Eye On www.eyeonmag.com
March 2011 February
Independence
Celebrating a decade of film in the foothills! A Publication of MeadowLand Media, Inc.
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In This Issue 6/Letter from the Publisher Shaking Off The Cold
7/Fork in the Road
The Power of a Brand: The Rebirth of Brady’s Fish Fry
9/The Morning Line Real Men
10/Feature
Ozark Foothills Film Fest Celebrates 10th Anniversary
11/Feature part 2
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22
9
24
16
34
20
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Defining Beauty – An Inspiring “Must See” Festival Film
14/Feature part 3
JIM OBERST – The Man Behind the Poster
15/Main Street Heuer’s Family Shoes
16/Wandering the White River Valley Rock Throwing Rebel
18/Local Happenings 20/Homes Habitat For Humanity
21/Notes from the Clearing Breathing It In
22/I Do
The Wooldridge Wedding
24/Youth
West Magnet Dance Team
26/The Arts 29/People
Sherron Pounds: Sailing Her Dreams
34/Birds, Bees, Flowers and Trees The Taming of the Shrew?
36/Note Worthy Events 38/EOI Movie Review September 30, 1955
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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.
March 2011 | 5
Letter from the Publisher Kimberlee Thomas Welcome to March and spring time. I hope everyone is recovering from cabin fever and getting out and enjoying the much anticipated sunshine and warmer temperatures. There is so much going on in Independence County in the coming weeks that I hardly know where to begin. The Ozark Foothills FilmFest kicks off the season by celebrating its tenth anniversary. We hope you will make plans to attend this year’s event as you read about what’s been scheduled for you and your family to enjoy. We are truly blessed to have such a cultural event right here in our own front yard. Joseph and I are always excited to meet knew people and share their story with you. Join us as we visit with Sherron Pounds and take a trip on her Four Poster Pirate Ship. Julie Fidler brings us a glimpse of the West Magnet Dance Team. I could go on and on about all the wonderful stories you will find packed in this month’s issue, but I will stop here and let you discover them for yourself. You know any day is a great day to go green, but don’t forget to wear yours on St. Patrick’s Day or you just might get a little pinch. We’ll see you in April. N
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Shaking Off The Cold
Let Us Advertise For You Try something new this new year and let’s grow together email kthomas@eyeonmag or call Kimberlee at (870) 503-1150 or Daisy at (870) 307-9595 For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Kimberlee Thomas 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com.
Fork in the Road Bob Pest The original Brady’s Fish Fry, located in Desha, burned to the ground in 1989 after seven years of success. Apparently, the people who ate there really loved the food, because the new Brady’s Fish Fry, located in the Speedway RV Park complex less than a mile down the road from the original Brady’s, has a lot of them back. Since opening in December, the new Brady’s Fish Fry has also done just as well attracting new customers, people like me who had only heard about the original, almost legendary, Brady’s. Since I live in Locust Grove I have witnessed the ups and downs (mostly downs) of the four previous restaurants in the building, I was surprised when Brady’s opened and even more surprised as the parking lot got fuller and fuller. Then I ate a catfish sandwich and some hush puppies and I understood the attraction. Brenda Brady herself was a little surprised by the crowds. “We knew we’d get a good turn-out when we opened, we just didn’t know how good.” Brenda Brady and her son Jeramie operate the restaurant, open Wednesday through Sunday from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. The interior is inviting and comfortable, wood plank walls and rough-hewn beams create a lodge-like feeling. Ample parking surrounds the building. Catfish is what Brady’s is all about. The catfish is lightly breaded
The Power of a Brand: The Rebirth of Brady’s Fish Fry in a panko-like coating, then fried to perfection. The lighter breading and always clean cooking oil allows the full fish flavor to come through. The Hush Puppies are equally light and flavorful; the Brady’s make their hush puppies without sugar, so the real taste comes through. The Cole Slaw also reflects restraint in the kitchen, crisp cabbage and other vegetables with just the right amount of a tart, but not too tart, sauce. Catfish dinners come in three sizes: the Little Momma (4 pieces), the Big Daddy (6 pieces), and the Ole Grand Daddy (all you can eat). Dinners are served with hush puppies, cole slaw, pickled tomato, onion, tartar sauce, lemon, and choice of French fries or baked potato. Given the ample servings, prices are surprisingly low: Little Momma, $7.99; Big Daddy, $8.99; and Ole Grand Daddy, $11.99. The Jumbo Catfish Sandwich is exactly that—jumbo. The sandwich comes with fries and all the condiments and toppings for only $6.25. If catfish is not your thing or you are looking for a change, Brady’s can accommodate you. The restaurant serves an 8 ounce Ribeye Steak with side salad and choice of fries or baked potato for $12.99. Chicken lovers will be delighted by the Breaded Chicken Strip (3 piece) Dinner, also served with salad and choice of potatoes for just $7.99. A Breaded Chicken Strip Sandwich, served with fries, is also available for $5.99. Brady’s also makes a great burger. The Jumbo Burger, with fries, is $5.99; the Jumbo Bacon
Burger is $6.99. Cheese can be added for only 30 cents. A Kids’ Menu, always a good idea at family restaurants, includes Chicken Nuggets, Catfish Nuggets, Corn Dog Nuggets, and the Jr. Burger, all served with fries. Kids’ dishes are $3.99 except for the Chicken Nuggets at $4.99. Dessert selections include a variety of Fried Pies: Pecan, Chocolate, Apple, Cherry, and Coconut. The pies are loaded with flavor and at $1.99 each an incredible bargain. I have tried both Apple and Cherry and in both cases the fruit filling was delicious. New York Style Cheesecake Bites are also available for $3.99 and you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to any dessert for only 99 cents. Always fresh coffee and an assortment of soft drinks (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Diet Dr. Pepper, Sierra Mist, Mountain Dew, and Fruit Punch) should satisfy every family member. The Brady family seems to have March 2011 | 7
found the right formula for success where others have failed—great food, great service, a family atmosphere, and reasonable prices. With a strong base of regulars, a highly successful RV park next door, the Batesville Speedway just a few miles away, and hungry seasonal travelers heading to Heber Springs, Mountain View, and beyond, their business should flourish. I know this will make lots of folks very happy, including me. Bon appétit! N
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The Morning Line Mark Lamberth I don’t read a lot of “sports” books. They normally recite championships won or lost, a coach’s winning philosophy, or various other facts and figures concerning quarterbacks, point guards, or .280 lifetime hitters that are all equally forgettable. No one likes a braggart and in today’s “me society” there is no shortage of stars attempting to “cash in” on their success or athleticism with the help of a ghost writer. With the above being said, I recently have found an exception to mediocrity in regard to sports volumes- Season of Life: A Football Star, a Boy, a Journey to Manhood by Jeffrey Marx. The author was a ball boy for the Baltimore Colts in the mid seventies. He was accepted as a part of a team of professional athletes that included Joe Ehrmann, an All Pro defensive lineman. When old Memorial Stadium in Baltimore was scheduled for demolition in 2001, he decided to renew acquaintances with as many retired Colts as he could locate. Most scenarios were predictable but a family tragedy had transformed Ehrmann from a free spirit to an ordained minister and a volunteer high school football coach for the Gilman Greyhounds
of Baltimore. In coaching young men, Ehrmann dismissed the conventional idea of masculinity such as athletic accomplishments, sexual exploits, and material gains in favor of meaningful relationships with family and empathy for the less fortunate, traits which define a true man. Marx follows the Greyhound season as the coaches emphasize not only personal and family responsibility but also to society as a whole, including having a cause that means a life of service to others. This premise has the potential of breaking many of the destructive cycles that plague the world. If coaches can define their job as a profession of love for their players and if players from different backgrounds can define their job as love for each other, then perhaps this team is a microcosm to emulate. As the season comes to a close, Marx finds himself re-examining his own relationship with his father culminating in a poignant transformation for both men. This redefines what it means to be a man. Its message of “Building Men for Others” takes a team concept and applies it in such a way as to make life have meaning for those that accept the premise of responsibility, leadership, and service to mankind. In life’s final score, these are more important than wins and losses. Coach Stuart Smith motivating his Pioneers during a game. Photo I passed along a by Select Shots copy of the book to Batesville High School Coach Stuart Smith. Stuart is the epitome of a coach who cares deeply about not just his players, but all young people. Over the years, he has counseled and mentored thousands of his students. Stuart was moved by his reading
Real Men of the Marx book and has incorporated its principles into a core group of male athletes that meet on a regular basis. They often bring in community leaders to talk about their life experiences so as to provide solid examples of service. In the end it’s not about how many points you scored or individual honors you have amassed, it’s about the real meaning of manhood and how you serve your family, friends, and community. Coach Smith and his young men are making a difference as positive male role models and Stuart has been the difference maker in kids’ lives for the past thirty years. We need more athletes, both amateur and professional, to become “real men” in our troubled society. We need more “real men” like Stuart Smith. N
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Feature Bob Pest
Ozark Foothills FilmFest Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Photos Submitted
Alloy Orchestra and “Beatles in Arkansas” Film Returning for Celebration
Ozark Foothills FilmFest will celebrate its 10th 870-251-1189 or emailing ozarkfilm@wildblue. anniversary in Batesville March 23 to 27. To com- net. Foothills Film Society memberships are also memorate the occasion, the festival will bring back available. Members receive discounts on all screentwo of the most popular programs from the first ings and the Alloy performance, invitations to two decade. The Alloy Orchestra, guests at the 2004 and evening receptions, and a 2011 FilmFest Official 2005 festivals, will be returning. The three-musician Poster. Memberships are available beginning at $25. group composes and performs new scores to accom- The “Red Eye” All Movie Pass, which provides admispany screenings of classic silent films. In the words sion to all film screenings (does not include recepof one film critic, “The lush, titanic scores they are tions or the live performance) is available for $25, $20 able to produce before the viewer’s very eyes are for students and adults 55 and over, and $15 for Film almost unbelievable, like a stupendous sonic magic Society Members. Alloy tickets, Film Society membertrick.” Roger Ebert calls them “the best in the world ships, and “Red Eye” passes are also available at the at accompanying silent films.” Alloy will be playing box office. their new score for the classic German silent film, The complete festival schedule, with descriptions Metropolis, directed by film icon Fritz Lang. Leonard of every film, is available at www.ozarkfoothillsMaltin calls the newly-restored film “a mad master- filmfest.org. Festival screenings will take place at piece.” Alloy’s performance will take place on Friday, UACCB, Lyon College, Old Independence Regional March 25, at 7:00 p.m. in Independence Hall on the Museum, and the Fellowship Bible Church (Landers campus of UACCB. Admission is $12, $10 for stu- Theatre building). Festival programs are available at dents of all ages and adults age 55 and over, and $8 Daylight Donuts, MorningSide Coffeehouse, Natalie’s for Foothills Film Society members. Restaurant, the Smokehouse (Southside), the BatesIn 2002, the first FilmFest hosted the premiere ville Area Arts Council, the Batesville Area Chamber of When I Was Younger: A Weekend with the Beatles, a of Commerce, and Tommy’s Famous Pizza (Mountain short documentary by Jonesboro filmmaker Michael View). Bowman about the Fab Four’s only visit to Arkansas. Ozark Foothills FilmFest, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) educaThe film recounts the amazing story of how the group tional non-profit corporation founded in 2001. First literally dropped from the sky into Walnut Ridge in Community Bank is the festival’s Founding Sponsor. 1964, during the frenzied early days of Beatlemania, Major sponsors include the National Endowment for and how the brief visit of John, Paul, George, and the Arts, the Arkansas Arts Council, the FutureFuel Ringo caught the community by surprise and left a lifetime of memories for many local teenagers. Over the years the festival has received scores of requests to bring the film back; the 10th anniversary seemed like the appropriate time. When I Was Younger will be shown as part of a showcase of documentaries about Arkansas on Saturday afternoon, March 26, at UACCB. Filmmaker Michael Bowman will attend the screening. As always, the festival line-up includes a wide range of animation, documentaries, short films, and independent features; approximately two dozen filmmakers will be attending, many from Arkansas. Admission for individual screenings and programs are $5, $4 for students and adults 55 and over, and $3 for Film Society members. Tickets for Alloy Orchestra performance are available by calling Alloy, The three-musician group composes and performs new scores to accompany screenings of classic silent films.
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Chemical Company, Midwest Lime, Citizen’s Bank, the Independence County Quorum Court, WRD Entertainment, KFFB 106.1FM, the Ozark Gateway
Tourist Council, Eye on Independence, Life in the Ozarks, and the Oxford American.
Feature part 2 Kimberlee Thomas
Submitted Press Release
For the past nine years the Ozark Foothills FilmFest has brought the independent film culture to Batesville and the region, enlightening festival-goers each year with outstanding films and broadening the horizons for those who create them. This year is no exception with the festival schedule packed full of screenings, a screenwriting workshop, meet and greets, and fun for everyone. There is one film however that strikes a particular cord with me, Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America. I have never been confined to a wheelchair, but for six long weeks last year my husband, Joseph, was. It changed the way we did everything. Some of our family members built a ramp so he could get in and out of the house. We had to move furniture and take a door off its hinges so the chair could fit through. He needed assistance to do things that he had once done daily without thinking twice. He became very inventive in those six weeks, as he strived to regain his independence. We count our blessings daily that his time in the wheelchair was limited and that he has made a full recovery. Others are not so fortunate and the wheelchair becomes a permanent fixture in their life and the lives of their family and friends. As you enjoy all the film festival has to offer be sure and put the sneak preview of this film on your list of “must sees”. You will be educated, surprised and inspired. Defining Beauty is a
Defining Beauty – An Inspiring “Must See” Festival Film
thought-provoking feature length documentary narrated by Katey Sagal, which follows the vibrant lives of five women on their journey to the 2009 Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. For 37 years, Ms. Wheelchair America has
showcased the astounding accomplishments of hundreds of women, yet it has gone largely unnoticed by the general public—until now. Life in a wheelchair has often been defined as one of limitation, loneliness and unfulfilled dreams;
Erika Bogen, Ms. Wheelchair North Carolina 2009
March 2011 | 11
A Note from Director Alexis Ostrander: The idea for this project was sparked by a Sundance panel discussion on documentaries in January 2008, where Trouble the Water director, Tia Lessin, urged the audience to simply pick up a camera and make a film about their passion. During that inspirational moment, I knew I wanted to make a film about people who overcome adversity in light of some serious and often life-threatening obstacles. In 1998 I cheered on my sister-inlaw, Leslie Ostrander, as she competed for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America in North Carolina. A C7 incomplete quadriplegic from the age of 4, Leslie has spent the majority of her life in a wheelchair and has always been a source of inspiration for my work. It was through watching Leslie‘s experiences that I started to Alyson Roth, Ms. Wheelchair California 2009
however, the women showcased in this film demonstrate that their chairs do not confine nor define them. These remarkable contestants and the reigning Ms. Wheelchair America give us a unique glimpse into their lives as we follow them to Nationals in South Dakota as they compete for the crown. As in a traditional beauty pageant, Ms. Wheelchair America strives to show the inherent beauty in women while also competing on the pillars of advocacy, achievement, communication and presentation to select the most accomplished, articulate spokesperson for individuals with disabilities. These women (who are mothers, students, athletes, and social activists) challenge themselves daily to live life beyond their limitations and in turn demonstrate to the world that true beauty is encompassed in a desire to succeed, a dedication to serve others, and the will to live life on your own terms. 12 | eyeonmag.com
Heuer’s Family Shoes
226 E. Main St., Downtown Batesville
The production team for Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America includes Director Alexis Ostrander, Executive Producer Manuela Ikenze, Producer Molly Kasch, and Producer Meagan Keane. Joan Manley at the crowning ceremony of Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2009-2010
understand the limitless ways that this unique pageant can change one woman‘s life. I have always been an active advocate for people with disabilities and believe that documentary film has the potential to be monumental in strengthening the voice of people living with disabilities. Remembering that exciting night in 1998 I knew that Ms. Wheelchair America was the perfect story to illustrate the struggles of people living in wheelchairs and the obstacles of personal identity faced by every woman across the United States.
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Feature part 3 Kimberlee Thomas
Photos submitted
Each year the Ozark Foothills FilmFest holds a contest to find the perfect artwork for their annual festival poster. I am sure artists previously selected would tell you that it is a great honor to have their work displayed as the calling card for such an outstanding festival. However, I believe to have your work chosen as the face of the tenth annual event could be considered an even greater honor. This year's poster, by watercolorist Jim Oberst, was unveiled at a press conference held at the BAAC Gallery on February 22. It is his chosen art work that graces the cover of this month's issue of Eye On and will forever be remembered as the face of the 10th Annual Ozark Foothills FilmFest. Jim Oberst was born, raised,
Jim Oberst
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JIM OBERST – The Man Behind the Poster
educated, and married in New York City. During his technical career, he taught electronics and systems theory at Polytechnic University of New York, and managed circuit and software development at Bell Labs, AT&T, and Lucent Technologies. Before moving to Arkansas, Oberst and his wife Jeanette lived in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and finally Ohio, as well as doing a two-year stint in Saudi Arabia. They have three adult children and a grandson, all currently residing in the Columbus, Ohio area. Oberst is a private pilot, and he built a Glasair airplane that he and Jeanette have traveled in extensively. After retiring in 2001, Oberst and Jeanette moved south to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, where Oberst began his art studies at National Park Community College in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with Ovita Goolsby. He has also studied watercolor painting in workshops presented by nationally known artists including Jan Kunz, Ted Nuttall, Joseph Fettingis, Sterling Edwards, Richard Stephens, Alvero Castagnet, and Tony Couch. Oberst paints a variety of subjects, including landscapes, seascapes, and portraits. His paintings
are done in a dynamic, expressive style, taking maximum advantage of the luminous qualities of watercolor. He is available to do commissioned landscape paintings. Oberst’s paintings have won many awards, including first place in both the 2005 and 2007 Diamond National Juried Exhibits and the Gold Award in the MidSouthern Watercolorists 2007 Annual Exhibit. His paintings have been featured in both the 2008 and 2009 editions of the Arkansas Artists Calendars published by the Governor's Mansion Association. His watercolors can be found in private collections in 23 states and three foreign countries, and in the permanent collection of the Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs. Oberst’s paintings are on display at Artists Workshop Gallery in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and occasionally in other regional venues. He teaches a Watercolor Painting Workshop and a Design for Painters Workshop, which you can read about on his Workshops page. He maintains two art websites: the first with its own related blog at jimoberst.blogspot.com, and weeklywatercolor.com with its blog located at
CHOICE REALTY
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Each office independently owned and operated
weeklywatercolor.blogspot.com. Oberst’s art activities can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter. Oberst’s work will be on display at the Batesville Area Arts Council Gallery on Main Street beginning March 8. Obersts will be at the Gallery on Friday, March 11 as the Featured Artist during the Main Street Second Friday event. He will be meeting the public and providing gallery demonstrations throughout the evening. N
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Heuer’s Family Shoes What do you like about being on Main Street? I like the neighborhood feel. I like knowing the names and families of most of my customers. I like the historic value of downtown.
Number of Employees: 3, Janet Johnson, Magen Helwick, and Karen Neal What does your business offer the public? Quality, stylish name brand shoes at affordable prices. We are a fun place to shop. We listen to what our customers need and want. We work with them to insure a proper fit each and every time. When did Heuer's Family shoes open for business? 1930
Magen Helwick and Barbara Fitzlpatrick March 2011 | 15
Wandering the White River Valley Freda Cruse Phillips Skinny Blair, a barber by trade, relies on accuracy. He describes himself “like all the boys I had a pocket full of rocks and a sling shot. Imagining them wild animals or attacking Indians, we left our marks in many a tree.” The son of Clyde and Mabel Blair, grandson of Avery and Alberta Blair and great grandson of Samuel and Susan Elizabeth Porter Blair; Susan’s brother, Bob Porter, Skinny’s great great uncle, is the legendary “Rebel Rock Thrower” of the Civil War. The Civil War reports of Martin Beem, Ark Mtd Infantry; “Early this morning, unfortunately Bob Porter succeeded in eluding the vigilance of the guard and made good his escape, much to our regret… He is a sharp, desperate fellow… Porter stated that they were all to concentrate at Clinton, 60 miles from the post. Killingsworth, Second Lt, Captain West’s company is reported near Buck Horn with about 20 men.” Reported to be a big burly man with an arm that was strong and accurate Porter had been captured by Yankee’s a few days earlier on Jan 16, 1864. On more than one occasion he had warded off the Federalists’ with nothing more than rocks. Attacked by Porter he hit their horses in the chest causing the horse to rear up. The soldier would fall to the ground. He then pelted the others with rocks until they all fled. When captured he was determined to escape. He feigned illness but they marched on in the bitter cold. He managed to swallow a plug of tobacco undetected and was soon violently throwing up, then the ‘back door trots’ hit. The Yankees decided to take refuge in an abandoned cabin for the night getting out of the freezing rain coming down on deep snow. As each new attack of vomiting and dysentery would strike, the guard would follow Porter out into the cold. After several trips he took to simply running out in his stocking feet and under garments. The guards stopped following the now seemingly very weak and sick man telling him he need not try to escape because they were ordered to shoot to kill. No one thought that any sane man would try to escape into the bitter cold of the night with freezing rain falling in only his underclothes and socks. The sentry soon realizing he had 16 | eyeonmag.com
Rock Throwing Rebel not returned alerted the others and they took out after him on horseback; however, Bob had numerous ‘stockpiles’ of ammunition along the familiar ridges and managed to again knock soldiers from horseback into the cold snow. They abandoned the chase for the crazy man in his underclothes. He ran about 4 miles through the woods to his sister Susan’s. Banging on the door in the middle of the night her husband Sam Blair answered the door to find a frozen, spiked hair, icicled man standing before him. Family stories describe him as having ice frozen in his eyebrows, hair and chest. Fearing the safety of his sister and her family, he stayed only long enough to warm up, gather clothes and move on. Then knowing the soldiers would be searching for him come day break, Sam and Susan hid his tracks, leading to and from the cabin by brushing over them with limbs. N Left: Avery Blair crossing the White River on Grigsby Ferry at O’Neal (Marcella), with family. Below is Skinny Blair
March 2011 |  17
Local Happenings Main Street Batesville held its Winter Gala the evening of January 22 at Elizabeth’s Restaurant. Randy and Stephanie Wade provided the evenings entertainment. Those in attendance were able to bid on a wide selection of donated items during the silent auction. Paula Grimes, Main Street Director, counted the evening a great success. Citizens Bank of Batesville recently celebrated the opening of their CEEBEE play zone located inside the main branch at 265 S. Third Street. Citizens Bank hopes to encourage healthy savings habits in their young clients while providing a fun place to hang out while mom and dad take care of their banking needs. (photo submitted by BACC)
State Farm Agent Lonzo Wilson recently celebrated the grand opening of his new office located at 2860 East Harrison Street with a ribbon cutting sponsored by the Batesville Area ChamState Farm ribbon cutting ber of Commerce. (photo courtesy of the Batesville Daily Guard) The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Business After Hours event at Liberty Bank of Batesville located at 1240 E. Main Street. The event was held to welcome Kevin Rose, Community Bank President of the Batesville Liberty Bank location. (photo courtesy of the Batesville Daily Guard). Kevin Rose, President of Liberty Bank
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870-307-0708 / 9 - 5:30 M-F / 9 - 5 Sat 18 | eyeonmag.com
Go Red
Citizens’ Bank presented the Batesville Go Red for Women Luncheon on Friday, February 18. The goal of the luncheon is to raise awareness among women of the dangers of heart disease. The event also helps raise much-needed funds for research at UAMS, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. The guest speaker, Jane Krutz, motivated and encouraged those in attendance and challenged all to make a difference. Danny Dozier provided the afternoons entertainment. Pat Cash introduced the afternoon’s “Heart Throbs”, John Dews, Rob Roberts, Seth Brooks, Jody Smotherman, Kenny Allen, and Mayor Rick Elumbaugh.
Today is a
great day to feel good. Danny Dozier
Local Happenings continued on page 30
Heart Throb Mayor Rick Elumbaugh
Ladies enjoying conversation
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March 2011 | 19
Homes Andrea Bruner Batesville Daily Guard Assistant Managing Editor A note from the Publisher: Having a place I can call "Home" is by far one of the most reassuring affirmations in my life. There are many families that do not have that reassurance. They have fallen victim to job loss, illness or other circumstances beyond their control that has placed their home availability in jeopardy. Thanks to the Batesville Chapter of Habitat for Humanity there are now three local families that can put their minds at rest and enjoy the security of having a house of their own to call home. Andrea Bruner of the Batesville Guard recently had the opportunity to visit with Paul Holifield, President of the local chapter, about Habitat for Humanity and what has been accomplished by the organization since it's inception.
Photo by Byron Skinner
For Byron Skinner, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity is more than a way to fill his Saturdays, it’s a calling. On Feb. 5, his dedication was recognized at the third annual Home is Where the Heart Is Banquet when he was named the Habitat for Humanity of Independence County’s Volunteer of the Year. Skinner, who has been doing carpentry work for more than 20 years, became acquainted with Habitat through St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He was one of scores of volunteers turning out for the first home and pitched in, then was asked to serve as site supervisor for the second project, which will be the home of Ralph and Lisa 20 | eyeonmag.com
Habitat For Humanity
Photos by Paul C. Bube
Lewis and their 16-year-old son, Eli. Ralph is disabled and Lisa is a student at UACCB and is employed there as an administrative assistant. They’re at the site every work day, Habitat officials said, putting in the necessary hours to fulfill their commitment. Ground was broken on the Lewis home in September 2009, but weather, regulatory issues and other problems have delayed construction. Now the house is “in the dry,” the siding is about 75 percent finished, the plumbing is roughed in and the roof is in progress. Also Saturday night, the third recipient family was announced: Andrew and Daniela Richardson and their 3 1/2 year-old daughter, Sabina. They too are already accumulating hours at the Lewis house. About 100 people attended the banquet at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. Some, like Skinner and many others, are familiar faces, spending nearly every Saturday when weather permits at the house site. Other banquet attendees are new to the chapter. Mike Rees, who was there with his wife Debbie, said he knew of Habitat but wasn’t aware there was a local chapter until last December, when he saw an article in the Guard. He clipped it out with the idea that he’d contact the chapter when the weather cleared. Saturday night, the Reeses
and others had a chance to see the progress as a slideshow on a 42-inch flat screen, one of several silent auction items. Paul Holifield, chapter president, introduced the board members and discussed the progress at 415 Ferrell St. in west Batesville. Habitat was able to buy four vacant lots on that block bounded by Ferrell, Grace and Boggs streets and has partnered with the city of Batesville, which plans to eventually build a park there. To paraphrase the organization’s mission statement, Holified explained, “Habitat provides decent houses for good people with the help of God and uses people from all walks.” Incidentally, Independence County is one of the last chapters in a town of less than 40,000. Habitat has now raised the benchmark for new chapters, saying it’s hard to get enough people and money to complete projects. Holifield said that has not been the case in Independence County, where volunteers remain committed and business partners have shown their generosity to the projects. “We’re a small chapter, a new chapter by all means, but we’ve made great strides. We’re a volunteer group that’s growing all the time,” Holifield said. He commended the board and other volunteers, but said one of the most important assets of a Habitat chapter is the family.
Habitat not only helps build the home, it also provides an advocate “because for many families, ownership is new,” Holifield explained. There are bills, insurance and other paperwork to deal with, and the advocate is there to help them wade through it all. Debbie Fulbright is the Lewis family advocate, and Sharon Bufford is the Richardsons’ advocate. “When we first started to get the house under way, Lisa had tears trickling from her eyes, and I knew we had one of the finest families,” Holified said. Also recognized were several business partners and corporate sponsors who have helped get the house “off the ground.” “There’s so many people that’s helped put this house where it’s at,” Holifield said. “Pretty soon we will look for folks to help with the finish work,” like drywall, painting, etc. Haley Hawkins, then a student at Lyon College who first brought up the idea of forming a chapter to Dr. Paul Bube, was also in attendance with her husband, Kurt, driving in from Jonesboro. Habitat is a non-denominational Christian organization that works in partnership with people in need. Potential homeowners are required to put work hours into
their house during construction. When construction is complete, Habitat sells the house to the homeowner at no profit and carries the mortgage, enabling the construction of the next house. Volunteers are always welcome. For more information, visit www. independencehabitat.org. N
Photo by Katie McClean
Notes from the Clearing Breathing It In
Joseph Thomas
Green grass glows on the spring fed Earth until the crops and the weeds spring up from the dirt. Cultivating winds blow from the South from the soil, to the sun, to the roof of my mouth. Screaming in silence to the ceiling of the sky, respecting this morn, this day and this night. Breathing it in so deep and so fleeting, I keep time to each moment with my heart’s steady beating..
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I Do
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Photos: Jeremy Stout
The Wooldridge Wedding
spent their wedding night at the lodge and has a honeymoon trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina planned for early spring. Michael is a Williams Baptist College graduate. He is working on his Master’s in Special Education while working at Westside School in Batesville. Katie is a Lyon College graduate who received her Masters from ASU. She is a speech-language pathologists and works at Pediatric Therapy Associates. The young couple plan on staying in Batesville, building a home, and raising a family of their own. N
March 2011 |  23
Youth Julie M. Fidler A group of young Batesville dancers works after school and on weekends, resulting in a performance much like that seen on the hit TV show, “Glee,” minus the singing. The 55 fourth- through sixthgraders at West Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School learn everything from jazz to disco to hip hop. Teacher Danielle Green has been with the dance program at West since it began in 2004. The dance team formed in the 2005-06 school year. Its makeup is split pretty evenly between boys and girls. “This year, we’ve done ‘Through the Years,’ with musical icons like Elvis and the Beatles,” said Green. “We go from them to the Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys and the Black-Eyed Peas. So, we end with what’s current.” She said the team recently started learning a jazz routine. To keep up to date, Green attends dance conventions like “The Pulse on Tour,” featuring famous current choreographers. “Last year, I went to Dallas,” she said. “Over spring break this year, I may be able to go back.” Last summer, Green went to Broadway Dance Center in New York City and took 10 hours of classes. “It was a lot of fun,” she
Photos by Julie M. Fidler
said. According to the teacher, “disco is really a big deal. The kids are all doing it and liking it.” She said educational standards require her to teach different time periods and cultures. “We do all of it.” Each year, over 100 students try out for the dance team, and the numbers grow by at least two or three a year. Cuts have to be made. “Even if we’ve had kids move, I’ve seen not as many drop off (the team) this year,” she said. “They’ve held with it and stuck with it. Try-outs are involved.” To be fair, Green brings in outside judges and score tabulators for try-outs. “A lot of times, I’ll pick a score to have as a cut off and take that many children (for the team),” she said. “There are cuts. But, a lot of times, those kids come back the next year; and most of them make it.” Not all children join as expert dancers, Green said. “There are some children from year to year,” she said. “They may not be the best dancers. Then, all of a sudden, it begins to click. They come on (stage), and it’s amazing.” Some have even switched to West Magnet for the chance to dance, said Green. Her first group of
a formation in a high energy dance 24 | eyeonmag.com
West Magnet Dance Team
A member of the dance team prepares to be thrown backwards into the air by fellow dancers.
fourth-graders are now high school sophomores. Many are either on the football or dance teams or are cheerleaders. “We’ve got representation of West throughout our school district,” she said. The children seem to gain a lot of confidence through the program. “That’s the big thing,” said Green. “It gives them confidence do things they’d never have gotten to do. Taking these classes would not have been possible. It’s a wonderful program. Due to performance confidence, our academic tests scores have gone up.” In 2008, the West Magnet Dance Team won grand champion status in Arkansas Dance Spectacular. Since then, the AAA oversees dance competitions. Due to the championship, the team received an Arkansas State Senate Citation. More recently, the team has performed in Branson, Mo., at the shows “Red, Hot and Blue” and “Spirit of the Dance” and at Silver Dollar City. They’re currently preparing for the Branson show,
“Liverpool Legends.” They’ll also perform again at Silver Dollar City. Two years ago, the team danced in front of 19,000 people at a University of Memphis basketball game . They also perform during games at Lyon College and Batesville junior and senior high schools. Last month, the team danced at the Pink Zone basketball game at University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
Public recitals are coming next month. The fourth- through sixthgrade team performs at 6:30 p.m. April 29 at Independence Hall on the campus of University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. Recitals for kindergarten and first-grade dancers are May 5, and May 6 for second- and third-graders. All of the recitals are at UACCB at 6:30 p.m. N
The Thriller
March 2011 | 25
The Arts The Batesville Area Arts Council will be offering “Art in the Afternoon” each Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for student’s ages 8 to 13 years old. Classes will be held at the BAAC Art Gallery located at 246 E. Main Street. Volunteers will work with the students in various art areas. A schedule is available at the Gallery along with registration forms. Cost is $3 per student per week or $10 per student per month. Supplies are included. Pre-registration is required. For more information contact BAAC at (870) 793-3382. The BAAC Art Gallery on Main will host a Gourd Art Class on Monday, March 28 from 9:30 to 4:00 p.m. with Gourd Artist, Joyce Campbell. You may pre-register by contacting the BAAC art Gallery on Main at (870) 793-3382. Class fee is $35. Joyce will be bringing gourds that you can purchase for a small fee or you may bring your own. AIE Artist, Patty Carreras will be a featured artist in the BAAC Art Gallery on Main on March 17 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Carreras will be performing the following three selections during the evening; ICECREAM a silent and comedic scene, The Feather a sad piece with a hopeful ending about loss and aging and a comic monologue FRENCH FRIES stressing the character of a homeless woman. Carreras will hold a workshop after the third piece that will center on silent comedy, characterizations and Improv. Carreras states, “this is really the highlight of the program, despite the age.” Patty Carreras
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Jim Oberst, winner of the Ozark Foothills Filmfest poster contest, will have some of his work on display at the BAAC Gallery from March 8 through March 27. Oberst will also be the featured artist during the Main Street Second Friday Downtown event from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on March 11. Oberst will offer demonstrations at 5:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. that evening. For more information concerning Oberst and his work you may visit his websites at www. jimoberst.blogspot.com and www. weeklywatercolor.com. Oberst may also be followed on Facebook and Twitter.
Go for Baroque
The Batesville Area Arts Council would like you to save the date for “Go for Baroque” community concert on Monday, April 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Arkansas Community College. Performing serious music in an entertaining fashion has been a trademark of this musical group since its inception in 1985. All its members are professional musicians and experienced educators. This event is supported in part by the Batesville Area Arts Council, the Mid America Art Alliance, and the National Endowment for the Arts. You may contact the Batesville Area Arts Gallery for more details. N
2101 Malcolm Avenue Village Mall, Newport, AR 870-523-3333
Dr. Gavin T. McDowell Optometric Physician March 2011 |  27
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People
Sherron Pounds has been writing for years; programs for church Auxiliary Meetings, Christian songs, but her grandchildren ignited a new spark in her imagination prompting her to begin a series of children’s books. It all began with a story telling session on her four poster bed. She speaks of the boys hanging on to the posters as if the seas were rough and might toss them from the ship. “It was all about teaching them to use their imaginations,” says Pounds from her Citizens Bank office. She
Sherron Pounds: Sailing Her Dreams
says writing comes easy to her once she has an idea. Her husband, Freewill Baptist Minister, Larry Pounds, has always touted that she has a child’s imagination and she confesses that it is always busy. “It started out with simple stories and the children began calling these little story telling excursions trips or adventures and so the bed became a Pirate Ship, a Space Ship, Magic Carpet, and even a Plane. These stories were born seven years ago when Elizabeth was three.” Pounds says it was great to see her grandchildren poured into these pages as the animated leading characters, but a treat for them all was the addition of their Border Collie, Buzz, in the second book. Buzz has passed and this gives them a piece of him that they didn’t have. “My grandchildren think it’s cool to have a grandmother who is now a published author and I’m proud that I could do it for them. It is very excititing to see my ideas take form on paper and then to come to life as a book. I am so grateful for all of my blessings. My family is the best blessing of all.” Pounds adds that there are many other Four Poster Adventures on the way. “We have one shot at this life and there are no do overs, so follow your dreams,
whatever they may be and always follow your heart..” She began putting the stories to paper around three years ago and will release her second book, The Four Poster Pirate Ship Goes To Rock Island, this month at Hastings and The Paper Chase Book store, both located in Batesville. Pounds will have a book signing at the Paper Chase book store on main street March 12th, from 12:00 until 2:00pm and at Hastings on Harrison Street March 26th, 2:00 until 5:00pm. Her first book, The Adventures of the Four Poster Pirate Ship, was released December 28, 2010. Her first book signing was in Jonesboro in February of this year. She admits that having a book published was something she knew nothing about. A friend told her that Tate Publishing, out of Mustang, Oklahoma was a Christian based company. Pounds says she read their mission statement and was convinced that they were perfect for this project. Pounds will be signing her second book at The Paper Chase and Hastings Release this month, so look for that and grab a copy, get it signed, and meet a wonderful woman and new Arkansas author. N
Sherron with three of her grandchildren; Elizabeth 10, Clayton 16, and Brandon14
s of the T he A d ve ntu re
e r Pi rate Ship Fou r Post un ds Sh er ro n Po
Tat e P u b l i s h i n g & Enterprises
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Local Happenings continued from page 19
Crystal Johnson and Ashleigh Rogers
Deann Castleberry and Pat Jones
The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held its 2nd Annual Business Expo on Saturday, February 19. Over sixty area businesses were on hand displaying their wares. Many held to The Chamber is Right game show theme and offered games such as Plinko and a Wheel of Fashion. Randy Reichardt and Paul Kelly delighted those in attendance with their portrayal of game show icons Bob Barker and Rod Roddy as they announced the evenings award winners. 2010 Lights Outstanding Teen, Ashleigh Rogers, was on hand to help present the evenings awards. The following Awards were presented during the event, Past Chairman Award - Gary Bebow, New Business of the year- Ivory Owl, Small Business of the Year – Batesville Daily Guard, Large Business of the Year – Wal-Mart, Volunteer of the Year – Bob Pest, Ambassador of the Year – Michael Ferry, and Farm Family of the Year – Terry Gibson Family. First Community Bank presented the Keynote Speaker; Nationally acclaimed motivational speaker, John Cassis. Cassis combines a rare blend of humor and entertainment while showing audiences how to face head on the daily pressures of life and business challenges. BACC President and CEO, Crystal Johnson, along with her staff certainly provided a fun filled evening proving that indeed, The Chamber is Right. N
The Terry Gibson Family
John Cassis gives Keynote Address 30 | eyeonmag.com
Gary Bebow awarded via Randy Reichardt
Michael Ferry and Bob Pest
Thomas Baxter
Mingling at the BACC 2nd Annual Business Expo Sat. Feb 19th
Greg Mosser wins chance at money grab
March 2011 |  31
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March 2011 | 33
Birds, Bees, Flowers and Trees Autumn Hunter
Photos submitted
The Taming of the Shrew?
What exactly is a shrew and why It’s not just the medical community that benefits would they need taming? William from these creatures. Plant communities thrive Shakespeare was referring to an when shrews are present. Shrews are a natural ill-tempered woman. Maybe his pesticide by consuming large quantities of insects analogy could be an appropriate comparison if we which encourages plant growth and expansion. learn more about the smaller shrew. It’s a furry, Most species of these small mammals are semimouse-like creature no bigger than your thumb. fossorial. This means they spend a large portion of Surprisingly, this animal is closely related to their time underground in tunnels that they dig hedgehogs, which aren’t rodents at all. themselves or borrow from other small mammals. Biologists believe there are five species of shrew The other portion of their time is spent in the in Arkansas: Southeastern Shrew, Southern Shortleaf litter of a forest or dense vegetation along tailed Shrew (most common), Elliot’s Short-tailed fence lines, wetlands, or meadows. Habitats must Shrew, Least Shrew, and the Desert Shrew. Shrews provide plenty of cover with well drained soil but are classified as insectivores. Insectivores are small, retain enough moisture to keep the burrows humid. sharp-snouted animals with primitive features Research has been conducted on shrew populations eating mainly insects. Insectivores are in many countries, such as known as ancient mammals, having America, England, and Ireland. been found in the fossil record dating Shrews are a preferred meal for back millions of years. These primitive barn owls. These birds with super creatures have limited eyesight, mainly sensitive hearing do not need their used in light detection. They find food eye sight to catch food. Even tiny and mates using their incredible hearing creatures hunting for insects in the and smell. Even though grasshoppers leaf litter of the forest are an easy are often on the menu, shrews are also midnight snack. When biologists known to indulge on snails, worms, and are deciding where to conduct even mice. Shrews balance their diet Barn Owl making a meal of a Shrew surveys or studies on shrews, they with roots, berries, fungi, and small typically hunt for evidence in owl seeds or nuts. Having more than one food option is pellets, which are the regurgitated, undigested food helpful when your metabolism demands consuming like bone and fur. up to eighty percent of your body weight each day. Small mammals have many predators. Reptiles, Shrews have some unique characteristics. birds, and all sizes of other mammals would enjoy Only three types of mammals are known to use a tasty shrew meal. However, it’s not the natural echolocation: bats, toothed whales, and some shrew predators that we find to be the likely culprit in any species. Not only do they use echolocation to find area where we would find a shortage in the shrew food but for navigation through their burrows. population. Like the majority of other mammals, Another adaptation is called caravanning. Mother all too often it is pesticides and habitat destruction shrews move about with all her babies hanging that are the main predators. Nature takes care of it’s on behind her. One little shrew clings to her from self and runs on a natural cycle. If the prey animals behind, and another attaches to that individual and are declining in a certain area then the predator so on, much like a conga line. Another characteristic will soon become scarce. Some years the insect that is rare in mammals is the presence of venom. In population explodes. This is the when the shrew nature, only the Cuban solenodon (another shrewpopulation explodes. That is also the same year that like creature), Eurasian mole, the platypus, and the barn owl pair raises a full nest of owlets, or the a few species of shrews use venom to immobilize weasel family den is overflowing with kits. their prey or ward off predators. In Arkansas the In comparison, a shrew might be like the woman Southern and Elliot’s Short-tailed shrew have some of reference in Shakespeare’ play in that they are tiny kind of toxic agent used to paralyze their food. This and fierce, have unique characteristics, and possibly keeps their prey alive so the shrew can store up a use venom in order to survive. The Greeks and cache and eat at its leisure. Romans thought this very small animal to be evil. Science has discovered alternate uses for shrew Referring to a woman as a shrew might come to mind venom. Chemicals extracted from this venom if you were a hurt or rejected man. Maybe William maybe a useful treatment for blood pressure. Some Shakespeare was suffering from a broken heart. compounds derived from the venom are being The only thing that needs taming about this class tested in the treatment of of mammals is a complete migraines and neuromuscular analysis of the toxins and conditions. Even the saliva exact concentrations of of some species contains a venom, as well as further peptide that may aid in the population studies. N treatment of ovarian cancer. Shrew in leaf litter 34 | eyeonmag.com
Least Shrew
Welcome to Independence
Southwestern Bell
March 2011 |  35
Note Worthy Events Children’s Health and Safety Fair The 9th Annual Independence County Children’s Health and Safety Fair. Will be held Saturday, April 2 from 9:00 a.m. – Noon at the Independence County Fair Grounds. This event is co-sponsored by the Junior Auxiliary of Independence County and Success by Six. BBBS Bowl for Kids’ Sake First Community Bank is the 2011 Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake sponsor! Together, they would like to encourage you to participate in the Bowl For Kids’ Sake campaign. By forming fiveperson teams of bowlers, you have the ability to raise money that will change a child’s life forever. Bowl For Kids’ Sake dates are Saturday, March 5 and April 2 at Hollywood Bowl in Batesville. For more information contact Amanda Roberts (870) 612-8888 or email at amanda@bigbrothersbigsistersnca.org. OIRM Story Time Old Independence Regional Museum continues its popular story time for toddlers and preschoolers. Story time begins at 10:30 a.m. on March 11 and March 25. Aunt Minnie and White River Hoe-down The Batesville Kiwanis Club presents Aunt Minnie and the White River Hoedown Friday, March 11
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at 7:00 p.m. at UACCB Independence Hall. General admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the chamber. Family Violence Prevention’s Dinner and Silent (no more) Auction Dinner and auction will be held Friday, April 1 at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 424 E. Main Street. The Auction will start at 6:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. For tickets or information concerning auction items you may contact FVP at 870-793-8111. Cultural Events at Lyon College All events will be held on the Lyon College campus and all events are free and open to the public except as noted. This event calendar will be updated throughout the year on the College’s Web site: www.lyon.edu. Lyon College Concert Chorale Monday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Batesville First Presbyterian Church. This ensemble concludes its spring tour with a concert featuring Vaughan Williams’ Mass in G. Joel Plaag is the conductor. Japan Lecture Series: Featuring speaker Anne Akabori, author of The Gift of Life and chairperson of Visas for Life Foundation. Program title “Visas for Life: The Legacy of Chiune Sugihara”. Thursday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Derby Lecture Hall.
Lyon Band Lunchtime Concert. Friday, March 18 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Edwards Dining Hall. Conducted by Joel Plaag. Lyon College announces the 32nd Arkansas Scottish Festival The 32nd Arkansas Scottish Festival is set for April 8-10 on the Lyon College campus in Batesville. Organizers said admission to the three-day festival would be free. The festival has, for three decades, provided a glimpse of traditional Scotland to visitors from Arkansas and all over the country. The celebration began as a way to honor the college’s Scottish roots. Lyon College was founded in 1872 by the Presbyterian Church, which has its roots in Scotland. The college recognizes Scotland through its Scottish Heritage Program and through the annual Arkansas Scottish Festival, which brings in thousands of visitors during the weekend. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Scottish festival without bagpipe, drumming and Highland dancing competitions. The qualifiers feature pipers, drummers and dancers from all over the world including Ireland and Scotland. Festival organizer Jimmy Bell said he hopes free admission will bring in more families to the event. “We want moms, dads, kids, grandmas and grandpas to come and enjoy the festival,” he said. “We have something for all ages.” Bell said this year’s festival would feature more events, more competitors, more pipe bands and more entertainment. The Highland Games are a popular event at the Arkansas Scottish Festival. The games feature athletes competing in traditional Scottish events including the caber toss, hammer throw, stone put and sheaf toss. The caber toss is the most famous Scottish field event. In this competition, athletes begin by picking up a caber - a large, tapered log that’s often thought of as a small telephone pole - that can be anywhere
from 12-19 feet long and may Below John Bottomley plays the bagpipes at a weigh from 30 to 120 pounds. The competition at the Arkansas Scottish Festival in competitors begin the contest with Batesville, Ark. lighter and shorter cabers, working their way up in weight and length until all but one are eliminated. Other Highland events such as the hammer throw and stone put were used on the battlefield as weapons against their enemies, and clan chieftains used the sheaf toss to gauge a warrior’s strength. The stone put is similar to shot put in track and field events. Men use a stone weighing 17 pounds, while women use an 11-pound stone. Contestants throw the heavy stones as far as possible. The sheaf toss involves a burlap bag filled with straw weighing approximately 16 pounds. The object is to toss the bag over a crossbar using a three-pronged pitchfork. The festival also has children’s activities. The Child’s Passport program is a free activity where children receive a passport and take it to the clans. They get the passports stamped at the various clan booths and bring it back to the Welcome Tent for a prize. Child’s Passport organizer Brenda Lindsey said she usually gives out between 200 and 400 passports during the festival. The children’s games are also a hit with the younger festival-goers. Children can play a variety of games and win prizes. Other events during the weekend include, sheepdog demonstrations, library book sale, Highland cattle, corporate Olympics, feast and Ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee), bonniest knees contest, parade of massed bands, Scottish seminars and an Iona worship service. The Arkansas Scottish Festival website provides registration information for patrons, groups, vendors, athletic competitors, clans and piping, drumming and band participants. For more information about the festival or to register, visit http://www.lyon.edu/ scotfest. N Above Tim Mullally competes in the Arkansas Scottish Festival’s Highland games. March 2011 | 37
EOI Movie Review Reviewed by Tanner Smith Smith’s Verdict: *** very next day, it really hits him The title Sep- hard. His mother and friends don’t tember 30, 1955 understand his grief. Jimmy J has refers to the to remind them that they really date of James don’t. The worst anybody could Dean’s death. The actor was only say was that James Dean was only 24 years old and his best movies a movie star. He was more than (Rebel Without a Cause and Giant) that. That’s what anybody might hadn’t been released yet. But East have said on the actual date that of Eden took movie audiences by people heard about the death of surprise—or rather, it was James James Dean. There may be a lot Dean’s performance that took of other people who feel the same them by surprise. As September way as Jimmy J, but this is a sleepy 30, 1955 opens, we meet our main Arkansas town where an event like character—a young man named this isn’t very important. Quite Jimmy J—as he watches East of odd—this could have been the Eden in a cinema. As he watches most-talked-about event to come James Dean perform the touching along in a long while. But with the final scene a tear falls across his upcoming homecoming at college, what’s more important? face. September 30, 1955 does a nice Whether this is the first or one job when it focuses on Jimmy of multiple times he has seen this J’s grief and interaction with his movie isn’t clear, but one thing friends. Jimmy J is played by Richis certain—Jimmy J feels that ard Thomas (best known as John James Dean is a close friend. That Boy on The Waltons) and while the is why when he hears that James character isn’t given much of a Dean died in a tragic accident the
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September 30, 1955 personality throughout the film, he nearly makes up for it in a bedside scene with a great amount of range. Strangely enough, the final half of this film is the best part. The characters—including those played by Tom Hulce, Deborah Benson, and standout Lisa Blount—are given room to grow after a couple of painfully long sequences—one involving an attempted séance (the only saving grace is Lisa Blount’s Vampira look) and the following one involving an attempt to scare a couple of ex-friends with makeup. I felt if those scenes were trimmed down a bit, I’d be a bit more satisfied. I wouldn’t ask to delete the latter scene because it sets up the bedside scene (not giving anything away here). So do I recommend the film? Well…it’s a close call, but I do. The director James Bridges has a good feel for the town that Jimmy J and his friends live in (Conway), the actors are good (especially Lisa Blount as Jimmy J’s ex-girlfriend who believes she can communicate with spirits), and the dialogue that these kids speak is spot-on. There are flaws, of course—this is not a particularly tight film. As I’ve said, some sequences drag on for too long, some hints of comedy fall flat, and the final shot is unsatisfactory. But as a drama and a portrait of those grieving over the legendary actor James Dean, September 30, 1955 works. It was filmed entirely in Arkansas, in and around Conway. N
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