Eye On Independence NOVEMBER 2012

Eye On Independence www.eyeonmag.com

Freedom of Speech Mayor Rick Elumbaugh Robert Joshua Hughes, Jr. A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

November 2012

We are..

Smith, Carla Martin, Nina Jackson; Middle: Erin Bullington, De bbie Nas retty, Patty P y t s i t, Laura M Ford; F Back: ront: Cr ystal Wil son,

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In This Issue 6/Editor’s Note

Eye On Autumn

7/We’re Still Out Here

Can Tourism Revitalize Rural Communities?

9/The Morning Line

Robert Joshua Hughes, Jr.

12/Crowned by the King 14/Cover Story

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24

14

35

18

38

21

44

Mayor Rick Elumbaugh / Thinking Forward

16/Travel On

To Travel or Not to Travel Christmas 2012

17/Your Health

November is National Diabetes Month

18/Bruce and Suzy Oakley 21/Faces 24/I Do Rader Wedding

28/Batesville Area Arts Council 29/Faces 30/Faces 31/The Myopic Life Many Changes

32/Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista

Getting It Right; Real Women and Fall 2012 Trends

33/Notes from the Clearing Mona Lisa

35/Life in the Ozarks

Mammoth Spring: Where the Waters Flow

37/Things To Do 38/Feature The Call

40/Smith’s Verdict *1/2 Dreamcatcher

Eye On

42/Independent Thoughts

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Is It Okay To Lie?

Independence

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Mayor Rick Elumbaug h Robert Joshua Hughes, Crowned By The King

Jr.

and The Call

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.

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.

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

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.

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Editor’s Note

Eye On Autumn Joseph Thomas

Kimberlee and Joseph Thomas

photo by Robert O. Seat

Hello everyone, we have gathered another fine collection of articles about Independence, its events, happenings, and things to come.

We have award winners and ground breakings in addition to our regular fine features.

Mark Lamberth shares memories of his friend, Robert Joshua Hughes, Jr. Bob Pest asks the question, “Can tourism revitalize rural communities?”

He also visits Mammoth Spring, where the water flows. Kimberlee brings us two positive organizations, The CALL and Crowned By The King. Leigh Keller gets it right with Fall fashions and Alisa R. Lancaster visits with us about Diabetes month. Kristi Price talks about finding our way and she also writes about her friends, Bruce and Suzy Oakley. Renee Taylor poses the question, “To travel or not to travel this holiday season.” Kimberlee had a wonderful interview with Mayor Rick Elumbaugh and I found another note in the Clearing, this one about a

6 We Are Word Of Mouth For Your Eyes! Check Us Out At www.eyeonmag.com.

painted lady.

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue and that it prepares you for the best of Thanksgivings ever. May you all find yourselves surrounded by those you love the most. May your health be true and long. We remain thankful in this wonderful community and to you, our faithful reader.

N

We’re Still Out Here

Can Tourism Revitalize Rural Communities?

Bob Pest

While many rural communities lament the closed businesses, the exodus of their talented young people, and the travelers who drive by without stopping, others have found ways to take advantage of their remaining assets and their committed, optimistic citizens who will not accept surrender. These communities use different strategies and launch different initiatives, but they are all united in their efforts to attract visitors to their communities who will eat; shop; experience the pride, warmth and humanity of small town culture; and come back for more. A few months ago, Country Living magazine featured an article, “Inside the Revitalization of Leiper's Fork Tennessee,” which I found both helpful and inspiring. Leiper's Fork was described as “a place long forgotten, where once-thriving mom-and-pop stores sat vacant and neglected for decades.” The article continued to call the town “a speck on the map with a funny name . . . populated by a few hundred decent people, including a small group of visionaries who refused to give up hope.”

Can six individuals, no matter how promising their vision, turn a town around? Couple Marty and Bruce Hunt, Aubrey Preston, Lisa Fox, David Arms, and Rob Robinson thought so. The Hunts, long-time and well-respected residents, led the way, purchasing and restoring both commercial and residential buildings and listing the restored properties for nothing more than what they had put into them. They also purchased 2,100 acres of open land to prevent over-development.

Preston was a native of the Appalachian foothills of East Tennessee who, like many young men from Appalachia, left home in his 20's to “explore the world beyond.” He found financial success as a realestate magnate in Colorado, but was drawn home. He renovated a manse (a house formerly inhabited by a minister) and asked local artist Lisa Fox to paint a mural as part of the restoration. He also played a leadership role in the communities rebirth, providing significant funding for the Hunt's ambitious real estate initiative.

Fox decided to open the Leiper's Creek Gallery. The gallery has grown considerably in twelve years and Fox has been able to attract major artists from as far away as Yugoslavia, as well as talented locals such as Butler Steltemeier, whose unique animal portraits are collected

by Al Gore and Whoopi Goldberg. Fox's gallery openings reflect the easy-going culture of the community by adding live music and dancing on the gallery lawn. In addition to Fox's gallery, Leiper's Fork is also home to David Arms, an artist who shows his paintings in the barn he restored on the edge of town. Arms, referred to locally as a “Renaissance Man,” also created a room spray that captures the scent of his studio in the barn and a line of ties using vintage fabrics. Rob Robinson owns and operates Puckett's Grocery. In addition to gas, groceries, and other provisions, Robinson, a roots music enthusiast, welcomes impromptu hootenannies in his

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parking lot and books big-name acts such as Rodney Crowell and Keb' Mo'.

These six visionaries share a love for the community and its people. By working hard and sticking out the early years, they helped bring Leiper's Creek back from the edge and reinvent it as an inviting spot for a family drive, a weekend outing, or a gallery tour. To quote Aubrey Preston, “Leiper's Fork is located along the Natchez Trace Parkway, so it has the potential to attract a steady flow of travelers. Its proximity to Nashville makes it an easy stop for well-known bands and artists.

There's enough traffic to support a boutique hotel, and people from the city have opened shops here—and committed to reverse commutes—just to be a part of it." Or, in the words of one resident, “It's a beautiful, charming town and we hope travelers make a visit this year.” I'm sure the national coverage in Country Living will go a long way in fulfilling that hope.

The revitalization of Leiper's Fork was achieved by a coalition of highly-motivated citizens who essentially rebuilt the town after a long decline. Some small communities have been able to maintain a consistent flow of visitors with one signature attraction. Leslie, Arkansas, home to fewer than 500 people, is one such town. In 1993, David Lower opened the Serenity Farm Bread bakery in the building that had once been home to the Farmer's Bank. He hired an experienced oven builder, Alan Scott, to build a brick oven with 6 by 8 feet interior dimensions. The oven itself quickly became a must-see for customers.

November 2012 | 7

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David's vision was to make a variety of different kinds of sourdough bread, including Country French, European Rye, Whole Wheat, Walnut Raisin, and many more. His fruit-filled loaves, filled with apples, walnuts, raisins, honey, figs, and walnuts became popular almost immediately. He added flat rounds of focaccia bread, northern Italian flat breads covered with pesto, including Garlic Herb and Tomato-Olive. The focaccia serve as a base for making your own pizza and also became popular. To sweeten things, he added sourdough cookies for sweets lovers: Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, and Molasses Spice. As word of his line of baked goods got out, people began to travel considerable distances to see the brick oven and purchase the items that came out of it. David stresses the health benefits of sourdough to all his customers, and his own conviction continues to lead many to follow his advice. He wisely introduced shipping his products all over the United States, which led to coverage in a number of regional and national magazines, including Southern Living.

Leslie is one turn off of Arkansas Highway 65, which is the major route for folks heading for two popular tourist destinations, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, a charming town with a European flair, and Branson, Missouri, one of Mid-America's most popular vacation spots. Highway 65 also leads to the majestic Buffalo National River, Arkansas' premiere camping and canoeing location. David came to realize that those

travelers were looking for a stop along the highway for coffee, lunch, restrooms, and a chance to stretch before continuing their journey. So he opened a cafe along the highway, a short way south of the turn into downtown Leslie. In addition to selling the same breads, focaccia, and cookies that he sold at the downtown bakery, David added a luncheon menu, with homemade soups and sandwiches using his widely-acclaimed artisan breads.

He also added an impressive line of pastries, cakes, cheesecakes, tarts, and croissants, along with a small health food section. The cafe has plenty of parking, a comfortable dining room, and a deck on the back with a beautiful view of the Ozarks.

David is an activist when it comes to healthy eating, so his cafe also sells organic coffees and teas, along with a selection of health-conscious cookbooks.

The success of his bakery and cafe has enabled him to hire locals who have the opportunity to learn about the healthy sourdough bread, baking, and operating a small business. Most importantly, visitors to his cafe on Highway 65 and shoppers at the bakery have spread the word and helped make Leslie itself a destination that is well-known regionally and a culinary magnet for travelers. Thanks to David Lower's vision and the hard work of his staff, Leslie is much more than a spot on the map, it's a destination that will grow and prosper along with Serenity Farm.

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8 We Are Word Of Mouth For Your Eyes! Check Us Out At www.eyeonmag.com.

The Morning Line

Robert Joshua Hughes, Jr.

Mark Lamberth

The following words were taken from the eulogy I gave on March 1, 2007 at the service for my friend – Robert Joshua Hughes, Jr. I am reminded of him, as an unseen flock of geese noisily make their way south late at night.

Crossing the Bar

by Alfred Lord Tennyson Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar, when I put out to sea.

But, such a tide as moving seems asleep, too full for sound and foam, when that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns home again.

Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For through from out our Bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my pilot face to face when I have crossed the bar.

I met Bob some 26 years ago at the North Complex at a church league softball game. Bob professed to be a pitcher. He pitched that night and continued throughout that season.

He clearly enjoyed it. When I asked him some time later why he always wanted to be the pitcher, he replied “Because nobody can do anything until I’m ready”. And that was Bob. At a graduation party for Dr. Verona Brown-Bebow, where we had a private dining room for several couples in the new Excelsior Hotel, when asked by the head waiter if we required anything further Bob replied, “Keep the doors closed and the glasses full”. And that was Bob. At Turkey Hill Hunting Club, Bob was the Mr. Fix-it. There was no 4-wheeler too mangled, no outboard motor too old, no gun too jammed that Bob couldn’t make it work.

However, the other members and

I managed to tear up more in a day than he could fix in a week. And that was Bob. He and his son Bobby never met an animal, bird, fish, amphibian, or reptile that they didn’t want to mount including but not limited to a coyote, a porcupine, an armadillo, an my all time favorite the 85 lb. beaver which he and Bobby proudly displayed on top of the winch of Bob’s old yellow and white Jimmy and paraded through the neighborhood for the better part of a day. It now occupies a place of prominence in the lobby of Hughes, Welch, and Milligan.

I was surprised he and Bobby didn’t stuff the family pooch-Princess the Wonder Dog. Bob said they named her Princess the Wonder Dog because “we wondered why we got her”. Bob and I had two business conferences per year; one around the holidays and the other in March. Twenty minutes on business and 45 minutes on family and friends including comparing notes on sons. Business would often revolve around investments with Bob encouraging me to invest in mutual funds, stocks, and CDs and me encouraging him to get into the horse racing business. I did. He didn’t. He was the only person who could get away with calling me Marcus. On my tax return, he listed my profession as Radio Sports Announcer. And that was Bob. Upon the death of my father he accompanied me to Stuttgart and while on the way we swapped stories of fathers, mine the Marine at Okinawa and his the sailor on a submarine during the Great War and agreed they were both part of the greatest generation. He loved his Mom and Dad and I was lucky enough to know them both. He loved his precious Jan and his son Bobby. He loved his sister Kathy and he loved his Maker. He was proud of his partners at Hughes, Welch and Milligan.

There was a spirit about Bob that put you at ease when you were around him. You could let your guard down with him. He let you be yourself around him because that’s the way he was. I told Lance and Lauren if ever

Dianne and I were not around; trust Mr. Hughes. And that was Bob. He was unpretentious. He was the pilot - Commander Hughes. He was loyal and always did the right thing. He was a Good Samaritan. He was the hero and a gentleman with grace. He was the adult that always had time for the kids whether it was dressing out your first deer, changing the oil in a pickup or fixing the lights on the kids’ golf cart, just ask my son, Lance. He had time to listen, to counsel, to advise, to help, to assist, to fix, and to comfort. He was a great husband, a father, a brother, a son, a partner, and a dear friend. And that was Bob. Growing up in Stuttgart, I had my fill of duck hunting, but I would go with Bob. One particular day, it was cold and we had broken ice to get to the hole. My feet were already wet and numb. As a big flight of mallards settled around us in the darkness, Bob, sharing a blind with his son, his Lab, and his friends, he looked at me, grinned and whispered, “Don’t you just love it?” I don’t think I ever answered him that day. So Bob “I did love it and I will miss it” And that was Bob. An Indian Prayer Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am in a thousand winds that blow, I am the softly falling snow.

I am the gentle showers of rain, I am the fields of ripening grain.

I am in the morning hush, I am in the grateful rush Of beautiful birds in circling flight.

I am the star-shine of the night.

I am in the flowers that bloom, I am in a quiet room.

I am in the birds that sing, I am in each lovely thing.

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there. I do not die.

And that is Bob.

Locals Win State Literacy Awards Nicole Stroud Ozark Foothills Literacy Project nominees took home three of the seven 2012 Arkansas Literacy Council awards. Batesville English language student Migdalys Mobley, originally from Venezuela, was selected as the state-wide 2012 Student of the Year. Mobley was nominated by her tutor Kathy Jenkins, who praised her student for “unswerving devotion to mastering the English language and to becoming an active member of her new community.” Mobley and her husband Mark traveled to North Little Rock on Friday, Oct. 12, to accept the award at the annual Arkansas Literacy Councils conference.

Parents as Teachers, a division of the Batesville School District, received the 2012 Outstanding Business Partner award, which honors a company, business, civic or professional organization for leadership or significant contributions in support of literacy. Lorrie McClure, Parents as Teachers coordinator, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Parents as Teachers’ partnership with the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project has resulted in a family literacy program that has been offered monthly for nearly two years.

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

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positive change or improvement. Eye On Independence has taken a special interest in literacy and related community issues, frequently featuring literacy stories and activities in their monthly publication.

Other awards went to deserving literacy programs throughout Arkansas. The Literacy Council in Excellence Award went to Mississippi County Literacy Council in Blytheville, for its inventive program that trains incarcerated persons to be literacy tutors, who in turn help other incarcerated persons learn to read, write, or speak English better. Lucy McClane, of the Dogwood Literacy Council in Siloam Springs, was named 2012 Tutor of the Year, and the Win Rockefeller Leadership Award was presented to Arkansas Department of Career Education Deputy Director Jim Smith. The Dee Caviness-Ettamay Smith award was given posthumously to Eddye Kay Hansen, former director of Arkansas County Literacy Council in Stuttgart.

Arkansas Literacy Councils is the state-level organization that provides structure and funding for county-level adult literacy programs in Arkansas. The Ozark Foothills Literacy Project, based in Batesville, AR is both an Arkansas Literacy Councils member and a United Way member agency. The Literacy Project relies on trained volunteers to provide one-onone tutoring for over 50 adult students in Independence, Sharp and Fulton Counties who want to improve their reading or English skills. More than 15 students are currently waiting for tutors.

For more information about the Literacy Project, please visit www.literacyindependence.org or call 870-793-5912. N

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Shown above are Mark and Migdalys Mobley accepting their award and to the left are Lorrie McClure (Parents as Teachers) and Nicole Stroud (OFLP).

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November 2012 | 11

Crowned by the King Kimberlee Thomas

One open heart, one willing spirit, one act of faith; One woman is making a difference in the lives of so many others with one very special necklace.

Judi James is a devoted wife and stay-at-home mother of three beautiful children. She is also a part time Speech-Language Pathologist, an active leader with the couple’s and women’s ministries of the New Life Church in Conway, Arkansas, and a faithful warrior for Christ. In 2007 James received her own crown necklace as a take home gift from an event she had attended. God began to do some big things in her at this time by teaching her about His unconditional love for her and the beauty and purpose He had for her.

As He was teaching her these important things, she began to see how other ladies have the same desires as her. They want to feel beautiful, cherished, and have a purpose in their lives. Several times while wearing her necklace James felt God leading her to speak with other ladies and on one such occasion He led her to give her own necklace away. “My husband and I were out to dinner one evening and I noticed our waitress kept glancing repeatedly at my necklace. I began to feel as if she might be going through a difficult time in her life. When she returned to the table with our food and asked if there was anything further she could do for us, I simply smiled and replied “Yes, I don’t know if you are a believer in Christ, but I feel I am supposed to give you this

necklace and remind you that Jesus loves you and you are His daughter.”

She began to cry and tell me of the difficulties she was indeed facing at the time and how much the necklace meant to her. She immediately put it on and told me she would wear it every day!” James began to look for opportunities daily to give more crown necklaces away. She gave away necklaces for three years while she and her husband developed the concept, website, ministry guide, and brochures for Crowned by the King.

James explains that the purpose of the ministry is to provide a fun and creative way for ladies to share the love of God with other ladies.

The ministry uses the unique “crown” necklace and a pay-itforward ministry model to remind women of three key truths. First, God thinks we are beautiful just the way we are. Second, He loves us more than we could ever imagine.

Third, He has a specific purpose for each of us. James shares, “We are truly daughters of the King.

When we are going through difficult times in our lives it is nice to have a reminder of who we are in Christ.

Mark 16:15 tells us to go into the world and share the good news of Christ with everyone we meet. This ministry provides us with a creative way to do just that!”

James created the Crowned by the King website and began by sharing it with friends and family in September 2010. To date the ministry is in thirty-eight states, six countries, and is growing daily.

James also supports missions and outreaches that are dedicated to helping women and children.

She is committed to seeing women and children reach their God given potential. Crowned by the King has volunteered time and donated necklaces to the following organizations: The Arkansas Angels Pageant, Cradle Care of Arkansas, Pregnancy Care Center of Zephyrhills, Florida, and Forgiven

12 We Are Word Of Mouth For Your Eyes! Check Us Out At www.eyeonmag.com.

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Ministries of North Carolina. “I have totally been blown away when attending some of these events in person and seeing the impact of this simple necklace.” James stated.

James enjoys sharing God’s faithfulness and love with women. She speaks at retreats, events, and to small groups. She humbly shares of God’s faithfulness and love for her and her family through some very trying times. In her testimony she speaks of God’s power: from healing her physical body of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), healing her broken marriage, to blessing her with three beautiful children she thought she might never have. During her testimony she shares a fun yet powerful message for women leaving them encouraged and inspired.

To find out more about Crowned by the King Ministries or to have James speak to your group or organization log on to www.crownedbytheking. com. N November 2012 | 13

Eye On Cover Story Mayor Rick Elumbaugh / Thinking Forward Joseph Thomas

I first saw Rick Elumbaugh while filming the 2006 Batesville Christmas Parade when he first called for the lighting of Main Street. Kimberlee and I began filming City Council meetings shortly thereafter and have gotten to know him well. Kimberlee met him years earlier when our oldest daughter Lindsay became a certified lifeguard under his instruction. He is a friend, concerned mayor, loving father, and the White River's son if ever there was one.

Elumbaugh says he is blessed to be the son of Orville and Alice Elumbaugh. Born and raised here, he was exposed to water skiing at the age of five. He says he took to it so naturally that in the beginning he would fall on purpose because he thought he was too young to really be any good at it. He says this was in the 60's in the White River's heyday. There were boat docks on the North and Southside of the river then and his family would load up and head to Budweiser Beach, where he was taught to love the water. "We were a water skiing family, skiing consistently for the White River Water Carnival the last 30 years. I did ski competitively for a short time and I always thought I would like to work at Cypress Gardens. My son, Rusty, had the opportunity to go to Orlando, Florida and ski for Disney World, but it has been a fun hobby more than anything," says Elumbaugh. In fact, his mother still enjoys water skiing.

Elumbaugh says his dad was more of a horse man, "He tried to make me a cowboy and it just never took like the water sports did." Having interviewed Rusty and C.J. Elumbaugh, shortly before their son, Ryder, was born, we saw the horse and water influence echoed into this beautiful next generation. Mayor Elumbaugh can't help but talk about his newest inspiration and grandson. He says Ryder is the "joy of his life."

Elumbaugh's sister, Marilyn, retired from the Batesville School District in 2011 where she was the librarian for 39 years. Elumbaugh says his evolution into teaching probably came from his love of school.

He played football, basketball, and ran track and laughs about being slow. He graduated high school and entered ASU Jonesboro with the plan to earn a degree in Business Administration. He changed that, of course, and majored in Physical Education. When he graduated college, he applied for a coaching job in Big Flat, Arkansas because there were no local jobs available.

When he got turned down for that job he says he gave a hearty "Thank You" from his knees. He couldn't imagine moving out of this area. He managed a clothing store for nine months before becoming a coach in the Desha school district in 1978. He coached girls athletics there for eight years with some very successful teams. His senior high girl's basketball team made it to the final eight in the state. Elumbaugh says he couldn't have

asked for a better community to coach in than Desha.

"It was a crucial start to my career. They are such warm and giving people and are still my dear friends to this day."

In 1985, Desha was annexed into the Batesville School District and Elumbaugh was offered the choice of assistant coach or physical education instructor.

He chose to get out of coaching because Rusty was old enough to begin his sports career and Elumbaugh wasn't going to miss a minute of it. He taught Physical Education for the next twenty-two years in the Batesville School District. He also coached intramural sports, peewee football, and after-school programs, as well as designing a mountain bike program that was featured in Mountain Bike magazine and earned national attention in 1996. Elumbaugh retired in December of 2006, and took office in January of 2007. A multi-tasker, Elumbaugh began managing the City Swimming Pools when he was a sophomore in college and continued for his thirty-two years in education. That was the beginning of his education in city government.

"In 1978, I told Jerrel Lillard that I would run for Mayor of Batesville. Lillard was the boy's basketball coach in Desha when I started. He then became the principal of Desha and then Superintendent of CordCharlotte Schools. After I took office, Jerrel stopped by and congratulated me on my accomplished goal."

Elumbaugh adds with a laugh. "When Denise Johnston was elected as City Clerk / Treasurer in 1990, she encouraged me to run; up until I did run, as a matter of fact. She would say, 'You love this town, it's where you need to be,' and I do. I am very passionate about my family and their home, which has always been Batesville.

Denise was a great driving force for me. I know that Batesville is an amazing place to raise a family. I also know that things have changed in my lifetime and to succeed every community must progress to meet the needs of the next generation."

Elumbaugh's vision was to see Batesville's crumbling infrastructure not only brought up to date, but fortified to enable use by future generations. Under his leadership, the citizens passed a sales tax to do just that. "We almost waited too late; our lack of sewer capacity alone was enough to keep our population stagnate. The water department has worked diligently to fix that problem, our streets are wider and safer, we have an economic director helping to bring jobs where there were none, and our citizens have approved a water park and community facility.� Elumbaugh has visited comparable cities to envision what would improve Batesville. “I often visit the shopping areas, parks, waste water facilities of other cities and see what their communities have that we don't have. We are just as

good as what we build our city to be. The infrastructure is the ground design for what the city can become. With the level of citizenship, volunteerism, and leadership that Independence County has, the only limit is the one we set for ourselves as far as how successful we can be."

Elumbaugh’s end goal is to give future generations the same opportunities he and his son have had; the ability to live and thrive within their hometowns. He is ensuring this dream by helping to make Batesville more appealing to progressive technical industries, such as aeronautics and tourism. Through the new community center, Elumbaugh projects three to eight million dollars will flow into this community that wasn't here. He sees this bringing hotels, chain restaurants, a revitalized Main Street, and a more successful community. 2013 will see the beginning of the community center and new ball parks and 2014 will see the completion of the reconstruction of the waste water system. Ask any parent in Batesville with two or more kids playing ball how nice it will be not to have to miss one child's game because another child is playing on a field across town. The benefits that come with this progress are ever reaching and the daily behind-the-scenes work of bringing the second oldest city into a new age has kept this passionate city leader hopping. It still hasn't hindered his ability to multitask. Elumbaugh and his wife, Margaret, joined Big Brothers Big Sisters nine years ago. His little, Ashston Sledge, isn't so little anymore. He is now a college Junior at UCA. He adds, "I had dinner with him the other night and he is now getting his own apartment and doing very well and will always be a part of our family."

Elumbaugh is committed to further improving the services that Batesville provides its citizens. Elumbaugh's father tells him all he talks about is Batesville but relents to his dedication and commitment. He says wife Margaret helps to keep his tenacious energy focused when he needs a break or the family needs his attention. He calls her his soul-mate. Step-daughter Maisie is graduating this spring and will be attending U of A next fall. He talks of his son Rusty, his son’s wife, C.J., and their son Ryder and how when they take a week long vacation every year, it is with the whole family. He says family is crucial. The photo collection in his office alone speaks of this loving bond.

"I have followed and admire Mayor Patrick Hayes and his administration in North Little Rock. He did not build Dickey Stevens Park because he liked to hit fly balls into the outfield; he built it, along with the River Walk and the submarine, for an economic impact. He was mocked for some of his ideas, but I know our citizens tour those areas and help to build the tourism dollars in his community."

Mayor Rick Elumbaugh envies the forward thinking of Mayor Hayes and his willingness to push the progress. I would bet that Mayor Hayes will be saying the same thing about Mayor Elumbaugh before his leadership is complete.

I believe there is a consensus that Batesville is a better place because of Mayor Rick Elumbaugh and one thing is for sure, as far as he is concerned his job is not done. N

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Travel On

To Travel or Not to Travel Christmas 2012 Renee Taylor

As the holiday season approaches quickly, people are starting to think about what their Christmas arrangements will be. Who to spend the holiday season with and where to spend it crosses the minds of everyone. Some might opt to spend this jolly time with their friends, some might spend it with their spouse’s family and some might choose to spend it with just them and their kids. What most people don’t do for the holiday season is choose to spend it in a completely different location. Traveling out of the United States to an island or country of your choice is a great way to spend this happy time of the year.

Some people wouldn’t decide to travel during this time of the year because it would take them away from their family and friends, and let’s face it – this time of the year has been built up as being a time to spend it with the ones you love. However, there are still those that think the Christmas season calls for a vacation.

Actually, I am starting to see a growing trend where families are opting to still spend time together as tradition suggests but rather than spend time together snuggled up to their fireplace with Christmas lights blinking, they are spending time together on vacation.

With our busy lifestyles, who is not all for killing two birds with one stone?

There are many places you can go on your Christmas trip. Some might include a Christmas Carol themed London vacation, Italy, The Bahamas, Fiji or taking a relaxing Caribbean cruise. If you want to travel but still want to stay in the United States you could go snow skiing in the Rocky Mountains, New York, Florida or out west to San Diego where the temperature remains in the 70’s year around.

Independence County families are finding great enjoyment traveling during the holiday season in lieu of the hectic craziness of gift sharing, shopping and cooking. Kevin and Teresa Morrow of Batesville Tess and Abby Hurley chose to go on a Caribbean with Piglet at the Crystal cruise with their family in Palace.

2011. They were joined

by Teresa’s father, sister, nieces and nephews and a great time of Caribbean togetherness was had by all! Nobody can make Christmas magical like Walt Disney can. In Walt Disney World there are parades galore, candlelight processionals and Cinderella’s castle becomes an ice palace. To top it off, even in Orlando, Florida miracles can happen (Disney miracles that is!), with snowflakes falling from the heavens during the Christmas day parade.

It’s no wonder that the Tim and Tammy Hurley family of Batesville have chosen to spend their last 2 Christmas holidays in the wonderful world of Disney!

There will still be some of us die hard traditionalist that will opt to stay home during the Holiday season and fall asleep with dreams of Caribbean sugar plums dancing in our heads. We will opt for an Arkansas barren winter scene with perhaps a snowflake or two while picturing a New England Christmas card villages with sleigh rides and carolers dropping by for Christmas cheer. So, my best suggestion for gift giving for those that fall into this category is a travel gift certificate wrapped up in a colorful box with a big shiny bow! N

Your Health

November is National Diabetes Month Alisa R. Lancaster

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, diabetes affects nearly 26 million Americans with an estimated 79 million at risk of developing this chronic disease. Diabetes is a serious disease and can affect almost every part of your body. It can damage your heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. But you can learn to manage it and prevent or delay health problems.

For starters, learn about diabetes: Take a class and join a support group about living with diabetes. UAMS AHEC provides Diabetes SelfManagement Education classes, as well as a support group on the third Thursday of each month at noon and 5 PM. Call 870.698.9991 for more information.

Read about diabetes online. Go to www.YourDiabetesInfo.org.

Ask your diabetes health care team how you can learn more. Then, talk with your health care provider about your numbers and what is best for you. Typically, your: Hemoglobin A1c should be less than 7. It measures the average blood glucose level over the last two to three months.

LDL should be below 100. This bad cholesterol builds up and clogs your arteries.

Blood pressure should be less than 130/80. A high blood pressure makes your heart work too hard.

Next, manage your diabetes by:

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Learning how and when to check your blood glucose and see what makes it go up or down.

Keep a log of these checks and go over them with your health care provider at each appointment.

Ask how to prevent low blood glucose.

Eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats and poultry, dried beans, and low fat/skim milk and cheese. Monitor your portion sizes and eat smaller servings. Limit the amount of food eaten that has added fat, oil, salt, or sugar.

Be active for 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week.

Stop smoking, call 1.800.QUIT.NOW for help. Take your medication every day and ask if you need a low dose aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Make sure that each day you brush and floss your teeth and check your feet for any cuts, blisters, or bruises. Tell your health care provider if your vision changes.

Lastly, get regular care by: Seeing your health care provider as recommended for hemoglobin A1c, cholesterol, and blood pressure checks.

Have dental exams at least twice a year.

See your eye doctor for a dilated eye exam at least once a year.

By taking an active part, you can control your diabetes and live a long and active life. Otherwise, diabetes will control you. N

The

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Saturday, November 17th at 2:30 And 7:00 p.m.

Independence Hall, UACCB www.nadt.info 1-866-GOT-NADT November 2012 |  17

Bruce and Suzy Oakley

Kristi Price Suzy Oakley had a crusader’s spirit, but she was overweight. Bruce could run like the wind, but he had a busted gut requiring multiple hospital stays. They began their marriage with the cards stacked against them.

Bruce, diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in December 1998, spent his and Suzy’s first Christmas in the hospital, fully aware that their first year of wedded bliss might be their last.

Crohn’s is an auto-immune disorder that attacks the digestive system from top to bottom, mouth to anus, eating holes in the body and leaving a wreck of a human in its waste. Fortunately, Bruce pulled through that particular Crohn’s scare and other flare-ups since, but the lack of awareness and support for people with Crohn’s or colitis made this and other recoveries a difficult solo project. Whereas discussing breast cancer and self-breast checks had been destigmatized years before, openly discussing the rectum and the human body’s waste management system had not.

So no one was talking. Alone in their fears and inadequacies, Bruce and Suzy found it difficult to manage a disease kept largely silent. While they dealt with this and the inevitable stress, Suzy was also struggling with her own health issues. She longed to lose weight. She dreamed of running, a keen passion Bruce shared, but felt limited by her slow, clumsy ways. She joined the Women Can Run clinic in Sherwood, AR and shuffled along their North Little Rock streets for a time.

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And then she quit.

Suzy felt alone. Bruce felt alone.

And then, a move back home to Batesville to be near Suzy’s mother, Dorothy Taylor, changed everything.

It was here, a decade after her first failed attempt to run and lose weight, that Suzy again participated in the Batesville Women Can Run clinic, a clinic gaining popularity around the state. She was approaching 50, so she committed herself to better health. She signed up for the clinic, still slow, but determined.

Wisely, the clinic is divided into four levels: Walker, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Runner. Like most of the beginners, Suzy found it difficult to jog 15 seconds. But the camaraderie was easy, and Suzy began to make friends. And then the wheels of change set in motion events that would forever change Bruce and Suzy Oakley.

But funny, it was actually the lack of wheels that started the wheels of change. For financial reasons, the Oakleys owned one car. Therefore, when Suzy needed to get to the Women Can Run clinic, Bruce had to drive her there. It wasn’t long before word got out that he was a natural-born runner and had coaching experience.

You might stop here and wonder, with all this experience, why hadn’t Bruce been coaching Suzy all along? Suzy had never wanted to hold Bruce back during their workouts. But once she witnessed Bruce’s motivating, gentle approach with all the other slow shufflers in the clinic, she began to lose her inhibitions.

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A

His patience and encouraging attitude became infectious, and dozens of women who could barely manage a winded 15-second jog began attacking the hills of even the notorious Sara Low course with new vigor. And Suzy began to lead the way.

The pounds began falling off, and Suzy felt her mind and spirit opening up. Other beginning runners started talking about an upcoming half-marathon. Half of Suzy scoffed at the notion of a half-marathon. The other half began seriously considering the possibility.

So she was ready when the email from Team Challenge came her way. Lady Speedstick Women’s Half Marathon & 5K is a partnered fundraiser for Crohn’s and colitis research. The Nashville run had never been on her radar before, but then again, neither had running nor the amazingly trim body she now possessed. But one thing had long been on her radar: building support and research funding for the disease that could take her husband from her. Forever. And suddenly, in a very public way, other people were starting to do the same.

Crohn’s was silent no more.

Suzy signed up before she lost the nerve. Selfconscious, overweight Suzy Oakley, who could have never asked for money, was now a thin, motivated long-distance runner turning every rock and shaking every branch for money. Still, she was utterly shocked that during the prerace ceremony, organizers awarded her for being fifth in a program that raised $150,000 for Crohn’s research.

It’s funny how events converge to lead you directly where you need to be. Suzy had a crusader’s heart. Bruce had a busted gut. And they had only one car. But they

contact the Oakleys. They helped start the Arkansas chapter of CCFA, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, and are ready to start a local support group and state Team Challenge training group. Suzy has one goal – “kicking the crap out of Crohn’s,” but she and Bruce recognize there are many ways to do this. Fundraising is just one way. Those with IBD need mutual encouragement and dialogue with people who know and care. In fact, the Oakleys mentor those with the disease the same way they coach new runners. As Bruce says, “I teach how to do it; [Suzy] shows them the value of the effort.”

How to contact the Oakleys: Bruce: (501) 554-5211 or boakley59@hotmail.com Suzy: (501) 425-5878 or stoakley@swbell.net Helpful links: “Women Run/Walk Arkansas Clinic Batesville” Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/ groups/362849626917.

“Women Run” info/coaching page on Bruce’s blog: http://boakley59.wordpress.com/women-run.

Suzy’s blog: http://www.suzyandspice.com.

Arkansas chapter of CCFA: http://www.ccfa.org/ chapters/arkansas.

National organization: www.ccfa.org. If you would

like to donate to Suzy Oakly’s 2013 Team Challenge campaign, the link is http://www.suzyandspice.com/ donate.

N A.) First hill Nashville 2012 B.) Suzy near finish in Nashville 2012 C.) Dorothy Taylor and Suzy Oakley in Nashville 2012 D.) Suzy and Bruce Oakley D.

had made choices to move outside the closed realm of silent suffering. They had made choices to improve their health and engage with others. When the opportunities came, they were ready. And now, with the Women Can Run clinic, a slew of new friends, and community support, the Oakleys are blazing a path in Crohn’s research, one pounding footfall at a time.

Come run with them. If you have a cause you’re training for, or if like Suzy you find yourself overweight and disconnected, the Women Can Run clinic is an excellent place to start. The official start date of the 10-week clinic falls in late February, but clinic runners are out there every week, encouraging one another. Suzy and Bruce are both coaches. In fact, the work Bruce does with the runners has inspired him, rescued him from depression and done a healing work on both his mind and body. He is excited about new advances in Crohn’s drug therapy, but he and Suzy know one thing for sure: There is no therapy like the support of community, an unexpected gift their move to Batesville gave them.

And if you silently suffer from Crohn’s or colitis,

B.

C.

1.) White River Medical Center Ribbon Cutting. 2.)

Independent Auto Sales Ribbon Cutting. 3.) White River Medical Center Business After Hours. Pictured from left; Richard Hawkins, Tony Stephens, Randy Reichardt, Michelle Reichardt. 4.) Modern Woodmen-Richard Hawkins Golf Team at Chamber Fall Classic. 5.) White River Medical Center Business After Hours. 6.) 1st Place Winning Team at

1.

2.

3.

6.

the Chamber Fall Classic. Pictured from left Tommy Ford, Jeff Tosh, Kenny Tosh, Keith Porter. 7.) Chamber Quarterly Membership Luncheon. 8.) Rockin’ Locks and Fine Line Body Art Ribbon Cutting. 9). The Christian Health Center hosted Business After Hours. Their new facility will be located on Lawrence Street. 10.) More White River Medical Center Business After Hours.

4.

7.

5.

8.

Faces

GroundBreaking

9.

10.

UACCB Student Uses Degree To Serve Local Children

By Karla Rush – UACCB Freelance Writer

Gilbert Lopez grew up in Diboll, TX and attended a local community college there before he moved east to Independence County. As soon as he arrived, Lopez became a nursing student at the University of Arkansas Community College in Batesville.

The youngest of six siblings, Lopez says several of his family members attended Angelina College like he did immediately after high school. Yet, when he moved to Batesville, he knew UACCB was the right college for him because of the student-centered environment. He said, "The instructors were always there for me; they had the time for me."

Lopez says he would recommend UACCB to anyone thinking about getting more education. He said, "UACCB has the resources students need. My instructors all are a big part of my success in some way. The ladies at the book store were always eager to help me find the books I needed and the financial advisors are very efficient on the services they provided. I had trouble with some expenses, and the manager there gladly took the time to help me figure out the situation. Any student can succeed at UACCB." As a graduate of the UACCB nursing program, Lopez credits his instructors for sufficiently preparing him for success in the health care field. Lopez is employed currently as the chief nurse at Pediatric Day Center in Batesville. He says the center enrolls about 85 children

and he works daily to assist the students. "I really enjoy working with the children and I have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives through my work in nursing."

In addition to working full-time after graduating, Lopez says he has been "focused on giving back to the community. I have been a BIG Brother since November 2011, and have been elected Chairman of the Foundation Board at UACCB. And now, I am currently working on becoming a foster parent. My ambitions have grown dramatically since I have graduated and UACCB had a part in that."

UACCB Director of Development, Tina Paul, said Gilbert Lopez was elected to chair the Foundation in April 2012. The Foundation generates funds for scholarships and other projects on campus. One such Foundation activity is the annual golf tournament, this year's event was held October 17th at Eagle Mountain.

Paul said, "Gilbert is very interested in helping others complete their education and training. He will provide energy and leadership for the UACCB Foundation and its work to support our students and our community."

For more information about nursing courses, other academic programs and financial aid available at UACCB, call 870-612-2000.

N

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Our Founder’s Creed

Citizens Bank was established nearly 60 years ago by a group of local businessmen who shared a vision of creating a bank that would set the example as Solid Citizens in our communities.

Just as our founders did, we believe in the job we’re doing.

We believe in honest competition.

And we believe in the sure reward the future holds.

We strive to honor the legacy and values of our founders in everything we do.

Every day. Every associate.

Every customer. Every time.

Drop by today and let’s discuss what we can do for you.

Eye On Independence - “Word Of Mouth For Your eyes!”

My ambitions have grown dramatically since I have graduated and UACCB had a part in that." - Gilbert Lopez November 2012 | 23

I Do

Photography by: Felicia Hausman Photography

Rader Wedding

Kimberlee Thomas

Grant Rader and Katie Wheeler were cut from the same cloth. They both love teaching, children, family, Scrabble, other word games, and God, so it seems only fitting that the two should become one. This is their love story.

Katie and Grant both entered the Batesville Public School system as teachers around the same time. Katie saw Grant at orientation meetings and again at the annual District Day at the beginning of the school year.

She was certain, however, that a man this handsome, super smart, passionate about teaching, and loving of children surely had to be married already. “He was perfect for me. He just had to be married.” Katie shared.

In the summer of 2011 they both enrolled in the English as a Second Language Academy sponsored

by Arkansas Tech. During the thirteen day course the couple met and worked together on mini-projects. They began to share their lunch time together and talked at every break. Co-workers who were also in attendance took the couple on as a project of their own and dropped

not-so- subtle hints to them both. One went as far as to tell Katie that someone needed to marry Grant before too long. “Our friends would tell us we were perfect for one another and tried to set us up on dates the entire two weeks of class,” Katie recalls. Following graduation from the ESL Academy Grant took Katie out for a celebratory dinner. The two stayed up until the early hours of the morning talking and “being wowed” by all they had in common. “From that night on we hardly went a day without seeing one another. We met each other’s families across the summer and spent what felt like years getting to know one another,” Katie stated. In September, Grant presented Katie with a promise ring and told her he would eventually upgrade to something larger. Katie shared, “It was so cute! And after what seemed like a lifetime to me, he kept his promise and proposed.”

Grant is the children’s pastor and Royal Rangers Commander at the Batesville Assembly of God Church.

On the evening of June 3, 2012 he was scheduled to

preach the evening service. Katie knew that Grant preached semi-regularly and was accustomed to his secrecy about the subject matter for the nights service, so she didn’t question him on the topic. When they arrived at the church Grant’s mother, aunt, and grandparents were all sitting toward the front. Katie’s mother and relatives from Texas were also seated toward the front. “I obviously knew something important was going to happen. I was so excited I could hardly stand it,” Katie shared.

Grant’s sermon for the evening was titled, “When the Bridegroom Cometh…” it was all about how Jesus prepares himself to retrieve his bride, the church.

Katie recalls, “It was full of little references and inside jokes from our relationship, it was so memorable and

personal. I couldn’t stop laughing and crying. I was a mess!” At the end of the sermon Grant got down on one knee before the entire congregation and announced that he had been waiting for years and years for God to bring Katie into his life. He asked Katie to marry him, she said “Yes.” The congregation surprised the couple with a wonderful engagement party in the Family Life Center. According to Katie, “Grant even arranged for photography and video of the big moment. I am so lucky to have such a thoughtful man for a husband!”

Reverend Jeff Cox, Pastor of Batesville First Assembly of God, performed the double ring ceremony on September 1, 2012 at the Batesville First Assembly of God. The couple used traditional vows the Pastor had tailored just for them. The couple wrote and

shared special notes to one another. Grant promised to be the “Jim to Katie’s Pam” and the “Johnny to her June.” Katie promised she would always make Grant’s birthday and Christmas a Big Deal. “Sweet, romantic, personal touches like these are what made our wedding day so special and just us,” Katie shared. Grant’s father passed away several years ago and as a surprise for her new husband Katie tracked down old family photos and baby pictures, some of which Grant had never seen before. She created a memorial from these precious photographs and presented them to Grant just before the ceremony. There were also photos and a candle on the stage overlooking the ceremony. “This was one of the best details of the entire day,” said Grant .

The musical backdrop for the event included the following instrumental covers by the Vitamin String Quartet: the couple’s families were seated to “Blackbird”

by The Beatles; the attendants walked down the aisle to “Soul Sister” by Train; the Bride entered to “Hoppipolla”

by Sigur Ros; the recessional was “Don’t Stop Believing”

by Journey. When it came time for the couple to exchange rings the wedding party had a surprise for them. The Best Man seemed to have lost the ring!

He began emptying his pockets and the groomsmen followed suit. The couple was presented with various objects including a flashing bouncy ball and a foam Razorback finger. Katie laughs recalling, “My ring was finally found tied to the end of a dozen handkerchiefs that were tucked away in a groomsman’s pocket!” As

Independence County Recycle Center

Katie turned to receive Grant’s ring from her Matron of Honor the bridesmaids set off party poppers filled with streamers.

A reception followed the ceremony. “It was very important to both of us that we share the love Christ has for us with those in attendance at our wedding. 1 John 4:19 says: “We love because He first loved us.” I hand painted this scripture and others onto canvases that were used to decorate the foyer of the church and the reception area,” Katie stated proudly. The couple’s first and last names were spelled out in Scrabble tiles atop a white butter cream two-tiered cake. The cake itself rested on a vintage Scrabble board. The Groom’s cake was a giant Scrabble tile with an “R” and the number “12” in place of a point value. Friends and family saw the new couple off with ribbon wands and bubbles. The couple spent seven fun filled days at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. They stayed at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort and visited all four theme parks while on their honeymoon.

Grant teaches seventh and eighth grade Social Studies, coaches the Junior High Archery team, and is pursuing his Master’s Degree in School Counseling from ASU. Katie teaches ESL at Eagle Mountain Elementary School and will begin pursing her Master’s Degree in Education this spring. The couple resides in a beautiful historic home in the downtown area of Batesville. Katie and Grant agree, “We plan on living here as long as possible and beginning our family in the near future.”

N

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Liberty Bank

thanks·giv·ing

While the country stops to celebrate an annual day of thanks, at Liberty Bank, we find ourselves incorporating gratitude into every banking day.

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Abstract Miniature Watercolor Workshop Hot Springs artist, Marlene Gramillion, will be providing instruction for the workshop from Friday, November 9th 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. and Saturday, November 10th at 9 a.m. in the BAAC Art Gallery on Main Street in Batesville. Cost for this workshop is $100 for both days. Pre-registration is required with a $50 deposit. According to Marlene, “We will work very simple using watercolors and maybe some colored pencils and a little accent of acrylic or gold leaf.” Participants will draw abstact shapes with guidance from ordinary objects and use other mediums to create a work of art. One should be able to complete 1 - 5 pieces during this two day workshop. No previous experience in watercolor or abstract painting is necessary. Marlene will be demonstrating various techniques BAAC Christmas Art Fair

This exhibit will be held at the BAAC Art Gallery on Main Street Batesville Saturday, November 17 beginning at 10 a.m. Here you can meet and greet the artists and purchase their artwork.

Cards For The Troops The Batesville Area Arts Council is again working on a project to send cards to Veterans at the Arkansas Veteran’s Hospital’s within the state.

For the past four years, our organization has asked for individuals and businesses to write individual notes with patriotic cards, that we have available, that are sent to the two Veteran’s Hospitals in the state. Each year these hospitals respond with a touching note of thanks and to acknowledge the importance of this small gesture of thanking and remembering our veterans who are receiving care in the Arkansas Veteran Hospital’s.

BAAC Art Gallery on Main currently has patriotic note cards available for individuals, businesses or groups to write messages to our veterans to let them know how much we appreciate them. We want to encourage participation in this effort to make sure our veterans receive a small gesture of acknowledgement for their service. It means a great deal to them.

Come by the gallery at 246 E. Main Street to write a message or Colleen Jackson can bring some cards by your business or school or you can email her to obtain some cards (baac@suddenlinkmail.com) BAAC Art Gallery on Main hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday – Friday. We will need to have all the cards in the gallery, ready for packaging, on or before 2:30 p.m. on November 7th, as we will be sending them to the Arkansas Veteran Hospitals on that day to ensure they arrive for distribution on Veteran’s Day, November 12th. Thanks in advance for being part of the worthy project.

The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During the holiday season, the gallery will also be open on Saturdays from Nov. 13th through Dec. 18th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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MEXICAN MAMA’S 1350 Meyer Street Batesville (870) 698-1085

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Faces

e 2012 White River Water Carnival Dance was held at Josie’s Lockhouse. Eye On was invited by Chris Caruthers to join the fun and between the music and the dancing, fun it was!

Faces

A group of local ladies that have appropriately named themselves "The Real Housewives of Batesville" had a blast at their 7th annual Halloween Costume Party October 24th. The event is hosted every October by Batesville's Glenda Bowers. These pictures were taken and submitted

by Chris Caruthers. Can you guess who some of these Halloween mystery women are?

The Myopic Life Many Choices Kristi Price

If you’ll indulge me, I want to tell a personal story that I think has broader application, particularly in light of recent Batesville developments. When faced with indecision or multiple opportunities, people often take one of these different paths: some of us are gifted to always know the right choice; some of us are unsure but have a long-term goal in mind and are able to choose. We may have to redirect our course slightly, but our choice isn’t too far off base. And then some of us may attempt to be goal-oriented, but like a dog who spots a squirrel (Squirrel!), we lose all sense of direction and blindly chase what is right in front of us, simply because it looks tasty.

I’ve walked all three of those paths before. But as I age and sense the fleeting, temporal nature of things, I’ve become burdened for the future of my children. I want to walk wisely. I don’t want to waste time or precious resources. That’s where I found myself a year ago when I realized my baby-raising days were over. No longer was I called to be exclusively a stay-athome mother. It was time for me to step into a new role, but I was unsure what it should be. While I can’t say the future was “wide open” (I’m not twenty-one anymore. I have a husband, three kids, a dog, a PTO, a church family, a mortgage, and extended family who say YOU MUST NEVER MOVE AWAY), there were certainly choices before me.

Many choices.

So how does one choose? I prayed, first and often. I prayed to know myself better, to know my own gifting and passions. I also had to examine my resources. I needed enough time at home to keep the place clean and to continue to make a safe nest for my children. I needed to be available to them, to my sweet husband, and to my friends.

I didn’t want a new occupation that absorbed all my attention and left nothing for others or for church service. Above all, I wanted to recognize who God made me to be. I didn’t want to copy the lives of other people, no matter how successful they seemed. I wanted to live my life, not someone else’s life.

And then I waited. That can be killer, can’t it? The waiting.

Waiting feels wasteful. Waiting feels pointless. Waiting seems to scream out, You’re not making any progress! Sometimes I felt left behind and overlooked. As my friends pursued careers, or as they deepened their commitment to be at home with their children, I felt adrift and drawn to nothing. But as I waited, I focused on being ready.

That’s why I always cheer when I see our local emergency management teams practice readiness training.

It’s essential to remain lean, alert,

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Then came the phone call. I was sitting pool-side, watching my kids splash around, when the call came about an opportunity that met my every need. As the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, I felt that electric tingle that said This is it! I had waited, resting in faith, and the opportunity came to me. It resonated with every single resource, gift, and limitation that makes me who I am. I have stepped into this next phase with gratitude and joy.

That’s what I want for our town. To know who we are. We have choices before us, but very limited resources. Do we buy the golf course? How do we best spend tax revenues? What future opportunities do we pursue, and which do we leave alone, no matter how appealing they sound in the short term. We’ve hired consultants in the past who have helped provide us a snapshot of our strengths and opportunities. Let’s rely on that wisdom going forward. Let’s not chase squirrels. Maybe we’ll have to wait. We’ll certainly have to trust one another. And we must insist on positive attitudes and no interior squabbling. Let’s be Batesville, and let’s find the joy in achieving that goal together.

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November 2012 | 31

Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista

Getting It Right; Real Women and Fall 2012 Trends Leigh Keller

When I mentioned to all of my close friends (begging and pleading) that I might want to include them in my November article about fall trends, and how to wear them the right way, I did not get a positive response.

Some made themselves very scarce around me, and refused to be photographed. Luckily, I am a high school teacher, and high school children have no qualms about being photographed, ever.

Colored Denim I personally am kind of in love with colored denim for the fall. I struggled with finding colored denim for my body that does not look sprayed on (no, not happening) and is also long enough.

Nothing gives me flashbacks from junior high like an ankle length pant. As with all trends (and pretty much everything else in your life) there is a right way and a wrong way to do this trend.

Elley Lindsey is wearing colored denim in red. Notice that everything else in the outfit is a muted palette, with a pop of leopard print in her shoes.

Just this past weekend, I went flying into JCPenney in a failed attempt to find some tennis shoes for my constantly growing toddler, when I got distracted (like a ferret with shiny things) by a display of skinny colored denim. There was a neon green pair that terrified me a little, not so much because of the color, because I am definitely not afraid to take fashion risks, but because so many people will try to wear bright colors with other, or the same (gasp) bright colors. The effect is not flattering, unless you are an oompa loompa, and that is the effect you desire.

Skinny Jeans The assumption is out there that if you are not, indeed, skinny, you should probably not wear skinny jeans. Fit is key with this trend. I am the person who goes into the dressing room and if something looks ridiculous on me, I laugh out loud, in the dressing room, yes, and then remove the garment as quickly as possible.

Skinny jeans should not fit you like pantyhose, unless you are a toddler. You should not have the crease along the back of your thigh, or they are too tight. They should simply fit a little tighter than you regular denim, hence the name, skinny jeans. If you are wanting to camouflage your thighs and hips, go for darker denim and add a boot for fall. The trick to making one long lean line is typically to have one solid color, much like

wearing a nude heel with your short dresses.

If you are naturally thin, like Hannah you can go for a lighter shade of denim. Keep the rest of your outfit “not skinny”. You would not want to go tight on the bottom, and then super tight on the top, unless you are Snooki or a midlife crisis Christina Aguilera in spandex. Hannah does this with a simple top and cardigan. She, like Elley, also added a pop of leopard print in her shoes.

Pleats For the love of all that’s holy, pleats are back.

Specifically, pleated skirts, not pleated pants, so put those old 1990s Dockers away, that’s not what I meant.

The key with a pleated skirt, unless you are a Catholic school student, is solid colors. Length of the skirt is also key. If you are working in a professional environment, or are hoping to wear this trend to somewhere other than a costume party (yikes) the hem needs to hit the top of your knee.

Anna is wearing a pleated skirt in light blue.

Just like with our previous two models, the rest of her outfit is muted. Her blouse is feminine, although you could also go with a tighter fitting top since the skirt is loose.

As with any trends, not every trend is right for your body. Do what works for you.

What might work for your best friend, your sister or your Mama might not work on your body. Get into that dressing room, try it on, and if you laugh out loud, it’s not for you.

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Notes from the Clearing

Mona Lisa

Joseph Thomas She smiles within her watercolor dreams, confined by the abstract thoughts of true limitlessness. Surrounded by the masterful brush strokes of the truest of admirers, she feels almost worshiped in her subtle beauty.

She is at peace with the frozen moment for it is a well remembered moment of happiness. Whatever came before is a vapor trail of broken unchained thoughts that float away before her minds eye can grasp any real meaning.

The time after hasn’t happened yet. There is only now and now is right. If only she could feel this free tomorrow...and she has the same thought day after day with no realization. The colored contours of her face carry her age with a grace that breathes art. Clarity is washed over her image but not her memories. She wavers in unfocused ease and chaotic, pointed ether.

May she forever smile within her makers frame, limited only by our many diverse views that sets her to fly among the very stars in which we are cut from.

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34 We Are Word Of Mouth For Your Eyes! Check Us Out At www.eyeonmag.com.

Life in the Ozarks

Mammoth Spring: Where the Waters Flow Bob Pest

Mammoth Spring, the northern most community in the Ozark Gateway region, is best known as Arkansas' largest spring, the second largest in the Ozark Mountains. A National Natural Landmark, the spring flows over nine million gallons of water per hour, forming a ten acre lake, then flowing south to become the Spring River. The constant flow from from Mammoth Spring makes the river a popular floating destination year-round, even during the summer months when river levels fall.

Between Mammoth Spring and Hardy there are six public access points for boating, fishing and swimming. There are many campgrounds and outfitters in the area to help with camping and float trips. The river is also a fishing enthusiast’s delight, stocked with rainbow trout, walleye, and bass.

Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery, operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, has been producing fish for public use and restoration for over a century.

Established in 1903, the hatchery is one of the oldest in the nation. The hatchery uses water from Mammoth Spring to help hatch recovering and endangered fish.

The hatchery has an aquarium and growing tanks that can be viewed from 7:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m.

The Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery is the commission’s only cold water hatchery. It raises Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. Its production facilities include twenty-one raceways and forty-seven in-ground silos. Trout produced at the hatchery are needed for a “put and take” fishery since there is very little natural reproduction of the species.

Mammoth Spring State Park, one of the state’s most popular parks, has a 6/10 of a mile loop trail that take visitors on a self-guided tour through the park.

The park takes full advantage of the spring with kayaks, paddle boats, and a hydro-plant museum. While Mammoth Spring is the major park attraction, the park also contains a playground, basketball court, baseball diamond, and a welcoming visitor center and gift shop.

The park is also home to the 1886 Frisco Depot Museum. The historic and well-preserved depot has been skillfully renovated as a living history museum. The museum contains lifelike mannequins, audio exhibits, video programs, and a tour guide. It brings

a bygone era to life and is a must see for train and history enthusiasts.

The park is open from dawn till dusk; the visitor center is open from 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. from Memorial Day till Labor Day. The museum is closed on Mondays.

After a day spent fishing or touring the park, visitors can head downtown to enjoy one of several outstanding restaurants. Fred’s Fish House and Wood’s Riverbend, both on Main Street, are extremely popular with locals and visitors. Dorsey & Wanda’s State Line Restaurant, just across the Missouri state line, is also popular. Their whimsical motto is “Open 26 Hours a Day.” Downtown Mammoth Spring is also home to a number of interesting shops, including the charming and eclectic Ozark Heritage Mall, as well as a park and a number of historic buildings.

If you plan to spend the night, or a few nights, Mammoth Spring can meet your needs. The Roseland Inn Bed & Breakfast and Mammoth Spring Lodge are affordable, comfortable, and easy to reach. If you are planning to camp, you can choose from Spring River Oaks Camp and Canoe Rental, Riverside Campground and Canoe Rental, and Many Islands Camp and Canoe.

Mammoth Springs is conveniently situated within easy reach of Hardy, Calico Rock, Salem, and Horseshoe Bend—four distinctive communities well worth the drive. For an overview of the region pick-up an Ozark Gateway Tourist Guide at any Arkansas Welcome Center and many hotels, restaurants, shops, and state parks.

You can also download the guide at www.ozarkgateway. com. Drive safely!

Main Street Mammoth Spring – The city of Mammoth Spring is a picturesque Ozark town nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The quaint downtown district boasts a variety of eateries, antique and souvenir shops, historic buildings and churches, and a city park.

Local Bluegrass and Folk Music – Mammoth Spring is known for being the inspiration for the Grand Ole Opry – and for good reason. The town carries on the tradition of Ozark Mountain Music with frequent local music shows. Come by the Mammoth Spring Welcome Center for a schedule of shows and events.

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Be Santa to a Senior!

Home Instead Senior Care partners with local non-profit and community organizations to identify seniors who might not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season. The company then works with local businesses and retail stores to help facilitate the purchase and distribution of gifts by placing trees and ornaments within their various locations. Each senior's gift requests are written on a Be a Santa to a Senior tree ornament. Here's how to help an underserved senior: Find the nearest Be a Santa to a Senior tree location, remove an ornament, purchase the gift, bring ornament and gift back to participating store and give to store employee.

It's that easy. Volunteers collect, wrap, and deliver the gifts to the seniors.

Trees will go up November 1st at Morningside Coffee, Carlee's Hallmark, FNBC, Heritage House, and the Chamber of Commerce. Please spread the holiday cheer by adopting a lonely senior.

If you know a senior citizen who without the kindness of others would be without the joy of a Christmas gift this year, please call the Chamber office at 870-698-1238.

“All I want for Christmas...�

870-793-8287 2401 Harrison Street, Batesville

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36 We Are Word Of Mouth For Your Eyes! Check Us Out At www.eyeonmag.com.

Things To Do The Call Craft Fundraiser

Join us Friday, November 2nd from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 3rd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Independence County Fairgrounds. For more information call Carla Middleton at 870.613.5845 or email at compasslove@thecompasschurch.net.

Mountain View Events for November November 8-10 is the Mountain View Bluegrass Festival. Bluegrass Festival is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the large auditorium of the Ozark Folk Center. Great bluegrass music all weekend long. Single day pass or Festival pass available. www.mountainviewbluegrass.com.

November 17 is the “Classic Car” Super Cruise with a gathering of classic and antique cars at the White River Hoedown parking lot. Great fun and great cars for everyone to enjoy. For more information call 870-269-4161.

November 24th and 25th you can catch the Caroling in the Caverns - A Christmas Concert. Marvel at the beauty of astonishing formations coupled with the sounds of caroling resounding through the caverns as musicians perform your favorite old-time Christmas songs. For more information call 870-269-8068.

Coldwell Banker Customer Appreciation Event

Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans Service First Presbyterian Church and Lyon College observe the annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans worship service as part of Lyon’s homecoming weekend. The combined Batesville Choral Society and Lyon College Concert Chorale and Lyon College Pipe Band will offer music at Brown Chapel Sunday November 4th from 11 a.m. through noon.

Decorating Holiday Trees Class Put some sparkle in your holiday tree that compliments your personal decor with instructor Deann Castleberry Thursday, November 8th 6 to 8 p.m. at UACCB’s Row Johns Building in room 816! Registration fee is $40 plus a $20 supply fee.

Pictures in the Sky - Doug Matthews Dr. Doug Matthews will feature information about astronomy Sunday, November 11 from 2 p.m. through 3:30 p.m. at the Old Independence Museum at 380 S. Ninth Street, Batesville, AR. Arkansas Arts Center: “Twas the Night Before Christmas” Join us at UACCB’s Independence Hall Tuesday, November 27 from 1 to 8 p.m.

Make Your Own Mesh Wreath

Learn to make your own mesh wreath out of poly deco mesh netting with instructor Deann Castleberry The Coldwell Banker agents will be serving Thursday, November 29th from 6 to 8 p.m. at UACCB’s hamburgers, hot dogs, turkey burgers, and dessert.

Row Johns Building in room 816. Registration fee is The agents will also be having a dessert contest among $20 plus a $20 supply fee. themselves to determine who can make the best dessert using Sonic Peppermints. Join them at 513 Batesville Blvd. Friday, November 2nd from noon to 2 p.m.

Narvel Felts to Headline Concert in Batesville

Lyon College Homecoming 2012 Homecoming royalty will be crowned at the men’s basketball game on Friday night, November 2nd, in Becknell Gymnasium. the Scots will take on Ecclesia College in the homecoming matchup. The Alumni Council will meet Saturday morning. The 10-year, 25 -year, and 50-year classes will hold reunions on Saturday.

Alumni basketball games will be played Saturday afternoon and a “Friends of the 50s” gathering will take place Saturday evening for alumni from 1959-1963. The annual Club 50 luncheon for alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago will be held Sunday, November 4th.

All of this from Friday November 2nd 5 p.m. through Sunday, November 4th at 8 p.m. on the Lyon College Campus. For more information log onto www.lyon.edu or call Chandra Huston at 870.307.7488.

Back by popular demand: Narvel Felts will appear in concert on Saturday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. The show will be held at Fellowship Bible Church (formerly the Landers Theater) at 332 E. Main. Floor tickets are reserved and are $17.00, and balcony seating is $15.00. Call the office at 793-4632 or tickets can be purchased at Liberty Bank and All-Star Music. Narvel was one of the original rockabilly artists and became one of the major country artists. His top hits include Funny How Time Slips Away, Lonely Teardrops, My Babe, Mountain of Love, Drift Away, and Reconsider Me. The David Grmes All Star Band will open the show and back Narvel During his performance.

Thanks to Liberty Bank for being the lead sponsor for the concert. In August 2010, we had a sold out show and had to turn people away at the door, so get your tickets early! N November 2012 | 37

Eye On Feature The Call

Kimberlee Thomas

3,500 children are in the Arkansas State Foster Care System at any given time. These children come into state custody through no fault of their own. It is because of abuse, neglect, or some other safety concern in their home. There may be as many as 7,000 children in Arkansas Foster Care within a year. Sadly there are only about 1,100 foster families available to care for these children at any time. There are also over 500 children available for adoption through foster care in our state. We are suffering from a shortage of trained and willing foster parents within our state. But there is hope.

An exciting Foster Care Church Initiative has rapidly emerged as churches are joining together with an unprecedented level of support from the top levels of leadership of the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Children and Family Services. This Christian non-profit is named The C.A.L.L., Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime.

The mission of The C.A.L.L. is to educate, equip, and encourage the Christian community to provide a future and hope for the children in foster care. It is their vision to clear the waiting list of children needing foster care and instead have a waiting list of homes ready to take the next needy child in.

The C.A.L.L. is unique because it provides the opportunity for prospective foster, adoptive, and respite care parents to go through state-approved training within a church setting. They have an automatic support group as they go through training with fellow Christians. The C.A.L.L. walks them through every step in the process, easing the burden on these prospective foster and adoptive parents. The program has a church liaison within the state agency that helps in making sure these new homes are opened in a timely manner. Once a child has been invited into a new home, The C.A.L.L. encourages support from their local church family.

The call was recently heard and answered right here in Independence County. A little over a year ago Summer Sudol and her husband, Gary, decided they wanted to be foster parents. Summer works as the Director of Youth Ministries at Compass Church and Gary works at the Batesville Post Office and is attending college to be a music teacher. The couple has two wonderful children.

Their son Keegan is eight and their daughter Kaylynn is six. I asked Summer how her children felt about sharing their home with other children. “I have been very blessed with wonderful kids that have giving hearts, they are very excited to welcome other children into our home.”

Robin Tate, who works at the local DHS, made a home visit to the Sudol’s residence and visited with them about becoming a foster family. As they talked about training Tate shared information about The

C.A.L.L. Sudol went to the web-site and started looking into the program and soon decided that she wanted to become the county coordinator for a local chapter. A short time later Sudol was contacted by Annette Torno and together they started the local chapter of The C.A.L.L. Ashley Cook and Mona Neaville soon joined the group. All four ladies work in one way or another to promote the local chapter and facilitate the growth of available foster families in Independence County.

The local chapter’s current board is comprised of: Summer Sudol – County Coordinator, Jessica Grigsby – Hospitality Team Leader, Charles Dean – Prayer Team and Office Team Leader, Carla Middleton – Clothes Closet, Mary Hammer – Pride Team Leader, and Paula Thornton – Church Recruitment.

The local chapter is working very hard to bring about awareness and raise funds. They will be hosting several fundraisers in the month of November. They are currently selling 8 pound Boston pork butts for $25.00.

You may order yours through November 6 by calling Summer at 870-834-2976. Orders will be available for pick up on November 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Josie’s. The C.A.L.L. will also host a craft fair at the Independence County Fair Grounds on November 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and November 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will be selling homemade holiday crafts that have been lovingly hand-crafted and donated by women of the community.

I asked Sudol what she sees in the future for the local chapter. “Our launch is right around the corner. We are all hoping for great things in our chapter. We have already had an amazing response from people wanting to be foster families. There have also been those who want to help the foster families by offering babysitting services or to help with meals. It is so wonderful, I see a community of believers coming together to answer the call that Christ has called us all to as Christians.”

Sudol also wanted to make sure everyone understands that The C.A.L.L. is not just a Compass Church organization. “The C.A.L.L is open to all churches in Independence County, the more the merrier. We have people on our board who are from other churches in the community and many volunteers from other churches as well. There are many ways to get involved with the hospitality team, prayer team, or helping with the clothes closet. There are countless ways to serve.” To contact The C.A.L.L. local chapter email summer_sudol84@yahoo.com Information for the article was pulled from The C.A.L.L. web-site. Please visit them at www. thecallinarkansas.org. The mission of C.A.L.L. Is contained in James 1:27: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.

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Smith’s Verdict *1/2 Dreamcatcher

Reviewed by Tanner Smith “Dreamcatcher” is based on a Stephen King novel, which like most of his novels is extremely long in detail.

Seeing as how “Dreamcatcher” is a theatrical release and not a TV miniseries, special care would have to be given to trim the novel and make the film a reasonable length while capturing the spirit of the novel. So who do they get? Well, director Lawrence Kasdan (who wrote and directed “The Big Chill,” “The Accidental Tourist,” and “Grand Canyon”) and writer William Goldman (who wrote “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and quite a few Stephen King adaptations, like “Misery”) seem like great choices. With that said, how does this great talent behind the screen create a mess like “Dreamcatcher?”

This movie is inconsistent in tone, pacing, and style.

It’s a lackluster project that starts out one way, enters a different territory, and ultimately is ridiculed for one of the silliest stories you’ll find in a King story.

The story begins with four friends who each possess a psychic gift. As kids, a mentally challenged kid nicknamed Duddits united them with this gift after they protected him from the town bullies. Years later, the friends—Henry (Thomas Jane), Jonesy (Damian Lewis), Beaver (Jason Lee), and Pete (Timothy Olyphant)—still have their abilities and use them as advantages for their jobs. Jonesy has an accident that nearly kills him, and this becomes a compound for a trip to a cabin in the woods, where he and the other three friends fool around and talk about the past. But soon, the entire wooded area is under quarantine by the government, who are on the hunt for…(sigh) alien parasites.

The first half-hour of “Dreamcatcher” is quite interesting, as the development of these friends and their gift comes into place. It seems like it’s going somewhere just as intriguing. But then it gets into the story with the aliens and monsters, and that story takes over as if another movie blended into the one I was just watching. I wouldn't mind so much except that these aliens and the plot with the friends and their psychic gift just don’t fit together. Maybe they fit better in the novel (which I’ll admit, I haven’t read), but here, they

give the movie a real instability. If you want to make a movie that mixes human elements with a monster story, this is not the right way to do it.

There are moments in “Dreamcatcher” that I’m unsure whether or not if they’re supposed to be taken seriously. For example, I think the moment the movie really goes downhill is the scene in which two of the friends discover an infected man dead on the toilet, as a nasty alien worm pops out of him and the friends try desperately to plunge it in the toilet. I’m thinking, this is supposed to be funny, right? And how about when Jonesy’s body is invaded by one of the aliens and speaks in a jolly British accent as it and Jonesy switch personalities to talk to one another? You can tell me; that’s supposed to be funny, right?

The flashbacks that show the four friends as juniorhigh-school children growing up in (where else?) Maine aren’t particularly well-executed or even well-written.

To be fair, that could be because they take up a small portion of the movie, but they’re supposed to give us the origins of this gift, and they just seem rushed. This is particularly strange, considering that “Dreamcatcher” is 136 minutes long. It’s the stuff with the aliens that the movie doesn’t give a rest. We don’t even see the grown-up Duddits (played by Donnie Wahlberg) until the last 15 minutes.

The talented actors put in this movie aren’t enough to save the movie, and you know your movie’s in trouble when the great character actor Morgan Freeman, playing the anti-alien “Captain Ahab” type, can’t save it. This is probably the first time I’ve seen Morgan Freeman give a bad performance. But to be fair, it’s a bad role.

“Dreamcatcher” is ambitious, but a cluttered, unsatisfying mess.

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The Home Place Come join us November 10 & 11 at our

Holiday Open House

Sample of our new gourmet line Enter to win door prizes throughout the day Representatves will be on site to answer your questions about our exciting products!

Lay-a-Way Available

2515 Harrison Street, Batesville / 870-793-3698 40 We Are Word Of Mouth For Your Eyes! Check Us Out At www.eyeonmag.com.

Christmas Brings Hope Christmas Brings Hope is an organization that provides free food boxes to many needy families in Independence County during the holiday season. While some food is donated, staple items must be purchased for the food boxes. This year it will take approximately $19,000 in cash donations to carry out our mission.

Please consider contributing to this worthy community project by mailing your tax deductible donation by November 30th. No amount is considered to small. Over 1,200 families will benefit from your generosity.

Thank you all for your dedication and service to our country and for keeping our children safe.

Thank You

Mail to:

pe Brings Ho Christmas er v a h c/o Greg S 156 P.O. Box 2 3-2156 50 2 7 R A , Batesville

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Photo by Stacy Pretty November 2012 |  41

Independent Thoughts Is It Okay To Lie?

John M. Belew

Is it is ok to lie under the US Constitution provisions of the 1st Amendment?

The US Supreme Court in June of this year voted 6-3 in favor of Xavier Alvarez, a former local elected official in California who falsely said he was a decorated war veteran and had pleaded guilty to violating the 2006 law, known as the Stolen Valor Act. The law, enacted when the U.S. was at war in Afghanistan and Iraq, was aimed at people making phony claims of heroism in battle.

The ruling, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, ordered that the conviction be thrown out.

‘Though few might find respondent’s statements anything but contemptible, his right to make those statements is protected by the Constitution’s guarantee of freedom of speech and expression. The Stolen Valor Act infringes upon speech protected by the First Amendment,’ Mr. Kennedy said.

Remember in 1989, the court said the Constitution protects the burning of the American Flag.

Mr. Alvarez made his claims by way of introducing himself as an elected member of the Three Valleys Municipal Water District in Pomona, California. There is nothing to suggest that he received anything in exchange or that listeners especially believed him.

The government had defended the law as necessary to punish impostors to protect the integrity of military medals. Amen! I don’t agree with the Supreme Court in this case. Harm is done or was done when the honor of our service members is degraded by false claims of the others who have not paid the price or made the sacrifice to earn the honor.

The vast majority of the people who were awarded the Medal of Honor were killed in action in the service of their country, and, apparently, we can’t protect that decoration from disrespect?’

But Justices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan said in a separate opinion that there were ways for the government to stop liars ‘in less restrictive ways.’

One possibility would be to ‘insist upon a showing that the false statement caused a specific harm or at lease was material, or focus its coverage on lies most likely to be harmful or on contexts where such lies are most likely to cause harm,’ Beyer said.

Long ago, then Gen. George Washington established military decorations in 1782, seven years before he was elected as the first president. Washington also prescribed severe military punishment for soldiers who purported to be medal winners but weren’t, as it should be.

It long has been a federal crime to wear unearned medals, but mere claims of being decorated were beyond the reach of law enforcement. The Stolen Valor Act aimed to solve that problem, and won significant support in Congress during a time of war.

“Mr. Alvarez’s lawyers challenged the law by acknowledging their client’s lies, but also insisting that

they harmed no one.” I’m sure it harmed many people.

You would think some former soldiers would educate him about honor and respect.

Free speech is an important part of our constitutional rights. One should be able to criticize politicians and other public figures without fear of punishment. On the other hand, speech that causes harm to a person or property should not be protected by the First Amendment. The courts decide these issues based on harm caused by speech.

Libel and slander are still prohibited acts if harm to

reputation or otherwise is caused by the speech.

We often have gut reactions to our courts decisions. I can say they are rooted in well reasoned history that draws the line between liberty and harm.

Speak up, Speak out. You have the right to say your mind.

False statements that cause personal harm to reputation and otherwise should never be condoned. Don’t slander others. Don’t gossip with harmful words. Do stand up for your right to speak about public officials. This is our election year. We are obligated to know those running for office, make an informed decision and GO VOTE. N

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1.) A large crowd gathered for the Grand Opening of the new East Entrance of WRMC. 2.) Charlie Schaaf, President of the White River Health System Board of Directors, gave the opening remarks top right. 3.)The entrance to the East Tower includes a covered dropoff area that is handicap accessible and wide enough to fit multiple vehicles. 4.) Seth Barnes, MD, WRMC Chief of Staff speaks. 5.) The completed East Tower at WRMC 6.) Gary Bebow, CEO and Administrator at WRHS, welcomes Congressman Rick Crawford. 7.) Congressman Rick Crawford speaks. 8.) Gary Bebow, CEO and Administrator at WRHS speaks. 9.) Cutting the ribbon! Back row L to R: Robert Griffin, Independence County Judge; Rick Elumbaugh, Batesville Mayor; Crystal Johnson, Batesville Chamber of Commerce President; Jeff Showalter, WRHS Foundation Vice President; Robert Wright, WRMC Associate Administrator, Ancillary Services and Facilities Director; Front Row L to R: Janiece Haworth, WRHS Auxiliary President; James McLean, Arkansas State Representative; Dick Bernard, WRHS Foundation President; Gary Bebow, CEO and Administrator at WRHS; Congressman Rick Crawford; Charlie Schaaf, WRHS Board of Directors President; Seth Barnes, MD, WRMC Chief of Staff.

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November 2012 |  47

Spinal Decompression

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