ES Independent Vol. 3, No. 23

Fluoridation delayed at Carroll Boone B ecky G illette The Carroll Boone Water District (CBWD) planned on adding fluoridation chemicals to the water supply beginning in January, but fluoridation equipment ordered as part of a $1.6-million grant from the Delta Dental Foundation is back ordered.

“We don’t know for sure when fluoridation is going to start,” CBWD Office Manager Cathy Klein said. “The equipment is on order, but it is going to take longer to get here than they originally thought. So, I do not have an estimated date yet to begin fluoridation.”

Klein said the CBWD has not yet decided which chemical supplier will be chosen. There are no longer any companies in the U.S. that sell fluoridation chemicals, leaving concerns about sourcing the chemicals from countries with poor reputations for manufacturing standards.

Led by the late CBWD Manager Jim Allison, all 12 water operators at CBWD opposed fluoridation after sending out 49 letters to suppliers asking for proper certification that would provide a complete disclosure of the raw product, including a list of all contaminants by weight, and associated studies pertaining to those contaminants. Not a single fluoride supplier responded.

Concerns about contaminants that can include arsenic, lead, aluminum and barium increased with the publication of a study in the International Journal of Occupation and Environmental Health which found the amount of toxic contamination in hydrofluorosilicic acid and sodium fluoride varied greatly. “Such contaminant content creates a regulatory blind spot that jeopardizes any safe use of fluoride additives,” the study said.

Local residents have been working to oppose fluoridate for about 25 years. They averted fluoridation previously with a Eureka Springs referendum where voters rejected fluoridation and also have testified

Woo pig sooie – Miss Arkansas, Ashton Campbell, is Grand Marshal of this year’s Christmas Parade of Lights.

She hails from nearby Hindsville, attends the University of Arkansas, and obviously loves the Hogs. Known to her friends as a “guys’ girl,” Campbell will be on hand to greet Eurekans at Arvest Bank on Friday from 3 – 4 p.m. before the parade. More on p. 8.

Photo courtesy Miss Arkansas Pageant

FLUORIDE DELAYED continued on page 14

This Week’s INDEPENDENT Thinker Artist Seitu Jones knew people were eating convenient food at the expense of healthy food, and wanted to change it. On Sept. 14, Jones gathered 2,000 people in St. Paul, Minn., for a free meal – at a ½ mile long table. Create: The Community Meal, exemplifies how artists and other creative people can feed, enlighten and convert others to the value of knowing and loving what they eat.

Photo credit joycefdn.org The gathering gave people a chance to discuss food access and food justice, including working with new immigrant farmers planning their 2015 growing season.

“At its heart, Create is really about love,” Jones said. “As Martin Luther King, Jr., reminded us, ‘the beloved community’ is the basis of a healthy society.”

Inside the ESI Sierra Club endorses high line

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Independent Art

Dentists and fluoride

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Independent Lens

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Fluoride 4

The Nature of Eureka

Purple Flower opens

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Exploring the Fine Art of Romance 17

Ozarks Chorale

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Astrology 18

Pride of Beard

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Sycamore 19

Independent Mail

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Notes from the Hollow

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Independent Guestatorial

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Independent Soul

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Constables on Patrol

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Crossword 21

Hold that pose, our camera is ringing.

INDEPENDENTNews Sierra Club endorses high line; STO counters B ecky G illette The Sierra Club has officially endorsed construction of a 700-mile Plains and Eastern Clean Line high voltage direct current power line to move wind generated power from the Oklahoma Panhandle through Arkansas to Memphis, where it could connect with other transmission lines. The position has drawn the ire of members of Save the Ozarks (STO) who are well-versed on problems associated with high voltage transmission lines due to their work opposing the Shipe Road to Kings River transmission line proposed by American Electric Power (AEP)/Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO).

In a recent article in the Arkansas Sierrian, Dr. Bob Allen said the transmission line is needed so wind power can replace coal-fired power plants.

“The lines have both supporters and detractors,” Allen said. “Environmental groups usually favor the projects as a way to reduce carbon emissions and thus reduce the risk of the damaging effects of global warming.”

Allen said that the 600-kiloVolt Clean Line project would have the capacity to transport the amount of power equivalent to the output of five or six coal-fired power plants. The project would require a 200-ft. right-of-way through about 300 miles in Arkansas affecting about 8,000 acres of private land.

Local reaction Residents opposed to the proposed SWEPCO line found it ironic that a leading environmental group would support the Clean Line proposal when the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) – traditionally more friendly to power companies than the environment – refused to approve the project because it had no benefits to Arkansas.

“You have done the Sierra Club and Arkansas a disservice by your advocacy of Clean Line,” Doug Stowe, a member of the board of directors of STO, said in an e-mail to Glen Hooks, director of the Arkansas Sierra Club. “This is not just a matter of suspected health effects, but one of certain loss of beauty, degradation 2 |

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of the environment and lost value of properties.

“The rapid rise of solar in places like Massachusetts, where they have far less sun that we do, will likely change the dynamics of the energy equation, making wind farms in the great plains far less competitive when you begin to factor in the environmental losses that result from the ugliness of transmission lines and the extreme nuisance factor involved in windfarms. Even representatives of the Tennessee Valley Authority informed the press that Clean Line is unwarranted.”

Lack of concern Stowe also said this is a matter of social and environmental injustice, as lower-income residents of Arkansas are expected to bear the burdens of an industrialized landscape so high-income people on the East Coast are spared visual impacts from developing their own energy using offshore wind farms.

Stowe was amazed at Allen’s lack of concern for the Arkansas landscape.

“Your position is that the state of Arkansas must be sacrificed for the greater good,” Stowe said. “But, the East Coast areas of the U.S have the energy potential to supply the needs of one-third of the U.S.” STO Director Pat Costner said offshore wind energy should be developed near major population areas in the East instead of building transmission lines halfway across the continent.

“Some offshore wind projects in the East have been defeated because property owners didn’t want their views polluted by windmills,” Costner said.

“But our views here in Arkansas are just as important as the views on the East Coast, and it will cost a lot less, be more environmentally sustainable, and have less impact on the private sector as far as private property rights and health for the East Coast to develop their offshore wind.”

Arkansas won’t benefit STO suspects that while SWEPCO said its proposed transmission line is for “growth and reliability,” the line is primarily intended to transmit coal and wind power through the Ozarks. The line SIERRA CLUB continued on page 21

INDEPENDENTNews Dentists speak against fluoridation

Becky Gillette For many years people opposed to fluoridation of water supplies got little respect in the mainstream. Opponents were labeled “conspiracy theorists” because of repeating information that Nazi Germany used fluoridation to sedate prisoners during World War II – which fluoride opponents say may have harmed the movement.

“We have done our level best to discourage opponents of fluoridation from using this emotive argument,” said Paul Connett, a chemist who directs the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) and is co-author of the book The Case Against Fluoride.

“The historical evidence for this assertion is extremely weak. It is sad that the U.S. media has done such a bad job of educating the public on this issue that it is so easy for crazy ideas to fill the vacuum.”

FAN believes there are plenty of reasons to oppose fluoridation without referring to alleged use by the Nazis. Each year more studies are published about evidence that fluoride and byproducts in fluoridation chemicals are harmful to health, especially to the health of people with certain diseases.

But those studies are being ignored by the American Dental Association.

“The ADA unreservedly endorses the fluoridation of community water supplies as safe, effective and necessary in preventing tooth decay,” ADA says. “This support has been the Association’s position since policy was first adopted in 1950.”

Dentist opposition But not all dentists agree.

“As a dentist, I oppose water fluoridation which is contrary to most of my colleagues,” said Dr. John Bain, Natural Family Dentistry, Farmington, Ark., said

on the Eureka Springs Fluoride Free Water page on Facebook. “The prestigious medical journal, The Lancet Neurology, just this year declared fluoridation a ‘neurotoxicant,’ which means it is a developmental brain toxin. It is scientifically associated with lower IQ and other detrimental neurological conditions.”

Another dentist who opposes fluoridation is Dr. David Kennedy, cofounder of Citizens for Safe Drinking Water.

Kennedy argues that dentists don’t have the medical training to be qualified to determine what additives are put into drinking water or what other health effects might result from ingestion of fluoride.

More than 366 dentists have joined more than 4,000 other healthcare professionals in opposing fluoridation by signing FAN’s Professionals Statement to End Water Fluoridation. But dental associations continue to press for mass fluoridation. Arkansas opponents were able to hold off mandatory fluoridation for many years until 2011 when the Arkansas Department of Health joined with dental groups to push the mandate through the legislature after getting Delta Dental Foundation to agree to fund the costs of fluoridation equipment. Questions have been raised about large campaign contributions from a dental political action committee (PAC) to legislators.

“If you don’t think this practice of getting paid for their vote exists, you need to check to see what happened with SB359/ Act197 Fluoride Mandate bill,” said Secure Arkansas in a blog published in the Arkansas Times. “Most of the legislators that voted for SB359 received a campaign donation from Arkansas Dental PAC for their ‘Yea’ votes

for SB359. This data was collected from the Secretary of State website filings on each individual legislator. The initial start-up costs came from Delta Dental Foundation of Arkansas.”

What studies show Secure Arkansas said some legislators who voted for the fluoride mandate received $4,000 from the dental PAC. The most comprehensive study yet published on how fluoride affects the brain was published online in Environmental Health Perspectives on July 20, 2012. A summary published by the Harvard Public School of Health (HPSH) of the work done by their researchers in cooperation with researchers in China said that for years health experts have been unable to agree on whether fluoride in the drinking water may be toxic to the developing human brain.

“Extremely high levels of fluoride are known to cause neurotoxicity in adults, and negative impacts on memory and learning have been reported in rodent studies, but little is known about the substance’s impact on FLUORIDE continued on page 23

CCSO deputy arrested

Cpl. Joel Hand, 39, was arrested in Berryville Nov. 30 for domestic battery by Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Hand had been promoted to head the CCSO Criminal Investigation Unit in April.

Sheriff Bob Grudek said since the case is under investigation he was unable to comment, although he did say Arkansas State Police would take over the probe as, “We can’t investigate ourselves.”

County Prosecutor Tony Rogers said Monday he had not received any paperwork on the arrest, but had heard it was “a domestic.” A spokeswoman in District Court in Berryville said that office

had not received an Affidavit of Probable Cause as of Tuesday afternoon.

Hand was exonerated in Federal District Court in Harrison in May for unlawfully arresting and using excessive force during the arrest of Edward Paul Chevalier, Jr., known as Blue John, in 2010. Chevalier, 81 at the time of that incident, had filed a Civil Rights suit against Hand. The jury’s decision to absolve Hand came down one year after Chevalier died.

CCSO Capt. Alan Hoos did confirm that Hand was fired following the incident last weekend. www.esINDEPENDENT.com | December 3, 2014 |

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INDEPENDENTNews Citizens for Safe Drinking Water want you to know ...

B ecky G illette There are two bills that could be passed in the next session of the Arkansas Legislature to help assure safe drinking water: 1. Support the repeal of Act 197, the legislation in 2011 that mandated water districts with more than 5,000 customers fluoridate.

2. Support the Water Additive Accountability (WAA) bill that gives citizens the ability to demand and hold the state accountable when it comes to water districts following all of the laws to protect the quality of our drinking water.

Arkansas State Sen. Byran King and Rep. Bob Ballinger support both of these actions. But, to be effective, this has to be a statewide campaign that starts with lobbying members of the Senate and House public health committees. King and Ballinger are on the record opposed to mandatory fluoridation, but need public support.

Sen. Bryan King (870) 480-3155, bryan.king@senate.ar.gov Bob Ballinger (870) 350-5175, bob@ballingerlaw.net Please consider emailing or calling members of the public health committees.

The message can be simple and it is best to personalize it so they don’t think they are receiving a form letter. If you call and get an answering machine, say, “Please repeal the fluoride mandate and support the Water Additives Accountability Act. We have a right to know what is put into our water and decisions about what to add to our water should be under local control.”

Fluoride mandate (Repeal of Act 197) you can say, “Please support overturning the state mandate for fluoridation of water supplies. Decisions on what is added to the water should be made locally. This mandate overturned the democratic vote of people in Eureka Springs, as well as other cities such as Hot Springs and Fort Smith that have

repeatedly voted against fluoridation.”

Water Additives Accountability Act “Please support our right to know what chemicals are put into our drinking water. Fluoride suppliers have been unwilling to disclose the types and amounts of contaminants in fluoridation products such as arsenic, lead, cadmium and aluminum. People have a right to know what is added to their drinking water. A recent scientific study said contaminants in fluoridation chemicals can vary widely in concentrations, and that use of those chemicals jeopardizes any safe use of fluoridation chemicals.”

Arkansas Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee Chair, Sen. Cecile Bledsoe (479) 636-2115, Cecile.Bledsoe@senate. ar.gov, Vice Chair, Sen. Stephanie Flowers (870) 535-1032, Stephanie.Flowers@ senate.ar.gov Sen. Missy Irvin (870) 269-2703, Missy.Irvin@senate.ar.gov

Sen. Keith Ingram (870) 735-9580, friendsforkeith@gmail.com Sen. Gary Stubblefield (479) 6354314, gary.stubblefield@senate.ar.gov Sen. David Sanders, (501) 6826107, davidjamessanders@gmail.com Sen. John Cooper (870) 761-0130, john.cooper@senate.ar.gov Sen. Scott Flippo scott.flippo@ senate.ar.gov.

Note: the Arkansas House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee has 20 members and has not yet elected a chair and vice chair. The Carroll County Citizens for Safe Drinking Water will provide info on House committee members at a later date, and anyone who wants to help by receiving fluoride updates can be added to the e-mail list by sending an email to 4becky@cox. net.

Silver Tea Dec. 4

Retirement Reception in honor of Chief Earl Hyatt

The public is cordially invited to attend the 48th Silver Tea Thursday, Dec. 4, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the Crescent Hotel Crystal Ballroom. Hosted by the women of St. James’ Episcopal Church, the event is a fundraiser for Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

Over the years, the tea has raised thousands of dollars for area non-profit organizations. For further information, call St. James’ Episcopal Church (479) 253-8610. Admission is by donation.

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The Eureka Springs Police Department and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #81

Invite the public to a drop-in

“Celebrating 29 Years of Dedicated Service” Tuesday, December 16, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Inn Of The Ozarks Convention Center 207 W. Van Buren, Eureka Springs

INDEPENDENTNews Local resources emerge to meet domestic violence issues B ecky G illette women in Carroll County, so we want to As the anniversary of the death of make people concerned and aware of Laura Aceves approaches, the brutal ways to offer support to women.” murder of this young mother has received The Purple Flower opened Dec. 2 at national attention such as a Huffington Post 7 North Springfield St. next to Nelson’s article, “This Is How A Domestic Violence Funeral Home in Berryville. An open Victim Falls Through The Cracks,” house is planned Saturday, Dec. 6, after the outlining failures of law enforcement and Christmas parade in downtown Berryville the judicial system to protect Aceves from at 6:30 p.m. her former domestic partner, Victor Acuna“We hope people will come visit us just Sanchez. so they know we are here and People in Carroll County that people in Carroll County have been working to make care about domestic violence “We are sure what happened to Aceves and is here to do something calling never happens again here. Two about it,” Maiella said. “We efforts towards that goal are have a great relationship with it the the formation of the Carroll the newly-elected sheriff, County Safety Network and Purple Flower Randy Mayfield, who plans in the opening this week of the to provide domestic violence Purple Flower in Berryville, assessment training to his honor of a Carroll County Support and deputies.”

Resource Center for domestic Laura Aceves.”

The Purple Flower violence. will be open Tuesdays and – Linda Maiella Linda Maiella got Thursdays from 10 a.m. to involved in helping battered 3 p.m. with plans to expand women after she met Laura those hours next year if more Ponce, the mother of Aceves. Maiella volunteers step forward. helped advocate for the Aceves family Carroll County Safety Network during investigation of the murder and Maeilla is also involved with the prosecution of Acuna-Sanchez. Now newly formed Carroll County Safety she and Purple Flower co-founder, Barb Network. That is being supported by Mourglia, are working with Ponce and Brave Woman, a national grassroots others to provide a place for people to movement to shift personal and public get information. perception of women facing domestic “We are calling it the Purple Flower violence situations from a victim in honor of Laura Aceves,” Maiella mentality to one of courage and strength. said. “We are not a counseling service. Brave Woman is helping the Purple We are not a shelter. We are just here to Flower and the Carroll County Safety raise awareness in the community that Network with support toward getting domestic violence is ongoing. Up to this organized. time, no services were offered to battered Sandy Wright, co-founder of Brave

Linda Maiella and others are working to get information to abuse victims.

Woman and a consultant to domestic abuse shelters in several states, said the national coverage of the Aceves murder has drawn attention to a system that needs be adjusted because it didn’t prevent a death. But the problem is not unique to Carroll County or Arkansas.

“Throughout the country there are a lot of efforts to get law enforcement and others to become more aware of safety assessments for domestic abuse situation,” Wright said. “It is not just whether someone is in danger of being killed, but if someone is in danger, period.

Part of the conversation that occurs is that we usually look for physical abuse, but there are other manifestations such as sexual or psychological abuse. We need to be aware of all of those elements and how the courts, law enforcement,

community shelters, and the community as a whole can be aware of these problems and work together.”

Wright said an example of why the community needs to be involved is the case of an 80 year-old Oklahoma woman, Charlotta, who suffered 40 years of abuse from her husband. Her neighbors knew about it, but didn’t intervene. Her husband knocked Charlotta down in a Walmart one day and shoppers and employees surrounded her and got her help. Charlotta, now 90, is an advocate for abused women.

Wright said establishment of a women’s shelter in a county this small would have been very difficult because of the high expense of running a shelter, so the Carroll County Safety Network plans

PURPLE FLOWER continued on page 23

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INDEPENDENTNews Enjoy the Chorale and join the chorus The Ozarks Chorale celebrates its 20th season and its annual premier holiday concert at the Aud on Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 7:30 pm.

This year’s Holidays in the Hills concert is replete with holiday favorites and melodies, selections from Handel’s Messiah, lighthearted classics and a special guest appearance by cellist Sara Sant’Ambrogio of the Eroica Trio.

Beginning in early September, dedicated singers from all areas of the Ozarks work with artistic director and conductor Beth Withey and accompanist, composer and pianist Ellen Stephenson, to hone harmonies into some spectacular singing. They also work in a possible surprise or two.

“Our members have been working diligently under Beth Withey’s expert encouragement to create that beautiful choral sound you just won’t want to miss,” Chorale President, Paul Gandy, said.

The highlight of the program is always the finale, the Hallelujah Chorus Community Sing, where audience

members are invited to stand and join in. Hundreds of voices uniting with the Chorale is always an emotional and inspiring end to a wonderfully musical evening.

“We are thankful for so many patrons who attend each year and always are happy to see new faces. Tell your friends and come one and come all,” Gandy added.

The box office will open one hour prior to the performance and tickets may be purchased for $10 at the door. Students with I.D. get in free. Proceeds from the sale of intermission refreshments will benefit a local nonprofit, People Helping People.

For more information visit www. theozarkschorale.org or follow the Ozarks Chorale on Facebook.

Back (packs) to the future Help for kids through the lean months Winter can be especially difficult for families that depend on a seasonal economy, especially those with kids in school. As part of the Back Our Kids/Flint Street backpack food-to-take home project, Farm-to-Table FRESH, 179 N. Main, is helping make winter meals a little more nourishing for kids at home.

Every Wednesday until Feb. 28, FRESH offers a dinner special beginning at 4 p.m. Order the Chef’s Special Pasta of the Day with soup or salad for just $10, or receive 20 percent off any menu entree. To get this special deal, simply bring two non-perishable food items per person for FRESH’s Flint Street Farm Baskets. Get a meal, give a meal – and share the holiday spirit with kids whose families need a little help feeding them.

This week’s Holiday Happenings: Thursday, Dec. 4 48th Silver Tea, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Crescent Hotel Crystal Ballroom. Donation.

Friday, Dec. 5 Snow Train Village Gaskins Switch Center, 5 – 7 p.m. $5/adults, $2/children 5 – 12. free/under 5.

Meet Miss Arkansas, Christmas Parade Grand Marshal, 3 – 4 p.m., Arvest Bank.

Light of the World, 6 – 8 p.m., Great Passion Play grounds. Illuminated drive-

through. Donation.

Christmas Parade of Lights 6 p.m., downtown.

Holiday Dance Party after parade, Melonlight Dance Studio, the Quarter. $5 Party in Basin Park, following parade.

Saturday, Dec. 6 Snow Train Village 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, 1 – 3 p.m., Basin Park. Games, music, crafts, photos with Santa.

Holiday Tour of Homes, 3 – 8 p.m. $15 at Chamber of Commerce, $20 day of tour.

Christmas Forest Lighting Ceremony, 6 p.m., Crescent Hotel.

Light of the World, 6 – 8 p.m., Great Passion Play grounds. Donation.

John Two-Hawks Annual Christmas Concert, 7 p.m., auditorium. $20 door Sunday, Dec. 7 Snow Train Village 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Brunch with Santa, Crescent Hotel, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Photo opps 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Don’t miss anything! Pick up a Fun Guide for the December calendar and details on local events, or read it online at www.independentfunguide.com!

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ES Independent | December 3, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

INDEPENDENTNews K enzie D oss Beards were loud and proud Nov. 29 for the annual Beard-Off contest raising funds and awareness for the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation. Events around town included a Beard Off at Chelsea’s bar and a Fake Beard Off at Brews Taproom.

It was a pretty hairy sight at Chelsea’s as the men lined up to be judged. Pretty hairy? These were some magnificently crafted extensions. Chucky Swaggs took the stage and whipped the audience into a clapping, swaying and thumping mass; periodically stopping to judge beard categories (Freestyle to Natural). The prize for Free-Flowing Natural was $200 cash and a kickass locally-handcrafted trophy (resembling the pride and joy of many a man that night).

Four judges sat on the dance floor behind an unimposing table as the contestants were brought on stage before the audience, introduced themselves, made territorial displays of a sort, figuratively roared, and stepped

Pride of beards

down to face the table. But there was very little actual competition; while most of the bearded men had a healthy competitive sense, there was such a vast amount of beard-love and fascinating camaraderie that one might assume they all belonged to the same club.

Men present for the competition would greet each other, sit down for a beer or two – fast friends simply based on the fact they had decidedly luxurious beards. Danny Norman of the Queen City Beard and Moustache Federation enthusiastically took the honors for best natural beard. Dressed in pullover sweater-vest with wide-rimmed glasses complete with white tape in the middle, Danny held his trophy high and glowed with manly pride.

When asked the personal importance of his beard, Danny replied, “It’s two years of my life. It means everything to me.”

He was speaking to fellow beard man Richard, who, when posed the same question, gave a similar response, “The

Chin-Chin-Chinnery – The Fake Beard-Off at Brews on Spring and Pine Sts. brought out all manner of chin growth – organic maybe, but not necessarily native to chins. The room was packed with botanical beards, even one sporting a fishbowl. Pictured at right, Danny Norman of New Orleans takes the Natural Beard trophy and a $200 prize at Chelsea’s. Photo by Kenzie Doss

beard is everything. Growing since two thousand seven, yes I trimmed but…you know. From now on: Nothing.”

According to these men, the beard is pride, the beard is dedication, and the beard is beautiful.

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ES Independent | 7

The Eureka Springs Independent, Inc. is published weekly in Eureka Springs, AR Copyright 2014

178A W. Van Buren • Eureka Springs, AR 479.253.6101 Editor – Mary Pat Boian Editorial staff – C.D. White, Nicky Boyette Contributors David Frank Dempsey, Kenzie Doss, Steven Foster, Becky Gillette, Wolf Grulkey, Robert Johnson, Dan Krotz, Leslie Meeker, Melanie Myhre, Risa, Jay Vrecenak, Steve Weems, Bill Westerman, Reillot Weston Art Director – Perlinda Pettigrew-Owens Director of Office Sanitation Jeremiah Alvarado-Owens

Send Press Releases to: newsdesk@eurekaspringsindependent.com Deadline Saturday at 12 p.m.

Letters to the Editor: editor@eurekaspringsindependent.com or ES Independent Mailing address: 103 E. Van Buren #134 Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Subscriptions: $50 year – mail to above address Office: 178A W. Van Buren Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Display ads:

Phone or email, 479.253.6101, ads.indie@gmail.com Classifieds: Classifieds@esindependent.com 479.253.6101 Advertising deadline: New Ads –Thursday at 12 Noon Changes to Previous Ads – Friday at 12 noon

This paper is printed with soy ink on recycled paper.

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Reduce, Reuse, RECYCLE

Meet Miss Arkansas prior to Parade of Lights Christmas parade sponsor, Arvest Bank, is holding a public reception for Grand Marshal Ashton Campbell, Miss Arkansas, from 3 – 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at 151 E. Van Buren. Come meet our state’s lovely representative and welcome her to Eureka.

Ashton, 20, second runner up for the Miss America crown, is from nearby Hindsville and is a business major at the University of Arkansas. Her platform, Aim Higher: Setting Our Sights on Higher Education, is designed to encourage young people to value and complete an education. Campbell will arrive early Friday to visit with Eureka Springs elementary school children.

The Christmas Parade of Lights will take place at 6

p.m. Avoid parking hassles by taking the special trolleys running from 4 – 6 p.m. from Planer Hill Park and Ride, the Transit and Welcome Center, the old high school, the Village at Pine Mountain and trolley stops between those lots and the downtown Depot.

Return trips will run for about an hour after the parade. Fare is one non-perishable food item each way per person, two items for a round trip, or $2 per boarding without a food item. The food will be divided between Flint Street and Wildflower Food Banks. Make donations and get tickets early at the Transit and Welcome Center, 137 W. Van Buren, (479) 253-9572. For questions about the parade, call (479) 253-8737.

INDEPENDENTMail All INDEPENDENTMail must be signed and include address and phone number for confirmation.

Letters to the Editor should be limited to 200 words or so. We reserve the right to edit submissions. Send your INDEPENDENTMail to: ES Independent, 103 E. Van Buren, #134, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 or editor@eurekaspringsindependent.com

Don’t wait until it’s gone

Editor, Ever since first learning that a 6500-head hog confined animal feeding operation (CAFO) was granted a permit within the watershed of the Buffalo River, we’ve been cautioned to “wait for the science” before assuming the worst. Dr. Sharpley, who is heading the UofA monitoring team, has said that while their tests have not shown anything conclusive, they would need years to properly assess how the river may be affected.

However, ADEQ requested that the National Park Service personnel perform water testing for E. coli,

starting back in 2009, so we have some baseline data from before the CAFO. During storms dangerous levels of bacteria are being recorded below the confluence of Big Creek and the Buffalo River – substantially higher amounts than those recorded above the confluence. In fact, last spring, levels of E. coli reaching the Buffalo River were far above safe levels for contact recreation. It’s an open secret that the Park Service has already had signs printed up to warn people of the danger of swimming or wading along some stretches of the river.

Farm Bureau has been front and center in lobbying to not only allow C&H to continue to operate, but in fighting the proposal to permanently

reinstate the historic ban on these enclosed feedlots posing as farms.

Cargill claimed that C&H would be a state-of-the art facility, and now even they are suggesting some “upgrades.”

Like lipstick on a pig, they are willing to make a few changes to make this bad idea look a little prettier.

What can you do? Go to www.

SavetheBuffaloRiver.com or www.

BuffaloRiverAlliance.org for links and write or call the people serving on committees that will vote on the ban Dec. 5. Stop buying commercial pork until it is once again raised sustainably.

Let’s not wait until it’s gone to realize what an incredible natural resource the Buffalo River is!

Lin Wellford

WEEK’S TopTweets @kellyoxford: No lie: When the plane landed I had 9 texts and my 13yr old had 343. @CatherineLMK: “I’m $50 away from getting free shipping which is only $5 and what I want is $12 so I need to spend $38 more to save money.”– my brain @dyldonot: Cannibals don’t drink coffee. They have a cup of Joe instead. @alispagnola: Facebook definitely needs to change their name. Pretty sure books aren’t supposed to make you dumber. @WilliamAder: People keep talking about the new Star Wars trailer. In my day, Star Wars had SPACESHIPS!

ES Independent | December 3, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

@DanielRCarrillo: Rejected names for lumberjacks: Woodroberts; Treedaves; Logjeffs; Forestbills; Timberjims @KyleMcDowell86: “Honey, can u make the dinner reservations for 3 instead of 2 tonight? Debby’s comin.”

“We’re not bringing ur new chainsaw-” “HER NAME’S DEBBY” @hgracestewart: I try to live each day like it’s my last, which is why I rarely have clean socks. Who wants to wash socks on the last day of their life? @badbanana: Saw a guy with flames tattooed all over his face. I hope someday he finds a girl who has marshmallows tattooed all over hers. @sween: In Canada, she’s Kilometery Cyrus.

GUESTatorial Every cloud has a silver lining

W

hen you look at the edges of a dark cloud, you can see the sun shining like a silver lining. Global climate change and denials, delays and deceptions from SPP, SWEPCO, and AECC are the challenges we face. Energy efficiency and local and community solar generation are the solutions.

The EPA Clean Power Plan will save billions!

The June 2, 2014 EPA Clean Power Plan gave each state carbon dioxide reduction targets and four building blocks for improvements. The plan was based on 2013 conservative estimates. November 2014 lower renewable energy costs and higher performance has changed the story. EPA overestimated the cost of deploying increased amounts of energy efficiency by nearly double current projections. Second, EPA used outdated cost and performance estimates for wind and solar power generation that were nearly 50 percent more expensive than current data. The revised study shows utilities using solar and wind energy will save billions, and the lower costs of energy efficiency and renewable generating technologies open the door to getting substantially more carbon pollution reductions.

The Clean Power Plan is a win-win According to a study released Nov. 19, 2014 by David Doniger, Director of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Climate and Clean Air Program, the Clean Power Plan can save the power industry and ratepayers $2 to $4 billion in 2020 and $6 to 9 billion in 2030, while cleaning our air and modernizing the electric sector!

Building on Ohio’s Clean Energy accomplishments NRDC’s analysis of Ohio’s emissions reduction target and the state level energy policy landscape confirms that deep deployment of energy efficiency and renewables is the most cost-effective means for the state to cut carbon emissions. It may seem daunting to reduce carbon emissions in a state like Ohio, which relies on coal for nearly 70 percent of its power. Not so. NRDC’s analysis confirms that Ohio is on track to achieve the carbon dioxide reductions.

NRDC’s analysis of Ohio’s target and the state-level energy policy landscape, confirms that deep deployment of energy efficiency and renewables is the most costeffective means for Ohio to cut carbon emissions under the Clean Power Plan, in lieu of coal plant heat rate improvements under Block 1 and ramped-up natural gas dispatch under Block 2.

Every cloud has a silver lining, but you have to look UP We used to think of climate change as a problem for the future. We have to take action now. Burning coal or natural gas is not a solution. Fossil fuels need to stay in the ground. There is no wind in Arkansas for industrial turbines, but we have abundant sunlight everywhere.

On April 4, 2013, the Arkansas legislature rejected the Arkansas Distributed Generation Act, House Bill 1390 sponsored by Rep. Warwick Sabin. Bill Ball, founder of the Arkansas Renewable Energy Association, said the bill represented a small step toward affordable renewable energy, consistent with free market energy principles.

Ball said “special interest groups” were leading the charge to oppose the mandates. A great deal of effort preparing and presenting the Bill was wasted, with the opposition using lobbyists and falsely claiming the cost of solar systems would be unaffordable for decades.

Duane Highley, in June 2014, used the same argument to oppose solar systems.

Today, solar panels are under $2 per watt, and new inverters, local and community solar systems are the best solution for all.

We will have an opportunity next year to change the Arkansas energy policy with attractive incentives for local and community solar systems. We are part of the solution to global climate change, we control the demand, we have the power to decide and we have a moral obligation to protect our planet’s fragile ecosystems for the benefit of our grandchildren and beyond.

SPP/AEP/SWEPCO/AECC and APSC need to embrace energy efficiency and solar power generation, before we all go off-grid.

Dr. Luis Contreras

ThePursuitOfHAPPINESS

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by Dan Krotz small boy loved his grandfather. He was proud that grandfather was a genuine cowboy who rode and roped and even shot the occasional varmint. But he was troubled that grandfather wore tennis shoes instead of cowboy boots. “Grandpa,” the boy said, “You ride and rope and shoot like a real cowboy, but you wear tennis shoes. Why don’t you wear cowboy boots?”

Grandpa spit a wad of tobacco juice on the ground. “Well, son,” he said, “I got tired of looking like a goddamned truck driver.”

I was reminded of this joke when I read a story about the emergence of Cowboy Churches. These, according to the article, are worship services where the congregants “can come as they are and wear what they like.” This especially includes cowboy hats and tractor caps, which folks wear during services while listening to Country and Western tunes such as, I suppose, that old hortatory exegesis about turning your back on sin, Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town.

All that seems missing from the pure cowboy experience is a honky-tonk angel named Flo passing around Doritos and Budweiser at communion time.

I reject your huffy conclusion that I’m a snob. The church I go to occasionally dips its toes into the C&W well, and I attend “just as I am” and “wear what I like.” The main difference is that I grew up in a world where a nun named Mother Gonzaga hit me in the back of the head with a crowbar if I even thought about wearing a hat inside a building, let alone in church. It begs the question, “how far will institutions go to accommodate the particularized preferences of a people Constitutionally Empowered to exercise their inalienable right to be comfortable?”

Sinclair Lewis wrote in Elmer Gantry that churches are the one place where people can, regardless of status, “hear the Great Ideas discussed, listen to the Great Music, and see the Great Art.” If that doesn’t matter anymore than we might as well go to the First Church of Popeye where “I yam what I yam and that’s all what I yam.”

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A little help from our friends:

• 24-hour Crisis Line for Women – NWA Women’s Shelter serving Carroll County – “Empowering families to live free of violence.” (800) 775-9011 www.nwaws.org • Cup of Love free soup lunches – Hearty soup lunch Fridays from 9:30 a.m. 2 p.m. in front of Wildflower thrift shop (yellow building next to chapel) on US 62E. Cup of Love also provides soup lunches at Flint Street Fellowship Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (479) 363-4529 • Flint Street Fellowship food pantry, lunch, free clothing – Pantry open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Free lunch Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Free clothes/shoes closet, books and household items. (479) 253-9491 or 253-4945. Leave donations in barrel at entrance if facility is closed.

• Free Sunday Night Suppers at St. James Episcopal Church, 28 Prospect, 5 – 6:30 p.m., are once again available to the community, especially those who are out of work during the winter. Suppers will continue Sunday nights through March 29.

• Wildflower food pantry, furniture bank and clothing – Wildflower Chapel (US 62E) free food pantry 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Fridays. Thrift store and used furniture bank (now in big blue barn only) Wednesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday 1 – 6 p.m. Drop off donations Thursday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Celebrate Recovery – Soul Purpose Ministries, 801 S. Springfield, Green Forest, 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Potluck meal followed by 12-step Christcentered meetings for those suffering from addiction, habit, hang-up or hurt.

• No high school diploma? Take free GED classes in the Carnegie Library Annex every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9 a.m. - noon with study and tutoring for the GED test. Open to ages 18 and up. GED classes also in Berryville at Carroll County Center.

Some open to ages 16 and 17 per educational requirements. For info: Nancy Wood (479) 981-0482, Carnegie Library (479) 253-8754, Carroll County Center (870) 423-4455). Offered by North Arkansas College with Carnegie Library support.

• Coffee Break Al-Anon Family Group Women – Tuesdays, 9:45 a.m., Faith Christian Family Church, Hwy. 23S, (479) 363- 9495.

Meetings at Coffee Pot Club behind Land O’ Nod Inn: • Alateen – Sundays, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Email alateen1st@gmx.com or phone (479) 981-9977 • Overeaters Anonymous – Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.

Barbara (479) 244-0070 • Narcotics Anonymous – Fridays, 5:30 p.m. (903) 278-5568 • Al-Anon Family Group (AFG) – Sundays, 11:30 a.m., Mondays and Tuesdays 7 p.m.

• Eureka Springs Coffee Pot AA Groups Monday – Saturday 12:30 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.; Sunday – Thursday, Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 8 p.m. (479) 253-7956 • AlAnon Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. All other meetings: See www.nwarkaa.org 10 |

INDEPENDENTConstablesOnPatrol November 24 8:58 a.m. – One vehicle backed into another just north of downtown.

1:05 p.m. – Constable on patrol responded to location of a 911 hangup call, and found everything okay.

4:33 p.m. – Apartment manager asked for a welfare check on a renter who recently underwent medical care. Constable found the person doing well at the moment.

7:43 p.m. – Constable went to the scene of reportedly loud music but did not hear any music at all. He told complainants to call again if there were a problem.

November 25 1:20 p.m. – Concerned observer reported a truck stuck on the streets near ESH. Constable searched the area but never encountered a stuck truck.

3:13 p.m. – Constable stopped a vehicle that had been reportedly all over the roadway. Turns out the driver was lost and needed directions.

November 26 12:33 a.m. – A mother told ESPD her daughter had been receiving harassing phone calls and texts.

Constable took down the information.

2:16 p.m. – A brother filed a report his brother for hitting him at a motel the previous evening.

5:20 p.m. – Constable went to the location of a vehicle parked in a restricted area, and got the owner to move the vehicle.

November 27 12:03 a.m. – Traffic stop resulted in the arrest of the driver for DWI, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving left of center.

November 28 1:13 a.m. – Constables responded to report of a fight in a neighborhood and arrested an individual for third degree domestic assault.

7:51 a.m. – Driver was reportedly speeding and passing others recklessly on his way to town from the north. Constable encountered the vehicle in town, but the driver was behaving nicely, so there was no reason to stop him.

9:33 a.m. – Lumber truck hauling sheetrock was losing its load as it headed into town from the west.

Constable encountered it in a parking lot where the driver had pulled over to re-secure his load.

3:20 p.m. – Observer told ESPD the front door of the library was unlocked but no one was inside. Constable called an employee who came to lock the door.

3:52 p.m. – Alarm company reported a panic alarm had been triggered at a residence. Constable responded and discovered the alarm had been set off accidentally.

November 29 6:35 a.m. – Individual was going from door to door at a condominium complex trying to get into the rooms.

Constable learned the person was trying to find his room. Constable arrested him on a warrant for failure to pay for driving on a suspended license.

9:30 a.m. – Someone complained a motorcycle rider was being reckless on US 62 west of town. Constables

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never saw the bike in town.

2:08 p.m. – Motel manager reported someone stole a television from a room.

November 30 7:21 p.m. – Hotel staff reported a person suspiciously looking into a vehicle with a flashlight and causing the car alarm to go off. The person at the vehicle called ESPD to say he was trying to fix the vehicle and passersby were pestering him and warning they would call the cops. Constable arrived to remove all suspicion.

7:41 p.m. – Friend of a bedridden individual said his invalid friend had heard what sounded like an explosion in his kitchen. Constables responded and determined the noise had occurred when an object fell off the kitchen counter.

9:34 p.m. – Very concerned person reported her coworker had not shown up for work and his car was outside his home but there was no answer at the door.

Constables went to the scene and eventually made contact with the son who called his father. The father said he was on his way home.

December 1 5:39 a.m. – Motorcyclist crashed on his way into town.

He was taken to ESH with minor injuries. Then he was arrested for DWI #3, driving on a suspended license and careless and prohibited driving.

Days of Christmas Past Annual Tour of Homes is an old fashioned treat

Tour ten homes from the late 1800s to the fabulous 1950s and beyond when the Eureka Springs Preservation Society hosts the 32nd Eureka Springs Christmas Tour of Homes Saturday, Dec. 6, from 3 – 8 p.m.

Included is The Rosalie, “The Prettiest & Fanciest Home On The Boulevard.” Built in the 1880s, this was the first brick home in Eureka Springs. You’ll see homes spanning architectural eras from Victorian to classic 1900 four square, two that had brief lives as restaurants in the 1930s and ‘80s, and a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Usonian from the fabulous ‘50s. It’s a trip through time held together by the tradition of Christmas!

Each guest will receive an official Tour Guidebook at ticket pickup. The address of each site is included in the Guidebook and clearly marked on a map. Start at any home and tour at your own pace, but allow two to three hours to enjoy the experience. Restrooms are available at St. James Episcopal Church, along with refreshments and entertainment.

Advance tickets are $15 at the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce, $20 on tour day. Children under 12, free. See eurekaspringspreservationsociety. org or phone (479) 253-8737.

A Christmas Carol at Main Stage Main Stage is the setting for a fully costumed, staged reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, adapted and directed by Keith Scales, on Dec. 18, 19, 20, and 21 at 6 p.m. (extra 1 p.m. matinee on Dec. 21).

This event marks the official opening of the 125-seat black box theatre/exhibition hall at Main Stage Creative Community Center. All proceeds go to the Main Stage 2015 operating fund. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

Christmas Bazaar Dec. 12 – vendors welcome

INDEPENDENT Art & Entertainment Casablanca Dec. 7

Catch Casablanca Sunday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m. at The Aud. The iconic 1942 classic movie features Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid

Bergman and Paul Henreid. Tickets are $3 adults, children up to 16 free. Sponsored

by Nibbles Eatery.

Christmas bells ring in the season

Vendors are welcome to show and sell at a Christmas Bazaar Friday, Dec. 12, at Peachtree Village in Holiday Island from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. There is no cost for a space, but bring a table if possible.

The bazaar is open to the public as well as Peachtree residents who will be doing their gift shopping at the bazaar. All art, crafts and gift items are welcome.

Call April or Faith at (479) 253-9933 by Dec. 9 to reserve a spot.

The College of the Ozarks Handbell Choir will perform Saturday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m., as part of the Woodward Memorial Concert Series presented by Holiday Island Community Church, 188 Stateline Dr. The bell choir placed first in the Missouri Handbell Competition for three years, and has performed for the Missouri Music Teachers Convention and the 5-state Handbell Festival.

Come and enjoy selections from The Nutcracker, Boar’s Head Carol and arrangements from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra – along with a special combined handbell choir performance from Holiday Island Community Church and College of the Ozarks.

Admission is free. For details contact Bill Branum (479) 981-0153 or Jim Swiggart (479) 981-2659.

Tiny canvases make big impressions

De”Lux” Show

Calling artists, makers and sellers

Local artist Diana Harvey’s little pictures are growing big in the world of miniature painting. Diana’s oil painting, A Taste for Apricots, was honored with a third place prize at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art in Tarpon Springs, Fla., during its 40th Annual International Miniature Art Show. The show will hang from Jan. 20 to Feb. 15 and will be posted on the Miniature Art Society of Florida’s website.

Farther north, Diana’s painting, Spectacle, was awarded second place at the MonDak Heritage Center’s annual, national Miniature Show in Montana.

The show will be up until Jan. 23 and can be seen on MonDak’s Facebook page.

Lux Weaving Studio hosts its annual Christmas Show on two Saturdays – Dec. 6, from 4 – 8 p.m. and Dec. 13 from 4 – 6 p.m. at 18 White St. The show features fiber art and jewelry by Eleanor Lux and woodworking by Doug Stowe.

Refreshments will be served. Admission free.

A little closer to home, a nice selection of Diana’s small paintings may also be seen at Eureka Fine Art Gallery at Spring and Pine, and at Allison Art Company on Spring St.

Holidays gone to the dogs Eureka Thyme celebrates the holidays at the Second Saturday Gallery Stroll on Dec. 13 with Gone to the Dogs, paintings by Betty Johnson. Betty is known for her dog portraits, in particular her series called Old Masters Gone to the Dogs, including Bona Lisa and Gogh Spot Go. Guests are invited to bring well-behaved dogs along to enjoy the show. There’ll be treats for canines and humans. Come meet Betty in the gallery from 1 to 4 p.m. at 19 Spring Street.

Happy Musical Holidays!

The hills of Eureka Springs are alive with music this season Saturday, Dec. 6 John Two-Hawks Annual Christmas Concert Always a special treat, this concert features Grammy-nominated Native American musician John Two-Hawks and his guests, the Washington Jr. High Youth Choir from Bentonville, Ark., and Emma Anne and Ray Ulibarri, principal dancers with Melonlight Dance Studio.

This fantastic Christmas concert will move your spirit and warm your

heart. Two-Hawks’ Native American flute music has been recognized around the globe. His haunting sound track for Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and multiple recordings, including two Christmas albums, are available.

Concert begins at 7 p.m. in the city auditorium. Tickets are $15 in advance at www.johntwohawks.com or $20 at the door. Children 15 and under admitted free. Group Rates Available (10+) (479) 253-5826.

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INDEPENDENTLens Hail to the Chiefs (and farewell) – City Department heads gathered last week to say goodbye to Fire Chief Rhys Williams, who retired last week. Among them is Police Chief Earl Hyatt, who retires next week. All lined out and grinning are Mayor Morris Pate, Lonnie Clark (Finance), Ken Smith (Transportation), Butch Berry (Mayor-Elect), Hyatt, Williams, Bobby Ray (Building Inspector) and Billy Summers (Interim Fire Chief ). In back are Mike Maloney (CAPC) and Bruce Levine (Parks).

Photo submitted

It’s Woody! – A pileated woodpecker pecks its lunch from a sycamore tree at a campground near Parker Flats on the White River.

“Woody” allowed the photographer to approach within 20 feet or so, which is unusual. Normally they’re much more shy. Must’ve been good grub. Photo by David Dempsey Axe-dental awards – Before his retirement, Fire Chief Rhys Williams presented annual Eureka Springs Fire & EMS awards during the department’s Christmas banquet. Recipients, from left, are Vance Marvin, Volunteer of the Year; Ken Smith, EMT of the Year; Billy Summers, Paramedic of the Year; and Josh Beyler, Firefighter of the Year. Winners were nominated for efforts promoting the fire department, providing excellent patient care, putting forth extra effort on the behalf of the public and for attendance and training. Photo submitted Teens and rice – Although the Scouts’ recent food drive was a success, Eureka Springs Boy Scout Troop 67 heard it didn’t bring in a lot of rice. They wanted to make sure plenty of rice would be available, so, after the troop completed a service project for their sponsor, First United Methodist Church, and were given a generous donation from the Nikolai family for their work … they converted the donation into 250 pounds of rice for Flint Street Food Bank! From left are Steven Rivers, Tyler Walker, Garrett Bryant, Pat Kasner of Flint Street, Camden Boardman, Justin Ermert and Kayden Eckman. Photo submitted

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Find more pics of Eureka Springs’ busy week on our Facebook page!

INDEPENDENTLens

Jim the GEM – Superman finally gave up his secret identity. Jim Frederick appears to be telling a whopper fish story at the Community Thanksgiving potluck at the church on Elk St. Photo by Becky Gillette

Giving thanks – The community gathered for Thanksgiving feasts in public and private places all around town this year. Above, guests enjoy a potluck feast at Fire Om Earth. Photo submitted World music – The house was full at the church at 17 Elk St for a World Through Music concert Nov. 30 with Tulsa musicians (from left) Martina Gialesan, Joshua Mossad and Dylan Aycock. Mossad, a third generation classically trained tabla and percussion professional, was joined by Martina and Dylan on Indian stringed instruments.

Photo by Becky Gillette

Looking toward 2015 – Mary Lou Martin, from left, Shirley Jetzke, Grace Wilson and Nancy Werbitzky were installed as new officers of the Eureka Springs Hospital Guild during the guild Christmas luncheon Dec. 2 at the Inn of the Ozarks.

Photo by David Dempsey

Living Landscapes – The Holiday Island Photo Guild hosted Edward Robison at its recent Holiday Party and got a demonstration of some of the inventions he created for his photography. Here he shows how the pictures in his book, Ozarks Landscapes: An Augmented Reality Project, interact with iPhones and iPads.

Photo by Jay Vrecenak

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You won’t need NORAD until Christmas Eve if you’re planning to track St. Nick, because he’ll be right here in town until just before the big day!

And, if you see him, you have a chance to win a prize.

Just spot Santa at any of the locations listed below and have your picture snapped with him (or take a Santa selfie!). Upload it to the Eureka Springs Downtown Network page on Facebook

Where’s Santa?

using the hashtag #EurekaSanta to enter the contest. You could receive a fun gift pack that will be sent to winners. The more times you enter, the more chances to win!

Dec. 4: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Brighton Ridge Dec. 5: 6 p.m. Santa’s in the Parade Dec. 6: 1 – 3 p.m. Basin Park, and 7 – 9 p.m.

John Two Hawks Concert, auditorium Dec. 7: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Crescent Hotel

Brunch with Santa Dec. 8: To be announced Dec. 9: 2 – 4 p.m. Amish Collection Dec. 10: 2 – 4 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Dec. 11: 12 – 2 p.m. Funnel Cake Factory Dec. 12: 6 – 8 p.m. Fine Art of Romance Dec. 13: 1 – 3 p.m. Basin Park, and 3 – 5 p.m.

Eureka Thyme Dec. 14: 2 – 4 p.m. The Jewelry Show

DEPARTURE Patrick Gerald Pike June 6, 1954 – Nov. 28, 2014 Patrick Gerald Pike, of Berryville, Ark., was born June 6, 1954 in Little Rock, Ark., a son of Ralph Morgan Pike and Shirley Jean (Rounsavall) Pike. He departed this life Friday, November 28, 2014 in Fayetteville, at age 60. Patrick was of the Baptist faith.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and worked as a security guard with Villines Armed Security Company. On June

29, 1977, Patrick was united in marriage with Pamela J. (Suthrlen) Pike who survives him of the home. He is also survived by seven children, Patrick Pike and wife, Christy, of Jonesboro, Ark., Mike Pike and wife, Jessica, of Berryville, Charles Pike of Berryville, Cassie and husband, Michael Collins, of Bergman, Arkansas, Alexis Pike of Berryville, Arkansas, Stacy Pike of Forest City, Arkansas, and Chad Pike of Wynne,

Ark; three brothers, Terry Pike and wife, Daphne, of Palestine, Ark., Eugene Pike of Eureka Springs, Ark., and Mike Pike of Nashville, Tenn.; two sisters, Theresa Cooper of Eureka Springs and Dee Dee Pike Dreyer of Hot Springs, Ark.; his mother, Shirley Jones of Eureka Springs; his father, Ralph Morgan Pike of California; eight grandchildren, Austin Pike, Michael Alex Pike, Akaysha Collins, Zyden Collins, Christian Pike, Ryan McElroy, Alanna McElroy, Landon McElroy and two more on the way. He is also survived by a host of other family,

friends, and loved ones.

Patrick was preceded in death by father-in-law, Ernest Suthrlen and nephew, C.J. Costner.

Memorial service will be from 12 noon until 3p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the New Day Church in Eureka Springs.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service.

Memorial donations may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com

FLUORIDE DELAYED continued from page 1

to voters in my district, and I’m with them on the fluoride issue,” King said. “Fluoride opponents across the state need to look at the new members of the public health committee and start trying to reach out to them.”

King voted against the fluoride mandate in 2011, and stated some fellow legislators who didn’t have a problem with fluoride still were not comfortable with a state mandate.

Rep. Bob Ballinger also sent word that he continues to oppose the fluoride mandate.

“My position on the issue has always been that the state has no business making healthcare decision for individuals,” said Ballinger. “It is up to the individual if an individual wants to drink fluoride.

Each water district should make its own decisions.”

Ballinger said he supports appealing the mandate even though the water districts would have to pay back the grant funds from Delta Dental if districts fail to fluoridate for 10 years.

“Repealing the mandate and allowing the water districts to make the decision is important even if not for now, then ten years from now,” Ballinger said. “Maybe if

local districts are concerned enough about fluoride, they will stop it even if they have to repay the grant.”

Ballinger also supports the WAA bill. “To allow the public to know what chemicals are in their drinking water and where they come from is highly appropriate,” he said.

Class action lawsuit against the state?

Local fluoride opponents are also discussing legal actions to stop the practice.

Carol Brown, a local healthcare practitioner and massage therapist, advocates a class action lawsuit against the state for people harmed by fluoride including those with thyroid problems, kidney disease and bladder disease. The lawsuit could also include pregnant women concerned about the impact of the neurotoxins in fluoridation chemicals harming their baby, nursing mothers and young parents who will have to purchase filters to prevent children from being over-fluoridated leading to dental fluorosis and a decrease in IQ. “Perhaps we can send a bill to the state health department for the cost of the water filters?” Brown suggests.

Brown said she is sick of having to fight this as she has invested a lot of time and energy into it in the past 25 years –

along with other local residents, Holly Winger, Pat Costner, Barbara Harmony, Darlene and Richard Schrum and others.

Brown started working on this in 1988 getting high school students to help with a fluoridation education campaign that culminated in Eureka Springs voters rejecting fluoridation. In 2000 when she went up against a dental representative from Little Rock at a meeting in Berryville on fluoridation, she asked, “How much fluoridated water needs to pass over our teeth each day to do the job satisfactorily?”

The answer he gave is a pint of water a day. The American Medical Association recommends eight glasses (four pints) a day of drinking water.

“What in the blue blazes is that much fluoride going to do to us?” Brown asked.

“How can you put a drug in our water without knowing how much someone is going to drink, how old they are, how much they weigh and what health problems they have? It’s crazy to think the same dose of medicine is good for everyone.”

Brown has been educating clients for years about the importance of drinking plenty of water, and now has to advise them to get a water purifier that removes fluoride from drinking water.

before the Arkansas legislature several times when the legislature was considering mandatory fluoridation. But in 2011, a statewide mandate to provide fluoridation for all districts with more than 5,000 customers passed after the Delta Dental Foundation agreed to fund the costs of fluoridation equipment.

Citizens group formed A new group, Carroll County Citizens for Safe Drinking Water, met Tuesday night to discuss what can be done to overturn the state mandate and require the state to follow all laws regarding safe drinking water. The group had contacted Arkansas State Sen. Bryan King and Rep. Bob Ballinger to ask what action might be taken in the next legislative session.

King was in Little Rock and unable to attend, but sent word he needs help if he is going to be effective introducing legislation to overturn the fluoride mandate and pass a Water Additives Accountability (WAA) bill. He recommended citizens lobby members of the Senate Public Health Committee. King introduced the WAA bill in 2011, but didn’t get enough votes to pass it out of committee.

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TRAVELBUG

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by Maija Wallace

t Parisian cafés, people don’t sit at indoor tables.

They sit outside in rows of chairs facing the street. This allows them to drink their coffee and watch people. Coffee + people watching = 3.50€.

In comparison, coffee vending machines sell hazelnut espresso (sugar to taste) for just 0.50€. People watching in Paris, I suppose, is worth more than the coffee itself.

What is there to watch?

At night, students crowd around the Seine to drink 2€ wine. People of all ages play petanque by the Parisian canals, and Anglophone pubs regroup lovers of slam poetry.

I live in St. Denis, a northern Parisian suburb that bustles with the sounds of Arabic and obscure African

languages. Outside my metro, Malian women in colorful traditional clothing offer bissap juice and grilled corn. A tri-weekly market sells everything from rugs to Halal meat and fruits from all corners of the globe. I quickly learned never to leave my cell phone in my pocket and that staring too long at an attractive man could get me followed around Paris for over an hour.

At my school, Sciences Po, bilingualism is the norm. Biculturalism is also common, and asking where someone is from can be dangerous. I once set off a 30-minute lecture on how an Iranian met a Hungarian to have a Bolivian-born French speaker raised in South Africa. The US, however, is the only country of origin that is systematically followed by an

insistent, “What part?”

“The South.”

“Which state? Which city?”

It is rare for any other country to receive this same level of questioning. Americans have done a good job showing the world that each of our cities is truly unique: New York City is not the same as New Orleans. As a result, Eureka Springs is spreading its name in France.

Besides my studies, I am also teaching private English lessons and babysitting a 4-year-old. After all my international studies and travels, building sandcastles in English is still my most lucrative skill.

After long hours of study, though, I am glad for my sandcastle breaks.

EATINGOUT in our cool little town

RESTAURANT QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

11. Eureka Live 12. Forest Hill 13. FRESH 14. Grand Taverne 15. Horizon Lakeview Restaurant 16. Island Grill & Sports Bar 17. Island Ice Cream Parlor

16 1718 23 26

10 22

2 15

13

8 4

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7

5

6 19 3 31

HOLIDAY ISLAND

1. Amigos 2. Angler’s Grill 3. Autumn Breeze 4. Bavarian Inn 5. Caribe 6. Casa Colina 7. Chelsea’s 8. Cottage Inn 9. DeVito’s 10. Ermilio’s

20 28

1

27 30 29

21

12

25 14 11

9

24

18. Island Pizza and Pub 19. La Familia 20. Local Flavor Cafe 21. New Delhi 22. Oscar’s Cafe 23. Ozark Kitchen 24. Roadhouse 25. Smiling Brook Cafe 26. 1886 Steakhouse 27. Sparky’s 28. StoneHouse 29. Sweet n Savory 30. Thai House 31. The Coffee Stop

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White elephants don’t forget – nor should you!

Sunday at EUUF

Don’t miss the Holiday Island Fire Department Auxiliary’s Christmas items, furniture, home décor and much more; along annual White Elephant Sale and Bake Sale Saturday, Dec. 6 from with tasty homemade goods in the bake sale. Proceeds benefit the Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Eureka 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Holiday Island Clubhouse. Shop for Holiday Island Fire Department and first responders.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 17 Elk St., Dr. Chuck McNeal will Free practice material for that pesky driving test speak on “Choice: Is Truth the same Carroll and Madison Public Libraries, in partnership of its kind to include accessibility tools that allow users to hear for everyone? Peace on Earth.” The with Driving-Tests.org, a company dedicated to driver selections read aloud, record them in MP3s and translate to program begins at 11 a.m., followed by safety and education, are offering free DMV practice tests to other languages. To access these materials visit your library’s refreshments. Childcare is provided. library patrons. The new service includes free tests, written website via camals.org and click the appropriate link at the No Soup Sunday this month. specifically based on state DMV materials, and is the only site bottom of the page.

TheNATUREofEUREKA

T

by Steven Foster

An atmospheric bubble of irony

he bubble has been broken again. That big bubble of cold air known as the polar vortex, normally sequestered as a spinning mass of super cold winter air in the Arctic region, was disrupted (just like it was last year) by a powerful storm in the northern Pacific. Super typhoon Nuri – the most powerful storm ever recorded in the Bering Sea – passed over Alaska’s Aleutian Islands in early November. No doubt some professional football player’s moral missteps trumped that historic weather event in the American news cycle.

Nuri’s energy punched up into the polar vortex, causing waves or lobes in the normally circular polar vortex, allowing frigid Arctic air to dip down into the Midwestern United States. For those who still believe the Earth is flat and that a deity with a magic wand made humans dismount from their pet dinosaurs 6,000 years ago, creation of a super typhoon which disrupts established Arctic weather patterns is how global warming makes cold air circulate through frozen intellects. This in turn disrupts brain cell receptors from discerning fact from fiction.

The malfunction of one’s natural ability to think rationally results in believing what one hears on Fox News, which in turn causes people to vote against their own interests and survival instincts. Here we have natural selection at work – God’s big plan as transmitted through his disciple, Charles Darwin – to weed out mindless minions through increasingly catastrophic natural disasters. In humans, survival of the fittest extends to brain function. Bad time to buy beachfront property.

Which brings us to snow, sleet and freezing rain, and what differentiates them. Snow is created when a mass of cold, freezing air is uniformly below freezing from the surface to the upper atmosphere. Sleet is formed when the air aloft is like a sandwich. In this case, upper levels of the atmosphere are below freezing and when it snows, the snow passes through an atmospheric layer above freezing, causing the snow to partially melt. It then passes through a relatively shallow layer of below-freezing air at the surface, creating sleet.

Freezing rain forms when rain from warm air aloft reaches below-freezing surfaces at ground level, caused by a shallow layer of cold air at the surface. Expect to see plenty of all three types of frozen precipitation this winter – courtesy of global warming.

EXPLORING the fine art of ROMANCE...

My ex-wife cheated repeatedly and I was totally oblivious.

Now I’m insanely jealous with my fiancée. I snoop and question her constantly. Initially she was supportive, but at this point my jealousy’s about to ruin our relationship.

I’m so afraid of being played the fool again but she really doesn’t deserve this. How can I get a grip?

E

xperiencing occasional jealousy in romantic relationships is natural. When jealousy begins to dictate your behavior, beware. Jealousy is a dangerously destructive beast. Time to tame your beast!

While jealousy is based in fear, it is expressed through anger. It’s fueled by feelings of insecurity and negative core beliefs about one’s self. Acknowledging your jealousy is the first step toward depleting its power. By genuinely owning your jealousy you’ve opened the door to change.

Jealousy obliterates one’s capacity to perceive events at face value. Instead, imagined and untrue scenarios consume your mind and control your behavior. Your fiancée is not your ex. That was then, this is now. Repeat

this to yourself frequently. To manage your jealousy you must refuse to indulge your imagination and stop obsessing over every possible worst case scenario. Remind yourself that your fiancée chose you to love and not some muscledup male specimen you’ve conjured up in your mind.

Healthy relationships are built upon trust, transparency, connection and intimacy. When connection is consistent and transparency is maintained, jealousy dissipates.

Transparency allows safety to prevail between partners.

Instead of analyzing her every move and motive, focus on your behavior and commit to exercising complete transparency and openness.

Monitor your own actions carefully. Misery loves company and game playing can be difficult to resist.

Punishing your partner by flirting with other women in an attempt to even the playing field only demeans you. It fosters contempt and fear and destroys any potential for true intimacy.

Intimacy requires vulnerability. In your case, vulnerability means fessing up. You’ve used jealousy

by Leslie Meeker

and anger to conceal your fear of losing her. Snooping has been your means of escaping the experience of vulnerability inherent in directly asking her for the reassurance you need to feel secure.

Understand that repeated interrogation is straight out bullying. Your fiancée will pull further away emotionally, igniting anew your fears and insecurities. Jealousy sustains a devastating cycle.

Face the beast that burdens you. Once you denounce fear, jealousy can no longer claim you. Only then will love prevail.

Questions?

Email leslie@esindependent.com.

Leslie Meeker, M.A., L.P.C., is a psychotherapist who has specialized in relational and sex therapy, sexual compulsivity and sexual trauma for the past 15 years, after receiving extensive training in human sexuality at the Masters and Johnson Institute in St. Louis, Mo.

www.esINDEPENDENT.com | December 3, 2014 |

ES Independent | 17

ESOTERICAstrology as news for week Dec. 3/4 – 9/10

M

Festivals of Light in the Darkness

any festivals this week – in the darkness of the season humanity creates festivals of Light. This is how ancient humanity withstood winter each year. We are ancient humanity.

Sunday is the 2nd Sunday of Advent – ending midnight, Dec. 24. Advent’s nightly candle ritual brings light to the dark, preparing us for winter solstice’s birth of light.

Advent means “something’s coming.” The feast day of St. Nicholas (the real Santa Claus) is Saturday, Dec. 6.

Monday, Dec. 8 is the Immaculate Conception – a holy day in the Catholic Church commemorating Mary’s (mother of Jesus) high (pure) level of consciousness at birth. Mary, one of the Masters, “mastered” the Earth

ARIES: You’re being called to sing, dance and be merry, to have an adventure, a dream, multiple goals, and to assist others in their creative endeavors (after yours, of course). Philosophical and religious thoughts catch your attention along with things in the distance and from the distant future. Everything about you is intelligent.

Display it humbly.

TAURUS: You understand how to work with other people’s money, creating financially lucrative partnerships. You’re aware the future is about frugality, thrift and great resourcefulness. There are people waiting to help you conserve. Tend to health so you can maintain the focus and strength bringing in valuable assets, capital and funds for new culture and civilization.

You maintain your values.

GEMINI: Are you planning long distance travel that temporarily changes your focus and way of life? Are you attempting simultaneously to have right relations with intimates, partners and close friends? Are you modeling cooperation and skillful discrimination? Is the idea of group and community appealing? If yes to everything, you’re on track. Thumbs up.

CANCER: More and more your health and

18 |

by Risa

plane school. Also on Dec. 8, 1941 (Japanese time) WWII was declared (the U.S. entered the war) after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.

Dec. 10 is Human Rights Day, an honoring of equality, bringing light to the darkness created by ignorance. It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We thank Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor had Sag rising, Libra Sun, Mercury and North Node. Sag is the sign of justice. Libra, the sign of equality. Eleanor represented both.

We’re in Sagittarius now, sign of food, music, the photographer, adventurer, philosopher, chef,

well-being are your daily focus affecting directly all relationships, close alliances, partners, daily tasks and responsibilities.

Be very aware of all environments. Where there are needs offer assistance.

Where inefficiency, or lack of understanding, exist offer organization and competence.

You may not be recognized for your gifts and skills. But we see them.

LEO: The new culture and civilization works directly with Leo/Aquarius energies. Leo realizes all gifts and abilities of self must first be recognized and praised before they are offered to the world. Leo’s gifts serve and uplift humanity. Before Leo can give of self, they must know themselves through their creative endeavors. What are your creative endeavors? How do you express them? As you come to know and offer your gifts to humanity, more emerge. You’re surprised!

VIRGO: It’s important you maintain a constancy in all daily work endeavors, with money, financial resources and assets, in planning the future, what you want to achieve and even in hosting people in your

ES Independent | December 3, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

rider on the white horse. Sag’s eyes, always on the Capricorn mountaintop, seek the arrows of intuition scattered everywhere. Sagittarius holds high and noble aspirations. Esoterically it is the aspiration of the Soul to return to the Father (Capricorn’s mountaintop), our source and origins, riding toward the Path of Return.

Thus Sag, energetically, is a beam of focused light revealing the Greater Light ahead. Jupiter rules Sag. The Tibetan writes, “Jupiter brings together and binds in friendliness.” Thus, in the season of giving (through Jan. 6, Feast of the Three Kings), let us be generous with our light, our money, resources, gifts, love, friendship, goodness and wisdom.

home or having a dinner party. As you tend to order and orderliness, keep thoughts and emotions on a stable course. Work slowly and carefully. Recite mantrams (Ohm).

Call in harmony.

LIBRA: There may be interactions with friends, family, siblings and relatives concerning food, money, education, travel and visits. It’s important to be current with family interactions as well as affairs of the heart. Contact with family will deepen a love within that’s often hidden, latent, buried, concealed and unacknowledged. The suppression of love and acceptance underlies most of the sadness and confusion in the world. Don’t add to it.

SCORPIO: You have important and valuable ideas concerning money in the future including the use of barter. This is not a new concept, however it’s original to most of humanity today. Think about the services you offer humanity and what you can barter. Think about what you can create that would be part of a bartering system.

The breakdowns occurring today provide opportunities that safeguard the new ways of the future. Your depth of mental focus can bring these forth.

SAGITTARIUS: Be prepared for changes in your belief system, ways of seeing things, your point of view, how you see yourself, what “getting ahead” means and your state of self confidence.

Home is both a place of joy and wounding where there’s both confusion and healing.

Allow these paradoxes to remain where they are. Like roommates, they disappear eventually leaving you more detached and humanitarian.

CAPRICORN: While a part of you must be out and about in the world, another part of you needs to stay behind veils

focusing on personal creative endeavors.

These are what truly define you. There’s an opportunity to design and bring forth art forms creating beauty, balance and symmetry. There’s always a bit of the unusual in your work. This is what magnetizes others to you. Being alone is healing. It too balances, soothes, and inner symmetry emerges. Continue with your art.

AQUARIUS: You will interact with friends and community acquaintances more than usual. Notice talk centering on travel, distant places, ideas, desires and aspirations. Listen carefully. People speaking their dreams. Observe how you can assist them in accomplishing their dreams. Tell others your dreams, too. Act in ways that arouse kindness, giving and random acts or Goodwill. Tend to friends, to health and promises.

PISCES: Due to Chiron in Pisces, there are possibilities of wounding and inflammation. Turmeric and chlorella help ease inflammation. Most Pisceans find themselves more in the world. This can be unpleasant for the fish (who hides behind ferns) if noticed too much. Pisces needs new goals, organizing daily rhythms.

And not be caught in other’s suffering. To concentrate instead on their own hopes, dreams and wishes. All hopes, wishes and dreams come true. Eventually.

Risa – writer, founder & director... Esoteric & Astrological Studies & Research Institute, a contemporary Wisdom School studying the Ageless Wisdom teachings.

The foundations of the Teachings are the study & application of Astrology & the Seven Rays. Email: risagoodwill@gmail. com Web journal: www.nightlightnews. com Facebook: Risa’s Esoteric Astrology for daily messages. Astrological, esoteric, religious, news, history, geography, art, literature & cultural journalism.

HI Blood Drive Dec. 8

Purple Flower blooms Dec. 6

Medical emergencies and treatments don’t take a break for the holidays. Please consider donating blood during the Holiday Island Community Blood Drive on Monday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge #1042, 4 Park Cliff Drive in the Holiday Island Shopping Center. Help make a difference during this holiday season by donating blood, and receive a free cholesterol screening!

An open house for The Purple Flower Domestic Violence Resource and Support Center of Carroll County will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, following the Berryville Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m.

Hot beverages will be served next door to the Center at 7 N. Springfield St., Berryville (across from Hanby Lumber). The Purple Flower is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information phone (479) 981-0758 or email thepurpleflowerofcc@gmail. com.

Sycamore©

– Chapter 11, cont.

Sycamore, written by Constance Wagner and published in 1950 by Alfred A. Knopf, is the story of a sophisticated New York girl who marries a boy from Arkansas. The Wagners and their daughter lived in Eureka Springs while the novel was written. In addition to five novels, Constance Wagner wrote numerous articles and stories published in The New Yorker, Atlantic Monthly and Collier’s.

F

loyd’s voice chirped out: “Ah – nobody could dance to that!”

“Bourrée. It is a dance,” Jane said, and went on playing tenaciously, as if it were something fatally ordained for her to accomplish. Tracy had returned and was sitting beside her again, with a highball in either hand, and Walter had crossed the room and was leaning against the piano, his eyes fixed on Jane’s face bowed over the keyboard. She seemed unaware of him, but her fingers, fumbling for the right note, betrayed her.

“Darling,” he said kindly, as if to a child. “You know, they won’t appreciate that.”

He turned away, and Jane let both hands drop in her lap and sat looking down at the mute keys. Tracy’s voice reached Roger – an intense undertone, Tracy leaning forward, her shoulder against Jane’s, her face close: “– shouldn’t give in, honey. I know. Don’t let ‘em think they can own you –” Jane took one of the glasses from Tracy’s hand. “It’s all right,” she said. “I

didn’t want to play anyway.”

Across the room, Mrs. Williams, primed by three highballs, was saying loudly: “Not that I want to sound boastful, yun’stand, but I do think I deserve credit for putting Syc’more on the map –” Agnes Knowles’s whole body seemed to contract toward a tight center, and her eyes, from under their folds, fixed and slew the happy smile of Gladys Williams. “Sycamore,” she said distinctly, and she stood up as if better to brush off Mrs. Williams – “Sycamore has been on the map since 1870. My grandfather, Major Curtis Perry, was the first mayor.”

(And a great old pirate he was, Roger said to himself. Through the open door of the study, the sword could be seen, brightly burnished, suspended against the wall on its blue cord – a material witness to the skillful chicanery, if not to the courage, of dead Curtis Perry.)

Jane was sitting on the low divan between Walter and Tracy. “A white squirrel,” she was saying desolately.

“Such a lovely spotted white squirrel, in the woods behind the house. But they must have frightened him away, with the pounding and hammering, or someone may have shot him –” Walter put his arm across her shoulders, protective, and Agnes’s eyes were upon them. Roger felt suddenly dejected.

Doctor Totten came across the room and gently unwrapped Jane’s fingers from the glass she was just lifting off the low table in front of her. He managed to glare at her with absurd pomposity.

“Young lady,” he said, “I order this party broken up, and you to bed for ten hours’ rest. I diagnose you dead on your feet.”

“I’m not on my feet,” Jane argued weakly. “But I am dead.”

They began leaving at once. Good old Greg, Roger thought gratefully. He turned to wave, as he and Agnes went across the drive to where the cars were waiting, and saw Jane and Walter, with the lighted room behind them, standing in the doorway with their arms linked, and he had the strange notion that, if

NOTES from the HOLLOW

I

’ve heard that a domesticated turkey will stare at the sky with its mouth open in a heavy rain and drown. I worked as a farmhand on a turkey farm in my youth and never saw this happen, but wouldn’t rule it out. I had the impression that the turkeys weren’t so much stupid as just being slow thinkers. I couldn’t help but identify with them at times.

To be honest, I was a mediocre farmhand. Monotonous physical labor gave me time to think, which I liked, but I’d become so engrossed in the personalities of my charges that my work would slow. Or a soft, spring breeze might distract me, or the beauty of the

bucolic Ozarkian landscape.

Of course, most of my dealings with turkeys were inside long metal buildings.

However, on occasion, they were herded from one structure to another.

I remember one particular day with a biting subzero wind chill that the turkeys had to be moved. When they stepped out of their warm home and the first blast of cold air hit them, their inclination was to immediately settle down onto the ground despite the humans yelling and flapping their arms behind them.

In Army basic training, a drill sergeant accused me of thinking too much, an activity better left to higher

only they could lock the door now, against CONSTANCE Sycamore, they WAGNER would be safe.

From the night around him, the thin, high voice of Tracy called: “Night, darlin’.

Everything was wonderful!” And the colonel’s rotund tones, blurred: “Gaw blesh you, children –” Agnes was climbing into the car.

“You take the station wagon home,” she said, a little too briskly.

Roger hung onto the door, as if he did not want to be alone, even for the short drive. “Nice, wasn’t it?” he appealed to her. “The liquor, of course – not the wisest thing, perhaps –” Now why should that make him feel a little like Judas? A necessary concession to Agnes, nothing more…

“Jane,” she said, “is very headstrong.

It will all take time.” She pulled the door shut and started the motor, and he could see her face, resolute, in the dim light from the dashboard.

by Steve Weems

pay grades, and I saw the point. In combat, if you stop and slowly and thoughtfully consider your predicament, the odds increase you’ll get yourself or someone else killed. That is a time for your training to kick in, a time for that obedience to the experienced sergeant directing your actions.

As it is with herding turkeys in a bone-numbing wind. The obedient turkeys made it to the next warm building and lived. The turkeys who ignored the frantic humans and settled down to conserve body heat while they slowly and thoughtfully considered their predicament, froze to death by

the dozens.

It has been 30 years since that day at the turkey farm and I’m still trying to determine the inherent risks of being a slow but independent thinker.

www.esINDEPENDENT.com | December 3, 2014 |

ES Independent | 19

INDYSoul

by Reillot Weston

Chucky Waggs appearing at Chelsea’s on Sunday.

Wed., Dec. 3 • 9:30 P.M. – CANDY LEE Fri., Dec. 5 • 9:30 P.M. – MARK SHIELDS & GOOD COMPANY Sat., Dec. 6 • 9:30 P.M. – MATT SMITH & OCIE FISCHER Sun., Dec. 7 • 7:30 P.M. – CHUCKY WAGGS Mon., Dec. 8 • 9:30 P.M. – SPRINGBILLY Tues., Dec. 9 • 9:30 P.M. – OPEN MIC Wed., Dec. 10 • 9:30 P.M. – BRIAN MARTIN

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ES Independent | December 3, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

Gypsy Pilot Show at Cathouse, Hot blues at Chelsea’s, and a Parade of Lights downtown

D

ecember is rocking month in Eureka Springs! Holiday parties, traditional events, a parade, and masquerade dance parties are some of the exciting events happening this weekend.

John 2 Hawks, Grammy-winning flutist, plays THE AUD Saturday, Matt THURSDAY, DEC. 4

CRESCENT HOTEL – 48th Silver Tea, 2 p.m.

GRAND TAVERNE – Jerry Yester, Grand piano dinner music 6:30 p.m.

EUREKA LIVE! – Country Western Jukebox, 8 p.m.

LEGENDS SALOON – StarSeed, Rock ‘n Roll, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 5 BALCONY RESTAURANT – Hogscalders, Bluegrass, 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.

CATHOUSE LOUNGE – Matt Reeves & Gypsy Pilot Show, 8 p.m.

CHELSEA’S – Mark Shields and Good Company, Rock ‘n Roll, 9:30 p.m.

EUREKA LIVE! – DJ and Dancing, 9 p.m.

GRAND TAVERNE – Arkansas Red, Amplified Acoustic Guitar Dinner Music, 6:30- 9:30 p.m.

LEGENDS SALOON – DJ and Karaoke with Kara, 8 p.m.

NEW DELHI – Brennan Crim of Medicine Man Show, Americana, 6 – 10 p.m., Masquerade Dance Party, Wear a Mask, 10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

ROWDY BEAVER – Karaoke with Tiny, 7:30 p.m.

ROWDY BEAVER DEN – DJ Goose Karaoke, 8 p.m.

THE STONE HOUSE – Jerry Yester, Artist’s Choices SATURDAY, DEC. 6 THE AUD – John 2 Hawks, Native American flutist, 7 p.m.

CATHOUSE LOUNGE – Matt Reeves and Gypsy Pilot Show, 8 p.m.

Reeves and Gypsy Pilot Show fly in The Cathouse Friday and Saturday, and Chucky Waggs brings his Americana flavor to Chelsea’s Sunday night. Our Christmas Parade of Lights winds throughout downtown Friday evening at 6 p.m.

CHELSEA’S – Matt Smith and Ocie Fisher, Blues, 9:30 p.m.

EUREKA LIVE! – DJ & Dancing, 9 p.m.

GRAND TAVERNE – Jerry Yester, Grand Piano Dinner Music, 6:30- 9:30 p.m.

LEGENDS SALOON – Jeff Horton Band, Smokin’ Blues, 9 p.m.

NEW DELHI – Pete and Dave, Singers/Songwriters, 6 – 10 p.m., Masquerade Dance Party, Wear a Mask, 10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

ROWDY BEAVER – Hellbenders Trio, Bluegrass, 7:30 p.m.

ROWDY BEAVER DEN – Matt Reeves, Rock N Roll, 12 p.m.- 4 p.m., Arkansas Bootleg, Bluegrass, 8 p.m.

STONEHOUSE – Handmade Moments, Jazz, 7 – 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 7 CHELSEA’S – Chucky Waggs, Americana, 7:30 p.m.

EUREKA LIVE – DJ, Dancing, and Karaoke, 7-11 p.m.

OZARK MOUNTAIN TAPROOM – Service Industry Sunday, 2-9 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 8 BALCONY RESTAURANT – Jeff Lee, Classic Rock, 5 p.m.

CHELSEA’S – Sprungbilly, Bluegrass, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 9 CHELSEA’S – Open Mic LEGENDS – Jam Night WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10 CHELSEA’S – Brian Americana, 9:30 p.m.

Martin,

DROPPINGA Line

F

ourteen year-old Dalton showing two bass he got by dropping live shiners down 30 – 40 ft. deep on Beaver Lake Friday. If you look close you can see the difference between the

by Robert Johnson

spotted bass and the largemouth. Also, from the side, the jawbone (with mouth closed) on a largemouth will come well past the eye and on a spot it will just come close to the back of eye.

Well, the water temp on Beaver this week was about 51° and the same here at Holiday Island. Most all fish and bait at both lakes are holding in water 18 – 40 ft. and also moving into the flats and the back of the creeks early and late in the day with calm winds.

The forecast calls for more nice

days than cold days for December, so I believe water temp should stay good for feeding through the month.

Well, that’s it for this week. Watch the weather and if see a day that looks good, then get out and enjoy. The eagles are here. On my last four outings on both lakes we have seen some.

Stay warm.

INDEPENDENT Crossword

by Bill Westerman

SIERRA CLUB continued from page 2

is four times more power than needed locally. Stowe said maps published by the Southwest Power Pool show additional extra high voltage power lines crisscrossing the state and leading from the terminus of the one planned to do severe damage to the Ozarks.

“There are better ways to address climate change than huge transmission lines whose drawbacks include the overall industrialization of the Arkansas landscape, damage to endangered species and the use of herbicides to control vegetation,” Stowe said. “And the fact is, transmission lines keep control of our energy future in the hands of corporate partners like AEP, the largest corporate producer of greenhouse gases in the U.S.” While APSC has rejected Clean Line’s project, the company is hoping get a federal override of the state in order force construction of the line. Hooks said the national Sierra Club, as well as state chapters in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Tennessee, have all endorsed the Clean Line project after years of study.

“It fits within our goals of getting more clean energy onto the grid as a way of displacing dirty coal-fired power plants,” Hooks said. “I also want to let you know that our endorsement of the project is contingent upon the Environmental Impact Statement and final route being environmentally

sensitive and responsible.”

Disappointment expressed Costner said it is disgraceful that the Sierra Club shows so little regard for the people who will have to live with this transmission line, particularly landowners who will be forced to sell land and be confronted by the massive towers and clear-cut rights-of-way.

“These people will lose control of their own land as well as their privacy,” she said. “They will be left to worry about the effects of the line’s electromagnetic fields on their health and the health of their families, pets and domestic animals and about pollution of their wells, ponds and streams by the herbicides used for rightof-way maintenance. Many Arkansans have lived on their land for years, if not generations, trusting that their families would have a certain quality of life. With the transmission line, that quality of life will be gone forever.”

Allen’s article said there is no credible evidence of human health impacts by the electromagnetic fields of transmission lines.

“EMFs do have biological effects,” Costner said. “There can be no argument about that. Even the EPA cautions about high-voltage transmission lines. The World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies EMFs as a possible human carcinogen – the same classification as dioxin, DDT, and lead.”

ACROSS 1. Chest 7. Heartbeat 12. Approve a law 13. Antenna 14. Creature 15. Kubla Khan’s home 16. Groom’s response 17. Stair part 19. Auction offer 20. For fear that 22. Sesame plant 23. Alternate 24. Mars moon 26. Determines 27. Slippery fish 28. That girl 29. Contradict 32. Nunnery attire 35. Sob 36. Buddy

37. Has a meal 39. Exist 40. Plaudits 42. Fraternity T 43. Type of acid 45. Chemical salt 47. Accuse 48. Fated 49. Mountain ridge 50. Long step DOWN 1. Hiking path 2. Left- ____ 3. Lazy 4. Lip 5. At a distance 6. Sugar substitute 7. Juicy fruit 8. Footed vase 9. Responsible

www.esINDEPENDENT.com | December 3, 2014 |

Solution on page 23

10. Extreme cruelty 11. Avoids capture 13. Skating maneuver 18. Female sib 21. Traffic jam 23. Spooky 25. NY Opera 26. Miss, coming out 28. Resemble salts 29. Central African country 30. Spookier 31. Scarab 32. Owned 33. Japanese mat 34. Spoke 36. Brownish purple 38. Napped leather 40. High flier 41. Chimney black 44. Lab rodent 46. June bug, e.g.

ES Independent | 21

INDEPENDENTClassifieds The INDEPENDENT Classifieds cost $8 for 20 words, each additional word is 25¢. DEADLINE – Monday at noon To place a classified, email classifieds@esindependent.com or call 479.253.6101

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FLORA ROJA COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE-providing affordable healthcare for the whole community.

Sliding scale fee. $15-$35 per treatment, with an additional $15 paperwork fee the first visit only. You decide what you can afford to pay! Francesca Garcia Giri, L.Ac. (479) 253-4968, 119 Wall Street.

MELONLIGHT YOGA WORKSHOPS Absolute Beginner’s Course Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. All levels explore the finer points of basic yoga.

Downdog Alignment Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Improve your spine through yogic awareness. Have fun, ask questions, be playful, be at Melonlight!

1 Workshop/$40 or Both/$70. Register (720) 278-5672 / movemantra@gmail.com

HUGE SALE! 20% – 50% off women’s clothing and accessories!

Awesome fashions for all ages! Hurry!

Quantities limited. Annie’s Boutique, 61 Spring Street, Eureka.

EUREKA SPRINGS FARMERS’ MARKET starting Dec. 4, every Thursday, 9 a.m. – noon. Vegetables and fruits, cheese, meat, eggs, honey and so much more. Come for the food, music and to be with your friends. Catch us on Facebook.

BREAD ~ LOCAL ~ ORGANIC~ SOURDOUGH – Ivan’s Art Bread @ the Farmers’ Market – Thursday: Whole Grain Rye, Whole Wheat Sourdough rustic style and long breads plus specials like Cinnamon Rolls made with organic maple syrup, Fruit Griddle Muffins and more. Request line (479) 244 7112 – Ivan@loveureka.com WINTER IS APPROACHING, HOW ABOUT A LAUGHING HANDS HOT STONE MASSAGE? Great time to stock up on stocking stuffers with a gift certificate or purchase three one-hour massages for the low price of $120.

Also, selling t-shirts, short sleeve, long sleeve, as a benefit for the 40th Michigan Womyn’s Festival. Call (479) 244-5954.

Annual Christmas Show

at LUX WEAVING STUDIO with ELEANOR LUX and DOUG STOWE! 25% off on gem stone necklaces.

Sat., Dec. 6th • 4 to 8 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 13th • 4 to 6 p.m.

18 White St., Eureka Springs Refreshments More info? (479) 253-9636 22 |

REAL ESTATE

RENTAL PROPERTIES COMMERCIAL FOR SALE APARTMENTS FOR RENT TURNKEY SUCCESSFUL EUREKA RESTAURANT with proven track record. Sale includes real estate, all equipment to operate, and inventory. Owner will finance 50K. Selling price $495K. Serious inquires only (479) 304-8998.

ESTATE SALE

HOMES FOR SALE

GRASSY KNOB ESTATE SALE

BY HILL: December 5 & 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 12 Vista Lane (Mundell Road to Panorama Shores Drive to 12 Vista Lane) – Art, Alvanez guitar, bar stools, patio furniture, grill, smoker, roll-top desk, computer desks, Solid Maple Twin Bedroom set, Queen sofa bed, Coffee table, HO Train and accessories, Swinn Airdyne exercise bike, fishing rods & tackle, hunting, reconditioned boat propeller, table saw, air tank, weed eaters, workmate, wading boots, drill press, chain saw, bench grinder, rugs, art, float tube, tools, misc. kitchen items, linens, king bed, bird feeders, metal storage cabinet, fax, Christmas, MORE!

2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH ON 2 ACRES. Quiet rural area. Some furniture and appliances included. Ample storage. New water heater. (479) 253-2924

VEHICLES FOR SALE

QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD, NOT DOWNTOWN, HOME OFFERS A LOT OF SPACE FOR GROWING OR EXTENDED FAMILY. 2,700 SQ. FT. +/- MAIN LEVEL – 2 bedrooms, bath, office, lg. kitchen with breakfast counter, living room, dining room. LOWER LEVEL offers a workshop with own door, utility room with washer/dryer, 3rd bedroom, 2nd bath, TV area, large rec. area, large storeroom (could be 4th bedroom+). A double outside door leading to a fenced yard with a veritable forest behind. Central heat and air. All appliances convey. Some furniture. EXTERIOR – Brick and aluminum, roof new in 2012 with 25 yr. comp shingles. New septic in 2010. New furnance in 2010. Paved area for 40’ RV with 40a elec. and water. House wired for emergency generator (not included). Large paved off road driveway, single car port.

1987 SUBURBAN 4X4 with 4 in. lift.

Restored. Low miles on new engine/ transmission. New front end. Custom paint. New interior, undercoated. $6,500.

(931) 222-9602.

2005 DODGE CARAVAN SE. 89,000 miles, efficient 4 cylinder, seats 7, one owner. Very good condition. $4,995.

(479) 253-9222

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL FOR SALE RUSTIC CHARM ABOUNDS IN LOG CABIN, close to Berryville Walmart and country club. Features living quarters, small greenhouse, new roof/windows, updated appliances. Perfect for office, salon, shop, dog grooming, bike showroom, you name it. $154,900. Details (870) 847-1934.

ES Independent | December 3, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

HOLIDAY ISLAND VILLAS & TOWNHOUSES near lake and marina.

Peaceful and quiet, ample parking. From $375/mo. (479) 253-4385

COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE RESTAURANT – Holiday Island Shopping Center. Tom Dees (479) 9812203 RETAIL – OFFICE SPACE. Holiday Island Shopping Center. Tom Dees (479) 981-2203

LOOKING FOR HOUSE TO RENT WANTED LONG TERM RENTAL. 3 bedroom, 2 bath house with garage. West Eureka, Beaver, Busch area. References.

(707) 246-6452

ROOMS FOR RENT OFF SEASON RATES now apply.

Monthly or weekly. Call Harlee Country Inn (479) 253-1056 for details.

FOR SALE BY OWNER $134,000 114 Shelton Dr. • 479.253.7253

** PRE APPROVED BUYERS AND APPROVED VA LOAN BUYERS MAY BE GIVEN ADDITIONAL PRICE DISCOUNT. **

SERVICE DIRECTORY GUITAR LESSONS GUITAR LESSONS for Beginners, Intermediates of all Ages. Anyone looking to broaden their musical palette or hone current skills. Call/text Sam, (479) 530-2249.

HOLIDAY HELP NEED HELP WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS? Call Handsome Holiday Heroes.

Professional Christmas light and decor installation. Commercial and residential. (479) 310-0553. www. handsomeholidayheroes.com

MAINTENANCE/ LANDSCAPE/ HOME SERVICES

REALTORS-PROPERTY MGRSLANDLORDS. I specialize in preparation of properties for showing and/or occupancy.

Excellent references. (479) 981-0125.

INDEPENDENTClassifieds SERVICE DIRECTORY MAINTENANCE/ LANDSCAPE/ HOME SERVICES TOM HEARST PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND CARPENTRY Painting & Wood Finishing, Trim & Repair Carpentry, Drywall Repair & Texturing, Pressure Washing (479) 244-7096 FANNING’S TREE SERVICE Bucket truck with 65 ft. reach.

Professional trimming, stump grinding, topping, removal, chipper.

Free estimates. Licensed. Insured.

(870) 423-6780, (870) 423-8305 CHIMNEY WORKS Complete chimney services: sweeps, repairs, relining and installation. Call Bob Messer (479) 253-2284 TREE WORKS Skilled tree care: trimming, deadwooding and removals. Conscientious, professional arborist and sawmiller. Bob Messer (479) 253-2284

CROSSWORDSolution

PURPLE FLOWER continued from page 5

to provide emergency safe spot housing and then transportation to women’s shelters in the surrounding areas. There will be a toll-free number publicized widely for victims of domestic violence to call for help, and more details will be available soon.

The Safety Network has received a grant from the Carroll County Community Foundation. In addition to helping victims of domestic violence, an awareness

Metafizzies meet Dec. 8

SERVICE DIRECTORY

The Dec. 8 meeting of the Eureka Springs Metaphysical Society will be at 7 p.m. in the reading room of the Christian Science Church, 68 Mountain St. Featured will be the combined musical talents of Rebekah Clark and Fred Mayer with a mix of holiday music and sacred chant. All are welcome.

MASSAGE

Ham radio meets Dec. 11, 18

EUREKA SPRINGS DUET MASSAGE – “A Relaxing Couples Experience.” We come to you! Deep tissue.

Swedish, medical/clinical.

Aromatherapy included for December.

25 years combined experience. Please call or text (479) 544-4942.

PETS PETSITTING, HOUSESITTING. Holiday Island and Eureka Springs area. 25+ years experience. Reliable, references, insured. Call Lynn (479) 363-6676

UPHOLSTERY UPHOLSTERY–RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, CUSTOM BUILT. Furniture repair, antiques, boats, caning.

Fabrics & Foam. Free Estimates. No job too small. Call Aaron (479) 363-6583 or abunyar@sbcglobal.net

VEHICLES I BUY AND REMOVE OLDER CARS & TRUCKS. Reasonable prices paid. Also some scrap and parts vehicles. Call Bill (479) 253-4477

campaign is planned after the first of the year.

“Businesses are invited to participate,” Wright said. “The community is rallying to help raise funds and volunteer. The buzz has started. Outreach to churches and civic organizations is to begin in the near future.”

Brave Woman is accepting donations for the Carroll County Safety Network until it receives its own non-profit status. In the interim, to volunteer or contribute, contact sandy@yuuma.com or Linda Maiella at dollymama31@gmail.com.

Little Switzerland Amateur Radio Club will gather Thursday Dec. 11, 12 p.m. at the Hong Kong Restaurant, 303 W. Trimble (US 62), Berryville, for lunch and meeting.

There will also be an evening meeting Thursday Dec. 18, at 6:30 in the physicians building at Mercy Hospital, Berryville. Refreshments will be available. Anyone with an interest in amateur radio is welcome at either meeting.

Of note, the club has a new 440 repeater at frequency 444.250 (+) 100.0 PL. Please use and enjoy. Regular meetings are noon on the second Thursday and at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday each month. See www.lsarc.us or email gmjar@outlook.com for locations.

HICC cookie exchange

Holiday Island Community Church Ladies Fellowship will meet Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. for their annual Christmas cookie exchange. Please bring three dozen cookies to share and take home an assortment to enjoy!

There will be Christmas carols and a special reciting of the Christmas Story. Please come and bring a guest. Holiday Island Community Church is located at 188 Stateline Road, Holiday Island. For details call Linda (479) 244-5961) or Eula Jean (479) 2538021.

FLUORIDE continued from page 3

children’s neurodevelopment,” the Harvard press release stated. “In a meta-analysis, researchers from Harvard School of Public Health and China Medical University in Shenyang for the first time combined 27 studies and found strong indications that fluoride may adversely affect cognitive development in children. Based on the findings, the authors say that this risk should not be ignored, and that more research on fluoride’s impact on the developing brain is warranted.”

Proponents of fluoride responded that studies showing an association between fluoridation and brain development or a lower IQ are from China, India and Mexico where environmental conditions are significantly different from those in the U.S. “The vast majority of these studies have never been published in peer-reviewed journals and the quality of these studies does not stand up to scientific scrutiny,” states a publication Tap Into Your Health published by the Association of State & Territorial Dental Directors. “Promotion of these papers only clouds the issue and plants fear in the minds of the public. More than 65 years of research and practical experience have shown fluoridation is safe and effective. It is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and has been named by the CDC as one of 10 great health achievements of the 20th century.”

One might wonder since the issue of fluoridation chemicals harming brain

health has been raised, studies looking at that issue would be conducted in the U.S. But Anna Choi, lead author of the HSPH study, said virtually no human studies in this field have been conducted in the U.S. Because of the IQ studies, China has discontinued fluoridation. People in the U.S. drink more fluoridated water that the rest of the world combined. Yet major studies aren’t being done in the U.S. to investigate the connection between brain health and fluoride chemicals despite a CDC study that showed 41 percent of children studied in the U.S. were over-fluoridated leading to a mottling of the teeth called dental fluorosis.

African Americans in the U.S. have much higher rates of dental fluorosis than other racial groups, and more severe dental fluorosis.

Only cosmetic?

A substance that is supposed to protect teeth instead harms teeth? The CDC maintains this is just a cosmetic problem. But fluoride opponents worry that something that can cause that much damage to teeth is doing to other organs including not just the brain, but kidneys and the thyroid gland. Fluoridated water can’t be used in dialysis, and fluoride has been linked to thyroid problems.

Also, according to the EPA, “Exposure to excessive consumption of fluoride over a lifetime may lead to increased likelihood of bone fractures in adults, and may result in effects on bone leading to pain and tenderness.”

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