Eye On Independence www.eyeonmag.com
The Addictive Personality Can We End Meth in Rural America The Old Independence Regional Museum A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.
February 2013
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In This Issue 6/Editor’s Note
Settled In, Ready, Set....
7/We’re Still Out Here
Can We End the Taint of Meth in Rural America?
9/The Morning Line
Involuntary Servitude
12/Batesville Area Arts Council 14/I Do
7
18
12
23
14
34
17
35
Emerson Wedding
17/Your Health
Red Hot Luncheon
18/Cover Story
The Keepers of Yesterday - OIRM
21/Faces 22/Faces 24/Feature
Kenton Adler; Author, Musician, Nobleman
26/Things To Do 28/Travel On
Why Not a Destination Wedding?
31/The Myopic Life Moving Home
33/Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista Online Shopping
34/Independent Thoughts The Addictive Personality
35/Notes from the Clearing Meteor Shower
36/Smith’s Verdict **** Argo
Eye On www.eyeonmag.com
February 2013
Independence
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Rural America
The Old Independen
ce Regional Museum
A Publication of Mead
owland Media, Inc.
Cover photography by Robert O. Seat Design by Joseph Thomas
Eye On
Meet Your Writers... John M. Belew is a local lawyer in the firm of Belew & Bell located at 500 East Main, Suite 301, Batesville, Arkansas 72501; 870.793.4247. A seasoned attorney, Belew has been practicing in Batesville for 38 years. He handles cases involving medical malpractice, professional negligence, personal injury, banking law and products liability. He was admitted to practice in Arkansas in 1973, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western District of Arkansas and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit in 1975.
Leigh Keller is now a high school Spanish teacher. She is also a colorguard coordinator for Batesville Public Schools. She received her BA in English, Spanish and ESL from Arkansas Tech University, and an MS in Counseling from John Brown University. She is married to Allen and they have one son, Cole.
Tanner Smith is a native of Manila, Arkansas. He has written movie reviews for the T Tauri Galaxy (www.ttauri.org/galaxy) for several years and is a five year veteran of the T Tauri Movie Camp. He has made a number of films, ranging from horror to documentary, and has won awards in filmmaking and screenwriting.
THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com PUBLISHER: Kimberlee Thomas
Mark Lamberth is the Voice of the Pioneers on KZLE 93.1 FM Radio and Suddenlink Cable Channel 6 for Pioneer Football. He is President of Atlas Asphalt, Inc., a Member of the Arkansas Racing Commission, Member of the Board of Racing Commissioners International, and a graduate of the University of Arkansas. Photograph by Keith Sturch.
Alisa R. Lancaster is an Advanced Practice Nurse for the U of A Medical Sciences Area Health Education Center. She has been in health care since 1983, the last 17 years with the UAMS system. Alisa and husband Scott have four children and a granddaughter. Alisa’s mission is to improve the health and welfare of others through education and practice. She welcomes feedback at AlisaAPN@gmail.com or 870.698.1023.
Associate EDITOR: Bob Pest MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Creative Director : Joseph Thomas AD DESIGN Department: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas PROOFING Department: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: Rockwell Publishing
Eye On Independence is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by calling (870) 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at kthomas@eyeonmag.com. Mailing address: P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or the staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate and neither MeadowLand Media or it any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2010 MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the Publisher. All pictorial material reproduced in this book has been accepted on the condition that it is reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer concerned. As such, MeadowLand Media, Incorporated, is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof.
For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Kimberlee Thomas, 870.503.1150, kthomas@eyeonmag.com.
Visit us @ www.eyeonmag.com
Bob Pest is the president and Co-founder of Ozark Foothills FilmFest and the T Tauri Film Festival and Movie Camp. He works as a community development consultant for First Community Bank, teaches film classes at UACCB, and currently serves as vice-president of the Ozark Gateway Tourist Council. He has most recently become a member of the board of the new Arkansas Motion Picture Institute, formed to support the three major film festivals in Arkansas-Little Rock Film Festival, Ozark Foothills FilmFest, and Hot Springs Docs. Kristi Price spent all her life as a transplant, having grown up military. The Ozarks have always been in her blood though, and she’s proud to call Batesville her home after many years on the move. Kristi holds a BA in English and blogs about family and other mishaps at www. themyopiclife.wordpress.com. She is married to Erin and mother to Ethan, Emily, and Maggie.
Eye On Independence received the 2012 Innovative Project award, which is presented to an agency or organization for outstanding, innovative, continuous or effective coverage of literacy issues, resulting in positive change or improvement.
Editor’s Note
Settled In, Ready, Set.... Joseph Thomas
Kimberlee and Joseph Thomas
photo by Robert O. Seat
Circa 1960s
So, here we are, settled into 2013. The weather has epitomized Winter and the phrase “snow days” rests upon the tongue of every student, unspoken, waiting for further release. We are pleased to bring you some fresh local faces with some fresh local stories. Obviously the Old Independence County Regional Museum is our cover story. We want to thank Ms. Amanda Nikkel and Ms. Twyla Gill Wright for sharing their time and for how brilliantly they represent our local history. Kenton Adler joins us to talk about being published, music, and the cut of his life. John Belew discusses “the Addictive Personality” while Bob Pest asks, “Can We End the Taint of Meth in Rural America?” Kimberlee brings us the Emerson Wedding and Alisa R. Lancaster discusses this year’s
Red Hot Luncheon. Mark Lamberth discusses the unfair conditions student athletes face when stranded by the coaches that recruited them. Leigh Keller tells of the glory of online shopping and Kristi Price remembers moving with the aid of a relocation company. Renee Taylor asks, “Why not a destination wedding?” We bring you local faces from New Years Eve at Josie’s, Christmas Caroling at WRMC, an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, and Southern Bank’s Ribbon Cutting. We want to thank our writers for their ever amazing contributions and the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project for nominating us as Innovative Project of the Year for 2012, a title handed out once a year by the Arkansas Literacy Council. We are proud to be the word of mouth for such worthy community entities. N
The Best Is Yet To Come
Citizens Bank was established nearly 60 years ago by a group of local business leaders who shared a vision of creating a bank that would set the example as Solid Citizens in our communities. While the world around us has certainly changed since1953, our commitment to this area remains deep and strong. Help us celebrate throughout 2013 as we continue providing the financial services and products you need and the outstanding service you deserve. EYE ON INDEPENDENCE; We are word of mouth for your EYES!
We’re Still Out Here
Can We End the Taint of Meth in Rural America? Bob Pest
The Journal of Rural America has pointed out that “the increased use of methamphetamine (meth) over the past decade has led county law officials to declare it America’s top drug problem.” The journal also notes that “rural youth are more likely than urban youth to use meth and the more rural the area the higher the use.” Meth “cookers” gravitate to isolated rural areas to keep the powerful smell that the cooking releases from detection. Some cook in vans or small RVs, moving from place to place, sometime in state or national forests, to remain hard to find. One of the reasons for the growing meth scene is the availability of the components—at grocery, hardware, and drug stores. Individually, these components are legal, useful, and safe. Put together and “cooked” the results are deadly for the cooker, the user, and people within range of the toxic fumes. While county law enforcement officers face a daunting challenge, rural communities and law-abiding residents face several equally demanding challenges as they struggle to retain the respect of their urban and suburban counterparts and to protect their children from going down the trail from “giving it a try” to addiction, arrest, incarceration, and an early death. Research makes it clear the rural teens are using and being damaged by meth, but innocent youth are also often damaged and even killed as a side effect of the drug culture. The Darkness is Close Behind is an award-winning short narrative film, directed by Sheena McCann, that recently screened at the Indie Memphis Film Festival and will play at the Ozark Foothills FilmFest in early April. This twenty minute drama follows Jesse Lemoy, a rural teen ruled and abused by a meth cooking and dealing father. Jesse
must protect his little brother Joe from the uncertainty of their life and the violence of their father. The anxiety which dominates his life drains the youth out of Jesse. His only happiness comes when he is with his girlfriend, Amy. After spending a day with Amy, Jesse returns to the meth operation and finds a dead father, two dead policeman, and a severely wounded Joe. Jesse and Amy make an all-out effort to get Joe to the nearest hospital; the film ends as Amy speeds down the road. The film captures the unexpected consequences of meth culture and the chain of carnage it unleashes. Winter’s Bone, directed by Debra Granik, won both Best Picture and Best Screenplay awards at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in 2010. The characters in this film, shot in southern Missouri, lead real hardscrabble lives. The film follows the dangerous life of Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence), whose deadbeat, meth-making father jumps bail and disappears. Ree sets out to find him or she will be left without a house and lose custody of the young brother and sister she is raising. Bree’s extended family lives in a remote “holler” where they manage to get by growing marijuana and cooking meth. Their pledge of silence makes it difficult for Ree to find her father; when several female family members finally decide to help Ree they take her to the pond where his body is hidden; to prove to the sheriff that he is dead, which will enable Ree to keep the house, they saw off both of his hands. The film ends on an upbeat note thanks in part to Ree’s uncle Teardrop (John Hawkes), the only family member who supports her from start to finish. Winter’s Bone takes its audience deep into the Ozark Mountains and reveals the poverty that ultimately leads to violence, suspicion, and a volatile We’re still out here continues on page 10
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The Morning Line
Involuntary Servitude Mark Lamberth
Were you really surprised Gus Malzahn left Arkansas State of the Sun Belt Conference for Auburn University of the Southeastern Conference? Seriously!? Let’s face it – it was a professional decision based on more prestige and lo and behold more money. I would have been shocked if he had turned the offer down. The fans will recover as will the alumni of the jilted school. But what about the players the coaches left behind; particularly those first year players who came to ASU because of the promises of Malzahn to make Arkansas State the next Boise State. We allow millionaire coaches to shift their allegiances as wealthy alumni contribute to programs that buy out the coaches’ contract allowing them to leave with no strings attached. However, the NCAA penalizes the players by making them ineligible to transfer to another school to play a sport without sitting out a full year of competition. Is it really fair to penalize players because of the decisions of coaches to leave; a decision that affects them greatly but over which they have no control? The case of Malzahn is especially egregious due to his tenure of only one year. Those freshmen players recruited by the departing Coach Malzahn should be allowed the freedom to leave as well. The NCAA controls practically every facet of a student athlete’s life while competing. If coaches such as Malzahn want to leave – fine – go ahead but the players they leave behind should be given some limited options. As it stands now, they are subject to the whim of ego driven personalities who profess to have the best interests of the kids they coach at heart; when in fact they are really interested in advancing their own career, agenda, and bank account. The well being and future of thousands of kids should have priority over a group of multi-millionaires. After all, this country did pass and adopt the thirteenth amendment one hundred forty eight years ago. N
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We’re still out here continued from page 7
drug culture that shows no mercy. Ree and her siblings embrace the prospect of a new life. Winter’s Bone reached thousands of viewers, most of whom had little or no awareness of life in impoverished, isolated areas some people call home and the brutal, drug-driven lives they lead. Can we stop meth production? Probably not. That part of the job needs to be done by law enforcement and will probably take a generation. But we can help those who are already addicted and those who are on their way. No Trespassing, a feature-length documentary film by Kate and Lyle Siegenthaler, also set to premier at the Ozark Foothills FilmFest, focuses on efforts being made in the Ozarks region to assist addicts struggling to get clean. The film focuses on Kate, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mental health professional, as well as other professionals, who drive down the dirt roads to reach those seeking help. Kate is able to earn the trust of many of the victims and their shattered families and help them find the path to fresh starts. The interviews are emotional and inspiring as the participants share their experiences, from experimenting to addiction, as well as the impact their addiction has had on family members. Audiences will be able follow the cycle of Poverty-Abuse-Neglect-Addiction that must be broken if an addict is to get clean and a family saved. No Trespassing presents several strategies to at least reduce the taint on rural communities, including urging addicts to seek treatment. John 3:16 Ministries in Independence County, a residential “Spiritual Boot Camp” for men with addictions, offers free treatment for meth addiction and other drug and alcohol problems. John 3:16 has an impressive track-record and has become a model for other communities. The Wilbur D. Mills Center in Searcy offers detoxification/ residential treatment programs to individuals suffering from chemical addiction. There are also a number of treatment centers available in the area; call 1-800-3152056 toll-free for information. Ultimately, it is the every day people living everyday lives who can make a difference. We can alert our youth to the dangers of drug use, encourage friends and family members to set strong examples, and report any signs of meth cooking or use to local law officers. We can also work to make our communities happy, healthy places to live so no one will even consider drug use; young people with interesting things to do and places to do them are much less likely to experiment with meth or other addictive drugs. Can we do it? Of course we can. Many lives depend on us. So does the future of our rural communities. Thanks to Sheena McCann and Kate Siegenthaler for their courage and their films, which inspired me to undertake this project. I also have great respect for Debra Granik, whom I hope to meet some day. Thanks to my friends and associates who shared their stories about friends and family members who fell victim to, and in several cases defeated, meth addiction. N EYE ON INDEPENDENCE; We are word of mouth for your EYES!
John 3:16 Ministries
A spiritual boot camp for men with addictions
Phone: 870-799-2525 E-mail: beverly@john316ministry.com
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world. He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
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February 2013  11
The Arts in Education program is provided through a partnership with Southside School District and the Batesville Area Arts Council as well as supported in part by the Arkansas Arts Council, which is an agency of the Arkansas Department of Heritage and the National Endowment for the arts.
The Batesville Area Arts Council would like to announce the resignation of our Executive Director, Colleen Jackson. BAAC would like to thank Colleen for all her contributions and years of service to the organization. We will dearly miss Colleen and we wish her all the best! Paige Dirksen and Carly Dahl will begin serving as Interim Directors of BAAC. Dirksen is an artist with her Masters degree in Art Therapy Counseling. Dahl is also an artist and currently serves as Director of the Kresge Gallery at Lyon College. Dirksen and Dahl, who have both served on the BAAC board of Directors, look forward to maintaining and continuing BAAC’s mission of enriching the lives of those in Batesville and surrounding areas through the promotions of the arts. They would like to invite you all to join them Souper Bowl Saturday, February 2nd from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and pick up a hot quart of soup. This event helps support BAAC which is an important part of our area. Call 870-793-3382 for more information.
The Batesville Area Arts Council Gallery on Main was opened in 1998 through a generous donation by Barbara Fitzpatrick. This space is located next to Heuer's Family Shoe Store. This space allows local and area artists a venue to share their work with the community. The gallery hosts exhibits by talented local and visiting artists along with receptions to allow the public to meet the artist to learn more about the individual and his/her work. The gallery also offers a variety of workshops and classes such as calligraphy, drawing, gourd art, mosaics, pastel painting, and watercolors. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During the holiday season, beginning Saturday, November 17th, the gallery will also be open on Saturdays from 10 - 4 as well. The BAAC has “mini-exhibits” of local artists’ work in three other locations in Batesville. Great local art is on display at the Row Johns Library on the campus of UACCB and at the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition, The Friday Painters maintain an exhibit of members work at the White River Medical Center. The gallery is proud to host the “Friday Painters.” This group, made up of cancer survivors, care givers, and friends, meets for the purpose of using art as therapy. The group meets each Friday to paint and share experiences within the casual atmosphere of friendly conversation and encouragement. Materials for beginning painters are provided by the WRMC Cancer Care Center. Participants usually enjoy a lunch together at Elizabeth’s Resaurant across the street from the gallery.
2013 Batesville Historic Calendar The Batesville Area Arts Council now has available for sale its 2013 Batesville Historic Calendar for $10 each. Historic sites have been compiled by Lyon College students in Morgan Page’s Photography Class and have been put into a calendar for 2013. These calendars can be purchased through BAAC Board members or the BAAC Art Gallery on Main. Other location sites will be provided at a later date. If you would like to place an order for calendars, please contact BAAC at (870) 7933382 or baac@suddenlinkmail.com. Help support the arts.
Artist Hal Evans and his wife Tracy Hultz provided an Arts in Education residency at Batesville’s Sulphur Rock Magnet Elementary School from January 14th-18th.
This husband-wife team form the educational theatre company, Troupe d’ Jour.
BAAC National Juried Exhibition Mar 19 - Apr 20, 2013 Troupe d’ Jour utilizes theatre activities in the classroom to teach across disciplines, encompassing reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
Welcome to Independence
Owner
I Do
Emerson Wedding Kimberlee Thomas
Love plays by its own rules and will not be hurried or halted, but grows at its own splendid pace. Natalie Estes and Ken Emerson were introduced by mutual friend Debra Vaulner a little over five years ago. They chatted on the phone for over a week before agreeing to a first date. It was another four and a half years of dating before the couple tied the knot. Natalie explains, “There wasn’t a certain day or time when I knew he was the one, it just turned into not being able to imagine a single day without him in it.” As the Christmas holidays of 2011 grew near Natalie found herself asking Ken almost weekly just when he thought they were going to get married. Ken would offer up ever so nonchalantly “I don’t know”. On the eve of Christmas Eve Natalie again posed the question. Ken once more offered his less than promising “I don’t know”. Natalie recalls the evening, “I was in the kitchen and Ken came in to offer me a hand. The radio station was playing a song by Cross Canadian Ragweed and we started to slow dance, that’s when he asked me. What a look I had going on! I was wearing sweat pants and my hair was all up in a scrunchy, and he still asked! Of course I said ‘Yes’. I had been waiting my whole life for someone like him.” The couple was wed on September 22, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Batesville. Pastor Bob Burton officiated the double ring ceremony. Parents of the Bride, Dallas and Barbara Estes, along with parents of the Groom, Debbie and Eddie Emerson were in attendance as their families were joined by the marriage of their children. Natalie carried a uniquely beautiful bouquet of antique broaches. “My grandmother gave me thirty-nine to get me started the rest came from friends and family and a few we bought. There were over 100 broaches making up my bouquet. Diane Womack pieced it together for me.” Natalie shared. Lindsey Estes, sister of the bride, served as the Maid of Honor. Karla Emerson, Paige Presley and Mary Cox served as Brides Maids. Casey Jackson stood in witness as Ken’s Best Man. Micah Beard, Cody Melton, and Jeffrey Freiert served as Groomsmen. Presley Beasley and Abby Hurley served as Junior Flower Girls. The Danny Dozier band provided music for the wedding and the reception that followed in the Pocket Park on Main Street. Natalie and Ken worked from the day he proposed to the day of the wedding preparing to EYE ON INDEPENDENCE; We are word of mouth for your EYES!
make their day a special one. Natalie explained, “We searched for and bought vintage antiques and décor. Our wedding director, Katrina Fudge, made sure every single thing went smooth. I couldn’t have done it without her. Diane Womack and her friend Mart did the flowers and all the décor. Tammy Hurley was responsible for the beautiful hair styles. Cowboy’s Bar-B-Q catered the BBQ sandwiches and fixings. Kathy Franks was in charge of the drinks and the dips. Karen Brown crafted our five beautiful wedding cakes. Every single thing was exactly what we wanted. It turned out just how I had dreamed it would.” The couple honeymooned in Branson at the Big Cedar Lodge. They enjoyed horseback riding, a Segway tour, time at the spa, shopping, dining, and relaxing before returning to their home in Charlotte. They enjoy being outdoors and tending to the cattle and other animals on their small farm. Ken is a commercial lending officer at Citizens Bank and Natalie is a stylist at Tammy’s Finishing Touch. When asked about their future plans Natalie explained, “We plan on having a family someday, but for right now the focus is on us!” N Photography by: Bron Glasgow
February 2013 15
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Your Health
Red Hot Luncheon Alisa R. Lancaster
This Valentine’s Day Citizens Bank will host the Red Hot Luncheon, formerly Go Red. The first event, in 2006, was held in the White River Women’s Conference Center as a fund raiser for the American Heart Association (AHA). The event has grown each year and was moved to UACCB’s Independence Hall to accommodate the increase in attendance. In 2012, the co-chairs of the committee, Joyce Prickett and Lisa Davis, opted to become independent of the AHA and select a beneficiary that would provide for the needs of our local community. The chosen beneficiary was the Christian Health Center of Batesville (CHCB) which provides health care and medications to uninsured adults. Joyce has been with Citizens Bank since 2008 and is currently a loan assistant supervisor. Lisa is a loan processing supervisor and began her employment with Citizens Bank in 2009. Both Joyce and Lisa were honored to accept the role of co-chairs as they believe in its cause. They hope to raise $13,000 for the CHCB this year. Independence Hall will be transformed into a beautiful, elegant dining venue with a delicious meal
ClassiC
catered by Elizabeth’s Restaurant. Guests will be escorted to their table by one of several heart throbs who are representatives of Citizens Bank and local businesses. A fabulous silent auction will feature items up for bid. Raffle tickets are also available for a chance at a very nice item of jewelry donated by Jonathan’s Fine Jewelry. The purpose of the luncheon is to raise awareness and educate women on health issues that affect them, primarily heart disease which is the leading cause of death in women. This year’s featured speaker is Dr. Jean McSweeney of the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences. Dr. McSweeney’s presentation is sure to be energetic, encouraging, and humorous! This event will be held on Thursday, February 14th. Doors open at 11 AM for the silent auction. Tickets are $25 and available at two locations, Citizens Bank main branch and the Eagle Mountain branch. Anyone interested in volunteering or making a monetary donation may contact Joyce Prickett or Lisa Davis at Citizens Bank 870.793.4441. N
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Eye On Cover Story The Keepers of Yesterday - OIRM Kimberlee Thomas
What is so important about yesterday, last week, last month, or last year for that matter? Everything! The tiniest detail in what might seem an ordinary day is significant in some aspect, and if lost or forgotten is simply that … forgotten. And with its loss is the loss of our presence in this place, the loss of evidence of how we lived, who we were, and what was important to us as we passed through. It is also the loss of knowledge of things learned, trials overcome, and our progression into the vast future. Twyla Gill Wright, Curator of Exhibits at OIRM, understood the importance of not forgetting and in 1991 began the planning process for what is now The Old Independence Regional Museum. Wright began by forming a planning committee to explore the idea of opening a regional museum. In 1993 progress had been made and the museum was incorporated as a non-profit and an eighteen member board of trustees was elected, with Wright serving as President. In 1995, after over $400,000 in pledges and gifts was raised the Grace and Rogers families transferred ownership of the former National Guard Armory to the museum. After extensive renovations and further fundraising of $1 million, Phase One was completed and the museum celebrated with a grand opening on September 12, 1998. Former Governor Win Rockefeller was on site to cut the ribbon. With the completion of Phase Two in 2005 the building was fully functional housing exhibits, storage, preservation, and office space. Today the Old Independence Regional Museum preserves and presents the history of twelve counties that were part of Independence County in 1820: Baxter, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Marion, Poinsett, Sharp, Stone, White, and Woodruff. The building that houses the museum was constructed by the Works Progress Administration in 1936. It is built of Ozark sandstone and was designed with Art Deco and Gothic Revival influences by architect Peter Blaauw. It was used as the National Guard Armory and was listed on
the National Register of Historic Places on May 29, 1998. Its interior architecture is expansive and modern. Its exhibits are interpretive and educational. Semipermanent exhibits are housed in the Southerland Gallery. Major changing exhibits are featured in the BarnesSimmons Main Gallery and in The First Community Bank Gallery. The Honkonen Center houses small changing displays. The museum houses three permanent exhibits that help to tell the story of our twelve county region. In the “Region on the Move” exhibit you will discover how travel in our region evolved over time exploring wagon, train, and automobile travel. The exhibit features an 1840’s Springfield covered wagon and a 1930’s gas station and gravity gas pump. The Shawnee Room explores “Native American Life in Our Region”. Focusing on the culture of the Shawnee Indians who settled in what is now present day Yellville, Arkansas. The “1930’s Depression Era Back Porch” highlights what life was like for families in our region during the Great Depression. Focusing on how people simply made-do with what they had and the role that children played in the family during such a bleak time in our history. The exhibit on the “Civil War” explores secession, the War, Reconstruction, and soldiers’ reunions. There is a scrapbook on display containing several primary documents, in the form of letters between a Civil War soldier and his family and receipts of the era. The museum also houses a large genealogy library along with many of the county’s early records. The archival records housed at the museum are not available on-line due to the amount of time it would take to place them there. However, researchers are invited to come to the museum to gain information directly from their holdings. Docents are on hand to bring out items and volumes requested by researchers for study. Some of the records you will find at the museum include: Independence County public tax records, original real estate and personal property tax records inclusive
EYE ON INDEPENDENCE; We are word of mouth for your EYES!
from 1840 through 1930. Independence County probate packets dating from the 1830’s through the 1930’s. These packets are invaluable resources for those searching death and will records. They contain vouchers, letters of administration, descriptions of personal and real property, and names of heirs. A surname index lists all estates probated. There are historical society journals from Baxter, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Sharp, Stone, White, and Woodruff counties to be found on the archival library shelves. Published city, county, church, and school histories are also available. Surname and community history files are housed in filing cabinets alphabetically for visitors to search through for genealogical or historical information. Researchers are even encouraged to add unbound copies of their family history to the files. For those looking for marriage records the Independence County Marriage record index dating from 1824 to 2005 is located on the research computer in the archival wing. Maps are placed on an accessible rack in the library and also with in a multidrawer map case that docents may retrieve for the visiting researcher. Modern county maps in the rack include Baxter, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Marion, Poinsett, Sharp, Stone, White, and Woodruff. The museum houses many ledgers from area businesses, organizations, and government offices. Microfilm holdings include tax and survey records, will and probate records, deed indexes, marriage records all by county. The Batesville Daily Guard Newspaper from 1907 through 1957 is also available for viewing on microfilm. The museum also holds a large collection of oral history cassettes and video tapes covering a wide range of subjects, including a large collection filmed by Batesville native, Hail Bryant. Audio tape and compact disc interviews are being collected and copied, and are available for listening and note-taking in the museum. Old Independence Regional Museum collections are entered into the Past Perfect Collections Management System on networked computers within the museum. A visiting researcher may access information about every item in the museum’s collection through the Visitors computer. You can find collection names, the date they were received and from whom, along with other
relative information. As you can see the wealth of information is seemingly endless. Most of the museum’s exhibits are curated on-site by Wright and her team of volunteers. Amanda Nikkel, Humanities Educator and Volunteer Coordinator, began volunteering at OIRM in 2003 when she and her husband returned to Batesville from Little Rock. Nikkel graduated Lyon College in 1997 with a B.A. in History. She has worked as a museum educator at museums in Kentucky, North Carolina, and the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock before coming to OIRM. After serving four years as a volunteer Nikkel was hired in 2007 as the Volunteer Coordinator and later, after the Humanities Educator position was funded, she was hired to fill that position also. Nikkel explained to me why she feels having a local museum is important, “It gives us the ability to share the history of our region with our future generations. OIRM is a great educational and research resource for our community, genealogists, amateur or otherwise, and for our schools. We see approximately 1,000 school children each year from our twelve county region. We provide gallery tours as well as hands-on programming for these visiting school groups. We even have living history demonstrations featuring costumed interpreters that really help bring the past to life for the children.” The museum also offers three Family Day events throughout the year. In spring the focus is on the Easter Holiday. “We dye eggs using natural dyes; we paint eggs, and play egg related games.” Nikkel explained. The Fall Family Day focus changes from year to year. In the past OIRM has featured Native American Dancers as well as wildlife exhibits and interpreters from area State Parks. At Christmas there is always the Old Fashioned Family Christmas Party. “Families come and share in decorating cookies and making ornaments, cards and other Christmas crafts. Family Days are another great way to teach history in a fun and interactive way,” says Nikkel cheerfully. The Old Independence Regional Museum is located at 380 South 9th street in Batesville. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors, and $1 for children 6-12, children 5 and under are free. There is a wonderful gift February 2013 19
Civil war interpreters
Hoop rollers historic games
shop located at the museum. All proceeds from the gift shop go to support museum operations and programming. You will find books by local authors along with items made locally and within the state of Arkansas. Items such as rocks and minerals, jewelry, and plush animals native to the region are also available for purchase. For more information about our local museum or to schedule a tour you may contact the museum at (870)793-2121 or visit their web-site at www.oirm.org. There are many individuals, families, and businesses that were instrumental in the original funding of the
Museum presentation photos submitted
museum. The Rogers, Grace, and Southerland families were a few of the main supporters during the founding years. Many of them continue to offer their support. The founding board of trustees included: Nelson Barnett, Suzanne Blair, Nancy Britton, Hail Bryant, Woody Castleberry, Charles Cheatham, Kate Cooke, Charles Covington, Dean Covington, Robert Craig, Della Mae Dortch, W. Ben Earls, Willa Harkey, Virginia Henry, David Hidy, Terrell Jameson, Pat Jones, George Lankford, Brian Langston, Polly Livingston, Nancy Moore, Nancy Orr, Rick Reed, James L. Rutherford, Jr., Charles Schaaf, Ken Spencer, Fitzhugh Spragins, David Stricklin, Terrell Tebbetts, Frank Tripp, Twyla Wright, Danny Yeager, and Dewitt Yingling. A large debt of gratitude is owed to these contributors and the many volunteers who have dedicated their time, assets, and vision to keeping yesterday alive and well for the countless visitors who have passed through the doors of the Old Independence Regional Museum and for those who will come tomorrow. N
5 Wonderful Valentine Ideas
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1. Rose Petal filled Bubble Bath (with candles of course) 2. Candle lit dinner out or cater in 3. A Couples Massage at local spa 4. Chocolate Covered Strawberries 5. Make your own card filled with your own heart felt sentiments Valentines Day - Thursday, February 14 EYE ON INDEPENDENCE; We are word of mouth for your EYES!
Faces Personalized ADVICE.
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Dozens of people gathered to get a dose of the Christmas spirit as they listened to students from Southside Elementary sing Christmas carols at White River Medical Center (WRMC). The students were led by music teacher, Dawn Harris. Southside is one of many schools that have been contacted by WRMC’s Pastoral Care Department over the past four years to sing for visitors and employees in the hospital.
Richard Hawkins, FIC Ark. lic. #347340 870-307-9826 870-283-6776 Richard.Hawkins.2nd@ mwarep.org
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New Year's Eve celebration at Josie's Steakhouse. The food, dancing, and fellowship was so good it was midnight before we knew it! Photos submitted by Chris Caruthers. February 2013 21
Faces
2013 Annual Awards Recipients
Congratulations to all our 2013 award recipients! White River Water Carnival Outstanding Volunteerism-John 3:16 Large Business of the Year-Peco Small Business of the Year Restaurant Division-U.S. Pizza Small Business of the Year Business Services Division-Pleth, LLC New Business of the Year-RiverCity Print & Office Service Dedication-Ted Hall and Harold Wilson Volunteer of the Year-Michelle Reichardt Spirit of Batesville-Adam Curtwright Tourism Initiative-Kyle Christopher Ambassador of the Year-Vonda Oberbeck Photographs taken by Matthew’s Photography EYE ON INDEPENDENCE; We are word of mouth for your EYES!
Southern Bank ribbon cutting was held on a crisp cool morning January 17th. Bank President, Lee DeBerry, was on hand to cut the ribbon and officially open the beautiful new building.
February 2013  23
Eye On Feature Kenton Adler
Joseph Thomas
Kenton Adler has been an avid reader since learning to read from his uncle’s comic book collection in the early 1960s. Adler says, “When everybody else was learning "One Fish, Two Fish' I already knew what invulnerability was, and what Medieval meant. I knew about lasers, and that Superman could travel through time by approaching the speed of light.” He remembers writing his first story in the second grade and has written short stories, poetry, and songs ever since. His latest published poem, “Gargoyle” was published in the 2012 Halloween issue of The Speculative Edge. Adler says he began at a young age making “get well” cards to send to people, which led him to study graphic art and psychology in college before studying history in graduate school at the University of Arkansas. He used those talents to design the cover for his book, The Silver Pipes of Tir nan Og, published in July 2011 by Tigereye Publications. Adler wrote his first song as a third grader in Cleveland Avenue Elementary in Camden, Arkansas. It was about his girlfriend and named appropriately, “Roberta Lee.” Adler says, “I managed to talk the local radio station into making a recording of it at their studio downtown, and my singing group, The Stingrays, became an overnight sensation at Cleveland Ave. My teacher got her friend, Charles Albright, to write about us a couple of times in his, “Our Town,” Column in the Arkansas Gazette in the spring of 1965.” Adler learned to play the guitar in 1967 after a move to Colorado and performed and recorded with numerous rock bands in the Denver area during the 1980’s. The 1990’s found Adler playing and recording with a couple of bands in Fayetteville, Arkansas and he can still be found performing locally at such venues as the Main Street Batesville Winter Gala and at Words AfterWords in Hardy, Arkansas. Adler has written several rhyming stories for kids over the years, but An Alligator in Your Yard, published by Tigereye Publications out of Springdale, Arkansas in November of 2011, was the first to be illustrated (and brilliantly so says Adler), by his friend and local artist, Jody Hughes. Adler and Hughes are currently working on Dragon Rider, as well as a coloring book adventure. He hopes to work with Hughes on additional early reader EYE ON INDEPENDENCE; We are word of mouth for your EYES!
books in the future. About The Silver Pipes of Tir nan Og Adler says, “This is a story that I just kicked around in my head for a couple of years, then finally found some time to write down. It’s got a lot of different elements that appeal to me. It is about Gareth McAllister, the bullying he deals with daily, his grandmother’s death, and a trip to Scotland where he is taken into a place known as Faerie to learn a few things. There he faces a monster that is threatening their world, and ours. One reviewer called it, "mythologically cosmopolitan," and I really like that phrase,” says Adler. “I think it describes the book perfectly. When people order a signed copy through createspace I also include a CD of pipe tunes that I recorded myself. An Alligator in Your Yard is a sort of early reader picture book teaching kids to be careful who they trust, and to not assume that someone being friendly is just being friendly.” The Drum Circle, a sequel to The Silver Pipes of Tir nan Og, again features Gareth McAllister, this time with some of his friends from school. Faerie is again the destination, but this time in a different part of that world. It has a very strong American Indian component, both historically and mythologically. I’m trying to do a little teaching without preaching to a middle school aged audience.” Adler read An Alligator in Your Yard and Dragon Rider on the Ozarks At Large program for host, Kyle Kellams, in May of 2012. Adler’s currently published books are available online at http://tigereyepublications.blogspot.com, www.createspace.com, www.amazon.com, and www.barnes&noble.com. One of Adler’s most recent songwriting ventures, a piped 2/4 March entitled, “Ms. Nancy Love,” written as a wedding present for his lovely wife, appears on a piping CD called, “Welcome to the Club,” by John Bottomley. “We are discussing putting out a music book of tunes by people affiliated with the Lyon College Pipe Band or the Arkansas Scottish Festival, and I’m sure a couple will wind up in there. I do bust out a guitar at home pretty often, and play for the dog. He hates it,” Adler admits. Adler truly found a soul mate in Ms. Nancy Love, also a piper and drummer for the Lyon College band. Adler explains, “Nancy and I took a poetry writing class with the college Writer-In-Residence, Andrea Hollander, and we’ve both been published one place or another.” Nancy retired from Exxon in Baton Rouge Louisiana when they married in 2008 and returned to Lyon College where she graduated in 2012 and just started her graduate program in Occupational Therapy at LSU’s medical facility in New Orleans. The couple share their home with a 160 pounds of magnificent Irish Wolfhound named Cuchullainn, a cat named Gretzky,
and apparently a raccoon that keeps to himself in the attic. The Wolfhound is named after the Irish cultural hero and the cat is named for the hockey player, one of many sports the couple follows. I believe the raccoon has yet to be named. Adler started at Lyon College in 1998 as Instructional Technologist. He remained in Information Services for 14 years and transferred the Summer of 2012 into Institutional Advancement. He is now a Prospect Research Associate in the Development Office. Adler also represents the staff on the Board of Trustees and is the current president of the Friends of the MabeeSimpson Library. He is the adviser for the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity and a piper under Pipe Major Jimmy Bell in the Lyon College Pipe Band. “I really enjoy getting to represent the college in that capacity. I get to perform at a lot of really interesting events in the community, all over the state, and around the country. We put on the Arkansas Scottish Festival in April and bring in people from all over to help us celebrate the Scottish heritage of the college,” adds Adler. He can be found with his lovely wife, walking Cuchullainn around the Lyon College Campus, mountain
biking, and sometimes kayaking when he is not playing guitar and singing locally. Adler is currently busy gearing up for the Arkansas Scottish Festival and acting in part two of Dr. George Lankford's, "War Chronicles," about the Civil War in Batesville. Kenton Adler is also a most interesting person worth getting to know and fortunately for me, a friend. N
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February 2013 25
Things To Do The annual Ozark Foothills FilmFest poster unveiling and press conference will be held Tuesday, February 26, at 11:00 a.m. at the Batesville Area Arts Council Gallery at 246 East Main. Admission is free; coffee and treats from Daylight Donuts will be served. The 2013 festival poster will also be available for $10. ACE Associate Director to Offer Program for Nonprofits Emily Ingram, Associate Director of Arkansas Coalition for Excellence (ACE), based in Little Rock, will speak at the North Central Volunteer Network’s (NCVN) quarterly brown-bag lunch meeting at 12 noon on Thursday, February 14. The meeting will be held in the First Community Bank Southside Branch community room, at the corner of Hwy 167 & Allen Chapel Road, Batesville. The community room is located in the building in the bank parking lot, just behind the bank. Since 2003, Arkansas Coalition for Excellence (ACE) has worked vigorously to build a stronger, more vibrant nonprofit sector in Arkansas. ACE accomplishes this effort through its advocacy work on public policy issues affecting all nonprofits at the state and national level; access to affordable products and services; professional development and technical assistance; research and information sharing, and network building. ACE’s membership of over 300 is an energetic coalition of nonprofits, foundations, businesses and individuals representing all parts of the state. Ms. Ingram will share how ACE works to strengthens Arkansas nonprofits, and how nonprofits in our region can make use of their services. To learn more about ACE, please visit www.acenonprofit.org or contact Emily Ingram at eingram@acenonprofit.org or (501) 375.1223. The NCVN meets quarterly and is open to volunteer and nonprofit coordinators and anyone interested in volunteerism or nonprofits. Please RSVP by Wednesday, February 13, by contacting Nicole Stroud at 870-793-5912 or info@literacyindependence.org. The Visiting Writers Series: John Hornor Jacobs John Hornor Jacobs is a Lyon College Graduate and author of the novels Southern Gods and This Dark Earth, as well as an upcoming young adult series, The Incarcerado Trilogy. Southern Gods was shortlisted for the Bram Stoker Award. Jacobs lives and works in Little Rock. He will give a public interview in the Alphin Board Room at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 5th with a public reading at 7:30 p.m. in the Bevens Music Room in Browns Chapel. For more information call Chandra Huston at 870-307-7488. Batesville Small Business Workshop Create a Winning Marketing Plan is the title of this workshop, cost is $35 ($25 for Batesville Chamber and Main Street Batesville members) and will be host by Herb Lawrence of ASU SBTDC Wednesday, February
13th from 1 p.m. through 4 p.m. in the Batesville Chamber of Commerce office at 409 Vine Street. For more information call Herb Lawrence at 870-793-2378. The West Endowed Concert: The Quapaw Quartet The Quapaw Quartet, the resident string quartet of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, will perform a selection of classical music in the annual West Concert on Friday, February 15th from 7:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. in the Bevens Music Room in Browns Chapel. The concert series is endowed by Dr. Dan and Sydney West. Dr. West is a former president of Lyon College. For more information call Chandra Huston at 870-307-7488. Masters of Motown Masters of Motown performs the hits of The Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Four Tops, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder, and many more Monday, February 18th from 7 p.m. through 9 p.m. in the Independence Hall at UACCB. Operation Jump Start A six week series designed to help existing businesses in Independence County grow and reach new markets. Operation Jump Start will begin Thursday, February 21st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and continues for six consecutive Thursday sessions. The $50-Registration is underwritten by local sponsors. Attendees who complete five of six nights will have registration refunded. The speakers will be business leaders and experts in specific fields as well as area commercial lenders. This ASU SBTDC class series will be at UACCB. For more information call 870-792-3517. Harlequin Theatre Spring Production: Twelfth Night, or What You Will This play by William Shakespeare is considered by many critics to be the finest comedy in the English language. Dr. Michael Counts, Professor of Theatre at Lyon, will direct the production. The performances will be Thursday, February 21st and Saturday, February 23rd at 8 p.m. The final performance will be Sunday, February 24th at 2 p.m. These performances will be in the Holloway Theatre on Lyon College Campus. For more information call Chandra Huston at 870-3077488 or to make reservations call 870-307-7510. N
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Why Not a Destination Wedding? Renee Taylor
February brings sparkling diamonds and proposals of marriage! The next step after romantic proposals is wedding planning. Where many brides look forward to all the details of planning their wedding, many others are opting to go the less stressful way and plan a destination wedding. Whether barefoot vows on a white-sand beach, nighttime nuptials under South Pacific stars, or tropical “I do’s” south of the boarder, destination weddings are a romantic once-in-a-lifetime way to kick off the start of your new life together. Just imagine celebrating your special day on palm linedemerald beaches, amid fragrant tropical blossoms on a lovely island, or walking down the aisle to the beat of a mariachi band! Destination weddings can help take the stress out of planning, with customizable packages ranging from wonderfully lavish to classically simple. Some couples choose to invite all their friends and family while others opt to say “I do” in a more intimate setting with just one another. Resorts are even adding web cams to their wedding planning options so family members at home can view the nuptials real time via Skype. Once the bride and groom has booked the wedding destination resort with their travel advisor, the travel advisor will connect them with the resort wedding planners that will work directly with the bride to coordinate all the details of the wedding. What’s more, destination weddings make it easy to combine your special day and your honeymoon into one long glorious celebration. Last but certainly not least, is that destination weddings are affordable! A traditional wedding can cost several times the amount of a destination wedding. Resorts that specialize in destination weddings offer packages of many different price-points. Most even offer free weddings when certain booking conditions are met. Most important when planning your destination wedding is to work with a local travel advisor that specializes in destination weddings and honeymoons. Your travel advisor is important to your success in connecting with the resort wedding specialist as well as making sure that you understand the legal wedding requirements of each destination. Whatever your style, wherever your location a destination wedding is sure to create memories that will last long after the last thank you note has been mailed. N Stephanie Angel and Robert Welch wedding at Secrets Royal Beach Resort in Dominican Republic. Submitted by Renee Taylor Travel Company.
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Independence County Recycle Center
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February 2013  29
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The Myopic Life Moving Home Kristi Price
Six years ago, I found myself homesick and stuck in South Arkansas. The words “Let’s move!” came easily then. Despite having two babies, we really hadn’t accumulated so much stuff that the idea of packing it all up was daunting. I felt young and adventurous. I had moved plenty before. It always involved days spent scavenging local grocery stores for boxes and endless hours of packing (some would call it cramming). There were the exhausted final moments where I’d grow impatient with boxes and just start throwing things in laundry baskets. Or I’d give up entirely and leave junk on the curb for the neighbors. Then we would call every person who’d ever looked at us twice and beg them to help load the truck. I’ve had lots of those moves. But this last move, the one that brought us here, spoiled me for good. Thanks to my husband’s new employer, we were treated like royalty by this clever thing called a Relocation Company. (I got the big head and just started calling them, with an annoying air, The Relo.) On a pre-appointed day, The Relo sent a tractortrailer rig. It pulled alongside my house, and two polite men stepped out and stretched their legs. They then spent two long days packing my belongings. They wrapped every single thing I owned, from fine china to thumbtacks, in mounds of gray paper. The boxes were sturdy and uniform, the tape expertly strapped. They hardly even talked – they were Moving Machines. And we were told not to lift a finger. These two men then lugged, hauled, arranged, and strapped into the truck every last thing I owned and drove it across the state. Unfortunately, they got Batesville and Bentonville confused (their only mistake), so they were delayed by half a day. They finally showed up with sheepish grins and pulled alongside my new house. Then they spent another long day unloading. Miraculously, nothing was lost. Nothing was broken. Out of an entire household of goods, only one armoire sustained the most minor of damage. They marked this down and sent a repairman.
It was a beautiful experience. But not even nearly as beautiful as that first drive into Batesville from our new house, or that moment where we topped the rise to the east of town and saw the hills before us, cradling the town and welcoming us home. So now we’re considering selling our house. We thoroughly enjoy Batesville, but we’d enjoy it more with a fourth bedroom. The catch is, I have to move myself. I’m completely bummed about that prospect. There’s no Relo this time around. It’s just my husband, me, a U-Haul, and any suckers we can convince to work hard for nothing but some pizza and our gratitude. I’m not nearly adventurous enough this time around. N
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Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista Online Shopping Leigh Keller
It’s no secret that I adore being a mommy. My son is the best thing about me, and the reason why I get out of bed every morning. But my life wasn’t always about cheez-its, dump trucks and potty training. It used to be pretty glamorous (compared to now, anyway). I can remember being a single girl, working all the time, and just looking forward to Sundays, because those were my days to slow down and do something just for me, like shopping or having a nice dinner with friends. Looking back now, I had a ridiculous amount of free time. I now live on a steady diet of Dora the Explorer and Little Bear, and Sonic popcorn chicken. My life has slowed down, but in so many ways it hasn’t. It seems I don’t get to spend a lot of time just out shopping, so I spend most of my “shopping” time online (after 8pm, of course). Here are some of my favorite (see also, teacher mommy budget friendly) sites for finding what I want, when I don’t have time to try on outfit after outfit in the dressing room. 1. Target.com –When I was pregnant, they had fabulous maternity finds, but now, since I live in a place without a Target (let’s take a moment of silence to mourn), I can find cute dresses, cheap shoes and good toddler boy clothes for my Cole. 2. OldNavy.com- Buy trendy items for cheaper, like colored denim, buy inexpensive dresses and career outfits, and buy cute accessories, like necklaces, scarves and cute boots. Some of my absolute favorite winter boots came from OldNavy.com and have lasted for
years! 3. RiffRaff.com- This is one of my absolute favorite stores in Fayetteville, and since I miss my Fayetteville shopping so much, I am convinced they developed their online shopping site just for me. You can buy cute dresses and jewelry, and get your items shipped to you within a few days. 4. Etsy.com- I just recently discovered Etsy.com, when I was having some Sunday morning coffee and Pinterest therapy. They have everything imaginable, and it’s basically like an online flea market, if you’re into being creative. I got a couple of my favorite pieces of jewelry from Etsy shops and some great additions to my crafty projects. 5. Zappos.com-I have a love affair with my Zappos app on my phone. I am convinced they make shopping entirely too easy. If you’re looking to add a handbag to your collection and cannot get to a store to “try it on”, their online store features a model with how the bag will look on your body. When I do get to go shopping, typically it is renegade style. I get out of my car and go as quickly as possible to an item I saw before (or stalked online) on my way to the children’s’ section. Please don’t mistake me talking about my life changes for me not being grateful for the tiny gift that I have been given. I wouldn’t trade my life now for a thousand of my old lives, for all of the money in the world, or for a Target in Batesville. N
Mark Sparks and Leigh Keller. Jacqui McSpadden with Ceil Smith and Mark Sparks who threw an ugly Christmas sweater party December 15th to celebrate the Christmas season!!
We are all teachers, so it was a fun, fun group.
February 2013 33
Independent Thoughts The Addictive Personality
John M. Belew
Methamphetamine addiction has been at epidemic proportion for years. Meth is cheap and easily obtainable. Human nature seems to be to experiment with substances that cause life long heartache. There is no solution. These words are a humble attempt to encourage us all to be mindful. Addiction begins with one weak moment that gives way to temptation. The addictive personality is a distinct psychological trait that predisposes particular individuals to addictions. Addiction, as typically defined, is a reliance on a substance or behavior that the individual has little power to resist. Particular drugs, such as crack and heroine cause massive surges in dopamine in the brain, with different sensations ranging from invincibility and strength to euphoric and enlightened states. Use of these substances almost immediately changes particular aspects of the brain's behavior, making most individuals immediately susceptible to future abuse or addiction. Also common are the behavioral addictions including gambling, shopping, eating, and sexual activity. These addictions are not as easily explained neurologically, but are generally included in the addiction susceptibility characterized by the personality trait. Also common are sorts of combined addictions, that is, addictions that include both substance, as well as behavioral aspects, most commonly the addiction to nicotine, either smoking or chewing. This particular addiction combines a physical addiction to nicotine and a mental facet, the repeated routine of the behavior, such as a cigarette after meals. While no one has succeeded in proving the existence of a true addictive personality, many experts now believe that the predisposition to addiction is more accurately a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. Certainly, as with all issues of psychology and behavior, the distinct combinations of genetics and inheritance must be countered with an acknowledgment of environmental
factors, and the biology of addiction is no exception. Methamphetamine addiction has become far too common. Some people take meth because of the longlasting high that it gives. Methamphetamine causes numerous neurotransmitters to be released in the brain, producing a sense of euphoria that may last as long as 12 hours, depending on how the drug was taken. Methamphetamine is popular as a stimulant. As a stimulant, methamphetamine improves concentration, energy, and alertness while decreasing appetite and fatigue. Methamphetamine are also taken by people who are feeling depressed. They may be taken for their side effect of increasing libido and sexual pleasure. Any addiction can cause life altering damage to health, family and economic stability. Meth addiction destroys lives. Please be mindful and discourage anyone that is evidencing any inclination to use this horrible substance. N
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Notes from the Clearing Meteor Shower Joseph Thomas
Deep Breath by Melanie Weidner
The Stars this night, light, write, and fall to die, burn and streak and brand the sky as if they are delayed answers to all I’ve ever wondered. But then again, what’s it got to do with me. I catch their dance by chance ultimately and I am the thought that tossed and pondered. A mixture of molecular madness and cohesion collected within a chaotic creature of reason and stirred by the treacherous winds of Life. Honed and molded and worn by the waters, scratched by the unconscious mind that totters upon the beach at dawn with the heavy breath of strife with a smile that reaches for miles in every direction but down. N February 2013 35
Smith’s Verdict ****
Argo
Reviewed by Tanner Smith “Argo” bears the “based-ona-true-story” label, and it’s also one of those movies that not only feature that label, but also make you forget about that until informative captions appear before the end credits roll. But when you think about it, this is also one of those movies, which feature that label, where the story is so full of intrigue that you start to wonder if Hollywood writers could get that creative. Either way you think about it, “Argo” is a wonderfully-made film that is one of the best of 2012. “Argo” is based on the Canadian caper that occurred during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979 and 1980. While it is based on true events, some parts are exaggerated for a more cinematic feel, working to its advantage and providing more tension. The source for this material is Joshuah Bearman’s “Wired” article, “Escape from Tehran: How the CIA
Used a Fake Sci-Fi Flick to Rescue Americans from Tehran,” about CIA specialist/ “extractor” Tony Mendez’s involvement in the rescue of six US diplomats, with help from Canadian government. 52 Americans were held hostage by Islamic militants who took over the US embassy in Tehran. Six others escaped and hid in the residence of the Canadian ambassador, for almost three months. The CIA helps in the decision to attempt a rescue mission and are under pressure because time may be running out. Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) is called in by CIA director Jack O’Donnell (Bryan Cranston) to hatch a plan to get the six people out. What they need is a reason for Americans to be wandering the streets of Tehran during this political crisis. But then, Mendez comes up with a preposterous yet possible scheme that just might work. The plan is to create a fake
production crew for a Canadian sci-fi adventure called “Argo.” Mendez will hire a make-up artist—John Chambers (John Goodman)—and a producer—Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin)—and create a cover story for the six Americans. Mendez will go to Tehran and train them to masquerade as the film’s crew members, just scouting for locations in Iran, so that hopefully they can pass through airport security and board a flight back home. The plan seems so crazy, it just might work.
John Goodman, Alan Arkin, and Ben Affleck in Argo
Spinal Decompression
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Ben Affleck stars in “Argo” and also directs it. While Affleck is a solid actor when he needs to be (which is the case here), he’s also a damn good director. Following harrowing thrillers “Gone Baby Gone” and “The Town,” Affleck brings about his most accomplished work in “Argo.” The choices he makes in production works to the film’s advantage, including using real film to give “Argo” a sense that is was shot in the 1970s. (The vintage Warner Bros. logo even starts the film.) The recreation of many events this is based upon is excellent, with great location work and effective execution. The opening sequence, in which the US Embassy is taken over by militants, is especially compelling. The pacing is just right, making the film’s two-hour running time go by smoothly without getting bored. The whole final act is the final plan that leads to the moments of truth. This is when Mendez has to lead the six, who have to prove themselves of their fake identities
so they can get past airport security. It’s not that easy and so they just have to continue harder to play along without giving themselves away. This sequence is intersected with scenes that feature someone finally identifying them and having to make his way to the airport in order to stop them. So, what we have is a race against time that is both suspenseful and effective. It’s an excellent sequence that keeps you on edge until the final outcome. “Argo” also has its comic moments. Even in that tense final sequence, there’s an enchanting scene in which the “fake” director shows off the “Argo” storyboards to the authorities, who do their best to hide their interest as movie buffs. And when they’re allowed to keep the storyboards, they pass them around as if they got an autographed picture of Orson Welles. Most of the laughs come from Alan Arkin and John Goodman. These two are so great at displaying comic timing, and deliver the funniest lines in the movie, that you wonder if they
could ever spin off into a TV sitcom. There’s a running phrase delivered by Arkin that has fun with the “f” word, and thus having fun with the R rating. But my favorite line, from Arkin, is “If I’m going to make a fake movie, it’s going to be a fake hit.” The fake itself, “Argo,” is pretty funny as well—a clever send-up to those cheesy sci-fi B-movies that pokes fun at “Star Wars” elements. It may be fake, but it’s somewhat fascinating. And the Affleck film “Argo” is a triumph that deserves the Oscar buzz it’s got at the Toronto Film Festival. It’s greatly executed, well-acted, suspenseful, funny, and just all-around fantastic. N
The real six Americans rescued by Tony Mendez in 1980 February 2013 37
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