was divine. With the strawberry swirls and sauce, it was a perfect couple’s dessert.

It would be a great Valentine’s Day treat.

The Porterhouse has a sister Italian restaurant, Belle Arti Ristorante, just two doors down and the décor inside the steak place give you an Italian feel. Lots of dark wood, lighter color stucco, and candlelight. The wait staff was very attentive.

We were checked on by our waitress and several others. They were busy and you might have to wait but it is worth it. It is fine dining but comfortable fine dining. We wore our jeans and boots from the track. It averaged out to about $4045 per plate with three courses. We were more than full and satisfied when we left. Definitely YUMMY!

Day 2

Bath House Row and the Historic Downtown District First recommendation, wear walking shoes because when you find a parking place, you don’t want to try and drive to your next destination in this section.

Come Home 27

They offer all sorts of FBG merchandise in the store as well.

Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe 124 Central A ve Bath House Row is where you will find Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe. Yes, the one featured on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. They have a variety of flavors on a daily basis. We decided on several so we could sample some and then take leftovers home to our kiddos. They had two of their Cupcake Wars’ flavors this day, Crème Brulee and Salted Caramel. We also selected Death by Chocolate, Vanilla on Vanilla, Peanut Butter Cup, Strawberry Cheesecake, Neapolitan, and Banana/Chocolate. I cannot give you a review of the chocolate ones as I do not eat chocolate. No, I’m not a mutant. I just don’t like the flavor nor the taste really. Please, don’t hate me. I did sample the Crème Brulee and it is quite creamy and the crunchy sugar bits on top make it delightful. I also sampled (shhhh, it was a minivacation and calories don’t count) the Strawberry Cheesecake one. It was really good. The strawberry swirls in the cupcake were very fruity and the pink cream cheese icing was perfect. We bought the cupcakes on Sunday and didn’t get home with them until Monday afternoon and they were still very good and traveled well back home.

We walked over to the Bath House Row side of the street and took in the sites of the open fountains and pools of thermal waters. It was a bit wild to put your hand in water with steam coming off of it in the middle of January. It was warmer than bath water, very “cool”. The row of bathhouses are filled with history. According to nps.gov, “The Bathhouse Row you see today consists of eight bathhouse buildings that were constructed between the years of 1892 and 1923. This area along with the Grand Promenade was designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 1987.” Some of the houses are still used as spas

and you can take a thermal mineral water bath along with other spa treatments. We didn’t partake of those services.

Supe rior Bathhouse Bre we ry 329 Central A ve Superior Bathhouse Brewery.

Here they use the thermal water to brew several different types of beer. Looking at a list of 15, you can select four to sample in a Tasting Flight. With the help of our server, Will, we chose 4 that we thought we might like. We also ordered a Meat/ Cheese plate to nibble on with our beer samples. The cheeses are all imported but the meats are locally made. We had some habanero cheddar cheese along with some smoked jalapeno venison sausage and some local salami. It was served with apple slices, some nutty crackers, and a bit of crostini. It all paired well with our beer selections. We asked our friendly server Will (can you tell we like to ask server opinions?) for his suggestions.

Jody had the grilled bratwurst and I had the gyro. We both chose the bleu/bacon potato salad as our side. The choices were great and quite filling. It was a great meal of a variety of tastes.

The bonus of this meal is that we sat at the bar in front of the windows which afforded a view of Central Avenue and all the people taking in some of Spa City. Did I mention we love to people watch?

Good times, good food.

To sum it all up, we had a wonderful weekend getaway.

We saw races, ate great food, watched all kinds of people, and the best part, spent time together. Since it’s close to Valentine’s Day, we’d recommend Hot Springs for a sweet couple retreat. Go forth, enjoy, and tell them we sent you!

s n a T y a r p S 8 7 0 . 4 1 6 . 7 0 2 5

b y

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es � v e e R “ o Access Unique furniture, accent pieces, lamps, rugs, pictures, mirrors, accessories for the home, and gifts.

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Community

Community Investors In Our Proudly Serving Investors Community In Our Community Chris McNew

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870-704-4060 715 W. Sherman Ave | Harrison, AR 72601

870-704-4060 715 W. Sherman Ave | Harrison, AR 72601

870-704-4060 715 W. Sherman Ave | Harrison, AR 72601

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Come Home Kitchen

Sweets for your

Sweets Prepared by Heather Hinrichs Photographed by Kerrie Szabo

WHITE CHOCOLATE POPCORN WITH VALENTINE M&M’S INGREDIENTS 1 bag of popcorn - popped 1 bag of white chocolate morsels 1

bag of

Valentine m&m’s

32 Come Home

DIRECTIONS Spread out the popped popcorn on a cookie sheet.

Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave at 30 second intervals. Quickly drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn.

Drop in m&m’s. Allow to cool. Then break apart and enjoy!

WHITE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MOUSSE INGREDIENTS For the Raspberry Sauce: 1 ½ cups raspberries 3 tablespoons sugar 1 ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice For Mousse:

4 ounces white chocolate, chopped 2 cups heavy cream, divided 3 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup raspberries Shaved chocolate for topping DIRECTIONS To make sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, mashing the berries with a spoon.

Remove from heat and press through a fine-mesh sieve using the back of a spoon. Collect sauce in a bowl. Refrigerate until cold.

For mousse: In a microwave safe bowl, combine white chocolate and ¼ cup heavy cream. Microwave in 30 seconds intervals, stirring in between until chocolate is melted.

In a large bowl, beat the rest of the heavy cream with a mixer on medium high speed until foamy.

Add in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until soft peaks form.

Remove about a cup (eyeball it) of the whipped cream mixture and whisk into the melted chocolate.

Fold in the rest of the whipped cream into the chocolate until combined.

Divide half of the mousse among 6 small glasses or ramekins. Top with each with a tablespoon of raspberry sauce and a few raspberries. Top with remaining mousse, sauce and raspberries. Sprinkle with shaved white chocolate. Refrigerate until cold, at least 30 minutes before serving.

STRAWBERRY GOOEY BUTTER COOKIES INGREDIENTS 1/2 C softened butter 8oz cream cheese 1 egg 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 1 box strawberry cake mix 1 C powdered sugar DIRECTIONS Combine first 4 ingredients in bowl until light and fluffy; Stir in cake mix until smooth; Scoop out ball of dough and roll in powdered sugar, chill half an hour, then bake at 350 for 12 minutes!

WHITE CHOCOLATE HOT COCOA INGREDIENTS 4 cups whole milk 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1-2 teaspoons red food coloring Red sugar for the rim of the mug DIRECTIONS In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and white chocolate chips. Place over low heat and cook, stirring often until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla. Add 1 teaspoon red food coloring and then add more until your desired pink color is reached.

Wet the rim of the mugs and dip in a small plate of red sugar. Once that is set, pour the hot chocolate into mugs.

CHOCOLATE DIPPED SUGAR WAFERS INGREDIENTS Sugar Wafers Chocolate chips Valentine sprinkles DIRECTIONS Melt Chocolate in microwave safe bowl. Dip sugar wafers in the melted chocolate and lay on parchment paper. Sprinkle with valentine sprinkles.

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SHELBYS shelbysharrison Come Home 35

All the Pretty (and Fast) Horses

Written by Monique Wilson Photographed by Ashton Keeton and Monique Wilson 36 Come Home

Dr. Blake Chitsey is a passionate man.

in Hot Springs, as well as other venues. Honoring the priority that Blake puts on family, the men have named some of their equine offspring after Blake’s children. Those three are Maximillian (currently in the racing rotation), Oliver’s Bull (currently rehabilitating an injury), and Sweet Ruby Kate (no longer racing). Sweet Ruby Kate has been their most successful racer with earnings of about $100,000.

Norm admires Blake’s commitment to his family and says it’s a pleasure to name the horses for the kiddos.

Growing up Blake was around quarter horses. His dad was a team roper on the rodeo circuit. Blake learned to rope and ride and even partnered with his dad when the need arose. About eight years ago another local doctor introduced Blake to another type of horses – Thoroughbreds. The other doctor had a race horse and that piqued Blake’s interest. This is where trainer Norm Ashauer enters the picture.

Blake decided to broaden his horse experience and enter into a partnership with Norm and Thoroughbred horses. Blake was quick to tell me that Norm is the one with all the horse knowledge.

To assist Come Home with this article, Blake told me that Norm had agreed to extend me an invitationonly tour and interview in the barns at Oaklawn.

Blake has recently completed a beautiful customdesigned barn near his home that has allowed for one of the racing mares, Southern Symphony, to come there on hiatus to recover from a broken foot. The men have hopes of breeding her soon and welcome a new addition to the racing crew.

The injured mare has given Blake’s wife Amanda and their children the opportunity to begin their interaction with the racing beauties. Amanda wasn’t raised around horses so this is new to her but she’s willing to learn. She is a nurse practitioner so wanting to heal comes naturally. Amanda has enjoyed this new adventure so much that she

He runs a thriving practice. He is a doting father of three beautiful children. He is the loving husband to the sweet, soft-spoken Amanda. He is also an enthusiastic co-owner of Thoroughbred race horses. After interviewing Blake at his office one afternoon in January, all of these things became apparent. However, my main interest this day was to talk about the race horses. He was all too happy to oblige.

Norm Ashauer is a successful Thoroughbred trainer that has been involved with Thoroughbred racing since he was 17, he’s 51 now. Norm has several Thoroughbred horses and several partners. He has earned the trainer title quite well. Norm gallops (that’s the horses’ daily exercise) all his own horses daily. He is very particular about whom he allows to work with the horses besides himself. He used to do everything by himself with only the help of his wife but in the last few years has a select one or two stable hands that assist. However, only he and the jockeys ride the horses. Norm is all business when he discusses his Thoroughbreds. He was very kind to tell me about them and some of what it entails to have the beautiful creatures. When discussing being a partner with Blake, Norm is sure to credit Blake with being a great partner and friend. He says that Blake is content to allow Norm to do what he needs to do to have successful race horses.

Together Blake and Norm have Arkansas-bred horses that race at the Arkansas race track, Oaklawn

wants to pursue hosting other injured Thoroughbreds, get them back on their “feet”, so they may re-enter the racing world.

They hope to also house other Thoroughbred mommas-to-be.

At the Races

In doing my article research and also to highlight Hot Springs as a travel spot, I took my first trip to Oaklawn Park where it just so happened to be Opening Weekend of Thoroughbred races.

Oh my! It was fun! Norm gave us the “backstage” tour at the barns and introduced us to Blake and Norm’s horses, Command A Bull and Maximilian. I have to admit to being a bit smitten with both boys. They are quite handsome. Horses are much

like other animals and people in that they have personalities all their own. I wondered whether Thoroughbred racing horses would be high and mighty and not approachable. I quickly learned that these two boys have sweet dispositions. Both horses greeted me at their respective stall door with flaring nostrils but after a good sniff, they allowed me to scratch their muzzles and pat their sleek necks.

Yes, sleek. I know it’s January and horses aren’t supposed to be sleek. For non-horse people, the animals grow a longer, shaggier coat for winter. However, since Command A Bull and Maximilian are in the midst of their racing season, they are sleek and shining and looking fine.

The boys were dressed for colder weather with warm blankets and were also sporting “socks” of a gray, mud-like substance. I asked Norm about the mud socks and he explained that it is a poultice that is applied to their racing legs after their daily practice. It is soothing to them. Imagine wanting horses to be soothed after exercise. I was impressed. All the horses under Norm’s care were in clean stalls with their blankets on and their poultices applied. They also have a large net bag of hay hanging within their reach at all times.

Norm explained that horses are natural grazers and having the hay in nets readily available is a good way to occupy them while they wait. Wait for what you may ask? To race, of course.

There were no Arkansas bred horses running on this particular day so the boys were completely at their leisure. As we were talking, a waste-removal truck came by for a pick up. The truck had air brakes and as the sound of those brakes squealed in the air, I was surprised to look up and see every single horse down that side of the stables pop their heads out their stall doors and see what was going on out there. That led to me asking about how the horses act on their race days. Norm says they definitely know when they are racing and they put their game faces on. So when do they race?

The horses’ names are entered into a race but since there are numerous horses and only a specific number of horses per

race (12), not all can race in every contest they enter. As a result of having more entries than slots, the horses’ names are drawn to see who races. Trainers usually enter three days before the race and are notified immediately if they’ve been selected for the race and what their post position is. If you’ve ever been around any type of human athlete, you know that game day comes with different athlete behavior. Horses are no different. They know it is race day and it is serious business. Whether they pick up the electrical current from their human handlers or if it is just in the air, the horses just know.

It shows from the minute the equine racers enter the track then to the paddock to be saddled then to the gate to get ready to race.

They prance. They jump. They side-step. They bounce with excitement. They are about to do what is bred in their genes – run really fast.

Since there is minimal notice about which horses will race on what day, it’s difficult for Blake to get down and see their horses run.

He said that he typically attends several times per racing season though. Some of the partners’ biggest wins have occurred on days that Blake was in Harrison working but he is ok with that.

Blake knows that the horses are being well trained and well cared for by Norm. It’s a partnership that works and works well. The two men have respect for each other and know that they have a common purpose – to win races.

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And we might answer, “Patagonia a la Alan and lunch specials by Val.”

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