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January 2014

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Independence

Smart 911 All Things New Main Street Batesville A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

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In This Issue 6/Editor’s Note

Enter This New Year

7/We’re Still Out Here Looking for a Job

8/Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista The Weather Outside is Frightful

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12

8

14

9

15

11

18

9/The Myopic Life

Thanks, but I Already Ate

11/Your Health Smart 911

12/Cover Story

Main Street Batesville

14/Feature

New Year, New You, No Excuses

15/Batesville Area Arts Council 16/Smith’s Verdict ***1/2 At Close Range

17/Experiencing God in the Everyday All Things New

18/I Do

Freeman / Reardon Wedding

22/Downtown Guide 24/Things To Do 24/Notes from the Clearing Inklings of My Road

26/Faces

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January 2014

Independence

Smart 911 All Things New Main Street Batesville A Publication of Mead

owland Media, Inc.

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

Meet Your Writers...

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.

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 for the U of A Medical Sciences North Central. She has been in healthcare since 1983, the last 18 years with the UAMS system.

Alisa and husband, Scott, have four children, two grandchildren, and two spoiled puppies. Alisa’s mission is to improve the health and wellness of others through education and practice. She welcomes feedback or comments at AlisaAPRN@ gmail.com or 870.698.1023 Bob Pest is the president and Co-founder of Ozark Foothills FilmFest and the T Tauri Film Festival and Movie Camp. He works as a community development consultant for First Community Bank, teaches film classes at UACCB, and currently serves as vice-president of the Ozark Gateway Tourist Council.

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com PUBLISHER: Kimberlee Thomas

Kristi Price spent all her life as a transplant, having grown up military. The Ozarks have always been in her blood though, and she’s proud to call Batesville her home after many years on the move. Kristi holds a BA in English and blogs about family and other mishaps at www. themyopiclife.wordpress.com. She is married to Erin and mother to Ethan, Emily, and Maggie.

Janelle Shell - Although she hails from the Hoosier state, Janelle has made Batesville her home for over 6 years. She even convinced her parents to move down as well so you know she loves it here. She is the wife of Joe Shell and is step-mother to Hunter, Hannah, Jake and mother to Jet. She has been working with Citizens Bank for over 6 years. She serves as Membership Chairman of the Batesville Kiwanis Club and CoChair of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. She loves teaching her pre-teen Sunday school class at Ruddell Hill Baptist Church.

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.

Associate EDITOR: Bob Pest MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Creative Director : Joseph Thomas AD DESIGN Department: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas PROOFING Department: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Robert O. Seat

Eye On Independence is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by calling (870) 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at kthomas@eyeonmag.com.

Mailing address: P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431.

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

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

For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Kimberlee Thomas, 870.503.1150, kthomas@eyeonmag.com.

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PRINTING COMPANY: Rockwell Publishing

Eye On Independence received the 2012 Innovative Project award, which is presented to an agency or organization for outstanding, innovative, continuous or effective coverage of literacy issues, resulting in positive change or improvement.

Editor’s Note

Enter This New Year Joseph Thomas

Happy 2014 everyone, how crazy is that? As things of my youth quickly become antique, I am healthier and happier than I’ve ever been and hope the same for you all. May this new year bring you all of those fleeting dreams you thought would never come.

We join Bob Pest as he looks at the rural job hunt Photo by Robert O. Seat and Leigh Keller speaks of the joys of cabin fever. Kristi Price strives to spend more time serving others at the gathering table and Chad Grigsby touches on all things new. Our cover story introduces Bob Carius, President of Main Street Batesville and we meet the new Director, Joel Williams.

Janelle Shell features Anytime Fitness and then takes away our every excuse on why not to go. Alisa Lancaster teaches 911 Smarts, while Kimberlee brings us the Freeman/ Reardon Wedding and, Tanner Smith reviews At Close Range.

See our FACES section for those you’ll recognize and look over our Things To Do! There are many great things happening in Independence. N

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We wish you a Happy New Year!

We’re Still Out Here Looking for a Job Bob Pest

Rural unemployment is declining because fewer people are working. The south has been hit the hardest because jobs have also declined. The Annual Economic Research Service of USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) announced that there were 79,000 fewer jobs from August 2012 to 2013. The number of available workers has also declined because many have looked to the north and the west for jobs. Arkansas has an unemployment rate of 7.4, Missouri 7.1, Mississippi 8.5, and Georgia 8.8. North Dakota, on the other hand, has a 3.5 decline. 96.4% of the new jobs available in the past year have been in urban areas where 715,000 jobs were filled.

While more and more people have been forced to take jobs below the minimum wage, McDonald’s, Walmart, and other employers have either extended working hours or cut them to avoid providing benefits. Some fast food businesses are requiring double shifts. A Walmart store in Ohio went so far as to ask employees to donate “desperately needed food” to other employees so they could have a Thanksgiving dinner. Others require their staff to work on Thanksgiving. First Community Bank in Batesville, on the other hand, has donated turkeys to all of their employees for over a decade so they can have a happy holiday.

National and state governments have battled with the

minimum wage for years. Employees of various companies have staged protests with only minimal results. A former Walmart employee who visited “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” organized a protest against long hours and bad treatment, had lost her job for taking a long break.

Obviously, technology has replaced workers in many fields and the continued pattern of sending jobs to China and other countries in order to save costs has contributed to the number of unemployed in America. I know college graduates who work in pizza parlors, at gas stations, and in grocery stores.

The number of high poverty counties, where at least 20% of the population live in poverty, grew by 30% from 2000 to 2011. These counties, of course, are rural. Some of them remain in poverty for years. Despite the efforts of citizens who appreciate the peace and natural beauty of the Rural South, the rural population continues to shrink.

The Democracy for America organization has begun a campaign for a raise in minimum wage to $10/hour. I support this initiative. The future is in your hands. N

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Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista The Weather Outside is Frightful Leigh Keller

When I was in elementary and high school (and even in college), my dream was to wake up in the morning, and look out the window to a yard full of snow, to rush to the television and find that school was canceled for the day. I would dream of snow, hot cocoa, sleigh rides and just the magic of snow.

When I became a teacher, it was still kind of my dream. A little snow day here and there can save your sanity if your career is to take care of highly emotional teenagers (whose moods fluctuate with the moons, seriously, they do).

Give a mommy of a little one a snow day, and she is good. Give that mommy a couple of snow days and she gets a little nervous. Give that same mama seven days being iced in and her house will have returned to a primal state, where the children sit in their pajamas all day, eat cookies for breakfast, and have declared martial law on the household.

It becomes just like Lord of the Flies.

December fifth started like any normal day at BHS with ice and snow in the forecast. The kids were all wishing and hoping (and freaking out and trying to go back home). So, when school was canceled at 10:40 a.m., a cheer went up around the building (from students and teachers alike).

Since this storm had been predicted, all of our grocery stores sold out of milk, bread and bananas, which I completely do not understand. If I am going to be stranded, I want coffee, chocolate and Pinterest, and maybe my handy glue gun.

We gathered all four dogs and a cat (no lie, we are dog people, and they and Cole basically run our house, and lives).

I honestly didn’t think the weather would be as bad as it was, or that we would be iced in for that long. I had my coffee and Pinterest, my Glamour and Oprah magazines, and my fuzzy pajamas. Then I got the flu. For the first couple of days, I kind of drifted in and out of a fever, stuffy head, aches and misery, but by day three I was over it and beginning to feel the madness of being cooped up. Thank goodness Cole had his daddy to entertain him during my ice sickness (that everyone had, and my body finally gave in).

Most little kids would miss their friends from preschool, and while Cole did miss his friends, he morphed into something like an elf. In an attempt to keep him entertained, I baked, colored, painted, decorated, sang songs (kind of just a regular day for me, if you know me), played race cars, played monster trucks, watched Christmas movies,

and entertained the pack of dogs and one disgruntled cat.

I cleaned out closets, balanced my checkbook and actually read a book. By Monday afternoon, I had had it. It was time to go back to school. I managed to only leave the house a couple of times, because this just wasn’t the fun kind if snow. Cole kept wanting to build a snowman, and have snowball fights. I think his daddy took a couple of hits to the head with chunks of ice more than once.

I am an avid Twitter fan, and usually try to check in on my high school kids from time to time (mostly to see what could be waiting for me in my office the next day).

Twitter was buzzing with lots of energy (see also: drama, it was buzzing with drama), signaling that everyone had just been inside for way too long. The kids all seemed to sound just as desperate as the adults to get back to some kind of normal schedule. We went back to school the next Thursday, and it was a welcomed change for everyone. I really kind of needed a break from my “ice break” to recover. My mother and father both got out in the ice and fell more than once (I cannot control them anymore, we have a complete and total role reversal); and so many of my wacko students got hurt “ sledding” down ice covered streets. The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting lots more snow before this school year is over, so we may all be replaying these harrowing days soon. I did get all of my Santa gifts for Cole purchased online in the time off and got lots of snuggle time with my little man. I will keep trying to see the silver lining in those snow filled clouds, even if it means our next holiday off will be summer break (if we ever get to have it!). N

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Listen Online: www.kbapfm.org Phone: 501-203-6953

We wish you a Happy New Year!

The Myopic Life

Thanks, but I Already Ate Kristi Price

Alrighty, here’s my New Year’s Resolution: I want to learn to say, “No thanks, I already ate.”

I love food. I’m not what you’d call a Foodie, in that outside of avoiding pure junk, I don’t have a lot of requirements for my food. I’m no snob. As long as you didn’t drop it on the floor or create it unnaturally out of carcinogens, I’ll probably eat it.

I remember growing up and visiting my grandparents’ farm. Like many working farms in the South, mealtimes were dedicated to feeding the men first. My granny and aunts would spend hours in the kitchen peeling potatoes, frying chicken, soaking beans, baking pies. Then they’d call the men in. Men ate first, while granny and my aunts hovered around the table, filling the menfolks’ plates. As a child, I would watch in absolute horror as the potato salad, my favorite, disappeared. To me, it was a travesty beyond belief that the men were eating the best of the food. Eventually, to the frowns of everyone in the room, I drug up a chair before my turn and grabbed a fork.

You can imagine, then, what a dream come true the college cafeteria was. I had an unlimited meal plan and sixteen different varieties of cereal, practically twenty-four hours a day.

Fast-forward to my first child. In those early days of parenting, where every waking moment was spent feeding the baby, cleaning the baby, feeding the baby, rocking the baby, feeding the baby, I began to feel desperately haunted by

the notion that I might never eat a hot meal again! I began to obsess about food – and not just any old food, but full spreads of made-from-scratch, dripping-with-butter feasts! I’m sure I embarrassed myself at church potlucks and holiday dinners, because I would strategically position myself to be at the head of the food line. The problem was, I was spending my time jockying for position or inhaling my food, but missing sweet opportunities to see and serve others.

And that’s where I find myself this year. I want to be less food-obsessed. I think as a culture, we all have our obsessions, be they food, our money, our smart phones, our grudges, our insecurities. For me, I want to appropriately manage my food fascination so that when I walk into a gathering where food is served, I will care less about the table, and more about the people sitting at it. What will you tackle this year that will open your eyes to others?

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January 2014 9

Welcome to Independence

Enchiladas / Burritos / Nachos Rice & Beans / Guacamole / Tortas Taquitos / Quesadila / Fajitas

(870) 698-1085 1350 Meyer Street, Batesville

Problem with your Remote Entry Key Fob? on’s mps Tho ir it! a Let Rep

Debra Thompson, CPA Taxes / Smal l B usi ness / Corp orat i ons / Payrol l F arms / Trucki ng / Ret i rement / Col l eg e Pl anni ng

S e c u r i t i e s o f f e r e d t hr o u gh H . D . V e s t I n v e s t m e n t S e r v i c e s sm, M e m b e r S I P C

Thompson’s Jewelry 255 East Main Street Batesville, AR

870-793-7136

(870) 523-3689 office/ (870) 512-8378 cell debra@dltcpa.com / 1400 McLain St., Newport

S u c c e s s i s a j o u r ne y , no t a d e s t i na t i o n!

Your Health Smart 911

Alisa R. Lancaster Always concerned with safety, I have frequently contemplated the use of a cell phone and what might happen if I had an emergency. Not having a landline in my home meant that EMS would not have access to my address unless given to them. I’m not alone as this is a growing trend. Recent data shows that homes with wireless phones only (no landline) almost doubled in three years, from 17.5% to 34%.

So I coupled my pursuit of safety with my love of technology and discovered a web site, Smart911, that can greatly improve emergency assistance by improving the quality and quantity of information available to the 911 operator.

Smart911 gives local residents and visitors the ability to provide potentially life-saving information to first responders before an emergency, so those details are available during an emergency – especially important in situations when the caller is panicked, unable to communicate, or is somewhere it is unsafe to talk.

Citizens create a Safety Profile online that includes any information about themselves or their household that they want 9-1-1 and emergency responders to know in an emergency. When that citizen makes a 9-1-1 call, their profile is immediately displayed to the 9-1-1 calltaker, allowing them to send the right response teams to the right location with the right information.

ClassiC

Responders can be aware of details they would not have known otherwise. Fire crews can arrive at a house fire knowing how many people reside in the home, the location of bedrooms, any mobility issues and how many pets might be in the home. EMS can be advised of allergies, specific medical conditions and whether the resident uses oxygen. Police can have the photo of a missing child in seconds, rather than in minutes or hours.

When anyone dials 9-1-1 from a phone associated with their Safety Profile, the 9-1-1 system recognizes the phone number and automatically displays the profile on the screen of the call-taker who receives the call. This is vital, because the information received by the 9-1-1 call center can be limited based on the type of phone the call is placed on. When a call is placed using a landline, the address comes up on the call-taker's screen.

However, this is not the case with cell phones. For this reason, taking advantage of this free service is especially important if a resident's only telephone service is through a cell phone.

If someone doesn't want to put a lot of information into the Safety Profile, at least put in your address, so they will know where you're at, so you can be found in a time of emergency. This is especially important if you have younger children, who may not remember their address, particularly during an emergency. This is a free service and Arkansans can register online at www.

Smart911.com.

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Eye On Cover Story Main Street Batesville Joseph Thomas

Bob Carius is originally from Illinois as some can tell by his accent. After retiring from the Navy, wanting to relocate near his parents in Horseshoe Bend, Carius moved his family to Batesville and built a home within Independence County in 1989. He became involved with Main Street Batesville in 1998 when Dave Timko, Main Street Executive Director at the time, retired from that position. Barbara Fitzpatrick, then president, recruited Carius; Carius remained on the board until 2006. Then in September of 2013, when the board found itself in need of restructuring to reinstate its charter, the board asked Carius to rejoin which quickly led to his becoming Main Street President.

Joel Williams is from Hot Springs, Arkansas. His dad was a Methodist Minister in Glenwood, who relocated the family back to his hometown of Hope, Arkansas, when Joel was three. Williams grew up helping out in the families hardware store before attending college at Southern Arkansas University, where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice and Theatre. Williams decided to pursue film acting in the scene that sprung up after Katrina in Shreveport, Louisiana. After two years, he relocated to New Orleans to continue acting.

Later, feeling California might be the place for him, Williams came back home to decide if this was the move to make and reunited with a really good friend; Alicia Harris, who is now his wife. Williams was driving the van for Stars and Stripes Gymnastics and waiting tables Photography by Robert O. Seat.

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at the Italian Grill when he saw the Main Street Director position open. "I saw this as my chance to really make a difference and help this community and my family," says Williams. "I saw what Main Street stood for and this is something I know about, that I am passionate about and I knew I would be proud to have this job. I am excited about bringing some positive change and helping downtown grow."

Both Carius and Williams, as well as the board, recognized that a reorganization was needed. A long term plan was formulated, not only to refocus Main Street Batesville but to earn back the trust of the city.

Carius explains, "This three year master plan is based on four points: Design (beautification), Organization (fundraising and membership), Promotion (promoting the merchants) and Economic Restructuring (insuring the right mix of businesses to fill up Main Street).

Each point has a chair and a committee and the board does its work mostly within these committees. A well known consultant, Dan Burden, will be hired to analyze downtown and determine how best to design Main Street to be more Walkable and Livable." Carius admits that Main Street's recovery will be a long hard road but sees it as an attainable goal with time and all the valued support they receive from the local banks and businesses in the community.

Williams subscribes to this thinking and says, "We know that the Main Street of the 1940's and 60's is no more, however, what Main Street can be is a new meeting place for the entire community. If you have people living in upstairs lofts and businesses catering to feed them as well as meeting some of their retail and entertainment needs, you end up with a Main Street that is welcoming for ages 20 to 90. You can't have a nine to five Main Street anymore, we would really love to see a downtown that is active from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m." Williams has already been asked when changes will be seen and he and Carius both agree, "Be patient, these changes will take time but there are good solid changes to come."

There are two new businesses opening soon and hopefully many more to come.

There are incentives for businesses opening on Main Street, including: First year dues to the Batesville Chamber, $300 for exterior signage and free interior and exterior consulting. Main Street is working hand in hand with the Batesville Area Arts Council and the North Arkansas Dance Theatre is always We wish you a Happy New Year!

on hand to entertain. There will be an Arts side to the new Main Street that will help complete the retail born district and ensure an enlivened area. There are ideas in the works to help make Main Street more college friendly, which should reflect Main Street Batesville's desire to grow and be progressive.

"There was a distrust of this program that I feel we have mostly overcome," says Carius. Williams adds, "I have found that some still don't believe Main Street can be turned around, but that is part of our challenge, to make them believe by making positive change. To change the program and area enough for everyone to get on board and help us get to where we need to be."

Williams says he is here to help in anyway he can and is proud to do so. Carius points out that he recently stopped by a new flower shop just off of Main, "And who was there moving in the furniture? Joel was helping with the heavy lifting, literally." Williams says that he wants businesses all over downtown to be able

to honestly say that they support Main Street Batesville because Main Street Batesville supported them.

"This is going to have to be a community effort," says Carius, "it can't just be a Main Street, county or even a city effort. It has to be an all encompassing effort to make this work." To be fair, a healthy thriving Main Street will benefit the city, as well as the county.

Christmas Cash was a successful Main Street program for the downtown and surrounding areas in December and just one example of how this can work. January 24, 2014 will see Main Street Batesville's Winter Gala and this years theme is The Love Boat. Come as your favorite character, enjoy the evening and we will see you there!

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January 2014  13

Eye On Feature New Year, New You, No Excuses Janelle Shell

At the top of most people’s “New Year’s Resolutions” you’ll find a reference to getting in better shape.

After all those holiday parties, office potlucks and family gatherings, we are feeling the effects of tighter clothing. Well, we are here to tell you that it is time to do something about it! Warning: if you’re ready to keep your winter weight then you’ll want to stop reading this article. But, if you are looking forward to starting 2014 off right by getting active then keep reading! Michael and Jill Johnson of Batesville’s Anytime Fitness are ready to squelch those excuses and kick start you into a healthier lifestyle, yielding the results you’ve always dreamed of.

Let’s take a look at the top 5 excuses they hear and their comebacks! #1 - I don’t have time to go to the gym?

The great thing about joining Anytime Fitness is in the name…you can go Anytime! The office is open from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm in case you need assistance or advice. Once you have your key, you have access to all the gym offers anytime of the day or night, making it a perfect fit for any lifestyle. #2 – I can’t afford a gym membership?

Before you can throw out this excuse, Michael will ask you, “how much is living a longer, healthier life really worth to you?” A membership to Anytime Fitness is actually cheaper than the average monthly phone bill.

In fact, monthly dues are generally less than a daily cup of designer coffee throughout the month and about the same as a cut and style at your local salon. You can get set up on a payroll deduction, take advantage of corporate rates or other discounts that are available. #3 - What if I don’t have anyone to go with me?

Building relationships is all part of the Johnson’s mentality when it comes to the gym. “Once we get you signed up,” Jill says enthusiastically, “Michael or I will show you around so that you’re comfortable with all of the equipment. We can even get you 14

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set up on a routine based on your goals. Then you choose the times to come workout that fit your schedule best. You will be amazed at the faces you begin to see regularly. So, even if you may not have a workout partner who comes with you, you can bet that you’ll see familiar faces.” #4 - I wouldn’t know where to begin?

As referenced in the answer to excuse #3, Michael and Jill are sure that every member is comfortable with the gym. Michael is also a certified trainer. “Part of what is so fulfilling with my job is getting the opportunity to work with people, oneon-one, to set and reach their goals.”

Michael states. “I’m available for hire to those who may need a jump start, as well as, those who are interested in taking their workout to the next level.” #5 – What if I want more than just a gym?

If you want more than just a gym you’ve come to the right place!

“Anytime Fitness members are a community of real people who come together to raise school supplies for needy kids, volunteer and participate in local races and fundraisers, support each other via Facebook and other social media. It’s amazing!” Jill says excitedly. “We are not just a gym, we are a family who support and encourage each other!”

Well, there you have it. It’s time to dust off those gym shoes and take advantage of Anytime Fitness’ 7 Day Free Trial. They encourage you to come check it out before you commit.

The gym also provides private bathrooms, shower, tanning beds and Silver Sneakers is available for senior citizens. You get far more than you would expect from a ‘normal gym’.

Don’t delay, start the adventure of the new you today!

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Michael and Jill Johnson with Granddaughter Allie Jo at last years MDA Truck Pull, which the Anytime Fitness Team has won the last 3 years in a row. They have raised close to $3000 dollars for research.

Michael Johnson and granddaughter Allie Jo at the Firetruck Pull.

We wish you a Happy New Year!

January 2014 15

Smith’s Verdict ***1/2

At Close Range

Reviewed by Tanner Smith “At Close Range” tells a sad, cruel, pitiless story about a boy who respects his father, who would just as soon kill him to save himself. And as a movie, it’s violent and unforgiving, but it’s also powerfully acted and very effective. Even more shocking is that it’s based on true events that occurred in 1978.

Sean Penn stars as young Bradford Whitewood, Jr., a rebellious young misfit with little to no potential and lives in a life of untidy poverty in Tennessee with his divorced mother, grandmother, and half-brother Tommy (Christopher Penn, Sean’s real-life younger brother). Two very important people come into his life (or one of them actually back into his life). One is a neat farm girl, named Terry (Mary Stuart Masterson), whom he meets and starts hanging out with. Another is Bradford Whitewood, Sr. (Christopher Walken), his criminal father who only comes in every now and then to give money. Brad Sr. seems to be doing all right for himself, as Brad Jr. notices. Brad Jr. wants to know more about him, so he decides to live at his place with his gang of professional thieves. Brad Jr. isn’t necessarily the criminal type, but he is reckless, as we saw in an opening scene where he deals unusually and effectively with a man who cheated Tommy and a buddy of his out of a bottle of liquor. He decides he wants a taste of his father’s gang’s action, since it seems a lot more exciting than what he has now. So he rallies his own gang—Tommy and his friends (Stephen Geoffreys, Crispin Glover, and Kiefer Sutherland)—and Brad Sr. assigns them to perform easy robbery tasks for them, in order to prepare for the big stuff that they want to try sometime. But while Brad Jr. is in orbit around his father’s world, his relationship with Terry, who becomes his girlfriend, strengthens and he’s hoping Brad Sr. will “come up with some money” in order to provide a place for him and her to live. However, he finds that Brad Sr. is more than a robber, he’s a sick, twisted killer who kills anyone who gets in his way. Brad Jr. learns

the hard way when he witnesses Brad Sr. shoot a former member of his gang in the head at close range. Then, things get more dangerous when Brad Jr.’s gang messes up on a job and are busted. Brad Sr. knows that he and his own gang will be connected to all of this, and ultimately decides to take drastic measures to save himself. This also means betraying his son, to kill him if need be.

Brad Sr. is a ruthless S.O.B. and Christopher Walken shows the dark side with intensity. This is one of Walken’s best performances in a film—he has a great ability to move between easygoingness to straight-up malice, and it really comes through in this film. Sometimes he can be a wise guy, as when he enjoys the fact that Brad Jr. idolizes him and plays on it, acting like a big shot most of the time. But when he’s mad, he can turn into a truly evil creature of a man. And he won’t care who he has to kill to save himself.

“At Close Range” is sometimes an uneasy film to watch. It’s not pleasant or particularly charming, except for the first scenes featuring Brad Jr. and Terry (their relationship is the only sweet part of the movie). It’s very violent, especially in the final act, and seems to glamorize the lifestyles of this gang of violent criminals that Brad Jr. wants to be a part of. And when things go very wrong, the movie still doesn’t let up. But it also makes “At Close Range” an effective portrait of human nature while also delivering the much-needed subtle message against violence and gun use.

Sean Penn is excellent as Brad Jr., creating a conflicted young man caught between two worlds—the nice little world he shares with his girlfriend and the mysterious world with his father that later becomes life-threateningly violent. He’s perfectly natural and very strong in the role.

Maybe “At Close Range” isn’t the movie for you, if you don’t like violence or think this story is too much. But I think it is worth seeing for the performances by Penn and Walken. These are two of the brightest, strongest actors who deliver excellent performances. N

Experiencing God in the Everyday All Things New

Pastor Chad Grigsby It’s the New Year; 2013 is no more, and 2014 is here to stay, well, at least for another 12 months. For many of us, this means new things. The obvious things that are new in most people’s lives this time of year are diets, exercise routines, and a sense of a fresh start.

But no matter what our New Year’s resolution this year, we all have one thing in common. A resolution is really an effort to change or correct the past. We’ve eaten too much, so we go on a diet to correct that.

We’ve gotten out of the habit of exercise, so we alter our schedule to change that. We make resolutions to do something different in the future because of what we have done in the past.

And although this is all well and good, many of us won’t make it past the month of January with our resolutions. In fact, almost all of us will be back to our old habits by March. But don’t be discouraged, there is hope for real change!

Most of what we think about when we think about making a change is doing more and trying harder. This makes logical sense. We think to really change we have to “do better next time” or “really mean it this time.”

And while self-determination can lead to some change in our lives, it rarely leads to the change that we most

need. Self-determination can make us better no doubt, but it cannot make us new. And new is really what we need.

The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that “If anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW creation. The old has passed away; behold, the NEW has come.” That holds a promise that is much greater than any resolution for behavior modification. At the heart, we don’t need to do more or try harder, but rather, we need to rest in what has been done for us. This is what brings lasting change.

Change that sticks. Change that’s real.

So this new year, don’t resolve to do more and try harder, but rather, commit to rest more and trust harder in what Jesus has done for us.

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January 2014 17

I Do

Freeman / Reardon Wedding Kimberlee Thomas

What happens when you take a Pioneer and a Southerner and put them in Greyhound territory? They unite. Such is the story of Julie Freeman and Brian Reardon.

In late October of 2010, Julie and Brian were set up on a blind date by mutual friends. The designated meeting place was U.S. Pizza in Newport, Arkansas. Brian, a Newport native, had just moved back into the area from Fayetteville and had taken the position as Defensive Coordinator with the Southside football program. When asked if it was love at first sight Julie commented, “It was football season, he was coaching for Southside and my boys play Pioneer football, so at first we split in different directions. But once season was over and the dust settled on the turf, our relationship started to grow.”

In the early summer of 2013, Julie and Brian traveled to Florida to join Julie’s family for a vacation at the Freeman’s family beach house. Brian had put a lot of thought into the proposal and had planned it all to take place at sunset on the beach. Three hours of traffic delays washed all those well-laid plans out to sea. Once they arrived at the beach house it was dark and Brian was fearful of dropping the ring in the sand and losing it, so 18

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he rethought his game plan. He took Julie for a beautiful moonlit stroll along the beach and upon returning back to the house they settled in on the deck that overlooks the ocean. It was there that Brian dropped to one knee and presented Julie with a beautiful ring and his heart, “The first time I realized I had fallen in love with you was on this beach, so I knew asking you to be my wife here was only fitting.” “He asked me at the beach, so of course I said yes.

If you still love someone after a family vacation it must be real love,” Julie laughingly shared.

Julie and Brian were united in holy matrimony on July 25, 2013.

The double ring ceremony was held in Jonesboro at the home of John and Lois Freeman, parents of the bride. Brian’s parents, Joe and Peg Reardon, along with his four brothers and their families, were in attendance.

Julie’s sister and her family were also in attendance. It was a small, intimate outdoor ceremony. Julie’s sons, Chase and Caden, walked her down the aisle and gave her hand in marriage.

Brian’s daughter, Madelyn, walked down the aisle and joined them at the altar. In this manner, the two families were united as one during the ceremony.

Julie’s nieces served as flower girls and Brian’s nieces rang the bells announcing the union. Julie’s friend, Alyson Low, directed the wedding. “She did a beautiful job. I had no worries at all. The wedding was sweet and simple, just what we wanted,” Julie shared.

The families stayed and shared dinner on the lawn following the ceremony. Afterward, they lined the sidewalks holding sparklers for the couple to pass through as they departed.

It was the beginning of football season, so the honeymoon had to be put on hold. Julie commented, “He keeps telling me we will go this summer. My fingers are crossed for a nice surprise.”

Brian is the Defensive Coordinator football coach at Southside High School. Julie teaches elementary art for Batesville schools at Eagle Mountain Magnet. Their time is spent either at athletic events, or traveling to Santa Rosa to relax at the beach. Brian’s daughter, Madelyn, is in her second year of college at Southeastern University in Louisiana and is transferring to Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge this month. Julie’s son, Chase, is a senior at Batesville High School and her son, Caden, is in 8th grade. Julie shared, “We have a divided house between Southside and Batesville schools which adds for lots of entertainment and fun.” The couple’s future plans include a lot of traveling. Brian would like to someday coach at the college level and Julie wants to continue being creative with her students, wherever they may be. N We wish you a Happy New Year!

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Wishing you and yours a Happy 2014!

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Ozark Foothills FilmFest Receives Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts Bob Pest

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Senior Deputy Chairman Joan Shigekawa announced today that Ozark Foothills FilmFest, Inc. is one of 150 not-for-profit organizations to receive an NEA Challenge America FastTrack grant. Ozark Foothills FilmFest is recommended for a $10,000 grant to support the 13th annual film festival, set for April 2-6, 2014 at various venues in Batesville, Arkansas.

The Challenge America Fast-Track category offers $10,000 matching grants to support projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Challenge America Fast-Track grants support two major outcomes: public engagement with diverse and excellent art and livability, or the strengthening of communities through the arts. In this FY 2014 funding round, the NEA received 294 eligible Challenge America Fast-Track applications requesting $2.94 million in funding. The NEA will award 150 Challenge America Fast-Track grants totaling $1.5 million to organizations in 46 states, including 33 first-time NEA grantees, or 22 percent of all CAFT grantees in this round.

Ozark Foothills FilmFest co-founder and board president Bob Pest remarked, “Over the fourteen years of

our existence, the National Endowment for the Arts has been highly supportive of our efforts to present an annual showcase of independent and non-commercial cinema in a small, rural community. The goal has always been to provide programming that is on a par with that of festivals that take place in much larger markets and the Endowment has been instrumental in making that happen. We sincerely appreciate both the funding and the vote of confidence that this award represents.”

“The NEA was founded on the principle that the arts belong to all the people of the United States,” said NEA Senior Deputy Chairman Joan Shigekawa. “We're proud that Challenge America Fast-Track grants bring more opportunities for arts engagement to underserved communities.”

Ozark Foothills FilmFest, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization, formed in 2001 and dedicated to excellence and accessibility in the cinema arts. The organization presents the annual Ozark Foothills FilmFest each spring and the annual T Tauri Movie Camp--offering video production workshops for youth age 8 to 18--each July. For information visit www.ozarkfoothillsfilmfest.org or www.ttauri.org. N

Studio Salon 870-698-9998

141 W. Main Street, Batesville

Providing quality hair care for the entire family

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We wish you a Happy New Year!

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Autry’s White River Furniture

The “We Love Customers” Store!

January 2014 23

Things To Do UACCB to offer Introduction to Grant Writing Introduction to Grant Writing. February 20, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Karla Rush will teach participants the basics of grant writing: Who, What, When, Where and Why. Designed for beginners, this class will be an information-packed, interactive professional workshop consisting of practical case studies and group work. Ms. Rush has worked in grant writing, grant management and grant research in the higher education field for more than twenty years. She has extensive experience writing grants and managing grant budgets for nonprofit organizations and has administered several grantfunded community projects. Pre-registration is required and the fee is $29 per person. Register by February 6, 2014 and receive $4 off. Limited space available. The class will be held in the UACCB Row Johns Library Building, Room 803. Call (870) 612-2082 or email katrina.stevens@uaccb.edu.

All Over Independence Kids Yoga/Art Classes The Batesville Area Arts Council will be hosting Kids’ Yoga/Art Classes for 5 consecutive Tuesdays, starting January 21 and lasting through February 18 at Lyon College. Classes will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. for 1st and 2nd graders and from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. for 3rd through 5th graders. For more information call 870-793-3382.

Monthly Fish Fry and Chicken Dinner The Hutchinson Mountain Community Center at 3370 Camp Tahkodah Road will be hosting their monthly Fish Fry and Chicken Dinner on Friday, January 3 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cost for adults and children 12 and up is only $10.00. Children 11 and under eat FREE. Buffet, drink, and dessert are included. Take-out is available $10.00 for adult and $5.00 for children. For more information you may call 870-251-3458. The center is also available for rental by contacting Lea Barber at 870-612-4718.

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INDEPENDENCE COUNTY LIBRARY 368 East Main Street Batesville, Arkansas 72501 (870) 793-8814 www.indcolib.com

2014 Business Expo & Annual Awards This years Business Expo will be Thursday, January 23 from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. at UACCB. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Arkansas Arts Center’s Children’s Theatre on Tour presents The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Journey with Ichabod’s haunted imagination as he fights for the affection of a beautiful woman, suffers ridicule of the town bully and encounters the tale of the Headless Horseman. Don’t miss this American classic legend in the Independence Hall at UACCB Monday, February 17, 2014 at 7 p.m. This presentation is free, but tickets are required for seating. Tickets are available at First Community Bank’s main location, Cave City and Southside branches and at the UACCB cashier office. Call 870-612-2040 for more information.

The Emily Wood Exhibit The Emily Wood Exhibit will be on display in the Alphin Humanities Building’s Kresge Art Gallery Tuesday, January 14 through 21 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information call Carly Dahl at 870-307-7336.

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Notes from the Clearing

Inklings of My Road Joseph Thomas

Tracks of my trail lead back to you, where you mended my lashes and patched the whole of my time with your adhesive wisdom. Inklings of my road articulate your way as you steadied my nerve and readied my curiosity.

Traces of my touch speak of your hand and guide my heart home in the deepest reaches of away. Hints of your humor visit my contagious laughter and curve upon the smile of those about me. Indications of your heart burn upon my chest when I stand up and take the warriors wind meant for others. Signs of your life flicker among the pages of my life daily and I shine them gladly for all to read for these hints of you are the best part of me and allow me to love myself. All these gifts you gave, all the while wishing you had gifts to give, not knowing what you possessed, never comprehending the power of your offering nor the voraciousness with which it is received and dissolved upon our tongue. The stars will be brighter for your return and your guidance will tarry among us as every silence speaks your name.

N We wish you a Happy New Year!

Faces

Marketing Specialist Damian DeLoach helps Marketing Director Michele Wood (middle) and Pharmacy Director Maggie Miller (right) prepare to load gifts for delivery to the United Way drop-off location. Twenty-one White River Medical Center departments provided Christmas gifts to two dozen children through the United Wayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Angel Tree program.

Kennadi Pretty, photo by Stacy Pretty The ladies of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce took this picture of the City of Batesville Employee's clearing icy walkways around the city and thanked them for their hard work in December.

The ribbon cutting for North Arkansas Home Care above and then, Imaginations .

January Clearance Sale!

Monday - Friday 9am to 6pm Saturdays to 5pm / Just South of the White River Bridge, Batesville / 870-793-3885

Christmas Parade Winners Announced The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2013 Batesville Christmas Parade in December.

Presenting parade sponsor was FutureFuel. Trophies were provided by VanWinkle Sports. Several volunteers from UACCB and Batesville Kiwanis helped to make the event successful. Cliff Brown and Joyce Prickett, from Citizens Bank, served as the parade committee. There were 14 floats and over 30 combined entries. “We had several new business participants this year and the community support and involvement was evident,” stated Mandi Curtwright from the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. The attendance was estimated at over 7,000.

Floats were judged on the following criteria: accordance to theme, placement of lights, creativity, animation and special effects and costuming. The winners are: 1st Place Business – Fusion Dance Academy (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) 2nd Place Business – Citizens Bank (A CeeBee Christmas) 3rd Place Business – Tiffany’s Salon (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) 1st Place Non-Profit/Civic – Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church (Polar Express) 2nd Place Non-Profit/Civic – Boy Scouts Pack 220 3rd Place Non-Profit/Civic – Ozark Foothills Literacy Project (How the Grinch Stole Christmas)

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A shot of the trophies and Santa in the 2013 Batesville Christmas Parade thanks to the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. Eye On appreciates all that they do. Main Street Lighting Ceremony pictures found on the Chamber’s Facebook Page. The Lyon Pipe Band piping, the Southside Cheer Team in their PJs, just above and center. The Batesville Pioneer Band braving the cold in the Batesville Christmas Parade above and right, like the Southerner Band just below and left. The Desha Fire Department joins the festivities and the rest are beautiful faces you may recognize from all over Independence.

See more of our FACES at www.eyeonmag.com.

Pace hired as Director of Wound Healing Center at WRHS Annie Solis

Sueann Pace has been hired as Director of the Wound Healing Center at White River Health System (WRHS), announced Gary Bebow, CEO/Administrator.

As Director, Pace will be responsible for daily management of clinical operations and staffing, physician relations, referral development, billing management, compliance, strategic planning, wound database tracking, and budget.

She has over 24 years of experience in healthcare including eight years of experience exclusively as a director of wound healing. While she was the Director of another hospital based wound healing program, the center’s healing rate exceeded industry standards and, in 2006, was named Center of the Year under her leadership.

“We are excited to welcome Sueann to the WRHS team,” said Bebow. “She has many years of experience in healthcare and we are confident that she will bring a lot to our Wound Healing program.”

Pace obtained a Bachelor of Science from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and is certified in Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine by the National Healing Institute of Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at Ohio State University. She has served on the Board of the Greater Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, and is a graduate of its leadership program.

“Working with patients is my passion,” said Sueann. “There was a time when I worked outside of the healthcare profession, but I missed patient care so tremendously that it didn’t take long for me to realize that being with patients is where I needed

to be.”

Pace grew up in Melbourne and graduated from Melbourne High School. She returned to Batesville permanently in December.

“With my children grown, this is the prime opportunity to return home, and the timing happened to be perfect,” said Pace. “I love it here, and WRHS is by far the best healthcare institution I have worked for—no comparison. They’re so personable and patient/family oriented, and that makes all the difference.”

She and her husband, Martin, have two sons, Daniel and Cole.

The WRMC Wound Healing Center opened in 2004 to meet the needs of the community by specializing in the treatment of non-healing wounds caused by illness or injury. Patients with a wound or ulcer that hasn’t responded to conventional treatments after three to four weeks or with a complex wound may benefit from care at the Wound Healing Center. The experienced staff offers a progressive approach to wound healing with treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Physician referral is not necessary for wound healing treatment at the WRMC Wound Healing Center.

For more information, call (870) 262-3210 or Sueann Pace toll free 866-576-4367. N

Independence County Recycle Center

We Recycle:

Plastic Bottles Steel Cans Aluminum Cans Cardboard Newspaper Glass Magazines

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

The White River Health System (WRHS) Marketing Team was recently awarded two Diamond Awards for Excellence in healthcare marketing by the Arkansas Hospital Association (AHA) and the Arkansas Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations (ASHMPR). The team was recognized for the WRHS Website and WRMC Campus Map design. Pictured (L to R) are Doug Weeks, AHA Board Chairman; Michele Wood, WRHS Marketing Director; Sheila Mace, WRHS Public Relations Coordinator and Website/ Social Media Coordinator; and Laura Pickens, ASHMPR President.

Other members of the WRMC Marketing Team not pictured include: Damian DeLoach, Stephanie King, Bryan Langston, and Annie Solis.

See more of our FACES at www.eyeonmag.com.

Completed Requirements for Certification Annie Solis

Dr. J. R. Baker

Dr. Verona Brown

Batesville physicians Dr. J. R. Baker and Dr. Verona Brown recently completed requirements for certification by the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners as required for physicians offering physicals for commercial motor vehicle drivers (often referred to as DOT physicals).

After May 21, 2014, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will require all physicians providing CMV physicals to be listed on the National Registry. Dr. Baker is a family physician in private practice at Batesville Family Medicine Clinic, and Dr. Brown is a family physician in private practice at Batesville Med PACC/Med Aesthetics.

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WRHS Announces Plans for Satellite ER

Annie Solis Gary Bebow, CEO/Administrator of White River Health System (WRHS), has announced plans for a satellite emergency room (ER) at the WRMC Medical Complex in Cherokee Village, said Complex representative, James Mack Street, during a recent presentation to the Sharp County Quorum Court.

Once approval is given by the Arkansas Department of Health and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, WRHS will move forward with the ER, which is expected to be operational in early 2014.

The satellite ER will be open and staffed by physicians 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The team in Cherokee Village will have the capability for ongoing dialogue, via telemedicine with White River Medical Center’s Level III Trauma Center and physician specialists (i.e., Cardiologist, ENT, General Surgeons, Hospitalists, OB/GYN, Orthopaedists, Pediatricians, Psychiatrists, Radiologists, and Urologists) as needed. The satellite ER will include diagnostic capabilities such as Laboratory, X-Ray, CT scanner, Ultrasound, and Cardiac Monitoring. It will have one triage room, seven exam rooms, and a dedicated ambulance entrance. Patients will be able to get emergency medical care until they can be discharged or transferred to a larger hospital.

The need for the satellite ER is a result of the growing desire for access to around the clock medical care. The WRMC Medical Complex, which opened in 2007, was constructed to hospital building codes with plans for converting the Urgent Care Clinic to an ER when volume grew to a level that would support an ER facility. The volume has increased, therefore, creating the opportunity for a 24/7 ER. The ER will be funded entirely by WRHS and will not require a sales tax increase from the citizens of Sharp County.

“We have always been a dedicated partner in bringing high quality healthcare to Sharp County,” said Bebow. “The time is right to expand the services we offer to the residents of Sharp County and surrounding areas.”

The WRMC Medical Complex satellite ER will be the first satellite ER in the state of Arkansas. Satellite ERs are becoming more prevalent across the country improving access to care and easing ER overcrowding. Satellite ERs have also been shown to decrease patient wait times and decrease ambulance diversions. N

Main Street Batesville presented an Old Fashioned Christmas on December 13 and 14. These two local faces got in on the Big Man’s good side.

Visit Highclere Castle backdrop of Downton Abbey.

View the Beautiful English Countryside and tour London.

CALL TODAY!!!

Space is limited on this once in a lifetime journey.

Faces seen at the Wood-Lawn Heights Business After Hours.

Music Director Dawn Harris talks about the choir and explains the first number the children sang.

Happy New Year

m ng Me Creati

ories...

(870)793-8287 2401 Harrison Street Batesville, Arkansas

See more of our FACES at www.eyeonmag.com.

Chamber of Commerce Announces Newest Board Members Danell Hetrick

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has elected 5 new members for 2014. Brian Berry (Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management & Student Services; UACCB), David Wilkins (Owner; Living Spaces), Jon Vestal (Vice President of Institutional Advancement; Lyon College), Lee DeBerry (Community Bank President; Southern Bank), and Shaun Robinson (UAMS).

Berry, Wilkins, Vestal, DeBerry and Robinson will join 15 veteran board members including, Barry Hammers (President; Flowers Baking Company), Chintan Patel (Owner; US Pizza), Flave Carpenter (Customer Service Manager; Entergy Arkansas, Inc.), John Dews (President; Citizens Bank), Kevin Rose (Community Bank President; Centennial Bank), Robb Roberts (Senior Vice President – Senior Lending Officer; First Community Bank), Rusty Elumbaugh (Owner/Contractor; White River Custom Pools), Sam Dortch (Executive Vice President & General Manager; Future Fuel Chemical Company), Scott Lancaster (General Counsel; Bad Boy, Inc.), Stan Fretwell (Plant Manager; Peco Foods, Inc.), Tammy Gavin (WRMC), Vonda Crowl (Director of Operations/Controller; TWH Enterprises), Randy Reichardt (Owner/Agent; Randy Reichardt Insurance Agency) and Dr. Randy Willison (Superintendent; Batesville School District #1).

Incoming Board Chairman, Scott Lancaster, stated in reference to the chamber’s 2014 year: “The chamber membership and the community as a whole is very fortunate to have such a progressive group of board members who are dedicated to making 2014 the best year ever for the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.”

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Arkansas Craft School Announces 2014 Classes Class descriptions for the 2014 season of the Arkansas Craft School are now posted on-line: www.arkansascraftschool.org. Interested students may find all the information that they need, including the classes arranged according to media, descriptions of those classes, instructor information, schedules, and costs.

In keeping with the Craft School’s mission statement, at least 46 craft workshops will be offered this year in the categories of: Clay, Fiber, Metal, Wood, Glass, Mixed Media and Kid’s Craft. Classes will take place at the Arkansas Craft School, located just off the Courthouse Square on Main Street in Mountain View, at the Ozarka, Mountain View College campus, or at select individual artist studios across the state. More classes will be added in the next few weeks.

Highlights for the year include the return of jeweler Thomas Mann with a course entitled“Containers to Wear,” Knife Making classes with Jim Crowell, a Log-Cabin Building workshop with Dave Smith, a Bee Keeping workshop with Ed Levi during Sustainability Weekend, and an expansion of our woodturning workshops. An interesting array of other classes will be offered as well by local, regional, and national craft artisans.

Registration procedures and costs have been streamlined to encourage early registration. A $50.00 non-refundable deposit will now secure your place in class; with balance of tuition due three weeks before the first day of class. Links to registration forms may be found on the website under the “Registration” tab.

Thanks to our successful fundraising Gala last November, scholarships will again be available to students based on financial need and merit.

The Arkansas Craft School, located in Mountain View, Arkansas is dedicated to the education of aspiring and practicing craft artisans for success in the Creative Economy. The Craft School partners with Ozarka College and Pulaski Technical College, who offer Continuing Education credits for all courses.

Support for the Arkansas Craft School is provided, in part, by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment of the Arts. For further information, you may reach Terri Van Orman at (870) 269-8397. N

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