August 2015
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Fundraising Fever
Eye On Independence
Cast the Vision Thirteen Years of HSIC A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.
In This Issue 6/ Editor’s Note Heartfelt
8/ Batesville Area Arts Council 9/ DownTown Guide 12/ Cover Story
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Humane Society of Independece County
16/ Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista Vacation, All I Ever Wanted
18/ Lessons in Tutoring 20/ Feature Fundraising Fever
22/ Smith’s Verdict *1/2
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones
24/ Things To Do 24/ Notes from the Clearing New Horizons
26/ Faces 31/ The Myopic Life Cast the Vision
36/ Experiencing God in the Everyday Proverbs
Kacey Clare Burge received her Master’s degree in Professional Writing from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2011. Relocating to Tampa, Florida proffered the opportunity to write for a Southwest Florida lifestyles magazine. Her outstanding work won her the attention of editors and readers alike, prompting her to be featured in REAL Magazine as a contributing copy writer and editor. She has also done work 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 and three rescue dogs, enjoying the outdoors and exploring what the state of Arkansas has to offer.
Kristi Price is on staff with Fellowship Bible Church of Batesville as Ministry Coordinator. She enjoys conversations about community and connection, and she loves small town living. Kristi is married and mother to three children.
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.
Chad Grigsby is a 32 year old native of Tennessee but now calls Arkansas home. He is the Pastor for Teaching & Shepherding at the Compass Church. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Jessica and they have one son, Ezra.
Meet Your Writers...
Leigh Keller is a high school guidance counselor and colorguard instructor at Batesville High School. She is the director of the BHS Glass Slipper Project. Leigh lives in Batesville with her son, Cole, and a pack of dogs.
Alisa R. Lancaster is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS) North Central office and serves as faculty for the UAMS College of Nursing. She has been with the UAMS system since 1994. Alisa earned her Master’s and two post Master’s certificates in Advanced Practice Nursing from UAMS. She is passionate about the health and wellness of others. Alisa is married to Scott Lancaster, General Counsel for Bad Boy Mowers, Inc. and its affiliated companies. Together, they have four children, two daughter-in-laws, five grandchildren, and two very spoiled puppies.
Guest Writer Eye On Independence received the 2012 Innovative Project award, which is presented to an agency or organization for outstanding, innovative, continuous or effective coverage of literacy issues, resulting in positive change or improvement.
Autumn Hunter obtained a Wildlife Biology degree from Arkansas Tech University. She worked in a number of zoo organizations training birds of prey for educational performances. Currently, Autumn works for North Arkansas College as an Educational Talent Search (ETS) Counselor hosted at UACCB. The E.T.S. program is a national student assistance TRIO program. Autumn does college preparation workshops each month at Cave City, Midland, and Pangburn highschools.
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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.
THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com PUBLISHER: Kimberlee Thomas Associate EDITOR: Joseph Thomas MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas Cover Photography submitted by HSIC Cover Design by Joseph Thomas
ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Creative Director : Joseph Thomas
AD DESIGN Department: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas PROOFING Department: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: Rockwell Publishing
For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Kimberlee Thomas, 870.503.1150, kthomas@eyeonmag.com.
Editor’s Note Heartfelt
Joseph Thomas Well, welcome to August in Independence. The heat has been worn by us all at this point and one more month should see us to more bearable temperatures. Please read along to find our new writer Kacey Burge. We welcome her and her well held pen to the Eye On Family. She brings us photo by Robert O. Seat our cover on the Humane Society of Independence County in their 13th anniversary and Autumn Hunter brings our third installment on the homeless issue in Independence and the brilliant efforts to aid in that circumstance. Leigh Keller speaks of vacation, Kristi Price talks of casting the vision and Chad Grigsby shares some Proverbs. Tanner Smith reviews Paranormal
Activity: The Marked Ones. There are many press releases and beautiful local faces to see. Kimberlee and I hope you enjoy Eye On Magazine and look forward to seeing you at Chill Factory and all over Independence...and we want to extend a heartfelt thanks for all of your compliments of the shop and our work in Eye On, we love hearing your thoughts of the magazine and the sweet treats at the shop. Have a great month and we’ll see you in September. Oh, we have published the Lyon College Dean’s List on our website shown below. We congratulate those listed for their dedication to their education. We also appreciate those educators who make that eduation so very valuable indeed. We also would like to bid a fond farewell to friend, Dr. Tim H. Lindblom. He will surely be missed and as bright as Independence County’s future is, it will surely be dimmer without he and his lovely bride. We wish them safe travels. N
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United Way Prepares for Stuff the Bus and Best Foot Forward Allison Phelps
United Way of North Central Arkansas will launch its annual effort to collect school supplies and other basic items to ensure that every child in Independence County is properly equipped to succeed in school this month. United Way and Citizens Bank launched “Stuff the Bus” in 2013 to collect school supplies. Last year, the Wood Family of Dealerships joined the campaign with “Best Foot Forward,” which seeks the donation of new athletic shoes for children who need them. During the remainder of July and through Aug. 1, school supplies and athletic shoes will be collected at The Wood Family Dealerships; at Citizens Bank locations in Batesville, Cave City and Pleasant Plains; and at Anytime Fitness in Batesville. Cash donations will be accepted at the collection points, online at igfn.us/f/i6l/n, or you can text “STUFF 10 Your Name” to 41444 to make a $10 contribution to this cause. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, school buses will be stationed at Walmart, 3150 Harrison St., and also at the Wood Family Dealerships, 1674 Batesville Blvd., to collect school supplies and shoes. That date also coincides with the annual Arkansas sales tax holiday, which means the money used for contributions will go even further. Allison Phelps, Executive Director of the United Way of North Central Arkansas, said “The school supplies and shoes will be distributed to children based on need at schools in four school districts – Batesville, Cedar Ridge, Midland and Southside – with a goal of providing the supplies to the students before school starts.” Additionally, Phelps said, “We are excited to see this
initiative grow each year. The John Herman Hickman Foundation of Peco Foods and The Batesville Rotary Club have each pledged $1000 for “Best Foot Forward”, The Wood Family Dealerships will donate one pair of shoes for each car or truck they sell during the month of July and Anytime Fitness of Batesville will donate one pair of shoes for each new member that joins during the month of July.” “We hope everyone will join us in providing students with the necessary supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn,” Phelps said. “As Back-toSchool season gets under way, we hope everyone will pick up a few extra items and help us ‘Stuff the Bus’ and put our ‘Best Foot Forward’!” For more information, or to contribute to Stuff the Bus, contact United Way at 870-793-5991 or email at info@ liveunitednca.org. N
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UACCB Student Makes Non-Traditional Choice Luanne Gregory
As a student at Southside High School, Anna Heatherly enjoyed music more than anything. Encouraged and inspired by the school’s choir director, Angie Weaver, she dreamed of pursuing a career in music. As she entered her senior year in high school, her career path took an unexpected turn. “Southside has a great program through UACCB, which offers students an opportunity to try classes that they might not otherwise be exposed to,” said Heatherly. “When I was looking at my options, my stepdad and uncle really encouraged me to try the beginning welding class. At first, I thought the idea was kind of crazy, but decided to do it on a whim. After all, it was one class and if nothing else, I could add a skill to my resume.” What really surprised Heatherly was how much she liked the class and how natural the process became as she progressed. “It was when I signed up for the second semester that I started thinking about the possibility of welding as a career. So many young adults are graduating from college and finding the job market in their chosen fields have few jobs or do not pay enough to make a living. I didn’t want that to happen to me, and I really liked what I was learning in my welding class. Suddenly, I realized that I didn’t have to choose between music and welding. I could still enjoy music, finding outlets for the talent Ms. Weaver had helped me to develop,
Anna Heatherly and still choose a career in a promising field, which I also enjoy. It turns out that UACCB covered both my ‘A’ and ‘B’ plans for my future.” “It is very rewarding to learn of experiences like Anna’s,” said Deborah Frazier, UACCB Chancellor. “Giving students an opportunity to try out different career options before committing themselves to a particular path is one of the benefits we experience from working through local high schools to offer concurrent credits and technical instruction. Students have the opportunity to graduate high school, fully trained and ready to begin their careers. Anna has chosen to pursue her associates of arts degree from UACCB, while continuing her welding classes. I have no doubt that she has a promising future ahead of her.” About UACCB The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville is a two-year college, providing access to education for the people of north central Arkansas. UACCB provides quality Technical Certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree programs in occupational technical areas, a college parallel transfer curriculum including Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, customized training for business and industry, continuing education programs for life-long learning and personal enrichment, and adult education. In 2014, UACCB enrolled over 2,000 students. N
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Eye On Cover Story Humane Society of Independece County Kacey Clare Burge
“Help for the helpless. Defense for the defenseless. A voice for the voiceless.” A Bit of History It takes a village to raise a child but when it comes to the Humane Society of Independence County, that saying takes on a whole new meaning. For them, it takes a COMMUNITY to BUILD a shelter. From fielding calls in their personal homes to six pens in a flood zone, the Humane Society of Independence County has endured its share of challenges over the years. Now preparing to celebrate 13 years in their very first building turned shelter, the HSIC is a shining example of what can happen when a community bands together, working toward a common goal. In the 1980s, the Humane Society lost a lot of its members and subsequently became a nonexistent organization. It wasn’t until December of 1995 that a group of residents recognized the importance of the Humane Society and got together to resurrect it. With the organization officially in place, the Humane Society of Independence County still had no physical location, no central home front to work from and no place to house the homeless animals. For animal lover and shelter ambassador, Bev Finch the struggle was real. She felt the weight of this problem and can tell
you stories of the endless days and nights she and another volunteer spent taking calls from their personal homes about the countless number of animals in need around the community. In the late 1990s, they were fielding approximately 3,000 calls a year between their two houses. Something had to give. Bill Burrus, Independence County’s animal control officer at the time, had a temporary solution. He allowed for 6 pens to be placed on the property yard of Animal Control in an attempt to help curb the space problem that goes along with not having a physical shelter location. It was a bandaid solution but better than nothing. However, in time the outdoor pens on the property of Riverside Park presented one predicament after another; too hot of summers, too cold of winters, lots of mud and a problem flood area. Finch recalls one particular night when the river flooding was so severe that she had to go in the middle of the night to move the pens to higher ground because the water levels were up to the yard with the dogs. She spent the whole next day trying to sort through the muddy mess and find dry land suitable for the pens to be rebuilt upon. It was a breaking point for her and the organization: a shelter was a dire necessity to protect and properly care for these animals. In
her desperation, Bev reached out to Gary Bridgeman at WRD and Pat Jones at The Guard in hopes she could generate some support. It turned out to be the golden ticket. Radio ads through WRD began running the very next day and continued numerous times a day for several months. The Guard placed advertisements in the paper and even hosted a benefit auction that raised $10,000 seed money. From here, the response to the publicity catapulted the HSIC into the forefront of peoples’ minds, prompting generous donations from all around the area, including overwhelming support from the Low Family. The HSIC was collecting monetary contributions everywhere from small surrounding towns to metropolitan Little Rock to right here at home. Within 2 years, they raised $100,000, ultimately enabling them to fulfill their destiny of becoming the safe haven for the local homeless animal population. With the help of the great residents of Independence County raising money and getting down and dirty on the construction site to the licensed plumbers and electricians that donated their time, skill and materials for the cause, a shelter was officially born! Honorable Mention and National Recognition Arthur Gilbert, a longtime
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Providing Insurance and Financial Services 2860 Harrison Street, Batesville 870-793-5422 Office / 870-793-3039 Fax volunteer at the HSIC was named “Volunteer of the Year” just a few years ago. Among being nationally recognized for his outstanding performance, Gilbert got to go on an all-expenses paid trip to New York City and received tickets to the prestigious Westminster Dog Show. As a result of this notable recognition, a film crew from California came out and did a story on the Humane Society of Independence County. That’s a lot of credence for a small town in Arkansas! Fundraisers and the Bargain Hound Thrift Store The Humane Society of Independence County is a private nonprofit organization, receiving no tax dollars of any kind. Thus, the success of the shelter relies entirely on donations and charitable contributions. The HSIC keeps a full roster of fundraisers on the books to generate support year round. From fun-filled social gatherings to the Bargain Hound thrift store, the HSIC doesn’t skip a beat when it comes to hosting events or offering services to raise money for the animals. Some of the special happenings include: * Trivia Night – Trivia Night kicks off in early spring and is probably the most popular of the events at the shelter with a chili supper followed by games, door prizes, contests and more. Held at Fellowship Bible Church, seats fill up fast! Dates to come. * Flea Dips – The dog flea dips/washes go on all summer long, beginning in May and continuing through September. They occur on the first Saturday of the month from 10:00am-2:00pm on the back patio at the shelter. They are always looking for volunteers for this event which is a very popular and much needed community service. * Doggie Pool Party – The wet and wild pool party takes place late summertime after the city pool closes for the season (usually late August) with a hot dog lunch for a small donation. Contact the shelter for more information as it becomes available. * Bark in the Park - Fall brings this special event to Riverside park, usually held in early October. Some
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activities include costume contests and games, weenie dog races, and an agility course. * Portraits with Pets – Portraits with Pets takes place on the first weekend in December and is brought to you courtesy of Matthews Photography. It’s a great
Scout, our cover dog, came to the shelter in April 2013 as an “owner surrender”; he was about 2 years old at the time, shy, and is still a little shy, and we are hoping that he will find the home he deserves and become the most happy, funloving dog in the state! Scout is about 4 years old now, loves getting attention from people, walks good on a leash and would be a very devoted “best friend” to the person/family that adopts him. Love, tenderness and patience will win this sweet boy’s heart! As of 1 July 2015, Scout has been at the shelter for 819 days! These images are from the HSIC’s Pool Party pics, Trivia Contest and Bark in the Park. Photos submitted by Shelter Staff August 2015 13
opportunity to bring your furry family members out for a holiday photo shoot (by appointment only). * Meet and Greet at Petsense – A two day adoption event happening twice a month at Petsense in Batesville. It’s a great way to promote the shelter and give the animals exposure in the community, hopefully leading to an adoption. * Bargain Hound thrift store – Bargain Hound thrift store is located at 228 Ramsey Street (right behind the little barber shop). They accept any useable items ranging from clothing to furniture and everything in between. They’ve even accepted a donated kitchen sink and toilet that they were able to sell to raise money for the animals, so anything goes! Plus, any items donated are tax deductible because of the organization’s 501 (c) (3) classification. If you have any questions you can reach them at (870)793-8118. They are open TuesdayFriday from 9:30-4:30 and Saturday from 9:30-4:00. Spay and Neuter Program Sterilization has many benefits for both your pet and the community as it lowers the risk of certain medical conditions for your furry friend and helps control the population of unwanted animals and overcrowding of shelters. The HSIC has been fortunate enough to receive grants, one particular grant of $10,000, that allow for them to offer discount spay/neuters for the companion animals of the residence of Independence county who otherwise might not be able to afford it.
How You Can Help The Humane Society of Independence County is always looking for volunteers to help with all of the events on and off site that they host throughout the year. There is always a need for volunteers on the front lines at the shelter for the day-to-day operations as well. Having those that donate their time to ensuring the kennels are clean, the animals are fed, exercised and well-groomed is crucial to the success of the shelter; and the office staff that facilitates the adoption process is all truly the glue that holds the organization together. If time is an issue for you but you still want to lend a proverbial helping hand, there is always a need for certain basic cleaning and household items such as bleach, liquid laundry detergent and dish soap, paper towels, sheets and blankets. You can also donate used ink cartridges and aluminum cans for the cause. And of course, monetary donations are always appreciated or you can become a member of the HSIC for as little as $10/year. If you are interested in working with some great people toward a great cause, making a charitable donation, or committing to helping the animals via HSIC membership, contact the shelter today to see how you can help make a difference in the lives of our homeless animal population. They are sure to make a difference in yours. N
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Cinnamon is a beautifully colored Lab mix and approximately 2 ½ years old. She joined the Shelter family after her previous owners abandoned her at their home. She is extremely loving! It would be wonderful to see her find her forever home! Cinnamon has been at the Shelter for 10 months.
Chug entered our shelter after he and his siblings were dropped off at someone’s home, but he found a home quickly! Just after he left the Shelter, we got a call from a gas station close by to come pick up a dog that had shown up there. We soon discovered that it was Chug. His new owners told us they no longer wanted him. 3 weeks later a family came in and he knew they were perfect for him and they have been one happy family ever since!
Bunizi was found tied to the front porch of the shelter one morning. So, we brought her in and she immediately became a part of our large animal filled family. She is very energetic, loves to play and her cuddles and kisses will melt your heart immediately! It would be wonderful to see this lab mix find a home to call her own! Brunize has been at the Shelter for 21 months.
Burberry is a gorgeous cat and she knows it! This one year and 3 month old beauty enjoys splitting her time between eating, sleeping, and strutting her stuff! She gets along great with other cats and would make a wonderful indoor cat! Burberry has been at the Shelter for 4 Months.
Claire is a mild mannered, cuddly cat who came to the shelter with her three kittens. She is about a year old and loves lounging in the window seal! We can’t wait to see her find her forever home! Claire has been at the Shelter for 1 month.
Flash is an 11 week old kitten who was found in a box with his two sibling on the front porch of the Shelter. He is extremely cute and playful! He is such a great kitten and we hope he will find the perfect forever home soon! Flash has been here for one month.
Josh is a beautiful orange colored Lab and Shepherd mix who loves giving hugs and playing fetch! His previous owners were unable to keep him at their new home so he was brought to the Shelter. This loving boy is approximately a year and a half old and is currently looking for his forever home! Josh has been at the Shelter for 4 months.
Santa came to us back in October of 2014 after his owner could no longer care for him. He was very sick and after a couple of trips to the vet and a couple rounds of treatment, he got better and was put up for adoption! Santa was at the shelter for one month in total, but has now found his forever home and is loved very much!
Ricky was found roaming a park with a broken leg. We immediately brought him to the shelter and he tested positive for Heartworms. The vet had to amputate his leg and began heartworm treatment. Ricky’s forever home walked through the door of the Shelter, however and it was meant to be. Ricky, now living with his new family, is happier than ever!
Lil Red was brought to the Shelter when one of our workers found her stranded and starving in the snow one winter. She is a calm hound mix who loves treats and belly rubs! At approximately 3 ½ years old she is more than ready to find her forever home! Lil Red has been at the Shelter for 5 months.
Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista
Vacation, All I Ever Wanted Leigh Keller
Some of my favorite memories from growing up are of family vacations. Every summer, my parents would scrimp and save to load us up in the station wagon and just take us somewhere. Please note, some of my biggest, knock down, drag out fights with my older brother also took place in that station wagon driving off into the sunset somewhere, but that is always to be expected with siblings. My daddy’s family is primarily in California, so it was always an adventure to drive out to see them, or drive to Florida or Texas to the beach and see the ocean, gather shells, and start huge arguments right about the time we got to a huge metropolitan area, just when Daddy was trying to find our exit or connecting Interstate. You’re welcome, Daddy. Cole does the same thing to me, if it is any consolation to you. My mama talks about how we never had any extra money, but they always managed to give us everything we needed, and take us somewhere pretty much every summer. They did such a tremendous job with us that I do not remember not having any extra money, I recall having the happiest of childhoods filled with so much laughter. When we had Cole, one of my biggest priorities was to give him the same carefree childhood, filled with road trips in the summer, and lightning bugs in the backyard.
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Vacation (and as is with parenting) is less about perfection, and more about just having fun with your family and relaxing (although my mini me went thirteen, yes thirteen, hours in the car without sleeping a wink. We were all a little bit crazed when we hit Mobile and finally had to stop). I booked our rental in the spring, so I could not back out. My mama was feeling pretty courageous, so she decided to go with us. Since this was not the first summer vacation to the beach Cole has been on, he had lots of ideas on what to pack and bring along for the journey. He packed about six floaties, lots of sand toys, transformers, snacks, DVDs (a big shoutout to the Cross family for loaning us your portable DVD player, it saved my sanity somewhere in the middle of Mississippi), his precious stuffed bunny, his necessary shark flip flops and favorite blanket. We are not completely sure how we fit all of us and all of his stuff in the car for the journey. His excitement level was at an all time high, since I downloaded one of those countdown apps, so he could track the days remaining until our trip. He told everyone who would listen that we had “X” amount of days left, and were going to be at the beach for “SEVEN WHOLE DAYS!!!”. Truly the best thing about traveling with your kid is giving them new experiences (such as seeing the scary person mommy turns into in high traffic when you are singing along to your favorite DVD, sugared up, without a nap). One of my favorite moments with him is watching the joy and wonder on his face when he sees something new for the first time, like a beautiful pink sunset on the beach, or those precious sea otters at the Gulfarium, or baby alligators swimming around (in a contained space. Mama isn’t that crazy). Vacation is so much more than spending money, it is about providing opportunities for your child to see the rest of the world. You also do not have to spend a whole lot of money for your kid to have that opportunity, Cole has just as much fun chasing and catching lightning bugs in the backyard as he did trying to fly his kite on the beach during one of those gorgeous pink sunsets. The key to parenting (and I do not have it all figured out, at all) is just having time to slow down and enjoy this wonderful gift you have been given. Cole is the best thing that has ever happened to me, so I want to enjoy every single minute (even if sometimes it is him being sugared up and singing at the top of his lungs, in high traffic, in a metropolitan area) of my mommy life with him. Walking on the beach every night was fabulous therapy for me, since I needed a slowdown and some self talk to remind me that everything does not have to be perfect, and that I guess I am doing an OK job at this mommy thing. We saw lots of families with professional photographers having gorgeous pictures made (I was jealous!!)), but my mama was our photographer and I think she captured our relationship pretty perfectly. I wanted to share our “beach picture”, complete with ninja mask and Nunchuks, since that sums up wonderfully who we are. N
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Lessons in Tutoring Lauren Willette
I won’t lie. The idea of teaching someone to speak English or how to read made me feel nervous. It still does when I begin working with a new student. As an AmeriCorps member, I have multiple students, but that first meeting with that first student, it made me the most nervous. I worried, but we made it through. The lessons are meant to last about 1 ½ hours, but it certainly didn’t take that long. In fact, it took 2-3 lessons before I’d figured out how much material to become familiar with and be ready to talk about with each student. After we’d gotten in a groove, my student and I made progress. Sometimes I still feel lazy or under-prepared, but even then, when I meet my student to tutor, I feel better when I leave. That is always true. I started serving with OFLP in order to help others, but there is an added benefit, and it is that I have learned and grown a lot in the past 8 months. So, here are the three lessons that have impacted me the most during my time as a tutor with Ozark Foothills Literacy Project, in no particular order. 1. Patience is a virtue. I’ve often said, “Patience is a virtue that I can’t wait to have.” It’s funny in that “dad joke” sort of way, but it is also true for almost everyone whom I know. During the past 8 months, I’ve learned patience. It can be difficult to wait
for someone to sound out a word, and it can be difficult to repeat the same phrase multiple times for that right pronunciation. It becomes easier though, and instead of feeling awkward or unnecessary, it becomes easier and more obviously crucial. Finally, people who are learning a language or learning to read have been patient for months or years, and it is inspiring to witness their patience with themselves and others. Patience – it truly is a virtue; one I’m learning. 2. Sometimes things get awkward, and that’s okay. Sometimes things get a little weird. One student of mine has a newborn. At our first meeting the baby pooped, but not only that, it was audible. I looked up at the mother, and she was blushing. I immediately began to chuckle, and she did, too. Suddenly, it became no big deal. Now when it happens – our schedules are synced, apparently – we both laugh and take a short break, so she can swap diapers. It could have been awkward, but instead it is funny each time. Allowing my students a place to be comfortable opens up a lot of doors, and it creates a safe space where they feel comfortable, and being comfortable allows students to learn more easily. 3. Think before you speak. This sounds simple and obvious, but let me explain. English language learners need native speakers to speak more slowly. Not only that, but it is important to use straight-forward English with them. By doing this on a
daily basis (remember I’m an AmeriCorps member, so I have multiple students), I’ve also been practicing thinking before speaking. Speaking to English learners has allowed me to practice the fine art of not letting my mouth get ahead of my brain, and this has translated (pun intended) to my learning to do this more often outside of tutoring. I’m not sure that everyone needs to practice this skill, but I think most of us do. I’ve learned many things while tutoring, like some Spanish, but these are the three main lessons that stick with me most often. I knew when I began tutoring that it would be worthwhile, but what I didn’t know is that I would learn so much from my students and through the experience. Not only am I helping others, but I am also learning new things each day. Lastly, there is no greater feeling than watching something “click” with a student, when a tutor finally hits on that just-right-explanation and his or her face lights up and that lightbulb clicks on. Oh man, how wonderful! What would you learn if you began tutoring an adult? You’ll definitely change a life, and it might just be your own! Become a volunteer tutor with OFLP today! For more information call 870-793-5912 or email info@ literacyindependence.org. The Ozark Foothills Literacy Project is a United Way member agency and part of the Arkansas Literacy Councils network of adult literacy organizations. N
The Best of Modern Praise and Worship Independence Counties very own local, contemporary worship station
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Eye On Feature Fundraising Fever
Autumn Hunter
Fundraising, fundraising, fundraising…all that consumes my brain lately it seems. Since June I’ve been writing monthly articles to bring public awareness to a new non-profit in town, Community Enrichment Organization. This group of business leaders in Batesville desires to open a homeless shelter that will allow families with children to transition back into the work force while giving them a free room for up to six months. Startup costs are estimated at $35,000. (Less if a member of the community has a property they will let us use-tax deductible.) So far we have $8,000. After we get the house, then it will be time to find and train two staff, one house manager, and a handful of volunteers who will monitor and run the house 24/7. The CEO group not only pays quarterly membership dues to support this effort, but will also provide the entry level positions in our local workforce. When it all comes together we estimate it will take around $100,000 in annual operating costs. I have an update on the amount we raised at the Musician’s Concert to Benefit the Homeless. Allison Phelps at United Way set us up on their “text to donate” system for the event. She was kind enough to leave it open for a few days after the concert. An additional
$180 was raised post event for a total of $980. We really appreciate all the United Way does for Batesville. Other fundraising efforts are through a matching 3:1 grant through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas. In the overview section of the application, I learned that, “The Partnership Grant Program was developed to provide funding for the operational needs of community based organizations, nonprofits involved in affordable housing, stimulating small business development, or providing small business technical assistance.” All funds are allocated through a lottery system. The banking institution has to be a member. Only three banks in Batesville are members, Centennial, Citizens, and First Community. First Community Bank was gracious enough to sponsor us for $4,000. If we are recipients of this grant we will received $16,000. These funds will be for use in 2016. According to guidelines each organization can receive up to $36,000 in a lifetime with no more than $24,000 awarded in a year. That means we will still be eligible to receive an additional $20,000 if we apply in the future. If two banks would donate $2,500 each next year, that would give us the additional $20,000 in 2017. A special thanks to Herb Lawrence, the Vice President of Government Guaranty Lending at First Community, for assisting us with our
20 Eye On Independence - Community - Character - and a pinch of Caffeine....and Frozen Yogurt.
application and submission. Until we get a facility we could use some volunteers for fundraising. Would your church or civic organization like to sponsor us for a bake sale, fish dinner, or raffle? If you have ideas to share (or a house!) please call me at 870-612-2168. This number has changed since our article in the June issue. We also now have a Facebook page. So look for and like “A Step Forward” and keep checking back for fundraising events. We are currently working on getting PayPal set up so donations can be easy and reoccurring through the site. We will need volunteers for future events so send us a message and let us know if you would like to help out. Another interesting community improvement project is sponsored through the Chamber of Commerce, UACCB, and Lyon College called Impact Independence. On July 1st a community meeting was held in Independence Hall at UACCB to ask community members to vote on general categories of need in our county. They will take the information gathered to more specifically and strategically plan for economic development and growth in the county. They would appreciate everyone in Independence County to complete the short survey to help them assess what needs to be addressed the most. The CEO group has a future phase that addresses public transportation, a bus
route. So I made sure that public transportation was one of my top 5 votes. If you have not yet voted please do so before August 30th on Facebook or at http://www. impactindependencecounty.com/ Your opinion matters.
N
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Smith’s Verdict *1/2
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones Reviewed by Tanner Smith
What should have been a fresh new start to the “Paranormal Activity” franchise, in terms of its setting and tone, instead turns out to be a mess of a movie that should put it to an end. It’s the spin-off, or possibly the fifth film, in the franchise, entitled “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones,” and instead of taking place in a lily-white suburban house, it takes place in a working-class Latino neighborhood in Oxnard, California. It still uses the “found-footage” gimmick, which of course is a given for the franchise, but this film feels kind of like a “fan-video” instead of an actual film, as if someone watched the other four movies and then decided to make their own version with their own camera. That would explain why some of the acting is stilted in scenes where the characters are supposed to be shocked by new, supernatural discoveries (an example is when one of the characters has a bite on his arm; “Dude I think it’s a bite or something”). That’s probably not a fault to the actors, who at least try to work with the material they’ve been given, but to the writer-director Christopher B. Landon (who, to be fair, has written a better thriller in the past, 2007’s “Disturbia”). He doesn’t give them much to work with. The story centers around two post-high-school boys, Jesse (Andrew Jacobs) and Hector (Jorge Diaz) who fool around with a new video camera. They film themselves riding laundry baskets down some stairs, taking tequila shots with Jesse’s grandmother, all that fun stuff. Jesse lives in the apartment above Anna, who is found murdered, presumably by a former classmate of Jesse’s. Jesse and Hector bring their camera as they sneak into the apartment to investigate. They find signs of witchcraft, including a spellbook, and even some pictures of Jesse. What does this mean? As time goes by, strange things happen around Jesse, as Hector films it all. He is suddenly super strong, as he defends himself against two ghetto thugs, and has other abilities that transform him. But the problem is, he is changing into something that is taking away the better of him and turning him into something dangerous. This is admittedly a good story, and with better material, this could have been an effective horror film, if you kept the characters and locations, dropped the “foundfootage” gimmick (as well as the “Paranormal Activity” title, for that matter), and made some major alterations in the script (alterations to what, I’ll get to in a bit; there’s a lot that needs to be addressed). Show the process of this transformation, show how it’s really affecting the character and his family and friends, and really, just take that premise and start over with that. There’s one sequence that’s oddly both unsettling and entertaining (“Chronicle”-like, if you will); it’s when Jesse discovers he can’t fall because an invisible force always catches him. Hector films him falling backwards with something supporting him, and it even works when he falls off a chair. Of course, when Hector tries it, he falls to the
ground. Jesse and Hector upload the footage to YouTube, where of course the YouTube commenters respond negatively, claiming it’s just smoke and mirrors. That was a good scene. But that’s one good scene among one stupid scene after another. The choices these characters make are so stupid they date back to old standard horror-movie clichés. The camera has a light on it so the characters can see in dark places they explore. But when they’re being chased and don’t want to be seen, the damned light is still on, giving away their location! And the worse thing is, they never go to the authorities about everything that’s happened, even though, since they’ve been recording everything that’s happened, they have video footage that can make their story check out. Not once does it ever occur to them to bring the police into the situation. Even when they discover that a wicked coven is involved, they bring in a would-be gangster and his huge friend to check the place out. Actually, that scene in which they’re attacked by the witches who have some plan in mind (apparently, it’s to create an army of possessed people; I think I may have missed something) has the biggest unintentional laugh in the movie, as the gangster fights them off with a shotgun. Give the film some credit for having someone finally use a gun to try and fight off the supernatural, but I have to ask the question, “Was this meant to be a PARODY of the ‘Paranormal Activity’ movies?” I want my answer to be “yes,” because there is no way I could possibly take a horror film seriously when it brings in a Simon game to answer questions for the invisible demon that’s haunting the main character. That’s right. I am dead serious. Instead of a Ouija board, the characters use a Simon game to communicate with the spirit. Guys, save it for “Scary Movie 6.” What about the scares, you might ask. Aren’t there any good scares? The main jumps are of the “it’s-only-a-cat” variety. While those are fine, they can be a bit much. The main scares for me came when Jesse, now evil, discovers he is telekinetic and even tortures his dog. Being a dog-person, that made me feel uneasy. And there were some other good scares in the final act, I’ll just say. But there’s also those scenes that should be scary but are really not because of the way it’s executed, such as when the characters are hiding from someone or even when they use the old cliché of going to check on someone whose back is turned to them. Of course something bad is going to happen when that person turns around. We’ve seen this stuff before. I did like the two lead actors, Andrew Jacobs and Jorge Diaz. They’re likable in a goofy way, share great chemistry as two buddies, and are fun to watch as they react to every dangerous situation they come across. It’s no wonder the studio decided to release this film in the first weekend of January (the worst opening date you could think of) instead of giving it an October Halloween release. It’s as if they know they don’t have anything special and didn’t want many people to see it. Hopefully, someone else takes this premise and makes something
22 Eye On Independence - Community - Character - and a pinch of Caffeine....and Frozen Yogurt.
better and smarter with it. As it is, “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones” is a mess. And what’s worse is that all of these “Paranormal Activity” movies kept giving us the impression that everything was building up to something. I don’t think I care to find out what it is anymore. (Or maybe I will when the sixth film comes out.)
Oh, and there’s something else I should add that should clarify exactly how silly this franchise has gotten. Without giving anything away, there is time-travel in the final act of the film. There you go. N
First Community Bank Announces Contribution for Youth Raising Livestock Luanne Gregory
First Community Bank has made an annual $2,500 contribution through the Independence County 4-H Foundation to help area youth defray expenses in raising livestock, according to Ron Carter, supplemental premium board member and SVP Commercial Lending of First Community Bank. “At First Community Bank, we’re always looking to the future and because Independence County is an agricultural area, our future always involves helping young people who are interested in pursuing a livelihood raising livestock,” said Carter. “By working together with the fair board and other businesses, we’re able to help more young people who have an interest in this path.” Carter went on to say that thanks to a $7,000 contribution by the fair board and fair livestock trust fund, along with the $2,500 contribution by First Community Bank, a $5,000 contribution by XTO Energy and a monetary gift from Farm Bureau, each exhibiting youth receives funds to offset some of the cost involved in their show project. According to Nathan Reinhart, interim staff chair of the Cooperative Extension Agency, youth exhibiting cattle, sheep, goats, horses or swine receive a premium for exhibiting an animal. The total amount that can be awarded varies on the cost and profit potential of the animal and increases for animals which place in their divisions. Youth exhibitors must be between 5 and 19 years old and a member of either FFA or 4-H. To find out how to
participate in the supplemental premium, full details of the program are available on the Independence County Fair website at www.icfair.org. About First Community Bank First Community Bank has 16 locally owned and operated branches in northern Arkansas and southwest Missouri. Full service financial centers are located in Batesville, Jonesboro, Searcy, Bald Knob, Cabot, Cave City, Cherokee Village and Mountain Home in Arkansas, and Neosho, Goodman and Jane in Missouri. With 276 employees, the organization currently reports over $988 million in assets. N
Chase Reinhart with Calf.
The Best of Modern Praise and Worship Independence Counties very own local, contemporary worship station
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August 2015 23
Things To Do
All Over Independence
White River Water Carnival Pageant Friday, August 7 and 8 from noon to midnight at the fair grounds. Batesville Motor Speedway Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Hot laps begin at 7:30 p.m. and races start at 8 p.m. There is also an Open Practice on August 13 with the same schedule as listed above. August 14 and 15 is the 23rd Annual Comp Cams/ Corp Production Services Topless 100 with same schedule as above. All at the Batesville Motor Speedway at 5090 Heber Springs Road in Locust Grove. The final night of racing is August 28 with same schedule as above. 72nd Annual White River Water Carnival Saturday, August 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Afterglow 5K Saturday, August 29 at 9 p.m. at Riverside Park and surround area. 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 As a caregiver, family member or friend of someone who lives with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another memory loss disorder, there may be times when you feel overwhelmed or frustrated. The Caregiver Support Group of Batesville provides an opportunity for you to talk with others who really understand what you are going through, others who know just how you feel. Please 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. N
Watermelon Fest Welcomes Shenandoah Crystal Crow
Cave City’s 36th annual Watermelon Festival is set to welcome new events and Grammy award winning band Shenandoah the weekend of August 6th, 7th, and 8th. Since the 1980’s, Cave City has celebrated and shared their “world’s sweetest melons” with surrounding communities and returning friends during this annual festival. This year’s festival features old favorites like seed spittin’, watermelon feasting, and the Watermelon Festival parade and welcomes new events such as a wet zone for children, and rodeo events. Along with the new events, 2015 welcomes a new committee of festival leaders. Julie Johnson, Chairperson of the Watermelon Festival Planning Committee; “To me the Watermelon Festival is about much more than watermelons. While we celebrate watermelons during the festival, the event is about home. It's about roots, it’s about coming home. The school hosts an all school reunion the week of the festival. Many families plan family reunions around the festival. We want everyone who comes to the festival to feel like they have come home.” Activities kick off Thursday, August 6 at 5:00 p.m., Friday’s events begin at 9:00 a.m. and the festival ends with a full day of events on Saturday beginning at 7 a.m. Find a full festival schedule by calling 870-283-5301 or visit www.cavecityarkansas. info, or like the “Cave City Watermelon Festival” page on Facebook. N
Notes from the Clearing
New Horizons Joseph Thomas
I dare to turn my head and face a new direction, into the far away star light and yet undiscovered region. I see life, chaos in motion, not unlike human traffic turning and swaying, zooming and crossing. Sparked cosmic dust becoming, awakening, adapting. Magic is the product of life’s inability to be defeated. Miracles are our first sight of magic and wonders surround us all....in all directions. Stop, breathe and look... it can be seen in every direction from where you now sit....look again. N 24 Eye On Independence - Community - Character - and a pinch of Caffeine....and Frozen Yogurt.
Phil Hacker Appointed WRHS Chief Financial Officer Sheila Mace
Gary L. Bebow, White River Health System (WRHS) CEO, has announced the appointment of Phil Hacker, CPA, to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Hacker has 30 years of experience in healthcare finance in for-profit and not-for-profit healthcare organizations from 75 to over 300 beds. He has worked as an auditor, controller, Director and CFO. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. As CFO, Hacker will have administrative responsibility for all system financial operations including accounting, financial analysis, health information management and patient financial services. “After years in southeast Texas, my career has brought me back to Arkansas,” said Hacker. “WRHS is a solid organization with a strong leadership team. WRHS is well positioned to succeed in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. My family and I are happy to be in Batesville.” Hacker has extensive experience in healthcare finance. His career accomplishments include: improving reimbursement, increasing productivity, and implementing effective budget and expense monitoring controls. He works effectively with external agencies, physicians and employees to implement initiatives that improve efficiency and financial performance. “We are pleased to welcome Phil to our Senior Leadership Team,” said Bebow. “He has a firm grasp on the financial challenges facing organizations our size, and has the skills to lead his team and achieve positive results.” Hacker earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in Administration from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. He is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and Rotary International. Hacker and his wife, Sonya, recently relocated to Batesville with their three daughters. WRHS is a not-for-profit healthcare system serving residents throughout North Central Arkansas. The system includes hospitals, outpatient facilities, primary care and specialty physician office practices. WRHS is a member of the Premier Alliance, the American Hospital Association, and the Arkansas Hospital Association and licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health. N CFO, Phil Hacker
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Family owned and operated Scott Kallsnick , Vickie Kallsnick Moser, Joan Kallsnick The steeple of the historic Brown Chapel on Lyon College’s campus is getting a facelift. Maintenance crews are cleaning and painting the steeple, a well-known symbol in the Batesville community. Other internal and external revitalizations are planned for the chapel.
Photo by Stacy Pretty
Kennadi Pretty.
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August 2015 25
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The Batesville Spine & Health Solutions ribbon cutting was held on Thursday, July 16. Ambassadors in attendance included Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Janelle Shell (Citizens Bank), Julie Hinkle (Southern Bank), Bill Oliva (Community Insurance Professionals), Jennifer Corter (City of Batesville), Nathan Marlin (DHS), and Deann Castleberry (North Arkansas Home Care). Board members in attendance included Robb Roberts (First Community Bank) and David Wilkins (Living Spaces).
Stop Motion Animation Workshop
26 Eye On Independence - Community - Character - and a pinch of Caffeine....and Frozen Yogurt.
Local Physician Provides Leadership to National Organization Sheila Mace
Batesville Orthopaedic Surgeon Jeff Angel, M.D. is in the third year of a six-year term representing Arkansas on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Board of Counselors. The Board of Counselors is a 90 member advisory group elected by state and regional Orthopaedic societies, including, Canada, Puerto Rico and the United States Military. The Board of Counselors is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving orthopaedic care. Committees within the Board work with healthcare leaders to improve access to care, develop meaningful measurable quality standards, and support operative and biological innovation to improve bone and joint health. The Board offers its expertise as an advocate for patients and surgeons, to state, regional, and national healthcare policy makers responsible for health reform implementation. Specifically, Dr. Angel is working with committees that are charged with developing the quality metrics and outcome measures that are a part of the national health reform. These outcome measures will be publically reported, providing a new level of transparency in healthcare. Outcomes will be important as future payment models reflect the value of quality care. Dr. Angel will help his colleagues integrate the new standards into their practices. For example, Orthopaedic Surgeons are working with primary care physicians, other healthcare professionals, and patients as a team to assess the patient’s readiness for complex orthopaedic procedures. This multidisciplinary approach has shown to improve patient outcomes, reduce unintended hospital admissions, and improve the level of functional recovery for patients after joint replacement and other orthopaedic procedures. “Quality metrics are much more than numbers on a page,” said Dr. Angel, “Every number is a patient who is someone’s mother, father, or family member. Improving the lives of the patients we serve is the fundamental reason most physicians
Johnson Now Accepting Patients in Hardy Nathaniel Hill
Jennifer Johnson, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), is now seeing patients at the WRMC Medical Complex-Hardy Clinic, located at 195 Hospital Drive, Suite B in Cherokee Village. Johnson provides primary healthcare to patients of all ages. She sees patients alongside Dr. Terry Burns and Virginia Hartness, APRN. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. She is certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center and licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. “I look forward to providing care to the community of Hardy,” said Johnson. Johnson has more than 15 years of nursing and healthcare experience. She is focused on providing quality care to her patients, as well as maintaining direct communication with her patients and the healthcare community.
choose a career in medicine. I am eager to be part of the solution that will improve orthopaedic care.” The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has developed a website, www.anationinmotion.org, with information about orthopaedic conditions and the socioeconomic impact of bone and joint illnesses. Orthopaedic health problems are the leading cause of physical disability in the United States. In 2014, 440 million days of missed work and 25% of all disability claims were related to orthopaedic conditions. Dr. Angel and his colleagues are providing patient care and implementing change at the local, state and national level to make sure that patients continue to have access to high quality orthopaedic care that improves health, restores or maintains mobility and quality of life. Dr. Angel practices at MPOC Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Clinic in Batesville along with Drs. J.D. Allen and Dylan Carpenter. Dr. Angel is also active in the local community providing sports medicine support to Batesville High School and Lyon College. N
Jeff Angel, M.D.
“We are pleased to be able to provide more options to quality primary care for the Hardy community,” said Gary Bebow, White River Health System Administrator/CEO. “Jennifer is very experienced and is a welcome addition to our Hardy Clinic and community.” Johnson is accepting new patients. She sees patients at the WRMC Medical Complex-Hardy Clinic on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:00am to 5:30pm. Appointments can be made by calling (870) 257-6060 N
Jennifer Johnson, APRN August 2015 27
Smart Thoughts Janet Smart
Eye On
Independence is this many
Don’t Limit Your Child’s Potential
80% of information is presented visually to a child, therefore good vision is important for their educational, physical and social development Make an appointment today for a thorough vision examination and make sure your child doesn’t lose sight of their dreams. CustomEyes Vision Care of Newport 2105 Suite A.,Macolm Ave Newport AR 72112 870-523 3333 CustomEyes Vision Care of Pocahontas 110 W Broadway Pocahontas, AR 72455 870-892-9169 CustomEyes Vision Care of Trumann 807 W Main St Suite A Trumann AR 72473 Dr. Gavin McDowell and Dr. Amy Tolbert 870-483-0096
Keep children safe from poisons in your home Young children typically put all kinds of things in their mouths — it’s part of how they learn. Unfortunately, many household products can be deadly if swallowed, and extremely harmful (if not poisonous) when inhaled or put in contact with the skin or eyes. Children move very quickly so it’s critical to take preventive steps so your young child is less likely to get his or her tiny hands on the wrong thing. Parents of young children aren’t the only ones who should think about poison prevention. If you’re a grandparent, or have friends or relatives with young children, you’ll want your home to be safe for children. • Common household products — Many items generally considered harmless to and adult, such as over-the-counter medications or cosmetics, are potentially dangerous to a young child. Here are a few examples: • Medicines — Vitamins and minerals, cold-relief medicines, allergy and asthma medicines, ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen. • Household products — Moth balls, furniture polish, drain cleaners, weed killers, insect or rat poisons, lye, paint thinners, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil — and even dishwasher detergent Safety rules • Keep harmful products locked up and out of your child’s sight and reach. • Use safety latches or locks on drawers and cabinets where you keep dangerous items. • Call medicine by its correct name — don’t confuse your child by calling medicine candy. • Always replace the safety caps immediately after use.
• Keep products in their original containers. • Read labels with care before using any product. • Do not take medicine in front of small children. Children tend to copy adult behavior. Emergency numbers • Call 911 immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms: • Difficulty breathing • Severe throat pain • Burns on the lips or mouth • Convulsions • Unconsciousness • Extreme sleepiness If your child doesnʹt exhibit any of the serious symptoms listed above, call the Poison Help Line at (800) 222-1222. This number will connect you to emergency help in your area. Keep the number by every phone, along with your doctor’s number, and enter these numbers into your cell phone as well. Important note: Donʹt have your child vomit unless directed to do so by a medical professional. Personal supervision Despite your best efforts to create a safe environment for children, accidents can still happen. Your personal supervision, or that of another trusted adult, will always be the most valuable protection. Call me for more information, and share this with your family and friends so they too can keep their children and homes safe from poisons.
Janet Smart Agency 870-793-5757 jsmart@farmersagent.com 11 Eagle Mtn Blvd Batesville, AR 72501 Arkansas Insurance Producer License No. 344724
Castleberry Accepts Position as WRHS In-House Counsel Sheila Mace
White River Health System (WRHS) CEO, Gary L. Bebow, has announced the appointment of T. Lindsey Castleberry as in-house legal counsel for WRHS. Castleberry submitted his resignation as Batesville’s City Attorney to Mayor Rick Elumbaugh on Thursday July 2, effective immediately. The Mayor notified the City Council of the resignation at the following City Council meeting. As in-house counsel, Castleberry will serve as the legal representative of WRHS. He will provide legal advice to the WRHS Board of Directors, Medical Staff, Administrators, and Department Directors of the organization in decision-making with regard to risk in areas of healthcare law. He will review all contractual relationships, provide oversight of external counsel, and provide direct corporate compliance and risk management programs. “We are pleased to have Lindsey join our leadership team,” said Gary L. Bebow, FACHE, WRHS CEO. “With the growth of our organization and rapidly changing environment, the addition of in-house counsel will be an asset to our organization.” A Batesville High School graduate, Castleberry, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. He earned a Juris Doctorate from the
University Of Arkansas School Of Law and was admitted to the Arkansas Bar in 2007. His experience includes private practice and four years as the Batesville City Attorney. Castleberry and his wife, Deann (Lewallen) Castleberry reside in Batesville. N
Local KIds Share Their Visions for IMPACT Independence County Danell Hetrick
Children throughout Independence County have shared what they would like to see in the community as a part of the IMPACT Independence County strategic planning initiative. IMPACT Independence County volunteers distributed blank sheets of paper to children ages 10 and under at the IMPACT Independence County Community Meeting on July 1 and during the Independence County Fair. “It is so nice to see our future generations sharing their thoughts about our community. We have seen some very interesting ideas and artwork come from this project—from swimming pools to environmental awareness. We shouldn’t overlook the important input that children can contribute to IMPACT Independence County,” said Crystal Johnson, President/CEO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. The kids’ IMPACT Independence County artwork is held at the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. If your child would like to contribute to this project, contact IMPACT Independence County at (870) 7932378 or info@impactindependencecounty.org. N
T. Lindsey Castleberry
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30 Eye On Independence - Community - Character - and a pinch of Caffeine....and Frozen Yogurt.
870-793-7136
First Community Bank’s Donation Aimed at Area Youth Luanne Gregory
First Community Bank has made a $5,000 donation to the Independence County Shooting Sports Foundation to benefit the youth programs, according to Dale Cole, First Community Bank’s CEO and chairman of the board. “We feel that our contribution to the complex is an investment in our youth. While shooting sports have always been an important part of our area, its impact is much broader than Independence County,” said Cole. “In addition to teaching safety and responsibility, participating in shooting sports opens doors for area youth to additional opportunities for the future. Many colleges now recruit students who excel at shooting sports, making valuable scholarships available to them. Who knows? In the future, we may even have one of our area youth compete in one of the shooting sports events in the summer Olympic Games.” The Independence County Shooting Sports complex features three skeet and five trap fields, an archery field, a clubhouse, an educational center, pavilions and grilling facilities. While the range is open to the public during designated hours, priority is always given to Arkansas Youth Shooting Program participants. To find out more about the complex, visit www.indcotrap.net or call the facility at 870-698-0361.
About First Community Bank First Community Bank has 16 locally owned and operated branches in northern Arkansas and southwest Missouri. Full service financial centers are located in Batesville, Jonesboro, Searcy, Bald Knob, Cabot, Cave City, Cherokee Village and Mountain Home in Arkansas, and Neosho, Goodman and Jane in Missouri. With 276 employees, the organization currently reports over $988 million in assets. N
Sam Fiser, Treasurer of the ICSS, Dale Cole, Chairman and CEO of First Community Bank, and Rick Reed, current president of the ICSS board.
The Myopic Life Cast the Vision Kristi Price
Cooperation and collaboration are two of my favorite words ever. From their round and friendly sounds, to their shared Latin root co- meaning “together,” to their similar definitions, they are the heartbeat of what moves me – people working and laboring together to achieve mutual success or accomplish a common goal. I haven’t always been this way, though. I was a lone wolf growing up. I did my own thing my own way. I enjoyed friendships, but only for companionship. And nothing could run me colder than the phrase “Group Project.” Group projects were the bane of my existence in high school and college. All they ever amounted to was more work for me and a passing grade for two or three loafers who contributed in no way, shape, or form. The problem was, I never had a vision, an idea to shape a project and allow others to find their role, to jump on board. I suffered from a disease called Chronic Procrastination, meaning I refused to give thought to my work until the eleventh hour, leaving me scrambling alone to make passing grade magic happen. Of course our team work failed, for the team never knew what it was working toward. Late in college, I began to find my path as a leader. I learned how common vision at the outset shapes the
work to be done and gives all team members a way to find their foothold and apply their diverse talents. Recently, I have seen this done exceptionally well with the rebirth of Downtown Batesville, specifically Main Street, for which I have had a front row seat. From my office window at 276 E Main, I have watched as new businesses have moved in, streetscapes have been erected, and the general swell of excitement and curiosity has grown. The MSB Board has paved the way for success by setting a tone of cooperation and collaboration from the start. But even before this, even before they built a following, they had a vision they could clearly articulate. This has been the recipe for success in this organization, and I believe it’s the reason why other equally important changes (the library) haven’t materialized. Seeking input for change is important, but at the end of the day, a leader and a board must definitively, enthusiastically proclaim, “THIS is what we are doing. Come be a part!” Is your organization struggling? Inspect your vision and ask yourself if it is clear, open to cooperation, forward-thinking, and relevant, for it is vision upon which success or failure stands. N August 2015 31
BATESVILLE’S MAIN STREET AUG 7-9: SCULPTING THE HUMAN HEAD with BILL BECKWITH Bill’s workshop will be based on classical modeling techniques for figurative sculpture. Students will model a human head from life, using water-based clay. You will develop skills of accurate observation, learn anatomical proportions, bone and muscle structure, and gain an understanding of expression. This is a hands-on assisted studio class with one on one instruction. AUG 10-12: COPPER COLORING -”FLAME PAINTING” with SKIP& RACHAEL MATHEWS Create patterns and colors on copper with a torch by controlling the shape and heat of the flame. You will learn to anticipate color changes, to layer colors and to apply these techniques to their own design. During the course, you will complete several flame colored copper projects and will leave with a procedures manual and equipment list so they can set up their own home studio. The class is limited to 5 students, so sign up soon. AUG 21-23: DRAWING FROM SQUARE ONE with ANNE SAITZYK This is an opportune course for anyone who wants to increase their creativity, improve their drawing skills and expand their habits of seeing. In this drawing and painting workshop Anne use exercises to increase visual awareness and synchronize mind, the eye and the body with the creative process. AUG 25: INKLE WEAVING with ANGELA SCHNEIDER Inkle Weaving uses simple, portable looms to weave narrow bands. Warped faced woven bands have dozens of applications, including straps, handles, ,trim, and material for constructing larger items. The options for these simple bands are numerous – color effects, beads, textures, and complex designs. AUG 26: KUMIHIMO-JAPANESE BRAIDING with ANGELA SCHNEIDER Braiding is a traditional craft in many cultures. Braids can be used in many applications, from jewelry (cord or beaded) to accessories, to home décor. In this workshop you will work with both hand-held disks and marudai (braiding stools). AUG 29-31: WOODTURNING DESIGN CONCEPTS with ALAN CARTER This workshop takes you through the creative process of developing your idea into fully realized work of art. You will begin with a simple quick sketch, to design and make a project of your own choosing. Instruction, guidance and advice will be provided as you work through the challenges, opportunities and shifts in thinking that happen as you execute your idea. N
ARMERS FMARKET MAIN STREET POCKET PARK • 8 AM - NOON
Every Sat. (July, Aug., & Sept.) • 1st & 3rd Sat. (Sept. & Nov.)
Contact Jean Larson, Market Manager, at (208) 869-1445 or jeallo16@gmail.com for booth space information. Check out Main Street Batesville’s Facebook page for updates
ARKANSAS GROWN SCHOOL GARDEN OF THE YEAR CONTEST Zachary Taylor
The Arkansas Agriculture Department and Farm Credit remind potential applicants that entries are being accepted for the second annual Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year contest till August 31, 2015. Applicants can be any Arkansas school, grades pre-K through 12, that had a school garden open during the 201415 school year and can provide documentation through photos or video of its uses and existence. Entries will be judged by a committee. Farm Credit is providing funding for the following award categories: • Best Nutrition Education Based Garden - $500 • Best Community Collaboration Award - $500 • Best Environmental Education Focused Garden - $500 • Overall Winning Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Award - $1,500 “We are looking forward to receiving applications from schools across the state, stated Wes Ward, Arkansas’s Secretary of Agriculture. Ward noted “research shows that students, teachers and communities benefit from the many learning opportunities school gardens offer such as responsibility, team work, hands on science and math instruction, along with improved nutrition education and behavior. The AAD appreciates Farm Credit’s partnership and support in making the financial awards possible”. Applications must be submitted online by August 31, 2015 at: https://www.surveymonkey. com/s/ARKSCHOOLGARDEN For more information, please contact Cynthia Edwards at cynthia.edwards@aad.ar.gov , 501-219-6362 or Zachary Taylor, Director of Marketing, at 501-219-6324, email Zachary. Taylor@aad.ar.gov. N
Shannon Butler, Natalie Cooper (sitting), and instructor Emily Barrett (standing) dissecting a pig heart.
Megan Phillips and Kayla May (left to right) also dissecting a heart from a pig.
WRMC Hosts MASH Camp Nathaniel Hill
White River Medical Center (WRMC) in Batesville is helping students prepare for futures in healthcare through MASH (Medical Applications of Science for Health). Hosted by rural medical centers all over the state, MASH is a two-week interactive camp designed to expose rising high-school juniors and seniors to healthcare-related vocations. Twenty students are enrolled in this year’s camp at WRMC. During this two-week program, students become certified in Basic First Aid, Basic Life Support (CPR) Part B, and learn the importance of healthy lifestyle habits. The connection of the basic sciences to medical diagnosis and treatment is reinforced through lectures, labs, and clinical interaction. Exposure to different areas of medicine and health related professions is an integral part of the MASH experience. Students learn to identify some of the various healthcare disciplines, what they do, how they relate to one another, and how the fundamentals of anatomy, biology, pharmacology and physiology are employed in each discipline. “The idea is that future medical students from a rural background are more likely to return to their
roots,” said Jennifer Victory, Rural Health Programs Coordinator for Arkansas Farm Bureau. County Farm Bureau organizations and the Arkansas Medical Mentor Partnership sponsor students so they may attend the camps at no cost. The Partnership includes the University of Arkansas for Medical Science’s Area Health Education Centers (UAMS AHEC) and Rural Hospital Program, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Arkansas Farm Bureau, Baptist Health, and The Arkansas Health Department’s Office of Oral Health. WRMC, an affiliate of White River Health System (WRHS), is just one of 34 locations in Arkansas hosting the camp. Since MASH began in 1988, approximately 6,100 students have been through the camp statewide. More than half of the students that have been through the camp indicated a college major in the healthcare field. More information on the MASH program can be obtained by contacting Cindy Finley with WRMC, (870) 262-1485, Amber Marshall with UAMS, (501) 6865079, or Jennifer Victory of Arkansas Farm Bureau, (501) 228-1269. N
First Community Bank Hosted Chamber Business After Hours Event Luanne Gregory
Dale Cole, First Community Bank CEO and chairman, announced on Thursday that the bank has made a $20,000 community gift to Main Street Batesville for the revitalization of the 200 block of Main Street in the city’s historic business district. The announcement came at the chamber of commerce business afterhours event, which was hosted by First Community Bank. Cole also updated the group on First Community Bank’s social media program, including a contest, along with official rules, which can be accessed at https:// www.facebook.com/wearefirstcommunitybank or by searching Facebook for First Community Bank’s official page. “At First Community Bank, we understand the importance of finding opportunities to positively communicate with the people in the communities we serve,” said Cole. “Those who like us, share us and post a comment about First Community Bank on the bank’s Facebook page will be entered into a drawing for a free Caribbean cruise for two.” Cole went on to say that the initial response on the organization’s Facebook page has been overwhelming. After a soft launch less than a week ago, the organization received over 1,000 likes in the first 24 hours and are
now nearing 2,500 likes. Bob Carius, a driving force in the revitalization of Main Street project, announced that three of the five blocks of Main Street have received full funding for updated streetscapes. Carius encouraged other businesses and individuals to join First Community Bank in supporting the renewal plan. Deborah Frazier, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, spoke to the group about Impact Independence County, a community action program exploring ways to move the area forward in a positive way. N
Business After Hours, photo left to right, Joel Williams, Dale Cole and Bob Carius.
Independence County Recycle Center
School bells will be ringing soon!
We Recycle:
If your little scholars haven’t had their well-child checkups yet, or physicals for school sports and kindergarten, call your family doctor and schedule an appointment.
Plastic Bottles Steel Cans Aluminum Cans Cardboard Newspaper Glass Magazines
To see our physician directory, or have a hard copy mailed to you, visit our website or call (870) 262-6149.
870 793 8892 110 Environmental Drive Batesville, AR Call to receive your FREE RECYCLING BIN today!
www.WhiteRiverHealthSystem.com White River Health System is an Equal Opportunity Provider & Employer
34 Eye On Independence - Community - Character - and a pinch of Caffeine....and Frozen Yogurt.
The Best of Modern Praise and Worship Independence Counties very own local, contemporary worship station
Like us on Facebok! Listen Online: www.kbapfm.org Phone: 501-203-6953
New Physicians Join Staff at WRMC Pain Management Clinic Nathaniel Hill
Meraj Siddiqui, M.D. of the White River Medical Center (WRMC) Pain Management Clinic is pleased to announce the association of Abhilasha Solanki, M.D., Lakshman Gollapalli, M.D., and Neeraj Kumar, M.D. They will be part of the Medical Staff at WRMC. Chronic pain is pain that is ongoing beyond the normal healing time for an injury or illness, and adversely affects well-being and quality of life. The WRMC Pain Management Clinic offers interventional procedures and carefully supervised medication regimens to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life for patients. Procedures may include injections, nerve blocks, intrathecal pain pumps, kyphoplasty, and spinal cord stimulators. “With a shortage of qualified pain specialists, these physicians are a welcome addition to our Pain Management Clinic,” said Gary Bebow, White River Health System (WRHS) Administrator/CEO. “They will provide excellent care and allow WRHS to offer pain management treatment in satellite locations.” Dr. Solanki received her medical degree at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India. She completed a Surgery Internship and Anesthesiology Residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. She finished a Clinical Fellowship in Pain Medicine at Weill Cornell Tri Institute in New York. Dr. Solanki will treat patients at the Batesville clinic location and at the Outpatient
Lakshman Gollapalli, M.D.
clinic inside Stone County Medical Center. Dr. Gollapalli received his medical degree at St. George’s University School of Medicine in St. George’s, Grenada. He completed an Internal Medicine Internship and Anesthesiology Residency at Wayne State University-Detroit Medical Center. In addition to his Batesville practice, Dr. Gollapalli will also treat patients at a satellite clinic inside the Newport Diagnostic Medical Clinic. Dr. Kumar received his medical degree at the Dr. Ram Monohar Lohia Hospital, University of Delhi, India. He completed an Anesthesiology Residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock. For the convenience of patients, Dr. Kumar will be available at the Clinic’s Batesville location, and at the WRMC Medical Complex in Cherokee Village. “We are happy to have Drs. Solanki, Gollapalli and Kumar join our Clinic,” said Dr. Siddiqui. “Our goal is to work with patients to establish a treatment plan that relieves pain and enables our patients to enjoy better health.” The physicians are accepting new patients by referral beginning immediately. To make appointments, call (870) 262-6155. The WRMC Pain Management Clinic is located at 1700 Harrison Street, Suite S, in the White River Medical Arts Building. N
Aghilasha Solanki, M.D.
Neeraj Kumar, M.D. August 2015 35
Experiencing God in the Everyday Proverbs
Pastor Chad Grigsby “Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.” Proverbs 14:4 ESV The Old Testament book of Proverbs is a wealth of wisdom. But it’s not always easily accessible. Pastor Tim Keller says that a Proverb is like hard candy, you have to spend a lot of time with it to fully savor its flavor. Proverbs do not reveal their meaning with just a casual reading. They require deeper thought and meditation. Proverbs 14:4 is one of these. It holds amazing meaning and application for us but it takes a while to unlock. Here is the basic meaning. A life that is lived in ease often isn’t fruitful. But, with hard work often there is mess involved. Anything that is worth doing in life will bring some mess with it. Let’s follow the example of the writer here. If you want an abundance of crops, you will need an ox. But with an ox there is mess. In other words, you want crops, you will have to clean the stall. Or, you can avoid the mess and just give up on having crops. Either is an option for any farmer, but one thing is certain, you can’t have both. You can’t have fruitfulness without messiness. They go hand in hand. So, how does this apply to us today? Here are a couple of ideas. 1. If it’s hard, it’s probably worth it. If you find yourself struggling in life, it probably means that you are doing something worthwhile. If work is hard, it’s because you are trying to accomplish something beyond the ordinary. You want to leave your mark. You want to contribute something to your field.
You want to leave a legacy. That’s not easy! Every great athlete, leader, or artist didn’t become great overnight. It took hard work. If your marriage is work, it’s not because it isn’t working, but because you are making it work. You are making an investment to make it worthwhile in the end. It’s hard now so that it’s easier later. Whatever you are working on that’s hard, take heart, hang in there, it doesn’t mean you should quit, it simply means it’s worth fighting for! 2. If it’s messy, it’s probably worth it. Proverbs 14:4 also tells us that if it’s messy, it’s probably worth it. Life is messy. This is why we have washing machines, vacuum cleaners, dish washers, and tide to go! Relationships are messy but they are worth it. You can guard yourself and never want to get hurt and you might succeed. But in the end, you will be alone. You can have family and have mess or you can have ease and be alone. All relationships are messy. Marriage is often messy as well. Marriage doesn’t so much bring us into conflict with our spouse but with ourselves. And the results are messy. But in the end, if we aren’t willing to have the mess, we won’t reap the benefits. We can’t be fruitful without the mess. So, where do you find yourself? Are you struggling in your job? Your marriage? With your kids? With your schedule? Hang in there. It might not be easy, but it’s probably worth it! Ultimately, we see this verse applied in the coming of Jesus. Jesus entered our mess at great expense to himself. He stepped into our world to bring us out of our mess. And if he has done that for us, how does that enable us to embrace the difficulty and messiness of our lives for his glory? N
Lyon College hosts second annual UB Day Hannah Keller
this a way for them to enjoy a little friendly competition, but it’s an excellent opportunity for our students to network and build friendships with other Upward Bound participants.” Both Upward Bound programs at Lyon are Federal TriO programs designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRiO includes six outreach and support programs targeted to serve and assist lowincome, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. N
The Upward Bound program at Lyon College welcomed more than 200 students to campus June 26 for the second annual Upward Bound Day. Students in Lyon’s APPLE Project Upward Bound program and Upward Bound Math-Science program were joined by students in programs at the University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas State University-Beebe, and Arkansas State University-Heber Springs for a little friendly competition in a variety of academic arenas. Students participated in a spelling bee, quiz bowl competition, academic exams in math, science, and reading, an art competition, outdoor field games, and a basketball shootout. Stetson Painter, a field representative with Sen. John Boozman’s office, and Joseph Didden, a field representative with Rep. Rick Crawford’s office, were on hand to speak with students about their experience in the programs and watch the competitions. “This is an event we hope to keep ongoing, because it helps us show the students they are part of a bigger Stetson Painter, a field representative with Sen. John Boozman’s network than just their individual program,” said Jeanette office, talks with Miguel Hernandez about his experience in the Youngblood, Lyon College APPLE UB director. “Not only is Upward Bound Math-Science program at Lyon College. 36 Eye On Independence - Community - Character - and a pinch of Caffeine....and Frozen Yogurt.
Creating Memories (870)793-8287 / 2401 Harrison Street Batesville, Arkansas www.jonathanssnejewelry.net
Former UACCB Student Joins Staff as Instructor Luanne Gregory
Ashley Ball has joined the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville as an instructor in the practical nursing program, according to Marietta Candler, UACCB’s Interim Division Chair for Nursing and Allied Health. A graduate of UACCB’s registered nursing program in 2011, Ball went to work for White River Medical Center upon graduation. “As an RN at the hospital, I was assigned to work with an LPN student who was going through her clinical instruction,” said Ball. “It was during that experience I realized that in addition to my love for providing medical care, I had a real passion for teaching. I feel so fortunate to have been given this position, which combines two of my greatest areas of interest.” According to Candler, Ball will be teaching LPN students in the classroom and lab and through clinical instruction. “We feel so fortunate
to have Ashley on board, first as a student and now as an instructor. At UACCB, we look for team members who are enthusiastic and have a sincere desire to encourage and inspire students. I feel certain that we have found those qualities in Ashley.” “The path to my career hasn’t exactly been conventional,” said Ball. “When I graduated from UACCB as an RN, I thought I knew exactly where life would take me. Fortunately, I’ve found a course that’s even better than what I anticipated. As an organization, UACCB excels at providing career training for both traditional and nontraditional students. Because of my personal experience, I believe that I’ll be able to instruct nursing students and help them find their paths.” About UACCB The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville is a two-year college, providing access to education for the people of north central Arkansas. UACCB provides
quality Technical Certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree programs in occupational technical areas, a college parallel transfer curriculum including Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, customized training for business and industry, continuing education programs for life-long learning and personal enrichment, and adult education. In 2014, UACCB enrolled over 2,000 students. N
Ashley Ball August 2015 37
A Better Kind of Surgical Care Sheila Mace
White River Medical Center is one of 40 hospitals in the United States, and the only community hospital voluntarily participating in a pilot project with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services called The Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH). The program was developed through the collaboration of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Premiere Alliance and hospitals throughout the country. Rather than describing a place, the perioperative surgical home describes an innovative approach to surgical care that improves care coordinator, patient education, and hospital processes to improve health and reduce costs. Under the leadership of co-directors, Chris Steel, M.D. and Jeff Angel, M.D., the WRMC PSH is achieving results and sharing best practices with other hospitals in the pilot group. Additionally, Matthew Hazel serves as the business manager of the program, and Gloria Vaughn, Christina Howard, Jacquelyn Wright and Lisa Crumley work with patients who are a part of the program. Administratively Gary Bebow, WRHS Chief Executive Officer; Tammy Gavin, Chief Clinical Officer; and Gary Paxson, Chief Quality Officer provide leadership and administrative support. As an organization, Approve Home Medical Services, Inc., are training Health Coaches on Patient Education. At WRMC, the project began with total knee
replacement surgeries with Orthopaedic Surgeons, J.D. Allen, M.D., Jeff Angel, M.D. and Dylan Carpenter, M. D. who enthusiastically supported the project. “This project is a perfect fit for patients choosing total joint replacement,” said Dr. Angel. “We began to see immediate results with the program. Patients experienced better pain control and a shorter hospital stay which improved patient satisfaction. Clinically, the pre-operative education and preparation result in fewer complication and unintended hospital readmissions.” The PSH is built around the concept that patients who accept an active role will experience a better result, and the standardization of clinical processes will improve efficiency and reduces cost. In the hospital, the PSH Team examines every part of the surgical process to develop protocols that standardize processes using evidence based best practices proven to improve patient care. Physicians discuss with patients their readiness for surgery and offer recommendations for how patients can better prepare with the goal of a shorter recovery and faster return to normal activities. By using a multidisciplinary approach to care, patients have one resource for all the information related to their hospitalization. Improving communication across the continuum of care enables the physician and care team to utilize other resources that a patient may need. For example; diabetic patients may benefit from a
38 Eye On Independence - Community - Character - and a pinch of Caffeine....and Frozen Yogurt.
nutritional consultation prior to surgery to learn how changes to their diet can help stabilize blood sugar after surgery. “The PSH brings together every person involved in our patients’ care including the patient and their support system, said Dr. Steel. “We look at their experience as one event, rather than a series of events that result a joint replacement or other procedure. It is exciting to be a part of a project that is making a difference for our patients. We are eager to use what we learned to improve care throughout our organization and to share with other hospitals that are a part of this important project.” N
Jeff Angel, M.D. and Chris Steel, M.D.
White River’s Got Talent Audition Dates Set Luanne Gregory
Event sponsor, First Community Bank has announced the schedule for auditions for the annual White River’s Got Talent competition. Auditions will be held from 6-8 p.m., August 4 and 6 at Independence Hall at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. Finalists who are chosen from auditions will participate in the White River’s Got Talent finale beginning at 6 p.m. on August 29 at Riverside Park. Each night of the auditions, contestant numbers will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and will be limited to 20 acts each night. Anyone wanting to get a sneak preview of performances will be able to attend auditions at UACCB. White River’s Got Talent auditions and the final competition are family friendly and are completely free to the public. Applications and release forms are available at all First Community Bank locations or online at www. firstcommunity.net. Contestants should complete the forms and have them ready to present on the night of auditions. Singers, musicians, dancers, magicians, comedians and all other entertainment acts are invited to audition. Contestants will be evaluated on stage presence/personality, talent presentation, entertainment factor and overall performance. Acts are limited to five members and performances are limited to four minutes. Contestants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must have parental permission to participate. No animal acts, dangerous stunts or those deemed not family friendly will be permitted. At the White River’s Got Talent finale, five finalists will compete in the adult division (ages 15 and above) and five finalists in the youth division (14 and under). Prize money will be awarded the night of the competition to the top two contestants in each division. First place in the adult division will take home $1,000 and second place $250. In the youth division, first place will receive $500 and second place $100. In addition to the White River’s Got Talent finale, this year’s water carnival lineup includes a parade at Riverside Park, a car show, an afterglow 5K, fireworks, carnival rides, a wing eating contest and much more. To see a full schedule of White River Water Carnival activities, visit the chamber of commerce schedule of events at www.mybatesville.org or call the chamber at (870) 793-2378. N
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August 2015 39
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