Eye On Independence May 2017

EyeIndependence On

Seniors Alum Cove Formal Table Settings Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches

May 2017

www.eyeonmag.com

SOMETIMES WE ALL NEED A RETAKE!

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Call us for more information or to schedule a tour: 870-793-5808

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Eye On Independence is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by calling (870) 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at kthomas@ eyeonmag.com. Mailing address: P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431.

Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or the staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate and neither MeadowLand Media or it any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2010 MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the Publisher.

All pictorial material reproduced in this book has been accepted on the condition that it is reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer concerned. As such, MeadowLand Media, Incorporated, is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof.

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For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Joseph Thomas, 870.252.0013 or eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com.

Cover photo by Robert O. Seat Cover Design by Joseph Thomas

In This Issue 6/ Editor’s Note May I Take Your Coat

10/ Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista Let’s Talk About Your Weight - Revisited

12/ Cover Story

Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranches

Eye On Independence received the 2012 Innovative Project award for outstanding, innovative, continuous or effective coverage of literacy issues, resulting in positive change or improvement.

The Ozark Gateway Tourist Council awarded Eye On Independence the 2014 Wilson Powell Media Support Award for its dedication to tourism in the Gateway Region and Arkansas.

15/ Adventures in Arkansas

18 31

Alum Cove

18/ Myers-Davis Life Coaching Institute Dull Your Sparkle

20/ DownTown Guide 28/ Smith’s Verdict ***1/2 Frost / Nixon

30/ Things To Do 31/ Tasty Talk

Cooking for One: Using Ground Beef

31/ Notes from the Clearing Bubble

32/ Batesville Area Arts Council 34/ Cherri Design

Formal Table Setting

35/ Seniors, can we talk?

Dental Issues

Eye On

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag. com PUBLISHER: Joseph Thomas ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Joseph Thomas MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Cherri Rodgers

CREATIVE DIRECTOR : Joseph Thomas AD DESIGN DEPARTMENT: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas PROOFING DEPARTMENT: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: Corning Publishing Company

Autry’s White River Furniture

Quality, Style, Selection and Service “We

Cu s t ome rs ”

870-793-2241 / Open Monday- Saturday at 9 a.m.

129 E. Main Street - Historic Downtown - Batesville

Editor’s Note

May I Take Your Coat Joseph Thomas

Spring time has blown into our area on the diverse breezes that our geography allows. The green is widespread and a sight for weathered eyes. We are glad to find you all back within our pages and hope you and yours are batting a thousand.

This May Issue of Eye On Independence, you will find Leigh Keller’s unburdening of a weighty issue, Kacey Burge documents her visit to the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, Caroline Beauchamp talks issues of a dental variety and Tanner Smith reviews Frost/ Nixon. Myers-Davis speaks sparkle, Jamie Rayford shares IMPACT success, as well as, the ForwARd Thinking

Conference, Vicki Garland and Shirley Stuckey share OIRM events, Amanda Dickey asks for Rotary Club Community Award Nominees, George Latus is gearing up for this year’s Batesville Canoe, Kayak and Stand up Paddle Board Race and I share another Notes from the Clearing.

Karin Mohlke Huffman introduces us to Alum Cove, Hannah Keller Flanery has UACCB news, Cherri Rodgers talks Formal Table Settings, while Hannah Rogers talks tastily of cooking for one.

We have many Local Faces, a plethora of Things To Do and much more, so warm your bones under this spring time sun as you take some time to relax and read along...and enjoy! P.S., don’t miss the Seniors! N

photo by Robert O. Seat

A BETTER BUILT MOWER FOR A BETTER PRICE. PRICES START AT

or low APR Financing

6 And just as the wind picked up, I understood that all would be well.

Batesville Canoe, Kayak and Stand up Paddle Board Race.

George Latus

On June 24th 2017, the race will start and finish at the Batesville Bridge. Paddlers will paddle there vessels / crafts up river to designated locations depending on divisions, then return back to finish line. Registration will be from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. Kennedy park. Race will start at 9:00 a.m. Batesville Bridge / followed by awards and lunch at Kennedy Park.

8-mile course, Racing Canoes, Racing Kayaks, up river around 4 mile buoy below island and return to

finish.

6-mile course, Recreational Canoes, Recreational Kayaks, up river around 3 mile buoy and return to finish.

2-mile course, Stand up Paddle Boards, up river around 1 mile buoy and return to finish.

Cost: $20 per paddler Race sponsored by Local Boy Scouts of America.

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The Best of Modern Praise and Worship Independence Counties very own local, contemporary worship station

World Wide Live Internet Stream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/kbap-88-1-fm Phone: 501-203-6953

Rotary Club Community Awards Amanda Dickey

The Rotary Club of Batesville is now taking nominations for community awards. We are looking for nominees from our area in the five areas listed below.

The winners will be awarded at a special Rotary Award Banquet being held on Monday evening, June 26, 2017.

For questions call Amanda at 870-834-9268.

Please submit all nominations to the following by Friday, May 20, 2017: Rotary Club of Batesville Attn: Community Awards 70 Amy Lane Batesville, AR 72501 Or email them to Amanda Dickey at adickey@ firstcommunity.net 1. Making A Difference Outstanding Community Service Award: Honor persons who are making significant contributions to our community through their time, actions, talents and dedication. The honoree selected should serve as a role model for compassions, and service and be striving to make our world a better place with a passion for helping others in our community.

2. Doctor/Nurse/Care Worker of the Year Award: This award is open to any doctor, nurse, or care worker who has shown they go beyond the call of duty. Someone who has gone the extra mile, improved treatment or care, and whos work has affected others around them.

3. Community Service Award: This award is for

a person who has made a dramatic impact on our community. Someone who has gone the extra mile to help improve someone’s quality of life or helped by giving assistance to projects or causes in our area.

4. Teacher of the Year: This award is for a teacher who goes out of their way to support their students.

This person cares deeply for their pupils and it shows through all their actions.

5. Role Model of the Year: This award is aimed at a Public Servant such as a policeman, fire-fighter, paramedic, or first responder who goes beyond the call of duty.

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Museum to Host Free Heritage Month Tours Vicki Garland

Old Independence Regional Museum was recently awarded a 2017 Heritage Month Grant from the Department of Arkansas Heritage. The theme for Heritage Month is A State of War: Arkansas Remembers World War I. Admission is free to qualifying groups (recommended 3rd grade and up). This hands-on tour will take approximately 2 hours and registration is required. There are a limited amount of bus stipends available, as well.

Groups scheduling during the month of May will have the opportunity to learn about World War I and its impact on our region and its people. During the program, participants will learn about aviation and its role in the war, mining in the region, food and voluntary rationing, the 1918 flu epidemic, and inventions. Participants will also be given time to visit the Museum Gift Shop. Every participant will get the opportunity to taste WWI era food and will take home a model wooden biplane.

Anyone interested in learning more about this free program can call the museum during regular business hours.

“This is an excellent educational opportunity and participants will leave with a better understanding of the impact that the war had on the people of this region, state, and country”, said Vicki Garland, Humanities Educator.

From e s a le e R w Ne uthor Batesville A Mark Rorie

“I would like to encourage teachers and group sponsors to take advantage of this free tour for students and group members”.

This humanities program was made possible in part by a grant from the Department of Arkansas Heritage, funded by your 1/8 cent conservation tax, Amendment 75, local support from Independence County and the City of Batesville, as well as by Challenge Grant Endowment funding from the National Endowment of the Humanities.

Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Normal museum hours are: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for seniors and $1.00 for children. The museum is located at 380 South 9th street, between Boswell and Vine Streets in Batesville. Telephone: 870.793.2121.

Old Independence is a regional museum serving a 12-county area: Baxter, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Marion, Poinsett, Sharp, Stone, White, and Woodruff. Parts of these present-day counties comprised the original Independence County in 1820’s Arkansas territory. N

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8 I know what you need...you need to make a mudpie like you once did...you don’t have to eat it, but we aren’t here to judge.

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Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista Let’s Talk About Your Weight - Revisited

Leigh Keller is a high school guidance counselor at Batesville HIgh School and the director of the BHS Glass Slipper Project. She lives in Batesville with her son, Cole, and a pack of dogs.

I wrote the original article with this title two years ago, after my doctor, Dr. Melton, in all of his kindness, took a look at my chart and said gently, “Let’s talk about your weight”. Ugh. No woman alive really wants to talk about their weight. My journey despising my body began as a little girl, like most women, sadly. I was tall, but the funny thing about kids’ bodies is they get a little squishy, then they shoot up (I see this in my own mini me). In high school, my self loathing continued, escalating with my parents putting me into modeling school, where a very dear, hmph, short woman who was never quite tall enough or sassy enough for the runway would make me weigh in every week, shaking her head at my then 128-135 pounds, telling me “you will get there eventually”. I realize now as a grown adult that she must have truly hated herself. I would never say that to a teenager, let alone one that was clearly suffering from an eating disorder.

Two years ago, I was in the throes of grieving a marriage, and the only solution was food. Cole would go to his daddy’s house, and I would sit in my misery with my chips and dip. I have a former student who wore a shirt once that said “Fries over guys”. It always made me want to raise my fist in the air, ha. After Dr. Melton and I had that terrible talk about my weight, my cholesterol, my life, ugh, I vowed to try clean eating, clean eating without a real plan at all. Of course, I failed. I joined the Women Run Clinic and met some of the most encouraging women I have ever met. In the weirdness of adolescence, I had played sports, but was never truly aggressive enough to be successful.

I was always the funny girl on the team, who liked to encourage my teammates (and sit down already, good grief). In this clinic, I finally started liking myself again, so my journey began.

My sweet mommy friend, Kristi Wiles, also an encourager, approached me last spring about trying Advocare, and replacing my afternoon diet dr pepper, my drug of choice, with some Spark. I tried it, but of course didn’t commit fully to the plan at all (are you seeing a pattern of behavior here, I make my own self crazy). Finally, some friends of mine had joined a new gym in town, Ohana Fitness. They seemed to love it, so I tried it. I found what I was looking for there. For some reason, I had always connected my feelings about exercise to pain, and punishing myself, eating had always meant then having to get out there and burn it off. I subscribed to the Advocare diet (this is not an ad for Advocare, it is what finally pushed me off the edge to making the dots connect in my head to hating myself

for decades), and finally made some progress. One year later, and I am 45 pounds down, six sizes down, and my skin fits me.

I have the amazing opportunity every single day to talk to teenagers about their lives. It is such a calling, and I take my pathway pretty seriously. I realize that if someone had talked to me at that age about actually liking myself, and talking nicely to myself, my life would have probably been vividly different. But, I do understand that life is a journey, and without those experiences, I would not be the woman I am today. I was visiting with a kiddo this week about her health, and we were talking about diet and exercise. I try not to give advice, because if they follow it and it fails, guess whose fault it is? Yep. Mine. Not theirs. Teenagers. They are something ;). I told her that my journey finally made sense to me, and clicked, when I realized that Cole was watching every single thing that I do and say. I finally felt like I was worth the effort of exercise, and eating healthy foods, and living a longer life, and healthier life, to be the mama that Cole deserved to have. I don’t get too wrapped up in calories. I eat pretty much a clean diet, but yesterday, to save the lives of those around me, I did have a baked potato from El Palenque (I am convinced I am the only person that eats that....it is pretty amazing!). I get to the gym a few times a week, because the classes make me HAPPY, they are not a punishment. The ladies there cheer each other on, take care of each other, and lift each other up.

You are WORTH the effort. You are WORTH regular exercise. You are WORTH fitting into your skin. You have got to fix your head before you start working on your body, or you will just go right back to where you started. (and I do think that one type of exercise does not work for everyone. I do not love lifting weights....I am tall, and I bulk up and don’t want to look like Lou Ferrigno. I love cardio and Zumba, and my new love is boot camp style classes, where you use your own weight as resistance, I never thought I would ever say that, whew). Everyone’s journey is different, and not one type of plan fits everyone, but if you really want to, let’s talk about your weight ;). N

10 I know what you need...you need to make a mudpie like you once did...you don’t have to eat it, but we aren’t here to judge.

The Dale Carnegie Course This course will teach effective communication and human relations skills. Thursday, June 8 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Eagle's Nest Lodge at John 3:16 Ministries in Charlotte, Arkansas. Register

by calling 901.573.1756 or email Les.risner@ galecarnegie.com.

UACCB to offer engineering camp Hannah Keller Flanery

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville’s Community and Technical Education department is accepting applications for the University of Arkansas Engineering Summer Camps. Camps will be offered at the UACCB campus this summer for students currently in the fifth through eighth grade.

Discover Engineering Camp Current fifth and sixth grade students are invited to dream, design and discover at this weeklong camp.

Students will explore the many areas of engineering with fun, hands-on activities. This is a half-day camp and will be held from 8-11 a.m. June 19-23 on the UACCB campus.

Explore Engineering Camp

Current seventh and eighth graders are invited to dive deeper into the different fields of engineering in this weeklong camp. Students participate in more focused, complex activities that in previous years have included robotics, electronics, roller coasters, chemical reactions and much more. This is a half-day camp and will be held from 1:30-5 p.m. June 19-23 on the UACCB campus.

The application deadline is May 15 by midnight. Visit http://engineering-camps.uark.edu/ for more information and to apply. Scholarships are available. For additional information, call 870-612-2082.

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Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranches Kacey Clare Burge has a Master’s degree in Professional Writing from Chatham University. She has written for a Southwest Florida lifestyles magazine and because of her outstanding work, she was featured in REAL Magazine as a contributing copy writer and editor. She has worked as a debt content writer for a financial advice website and had a successful freelance career for several years. Kacey spends most of her free time with her husband, daugther and three rescue dogs, enjoying the outdoors and exploring what the state of Arkansas has to offer.

A COMMON MISCONCEPTION DEBUNKED This month I had the profound pleasure of visiting the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches (ASYR), a non profit residential foster care organization that provides, simply, a place to call home, for Arkansas children who have been displaced. Contrary to, what seems like somewhat popular belief, the youth ranch is a far cry from that of a detention center or a juvenile “boot camp” facility where the children are there to be rehabilitated for criminal behavior or “scared straight” as it is sometimes put. It’s mission is to provide safe, healthy and permanent homes for kids and these kids are often abused, neglected or abandoned youth that, to no fault of their own, have fallen through the cracks of society. Fortunately, the ASYR is there to catch them when they fall.

The ranch is an expansive 528 acre property located right outside of batesville, and exists in a peacefully, rural ambient, tucked away in what feels like a retreat style oasis. When I visited, I was warmly welcomed by a very engaging staff that I quickly discovered were some of the most dedicated and compassionate people that I had ever met. Their collective passion for the children of the ranch is evident almost immediately and the selfless nature in which they talk about their work, wether it be from behind a desk in administration or in one of the homes as a fulltime house parent, is awe-inspiring. If there was a more evoking or powerful word I could foster up to describe their level of dedication to these children, I’d use it 10 times over.

They operate as a large extended family on the ranch and, individually, they all wear multiple hats at any given time on any given day. Their commitment to the mission, their kids, as well as each other, is a significant part in why they

Cover Story

are so successful in the work they do, fostering hope and healing, supporting, encouraging and facilitating growth, for the kids they consider their own.

THE HISTORY OF THE ASYR The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches were created to help combat a growing problem of innocent children slipping through the cracks of the system in the early to mid 70s. At this time, the Sheriffs’ were the front line of defense for kids who had been abandoned, abused or neglected, and sometimes even had to go home with the Sheriff following a domestic incident just to have a safe place to sleep that night. The issue became so severe that the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association, decided to develop a program that would aid these children and help combat the very pressing and urgent issue at hand. After a visit to a Florida-based program called the Sheriffs’ Ranches, it was apparent that Arkansas could really benefit from something like this. In 1976, all 75 Sheriffs of Arkansas signed incorporation papers to create the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch as a home for underprivileged boys.

The following year, they began accepting girls and was renamed the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Boys and Girls Ranch. The organization later shortened its moniker to the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches and, with the help of its generous donors (accounting for 90% of its operational expenses), would go on to provide more than 1,300 boys and girls stable, loving homes over the next 3 decades.

A REFUGE THAT CREATES A CHILDHOOD The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches aren’t just a standard type residential facility, with long corridors lined with beds, shower rooms and a cafeteria with workers in plastic gloves slinging food onto a tray; the types of things that often come to mind when thinking about a typical “residential facility”. The environment that has been created at the ASYR is very much the opposite. The bungalow-style homes on the property are widespread across a large cattle ranch with beautiful trees and foliage creating privacy between the 3 boys homes, 2 girls homes (including 1 under construction), the administration office and recreational hall that collectively make up the ranch’s flagship campus.

While I was there, I was able to spend a significant amount of time at one particular home, called Cabe Hall where 6 boys live (ranging from 7-17 years old) with devoted house parents, John and Angie Briggs, a husband and wife team. Cabe reminded me of a chalet style lodge with its high cathedral ceilings and exposed wood beams.

It was large, with several common areas, a big kitchen, laundry room, lots of bedrooms and bathrooms, and an attached fully functioning apartment for the house parents, but it had a very rustic, cozy feel to the space. I felt welcomed from the moment I walked in and admired their festive Easter decorations, met the family pet squirrel, saw the large vegetable garden out the back window, and noticed their long family-style dining table set up below a daily chore board with the names of each child next to their daily responsibilities around the house. “We teach the kids

12 I know what you need...you need to make a mudpie like you once did...you don’t have to eat it, but we aren’t here to judge.

“We can’t treat all kids the same and expect the same outcome,”

Nancy Weaver, LCSW Chief Executive Officer at Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranches, Inc. life skills,” says John. That includes helping in meal prep, working in the garden, doing laundry. “We also practice fire drills, tornado preparation and active shooter drills regularly.” As full time house parents, John and Angie live on site with the kids, caring for their daily needs, helping with homework and preparing them to be successful adults. “This is a calling, not a job,” Angie shares candidly.

“We treat these boys as our own.”

As I looked around the bedrooms, it touched my heart to see a framed photograph of John and Angie on the night stand of their youngest boy. “He keeps it here every night and wants it to face his bed when he goes to sleep,” John says with a smile. And of course I can’t help but smile to myself. The authentic nature and tender spirit of these 2 individuals makes it humbling to stand in their presence.

The genuine love they have for these kids can be seen on their faces and felt through their words. When I enter the oldest boy’s room, I am impressed by his raw artistic ability showcased through ornate drawings and pencil sketches hung on the wall. I had only wished I had endless time to discover more about the boys and hear their stories and learn about their gifts and talents. What I did experience while visiting the home for such a short time was remarkable.

LOVE REWRITES HISTORY The ASYR is truly based on love. It is at the center of everything they do and is often times without borders or boundaries. Typically, the organization accepted children ages 6-18 years but, because the leadership and staff have such a sincere and earnest passion for helping and healing the children of Arkansas, age range limitations weren’t going to stand much of a chance when it came to the importance of reaching a child in need, or keeping sibling groups together- something that is often overlooked in an

already overcrowded foster care system that is currently in a state of crisis. Love has rewritten the ASYR standard procedures and the group has recently accepted children under the age of 2 and they don’t discharge their kids at 18.

Instead, they offer financial and emotional support to their older ranchers until they graduate high school or get their GED and are able to transition into living on their own and supporting themselves by age 21. To say they are simply a residential facility is a gross understatement. They truly function as a real family unit at the ranch and invest in their children, and that doesn’t just stop because a child reaches a certain age.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES The ASYR is led by an all volunteer Board of Trustees consisting of 28 sheriffs and laypersons. Interestingly, I found out that the newest member of the board is one of the very first ranchers at the ASYR. He came to the ranch with his brother as a neglected child, gone on to become a business solutions architect with Tyson Foods, and create a beautiful family of his own. He is now giving back to the place that gave him so much (you can read his full story on the ASYR website under the “News” tab). The winning combination of both the sheriffs and the professionals on staff has helped keep the ASYR’s mission pure and the children at the forefront. In October of 2013, CEO Nancy Weaver joined the team, and with her 20+ years experience in the mental health field, she has been fully committed to providing the highest level of quality care and service to the community. “We can’t treat all kids the same and expect the same outcome,” she explains. “We take in the kids that we know will flourish in the environment we’ve created here.” This made a lot of sense and it’s easy to see that doing anything else would be a disservice to the children of this community. I had the pleasure of spending some time May 2017 13

with her, along with Matt Cleveland (Chief Development Officer) and Emily Ives (Director of Communications), during my visit and they all shared an exciting passion and unmatched enthusiasm for the programs they offer at the ranch.

THE CATTLE PROGRAM The ASYR is unique in a lot of ways but the Cattle Program they offer is very special, and takes a multifaceted approach that gives back in more than one way. What makes the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches a “ranch” is that the boys and girls help to raise a herd of registered Hereford beef cattle. Through this program, they learn responsibility, discipline, respect for animals and the importance of an honest days work. The Cattle Program helps to make the ranch self sustaining, as it provides 100% grass fed, antibiotic and steroid free beef to the ranchers and the surplus is available to the general public for purchase, with revenue invested back into the ranch.

The program really comes full circle in every way.

FUNDRAISERS AND EVENTS The ASYR holds their largest fundraising event of the year each fall known as the Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner where they honor an individual or group who has made a significant difference in the lives of Arkansas children. Former Governor Mike Beebe was the very first honoree and instrumental in the start up of the event more than 20 years ago. This year’s event is honoring Greg Hatcher and will be held on Thursday, October 26th, 2017 at the Little Rock Marriott. The event will include a live and silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting the ASYR. Tickets are $200 each, and sponsorships are available (You can get more information by visiting the ASYR’s website under the “Arkansas Children’s Award” tab).

The ASYR also hosts a farm safety expo at the ranch for school aged children that they hope to make an annual event. “We get to share the knowledge we’ve gathered on the safety of our kids in a farming environment with other children in the community,” explains Emily Ives, Director of Communications. The ranch staff don’t just care for the children on the ranch, but consider it important to educate local children in the public about farming and ranch life as well. “It has the added benefit of showing people the ranch itself is just a normal place for a kid to be a kid.”

The ASYR also holds a Homecoming event where former ranchers can come back for a reunion, bringing their families and reconnecting and reminiscing with staff and other ranchers about their experiences with the program.

Due to its past success, this event will start to become an annual celebration in 2018. “You never realize how much a place influenced you until you aren’t there anymore,” Emily says. “A lot of the kids tell us that, even though they didn’t act like they cared at the time, the ranch was, and is, a very special place to them.”

The ASYR is also the main beneficiary of First Community Bank’s Charity Golf Tournament that is held every spring. Coming up on its 20th year, the invitational golf event is scheduled for May 10th, 2017 at the Course at Eagle Mountain. This year, the special guest will be former Razorbacks head coach, Ken Hatfield, and there will be a

special opportunity to compete in a 4 man scramble with Mr. Hatfield auctioned off at the tournament kick off. This annual golf event has helped raise over $230,000 for the ASYR from its inception in 1998 to date.

HERE’S TO AN EVEN BIGGER AND BETTER ASYR The future of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches is bright! Because of the state’s current foster care crisis, there is a great need to serve Arkansas children more now then when the ranch first opened its doors in the mid 1970s. With a new girls cottage preparing to open in a few weeks, the ASYR team is anxiously awaiting the opportunity to double their capacity for girls on campus and aid them in their paramount mission to keep more sibling groups together, which is a very difficult task in regards to placement. In the future, they would love to expand by building 2 additional cottages for boys and girls on campus, serving even more children. The team also plans to revamp their recreational building and hope to make it available for more special events for both the ranchers and the general public. With a highly motivated staff and the support from loyal donors, the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches will continue to develop its flagship campus for the sole purpose of helping as many children as possible.

That is, and will always be, at the heart of who they are and what they do. *Visit the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch website at www.youthranches.com to see what you can do to help this amazing cause! N

Adventures in Arkansas Alum Cove

Karin Mohlke Huffman is a stay at home mom. She enjoys hiking, camping being outdoors, and gardening. Karin is married to Nathan Huffman and mother of three children.

Spring has finally settled into Arkansas, and I must say that I am enjoying just about every minute of it. Yes, I can even put up with all of the pollen in exchange for the high abundance of green in the trees, and the lovely flowers blooming around every corner.

As I have mentioned in past columns, the Buffalo Wilderness Area is one of my favorite places on the planet. I could explore the area forever and it would never get old to me.

One Saturday afternoon, we were in the mood to get off the beaten path for a bit, and stumbled upon a little gem called the Alum Cove Natural Bridge Geological Trail.

I was pretty excited, as I had never heard of this before, and if there is a bridge I feel that water is always close by. So, it didn’t take much to talk myself into taking this little hike.

Mind you, it wasn’t easy to find this place, as I said before, we literally turned down a side road and found it. If you’re coming from Jasper head West on Hwy 74 for about 14 miles through a small town called Wayton, then take a left, and there it is!

The trailhead looked like no one had visited the area in quite some time, and I will admit it had a bit of an eerie feeling to it. That made me want to take the trek even more.

Like, maybe I could be one of the few people in the area who has visited the place.

The trail is a loop trail that is a little over a mile that begins and ends at a picnic area. The first bit of the trail is a lush wooded area that leads down to the natural bridge.

Once you make it to this area, you are actually standing on top of the bridge, and it is massive. The bridge

itself spans 130 ft across and 20 ft wide, and is one of the largest natural bridges in this part of the country. The trail continues even further down where you can cross a small stream and along some bluffs that will lead you back to the bridge.

All in all it took about an hour, and it was a great hike.

Early settlers used this bridge to pass when the creek below took over the road below, and Native Americans settled under the bridge as it made for great cover.

Now, I must say as much as I enjoyed this hike, we did get a little spooked as we were heading back to the vehicle. I am a firm believer in the fact that we have not explored every single area on Earth, and that some animals may dwell out there that we haven’t physically seen yet… ok ok, I’ll just come out and say it, I, Karin Huffman, am a firm believer that Bigfoot exists. Please, don’t stop reading my columns, I promise I am not crazy.

So, with that off my chest, I really believe we heard a Bigfoot “yelp” at us as we were leaving.

Nathan, my husband, was walking in front of me holding our daughter, Stella when we both heard it. He turned around to look at me, and all I could say was “don’t say anything, we will discuss this when we are in the locked Jeep driving away from here.” So, we kept trekking along, and we seriously heard it again, but parallel to us, almost like it was following along with us through the woods, but keeping the same stride as we were. Luckily, we were super close to our vehicle, and made it out without harm. Maybe, a bit of excited nerves, but no harm. My husband and his dad, Jerry, have had a few run-ins throughout their lives with getting a bit frightened out in the woods while hunting. So, as soon as I got phone service, Jerry was the first person I had to call. Needless to say, we will be heading back, but maybe without a toddler next time.

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Alum Cove from below

Alum view from below

Bluffs overlooking the buffalo river

Stella and I overlooking the natural bridge May 2017 15

National Education Leader Delivered Keynote at ForwARd Thinking Conference Jamie Rayford

ForwARd Arkansas, a partnership between the Arkansas Board of Education, the Walton Family Foundation and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, held its ForwARd Thinking Conference in Batesville recently, which featured a keynote address from Tom Vander Ark, CEO of Getting Smart and former first executive director for education with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Vander Ark wrote the book "Smart Cities That Work for Everyone: 7 Keys to Education & Employment," which supports ForwARd Arkansas's strategy last year to choose five target communities. In this inaugural event, representatives from each of the five communities Independence County, Crossett, Marianna, Pea Ridge and Springdale - came together to "learn, share and plan." The event was held at the University of Arkansas Community College in Batesville.

"Learning is everyone's job; families, neighborhoods, schools and cities," said Vander Ark. "While livability, workability and sustainability have come to be recognized as the basis of a sound community, we've come to realize that learnability should also be considered, and we're impressed to see that mindset in ForwARd Arkansas's five identified communities."

The Conference was a working session for each of the communities, where they shared best practices and received input from Vander Ark and other leaders in the education field. Other partnering organizations presenting at the Conference included the Clinton School of Public Service, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, EAST Initiative, New Tech Network and UATeach-STEM Teacher Prep Program.

"This facilitation of discussion is important for us in guiding each community's strategic education plan," said Kenneth Jones, communities strategist for ForwARd Arkansas. "We asked each of them to actively participate in this event to learn and share best practices, and were proud for them to each showcase the work they've completed thus far."

Additionally, the Conference also featured a discussion with Brayden Eckerd, a robotic welder and

graduate of high-quality STEM curriculum at UACCB. Not only did he share the impact of these courses on his career choice, but Conference attendees were given the opportunity to tour his worksite, Bad Boy Mowers, in tandem with community presentations regarding IMPACT Independence County, the community's strategic plan that addresses economic development, workforce, education, quality of life, etc. Eckerd's school advisors and current supervisor also delivered remarks on the importance of STEM education at the conference site.

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16 I know what you need...you need to make a mudpie like you once did...you don’t have to eat it, but we aren’t here to judge.

IBLA World Tour to make stop in Batesville Shannon Haney

Batesville has been chosen as a host city for the annual IBLA World Tour, a prestigious and internationally known group of classical musicians, singers and composers.

The group will perform at public schools during the day on May 1, and then hold a free performance for the public at 6:30 p.m. that same day at Brown Chapel on the Lyon College Campus.

The City of Batesville is presenting the event with sponsorship from Citizens Bank and First Community Bank.

This will be the second year for Batesville to be chosen. Sherman Banks, an Arkansas native, is the vice president of the IBLA Foundation, and largely responsible for the group’s stop in this state, along with the mayor of Batesville, Rick Elumbaugh.

“IBLA offers Arkansas audiences the unique opportunity to hear remarkable and recognized worldclass international jazz and classic pianists, singers, accordionists, trombone, and percussionists from Georgia, Italy, Poland, Japan, and the USA,” said Banks, IBLA Foundation VP and Jurist.

IBLA World Tour group changes each year, per the results of a qualifying competition called the IBLA Grand Prize. Musicians from around the globe compete in the internationally recognized festival held in Ragusa-Ibla, Italy – a United Nations Heritage Site for which the competition and touring group is named.

This year’s winners include competitors from the countries of Japan, Georgia, Italy and Poland.

Winners then go on to perform on a world tour in such prestigious venues as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York, The Tokyo Opera City Hall, and Tchaikovsky Bolshoi Hall in Moscow and in other prestigious venues in Canada, Europe, Russia and the United States.

The IBLA Winners performing here will include the three top prize winners as well as Grand Prize Winners of the “Most Distinguished Musician” award in the IBLA competition: 1st Place Top Prize Winner, Trombonist Kojiro Fujihara (Japan) – Fujihara has performed throughout Japan and Europe. He is currently the top trombonist at the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and recently Fujihara is involved in performance of theme music of movies and is considered to the most promising performer in Japan.

Top Prize Winner, Pianist Elia Cecino (Italy) – Elia is sixteen and begin studying piano in 2009. From 2012 he has attended and won numerous master classes with eminent pedagogues and pianists. In 2013 he was finalist with 2nd prize with scholarship to fame Caesar Franck International Piano competition in Bruxelles; again in 2015 he was selected for the Aartus International Piano Competition in Denmark.

Top Prize Winner, Accordionist Michal Gajda & Pianist Julia Wolanska (Poland) – Husband and wife 2012 graduated summa cum laude from Poznan Academy of Music. Recitals have as soloists, chamber musicians (Trio New harmony, New Poznan Accordion/Piano

duo) in Poland, Germany, Austria, Lithuania, Slovakia, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Italy, and Sicily. 24 Mario Assenza, Baritone (Italy) – Mario is 20 years of age and began his studying opera at the age of sixteen at the academy of “Giuseppe Verdi.” He has participated in several events of various kinds to include “The sacred oleographs exposure” to space culture”. In his short career he performed in venues throughout Italy and Sicily.

Francesco Barone, Giulia Lo Giudice, & Gaspare Renna, Trikos Trio, Percussionist (Italy): – The Trio are young musicians studying at the Conservatory “V Bellini” of Palermo. In their music they are exploiting the potential of their inclinations, perfectly adherent to the exploration of the most unusual timbre percussive resources. They are directed to a repertoire from minimalism of Philip Glass to the eastern repertoire of Keiko Abe, from life to the contemporary representation of the sound capable to rediscover the “pure rhythm”, almost tribal, as the primordial and irreplaceable element of the music.

Tamara Licheli, Piano (Georgia): - Tamara is a prize winner of numerous national and international competitions. Among such competitions are Georgian musicians’ competition (Georgia), Ettlingen international competition (Germany), Gottingen Chopin international competition (Germany), Marco-Polo international competition (Greece), Bradshaw & Bruno international competition (USA). She performs as a soloist as well as a member of chamber ensembles. Tamara is an author of a book “Tengiz Amirejibi” the famous Georgian pianist and teacher. She is an Associate Professor of Tbilisi State Conservatory and founder/artistic director of Tengiz Amirejibi International Music Festival (Tbilisi, Georgia).

Kyoko Harada, Piano Accompanist (Japan): – In 2002 Kyoko at the 41st Beethoven International Competition (Czech/Hradec) she won the most excellent Accompanist award, and Beethoven sonata award and Martinu sonata award. She has served as the official accompanist of contests at home and abroad and training sessions.

The performance is being sponsored by First Community Bank and Citizens Bank, and will be held on May 1, at 6:30 p.m. at Brown Chapel, Lyon College. It is free and open to the public.

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Kallsnick, Inc. A Hiland Dairy Distributor 423 Lawrence Street, Batesville, AR (870) 793-3924

Serving Batesville and the surrounding area for over 48 years Dairy Products, Deli Meat, Frozen Foods, Fresh Produce Paper Products, Concession Items . . .and More Walk-Ins Always Welcome Open Mon.-Fri. 8-5 and Sat. 8- 1

Family owned and operated Scott Kallsnick , Vickie Kallsnick Moser, Joan Kallsnick May 2017 17

Myers-Davis Life Coaching Institute

1141 E. Main St., Suite 200 / myersdavis.com Batesville, AR 72501 Dr. Edward P. Myers, CoFounder, Myers-Davis Life Coaching Institute. "Doc" is the author of seven books and is the contributor/editor of several more. For over three decades, he has been involved in ministry and teaching around the world.

His travels have taken him to places such as India, China, England, Thailand, Korea, Canada, Brazil, and from coast to coast throughout the United States.

He is a Certified Professional Life Coach and has taught and mentored thousands of students for decades. “Doc” received his Ph.D. from Drew University, is a Certified Professional Life Coach, a Certified Master Life Coach, a Certified NLP Practitioner, and a Certified Practitioner of the Law of Attraction.

501.207.1301

Myers-Davis Life Coaching Institute Dull Your Sparkle

Recently, we attended a nursing conference with the UACCB students who are enrolled in the PN nursing program. While attending the conference, we notice someone wearing a shirt that said, “Don’t Ever Let Anyone Dull Your Sparkle.” That quote sparked numerous conversations. The quote can be discussed in many ways from ‘always be positive’ to ‘don’t let the negativity of others get you down’. In order to incorporate all aspects of the quote, we came to the conclusion that the quote ultimately means’ to avoid toxic people’.

You know what we’re talking about. Those nitpicking, mean, negative, rude, gossipy, conniving, or otherwise toxic people you just can’t seem to escape at work, school, or simply in life. He or she is at your desk constantly. You have to sit through meetings or class with him or her. He or she hovers over you in the lunchroom. The stench of his or her criticisms wafts through the workplace or school, threatening to permeate your own work or grades as a student, if you aren’t careful. In fact, you are pretty sure that he or she is working against you behind your back. Or worse, they might even be your boss or instructor. Yikes!

You can’t escape these people, they’re part of your everyday routine. Whether it is negativity, cruelty, the victim syndrome, or just plain craziness, toxic people drive your brain into a stressed-out-state that should be avoided at all costs. The ability to manage your emotions and remain calm under pressure has a direct link to your performance. Top performers in work, school, and in life are skilled at managing their emotions in times of stress in order to remain calm and in control. One of their greatest gifts is the ability to neutralize toxic people.

There are numerous effective strategies that successful people follow when dealing with toxic people.

To deal with toxic people, you need an approach that enables you to control what you can and eliminate what you can’t. The important thing to remember is that you are in control of far more than you realize.

But what can you do about it? Try some of these tactics:

Angela D. Davis, Co-Founder, MyersDavis Life Coaching Institute. Angela has twenty-five years experience in leadership, team-building, and personal development training to all ages. She has developed leadership and team-building programs for all realms of both small and large business. Angela received a M.S. degree in Psychology. She is a Certified Professional Life Coach and has been successful in promotion and of personal development in chambers, schools and businesses. Angela’s hands on instruction teaches both inspiration and motivation. People who have attended her seminars will tell you that she has a deep passion of caring for others and a desire to help her students move to a higher level to achieve their personal goals.

870.307.1004

1) YOU are in Control 2) No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. – Eleanor Roosevelt. When your sense of pleasure and satisfaction are derived from the opinions of other people, you are no longer the master of your own happiness. If you feel good about something you have done, don’t let anyone’s opinion or snide remarks take away from your happiness.

3) Start by firmly and swiftly knocking the toxic person out of your head. We can’t control how people act, but we have 100% control over how we react to them. Stop giving toxic people any space in your head.

Always remember…YOU are in control of your thoughts and reactions to toxicity.

4) Distance Yourself 5) Toxic people drive you crazy because their behavior is so irrational. Make no mistake about it, their behavior truly goes against reason. So, why do you allow yourself to respond to them emotionally and get pulled into the drama?

6) If you share workspace or have classes together, putting physical distance between you and the toxic person might not be possible, but try. If that doesn’t work, distance yourself mentally and emotionally.

7) The more irrational and off-base someone is, the easier it should be for you to remove yourself from their traps. Quit trying to beat them at their own game.

Distance yourself from them emotionally and approach your interactions as if they are outpatients from a mental hospital. That may be your way to survive!

8) Set Boundaries 9) This is the area where most people tend to sell themselves short. They feel like if the issues are where they work, attend school, or where they live, they have no way to control the chaos. Nothing could be further from the truth. Once you have found a way to distance yourself, you’ll begin to find their behavior more predictable and easier to understand.

10) Know your boundaries, and make sure they are clear to those around you. If the toxic person flies right past the annoying line and becomes abusive or otherwise inappropriate, make a complaint to whomever you need. Yes, there might be backlash, but stand firm and stay strong. Be ready for it, and don’t take it to heart. You just might find others putting their

foot down and setting boundaries as well.

11) Be Positive 12) The absolute best way to counter negative, toxic people is to surround yourself with people who lift you up and give you energy.

13) Make a conscious decision to spend more time with fun, happy, constructive people in your workplace, at school, or your daily life. Uplifting people are a great counterbalance to toxicity.

14) Someone once said, “Where you will be 10 years from now depends on the books you read and the 5 people you associate with.” Associate with positive people, and you will be positive.

15) Life isn’t always fair. It’s sad but true. You might have to work alongside or attend school with toxic people throughout your entire life. You can’t change them, so it’s up to you to decide how you’re going to deal with them and move past it.

16) Even when you can’t physically move on to a new position, a new company, a different school, or even out of your house, you can mentally move past toxic people. Don’t let toxic people dull your sparkle!

How’s your sparkle?

N May 2017 19

Agency expands services for people with disabilities Submitted

For people who receive Social Security disability benefits, the choice to work can be worrisome.

Thankfully, there are specially trained professionals who can help guide beneficiaries through the process of employment and benefits-related issues.

White River Area Agency on Aging’s Ticket-to-Work program has been helping disability beneficiaries with employment and Social Security Work Incentives for nearly seven years as an Employment Network (EN). Recently, Jeanni Brosius, the agency’s Ticket-to-Work coordinator successfully completed her certification for Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor.

A CPWIC is intensely trained to provide individual confidential counseling to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries, who are wanting to work. Beneficiaries are educated on how working will affect their SSDI/SSI benefits as well as Medicaid and Medicare and other public benefits. A CPWIC also helps to solve issues that might arise as well as acting as an advocate for beneficiaries.

“It’s important for beneficiaries to know exactly what work incentives

are available to them and how working will affect their benefits,” Brosius said.

“This enables them to stay in control of their finances and make informed choices.”

Brosius received her CPWIC certification through Virginia Commonwealth University by completing a five-day initial training followed by 90 hours of study, assignments and exams.

“Years ago, people had to choose whether to receive disability benefits or work,” Brosius said. “Thankfully, many people don’t have to make that choice anymore and can work and still receive full or partial benefits.”

Through the Ticket-to-Work program, Social Security offers incentives to return to work and reduce the dependency on disability benefits, offering people with disabilities more financial independence.

Some of the benefits of participating in the Ticket-to-Work program are: Assistance in understating how working will affect benefits; Assistance and resources to help continue education or find a job; Staying in control of benefits; Exemption from medical reviews; Achieving greater personal

satisfaction; and Ability to transition back into receiving benefits if needed.

“If you’re under the age of 65 and receiving disability benefits, you can take advantage of the free services offered by Ticket-to-Work,” Brosius said.

To learn more about the Ticketto-Work program, contact White River Area Agency on Aging at (870) 7935358. More information about Ticket to Work is available online at http:// www.yourtickettowork.com. N

Jeanni Brosius

20 I know what you need...you need to make a mudpie like you once did...you don’t have to eat it, but we aren’t here to judge.

Share Your Special Event With Us @ eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

Check our Facebook for our new longer hours!

More Time = More Nosh!

Don’t Miss The Largest Tribute Artist Festival in the Mid-South!

2 Stages 2 Days 14 Performances Children’s Village & Miller Spectacular Carnival HoopFest 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Bandimonium Battle of the Bands Run Lizard Creek Mud Run U.S. Air Guitar Competition Car, Truck, & Bike Show Crafts Village, Agri Village, Arts Village Hunting & Fishing Village, Food Trucks Coolers Allowed with Purchase of Tag

May 2017 21

Local Faces

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The beautiful, sprawling Adams Estate at Leachville was the latest destination for members of the Citizens Bank Travel Club. Fifty travelers toured numerous gardens, with impressive sculpture, fountains, ponds and waterfalls, and then visited the Adams Cotton Gin, which reportedly is among the largest cotton gins in the world.

Tina Adams, whose parents developed the estate and ginning operation in the 1990s, did not charge admission for the tour, instead asking for a donation to the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas. The Travel Club members surprised Ms. Adams by donating $500 in individual $10 bills upon their arrival at the estate.

Upcoming activities of the Citizens Bank Travel Club include a tour of the Biltmore Estate and other sites in Asheville, North Carolina on May 7-12; a luncheon and tour of the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion on Tuesday, June 13; and a performance of the rock musical “Godspell” on Sunday, June 18, at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre in Little Rock.

The Travel Club’s prime event this year will be a guided excursion through the “Canadian Rockies by Train,” which is scheduled for September 21-29.

For additional information about the Citizens Bank Travel Club and its activities, contact Chuck Jones at 870-698-6233, or chuckj@thecitizensbank.net.

1.) Travel Club members wave $10 bills they contributed to the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, with a total donation of $500. 2.) Connie Coots and Susan Harris of Batesville and Cathey Johnson of Cave City stroll through a statuary garden. 3.) Jack and

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Connie Moss of Newark visit a statuary fountain in one of several gardens on the estate. 4.) Caliene Coop (from left) and Becky Jeffery of Batesville chat in the foyer of the main home at Adams Estate with Doris Lillard of Charlotte and Kay Reynolds of Batesville.

5.) Raye Rogers of Batesville catches a ride with Tina Adams in a classy Chevy golf cart. 6.) Carolyn Penn of Lynn and Susanne Jones of Cherokee Village hug up to a gorilla statue 7.)The Adams Gin is one of the largest cotton gins in the world.

22 I know what you need...you need to make a mudpie like you once did...you don’t have to eat it, but we aren’t here to judge.

UACCB Named Arkansas’s ACT Career Preparedness Exemplar Hannah Keller Flanery

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville was named Arkansas’s ACT Career Preparedness Exemplar for the 2016-2017 ACT College and Career Readiness Campaign.

Established in 2013, the annual ACT College and Career Readiness Campaign celebrates achievement and creates awareness around the goal of college and career readiness for all. ACT developed the campaign to shine a light on the individuals and institutions doing more with less, overcoming personal or community obstacles and serving as examples to others working to improve the condition of college and career readiness for all.

The campaign identifies exemplars in each of four categories — students, high schools, postsecondary institutions, and employers — for each participating state.

ACT State Councils — comprised of education and workforce professionals in each state — selected UACCB from a group of applicants for the Arkansas ACT Career Preparedness Award and ultimately state exemplar designation.

“The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville has been deliberate and diligent in facilitating the development of partnerships with local high schools, businesses and industries. Through purposeful communication with all partners, relevant career training is developed. This provides assurance that business and industry needs are addressed and students are prepared for the work place,” said UACCB Chancellor Deborah Frazier. “For UACCB to receive recognition as Arkansas’s ACT state exemplar validates the hard work and dedication in addressing career readiness for students and their regional economic impact.”

UACCB received the ACT Career Preparedness Award for clearly communicating future career opportunities to concurrent and traditional community college students. UACCB worked with local business and industry leaders to discover the essential workforce skills necessary to improve the economic prosperity of both the employee and employer.

In 2016, UACCB awarded 419 degrees, including 140 certificates of proficiency, 70 technical certificates and 209 associate degrees. Among the degrees, 19 high school seniors concurrently enrolled earned 11 certificates of proficiency in certified nursing assistant, two in child development and six in welding before graduating from high school.

According to data in the 2016 Economic Security Report prepared through the Arkansas Act 852 of 2015, UACCB students earning technical certificates had a 92% employment rate, the highest in the state.

Registered nursing students earning an associate degree exceeded the service area median income by 25.5% and were employed at a rate 88%. Medical technician students had an employment rate of 100% and earned approximately $32,856 annually.

All state exemplars will be considered for national semifinalist status by an ACT selection committee, which will narrow the group to four national semifinalists per category. Finally, a national selection committee composed of national education and workforce leaders will choose one semifinalist per category to make up four national exemplars. These National Exemplars, along with all state exemplars and semifinalists will be honored at an ACT recognition event in late fall 2017 in Iowa City, Iowa.

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1.) Three of the friendly faces you’ll see at Brecks RV Park. The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) ribbon cutting ceremony on April 6th, to celebrate the full grand opening of Brecks RV Park in Southside. The full service RV Park is located at 897 Batesville Blvd.

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May 2017 23

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1.) The Independence County Library was awarded as 4. part of the IMPACT Mini-grants. 2.) Southside Future Story text books. 3.) Impact group at the ForwARd Thinking Conference. 4.) Leigh Keller with son, Cole, and his friends at school lunch.

UACCB GED Summer Schedule Hannah Keller Flanery

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville Adult Education Department will offer two sessions of GED classes this summer. Session I will be May 15-June 30, and Session II will be July 10-Aug. 4.

Classes will meet from 8 a.m. to noon MondayFriday. Adults 18 years and older need to register by May 10 for Session I. Individuals registered after May 10 will be placed in Session II. Session I will be taught by Tim Bennett and will cover the four subject areas of the GED Test: Math, Reasoning through Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. Session II will be computer-based instruction using Aztec Software with independent work in the program’s computer lab. Staff will be available to assist with the software, and a licensed instructor will monitor lessons.

Students will be assessed to determine their strengths and to identify any areas that need improvement. Assignments and a class schedule will be made based on assessments. All initial assessments, instruction and books are provided free of charge. The

only cost to students is a $16 testing fee for the official GED exam.

Enrollment and registration times are 8:30 a.m.

Mondays and Wednesdays. For more information, contact Nancy Whitmire at 870-612-2085 or nancy. whitmire@uaccb.edu.

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Kennadi and Stacy Pretty

24 I know what you need...you need to make a mudpie like you once did...you don’t have to eat it, but we aren’t here to judge.

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Central Magnet recently held a Science Fair Week for everyone at the school. On Monday everyone dressed up as Mad Scientist. 1.) On Tuesday and Wednesday a chemist at Future Fuels, Bill Campbell, gave a magic presentation to the younger students and a chemical demonstration to the older students. He made balanced solutions that changed colors and he also made polymers (plastic from liquids).

All the students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades made Science Fair projects and were put on display for the families to see. The students who won a first or second place ribbon went to the district fair at UACCB later in April to compete against other students in our region. On Friday every student made an edible structure from gummies, pretzels, and marshmallows. It was a great week at Central!!!

Queen Ann’s Lace

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Mothe Sunda r’s Day y,May 14th

Silk Arrangements are also available and are perfect for honoring the Memory of your mother.

We offer a variety of original floral designs, candy bouquets, balloon bouquets and a selection of unique gift items. Free gift wrap & delivery available.

Kim Gleghorn

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Gala was a record breaker in the attendance department.

Owner

(870) 569-8180

Mary Painter Floral Designer

266 E. Main St. - Historic Downtown - Batesville May 2017 25

The Pinto held their Grand Opening April 29, their coffee and comida are all that.

Come see for yourself at 100 E. Main Street in Batesv ille.

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1.) Danell Hetrick was a great asset to our Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce and we wish her much success in her next venture.

Central Magnet recently held a Science Fair for grades 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. Ms. Pam Baxter, STEM class teacher said that everyone worked very hard and in a lot of cases it was very hard to pick the top.

Above, 5th and 6th grade winners are:( Front row)- Roland Pruden, 3rd in Physical, energy; Ricki Gordon, 2nd in Earth and Space, environmental; McKenna Storlarik, 2nd in Life, Behavioral; Mike Townsley, 3rd in Life, biology; Gabby Cheney, 1st in Chemistry, biochemistry; McKenna Barton, 3rd in Earth and Space, weather; Keeley Brewer, 1st in Life, health care, and Violet Page, 2nd in Mechanical, electrical. (Middle Row)- Nathan Vickers, 1st in Physics, force and motion; Anslee Brewer, 2nd in Chemistry, biochemistry; Yolanda Ordonez, 1st in Earth and Space, environmental; Ty Fairchild, 1st in Mechanical, forensics; Trevor Finnie, 3rd in Chemistry, forensics; Parker Armstrong, 3rd in Mechanical, transportation; Keith Huskey, 2nd in Life, biology; Kalob Young, 2nd in Chemistry, chemical; and Katie Griffis, 1st in Chemistry, chemical.

(Back Row)-Hayden Sinclair, 3rd in Physical, force and motion; August Gray, 2nd in Physical, force and motion; Jarett McHale, 1st in Physical,

physics; Tye Needham, 3rd in Life, health care, behavioral; Ian Slisher, 1st in Mechanical, computer science; Hawk Bresler, 2nd in Mechanical, transportation; Kali Combs, 1st in Earth and Space, weather, space; Angeleika Epting, 3rd in Chemistry, chemical; and Trinity Wright, 1st in Life, biology.

Below, 4th grade winners are: (front row) Dillon McDougal, 3rd in Earth and Space, environmental; Johan Medel, 1st in Physical, force and motion; Ayser Hernandez, 3rd in Chemistry, chemical; Jackson Insell, 3rd in Earth and Space, environmental; Marco Valquez, 2nd in Chemisty, biochemical; Hayden Hudson, 2nd Earth and Space, environmental; and Tisha Cannon, 1st Mechanical, electrical, forensics. (Middle Row) Christopher Ramos, 3rd Earth and Space, environmental; Alec Malin, 2nd in Chemistry, chemical; Alma Vargas, 1st in Chemistry, biochemistry; Emma Jones and Eva Hamlett, 2nd in Life, health care, biomedical; Layla Barnes, 1st in Life, health care, biomedical; Keiler Clark, 2nd in Life, biology; and Josh Keener, 2nd in Physical, physics and energy.

(Back Row) Douglas Hayden, 1st in Physical, physics and energy; Dylan Richardson, 2nd in Chemistry, biomedical; Cynthia Martinez, 1st in Chemistry, biochemistry, forensics; Tila Reyes and Emily Coles, 1st in Earth and Space, environmental; Ethan Insell, 1st in Life, biology; Taelyn King, 1st in Chemistry, chemical; and Ellieanna Harmon, 3rd in Chemistry, biochemical.

26 I know what you need...you need to make a mudpie like you once did...you don’t have to eat it, but we aren’t here to judge.

Three BHS students get jumpstart on careers in health care Hannah Keller Flanery

Three Batesville High School students are getting a jumpstart on their careers in health care. Reagan Sweet, Micah Herron and Eric Arciniega will graduate from BHS this May but will also be graduating from the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville that same month with their certified nursing assistant degrees.

Marietta Candler, director of Nursing and Allied Health, said all three seniors were exceptional students.

“They are all extremely hard working and were always willing to practice their skills. They have all passed the skills and written portions of their CNA state board exam, so they will graduate high school as certified CNAs.” The three seniors are Batesville natives. They said while the CNA program at UACCB was a challenge, it was an enjoyable experience.

“It was hard but at the same time it was a lot of fun,” Sweet said. “I was interested in what we were learning and wanted to study.”

Arciniega added that he had a great support system in the UACCB faculty. “Mrs. Candler was very supportive,” he said. “I’m patient when working with others, and I wanted to do something where I could use that skill, but I didn’t know if I could do this. Mrs. Candler showed me I have what it takes to be in this field.”

Herron said working in the medical field had always been an interest for her. Sweet said her desire to enter nursing did not come until she was admitted as a patient at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

“I was at Children’s two summers ago. The nurses got to work with the babies a lot, and I thought that would be great to get to work with all of those babies.

I’d like to specialize in pediatric nursing,” Sweet said.

Arciniega and Herron said they both got a glimpse of what it would be like to work in the medical field through their volunteer work with White River Medical Center’s Volunteen program. Volunteens, formerly known as Candy Stripers, spend time in patient care

Democratic Event The Independence County Democrats will host the ACLU of Arkansas Chief Legal Director Holly Dickson on Monday, May 8th. Mrs. Dickson is a native of Batesville and a 1991 Batesville High School graduate. She will speak on issues of importance such as immigration, voting rights, and recent legislation passed in Arkansas that is believed to be unconstitutional and potentially harmful to Arkansans civil liberties.

The event, which will be held at Josie's Steakhouse Elumbaugh room, will open at 6:00 p.m. with a mixer, during which food and drinks may be ordered. The guest speaker will begin at 7:00 p.m.

The ACLU of Arkansas is dedicated to promoting,

areas delivering items such as flowers and newspapers and in support services assisting White River Health System employees and volunteers. Volunteens also receive CPR and customer service training. Herron won the Most Outstanding Volunteen award which provided her with a $500 scholarship that she used to help pay for her CNA classes.

Arciniega said he plans to go on to pursue his practical nursing degree. Herron said she is working on her prerequisite classes for the registered nursing program this fall but is undecided if she will pursue an RN degree or her bachelor’s of science in nursing.

Sweet said she was also considering an RN degree or BSN. Herron and Arciniega said they are considering working at WRMC after graduation, and Sweet said she would like to work in a clinical setting.

The three students agreed that taking concurrent courses at UACCB has given them a head start to a successful career.

“Take concurrent classes,” Herron said. “It will give you a good head start on your career, and it’s cheaper than taking classes as a traditional college student.”

Arciniega added, “Concurrent courses are also a good way to help you figure out what you really want to do. It gives you a preview into the career so you can decide if it’s for you.”

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Reagan Sweet, Eric Arciniega and Micah Herron

Local Faces

defending and expanding civil liberties in Arkansas.

These liberties include free speech, religious freedom, racial and ethnic justice, due process, privacy, LGBT rights, and reproductive freedom. The ACLU of Arkansas strives to make sure that the promises of the founders of this country, preserved in the Bill of Rights, are a reality for everyone in Arkansas.

For more information about the Independence County Democrats or the upcoming event, please contact independence@arkdems.org. www.indcodems.com / Text IDEMS to 797979 to start receiving text updates.

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May 2017 27

Smith’s Verdict ***1/2 Frost / Nixon

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.

Spoiler Warning!

What angers many American citizens more than most things in the world is when people of power get away with something they should be held accountable for. That was especially true of how practically the entire liberal population reacted when Richard Nixon resigned from the presidency after the Watergate scandal, as they see it, as a means to avoid responsibility. That he was pardoned

by Gerald Ford made them angrier, because that meant he wouldn’t stand trial or face any consequences for what he did, let alone apologize for what he’d done. Nixon was disgraced, and he agreed to a series of four extensive television interviews with British talk show host David Frost in an attempt to win over the public. What he didn’t expect was a publicly viewed ambush…

Ron Howard’s “Frost/Nixon” is based on playwright/ screenwriter Peter Morgan’s stage play of the same name, and it’s a strong, compelling retelling of real events that present a duel between an iconic figure and one who would become iconic afterwards.

Frank Langella presents a credible Nixon without foaming at the mouth in the name of exaggerating the role, which isn’t demonized. He plays a man who might regret his deeds but will try to justify them and he is too

stubborn to admit his wrongdoings. It’s a compelling portrayal that deserved the recognition it got, including an Academy Award nomination. But just as strong is Michael Sheen’s underrated performance as his adversary, David Frost, a boyishly charming, charismatic showman who has no interest in politics but sees this interview/duel with Nixon as a way to boost his career. Sheen’s depiction of Frost is fascinating, because he plays him as someone who is either a pure optimist or someone pretending to be a pure optimist while hiding nervousness and uncertainty behind a smile and outgoing personality. And think about it—if you had to go one-on-one on public television with one of the most controversial figures in the White House, wouldn’t you be at least a little uncertain about your chances of winning? (Asking that question made me pay more attention to Sheen’s performance the more times I watch this film.)

Frost was a TV personality who had a lot riding on this.

In the first place, people considered him either crazy or stupid for even thinking of interviewing Nixon—they were sure he’d say no, and if he said yes, they were afraid he’d glamorize him. He paid a fortune to arrange the interviews when all networks wouldn’t devote airtime to serious journalism. Frost won the opportunity to do the interviews when Nixon, who (along with his advisors) thought him to be a lightweight interviewer, saw his opportunity to change the image the public had of him. When Frost and his three allies—producer John Burt (Matthew McFayden) and reporters James Reston Jr. (Sam Rockwell) and Bob Zelnick (Oliver Platt)—play hardball by asking difficult questions, Nixon talks his way through and out of each issue.

It seems like a done deal—with three out of four

28 I know what you need...you need to make a mudpie like you once did...you don’t have to eat it, but we aren’t here to judge.

interviews in which Frost and Nixon are at a stalemate, there’s clearly no self-recognition from Nixon about Watergate, Frost is losing confidence, his friends (save for his supportive girlfriend, Caroline, played by an astonishingly beautiful Rebecca Hall) are becoming skeptical, and it looks like the final interview will amount to nothing. But Frost shocked the world when he managed to ask the right questions and get the right answers, leading to Nixon being humiliated (especially after saying the controversial quote: “I’m saying that when the President does it, that means it’s not illegal.”) and finally owning up to what he had done. Everyone already knew he was guilty, but they wanted to hear him say it. Thanks to Frost, he finally did. Frost became a more widely-known celebrity and Nixon was able to show his face in public again, feeling the truth had set him free.

It’s a gripping story told very well through solid direction by Howard, brilliant writing by Morgan, and excellent acting from the cast (which also includes Kevin Bacon and Toby Jones as two of Nixon’s aides). Though I have to wonder what creative liberties are taken from historic facts, I don’t let it bother me because it is such a good story and the facts shouldn’t get away from that. I know the interviews are shortened; I know certain things didn’t happen; and I’m pretty sure a late-night phone conversation between Nixon and Frost about cheeseburgers didn’t happen (I’m assuming). I don’t care. I’m enjoying “Frost/Nixon” and the battle of wits it portrays.

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WWW.KENTSFIRESTONE.COM 1316 E. Main, “at ST. Louis and Main”

May 2017 29

Things To Do

Hunter Education June 24, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. FREE Aug. 26, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. FREE Oct. 7, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. FREE This class sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is required for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1968. To hunt in Arkansas, you must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education card.

Youth under age 16 may hunt without hunter education as long as they are under the direct supervision of an adult who is 21 years of age. There is no specific age requirement to enroll in hunter education. However, the educational reading material is based on a sixth-grade reading level. Mary Zirkle, instructor. UACCB Nursing Allied Health Bldg, 927/928. Preregistration online is required. To register call 870.612.2082 or email communityed@uaccb.edu.

The annual National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 4th. As in the past, the local observance will be held during the noon hour on the 4th at the Batesvillle Municipal Building: 500 East Man Street. During this prayer service, local leaders will be guiding small groups in prayers for our nation, city, schools, churches, and families. Everyone is welcome to attend and join in prayer. A complimentary BBQ lunch will be served from 11:00am to noon by the men of John 3:16.

Lyon College Graduation May 6 from 10 a.m. to noon Southside High School Graduation May 7 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

UACCB Graduation May 8 at 5 p.m.

2017 Business Expo May 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Batesville High School Graduation May 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cave City High School Graduation May 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cedar Ridge High School Graduation May 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Midland High School Graduation May 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Lizard Creek Run Enjoy another mud loving obstacle course May 20 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Street Stock Feature Event May 20 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Batesville Motor Speedway.

John Baylor ACT® Prep Boot Camp May 30, 31, June 1 and June 6, 7, 8, 8:30 am.-noon The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville is partnering with John Baylor Prep to provide an ACT® preparation boot camp. The camp will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon each day May 30-June 1 (Tues/Wed/Thurs) and June 6-June 8 (Tues/Wed/Thurs) for a total of 6 sessions at UACCB

in Independence Hall 102 and 103. There is an optional 90-minute review day scheduled for 10 a.m. June 9. The camp will offer two courses based on applicability to the student.

The ACT® Prep course is designed for students who have scored a 19 or above on the ACT®. The second course, ACT® Fundamentals, is designed for students who have scored a 14-18 on the ACT®. The cost for the camp is $60. Need-based scholarships are available to reduce the cost of the camp to those who qualify. The deadline to register for the camp is May 19. Students planning to take the ACT® June 10 must register with ACT® by May 5 (or May 19 with added fees). For more information and to register, visit www.uaccb.edu/actsign-up or call the UACCB admissions office at 870-612-2139.

For more information about John Baylor Prep, visit www. johnbaylorprep.com.

Engineering Camps—June 19-23, 2017 Entering 6th-9th grade Explore engineering with hands-on activities during a weeklong half day program designed specifically for students entering the 6th through 9th grades. Students will spend the week exploring the different types of engineering, visiting college of engineering labs and having tons of fun! Space is limited. The top 25 students will be accepted based upon their application. Limited number of partial scholarships are available. For more information or to register, call 870.612.2082 or email communityed@uaccb.edu. Apply for engineering camp at http://engineering-camps.uark.edu/ College Prep Course-New! June 26-30, 2017, 1-5 p.m. $250 College can be intimidating for high school students. The Myers-Davis Life Coaching College Prep class as taught by Angela Davis and Dr. Edward Myers will help make your college career manageable. This 20-hour class will equip you with a knowledge base to balance your college life, how to prepare for exams, how to stretch yourself without burning out, how to manage your stress and how to make your college career a huge success. Students entering 10th-12th grades in fall 2017 are eligible. Limited number of scholarships available.

Books and materials are included. 5 sessions. UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 240. For more information or to register, call 870.612.2082 or email communityed@uaccb.edu.

WRHS Foundation Friday, June 16th at the home of Robert & Beth Christian for an evening full of entertainment, fellowship, and wonderful food to support the WRMC Breast Care Center.

Tickets may be purchased at the White River Health System Foundation 1166 Sidney Street, Batesville AR. You may also purchase tickets through the White River Health System website, www.whiteriverhealthsystem.com under the Donate Tab. Tickets are $75.00 and includes Dinner, Entertainment, & Souvenir. Date: June 16th, 2017 Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Location: 289 Wildcat Way, Batesville, AR. For more information contact Tiffany Cox at 870-262-1834 or at tcox@ wrmc.com.

Southside HIPPY Program The Southside HIPPY Program is now enrolling 3 and 4 year old children. To participate in this free Kindergarten

30 I know what you need...you need to make a mudpie like you once did...you don’t have to eat it, but we aren’t here to judge.

readiness program, call 870-251-4024. A love of learning begins at home.

Spay or Neuter Coupons The Humane Society of Independence County (HSIC) wants to remind everyone that it offers coupons worth $35 off the cost of having your pet spayed or neutered. Everyone that is having to deal with unwanted puppies and kittens can easily “fix” this problem. HSIC is offering 10 coupons per month for any dog spay or neuter, no income restrictions. They also have 10 spay only coupons (dog or cat) each month for low income families (requires proof of income under $25,000). Please call the shelter during office hours (Tuesday through Friday from Noon-5:30 p.m. and Sat 11a.m.-4 p.m.) for more information.

The shelter phone number is (870) 793-0090.

Hutchinson Community Center Available The Hutchinson Mountain Community Center at 3370 Camp Tahkodah Road is available for rent by contacting Lea Barber at 870-612-4718.

Alzheimer’s Arkansas Caregiver Support Group of Batesville Do you feel overwhelmed or frustrated dealing with

Tasty Talk

Cooking for One: Using Ground Beef

Hannah Rogers recently returned home after serving 5 years in the U.S. Coast Guard as a cook. She enjoys time with her dog, baking, hiking, and serving others.

Hannah is currently in the process of establishing Hananel Bakery in Batesville

Being a chef in the Coast Guard, I have cooked meals for just one to over 300 people. Yet, I still find cooking for one is a simple thing. For example, when cooking for one, everything can easily be bought in ones, such as one onion and one package of meat, which keeps your food fresh and expense low. A great way to make simple and easy meals for one is dividing up meats and packaged items. It is hard to buy just enough meat for a particular recipe, but by being smart and creative with the leftovers can make your next meal a quick reheat.

Below is an example using a package of ground beef, no matter how large the package, to make several different meals.

Meatloaf: - ½ lb ground beef - ¼ - ½ of an onion, chopped (and whatever vegetables you like) - Couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce - Seasoning to taste (salt, black pepper, oregano, minced garlic) - Barbeque or ketchup sauce (a couple tbsp. inside and spread on top) - Add a couple chopped up dates for a sweet flavor and minimal amount of fat - Optional: an egg and a handful of breadcrumbs. Thoroughly mix all ingredients together. Roll up in aluminum foil and bake in a pan until fully cooked. Leaving it in the foil will help keep its shape.

someone who lives with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another memory loss disorder? The Caregiver Support Group of Batesville provides opportunities for you to talk with others who really understand what you are going through. Join us every second Thursday at 5:45 p.m. in the WRMC Josephine Raye Rogers Women’s Center Conference Center. Contact Deanna Green at 443.651.9686 for more information.

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Notes from the Clearing

Bubble

Joseph Thomas She floats upon a bubble, arched like a dancer. She is beautiful, but she doesn’t know it.

She knows she blew school off because it didn’t seem important at the time. To be honest, it wouldn’t feel any more important now, but she knows a difference between intelligence and self awareness. She knows improving her selfintelligence, her self-control, her self-analysis is more important than anything, because her actions ripple repercussions through her life and she needs those repercussions to be such that she can look at herself in the mirror without regret or shame. She floats upon a wave of trying. It is hard and takes effort, but it is important. She feels delicate in so many ways, but it is just that her perspicacious wings are still folded and damp. In time they will unfold with her trying and dry with her will and she will fly above that bubble that she now floats so beautifully upon.

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Hamburger: - ½ lb ground beef - Couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce - Seasoning to taste (salt, black pepper, Montreal steak seasoning) - Optional: an egg and a handful of breadcrumbs For smaller burgers, you can also use just a quarter pound of ground beef.

Meatballs: - ½ lb ground beef - ¼ - ½ of an onion, chopped - Couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce Seasoning to taste (salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, minced garlic) - Add a handful of shredded cheese for a nice cheesy touch to your meal Roll up into mini balls for more meatballs that are easier to handle or make them into larger balls. Cook in the oven for a faster cook time. This can also be made in the crockpot while you are at work. In addition, you can similarly cook up a half pound of ground beef to use in spaghetti sauce.

All of these meals are simple, easy, delicious meals.

When dividing up meats at home to make meals like these, it is sometimes easier to cook it all up at once.

Since you are already cooking, it will not take much more effort to cook up another meal or two at the same time, especially if they contain a lot of the same ingredients. This will give you more meals that are easy to reheat when you don’t feel like cooking or need a quick meal.

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32 And just as the wind picked up, I understood that all would be well.

Wann Office Supply Home For The Holidays Home Decor and Accessories Earth Station Nursery T-Shirt Express Old Towne Mall Emboidery and Beyond PLAY Simply Southern Playhouse and Music Theatre Ascension Gym Main Street Gym North Arkansas Dance Academy BAAC Gallery on Main Gallery 246 Pocket Park Inspiration Point Poke Bayou Maxfield Park SERVICE Merchants & Planters Bank Batesville Municipal Building Independence County Office Jills Alterations Fringe Salon Electric Wonderland Tattoos and Piercings Batesville Title Services Independence County Abstract

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Central

State SHOP 1.) Melba Theatre 2.) CIX Main 3.) The Pinto 4.) Bigs 5.) Unique Nosh 6.) Elizabeth’s 7.) Village Adventures 8.) Autry’s White River Furniture 9.) Babb’s Upholstery and Boutique 10.) Siloe’ Thompson’s Jewelry Store Gossamer Wings Antiques Marshall Dry Goods, Inc Ultimate Scrubs & More Paper Chase Bookstore Ozark Furniture Outlet Hidden Treasures Boutique Batesville Gun and Pawn Small and Hip Children’s Boutique Etta’s Attic Antiques & Colllectables Randy’s Music Furniture 4 Less Batesville Computing Sleep Star Lite Back In Time Antiques Dancing Robbin 3rd Street Farm Supply Schwegman’s Office Products

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College

The Styling Room Lee & Associates Wheeler’s Boot and Shoe Repair The Studio Salon The Batesville Daily Guard Independence County Library CHRUCHES First Presbyterian First United Methodist First Baptist St. Paul’s Episcopal Fellowship Bible Church & Office WALK-A-BLOCK PARKING Bayou and Water Street Broad and College Street Central Ave and College Street Main and State Street OTHER ATTRACTIONS Geocaching, Farmer’s Market May November. Events such as Motorcycles on Main, Fall on Main Artoberfest, Haunted House, Trick or Treating.

Christmas Parade and Old Fashioned Christmas and Craft Fair.

Get a complete Main Street Map in the Barnett Building’s Main Street Office or Unique Nosh. N

We have the perfect ring for your perfect one!

Love is in the air...

Creating Memories

(870) 793-8287 2401 Harrison St, Batesville, AR 72501

Cherri Design

Formal Table Setting Cherri Rodgers has a B.S. In Interior Design from UCA. She is active in several local ministries & community projects. Most of all, she values time with her family and grandson. Cherri's Interior Design is available for both residential & commercial design or decorating needs. Cherri now has The Kitchen Shop at 2485 Harrison St. for all your kitchen needs.

A beautifully set dining table creates an inviting atmosphere for delicious food and stimulating conversation. Depending on the occasion, there are several place setting guides to follow. This month we will focus on a formal dinner place setting with two different options determined by your occasion’s needs.

The formal dinner place setting centers around the dinner plate. The dinner plate may also be called a service plate and can include a charger. Of course, it should go without saying that the dinner plate is set directly in front of the dining chair. Determined by your courses, the soup bowl or salad plate is placed on the dinner plate.

Working outward right to left from the dinner plate, the flatware is placed on both sides in a specific order. To the right of the dinner plate, the dinner knife is laid closest to the plate. The knife’s cutting edge is turned toward the plate. Still working outward to the right, the teaspoon is next. The soup spoon is next and on the outside of the setting. To restate the order, the formal dinner setting will be knife (beside the plate), teaspoon (in the middle) and

Independence County Recycle Center

We Recycle:

Plastic Bottles Steel Cans Aluminum Cans Cardboard Newspaper Glass Magazines

soup spoon (on the outside right).

Working outward on the left side of the dinner plate, the dessert fork is placed closest to the plate.

The dinner fork is next and then the salad fork is on the outside. To recap this order, the dessert fork is next to the plate, the dinner fork in the middle and the salad fork on the outside. This flatware is often placed on the cloth napkin, but ideally the napkin should be laid beside the salad fork. This placement does not require moving the flatware to get the napkin. A dinner napkin is typically a 23” square minimum, and the luncheon napkin is typically 20” square.

Just in case I have confused you in here somewhere, I am going to give you the place setting order from left to right. From the left, the order is napkin, salad fork, dinner fork, dessert fork, dinner plate, knife, teaspoon and soup spoon. Now let’s move on to the pieces placed above this setting.

The bread and butter plate is placed on the left side of the dinner plate. Basically it is centered directly above the dinner fork, if you do not lay the flatware on the napkin. If the flatware is laid on the napkin, the center of the bread plate is directly above the outside edge of the napkin. The butter spreader is laid horizontally across the top of the bread plate. If you use a salad bowl, move the bread plate outward closer to the salad fork.

Above the dinner plate on the right side will be the drinkware. There are a couple of options depending on the drinks you are serving. One option includes a water goblet, red wine and white wine glass in this order left to right. To place the goblet and red wine glass, your guide will be the dinner knife. The knife tip will be pointed in the space between the goblet and wine glass. The white wine glass is almost directly above the soup spoon. Option two is a wine glass, water/beverage glass and coffee cup in this order. The beverage glass sits directly above the knife, which places the wine glass above the dinner plate.

The coffee cup is on the outside right next to the beverage glass.

Before wrapping this up, let’s revert back to the flatware briefly. If dessert requires a spoon instead of a fork, the dessert spoon is placed horizontally directly above the dinner plate with the handle pointing right.

Remember that only forks are placed on the left side of the plate.

A well-set dining table welcomes dinner guests and entices conversation. Whether hosting a formal dinner or dining at a formal event, may you find this information useful. Next month we will discuss place settings for casual meals. N

870 793 8892 110 Environmental Drive Batesville, AR Call to receive your FREE RECYCLING BIN today!

34 I know what you need...you need to make a mudpie like you once did...you don’t have to eat it, but we aren’t here to judge.

Seniors, can we talk?

Dental Issues

Caroline Beauchamp is a local insurance agent for M & P Insurance & Investment Services. She offers personalized life and health insurance solutions and is known for her widelypublished informational column, ‘Caroline, Can We Talk?’.

All dental insurance is not created the same. Ruth and I met with several of her friends who were asking about dental insurance. Whether losing their dental insurance through their employer, needing a root canal or a crown replaced or just having a check up when your budget was tight -they had questions. You may have them, too.

There is no “enrollment period” for dental insurance.

You may enroll or change companies anytime you want to.

Services may be different from plan to plan. Let’s talk about two typical comprehensive dental plans and some services you may want to compare. The deductible. Plan #1 has a $20 deductible while plan #2 has a $50 deductible.

Comprehensive dental plans provide preventive services, minor/basic services and major/restorative services. Both of these plans pay 100% for two (2) cleanings a year and x-rays once a year, after the deductible has been met and assuming you go to network provider.

Network provider? Yes. Ask your dentist’s office if they are in the dental plan’s network or ask the agent that’s helping you. If your dentist is not in the network, your benefits will be different.

Minor/basic services are usually paid by the plan at 80% and you pay 20%. What is considered “minor/basic benefits”? Plan #1 covers fillings, root canals, oral surgery, periodontics and extractions. Plan #2 covers fillings and extractions.

Major/restorative services are usually paid by the plan at 50% and you pay the other 50%. Services considered major/restorative in Plan #1 include crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, surgical periodontics and partials.

Plan #2 includes crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals,

periodontics, oral surgery, partials.

Let’s look at this closer. Plan #1 covers some services at 80% (root canals for example) while Plan #2 covers those same services at 50%.

How much will the insurance company pay on your behalf every year? Both of these plans will pay up to $1000 a year. What if you don’t use all of your yearly benefit? Plan #1 has a “rollover benefit”. If you have had at least one claim during the year and your total claims did not exceed $500, they will “rollover” $350 to the next year. The second year your benefit would be $1350 ($1000 + $350 rollover).

They will continue to “rollover” $350 every year you qualify until your total benefit is $2000. Plan #2 does not have a “rollover benefit”.

How long do you have to wait before you can use it?

Preventive services are provided by both plans immediately.

Minor/basic services are provided by both plans after 6 months. Major services are provided by Plan #1 after 6 months and Plan #2 after 12 months. If you have current dental insurance, you may be able to waive this waiting period – ask about those details.

Want to talk about your dental issues? Call me at 501868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?” N

May 2017 35

IMPACT Independence County Plan Impacting Residents in Big Ways Jamie Rayford

It has been almost two years since more than 300 Independence County residents came together to voice their visions of the future for their county to the creators of IMPACT Independence County, a 10-year strategic plan designed to promote economic development and improve the quality of life for Independence County residents. Since that time, leaders and volunteers with IMPACT have put countless hours into bringing the residents’ vision to life, and the evidence of that hard work is beginning to show.

In July 2015, the Batesville Chamber of Commerce, Lyon College and the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville partnered to launch IMPACT. The first step was to gain input from residents across the county about ways they felt the county could be improved over the next decade. Volunteers put forth every effort to ensure all residents had the opportunity to participate including translating surveys into Spanish and providing free onsite childcare at the initial community meeting to launch IMPACT. More than 1,200 survey responses were received, reflecting the countywide excitement for the plan.

“We knew from day one this would be a challenging but very necessary undertaking,” said Crystal Johnson, Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce CEO and President. “The most important piece to the development of the plan was to gather input from our residents.

The steering committee had hundreds of discussions throughout Independence County over the course of a few months. I was proud of the level of ownership taken by our community in developing and now carrying out of

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this new unified vision for Independence County. ” Leaders at both UACCB and Lyon College were eager to jump on board when initially approached about IMPACT. “IMPACT Independence County is unlike anything that has been tried before in our county,” said Deborah Frazier, chancellor of UACCB. “It is unique in that it allows everyone to make an impact in our county, whether that impact is in education, transportation, entrepreneurial efforts, county beautification or other areas where citizens see a need. The overwhelming turnout at our first community meeting was a testament to the desire of our citizens to be active in the development of their communities and this region as a whole. Many of those residents volunteered to serve on the four subcommittees that were created based on the results of the initial surveys submitted by the citizens. It is inspiring to see the collaboration occurring across the county to improve our county for the benefit of all.”

The full plan was released to the public in June 2016 at the signing of an agreement between the city of Batesville, Independence County, and the Independence County library board to relocate the library to the historical Barnett Building at the heart of downtown Main Street. This marked the first accomplishment of an IMPACT objective. The library has occupied its current location on the first floor of the Jesse B. Carpenter Building since 1977. The relocation, set to be completed in 2018, will be a tremendous improvement in space, offering more than 21,000 square feet to house the library’s collection and resources, as well as provide classroom space.

IMPACT continues to gain momentum and has caught the attention of officials and organizations across the state. Gov. Asa Hutchinson attended the initial IMPACT meeting to voice his support of the plan, and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation has partnered with Independence County, as the goals of IMPACT correlate with the Foundation’s goals to increase prosperity, increase graduation rates, strengthen communities and build a nonprofit infrastructure through its “Expect More” initiative.

Jamie Rayford, chief operating officer with the Batesville Chamber of Commerce, said the “Expect More” initiative is where IMPACT’s goals for economic prosperity and education excellence intersect.

“We are focusing on aligning our county’s economic development organizations and investigating some exciting workforce development initiatives such as becoming an ACT® work-ready community and revitalizing the Independence County Public Education Foundation in order to provide career and college bound opportunities for every student in Independence County.

When these activities intersect, they create the perfect environment to consistently produce a highly skilled workforce and attract better paying jobs,” Rayford said.

The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation further

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strengthened its partnership with Independence County when the county was named one of five ForwARd Arkansas communities. ForwARd Arkansas, a partnership between the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, Walton Family Foundation and Arkansas State Board of Education, is committed to helping every Arkansas student graduate prepared for success in college and the workplace. As a first step in working with the five communities, ForwARd hosted the ForwARd Thinking Conference in March at UACCB in Batesville.

“We were fortunate to have gained a partner in the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation whose vision is moving the needle from poverty to prosperity for all Arkansans,” said Phil Baldwin, IMPACT steering committee member and CEO of Citizens Bank. “The Foundation has been an integral part of challenging our committee to think differently about the possibilities in Independence County. It has connected Independence County with statewide campaigns, initiatives and contacts with vital research and similar goals including ForwARd Arkansas, which has created quite a buzz in our community.”

As a result of the collaboration between the IMPACT Educational Excellence subcommittee and ForwARd, the first Independence County Education Summit will be held August 11, 2017. Batesville, Cedar Ridge, Midland and Southside School Districts will participate in the summit, which will include over 350 participants representing all districts including parents, students, teachers, administrators, classified staff, curriculum specialists, instructional facilitators and board members.

In addition to the strides to improve educational opportunities in the county, the IMPACT Tourism subcommittee has set its sights on retaining the current workforce and attracting new businesses to Independence County by improving the quality of life for residents.

“This committee has been on fire from the first time we got together,” said Carter Ford, IMPACT Tourism subcommittee co-chair. “We engaged state agencies in our tourism research, addressed the quorum court, and boldly asked our residents to privately donate funds to get our tourism program off the ground while we proposed an advertising and promotions (A&P) lodging tax to sustain it. It was a crazy year, but our community responded to the challenge. We were able to hire a tourism director in July 2016 who has hit the ground running.”

The Batesville City Council unanimously approved a 3% lodging tax assessed on all lodging stays in January 2017. This funding is managed by an appointed A&P commission entrusted with advancing the advertising and promotion of tourism assets. As soon as Kyle Christopher stepped into the role of tourism director, he began working on IMPACT tourism objectives that will lay the foundation to meet future goals including plans for wayfinding signage, a comprehensive marketing campaign to attract visitors, an upcoming Food Truck Friday event, and coordination with other organizations that have tourism offerings.

Robb Roberts, IMPACT steering committee member and former chairman of the chamber board of directors,

said goals that have been achieved so far through IMPACT would not have been possible without the support of organizations and businesses within the county.

“One thing that we cannot go without mentioning is the gratitude we have for the organizations who continue to walk beside us in this marathon of community development,” Roberts said. “Main Street Batesville has been progressive in planning and aggressive in implementation of projects that accomplish IMPACT objectives. Entrepreneurs in our community have invested and risked everything to add to the atmosphere dreamed of by our residents. With IMPACT mini-grant awards, The Batesville Area Arts Council has brought arts and cultural education to the community with an annual event funded by the IMPACT mini-grant program and the Independence County Library now has public computers for children for the first time ever. Also, awarded minigrants were Southside School District which expanded its preschool to accommodate more students on a waitlist and purchased equipment and textbooks so their students can take advantage of career training courses and Midland School District in order to try a new innovative learning management system to improve the lives of their teachers and provide more and better educational resources for students and families. The list could go on and on. We cannot thank these organizations enough for joining us in hearing our residents and working toward making their dreams a reality.”

For more information on how IMPACT is making a difference in Independence County and how to get involved with the efforts to improve the region, visit www.impactindependencecounty.com.

N 1.) Artoberfest mini-grant. 2.) Crowd for the initial IMPACT Meeting. 3.) Southside Pre-school mini-grant. 4.) Dr. Weatherman, Deborah Frazier, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Crystal Johnson, speakers for the initial IMPACT Metting.

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May 2017 37

Support Our Advertisers American Floor Care--------------------------- 21 Arkansas Hospice------------------------------ 28 Autry’s------------------------------------------- 5 Back In Time Antiques------------------------- 19 Bad Boy Mowers-------------------------------- 6 Batesville Poultry Equipment Inc.------------- 21 Batesville Printing Company------------------- 8 Batesville Spine & Health Solutions------------ 3 Batesville Title Services----------------------- 21 CustomEyes Vision Care of Newport----------- 8 DownTown Guide------------------------------ 20 DQ Grill & Chill--------------------------------- 38 Eagle Pest ------------------------------------- 21 Elizabeth’s Restaurant & Catering------------- 19 Etta’s Attic-------------------------------------- 19 First Community Bank-------------------------- 2 Independence County Recycling Center------ 34 Jonathan’s Fine Jewelry----------------------- 33 Kallsnick, Inc.---------------------------------- 17

Volunteers Needed Shirley Stuckey

Old Independence Regional Museum is currently recruiting volunteers ages 12 and older. We are a non-profit organization whose staff is mostly volunteers. Volunteers are the heart of the operation since they are the people who greet the public, explain the exhibits, answer questions, accept payments, and give tours. We also have opportunities in special events and school programs. Volunteering offers the excitement of discovery, the opportunity to develop new skills, the reward of participating in a vital and growing organization.

It also offers the chance to develop new friendships with people of similar interest. Though some volunteers bring specialized skills, all that is required is interest, enthusiasm and a willingness to work at least one 4 hour shift per month. Volunteering also provides experience for future employment reference, college scholarships, and community support.

Volunteers are requested to commit to a definite schedule of work and be dependable, responsible and prompt in fulfilling assigned duties. If you should be unable to fulfill your appointed time of service, you are asked to inform the Docent Coordinator as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please call me at 870- 793-2121 or 870376-5568. Or you may stop by the museum. We are located on the corner of Ninth and Vine at 380 South Ninth Street in Batesville. You may also email me at: shirleystuckey.from.oirm@gmail.com.

We are open Tuesday through Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You may also want to visit our website at www.oirm.org for more information. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for seniors and $1.00 for children.

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KBAP 88.1 FM----------------------------------- 7 Kent’s Firestone-------------------------------- 29 Lindley Health & Rehab------------------------ 28 Merchants and Planters Bank------------------ 9 NADT Dance Academy----------------------9, 29 Natalie’s Cafe, Casseroles and Catering------ 35 Portfest 2017----------------------------------- 21 Queen Ann’s Lace------------------------------ 25 River City Print and Office--------------------- 16 Robert O. Seat Photography------------------ 11 Southern Tire Mart------------------------------ 5 Studio Salon----------------------------------- 19 The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce-----64 The Property Shoppe--------------------------- 5 Thompson’s Jewelry--------------------------- 20 Unique Nosh------------------------------------ 21 White River Health System--------------------- 9 Wood-Lawn Heights----------------------------- 3

755 St. Louis Street Batesville 870-793-3303 38 I know what you need...you need to make a mudpie like you once did...you don’t have to eat it, but we aren’t here to judge.