ES Independent Vol. 3, No. 8 by Eureka Springs Independent

Fire at Basin Park Hotel thwarted

C.D. White According to a report by Public Information Officer, Randy Ates, Fire & EMS personnel responded to a fire at the Basin Park Hotel about 11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 16. On arrival crewmembers found employees evacuating the building with smoke and fire reported on the second level. Firefighters found a haze of smoke and were directed to an electrical room at the end of the hallway where they found smoldering remains of a fire amid stored boxes and miscellaneous items. The burned material was removed and smoke was ventilated from the hotel. Firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to inspect surrounding walls for fire extension through void spaces and into the ceiling and floor. No further fire was found and guests returned to their rooms less than an hour later. Fire Marshal Jimmy Kelley credits a fast response by employee Dana Gardner in preventing a catastrophe in the old hotel. Dana smelled smoke and located the fire behind a closed door. He then used a fire extinguisher to knock down “six-foot flames” and douse the blaze. Hotel manager, Jack Moyer, said, “Two extremely alert employees, Krystal Love and Dana Gardner popped open the closet off the kitchen and doused the fire with water. It stayed contained to that closet. Because of excellent, alert work by those employees we didn’t have an issue. The hotel was evacuated, and we were full. The fire department did an excellent job, reset the panel, and the building was reoccupied. Without those two employees, we could have had a really bad incident.” Twelve fire and EMS personnel responded with an engine and two ambulances. The department’s ladder truck and a fire engine were staged on stand-by for any additional assistance. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Bluegrass and red trucks – Eureka Springs firefighters dealt with a small fire in the Basin Park Hotel Saturday just as bluegrass musicians and an audience gathered for afternoon performances in adjacent Basin Park. The hotel was evacuated for less than an hour. Thanks to alert employees, a larger incident was avoided.

Photo by David Frank Dempsey

This Week’s INDEPENDENT Thinker José Mujica. Let’s see now, he’s opposed to war in a world that spends $2 billion a minute on militarism; he lives in a one bedroom house; he uses no motorcades and has no airplane; he was a political prisoner in solitary confinement for 14 years and is willing to take released detainees from Guantanamo; he knows that less poverty means more commerce, so Picture from occupy.com he redistributes wealth (donates 90 percent of his $12,000/month salary to charity); he recycles and opposes needless consumption; he favors legalized marijuana; he said to not legalize gay marriage means unnecessary torture for many; he confronts corporate abuses. He’s the President of Uruguay – a leader, a role model, and a highly-evolved human being.

Inside the ESI Tree trimming

Independent Art

Quorum Court

Marcie Brewster

Hospital 4

Independent Lens

Planning 5

Astrology 14

CAPC 6

Sycamore 15

Noted cellist

Indy Soul

Independent Mail

Nature of Eureka

Guestatorial 9

Dropping A Line

Constables on Patrol

Crossword 21

War is when your government tells you who the enemy is. Revolution is when you figure it out for yourself.

INDEPENDENTNews SWEPCO hacked non-threatening trees B ecky G illette There is no doubt that trees in Eureka Springs fueled by the growth from an abnormally wet spring needed to be trimmed over power lines. But the tree trimming has been more drastic than seen in earlier years. There have been numerous complaints about the crews from Asplundh working for Southwestern Electric Co. (SWEPCO) cutting trees so drastically they are now unstable. The word “butchered” has been often described to the street scene emerging after Asplundh crews do their work. Crews have decimated the town’s population of redbud and dogwood trees that don’t grow high enough to conflict with power lines. In many cases, trees have been topped, which could kill them. Property owners have been frustrated at the difficulty communicating with Spanish-speaking Asplundh crews. In earlier years when crews came to town, it was possible to communicate, for example, that if a tree was going to be so damaged by the tree trimming that it would look awful and be more prone to storm damage, homeowners could opt to have the entire tree removed. This time, communication has been more difficult. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) said Asplundh increasingly relies on Spanish-

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speaking, largely immigrant workers, driving a cultural and language wedge into the work force. Tree advocate Christopher Fischer, a former certified arborist, said SWEPCO couldn’t have chosen a worse time of year to trim the tree canopy so heavily. “Regarding redbud and dogwoods being disfigured, trees that don’t grow within 15 feet of the line don’t need to be removed or trimmed so heavily,” Fischer said. “But what you might find is they’re whacking them down no matter what the species. That shows no discretion or consideration for the aesthetics and horticultural well-being of an urban tree landscape. It reduces their responsibility to distinguish between different species and prune appropriately.” Fischer, who had earlier helped the city get urban forestry grants, said he has been sickened watching drastic tree trimming without being able to do anything. “With the new mandate, my guess is that the decree and work order is take no prisoners, cut hard, and exercise the full extent of the right-of-way clearance power,” Fischer said. “The city apparently doesn’t even have a copy of the contract with SWEPCO. The city has failed to take any concrete steps to manage its urban forest, and that is why I stepped down from the Tree City USA Committee. The city TREE TRIMMING continued on page 21

INDEPENDENTNews Sheriff says collecting fines hits a roadblock

Nicky Boyette Sheriff Bob Grudek told the Carroll County Quorum Court at its August 15 meeting there has been a hitch in implementing the recent ordinance that authorized transferring collection of delinquent circuit court fines to his department from the Circuit Clerk’s office. Grudek said his office had recently been told by the prosecuting attorney’s office that according to state law, Grudek must not only collect the fines, but process the paperwork and appropriately distribute the collected funds. “This is not what we expected,” Grudek stated, and claimed he would need more staff to do the job. He said he would need to speak with Prosecuting Attorney Tony Rogers to find out what the problems are. Justice of the Peace Tim Garrison right away told Grudek, “You told us you had the personnel to do the job.” Grudek replied he had not expected these extra duties. JP Jack Deaton stated, “This is why I voted against the ordinance.” “This stinks!” commented JP Lamont Richie. He claimed the law gave the court authority to appoint a collector, and they appointed a collector, not someone to do paperwork. “The law says whoever collects the money also handles the bookkeeping,” JP Gaylon Riggs said. County Treasurer Cindy Collins said, “I think we got in a hurry about this.” She said the court did not investigate sufficiently what would happen when the duties were transferred. JP Ron Flake stated the court needed legal advice from Rogers’s office, and bemoaned the fact the only representative from Rogers’s office in attendance was not prepared to provide guidance about this problem. “I want to know what arrangements we can make to get the fines collected. That is their [prosecuting attorney’s staff] job.” Flake said the court had passed the ordinance because Circuit Clerk Ramona Wilson said she was not interested in pursuing collections, so the court gave the job to the sheriff, and now they are told the sheriff is not able to do the job. Wilson responded directly to Flake, “I’ll address you straight. What you say is utterly ridiculous. I can’t believe you would

say that to someone who has been doing this as long as I have. The sheriff can’t collect a nickel more than I can, and I told you that all along.” Flake still maintained more than 60 counties in Arkansas use the sheriff to collect delinquent circuit court fines, and said he assumed the sheriff and the circuit clerk’s office would work together on the tasks. He suggested maybe the sheriff’s department should get some of Wilson’s staff. As the discussion began to circle around with no good prospects, County Judge Sam Barr stopped the conversation. Grudek also disseminated a packet of information he said showed the cities in Carroll County are paying their officers from $12,000 – 20,000 more annually than he can pay his deputies. He commented he was referring to experienced deputies, and the county would not want to lose them. He asked the court to remember them during budget discussions. He also said his fleet would need upgrades, such as a 13-year old vehicle with more than 180,000 miles on it which incurred almost $5,500 worth of repairs in the past year. Other items • The court approved a resolution extending for one year the payoff for the line of credit which Carroll County Airport must have as it finishes the eight-bay hangar expansion project. Lonnie Clark, chair of the Airport Commission, told the court the hangar project is funded by the Arkansas Aeronautics Commission, and they pay out the grant upon completion of the project and submission of all invoices. Clark said they are not asking for more money, just more time to complete the project. • Chuck Olson represented the Sylvan Shores Subordinate District in asking the court to pass an ordinance increasing the annual assessment on each lot by $100 to $250 annually. Olson said the district is running out of water and they need to plan for drilling a new well. Olson said there are 30-40 homes in the district, but they experience upswells of temporary residents and the sudden increased demands put a strain their water supply. He said commissioners presented the plan to residents and no one objected. Next meeting will be Friday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m., one week later than the usual third Friday of the month. www.esINDEPENDENT.com | August 20, 2014 |

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INDEPENDENTNews Unexpected option for ESH move N icky B oyette Tom Dees, Holiday Island developer, added a surprising option for the Eureka Springs Hospital (ESH) in its attempt to relocate into a new replacement facility. He told the Hospital Commission at its Monday meeting he has land in Holiday Island he would give to the hospital, and water and sewer lines are already in place. The site is just east of the shopping center on Hwy. 23. Chris Bariola, CEO of ESH, said he spent half a day touring Holiday Island and the potential site with Dees. The fact that sewer lines are already there and waiting would make the site much easier to build on than the Miles Mountain site in Eureka Springs where city sewer is about a mile away from that location. Nevertheless, Bariola said he would need to defer to the lawyers of Allegiance, the company that leases operation of EMS, to know if the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would even allow ESH to move its operation to Holiday Island. Bariola said, “CMS is very particular,” and just for starters Allegiance would need to demonstrate it still would serve the same area, provide the same services and keep its staff. Dees said he knows about laying sewer lines because there are 125 miles of sewer lines in Holiday Island. He said he would be wary of trying to blast a path for a line from Pivot Rock Road westward to the proposed Eureka Springs site because of the proximity to homes and businesses all along the way, and,

in his opinion, the line will not be constructed without blasting. “You’ll be there till it freezes over if you don’t blast,” he said. “And you talk about solid rock, you’re talking about money.” Dees also asserted that a smart move in a large venture like this one would be to consider the future. He maintained Eureka Springs is not going to grow because there is no room for development. However, Holiday Island continues to grow and he expects its population eventually to reach at least 7000. In addition, there is the nearby southern Missouri population who would take advantage of a new hospital there. He claimed Holiday Islanders just do not want to go to the present ESH facility because it is old and they might not go to the new site because going to Berryville is easier. Dees claimed there are 20,000-25,000 sq. ft. of office space near his Holiday Island site for clinics and other services, and a helipad is there already. Bariola said Dees’ offer gives Allegiance another option. “Our goal is to build a new hospital and this is a really good offer. Is it the most efficient offer? I don’t know.” The next step, Bariola said, is to hear what the lawyers say about the legalities of such a move. He is also interested in hearing what the citizens of Eureka Springs say about their hospital moving five miles north to the next town. Next Hospital Commission meeting will be Monday, September 15, at 1 p.m., at ECHO Clinic.

Save the Ozarks gets attention of Realtors Realtor Wayne Ingliss, lower left, asks STO co-founder Pat Costner (standing top right) about SWEPCO’s monetary reasons for the power company’s plans to build a Shipe Road to Kings River 345-kiloVolt transmission line. Costner’s answer was a “guaranteed 10 to 12 percent return to SWEPCO.” Costner spoke to more than 20 Crye-Leike Realtors at their weekly meeting in Rogers on Tuesday. She predicted and encouraged widespread involvement by more Northwest Arkansas Realtors in the controversial issue that has galvanized citizens in the last 16 months. Photo by David Frank Dempsey

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INDEPENDENTNews Planning sees Hazard Mitigation Plan N icky B oyette Craig Hull gave the Planning Commission copies of his draft of a Hazard Mitigation Plan for Eureka Springs at the August 12 meeting. Hull represents the Osage Group, which was hired to gather input from all sectors of the community to identify potential hazards in town so the city can initiate mitigation measures. Besides identifying “a broad category of concerns,” Hull’s goal is to use the plan to get funding for the mitigation from the Federal Emergency Management Administration. Planning will have a Public Hearing on the Hazard Mitigation Plan at the beginning of the August 26 meeting. One issue Hull had the opportunity to see up close was the maze of tunnels underneath downtown. He said sections of the tunnels are beginning to fail, and “neglect could lead to catastrophe.” Hull said the solution is more a legal tangle than a structural conundrum, as tunnels run underneath different properties. His plan includes resolution suggestions. He mentioned the frequency and severity of storms “are on an uptick,” and pointed out the community needs to plan for where folks would go if they needed shelter. Hull noted a preparedness plan would call for a cache of supplies – water, food, blankets – and a place to store them, and said FEMA might help pay for these things if the city has a plan ahead of time.

Hull also commented on the condition of the dam at Black Bass Lake and the consequences of further deterioration. He said the dam and other infrastructure vulnerabilities are typical for a town “which needs to catch up on one hundred years of deferred maintenance.” Hull said he would place copies of the draft of the Hazard Mitigation Plan at City Hall, the Public Works office and the library for anyone to peruse. Multi-family dwelling ordinance Also before the August 26 meeting, Planning will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed multi-family dwelling ordinance. The ordinance would require owners of properties with three or more units to get a business license, and owners would also have to allow the Building Inspector to perform a cursory safety inspection upon change of occupancy. Chair James Morris said, “I don’t want to create a problem for the city by layering too many restrictions on property owners,” but emphasized his main concern is safety. Parking Commissioner Steve Beacham said he had researched laws regarding parking and parking garages, and his opinion is City Code, with possible tweaking, should be adequate to handle their issues and a new ordinance is not needed. Next meeting will be Tuesday, August 26, at 6 p.m.

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www.esINDEPENDENT.com | August 20, 2014 |

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INDEPENDENTNews CAPC says geofences make good visitors Nicky Boyette Mike Maloney, executive director of the City Advertising and Promotion Commission, announced at the August 13 meeting he has a new tool in his bag of cyberspace tricks. “We are geofencing in Oklahoma City and Tulsa,” he said, which means when a smartphone user enters a prescribed area and checks the phone for weather information, for example, the user might see a Eureka Springs ad. Maloney said he could switch the spots he geofences, such as to Fayetteville during football games in autumn. Commissioner Damon Henke suggested geofencing Branson, and Maloney said he could do it. He also mentioned that website traffic on eurekasprings.org spiked in the past month more than 18 percent and visits to the Facebook page also have increased. Maloney said the theme for autumn advertising will be ”Fall in Love with Eureka Springs” targeting the 35-65 demographic, and the CAPC is now including Ft. Smith

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with the other four-hour drive cities in cable advertising. He added he is working with Rightmind Advertising on a new video for the Branson vacation channel. Commissioner Terry McClung questioned whether Maloney was asking for more from Rightmind than was called for in the original agreement. Both Maloney and Chair Charles Ragsdell said the relationship was proceeding according to plan, and McClung said he would review the agreement again. Group travel Sales Director Karen Pryor brought commissioners up to speed on her activities, saying she has participated in six trade shows and garnered 140 leads for local businesses. “It’s a lot of networking,” she said. She said she would like to have better data on how effective her trade shows have been at bringing in group tours, but local lodgings do not always comply with her requests for follow-up information, such as how many visitors are in the tours

ES Independent | August 20, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

or even where the coaches come from. She said getting this kind of information would make her planning more effective. Ragsdell agreed on the importance of this data and suggested they set up a workshop on how to get it and invite lodging owners so they can understand that providing this data to the CAPC would be to everyone’s benefit. Because some trade shows offer discounts for registering early, Pryor asked commissioners for an advance of $8400 on her 2015 budget so she could take advantage of the discounts. Commissioners wrangled with the budgeting complications, and McClung reminded Pryor part of the solution is her attention to staying within budget, although he acknowledged he has seen more coaches this year than usual. “So we’re doing something right,” Pryor said. Finance Director Rick Bright told the commission there was no cash flow problem, and suggested they go ahead and cover Pryor’s request. Commissioners agreed. Where’s the money? Bright said the previous director had asked the Arts Council to handle the May Festival of the Arts, and somehow an agreement was struck for the CAPC to buy T-shirts and caps which were sold at the event. The CAPC has continued to buy merchandise annually, yet Bright said they now know there are legal constraints that preclude these purchases. Moreover, the CAPC has never seen any money from the sale of the merchandise they purchased. “I have no idea where the money went,” Bright said. “The money should go to the CAPC if it was a CAPC event,” McClung asserted.

“Every dime.” Henke observed if the event were a CAPC event, then buying the merchandise should be okay. Bright replied, though, it is not a CAPC event. Consensus among commissioners was they wanted to know what happened to the money and for the situation never to happen again. Bright said he would follow up. Extra fines for noncompliant collectors approved Bright had previously told commissioners state law allows him to assess an extra $50 per day when tax collectors fall into the category of being non-compliant, which means being delinquent on paying the CAPC taxes three times in a 12-month period. He said four or five businesses in town would fall into this category, and the reason for imposing the extra fine is to motivate owners to pay on time. Ragsdell mentioned some cities publish names of delinquents in local papers along with the unpaid amounts as motivation. McClung commented if the collectors chose to pay an extra $50 per day, the commission should not worry about publishing names in the paper. Vote to approve the update to the tax collection policy was unanimous. Other things • Maloney said he met recently with representatives of Crystal Bridges, and the group decided to get their sales directors to coordinate with a Branson representative to augment each party’s outreach for group travel. • Maloney reported transit drivers polled customers for their zip codes for a CAPC continued on page 21

INDEPENDENTNews Noted cellist makes her way to Eureka Springs New ES music festival is in the stars

C.D. W hite In addition to the Tapas Cellist Sara Sant’Ambrogio soiree, Sara said she has lots of performed in Eureka Springs ideas for fundraising as well as with her group, the Eroica Trio, mini concerts and events for the during 2012’s CICA Classical festival, such as a Brunch with Music Festival and received an Bach affair. enthusiastic reception from the Why Eureka Springs? crowd in the auditorium as well Sara’s one foray here left her as from a packed room of folks impressed with our creative attending an afternoon fête at the atmosphere. “Art embodies the Grand Central Hotel. greatest dreams and aspirations On Sunday, August 24, Sara of a community and helps us to will be back with noted pianist, become richer as human beings. Robert Koenig, for a one-showIt inspires us to reach for the only performance at the Aud at 2 Mr. Cello takes a trip – Sara Sant’Ambrogio often jokes about her stars and in the right setting can cello having to be booked on flights as another passenger because p.m. Far from being stodgy, this bathe the listener in joy. Eureka of certain airline restrictions. Hence, Mr. Cello, in his shiny blue suit, will be a fun, relaxed afternoon usually gets to enjoy a seat of his own – even in a Mustang. Springs already has all that and including everything from more – and makes a great home classical to Gershwin, or as Sara for great music,” she explained; “With Crystal Bridges and the put it, “sexy tangos, sultry blues and Writers’ Colony just ‘down the road,’ adding, “I look forward to meeting more heartbreaking romance” – along with a there seems to be a convergence of great people and hope to be coming back to special surprise. art and great art lovers in this area. I make beautiful music in Eureka Springs Tickets, amazingly, are only $10 for thought how rewarding it would be to for many years to come.” a performance normally seen on a world help bring more great artists and their stage. For musicians of this caliber to talents to Eureka Springs to slake that make a difficult trip for one show at an thirst.” out-of-the way venue – and pretty much During the concert Sunday, the on their own dime – one might guess audience will hear more details about there’s something more going on. And Sara’s plans for the “Eureka Springs they’d be right. Into Music” festival and the artists who “I was moved by the beauty and may be involved. Although exactly what warmth of Eureka Springs and the it will look like in the future is still in community when I performed two brainstorming mode, there will definitely summers ago,” Sara told the Independent. be an event next summer. “I was struck by how perfect a setting it This Sunday a wine reception will would be for a world class festival with follow the performance, and admission the charming auditorium on Main Street to an exclusive Tapas and Tangos event Formerly the Elks Lodge building, presently owned and used by Clear and all the small, intimate venues that with Sara in 2015 will be offered to Spring School. The building is divided into 9 rooms plus a kitchen area, would be perfect for mini concerts to music enthusiasts willing to support the 2 rest rooms, 2 storage rooms and offices. It is built on a concrete slab bring music to all parts of the community. 2015 festival with a donation.

Another “Montgomery”

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

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New challenges to energy freedom: Arkansas looking boldly at the past

Editor, When I saw the title of Darryl Bassett’s August 15, 2014, “Arkansas net-metering policies outdated” in the Arkansas-Democrat-Gazette, I was excited. Our net-metering policies must encourage Arkansans to use local and community solar PV, the best sustainable and renewable technology. We need the “Arkansas Distributed Generation Act” to promote local solar power generation. Darryl’s commentary is a blatant attempt to protect Arkansas coal industry and a direct attack on solar energy, ignoring all facts and what the rest of the world is doing to reduce carbon dioxide pollution. China, in the last 180 days, installed 3,300 megawatts of solar PV energy, equivalent to six coal plants. Solar systems, installed in hours, are affordable for all. The carbon footprint of remote power plants and transmission lines is unacceptable. Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC), ignoring public health and the economy, along with most of our public representatives, are placing all bets on stopping the EPA Clean Power Plan. This is an attack on the people of Arkansas, the battle lines are drawn.

EPA regulations don’t kill people, coal pollution kills people! Our constitution gives us the power; local solar gives us energy freedom. Please send your comments supporting the EPA Clean Power Plan: http://tinyurl. com/NoMasCoal Dr. Luis Contreras

Grammar and hammer anxiety

Editor, What is the difference between an “unopposed” and an “uncontested” election? Unopposed applies to a situation where the electorate is so pleased with its incumbents that voters see no need for change. Uncontested pertains to a situation where public confidence in the current political system is so low that potential candidates boycott the whole process by refusing to participate. By this standard, the health of Eureka’s democratic politics lingers somewhere between comatose and being on life support. It is not a good sign when the only thing that could increase voter turnout would be ballots offering the option of voting for “None of the Above.” It’s a sad state of affairs for democracy and an ominous omen for Eureka’s creative community. Or, as Steve Jones put it, “I’d rather smash my nuts with a hammer than sit through a City Council meeting.” Vernon Tucker

Speaking for the trees

Editor, It was a frustrating week for many residents as we watched the Asplundh crews decimate many of our favorite trees in town, including ornamental dogwoods and redbuds planted by our own hands 25 or 30 years ago – all gone. More frustrating was the lack of concern on the part of city council, as Alderperson Schneider was told by most of the others there was nothing to be done and they should move on to another topic. After the grief he received last year for his “I thought everyone liked electricity” comment, the Mayor had the gall to use it again in this situation. Since it now appears that most of this council will be returning for another two years, I strongly urge them to get ready for the next tree-trimming by studying the city’s agreement with SWEPCO and try to come up with a tagging system that will let citizens identify their prized vegetation, as well as find a way to give warning to the public that the trimming will be occurring. In this week’s fiasco, a little communication would have gone a long way. Shady streets and stately trees are reasons to visit or live here. We should not have to see all that butchered without some sort of say in how it looks afterward. Thanks to our “Lorax” Mickey Schneider for trying to speak for the citizens and their beloved trees. Mark Hughes

WEEK’S TopTweets @Fred_Delicious Wow this vegetarian rock music is really good. It’s like nothing I’ve ever herbivore. @kumailn If you leave me a voicemail, congratulations. You’ve just given me the gift of anxiety. @sammyrhodes Just moved a book to make room for my phone on the table and in that one action I symbolized everything that’s wrong with us. @LOLGOP Patriot - n. someone who wears a flag pin while moving a corporation overseas to avoid taxes. @Kyle_Lippert Went to kill a spider with a rolled up newspaper and all it did was sit there and laugh at me for

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still reading a newspaper. @rickygervais People accept that God exists & created the universe without evidence or proof but if you tell them Facebook is down they immediately check. @KenJennings I just ran into a doorknob and swore at it but in all honesty, like 99.9% of my doorknob interactions all-time have been positive & helpful. @JordanPeele Next time you take your dog for a walk pretend he’s solving a mystery. @zacharyflynn If there’s someone in the aisle of something I need at the grocery store I don’t need it anymore.

GUESTatorial STO proposal to SWEPCO

ot one of us wants to keep AEP/SWEPCO and the Southwest Power Pool as our sworn enemies for the rest of our lives, but as long as they are trying to build the Shipe Road to Kings River power line, that will be the case. In 2007, the Southwest Power Pool did a study that said that the power line was needed for growth and reliability. Save the Ozarks expert witness, Hyde Merrill, did his study that rebutted SWEPCO’s plan. Following Dr. Merrill’s review, even SWEPCO admitted that the reason that they had first proposed for the power line no longer exists. The grid is a dynamic arrangement of power lines, substations, transformers and various providers, each playing their own role in things, and that’s the reason a study that is more than five years old can no longer be considered valid. This whole matter seems to have started out with a study that indicated that a new power line might help. Cross examination of a Southwest Power Pool witness revealed that originally SWEPCO only wanted to build a 161 kV power line in response to the study. A utility addicted to profit jumped at the chance to build it, even in the larger 345 kV that the Southwest Power Pool demanded. When the power line was no longer able to be proved necessary in either size, their addiction to growth kept them from admitting the truth, and once they had it in their minds to build it and their CEO saw potential profits in it, the project took on a momentum of its own with no member of the corporation willing to take responsibility for the foolishness of it. The reputations of AEP/SWEPCO, the Southwest Power Pool and the Arkansas Public Service Commission have been seriously and deservedly battered by the opponents to this power line. How can they attempt to restore their good names? At the beginning of all this, SWEPCO purchased a 40 acre cow pasture on the Kings River as the site to which this power line would be run. The pasture that SWEPCO bought for the excessive price of $600,000 could serve as the cornerstone for SWEPCO’s attempts to redeem itself. I would not trust AEP/SWEPCO and the Southwest Power Pool to have fully put this power line proposal to rest until that 40-acre site has been converted to the first commercial solar development in Carroll County. A full 40 acres of solar array would go a long ways to alleviate concerns about our growth and the reliability of their system, and it would serve to put them back in a better public relations position in our community. If that 40-acre field was filled with solar panels, those of us who have fought this power line for over a year, might even relax about it, and that 40-acre solar farm would match acre per acre and panel for panel, the largest solar farm in Missouri. When mistakes are made and called to our attention, we offer apologies and attempt to do whatever we can to make amends and restore ourselves to positions of trust in our communities. The 40acre site on the Kings turned into an investment in a brighter future would serve both SWEPCO and our local community in a far more meaningful way than the power line they have fought for and we have fought against. If the solar farm on the Kings River were offered as an olive branch, concurrent with the withdrawal of the Shipe Road to Kings River application and closure of the docket 13-041-U, we would welcome it. As a member of the board of Save the Ozarks, I propose a partnership. We will help SWEPCO and the Southwest Power Pool turn their expensive cow pasture into a state of the art solar farm. It would be a winning solution that will bring credit to SWEPCO. It would be a project we could all feel proud of, and it would take SWEPCO off their position as public enemy number one in Northwest Arkansas. Doug Stowe

ThePursuitOfHAPPINESS

by Dan Krotz t’s good to get out of town once in a while. One of my favorite drives is the 103 south out of Green Forest. It crosses the 412 and takes you through Osage, and up and then down a pretty big hill until it bottoms out at the Elk Center in Ponca. There, pick up 74 going east through Low Gap and you’ll arrive in Jasper. Jasper’s a sweet place and you can get lunch at the Boardwalk Café. I know it’s scary to leave the People’s Republic of Eureka Springs, but there is a surprising amount of Arkansas outside the city’s limits, and much of it is fine-looking. And while beauty may be only skin deep, that skin covers a vast connected network of systems that must work harmoniously together to keep the body beneath it, plain or stunning, alive and functional. Our concerns about the industrial hog operation near Jasper on the Buffalo River begins with that skin – “My God, what’s that smell?” – but they shift almost immediately to the systemic harm it poses for the connecting tissue beneath and around the river’s surface; we know that everything is linked, coupled, allied and joined. Our political and governmental systems are equally joined and inter-dependent. Politicians and public servants who make government work systematically and effectively are the ones who should stay in office. Those who can’t, shouldn’t. Locally, we know that the Prosecutor’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department have tragically failed in at least one instance, and anecdotally, a hundred times. Their resultant finger pointing is hog manure by any name, and it has filtered down and through the connecting tissue beneath and around our civic life. We need public servants who understand that their personal power systems are less important than the systems that make our families, neighborhoods, counties, states and nation work effectively and equitably. More important, we need voters who think beyond their self-interests, and their own backyards, to hold elected officials and candidates for office accountable for making our systems work. We all need to get out of town once in a while, even if we only travel in our heads. www.esINDEPENDENT.com | August 20, 2014 |

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A little help from our friends:

• Cup of Love free dinner, lunch, clothing – Free Mexican dinner Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Hearty soup lunch Fridays 9:30 – 2 p.m. Free clothing. Located in former Wildflower thrift shop (yellow building next to chapel) US 62E. (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. • 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. • GRIEF SHARE – 13-week grief recovery program. Sundays 2 – 4 p.m. HI Community Church Fellowship Hall library (188 Stateline Drive). Join at any time. $15 workbook fee. (479) 253-8925, or e-mail lardellen@gmail. com. • Celebrate Recovery – Soul Purpose Ministries, 801 S. Springfield, Green Forest, 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Potluck meal followed by 12-step Christ-centered 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) 9819977 • 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 • Al-Anon Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. All other meetings: See www.nwarkaa.org 10 |

INDEPENDENTConstablesOnPatrol

August 11 5:57 a.m. – Constables on patrol responded to an alarm at a restaurant and found everything okay. 8:59 a.m. – Constable retrieved three untethered, unchaperoned dogs on North Main and brought them to the station. Their owner soon followed to reclaim them. 5:53 p.m. – Traffic stop resulted in the arrest of the driver for driving on a suspended license and careless driving. 8:45 p.m. – Street performers were reportedly asking for money from guests of a tourist lodging. The constables who went to the scene never encountered the supplicants. August 12 12:20 a.m. – Female came to the station intoxicated and was arrested for public intoxication. 10:40 a.m. – Traffic stop resulted in the arrest of the driver for possession of a controlled substance. 1:22 p.m. – While in a business, a constable was made aware of a shoplifter on the premises, so he arrested the individual for shoplifting and on a Berryville warrant for failure to pay on a shoplifting charge. 6:39 p.m. – A child called ESPD to report an abuse situation, and a constable responded to the scene. The child had already left to stay at a friend’s house for the evening, and the father said it had just been an argument with his son. 6:42 p.m. – A caller complained about scooters racing on her street, but the constable did not see or hear any scooters when he went there. August 13 1:22 a.m. – Passerby thought something looked suspicious at a place of business nearby, but the constable checked the scene and found everything okay. 12:04 p.m. – Innkeeper reported a guest had left without paying her bill. Constable learned the guest had paid with a credit card but had disputed the charges. Constable informed the innkeeper this would be a matter for civil court. 12:33 p.m. – A pickup was reportedly being driven erratically as it came to town from the north. Constable found the vehicle in town and discovered the driver was okay but the vehicle needed front-end work. 2 p.m. – Central dispatch alerted ESPD to another vehicle headed to town from the north going all over the road, including

ES Independent | August 20, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

almost hitting the vehicles of an off-duty officer and the building inspector. Those two followed the vehicle and spoke with the driver who was not impaired, just elderly. They called for a tow truck to get the driver and his vehicle back to Berryville. 2:38 p.m. – Constable was following another wayward vehicle on the east side of town but lost it in traffic. 9:53 p.m. – A concerned aunt told ESPD her niece had been forced out of her nephew’s vehicle at a location in Eureka Springs because the two had had an argument. After a long search, a constable found the girl and took her home. 9:57 p.m. – Innkeeper reported an intoxicated guest was smoking in one of the rooms, and asked for constable assistance in removing her. Constable responded and discovered the guest had an outstanding warrant and arrested her. 10:02 p.m. – Caller told ESPD about a tent, a grill and a trailer at a location. Constable responded but no one was there. He would return later and try again. 10:05 p.m. – A dog was apparently barking enough to rouse complaints from a neighbor, so the constable asked the owner to control his animal. August 14 10:56 a.m. – Constable went to the scene of tree trimming to ensure there was adequate signage. 2:06 p.m. – Central dispatch passed along word about an intoxicated person near a downtown bar. Constables and EMS went there, and EMS took the subject to ESH. 2:39 p.m. – ESH asked for assistance with the intoxicated person just delivered to them. 3:13 p.m. – Person told ESPD someone had called and said “terrible things.” August 15 2:45 a.m. – Worker at a motel had locked herself out of the building and a constable helped her get back in. 5:16 p.m. – Witness reported a vehicle had run into another one in a parking lot. Constable responded but was unable to locate either the adverse vehicle or any damage on the parked vehicle. 6:03 p.m. – Concerned neighbor told ESPD the person next door had had a domestic with her boyfriend recently and he was on his way there again. She said she was concerned for neighbor’s safety. ESPD added extra patrols in the

vicinity.

August 16 1:58 a.m. – Traffic stop resulted in the arrest of the driver for DWI. 7:44 a.m. – Motel staff reported two males were sleeping by the pool and needed to be removed. Constable discovered the two were guests at the motel. 9:04 a.m. – Vehicle owner filed a report because someone had run into his vehicle overnight. 1:41 p.m. – Observer reported two dogs locked in a pickup, and a constable responded. He found them okay for the moment, but he would check again shortly. 4:07 p.m. – Another vehicle owner filed a report because someone had backed into her parked vehicle, and she had witnesses. 8:40 p.m. – Constable responded to report of a car in a ditch. There was no damage and no report was filed. 9:26 p.m. – Central dispatch relayed the message there was a woman unconscious at a local restaurant. She was taken to ESH. 10:20 p.m. – Passerby noticed water leaking onto the road near the Post Office. The message was passed along to Public Works. 11:02 p.m. – Another parked vehicle sustained damage by a driver who left the scene. 11:10 p.m. – There was a two-vehicle accident at the western edge of town. No injuries. One vehicle had to be towed. 11:36 p.m. – A car accidentally backed into the rear door of a motel and knocked it open. August 17 1:20 a.m. – Individual was arrested for public intoxication on Main Street. 3:13 a.m. – Folks on four-wheelers were doing wheelies and donuts in a gas station parking lot. They left headed east on US 62 and constables were unable to find them. 2 p.m. – Constable called a tow truck for a vehicle parked illegally downtown. 7:27 p.m. – Driver coming toward town on Hwy. 23 South told ESPD the vehicle he was following was being driven recklessly. Constables watched for but never encountered it. 8:08 p.m. – Caller told ESPD he thought a call about what hours his church was open sounded suspicious. Constables checked the building and found everything secure.

INDEPENDENT Art & Entertainment 26th annual art exhibit and sale

The Holiday Island Association of the Arts will hold an art show and exhibit August 29 – 31 at the Holiday Island Barn. The exhibit will include works on paper, canvas and fabric along with three dimension and photography. A silent auction will be held to defray the cost of the show and artists will also be selling in spaces by the Barn. There is free admission and parking, but donations are appreciated. Exhibit hours are Saturday, August 30, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and August 31 from noon – 2:30 p.m. Contact Joan Hirnisey for more information at (479) 253-6285.

Open casting call August 26, 27 The Holiday Island Theater Guild is holding auditions for its upcoming production of Senior Follies, a comedy by Billy St. John. Open readings will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 26/27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Island Room (by the Rec Center) in Holiday Island. Everyone is invited to try out. Acting experience is not required and you do not need to be a resident of Holiday Island. Senior Follies is set in Pleasant Valley Retirement Home with a cast of four men and five women, all very active senior citizens, except for Mr. (or Mrs.) Rivers, a good business-person and head of Pleasant Valley. They become enmeshed in all sorts of intrigue when two new residents, brother and sister (or are they?), arrive with a scheme. Senior Follies will be presented in the Holiday Island Clubhouse ballroom November 6, 7, and 8. Rehearsals will begin after Labor Day and continue until opening night. Those who are interested, but unable to attend either of the scheduled readings, may email director Elise Buchman, at elisemariebuchman@gmail.com.

New artist joins Prospect Gallery

Author Kevin Brockmeier on magical realism

The Prospect Gallery welcomes artist Jennifer L. Conner-Driscoll to the gallery. Jennifer’s first encounter with art was her adoration of hand carved and painted carousel horses. When she began to create her own art from broken jewelry her first pieces were naturally carousels. “I would like my art work to be a testimony that broken and forgotten items still have a purpose, still have beauty, still belong... they just need to be placed in the right spot,” Jennnifer said. Her unique and whimsical creations must be seen to be believed. The Prospect Gallery, 42 Prospect, is open Fridays through Sundays. For more information call (479) 253-5012.

The Village Writing School, 177 Huntsville Road, will host Kevin Brockmeier for an afternoon discussion of Magical Realism and the Literary Fantastic August 2, from 2 – 5 p.m. Writers and readers of fantasy and magical realism won’t want to miss this. Brockmeier’s work has been translated into seventeen languages and has appeared in many notable literary publications. He teaches frequently at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and has received three O. Henry Awards, the PEN USA Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship and an NEA Grant. For costs and to register, email alisontaylorbrown@me.com, phone (479) 292-3665 or see villagewritingschool.com online.

Sunday with Sara Don’t miss a fabulous afternoon with cellist Sara Sant’Ambrogio and pianist Robert Koenig at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 14, in the city auditorium. The repertoire will include classical, show tunes and popular music – plus a little something unexpected. Following the concert, the audience is invited to join both artists at a wine reception/meet-n-greet and learn more about exciting plans for a “Eureka Springs Into Music” festival! Tickets are $10 at the door and include the reception. Advance tickets may be purchased at www.theaud.org. For more information, phone (479) 253-7333.

Scottish country dancing in new location

Scottish Country Dancing moves to Melonlight Dance Studio in the Quarter as of Sept. 3 with classes for adults on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Teens and kids are also invited to classes on Mondays from 4:50 – 5:30 and 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Eight participants in each section

are needed to run the classes, which could start as soon as Sept. 8. There will be a reduced rate for parents with more than one child in either class. Check out details at www.melonlightdance.com and phone (479) 253-8252 or email melissaclare01@gmail.com to register.

Singers Welcome

Join the Holiday Island Singers as they begin rehearsals for the Christmas Concert. This is truly The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Practice begins Wednesday, August 27, 1:15 p.m. in the ballroom at the Holiday Island Clubhouse. Practice is every Wednesday from 1:15 – 3:30 p.m. Come share your talent with this fun group. Some music background is helpful but there are no tryouts. Please email any questions to songofjoy6@hotmail.com.

Eureka Springs and all that JAZZ Eureka Springs will host some of the best artists in jazz during Jazz Eureka Sept. 9 – 14. It’s a packed week of live music, delicious food and special events including everything from a Great Gatsby lawn party to performances by jazz greats

Ellis Marsalis, Jr. and Delfeayo Marsalis. Tickets are on sale now for Friday and Saturday auditorium shows. To get yours and see the awesome schedule of artists including the Fayetteville Jazz Collective, Rodney Block and many more, check

out www.theaud.org. And watch for the September Independent Fun Guide, coming to a street corner near you next week with a complete schedule, photos, bios, list of parties and free events – and much more jazz.

www.esINDEPENDENT.com | August 20, 2014 |

ES Independent | 11

INDEPENDENTNews Growing organic groceries and women’s circles Becky Gillette Marcie Brewster once thought she would be a diplomat building bridges between different cultures. But after graduating from college with a degree in international relations, a tour with the Peace Corps in West Africa changed her direction. “I learned a lot about gardening while in the Peace Corps, and I fell in love with the sense of community people had there,” Brewster said. “They were really poor by our standards – they didn’t have a lot of material goods –but they seemed happy. You would see them walking around with big smiles on their faces all the time.” After the Peace Corps she did master’s degree research work in Rwanda. While she was excited to be doing primary research interviewing farmers and gathering information about their agriculture system, she found the political turmoil that led to frequent massacres made Rwanda one of the more unhappy places on earth. “Rwanda was a beautiful place with rich soil, but the people were not happy,”

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Brewster said. “This country was just bleeding.” Next Brewster, who has a master’s in agriculture economics, went to work in Fayetteville working with the nation’s first national program for sustainable agriculture. “I loved helping farmers, but I couldn’t do the cubicle experience,” she said. “It was good work, but I was longing to be one of the farmers rather then being one of the people offering information to the farmers.” That led Brewster to do a series of internships on organic farms and work up to head gardener for one farm in Boulder, Colo. It was there she met her partner, Dane Schumacher, who was an intern at the farm. “Dane had just gotten back from the Peace Corps, so we had that in common,” Brewster said. “He had just gotten home. I’d been home ten years. I went back to Arkansas and was looking for land around Eureka Springs. I found this property through some friends, Mark and Mike, who live next door and have an organic farm. I

ES Independent | August 20, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

really wanted to be part of a community, not just out in the woods by myself.” In 1996 Schumacher moved to Arkansas and the two started gardening and building a homestead. While the property is about 90 acres, only two acres are gardenable. In addition to a Community Supported Agriculture operation, they also sold at the farmers’ markets in Eureka Springs and Berryville beginning in 1998. The ag efforts have not been without challenges. The soil was initially of poor quality, and the first year their crop failed completely due to lack of fertilization. Since then, they built up the soil with a lot of mulching. They are a no till operation, doing everything by hand. Early on a yurt Brewster built burned down. “My house burning down very traumatic, but it was amazing the people who came to help,” she said. “I experienced the type of community that I had admired in West Africa.” Another challenge is getting to the vegetables before the critters. They spent many years sleeping out in the garden with the dogs to keep deer out of the garden. The armadillos, raccoons and groundhogs can also be a problem at times, even with their 7.5-ft. deer fence. In 2011, Brewster and other members of Carroll Electric Cooperative Corp. concerned about the lack of democratic governance at the co-op, went to a lot of work to try to get Brewster on the ballot for a position on the CECC board. Brewster was part of a groundswell of members opposed to spraying herbicides on utility rights-ofway and a lack of transparency by the co-op.

She found out the hard way that CECC doesn’t allow members to nominate someone to run for the board. No independent candidates have been allowed to run for more than a decade. While unable to nominate a candidate, opponents of the herbicide spraying were successful in enabling landowners to request opting out of herbicide spraying. At the age of 55, Brewster is being drawn to do more writing, visioning and teaching. “We really need some dramatic changes in how we get food to people and the kind of food people eat,” she said. “That is an interesting problem. How do we change the food system and how do we make healthier food more affordable? Organic food is expensive, and it needs to be. It is hard to garden here. The soil’s not great, the climate is tricky and the pests are intense. “If we don’t want the industrial ag model, we need subsidies for small farms. If we want people to eat fruits and vegetables, then subsidize that rather than growing GMO corn that is made into high fructose corn syrup that kills people.” Brewster is also working to strengthen local women’s groups including those involved in the red tent movement. Brewster has agreed to donate one of her yurts to be moved to Eureka Springs to house women’s gatherings designed to support and nourish women. “The Red Tent is my spiritual life,” she said. “Women’s circles like those in the Red Tent are a place for women to nurture each other and celebrate life without the male authority figure. There is a tremendous amount of energy with a big group of women chanting and singing. I’m so excited the local group is going to do a Red Tent. I’ve been involved with women’s circles for many years, and they are such an enlivening full-bodied experience of joy. The feeling of being in a circle is inherently more inclusive than in being part of an audience. Circles empower everyone to speak as well as listen. Growing up in the Methodist Church, even there I noticed that the women’s meetings were referred to as ‘circles’ not ‘groups.’” To help with moving the yurt for the Red Tent, or for more information about purchasing a CSA subscription from Wildfire Farm, Brewster can be reached at wild_firefarm@yahoo.com or by calling (870) 545-3120.

INDEPENDENTLens Moonstruck – Steve Arnold doesn’t have to go outside to look at the moon. He may soon have several pieces of it right here on Earth! Here’s one he hopes to keep if his Kickstarter page works. Photo submitted

Bet’cha can’t bead this – Local Erin Taylor models some of the creations made by instructors at the Beading in the Ozarks workshop at the Inn of the Ozarks August 14–17. Sixty beaders from several states showed up to hone their skills during the weekend. Photo by Melanie Myhre

Family hangout – Not to be outdone by sister, Bri, whose hammock snooze appeared in the Independent two weeks ago, Tyler Danley hangs out in his own hammock during a day at Beaver Lake. Photo by Becky Gillette

Dinner and a show – These diners could enjoy the free bluegrass music across the street in Basin Park during dinner, thanks to the New Delhi’s top deck. Photo by Becky Gillette

Big and bigger – Left, Joe McClung, alias Mr. Big, shares a moment with bluegrass legend and festival headliner, Melvin Goins, at the Guest House Inn Saturday. Goins shared road stories about his six-plus decades playing music with the likes of Bill Monroe and Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. They’ll all be in the autobiography he’s writing. Photo by David Frank Dempsey

www.esINDEPENDENT.com | August 20, 2014 |

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ESOTERICAstrology as news for week August 21 – 27

by Risa

Strengthening the Hands of the New Group of World Servers

riday night begins our time under Virgo, sign of the Madonna gestating a new state of awareness for humanity. Virgo is also Ceres, mother of Persephone descending underground when autumn begins. The mother weeps at the loss of her daughter (spring & summer). Reflecting her grief, the trees and plants drop their leaves. Sun entering Virgo bring a sign and element change. From Leo’s fire to Virgo’s practical earth. News of food, health, grains, service and small animals in the news and on our minds. It’s one month till Autumn. Pumpkins and

ARIES: You will more fully, over time, be able to accept responsibilities greater than personal desires. You will attempt to return home (childhood) discovering it’s no longer approachable. You’ll learn blaming others never fixes situations. Eventually security comes when you create your life from understanding, responding to the needs of others. Comfort emerges from climbing the ladder (Jacob’s), defining ways to serve. This is serious work. You’re to initiate the building of the new world. TAURUS: You’ll be on overload the next two years, gathering information in order to make appropriate decisions that affect the welfare of others. Details will be important. However, the larger view is where you must begin. What you are to create (a new home, community, food sources, etc.) must be considered an adventure. This will help you discover more and have inspiration. Others will follow. You have help. GEMINI: It will not be in your best interest to maintain such independence that you can’t change your mind, include others or let go of things (possessions, habits). Should you do any of these you may create a life crisis, have difficulty with relationships and be afraid to investigate new realities. Much is becoming outdated

persimmons are ripening. Venus is in Leo - we radiate warmth; we’re generous, playful and affectionate. Everyone shows off, is ardent, passionate, warm-hearted, romantic and over-dramatic reflecting Leo’s fiery nature. Think of life as Shakespeare wrote – life is a play, we are its actors on the same stage together. Monday is Virgo new moon (2.19 degrees). At new moons we “strengthen the hands, arms and work of the New Group of World Servers (NGWS). We circle the Earth, reciting the Great Invocation (Mantram of Direction) together for humanity.

in your world. And this is not attractive for you. Ask what are your Soul’s needs? Ask that they appear and are recognized. CANCER: These are the rules for your life in the coming two years. Refrain from competitiveness, impatience, “me-first thinking,” and taking any situation personally. Observe how those around you are sensitive, have tact and cooperation, stand in others’ shoes, see through others’ eyes and work to create community. While the latter nourishes you, the former make you hungry. Learn how to bake. Or if you already know, bake more. Give away. LEO: It’s most important to be practical in the coming times, not leaving anything to chance, creating daily health routines and schedules incorporating right eating and exercise. It’s important to cultivate order and organization allowing your mind a more confident focus. Seek harmony, as you encounter more deadlines and details. Dreams and new awareness unfold when we care for the smallest aspects in our lives. You can do these things.

“Meditation theme at new moon - “to strengthen the Hands of the New Group of World Servers. Composed of men and women working for equality of opportunity, justice, inclusiveness and right relationships, the NGWS functions worldwide in every field of human endeavor. Often unrecognized, meeting human need for the welfare of all living being (the kingdoms) through understanding planetary interrelationships and the power of Goodwill to bring about constructive change.” (Lucis Trust, www. lucistrust.org) Join us at the new moon by reciting the Great Invocation (see Risa’s Esoteric Astrology FB page)

VIRGO: It’s time to no longer seek symbols that only provide material for new dreams. It’s no longer the time to act out old dreams, either. There seems to be a gap between what you dream for and what truly is. You must begin to express creatively all you wish and hope for. You must not rely on others. A great creative pool lies within. What you will create is beautiful, harmonious, and real. LIBRA: Try not to overmanage your life and try to relax standards of achievement and perfection (self and others). All that you do and achieve is good enough which is better than perfect. Allow yourself to observe more, to be vulnerable, open and receptive. These are human traits providing needed information. Make home and family (your hidden refuge) the most important place on earth. Your mother loves and recognizes you. She thinks you’re perfect. SCORPIO: Are you sometimes harsh with others’ feelings and opinions, have excess nervous energy obstructing you from having true and kind relationships? Are you pressured, hurried and afraid your freedoms will be limited? You’ll find that learning to listen deeply to others leads to meaningful and intelligent relationships - the secret to having social graces and forming substantial social networks. Love then comes too. SAGITTARIUS: Your value has nothing to do with the values of others. Your needs need not be enfolded into the needs of

others. Should these occur you attract confusion and intensity in relationships instead of peace and comfort. What are your values (not family, parents’ or relationships)? What do you enjoy and what of your own needs must you realize so your self-worth expands? Be patient with these questions. Ponder them. CAPRICORN: Slowly and quietly you learn to stand alone relying on instincts and inner knowing. You learn to express wishes, hopes and needs to others without restraint or fear of consequences. You are indeed very very good. Sometimes impulsiveness adds a bit of edge and glamour to all that goodness. Do you know there’s a relation between achieving peace in relationships and having inner peace? Plant a pomegranate tree. AQUARIUS: You worry often; have feelings of guilt and fear of not achieving enough. Sometimes you lack trust in yourself and in God. You can over-analyze any situation until it simply expires from exhaustion. It’s important to focus within your heart more. This develops the Soul virtue of compassion toward self, then others. Many, like you, traverse the difficult burning grounds of life. It’s to purify. PISCES: There’s a difference between seeking what we want and what is needed. If we drop the wants, needs are magically met. You will undergo great changes and sacrifices in the coming months. You have known about them for a long time. One day you will simply surrender to what is most practical and precious. The outcome will be surprising, loving and protective. This will be of great comfort. Call forth patience and courage.

Risa, writer, founder & director Esoteric & Astrological Studies & Research Institute, a contemporary Wisdom School studying the Ageless Wisdom teachings. The foundation of the Teachings is Esoteric Astrology. Email: risagoodwill@gmail.com. Web journal: www.nightlightnews.com. Facebook: Risa’s Esoteric Astrology for daily messages. 14 |

ES Independent | August 20, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

Sycamore©

– Chapter 9, 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.

ometimes it seemed to Clytie that she was engaged more to Mrs. Knowles that she was to Walter, but perhaps it was just that Mrs. Knowles was so close to him. Even when he and Clytie were alone, in the deep shade of cedars beyond the hayfield, or under the bluff where they used to lie, building a dreamhouse, in the quiet times of satiated love – even then, she had sometimes the disturbing illusion of Agnes Knowles hovering over them, a benign yet intrusive presence. Mrs. Knowles was wonderful, though. They were always saying so, to each other. She loaned Clytie the kind of books she ought to read, “because,” she said, “Walter plans to be a journalist and a writer, and the wife of such a man needs a background.” Clytie was a trifle alarmed by such presentiments, but she believed profoundly in her destiny, so she read the book club selections and discussed them while the three of them sat late into the August nights on the Knowleses’ terrace, and Walter, who had just discovered that he was an atheist, talked enthusiastically against God, and Mrs. Knowles only smiled, out of the breadth and depth of

her wisdom. Clytie’s other civilizing influence was the Sycamore movie-house. Three nights a week, with earnest application, she sat, one hand clutching Walter’s, while with the other she abstractedly fed herself popcorn, brooding solemnly upon the screen and the mannerisms of her favorite bright stars. She stored away dozens of gestures: chin-liftings, cigarette-lightings, eye-widenings, eye-narrowings – and added them to her own pattern of charm. Because her speech had always been slow and scanty, she wrought for herself a new language out of the banalities that poured from the sound track. She was constantly on the lookout for openings into which she might set these jewels of repartee or imagery, and she wondered why Walter sometimes hugged her and laughed, when she had used a phrase that struck her as particularly apt and clever. Privately, she thought Walter countrified. He didn’t take kindly to the symbols of smartness that she accepted as authentic, coming as they did straight from Hollywood. And he did things that struck her as ludicrous – such as reading

poetry aloud to her (he even wrote some himself!); and it wasn’t nice cozy poetry that you could understand, but just silly words about hollow men and such outlandish matters, and didn’t even rhyme, most of it… But, aside from being bored by Walter now and then, she was finding life brilliant with fulfillment. For the first time, she could afford to ignore the Town, because she had defeated it. She drove the Knowlses’ station-wagon at high speed around the square, and looked neither to right nor left. Without looking, she knew they were sharply aware of mouths twisted with envy, and she was triumphantly vindicated. It seemed that life would continue in this charmed pattern until she and Walter were graduated, and then, of course, they would be married. In the Baptist Church they would be married, with herself trailing clouds of white net behind her, and the whole town – all the people who had turned up noses at the Byrnes – would be there to witness the ultimate victory of Clytie. Then, just as the future looked so bright and clear, her world fell apart. It was a night in late August, and Walter had

NOTES from the HOLLOW

ften known as Chub or Chubby, Bob Lent was a well-known figure around Eureka Springs, especially during his years as a mail carrier. He was also known for a speech impediment; when he ordered a cup of coffee it sounded more like he wanted a “chup of choffee.” Bob Lent was born in

his parent’s home on Magnetic Road and lived there nearly his entire life. As a young man, he worked several years for Britton Baker at the Esso station where Spring and Main meet (now the location of Scarlett’s Lingerie). When he left the Esso station, Mr. Baker gave him a watch as a gift, the same watch

Health and Wellness Fair August 26 The Carroll County Health and Wellness Fair at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center on August 26 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. will include in-depth educational workshops and showcase information for overall health improvement, wellbeing and awareness. Along with information from area businesses, workshops will take place throughout the day on topics such as Fraud and Identity Theft Protection, Balance, Fall Prevention, Healthy Cooking classes and more. There will also be a grand prize giveaway of a flat screen television. The event is free to the public and is a not-for-profit event sponsored by Autumn Hill, Brighton Ridge and Elite Home Health to benefit The Eureka Health Care Volunteer Guild. For vendor requirements or further information phone (870) 416-1506 or (281) 382-0054.

ridden out to the farmhouse, and CONSTANCE she had known, WAGNER with the first glance at his tight mouth, that something had gone wrong. She made an excuse to get him out of the house, and walked with him across the stubbly hayfield, neither of them speaking a word until they reached the dark cedargrove that had been a favorite shelter for their kissing. This time Walter did not kiss her. He crooked his arm against a tree trunk, looking not at her but at the ground, and, after a moment, he said in an unfamiliar voice: “Clytie, I’m going away. And I’m not coming back.” Clytie felt as if someone had yanked a rug from under her feet. She stepped close enough to press her body against his, and then she said: “Why?” What had come instantly into her mind was the possibility that he might have got wind of one or another of her casual amours that had antedated their romance, and she was rapidly computing her chances of talking her way out of it.

by Steve Weems

that took the brunt of an enemy bullet in Korea and probably saved his arm. Chub made sergeant during the Korean War because, he said, when everyone else gets shot and you’re left, they make you the sergeant. In the 1960s, Chub spent time in the tuberculosis sanitarium near Booneville and ended up losing a lung. He had only one lung all those years he delivered the mail, walking up to 12 miles per day. While a letter carrier, Chub was caught disposing of junk mail he didn’t think his postal customers would want. He got in a lot of trouble and even hired an attorney to represent him. It made no difference, and he was fired. Immediately, many locals came to his defense. My understanding is that Chub felt it was the involvement of John Cross that got him back his job at the post office. Near the end of his life, he allowed a business I was involved with to put

up a sign on the Lent property. When I inquired how much the sign rent would be, he responded zero, so I mailed him a printed and signed business check made out for $0.00. He had a lot of fun going to banks and trying to get the check cashed. I am told it was folded up in his wallet when he died August 11, 1994. He is buried in the Eureka Springs IOOF Cemetery under a tombstone that reads Charles Robert Lent. I never knew his name was Charles until I saw it on the grave marker.

www.esINDEPENDENT.com | August 20, 2014 |

ES Independent | 15

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

8 4

6 19 3 31

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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

27 30 29

25 14 11

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

ES Independent | August 20, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

INDEPENDENTNews Quorum Court candidate wants energy conservation, women’s shelter and jobs Becky Gillette For several years, the Carroll County Quorum Court has been all male. Now one woman, Sheri Hanson, wants to change that. She is a candidate for District 2, the rural area around Eureka Springs that runs from Busch to Rockhouse Road on the east side of US 62. Why don’t more women run for public office in Carroll County? “I can’t speak for other people,” Hanson said. “I’m running because I have been working with the Democratic Party in the county since I moved here and the party asked me to run. I grew up as an Episcopalian. My spiritual life has always led me to community service.” Hanson has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for three children. She is proud that the three young women she sponsored all graduated from high school. None was pregnant or drug addicted, and two went on to college. “That was quite an accomplishment for those children,” she said. Hanson, who lives on a 15-acre homestead in Hillspeak, would like to have a good influence on county government.

Her campaign slogan is “Todos somos gente,” Spanish for “We are all people.” “I think everyone should have the same rights,” Hanson said. “I have been to some of the quorum court meetings, especially during the water hearings. There were efforts to start a rural water district, but they wanted it in private hands. Mostly it was for developers. I feel something as precious as natural resources should not be privatized.

While water will be a tremendous issue in the future, I believe it should belong to the public, not private companies. I was very happy to see that was defeated. It is a big deal.”

She states unequivocally that climate change is real, and she would like to get Carroll County to participate in a program to help people conserve energy by insulating their homes. Hanson knows people who had a $2,000 bill for propane to heat their homes through the abnormally cold winter. The U.S. Department of Energy has programs to help with home weatherization, but Carroll County is one of the few counties in the state that doesn’t participate. “I would like the county to help people, the environment and our resources because we are all in it together,” Hanson said. She is also an advocate of a domestic abuse shelter for children and women in Carroll County. “If there had been somewhere for Laura Aceves to go, it might have saved her life,” Hanson said, referring to a young woman who was shot and killed, allegedly

SHERI HANSON continued on page 23

DEPARTURE Helen Alexa Roy

Feb. 28, 1928 – August 1, 2014 Helen Alexa Roy, 86, a longtime resident of Eureka Springs, was born Feb. 28, 1928 in Evanston, Ill., daughter of Theodore and Phyllis Koclannes. She departed this life on August 1, at Brighton Ridge, with friends by her side. Alexa, as she was known to most of us here in the Ozarks, had the kind of life only dreamers and the adventurous dare to have. In her book, Wonderful Light-Memories of an American Buddhist Nun, she deliberately uses a quote from Helen Keller, which states that “life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all,” and that’s just how Alexa handled life. An extensive world traveler at a very early age, she was ordained a Buddhist nun 1963. Calling Eureka Springs her “anchor point” she would travel the world and had a yearning for Sri Lanka, where she spent much of her time. Alexa was preceded in death by her parents and leaves a son, Chad Roy of Branford, Conn., and a daughter, Sheffali Sauls of Goldsboro, N.C. A celebration of life will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 22, at the Unitarian Fellowship, 17 Elk St., Eureka Springs. Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel & Crematory of Fayetteville. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com www.esINDEPENDENT.com | August 20, 2014 |

ES Independent | 17

INDYSoul

by Reillot Weston

Damn Phamily or Billabong Waters at the Beach es, school has resumed for most students but the summer remains hot in Eureka Springs! It’s still

August out there folks and we’ve got to find ways to cool off our sweatiness. Jack’s Place is having a Beach Party

Damn Phamily rocks Chelsea’s Saturday, August 23. Nighttime.

featuring Eureka’s own Billabong Waters on Friday and Saturday. There will be games and misplaced sand. Wear a floral shirt and do the limbo with an umbrella-bearing cocktail as the ‘Bong waters spill about. Chelsea’s Corner is

hosting Damn Phamily to showcase some Grateful Dead and Phish covers, as well as some family favorites. There’s bound to be some bouncing about; so cast your noodle towards the fishing hole and line up your tall tales.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 BALCONY RESTAURANTMaureen Alexander, 5 p.m. GRAND TAVERNE- Jerry Yester, Grand Piano Dinner Music

JACK’S PLACE – Billabong Waters, Beach Party, Surf Music LEGENDS – Starseed MADAME MEDUSA’S HOOKAH LOUNGE- Underground Electronica ROWDY BEAVER- Terri and Brett, 1 p.m.- 5 p.m., Terri & Executives, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. ROWDY BEAVER DEN – Reeves Bros, 1 p.m.- 5 p.m., Third Degree, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. SMILING BROOK CAFÉ – Becky Jean and the Candyman, 5 p.m.- 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 BALCONY RESTAURANTHogscalders, 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. BLARNEY STONE- Jim Mills and The Hellbenders, 8:30 p.m.- 12 a.m. CHELSEA’S- Dime Trip EUREKA LIVE! – DJ & Dancing GRAND TAVERNE – Arkansas Red, JACK’S PLACE - Billabong Waters, Beach Party, Surf Music LEGENDS – Karaoke MADAME MEDUSA’S HOOKAH LOUNGE- Sparkle Party ROWDY BEAVER – Two Dog Two Karaoke ROWDY BEAVER DEN – Terri and Brett SMILING BROOK CAFÉ – Sonny Royal, 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. THE STONE HOUSE – Jerry Yester SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 BALCONY RESTAURANT– Jeff Lee, 12 p.m., Catherine Reid, 6 p.m. BLARNEY STONE – Jim Mills and The Hellbenders, 8:30 p.m.- 12 a.m. CHELSEA’S – Damn Phamily EUREKA LIVE! – DJ & Dancing GRAND TAVERNE – Jerry Yester, Grand Piano Dinner Music

Wed., Aug. 20 • 9:30 P.M. – The 18 WHEELERS Fri., Aug. 22 • 9:30 P.M. – DIME TRIP Sat., Aug. 23 • 9:30 P.M. – DAMN PHAMILY Mon., Aug. 25 • 9 P.M. – SPRINGBILLY Tues., Aug. 26 • 9 P.M. – OPEN MIC

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ES Independent | August 20, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 BALCONY RESTAURANT – Staymore, 12 p.m., Jeff Lee, 5 p.m. EUREKA LIVE! – DJ, Dancing & Karaoke, 7 p.m.- 11 p.m. MADAME MEDUSA’S HOOKAH LOUNGE – Pirate Day ROWDY BEAVER DEN – Terri and Brett SMILING BROOK CAFÉ – Coy Dog and the Other Waltons, 12 p.m.- 3 p.m. MONDAY, AUGUST 25 CHELSEA’S – Springbilly TUESDAY, AUGUST 26 CHELSEA’S – Open Mic LEGENDS – Jam WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27 CHELSEA’S – The 18 Wheelers

INDEPENDENTNews Cocktails For A Cause – bring bail money! Cocktails for a Cause returns Thursday, August 21, to celebrate the Eureka Springs Historical Museum and all they do to preserve our history. Join friends and neighbors from 5 – 7 p.m. in the Lucky 7 Rooftop Billiards Room atop the Basin Park Hotel – and bring bail money! Leroy Gorrell from Community First Bank; ESDN Board Member, Autumn Hudgins, from Cornerstone Bank; and Mark Minton from Arvest Bank will be handcuffed to barstools, and each one has to raise $200 in bail to be freed.

They’ll have one hand loose in order for them to enjoy their evening, but without the help of friends and coworkers each might end up at work the next day with a barstool cuffed to his or her wrist. A $10 donation will be collected at the door. All bail money raised and a percentage of drink sales will be divided evenly between the Historical Museum and the Eureka Springs Downtown Network/Main Street program. Your support is appreciated, so please come see what’s new with both organizations in this relaxed, friendly networking event.

Blaze a trail August 23 The Trails Committee invites trail enthusiasts to meet at the Parks Office at Harmon Park, 532 Spring, for a workday on August 23 from 8 a.m. – noon to clear and remove brush on the new 10ft. ADA-accessible path for which Parks

has received grant funding. Bring gloves, safety glasses, iron rake, hand pruners, loppers and insect repellant of choice. Call (479) 253-2866 or email esparks@arkansas.net if you need further information.

Soccer signups begin Aug. 23 The Eureka Springs Youth Soccer Club will host sign ups for the fall season at the Eureka Springs Middle-School Cafeteria as follows: Saturday, August 23: 9 – 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 27: 3:15 – 5 p.m. Saturday, August 30: 9 – 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 3: 3:15 – 5 p.m. For further information on the club and teams see www.eteamz.com/ eurekasoccer.

Fit and synergized – From left, in pink, BJ Dennis, Shelly LaFree and Cathy Jackson celebrate the Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and open house for the Holiday Island Wellness Studio and Synergy Fitness on August 16.

Photo by Suzanne Kline

Buying and selling the moon Eurekan Steve Arnold, star of three seasons of Science Channel’s popular TV series Meteorite Men, is counting on support via the crowd funding website, Kickstarter, to bring a newly-found piece of the moon to the marketplace. While NASA owns all the moon rock brought back from the Apollo Missions, lunar meteorites that land on Earth after being blasted off the surface of the moon are available to the general public. Of 49,563 meteorites officially classified by the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society, only 183 have proven to be lunar in origin. Arnold has been hunting and finding meteorites all over the world for 22 years but finding a lunar meteorite of his own has eluded him his entire career. Now he has a chance to buy one. The rock Arnold is raising funds to acquire was recovered in the Sahara and is being sold by an established meteorite broker in Morocco. “I wanted to test if Kickstarter would be a viable option for fundraising and bringing new meteorites to

market.” Arnold said. He has some of the funds required to purchase the moon rock, but needs to meet his Kickstarter goal of $5,000 by August 28. If the goal isn’t met, pledges will not be processed and Arnold won’t be obligated to distribute the rewards offered to his supporters. “Many people don’t realize they can own a genuine piece of the moon for a $25 pledge,” Arnold said. “Even pledges as low as $7 will receive moon dust if the goal is reached. We are also offering pledge rewards of moon rock products for 50 percent or more off retail. My fingers are crossed that enough people will step up.” Arnold also intends to donate at least 20 percent of the rock to researchers, “so if there is anything new or significant about this rock, science will not miss out.” How it all works can be seen on his Kickstarter video. To help make a piece of the moon available to the public (right here in Eureka Springs), go to www.kickstarter. com before August 28 and type Lunar Meteorite Boxes in the site search bar.

August 25 Metafizzies meeting Watermelon music – Mr. Big’s Family Reunion Bluegrass Festival jumped off to a great start August 14 at the Watermelon Social in Basin Park with plenty of pickin’ and singin’. Photo by Gina Drennon

The August 25 meeting of the Eureka Springs Metaphysical Society will begin at 7 p.m. in the reading room of the Christian Science Church at 68 Mountain Street, and will feature video presentations by Deepak Chopra and Jerry Freeman on the seven states of consciousness recognized by the Vedic tradition of India. www.esINDEPENDENT.com | August 20, 2014 |

ES Independent | 19

INDEPENDENTNews Carnegie offers eBook Demo at ESHS The Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library will offer a demonstration of the Library2Go ebook and downloadable audiobook platform Thursday, August 28, 5 p.m. in the Eureka Springs High School Computer Lab. The free demo is open to students, parents, teachers and the public. Bring your phones and other devices along with their USB cables and proof of address if you do not already have a library card. Contact the public library at (479) 253-8754 or email info@eurekalibrary.org for more information.

Escaping Turkey Day? – A flock of wild turkeys cautiously crosses the road leading to the White River below Beaver Dam Aug. 12. Maybe they’re scouting places to hide out during Thanksgiving season … or just looking for a snort of Wild Turkey?

Blue Skies Book Study begins Aug. 26 Tuesday, August 26, the Blue Skies Book Study will hold a discussion of the book, The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom. This book is actually quite short, so, if you haven’t read it, there is still time. Check out a copy from the library and enjoy. Hosted by St. James Episcopal Church, the gathering will take place in the undercroft at the church at 28 Prospect from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Writer Laura Shoffner will lead the program, and all are cordially invited. Call the church at (479) 253-8610 for futher details.

Photo by David Frank Dempsey

Invite folks to your business via ‘Buggy’ goodie bags The Volkswagens are coming to town August 22 – 24 and bringing an estimated 300 people with them, most of whom you’ll see at the parade at 2 p.m. on Saturday! 2014 is the Year of the Buggy, so watch for some fun vehicles. The Chamber of Commerce has extended an invitation to area businesses to make themselves known to this annual group. VW Weekend participants will wear

TheNATUREofEUREKA

20 |

by Steven Foster

Perilla Revisited

all it an herb and you are probably Asian or a serious herb gardener. Call it a weed, and you probably are from America, as it now occurs from Ontario south to Florida and westward thriving in moist rich soils along flood plain forests, gravel bars, disturbed open woods. Like Americans of European descent, perilla, naturalized from Asia probably by the mid-1850s is an invasive alien.

lanyards identifying themselves with a picture of their car attached, and want our business community to see the love their group is showing Eureka Springs. If you want to show the love back with a special deal or offer to anyone wearing a lanyard into your place of business, let the Chamber know at (479) 253-8737 today, and get your information into those 300 goodie bags handed out at registration!

It’s various common names seem to derive from visual association. George Yatskievych in Volume 3 of Steyermark’s Flora of Missouri (Missouri Botanical Garden Press, 2013) lists common names as “beefsteak plant, wild basil, summer coleus, and rattlesnake weed.” Also known as perilla, in 1764, Linnaeus bestowed the name Perilla frutescens to this annual member of the mint family. In China it is called “zi-su” and as a medicinal herb, the dried tops going to seed are called “zi-su-zhi.” In Japan it is called “shiso.” In Korea the leaves are called deulkkae and ggaennip which translate literally to “wild sesame” and “sesame leaf” (however, the plant is not related to the plant that give us sesame seed). Other names are given to it in Laos, Vietnam, Nepal and India. In various parts of Asia there are genetic variants that give the plant a different appearance, varying chemistry, and a variety of uses depending upon the selection.

ES Independent | August 20, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

Selections grown in Korea have tender green leaves, which are individually harvested and sold in markets, with a bundle of three to five fresh leaves with stems, tied together with delicate string. The leaves are also pickled. Whole leaves in sardine cans can be found in every Korean grocery store worldwide. A local cultivar in northeast Japan is grown for edible seeds, which are roasted as a condiment, and was a source of seed oil. Perilla seed cake, left over from expressing the oil, was mixed with fish waste and used traditionally as a garden fertilizer in Japan. Our wild-growing, weedy perilla in the Ozarks includes both the green leaf variety (without red leaves or veins) as well as the purple-leaf varieties, which I suspect is where the very odd name “beefsteak plant” originates. Don’t think of this plant as an “all you can eat” vegetable. It can be toxic, but the dose makes the poison. In Asia it is a delicate condiment, with only a small amount consumed at a time. The unusual, which some deem “unpleasant” fragrance and flavor, will deter most Western palates.

DROPPINGA Line

his week we’ll let the pictures tell the story. Kim Johnson got her a nice 34 in. striper Friday out of

by Robert Johnson

Beaver Lake on a shad down about 30 ft. deep. Find the bait and the fish won’t be too far behind.

Most activity is between the dam and Point 6. Randy Collins and his son, Colby, had a good day last Tuesday here at Holiday Island catching a few bass and a mess of crappie on minnows about

14 ft. deep in the sunken cedars up Leatherwood Creek near the marina. So that’s it for this week. Most fish are deep now in the cooler water but they still have to eat. Get out and enjoy before the summer is over. fishofexcellence

INDEPENDENT Crossword by Bill Westerman

Solution on page 23

New title for old Title Co.

Kings River Title, headquartered in Fayetteville, recently welcomed Charles Epley, Diane Sherman and Betty Simkins, all formerly of Carroll County Title, to the Kings River family. Kings River Title acquired the operations of Carroll County Title on August 15. Though the company name has changed, Charles, Diane and Betty will TREE TRIMMING continued from page 2

has refused to advance a draft of an Urban Forestry Management Plan that approached this sort of situation by trying to establish ongoing dialogue with utility companies as to how the city could better prepare for these sorts of easement relationships.” There was no notice on the city’s website or a press release to the newspaper about trimming that is causing a major change in the aesthetic of a town that is primarily dependent on a tourism economy. Fischer said he is concerned about shock to the trees from trimming at the worst possible time of year. “Our street trees shouldn’t be subjected to these massive cuts in August,” Fischer said. “It’s just too hard on most of the species in the late summer heat. Why is there no seeming expertise? I haven’t seen any supervisors issuing instructions about CAPC continued from page 6

month, and Dallas and Kansas City were well-represented as were Houston, Tulsa and St. Louis. • Commissioners voted unanimously to submit the application of Dustin Duling

continue to provide the service locals have come to know and appreciate in the same location, 7 Pine Street, in Eureka Springs. With the addition of this new staff, Kings River Title Company now brings 95 years of title, 52 years of legal and more than 125 years of real estate closing experience to every closing and title order.

how to do the cuts. My feeling about the utility work underway is that it’s an unfortunate reflection of a broad lack of effort to steward the trees we take for granted. Living in the midst of a forest with streets and utilities comes with the need for planning and care, which in Eureka seems to continually slide off the table.” The tree trimming has been most drastic on primary feeder lines. With secondary lines and lines running from the power pole to homes, some people haven’t been able to get the trees cut. Mayor Morris Pate said he contacted SWEPCO after receiving numerous complaints from residents about the tree cutting, and if anyone has complaints about malicious destruction of property, they should take a picture and email it to Pate at mayor@cityofeurekasprings. org. He said he would forward complaints to SWEPCO. to Mayor Morris Pate for nomination to sit on the commission. Next workshop will be Wednesday, August 27, at 4 p.m., at the CAPC office, and the next regular meeting will be Wednesday, September 10, at 6 p.m.

ACROSS 1. Maize 5. Filled pastry crust 8. Relaxation 12. Capital of Western Samoa 13. Affirmative vote 14. Small nail 15. Retain 16. Convict 18. Naval off. 19. Strange and mysterious 20. Fuss 21. Reside 23. Consume 25. Fluid 27. Relating to Mecca 31. No way, e.g. 32. Statute 33. Game played on horseback 34. Captivate 36. Water holes 37. Knight name 38. Scorch

39. About when we’ll get there 42. Uncultivated country 44. Jamaican popular music 47. Capital of Chile 49. Supplements 50. Drug-yielding plant 51. Pair 52. Undead creature 53. Bone of the forearm 54. All righty, then 55. Smudged paper DOWN 1. Wedding preference 2. Not closed 3. White wine 4. Doze 5. Collector 6. Jewish May 7. Weirdest 8. Flow back 9. Solo song 10. Reddish-brown chalcedony

www.esINDEPENDENT.com | August 20, 2014 |

11. Root of the taro 17. Distribute cards 19. Day before the event 22. Sudden seizure 24. Reduce gradually 25. Triangular sail 26. Exploit 27. Frozen water 28. Strong heavy cotton fabric 29. Unwell 30. Long-leaf lettuce 32. So soon 35. Hawaiian honeycreeper 36. Marry 38. Yacht 39. Son of Isaac and Rebekah 40. Lofty 41. Soon 43. Malarial fever 45. Retch 46. Wan 48. Drink with crumpets 49. Biblical high priest

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

HELP WANTED

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

NEED APARTMENT RENTALS – Long and short term for home buyers moving to Eureka Springs. Ken (479) 244-6258. kriley479@gmail.com

MOUNTAIN BIRD COFFEE CO. SEEKING PART-TIME help, possible becoming full-time. Year round work, light manual labor, must be able to lift 75 pounds. References required. (479) 426-6777.

WHITE STREET SATURDAY MARKET 8–11:30 a.m. at Ermilio’s. Quality produce. Potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, greens, Old World sourdough bread.

ANTIQUES WONDERLAND ANTIQUES buys/ sells antiques, primitives, unique vintage items. Open 10-5. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. Hwy 62 east of Eureka 3 miles. (479) 253-6900

GARAGE SALE

SERVERS, DISHWASHERS, COOKS. Experience required. Pied Piper Pub. Come in and fill out an application. 82 Armstrong. PEACHTREE VILLLAGE HAS AN OPENING for Maintenance Director. Apply at 5 Park Drive, Holiday Island, AR.

LAUGHING HANDS MASSAGE announces its summer special – free peppermint foot scrub with a one hour massage. Laughing Hands always a great location for couples massage. Call 479-244-5954 for appointment.

Furniture, freezer, saws, garden supplies, generator, tools, home decor, holiday and more. Thursday through Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. 435 W. Van Buren.

Established & Effective: SIMPLICITY COUNSELING – improving the health of your friends and neighbors in this community in a relaxed respectful environment since 2010. Depression, Anxiety, Self-Worth, Trauma, Grief, Adjustment & Relationships. Call for professional licensed service. (479) 2445181 “It’s Your Time”

ROUND III MOVING/ DOWNSIZING SALES in Busch, 94 CR 214, 9 miles west of Eureka ... Aug 15-16 & Aug. 22–23 ... 8am-5pm ... Rain or Shine ... LOTS of new items. Check itemized lists at Harts, Sunfest, and Craigslist (which will also have pics).

COOK WANTED – The Ozark Natural Science Center has an immediate opening for a part-time evening shift cook. Send resume to ONSC 1905 Madison 1305, Huntsville, AR 72740 or e-mail to loretta@onsc.us.

BOAT FOR SALE

Forest Hill Restaurant in Eureka Springs seeking QUALIFIED and RESPONSIBLE BREAKFAST and GRILL COOK to its existing kitchen team. Apply in person and ask for Paul.

MOVING SALE

EUREKA SPRINGS FARMERS’ MARKET every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 a.m. – noon. Summer 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.

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL FOR SALE LOG CABIN, BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED. Located near Wal-Mart & Country Club, Berryville. Features: living quarters, small greenhouse, CH/A. Perfect for law office, beauty salon, dog grooming, you name it. $159,900. Call (870) 847-1934

BREAD – LOCAL – SOURDOUGH by Ivan @ the ES Farmers’ Market! Thursdays. All is dairy free! Art Loaves: Rye, Golden Gate Sourdough, Rustic Italian. Toaster Muffins: Oat, Honey & Fruit, Plus Wheat Free Artful Dodgers! Summer Focaccia & Pizzas. Request Line: (479) 244-7112 bread.loveureka.com MUSICIANS – Berryville Symphonia in its 2nd season invites players of violin, viola, cello & bass, as well as band instruments to join Monday night rehearsals and performances. Call/txt (216) 225-6512. 22 |

CHILDCARE PROVIDER NEEDED for two delightful homeschooled girls, ages 5 and 7. Primary shift: M/W/F 6am-noon. $400/mo. Call 981-4811 for an interview.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE DERKSEN PORTABLE BUILDINGS for sale or rent-to-own. Hwy 62 West, across from WalMart, Berryville. No credit check. Free delivery. (870) 4231414.

ES Independent | August 20, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com

HOMES FOR SALE DOWNTOWN, WELL MAINTAINED 2-STORY with lower level rental. Ample parking. Established garden. Detached shop/studio with high ceiling.Two decks. $144,000 (479) 2534963

RENTAL PROPERTIES APARTMENTS FOR RENT HOLIDAY ISLAND VILLAS & TOWNHOUSES near lake and marina. Peaceful and quiet, ample parking. From $375/mo. (479) 253-4385

COMMERCIAL RENTALS REASONABLE DOWNTOWN SHOP space for rent. (479) 253-9481 or dan@twilight.arcoxmail.com

DUPLEX FOR RENT BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED 2 BEDROOM UPPER LEVEL DUPLEX. Hardwood floors. Large kitchen with 2 sinks, dishwasher. Full bath with double sinks/granite tops. Deck overlooking private woods. Carport. Washer/Dryer. Easy walk to downtown, Harts and health food store. $850 furnished or $800 unfurnished. 479244-5427

HOMES FOR RENT SEASONAL – Winter rentals, Nov. 1 - May 1. In town, both furnished, each with private entrance, patio, parking. Utilities included. Studio $600, 2 bdrm. house $1200. (479) 981-2507. No Pets. No Smoking. 2 BR/1 BA – $800 plus utilities. No Pets. No Smoking. Everything brand new. In town. Call (479) 981-9976

SERVICE DIRECTORY BEAUTY ISLAND NAILS IS NOW OPEN at 3 Parkway Dr., Ste G (near HI Subway.) Mention this ad for $5 off your first visit. Featuring: Spa Pedicure, Manicure with OPI gel polish–lasts 2 weeks (compare to Shellac) Call (479) 981-9556 for info on other services and appointments.

CLEANING TAYLOR-MAID TO THE RESCUE! Clean freak has openings. References. Call Angie (479) 981-0125.

INDEPENDENTClassifieds SERVICE DIRECTORY CLEANING PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE Residential & small business. Deep cleaning, Windows, Organizing, References Available. Call Sharon (479) 244-6527

MAINTENANCE/ LANDSCAPE/ HOME SERVICES REALTORS-PROPERTY MGRSLANDLORDS. I specialize in preparation of properties for showing and/or occupancy. Excellent references. (479) 981-0125. 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

SERVICE DIRECTORY MAINTENANCE/ LANDSCAPE/ HOME SERVICES TREE WORKS Skilled tree care: trimming, deadwooding and removals. Conscientious, professional arborist and sawmiller. Bob Messer (479) 253-2284

PETS PETSITTING, HOUSESITTING. Holiday Island, Eureka Springs and surrounding areas. 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

To place a classified, email classifieds@esindependent.com

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

Election Day is Nov. 4! Filing deadline for city and county offices reaped the following, according to Joanna Schuster of the county clerk’s office: Butch Berry is running unopposed for mayor of Eureka Springs. MJ Sell is running against Ann Armstrong for City Clerk/Treasurer. City Attorney Tim Weaver is running unopposed, as are aldermen Mickey Schneider; David Mitchell; James DeVito; Robert Thomas and Terry McClung. Joyce Zeller is being challenged by Ferguson Stewart. On the county level, Republican Betty Neal is challenging incumbent Democrat Ramona Wilson, and Assessor JoAnn Harris, County Clerk Jamie SHERI HANSON continued from page 17

by a former boyfriend. “Domestic abuse is huge. Three out of four girls and two of five boys have been abused. In Steve Womack’s Congressional district, there are more than 600 children in foster care – many because of abuse. They need somewhere to go in the beginning stages of abuse before things get completely out of control.” Hanson is also hearing that jobs are really important. She is an advocate of attracting economic development that won’t destroy our way of life. “Right now we have tourism and chickens,” Hanson said. “I’d like to see clean industry come into our county. I think we could do more to promote our county for clean industries. Energy conservation, a shelter and clean jobs are a lot of things for a two-year term. If I could have any one of those things happen, I would consider it successful.” Hanson has found many people don’t understand what the Carroll County Quorum Court does. She said it is important because it decides how tax money is spent. “I would hope I could bring some clarity to people about what we are doing,” she said. “If I succeed in winning a seat, I would have meetings with people and ask them what they want. Roads are number one. We all want to drive down the road without tearing up our cars. Water came up very high on the list. A domestic abuse shelter came up high on the list, especially among women. And everyone complains about their energy bills.” Hanson grew up in a military family that moved around a lot. When her dad retired, they settled on a farm in southern Missouri where the city kid fell in love with country living. She lived in California for

Correia, County Judge Sam Barr and Coroner Jim Capps are all running unopposed. Incumbent Republican Sheriff Bob Grudek is challenged by Democrat Randy Mayfield, while Tax Collector Kay Phillips and Treasurer Cindy Collins are unopposed. On the Quorum Court, Sheri Hanson (D) is taking on Chuck Olson (R), Ron Flake is being challenged by Marty Johnson; Andrew Wilhelm is running against Kevin Doss; and Mike Miller is opposing incumbent Donald McNeely. Roger Hall (R), Larry Swofford (D), John Howerton (D), Joe Lee Mills, Jack Deaton (I), David Mitchell (D) and Matt Phillips (R) are unopposed. 22 years where she and her life partner, artist and designer Poindexter Westerfield, operated a business manufacturing holographic rainbow art. She also has worked as a television producer and sold produce from her truck garden. Hanson got interested in politics as an activist during the ‘70s and later realized that working within the system could be more effective. She joined the Mendocino County Central Committee in California in 2003 and was a delegate to the State Democratic Convention. “So it was natural for me to join the Carroll County Central Committee when I moved here,” she said. Hanson thinks she can be successful working with the 10 men on the quorum court because she has often worked in male-dominated industries. “When I go into a meeting room, I’m often the only woman. I am comfortable in that environment,” she said. “I believe I can work with the other members of the Quorum Court effectively and I believe I can make a difference for good in our community.”

CROSSWORDSolution

www.esINDEPENDENT.com | August 20, 2014 |

ES Independent | 23

Cost

10 15 20

$35,000 $52,500 $70,000

SWEPCO Commercial Incentives $9,165 $13,748 $18,330

30% Federal Tax Credit

Net Cost

$10,500 $15,750 $21,000

$15,335 $23,002 $30,670 Estimated

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ES Independent | August 20, 2014 | www.esINDEPENDENT.com