Eye On Independence December 2011

Eye OnIndependence www.eyeonmag.com

This Season Of Giving: Independence On A Mission Bud Shreve and Christmas Brings Hope AmeriCorps local volunteers for literacy West Magnet Schools and more

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December 2011

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Cedar Ridge School

Fitness Classes Monday

Boot Camp 6:00-6:30 / Toning 6:30-7:00 Running-Walking Club 7:00-8:00

Tuesday

Low Impact Aerobics 3:30-4:30

Wednesday

Abs 6:00-6:30 / Toning 6:30-7:00 Running-Walking Club 7:00-8:00 Biggest Loser Club - Monday 5:30 & Tuesday 3:30 For more info. call Susi Epperson @ 870-799-8691 EXT 244

Southside School

Fitness Classes Monday

Body Pump Class 4:00-5:00 and 5:30-6:30

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Midland School

Fitness Classes Monday

Toning 4:30-5:30 / Aerobics 5:45-6:30

Wednesday

Aerobics 4:30-5:15 / Toning 5:30-6:15 Biggest Loser Club - Wednesday 5:15 For more info. Shannon Strother @ 501-626-7985

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Fitness Classes Monday

Zumba 4:15-4:45 / Line Dancing 5:30-6:15 Pilates 5:30-6:15

Tuesday

Total Body Conditioning for You 5:00-5:30 Zumba 5:30-6:15

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Phone: 799-3243 Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Total Body Conditioning for You 5:00-5:30 Zumba 5:30-6:15 Biggest Loser Club -Tuesday 5:00 & Thursday 5:00 For more info. call Susan Parker @ 870-698-9141 Through the Communities Putting Preventions to Work initiative, the Independence County Hometown Wellness Coalition has partnered with allschooldistricts in the county and other area agencies to improve the health of our community by providing FREEphysicalactivity and nutrition education/weight management opportunities to allIndependence County residents.

In This Issue 6/Letter from the Publisher Peace and Joy

7/Fork in the Road Elizabeth’s Lives Up to Stellar Reputation

9/The Morning Line Penn State

10/Cover Story Bud Shreve and his Boxes of Hope

13/Education

10

28

16

30

19

35

22

36

Dance...and Music and iPads, Oh My

14/Eye On Nature

Romance by Poison Parasite

16/Feature

This Season Of Giving Part 1 Local Dentist Shares the Gift of Humanity

18/Eye On Health Tis the Season

19/Feature This Season Of Giving Part 2 Sharing a Vision

20/Homes

The Elumbaugh Barndo

22/Feature

This Season Of Giving Part 3 AmeriCorps’ Newest Volunteers

24/Celebrate New Year’s Eve on Main Street 26/Batesville Area Arts Council 26/The Arts 28/I Do The Milum Wedding

30/Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista The Batesville High School Glass Slipper Project

32/Notes from the Clearing A Kind Of Winter Fight

34/The Myopic Life This Sure Ain’t Black Friday

34/Eye On Events 35/Smith’s Verdict Super 8

36/Organization Serving Children in Need November 2011

Eye OnIndependence

www.eyeonmag.com

g; Independence

This Season Of Givin

On A Mission

mas Brings Hope Bud Shreve and Christ teers for literacy AmeriCorp local volun ls and more

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endencia El ojo de la Indep Inglés y clases Libre de habla el Consejo de por de lectura ión, los contactos Alfabetizac la página 37 aparecen en A Publication of

, Inc.

Meadowland Media

Cover photography Robert O. Seat Cover design by Joseph Thomas

Eye On

Independence

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: Bob Pest MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas

Shannon - Owner / Artist Tara - Artists

1695 Batesville Blvd.

870.251.4520

Creative Director : Joseph Thomas AD DESIGN Department: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas PROOFING DEPartment: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas CIRCULATION: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: Rockwell Publishing 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 admin@meadowlandmedia.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.

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Eye On

Independence

December 2011 | 5

Letter from the Publisher Peace and Joy

Kimberlee Thomas There is a noticeable chill in the air and the blustery North wind brings with it a hint of snow. Our city is beautifully adorned with glowing lights and festive decorations proclaiming that Christmas is just around the corner. Truly this is the season of giving, a reason for hope as if it is an air borne condition that we all breathe in as we seek the treasures that will bring a smile to those we love. It is also a season of despair for some, those in need of shelter and sustenance or just a little Christmas cheer passed their way. It takes so very little to make a difference in the life of another, may we all slow down and take note of what we have been given and seek out ways in which we ourselves can share.

As we feature this Season of Giving within these pages we will share with you many stories of people from our community that have found ways to share their unique gifts with others. Local businessman, Bud Shreve, discovered that you can pack a lot of hope into a single box. Mark Chunn and Tom Ezell tell how they have shared their dental and nursing skills with their fellowman in Guatemala and Haiti. Closer to home two new volunteers share their literacy skills through AmeriCorps.

Joseph and I would like to wish you and yours a very

Merry Christmas. We also want to take a moment to say “Thank you” to the men and women of the American Armed Forces and their families who give of themselves daily so that we may enjoy the privilege of celebrating the holidays with our family.

Peace and Joy - Kimberlee Thomas I just wanted to thank Citizens Bank for bringing First Lady Ginger Bebee to Batesville Oct. 25th for a book signing for Open House: The Arkansas Governor’s Mansion and Its Place in History and all that they do for this community. Also, look for Santa as Citizens Bank will be hosting a holiday open house after Batesville’s Annual Christmas Parade on December 10th from 78:30 p.m. There will be hot chocolate and cookies. Come enjoy music by E.J. Jones and friends. - Joseph 

“I just finished reading the October issue of “Eye on Independence” and enjoyed it thoroughly.

It’s a good way to learn what’s going on in the community, and that’s helpful for a newcomer such as I.” --Vanessa Adams County Librarian Independence County Library

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Fork in the Road Bob Pest Over the past few months, Batesville has witnessed a number of restaurant closings, including the Cinnamon Stick, the Smoke House, the Wing Shack and Cheeseburger Grill, Claudel’s, and Brady’s Fish Fry. The current economic situation is obviously a major reason for these closings. Fortunately, and not surprisingly, Elizabeth’s Restaurant, in the heart of the downtown historic business district, has withstood the economic pressures to maintain its high level of quality lunch and dinner offerings at reasonable prices. In fact, the restaurant has added a Sunday Buffet Brunch which has received high ratings on the Urbanspoon customer reviews website. Elizabeth’s was a recipient of two awards from the Eye on Independence magazine food competition, receiving both the Best Service and Best Place for a Romantic Dinner honors and narrowly missing Best Desserts.

Owner Diane White and her outstanding staff deserved both awards for maintaining a consistent level of quality food and stellar service.

The luncheon menu at Elizabeth’s is creative and ambitious, clearly recognizing both the healthy and the hearty appetite. A dozen salads are featured, ranging from a magnificent Tropical Chicken Salad with fresh pineapple to a generous Caesar Salad available with grilled chicken or shrimp.

The Spinach Salad, Stuffed Tomato, and Luncheon Green Salad can also be ordered with chicken or shrimp. In an article I wrote a few years ago I raved about the Tropical Chicken Salad, mostly because both the fruit and the chicken are always incredibly fresh. Nothing has happened to

Elizabeth’s Lives Up to Stellar Reputation diminish my enthusiasm.

The luncheon menu also features a variety of sandwiches, served with potato salad, pasta salad, or chips. Get the pasta salad; it’s awesome. Notable among the sandwiches are a classic packed Reuben on toasted rye and a Grilled Chicken Quesadilla.

Diners can also design their own wraps from a more than adequate list of options. The Broccoli and Cheddar Soup is always available and always worth the trip; a Soup of the Day is also featured in “soup season,” October through April. I also have to admit to a serious fondness for the homemade yeast rolls, served with honey butter at every meal. Luncheon specials usually feature several entrée selections and a choice of two side dishes from four or five options.

Frequent choices include Lemon Baked Chicken (a local favorite), Lasagna, Beef Stroganoff, and Meat Loaf. Don’t overlook the side dishes, especially the Broccoli/Cauliflower Salad—we all need to eat more cruciferous vegetables.

The dinner menu includes an assortment of appetizers such as Stuffed Mushrooms, Mozzarella Sticks, and Shrimp Cocktail. Steaks, Pasta, Seafood, and Chicken dishes make up the evening entrees. Popular choices include Chicken Alfredo, Prime Rib, Grilled Shrimp, and Sirloin Tips, marinated and served with grilled peppers and onions.

Dinners are served with a choice of two side dishes, a garden salad, and rolls. The health conscious can select the Vegetable Pasta or the Vegetable Plate, which include a choice of three side dishes and a dinner salad.

Diane White and her staff take great pride in their desserts. Whether you order the Blackberry Cobbler, the Apple Dumplings, the Bread Pudding

with Whiskey Sauce, or any of the other selections, you’ll be glad you saved room for dessert. The coffee is also excellent and you’ll never have to wait long for a refill.

Elizabeth’s offers full-service catering. The catering menu features most restaurant items along with an expanded choice of appetizers, some additional salads and entrees, and a wide selection of cookies and desserts.

Elizabeth’s is located at 231 E. Main Street; for catering or dinner reservations call 870-698-0903.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch from 11:00 to 3:00. Elizabeth’s is usually pretty full by about 11:45, but there is seldom much of a wait. Dinner is served on Thursday to Saturday evenings from 5:00 to 9:00; Thursday nights offer an ALL YOU CAN EAT Spaghetti Special for $6.99 per person including spaghetti, garlic bread, and salad. The Sunday Buffet Brunch is served from 11:00 until 2:00. The restaurant hosts a number of private events during the year, so it makes sense to call before making a long drive downtown. Elizabeth’s has played and continues to play a major role in the revival of the downtown business district, frequently featuring live music by local troubadours Danny Dozier or David Grimes. The restaurant displays art by local artists and hosts events for area non-profits, including Main Street Batesville and the Ozark Foothills FilmFest.

Elizabeth’s is proof that fine food does not have to be expensive and that a relatively small town can support the kind of “white tablecloth” restaurant that usually flourishes in larger communities. Count your blessings and enjoy your meal.

You’ll be back. See you there! N

December 2011 | 7

The Morning Linephoto by Keith Sturch Mark Lamberth I have never been much of a fan of Penn State Football unless they were playing Notre Dame or Texas. It always came across as a little arrogant with a “holier than thou” attitude. I did give the program credit as it seemed to operate in a straight forward and no nonsense manner. But, in the end, I always felt that “Joe Pa” held on too long to his job and was more interested in his career win total than what was good for the football program. With the above being said, I was saddened by the shocking revelations that have emerged from the program in the last few weeks. Inappropriate conduct has apparently been taking place at Penn State since the late 90s and a number of school officials were aware of it and took no action. As former Oklahoma Sooner and Dallas Cowboy Head Coach Barry Switzer said, the misconduct had to be known by practically everyone on the athletic staff.

To be sure, these were not recruiting violations or some other minor infraction. These are criminal acts carried out by a person in authority against innocent and defenseless children. When the reputation of a college football program supersedes the moral compass of administrators entrusted with the care of hundreds of kids; then it’s time for a complete re-examination of the role of sports in college and universities. As



   

   

Penn State the story unfolded, Paterno tried to limit its impact by announcing he was stepping down at the end of the season. The arrogance of that action, designed to vacate any decision the Board of Trustees at Penn State might make, was key in sealing Paternos’s fate.

When any one person in an institution reaches a level in which he holds the belief that he controls an entire public university – they must be not only reprimanded but terminated immediately. Too many colleges and universities have allowed themselves to be defined by their sports program. With that in mind, schools that pay coaches millions of dollars should be held accountable for their employee’s actions. This was not only a failure by a few individuals or an institution – it was a failure of the entire system. What is the true role of these institutions of higher learning in the role of molding our children and ultimately the citizens of our nation? Unfortunately, money has become the major criteria by which decisions are made by college administrators in the big business of college athletics.

Just as many people believe money has corrupted our political process in Washington, the same could be said of college sports. To the credit of the Board of Trustees at Penn State, they fired Head Coach Joe Paterno (after the pressure was turned up by several groups including the U. S. Department of Education) and have begun the healing process for the entire Happy Valley, Pa. community. It was painful but the right thing to do. A number of questions remain and need to be resolved and guilty parties brought to justice in the Penn State case. A larger and equally important question needs to be addressed – have college administrators lost control of athletic departments with their budgets in the hundreds of millions of dollars? In the case of Penn State; the disappointing answer is yes. N

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Cover Story Joseph Thomas

Photos by Robert O. Seat

Our December issue focuses on a “Season of Giving” to emphasize the importance of giving back to the community and caring for our neighbors. With that in mind, I sat down with Bud Shreve of Shreve Insurance and S & S Liquidations to reflect on all that he has done for our community, most evident being the founder of “Christmas Brings Hope.” Shreve is also full of information and fascinating stories that he has a knack for telling.

In 1952, Shreve graduated early from Cord-Charlotte high school at the age of 16, went to work at the International Shoe Company the same year, and became a member of the Batesville National Guard 153rd Unit. The unit was activated to replace the 101st

Airborne during the Little Rock Central High School integration crisis in 1959. In 1966 he began his insurance career with Union Life Insurance. He would go on to become President of the Batesville Jaycees that same year, winning a distinguished Service Award; Vice-President of the Arkansas State Jaycees from 1967 to 1968; and President of the Batesville Rotary Club from 1986 to 1987.

The Batesville Rotary won the Outstanding Club Project award that year for creating Christmas Brings Hope. Shreve won the United Way Award for Dedicated Community Service in 1988 as a result of his efforts. Shreve’s office wall holds many of these plaques, along with Citizen of the Year award from the Batesville Kiwanis in 1990 and the Arkansas Community Development Program Award for Exceptional Accomplishment with Christmas Brings Hope. He was also Independence County Chairman of the American Red Cross Blood Mobile.

Shreve is an Agent for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, a member of their advisory board, and a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Shreve is Table for life insurance sales. proudest of He is a member of St. Paul’s Christmas Episcopal Church. Shreve and Brings Hope. his wife Sarah have been married for 52 years and have one son, His brain Mark. He speaks of his son and child has wife with a loving twinkle in his brought eyes. hope to Those are the facts about those in Bud Shreve, but there is quite an need since interesting life woven between its inception all of his accomplishments. He tells of seeing this wonderful in 1986. country with his wife on

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Bud Shreve and his Boxes of Hope insurance trips, one of which involved a plane high-jacking.

I first saw Bud Shreve while filming a Batesville City Council meeting.

Mayor Elumbaugh offered Shreve the floor to recognize his fund-raising for the Welcome to Batesville sign on the bend of Ramsey Mountain. Shreve and his son raised most of the money for the sign.

Of all of his accomplishments, Shreve is proudest of Christmas Brings Hope. His brain child has brought hope to those who need it since its inception in 1986. Through community donations and hard work from Southside, Batesville, and Cedar Ridge Students, specially designed boxes made by Concord Specialty are filled with food and handed out to families throughout the community. I spoke with Ted Hall, chairman of Christmas Brings Hope. Hall was the Principal at Southside in 1992 when he first took the position as chairman. Hall tries to name those who have helped and worked to keep this project alive and well: “Roger Reed, the current principal of Southside School; Greg Shaver of Citizen’s Bank, who has served as Treasurer for the charity since the beginning; Debbie Buchanan who is an excellent fund-raiser; Arthur Montgomery, who sets up buys from Pilgrim’s Pride and other discounted sources; Tamara Griffin of UACCB, who helps to organize all of this on a computer; Lucy Rayford, who coordinates box filling; Harold Wilson who is a liaison to the fairgrounds; and so many more.” Hall said there are so many people helping to make this happen that he hated to even begin mentioning them, but would hate even more not to mention any as he began adding more names to the list. “The 4-H Club, Cub Scouts, Kiwanis, all of the

fire departments in Independence County, Center Point Energy . . . it just goes on and on.”

The people of Independence County pull together to make Christmas Brings Hope happen.

There are no specific corporate sponsors, but the whole community seems to chip in either on the organization, box filling, or delivery. This is a huge undertaking that begins with picking up food drive donations from every school, then taking them to the fairgrounds, which generously provides the space to put it all together.

Shreve is proudest of those that have received gift boxes one year and are volunteers handing out boxes the next. “You receive help for your family and you give back and help out when you can, that is what Christmas Brings Hope is all about, all of us getting what we need and helping when we can. The people that return the favor, they are the shining examples to me of what community is all about,” Shreve proclaims proudly.

To become part of Christmas Brings Hope call 870-793-4441 or write to Christmas Brings Hope, P.O. Box 2156 Batesville, Arkansas 72503.

Merry Christmas. N

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Merry Christmas December 2011 | 11

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS TOURISM GRANT AWARDED TO THE CITY OF BATESVILLE November 17, 2011 - The City of Batesville has tourism in our area." been awarded $10,400.00 toward conducting a During 2010 the economic impact of tourism in feasibility study for the potential development of Arkansas resulted in $285 million in state taxes and the Polk Bayou. The feasibility study will address $104 million in local taxes. The total cost of the project hydrology aspects of the bayou, the projected is $25,400. The additional funds needed to complete economic impact of the project and a conclusion as the study have been committed by local supporters of to whether or not the project is suitable for the area community development. N and able to support itself financially. The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce submitted this grant on behalf of the City of Batesville.

Mayor Rick Elumbaugh said, "The city developed a nature trail and playground on the Polk Bayou in 2008. The bayou is such a unique feature to have in our own backyard. We hope that the study will prove that additional developments on the Polk Bayou would provide an economic boost for Batesville and Independence County".

Crystal Johnson, Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, said "The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to community collaboration, business growth and achieving a high quality of life in the Batesville area. If this study proves to be feasible, we will search for additional funding to develop the Polk Bayou into an eco, heritage and adventure sports tourist attraction. We hope to capture more attention from tourists and increase the positive economic impact of

Joseph Thomas

Education

Dance...and Music and iPads, Oh My

2011 Regional Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Margaret Elumbaugh, recently contacted Eye on Independence concerning a new addition to the technology at West Magnet Elementary. Upon my arrival Principal Edie Allen met me at the office for a brief discussion that led to Mrs. Elumbaugh giving me the grand tour of the arts-based school. Principal Allen explained to me that dance is to West Magnet what football is for most high schools; it is their main draw and keeps their numbers high, but there is so much more opportunity at this facility: strings, band, drama, visual arts, select choir, piano lab, and an exceptional physical education and health program.

There are many advantages unique to West Magnet; like all Batesville Magnet Schools, the core curriculum is surrounded by areas that might attract certain individuals and aid in making their academic careers more attractive. West Magnet obviously has the draw of the arts; but also, thanks to Mark Rorie’s Polk Bayou Kids series, it has its own legend to intrigue “The Goonies” loving, child explorer in all of us.

Of all of the wonderful things going on at West Magnet, the kids are most excited about the latest technical addition to the schools arsenal of educational weapons; West Magnet has secured a classroom full of Apple iPads. The iPads were purchased by the school; Principal Allen surprised everyone with the

class set after they lost a competitive local grant. The children are so excited and really enjoy the work they get to do on the iPads. The students I spoke with were delighted by the touch screen technology that makes class work fun.

The iPads are just the newest asset to a school with a lot going for it. A brief look at a Strings Class and the Piano Lab is enough to see how this could be considered an education wrapped in playtime. “We have many fun and artistic activities here, but our curriculum is very intense and challenging and we strive to improve that intensity every year so that our students might be that much further ahead,” Elumbaugh tells me as we walk the halls from a class of children dissecting hearts to another in the middle of a math lesson. Teachers like Elumbaugh have a way of adopting our children for a time with all the more payoff to our children’s character, I believe.

Principal Allen explains that they are focusing on writing this year in every classroom to improve cognitive and reasoning skills and to prepare students for high school and college. She is also excited about the turn to Common Core this year which will be more challenging for the children and will narrow the focus so as to be more manageable for the teachers and further prepare each student. N

Photo submitted

Photo submitted

Photos by Joseph Thomas

Eye On Nature Autumn Hunter Even the most independent women require romance to some degree. Some may like chocolate for Valentine’s Day, flowers for her birthday, his undivided attention for a memorable anniversary, or stolen kisses under the mistletoe for an entire holiday season. When it comes to mistletoe, stolen is an appropriate adjective since this species makes its living off the limbs of another.

Mistletoe is a parasitic, evergreen plant that spends its entire life cycle growing in a host tree. A parasitic plant is one that does not benefit its host.

Henderson State University reports, “Others consider mistletoe to be an epiphyte. Epiphytes grow on other plants with very little effect on the host plant and produce their own food via photosynthesis.” The mistletoe is green, so it’s photosynthetic, making its own nourishment. It does, however, use the host tree as an anchor, for water intake, and minerals. There is typically no harm done to the host except maybe in extended periods of drought. Even the scientific genus name of the plant, Phoradendron, translates from the Greek to mean thief of tree.

Birds are most assuredly the primary means of transporting mistletoe. The seeds of this plant are encased in a gel like substance that sticks to the bird’s feet and beak. When the bird moves it spreads the seed with its feet, while cleaning its beak on a branch, or through its droppings. Mistletoe often has multiple plants growing in one tree or neighboring trees.

Multiple plants can form balls or bushes weighing close to one hundred pounds suspended in the trees.

Asian, European, and American herbalists believe in the potential natural healing properties and benefits of an immune system improved by mistletoe.

Regulating blood pressure is one proclaimed benefit of drinking mistletoe tea. In a paper written by Professor Saupe working at the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University in Minnesota, he noted that “mistletoe is used

Mistletoe is a parasitic, evergreen plant that spends its entire life cycle growing in a host tree. A parasitic plant is one does not benefit its host.

Mistletoe Flowers

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Romance by Poison Parasite medicinally in Germany to treat a variety of conditions including hypertension and cancer. The plants contain a variety of poisonous proteins and lectins. Studies have not conclusively demonstrated the efficacy of mistletoe, and because of its high toxicity, mistletoe tea is not recommended for home remedy.” Another site, www.really-useful.y2u.co.uk , adds, “The extract from leaves and developing twigs has been used for treating respiratory ailments, circulatory problems, and epilepsy.”

This plant became Oklahoma’s state flower when it was still an Indian territory. The brilliant red flowers appear in late summer. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture website, www. arhomeandgarden.org , gives habitat description as “common in low lying ground with high humidity”.

Mistletoe can grow on a variety of tree species.

Multiple resources report mistletoe commonly found living in oak and apple trees. There are more than nine hundred species worldwide. More than twenty species are found in the southern United States. The female plants have red or white berries in winter depending on species. Because of the colorful berries and green leaves this plant has traditionally been used to decorate graves in winter. When “getting caught under the mistletoe” a berry is taken off the sprig. As tradition has it, the kissing stops when the berries are gone.

The folklore and ancient traditions of hanging mistletoe in your doorway is a combination of several different cultures. Our Christmas decorations most likely started out as a pagan ritual of the Druid people who followed the winter solstice. In the Celtic language, mistletoe translates to “all heal.” The Scottish and Irish Society of the Black Hills tells of the healing power of this plant they believed took on the soul of the host tree. Mistletoe was thought to have the “power of healing diseases, making poisons harmless, giving fertility to humans and animals, protecting from witchcraft, banning evil spirits, bringing good luck and great blessings.” The Greeks gave boughs of mistletoe as a wedding present to newlyweds. Kissing under the mistletoe was introduced by the Vikings.

The Norse legend tells of a goddess of love who had a son that was killed by an arrow made of mistletoe.

Her tears turned into the berries and she brought him back to life with a kiss. In relation to Christianity, the website www.howstuffworks.com tells another story.

“One French tradition holds that the reason mistletoe is poisonous is because it was growing on a tree that was used to make the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.” Even though this poisonous plant should be kept away from children and animals, the majority of traditions behind the mistletoe are associated with

protection, well-being, and prosperity.

So fellas hang some mistletoe and surprise your ladies.

This token of romance is an easy gift to come by and an opportunity to keep a spring in her step from Thanksgiving till New Years. Who knew it could be so easy to step up your game? N

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December 2011 | 15

Joseph Thomas

Feature Photos submitted

I recently had the opportunity to visit with local dentist Dr. Mark Chunn, owner of White River Dental Center, in his Batesville home. I discovered him to be a calm and collected individual, yet in possession of a contagiously energetic spirit. Our little meeting was a fellowship within itself as the subject matter was exciting to both of us, and I actually felt revived from the conversation and company of Dr. Chunn.

Chunn has become a part of an exciting venture thanks to his friend, Don Tibbett, a sales representative for Patterson Dental Company. About ten years ago, Tibbett went on a mission dental trip to Bolivia and reported it to his church, Foothills Bible Church in Heber Springs. The church wanted to get involved in such a worthy endeavor. They were put in touch with a Friendship Baptist Church in Alabama that had built a mission house in Guatemala. With the initial contacts made, Tibbett then took it upon himself to put together a trip. He now organizes up to two trips a year utilizing his own vacation time to make the trips himself. “He’s a special person; Don Tibbett is a good man,” says Chunn. “Don always goes down ahead of a trip and gets the mission house prepared and ready for everyone’s arrival as well as procuring transportation for the crew once they’ve arrived.” Chunn says that the crew is split into teams; construction, medical, dental, and the Amor Del Niño team, which is the orphanage crew, but as a volunteer you can choose which team you want to help and change from day to day. I was impressed to hear him speak of the teenagers in the group that went and spent a day playing with the orphanage children.

“The majority of people who attend these mission trips are from Foothills Bible Church in Heber Springs or Batesville’s Fellowship Bible Church” Chunn says, “but anyone can get involved, some pay their own way and some fundraise to make the trek. I can promise you this though, you’ll go there wanting to help and give, and you get far more in the process.

It will change you inside and you will notice things you’ve never noticed before.” You can hear it in his tone and see it on his face; the two trips that Chunn has made to Chimaltenango hold deep meaning for him. He says in 2009 he went and spent most of his time doing free dental work for those in need in some amazingly crude conditions and he says the people were very nice, free of complaint, and relieved about how little pain was involved.

In 2011, he was joined in his trip by his oldest daughter, Alexandra. Because there were two other dentists on the trip, he decided to help in other ways while in Chimaltenango. He swung a hammer and helped at the orphanage, which he admits, was very tough emotionally. There was no mistaking the pride in Chunn’s voice as he spoke of Alexandra spending 16 | Log onto eyeonmag.com for past issues, photo albums, and more.

This Season Of Giving Part 1 Local Dentist Shares the Gift of Humanity

an afternoon painting fingernails for the local village girls. “There she was putting fingernail polish on these girls who don’t have make up or even mirrors, and when she finishes, she looks up to the mother watching and asks if she would like her nails painted.

I was so proud to see that she could understand what it might mean to this woman to be pampered even for a minute. The woman sat down and got her nails painted with a smile on her face.” He talks about another member of the mission giving a woman a picture of her and her family and how monumental this was, having perhaps never seen a picture and possibly being the only picture this family will ever have. It really brings home the realization that anyone can help people in these situations; skills help but humanity is key.

Chunn explains that the mission trip is in support of the church and that they’re there primarily to bring people into the church, but they provide free dental care, medical care, and community support for these people. “We had a food drive on my first trip and everybody came out and the love in that church was so rich and warm. It really brings these people in out of the impoverishment of their lives and gives them a fellowship they might not normally have,” Chunn says. He speaks of a Guatemalan dentist the mission has befriended that they refer more complicated cases to, simply because the instruments the mission team have to work with are basic and mostly for pulling bad teeth. Chunn speaks warmly of this dentist’s generosity and warmness.

The bonding that happens on a trip like this is like no other says Chunn; the time he spent with his daughter there was not something they could ever share here. “As a dentist my reward is seeing the smiles and getting the hugs from these people when I can relieve their pain; as a father it is watching my daughter gather up a collection of shoes here and hand them out there to these people that have none and to see that this has real meaning for her; and as a man my reward is becoming a better one.”

To help fund a trip or to come along yourself, you can contact the Fellowship Bible Church for more information online at www.fellowshipbatesville.org or by calling (870) 698-9244. N

Alexandra painting nails

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Dr. Chunn and Dr. Manuel Chavez

December 2011 | 17

Eye On Health Tis the Season

Alisa R. Lancaster Tis the season...For the flu that is, and that’s one gift you don’t want to receive! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend an annual influenza vaccination for all persons at least six months of age. Vaccines are the best protection against the flu. Last year there were 11 deaths in our state due to the flu which is the number eight cause of death nationwide. The 2011-2012 vaccine virus strains are identical to those of last year; specifically the H1N1, H3N2, and a type B flu. This year the vaccine can be given as a shot (injection) or nasal mist (spray).

Seasonal flu is caused by the influenza virus and is an illness that infects the nose, throat, and lungs.

Symptoms include fever (usually high), head ache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches, dry cough, runny or stuffy nose, and occasionally nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is spread by coughing or sneezing and touching a hard surface that has the virus on it and then touching your nose or mouth.

You cannot get the flu from receiving the flu vaccination, despite the argument of some. It takes approximately two weeks to develop antibodies after receiving the vaccine. Anyone who develops the flu

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during this two week period was already exposed to the flu virus.

Vaccinations should be given before any influenza activity in the community and continue to be offered throughout the flu season. The flu vaccine is 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing the illness and those that may still get the flu will have a milder case. So, if you’ve gotten your vaccination, thank you! If not, I would recommend contacting your health care provider and making arrangements to get one as soon as possible. If you still get sick, remember to use tissues and wash your hands frequently. Please contact me if you have questions, comments, or would like more information.

Alisa R. Lancaster, APN AlisaAPN@gmail.com 870.698.1023 N

Joseph Thomas

Feature Photos submitted

This Season Of Giving Part 2 Sharing a Vision

I caught up with Tom Ezell at New Vision Graphics brought me the best they had, food they themselves to continue a conversation Kimberlee and I started were not allowed to eat, who was I to complain?” with him about eight months ago; the subject was a That trip changed Ezell drastically. “I was mission trip. Intrigued by the talk of out of country miserable for years. I was totally blindsided by that travel, the audible emotion heard in his voice was trip,” claims Ezell. He recalls asking his wife “What infectious. Ezell went back to the beginning for me; does it matter what I amass in my life if I do nothing he spoke of being asked to go to Cuba in February with it?” That one trip started the whole ball rolling 2004 and simply going for the experience to see the for Ezell. “I could not rest, I was short tempered and sights more or less. Ezell, who was thirty at edgy. I didn’t know what to do and even if the time, explained that his cousin who is a I had I sure didn’t know how to accomplish minister was taking toiletries and medicine it. I realized then that it was a God thing. to the Cuban churches so that their doctors I asked the Lord ‘If you want me to have a could then essentially have a pharmacy part in all of this then show me…help me that the government didn’t control. Ezell figure out a way to do it’ and he did.” Ezell recalled that on his bus ride to the church quit his job as Vice-President of his family’s he had been complaining about a meal they company, Cherokee Frame, stayed home had been served upon their arrival. The with his kids for a little while, and then chicken had been old and dry and other Tom Ezell in Haiti went to nursing school to get his degree. items were stale. The bus driver who had overheard Ezell knew that there are a lot of countries that his complaints said he had a Cuban joke for him, “How you can’t just visit as a tourist or even as a missionary, often does a Cuban eat chicken? Every seven years.” but he also knew being a nurse would open those The bus driver then went on to explain that Cubans doors for him. He also knew that he would now have go to jail if they get caught eating chicken because it knowledge and skills that would be beneficial to those is only for tourist and diplomats, not commoners. “I he was there to help. After receiving his nursing degree was instantly humbled,” said Ezell. “This family had Feature part 2 continues on page 25

At the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our success possible.

It is in this spirit we say ... thank you and best wishes for the holidays and a happy new year.

December 2011 | 19

Joseph Thomas

Homes

Rusty and C.J. Elumbaugh’s BARNDO

“Grandpa bought an old parts Jeep and I said, ‘I know two cool parts on that, the steering wheel and the grill.’ “He was trying to give me more of it. This wood is from my mother’s old cedar fence.” Rusty Elumbaugh.

There is a perfect balance with everything in life that we all seem to struggle to attain. We all want time for work, time with our family, free time to catch our breath, and time for hobbies that keep us young and passionate. It can be hard to find that balance, but I believe that Rusty Elumbaugh and his wife C.J. have such grounding and character to spare that they may have it figured out.

I met with the couple on a bright and sunny day in late October.

Tucked in nicely behind their newly built and not quite finished home lies the “Barndo”, half barn-half condo, and talk about balance; the location seems to be as far from the city as you could imagine, but it’s a ten minute drive to the center of Batesville. I was greeted

by Rusty and the family’s beautiful dog, Reef, named after the Surfing Company. C.J. caught up with us a few moments later and we began our tour of their temporary home.

“I don’t rent anything,” Rusty tells me, “I calculated how much we would spend on renting a house and storage and decided to build

us a temporary home within that budget.” That was the beginning of this fine structure that has become an eclectic but perfect home. This is where some of that grounding comes into play; Rusty is efficiently economical at getting the job done right within a budget. His work and design at White River Custom Pools is no exception. Rusty was born water skiing and doing about everything there is to do on the water with his dad, Mayor Rick Elumbaugh, and the rest of the family. Apparently, they were quite the White River Water Carnival entertainment for many years. C.J. is an agent at Farm Bureau Insurance, avid barrel racer, and beautiful mom to be. This unique home is a perfect mixture of styles made to accommodate their lifestyle with room for dreams to come. Both C.J. and Rusty speak of the wonderful neighbors they are surrounded by and couldn’t image being anywhere else. Steve Carpenter was a huge help with this project, lending equipment and knowledge. The couple also received help from friends skilled in the electrical and construction fields.

The tall, open Barndo has two garage doors and newly added stables for C.J.’s horse, Sport. There is room for her riding equipment and Rusty’s hunting and water sports gear. There is even room for Rusty’s unique collection of souvenirs--his American Pickings as C.J. would tell you. Just beyond the ample storage for the couple’s adrenaline pumping hobbies and tucked away behind a simple door is a quaint studio-style living area with everything anyone could need except (according to C.J.) for enough cooking space. She doesn’t have room for all of her pots and pans in the kitchen.

I was amazed because I had heard they were living in the Barndo and thought I must have heard wrong until the door was opened and this wonderful space was revealed. The energetic couple admits that there were times before its completion that they were ready to toss in their cards and sell the place, but they stuck it out and it became so much more than even they had hoped. To balance it all out, they even have two cats, Wompus and Honkey.

N

“We have a sign that was on the front porch of my grandparent’s feed and fertilizer business that they ran on Southside. Once they shut it down, I asked to have this sign and told my parents that I would hang this in my home someday.” C. J. Elumbaugh.

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Feature

AmeriCorps began in 1993 with the signing of the National and Community Service Trust Act

by President Bill Clinton. This established the Corporation for National and Community Service and connected all domestic community service programs within one central organization. This was built upon the first National Service Act signed by President H. W. Bush and also incorporated two existing national service programs; VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) created by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC.) Bill Clinton perhaps summed up the spirit of AmeriCorps best while swearing in the first class of AmeriCorps members in 1994 (a class of 20,000), when he said, “Service is a spark to rekindle the spirit of democracy in an age of uncertainty. When it is all said and done, it comes down to three simple questions: What is right? What is wrong? And what are we going to do about it?”

Shelly Seymore of Batesville thinks of AmeriCorps as the civilian service alternative to a military service.

From tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth and fighting literacy, to responding with disaster

This Season Of Giving Part 3 AmeriCorps’ Newest Volunteers

relief and cleaning parks and streams, AmeriCorps is an opportunity to better your community. Seymore says that AmeriCorps is a full range of service programs and they plug people into their strengths and skill set to offer educational and labor services to improve every community. Seymore, a student at UACCB, is finishing an associate degree in liberal arts and looking to earn a bachelors degree in the same and looks forward to helping promote literacy in Independence County. She says, “Literacy is such a huge factor in helping people succeed, it is a significant tool.”

Seymore came across AmeriCorps in a student email that peaked her interest and having lived in Germany with her husband, she enjoys interacting with other cultures. She is a photographer, reader, facilitator of Bible study groups, and a dedicated volunteer in this community. Seymore adds, “I would like to express my appreciation for our Armed Forces men and women and their families in the spirit of your issue theme. My husband is a veteran and I understand the sacrifice so many make for our freedoms here at home. They give without Feature part 3 continues on page 37

’    870-698-0200 Plate Lunches Daily Hot -n- Cold Sandwiches Paninis / Soups

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Welcome to Independence

Celebrate New Year’s Eve on Main Street

Bob Pest Batesville and Independence County residents are invited to celebrate the New Year with music. Three venues will offer musical performances at no cost

throughout the evening. Wellknown local singer/songwriter/ guitarist David Grimes will provide dinner music at Elizabeth’s Restaurant from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. to kick-off the evening.

Fayetteville’s Shannon Wurst, a rising star on the folk/roots music scene, will perform with her band at the Simply Southern Playhouse Music Hall from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Shannon is a true artist: an entertainer, a storyteller, and a songstress.

The music continues at the Fellowship Bible Church/ Landers Theater Building with saxophonist/vocalist Michael Eubanks and his group beginning Shannon Wurst performs at Simply Southern at 9:30 p.m. and playing into the Playhouse Music Hall from 7:30 to 9:30pm New Year. Michael is a native of New Year’s Eve

Arkansas, a product of the Little Rock Public Schools, and an Army veteran.

To learn more about these fine artists and the evenings festivities, log onto www. eyeonmag.com to read this entire article. N

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Feature part 2 continued from page 19 Ezell worked for about a year and half in various Arkansas State correctional facilities as well as spending Tom Ezell helping build time as an a wheel barrel to sell for e m e r g e n c y food room nurse.

“Those two experiences helped prepare me for some of what I have encountered on mission trips.

You learn to work in uncertain circumstances with what you have at hand,” he explains.

Ezell was looking for work a little closer to home when his longtime friend, Kurt Shaw, asked if he would consider working for him at New Vision Graphics. Shaw knew that Ezell had experience with structuring and order flow processing. Ezell knew that this job change would allow him to stop driving hours one way to work and allow him to be close to home and family. Shortly after starting with New Vision Graphics Ezell was contacted by email by a young man from Omaha, Nebraska, who was living in Mali, West Africa. He was curious if they would be interested in buying his graphic design work to sell to their clients. This would prove to be no chance encounter as it propelled Ezell back into the

Cledas Manuel, FICF Ark. Lic. 265634 905 20th St. Batesville, AR 72501 870-307-3769 Cledas.Manuel@mwarep.org

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realm of mission work. The young man is Dusty Reynolds, founder of Sababu Conscious Clothing in Mali, West Africa. In December of 2010, Ezell went to Africa and assisted with mission work there.

“I connected with his group from Omaha, Nebraska; there were eight business men going for business training, one doctor, two other nurses, and myself. While they were holding business seminars for the Malian employees, we were providing physicals to their families, giving out medicine, and we even performed a surgery right in the secretary‘s office.” Sababu Conscious Clothing provides sustainable employment for the people of Mali. The company offers literacy courses, annual physicals, and consultations for its employees and their families. This past August Ezell and his wife were part of a group that visited Haiti.

The group raised funds to go on that mission trip by selling Sababu t-shirts.

Haiti is still in shambles. “It looks like the quake happened yesterday and it’s been almost three years,” he told me. The Arkansas Baptist State Convention was one of the first organizations to respond with aid after the quake. They set up a mission camp in Haiti and send approximately 50 groups a year, with each group

staying a week at a time.

Ezell and his wife will be returning to Haiti as a part of one of those groups in February to Tom Ezell with a new help set up an friend education curriculum put together by a lady from Jonesboro. “That is what this next trip is all about, education,” Ezell stated.

Ezell has met many people on his mission trips, each one adding to the spiritual and emotional richness of his life as he helps them with his skills as a nurse.

Ezell claims, “There is nothing like watching a person see for the first time in their life when they are afforded glasses. And the kids, well they just steal your heart.

It is so addictive; the allure of going back is so strong.” He also cautions, “You have to see beyond yourself. You must have a global vision and be willing to get outside your comfort zone. No one can go and come back unchanged. You cannot unsee what you have seen, ever!” Those who come back bitter, complaining about the heat or the bugs swearing they will never go back, “they have a perspective problem.” states Ezell.

Feature part 2 continues on page 33

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December 2011 | 25

Due to conflict in the Mrs. Fielder’s schedule, we have rescheduled the Basket Workshop to Saturday, January 21st from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the BAAC Art Gallery on Main

Pastel Painting December 10th Barbara Inglehart at Workshop with lery on Main Street the BAAC Art Galam - 3:30pm. You will beginning at 9:30 s and paint a Winter learn basic stroke Cost is $45. Supplies scene with pastels. r purchase the day of will be available fo e information or to the class. For mort BAAC at 870-793preregister contac suddenlinkmail.com.

3382 or baac@ N Exhibition and gallery talk during our Second Friday from 6 – 8 p.m. at the BAAC Art Gallery with Dustyn Bork and Carly Dahl. They will be exhibiting their work in the gallery as well beginning December 8th – December 16th.

The BAAC has "mini-exhibits" of local artists' work in three other locations in Batesville.

Great local art is on display at the Row Johns Library on the campus of UACCB and at the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition, The Friday Painters maintain an exhibit of members work at the White River Medical Center.

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

Karan Jensen, Guest Artist at Lyon College providing Ink Brush Painting workshop at the BAAC Art Gallery on Main on October 27th.

Judy Cooper, guest artist providing a Bead Workshop on November 12th. Judy has the Purple Cactus in Heber Springs.

“Things with Wings” program performed by touring artists, Kelly Mulhollan and Donna Stierna from Toucan Jam to elementary AIE artists, Hal and Tracy Evans from Houston, TX, students from Southside and Batesville worked with Central Magnet 3rd & 4th grade staff and students Nov. 14th - 18th integrating the arts within Schools on November 15th and 16th. curriculum areas.

www.eyeonmag.com PHOTO ALBUM has more pictures of the BAAC

Dance Academy

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Batesville Ellen Hobgood, guest artist at November 11th’s Second Friday. She demonstrated painting with acrylics by painting Santa.

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Ballet - Jazz - Ballroom Tap - Hip Hop - Clogging

Kathy Clements and Jeanne Fitzgerald hand paint beveled glass for BAAC’s annual Christmas Ornament 2011 fundraising efforts.

www.eyeonmag.com

PHOTO ALBUM has more pictures of the BAAC

Merry Christmas!

From all the girls at Carlee’s

Carlee’s Crown Shop

682 Harrison Street Batesville, AR 870-793-8086

December 2011 | 27

I Do Kimberlee Thomas

Shuttered Image Photography

Once upon a time a young boy, Chris Milum, and a young maiden, Kaylea Kallsnick, met while attending Batesville Junior High School.

They became quick friends and as time progressed Chris began calling upon Kaylea.

In May of 2009 Chris surprised Kaylea with a birthday trip to Europe. Chris’s best friend and Chris’s father joined the young couple on their journey. The entourage arrived in Paris on May 18. Spring in Paris, what more could a girl ask for? As the day advanced the young couple made their way to the Eiffel Tower. As they took in the breathtaking sunset view Chris began to tell Kaylea that he knew coming to Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower had long been a dream of hers, and that his dream was to spend the rest of his life as her husband. Chris then got down on bent knee and asked Kaylea, “Will you marry me?” Of course her reply was a joyful “Yes!” and both their dreams came true.

The couple returned to the States, and after a two-year engagement they married on June 11, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church of Batesville. Pastor’s Kay and Bob Burton presided over the double ring ceremony. Lindsey Marshall served Kaylea as her Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids included Jordan Cornelison, Mary Beth Dunlap, Aly Greer, Erica Bolin, Andrea Stallings, Meagan Cockrill, and Ashley Montgomery. Jason Angel served Chris as his Best Man. Groomsmen included Billy Moyer, Ryan Beaird, Kyle Kallsnick, Addison Rayford, Kelly Davie, Kyle McMullin, and Ryan Morrow. Daniel Patterson was the ring bearer. Emilee Henderson and Gigi Patterson were the flower girls, with Caroline and Scarlett Patterson serving as junior flower attendants.

The House of Flowers provided two large arrangements of mixed fresh, white flowers placed on each side of the sanctuary with a third matching arrangement placed on the altar in memory of the couple’s grandfathers. Jordan Cornelison sang “When You Say Nothing at All” by Alison Krauss as the couple lit the Unity Candle. Shuttered Image Photography was on hand to capture all of the day’s beautiful and unforgettable memories. The couple was showered with red and white rose petals as they departed the church and headed for their reception at The Course at Eagle Mountain. A threetiered butter cream cake accented with edible pearls and swirls and a butter cream bow awaited the guests. The groom’s cake was a single layer of chocolate cake which spelled out MILO, Chris’s nickname. Each letter was designed to represent his 28 | Log onto eyeonmag.com for past issues, photo albums, and more.

The Milum Wedding

shutteredimage.com

hobbies. There was a red, black, and white candy buffet with a sign that read “How sweet it is to be loved by you!” After the traditional cake and punch, and garter and bouquet toss the newly married couple then retreated to the Sandals Grande Resort on the beautiful island of St. Lucia for a romantic honeymoon.

Chris is the son of James and Mae Milum. He is a 2010 graduate of Arkansas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He is currently employed at Enterprise. Kaylea is the daughter of Scott and Cindy Kallsnick. She is a 2011 graduate of Arkansas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is currently attending graduate school at ASU, working toward her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. The couple resides in Jonesboro, where they plan on staying, one day starting a family of their own, and living happily ever after. N

We’ve got the gifts for your holiday giving!

December 2011 | 29

Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista Leigh Keller If you ask any woman what she wore to her senior prom, she can probably describe her outfit in great detail. I remember where I ate, my big fluffy hair, my fabulous dress (even for 1994), and who my date was (it ultimately didn’t work out, thank goodness).

But most women can describe in avid detail their prom experiences, like my friend Danna, who wasn’t dating her boyfriend anymore, but decided to go to prom with him anyway (not always a great idea). They went, she looked fabulous, and he brought her home, pulled up, dropped her off, and went to see his new girlfriend. It was basically, a waste of a good dress!

Another one of my friends, Libby, had a car accident on the way to prom. Her fluffy hair was not so fluffy anymore, her corsage was crushed, and her dress was ripped (Again…a waste of a perfectly fabulous dress!).

All of my own personal prom memories include a fabulous dress, huge hair and a horrible, atrocious date.

This brings into question the prom dress. Much like a wedding, the dress is the centerpiece of the occasion. The girl’s date matches his tuxedo or vest/ bowtie to her dress. At the same time, the cost of prom can keep some students from attending.

The dress, shoes, make-up, undergarments, tickets, meal before, pictures and corsage can sometimes total more than $500. Prom is one of the most expensive “events” most students will ever experience. But it’s a rite of passage. It’s the Academy Awards of high school, where students want to spend their last big night of high school with their friends, and their first big night as semi-grown-ups.

In Arkansas, almost 200,000 children are eligible to receive free or reduced lunch, putting them below the poverty line. If a family doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from, or how

The Batesville High School Glass Slipper Project they’re going to pay for their electricity, water, rent, or gasoline for their car to get a job, paying for their child’s prom is the least of their worries.

The Batesville High School Glass Slipper Project aims to help these students experience their prom.

By donating your gently used or new prom dress or other formal gown, shoes, unopened makeup, or jewelry, you might be able to give a Batesville High School student the opportunity to attend their prom, and have an experience of a lifetime, that they would simply not have the money to experience. If you’re interested in donating to this project, please contact me at leigh.keller@batesvilleschools.org. All donations are tax deductible.

Leigh is now a high school Spanish teacher, which is a change back to career number one for her. She is also a colorguard coordinator for Batesville Public Schools.

She received her BA in English, Spanish and ESL from Arkansas Tech University, and an MS in Counseling from John Brown University. She is married to Allen and they have one son, Cole. When she’s not covered in poison ivy or into something else she shouldn’t be, she loves to spend time outside with her family and inside a mall. N

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Notes from the Clearing A Kind Of Winter Fight

Joseph Thomas

The Winter wind clears its throat for it’s about to blow as I dare snuggle further into bed while the cooled air thinks of snow.

My inner Bear comes alive and gruffs to get my way, like a child begs to sleep some more, when awoken for the school day.

My Winter fur is coating me, a thick and cranky blanket to wrap my sleepy head around the thought that I might make it.

The Spring is gone from my step & my heart that burned Summer bright has fallen into a slumber of sorts, it’s a kind of Winter fight.

So I sleep if I must and feed my burley Bear to keep my head to right, obey the cold and hunker down ‘til the coming of the light. N FFF ntt yyy ii bbbb ii ddd hh ii CCCiss LLrr.. LLLL 2::1

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Feature part 2continued from page 25 Teaching the people he encounters on his mission trips to be self-sustaining is key to Ezell. He is a strong believer in the thought that if you give a man a fish he will eat once, if you teach him how to fish he will never go hungry again. Ezell is also very grateful to New Vision Graphics and their support of his mission work.

What ultimately stuck with me was the transition a person goes through coming back to America from a visit with truly impoverished people. Apparently when you see a village share drinking water from a fifty-five gallon drum, you come home and turn the faucet off when you brush your teeth, so as not to waste it. Your eyes seem to connect with your heart and question, “What would the children from Haiti think if they could see all this waste: the leftover food tossed in the garbage daily, the clean water we sprinkle on our lawns, and the electricity that we waste on our gadgets and night lights.

If you would like to find out about ways you can help visit www.newvisiongraphics. com and click on The Mission link. To find out more about Sababu’s Business visit www. sababuclothing.com. N

Mon-Wed 11-7

Thur-Sat 11-8

Pork * Beef * Brisket * Chicken * Ribs * Homemade Desserts * Cookies

Dine In or Carry-Out and Catering

ing k o o b Now events y holida

870-698-0034

129 Lawrence St. behind Karpet Korner

Autry’s---------------------------------------27 Bad Boy Mowers----------------------------18 Batesville Printing---------------------------3 Carlee’s Crown Shop-------------------------27 Charle’s Lil Shop of Coffee-------------------22 Charlie’s Angels------------------------------32 Charlie’s Men’s Wear-------------------------17 Citizens Bank--------------------------------24 Dairy Queen---------------------------------5 Denim Blues---------------------------------30 Deni’s Inspirations---------------------------15 Donald Skid Steer---------------------------5 Elizabeth’s Restaurant & Catering- ---------11 Factory Return Outlet-----------------------37 Farm Bureau Insurance- --------------------21 Fine Line Body Art---------------------------5 First Community Bank----------------------2 Fox Creek BBQ at the Depot-----------------33 Frank Kallsnick, Inc.-------------------------9 General Pest Control------------------------15 Heuer’s Family Shoes------------------------17 Ind. Co. Hometown Wellness Coalition-----3 Independence County Off Road-------------12 Independence County Recycling Center----11 Ivory Owl------------------------------------29 Jonathan’s Fine Jewelry---------------------39 Kent’s Firestone-----------------------------6 Liberty Bank---------------------------------31 Mark Martin Kia-----------------------------8 Milligan’s Gifts & Party Decor---------------15 Modern Woodmen Cledas Manuel----------25 Modern Woodmen Richard Hawkins II-----32 NADT Dance Academy-----------------------27 Natalies Restaurant and Catering-----------22 Newark Furniture- --------------------------3 Quiznos--------------------------------------4 Rich Realty----------------------------------21 Robert O. Seat-------------------------------32 Southern Bank------------------------------19 State Farm Renee Martin-------------------24 Sterling Construction-----------------------24 Studio Salon---------------------------------30 The Batesville Chamber Of Commerce------11 The Medicine Shoppe-----------------------35 The Property Shoppe------------------------12 The Uniform Shop---------------------------15 Thompson’s Jewelry-------------------------17 T Tauri Film Festival-------------------------21 Welcome To Independence-----------------23 Wood-Lawn Nursing Home-----------------26 December 2011 | 33

The Myopic Life This Sure Ain’t Black Friday

Kristi Price My church runs a “store” for children, where the kids can spend the bucks they earn through attendance, Bible reading, and memorization. Small candy sold for a dollar; foam airplanes and sticky hands would set you back two bucks; lip gloss and snazzy ink pens were ten. There was a great assortment of goods, running along two walls.

I volunteered to be the cashier. I had imagined a stampede of children, all rushing to snag the best stuff, jostling like brides-to-be at the annual Running of the Brides sale at Filene’s Basement – “a thousand gowns stripped from the racks in sixty seconds” (and only one concussion…no, wait - that’s Walmart on Black Friday.)

So with this image in mind, I positioned myself to watch for flying elbows, tugs-of-war, and potential shoplifters. I’m a mom. I know better - kids aren’t angels.

Except, these kids...were. They didn’t rush the store at all - they came over in orderly pairs. And instead of blowing every last buck in their envelopes (which I totally would have done at that age...and sometimes this age), many were content to pick up a pack of Fun Dip and a pencil topper and save the rest of their money for another day.

But it was a pair of brothers whose shopping

Even s

m Senior Walk Progra the Senior Walk The participants of days at Fitzhugh Mon Program will meet at North Complex, s ay Pool, Wednesd verside Park (Josie's and Fridays at Ri parking lot). n at 10:00 a.m.

All sessions will begi

Library to begin Storytime The Independence County Public Library will be hold a public Story Time every Wednesday beginning from 10:30-11:00.

trip remains etched on my heart. One had worked really, really hard, learning his verses, reading his Bible, and had accumulated a little pile of wealth.

His older brother hadn’t worked as hard and had far less to spend. Together they scanned the selection, whispering to each other, picking up a wind-up car, putting it back down. They drifted toward the highdollar table; the older one’s eyes lit up when he spied a box of Legos. But he was short on cash.

The younger studied the Lego box - he was only two bucks short of the sticker price. But he didn’t really want this toy. His brother, however, was starting to bounce on his toes with excitement. So the younger studied and thought for a moment. I could see the furrows in his brow smooth out and a smile start.

He finally sang out, “We could both spend some, and then we could share this!”

And a plan was born. The older brother chipped in his meager stash; the younger not only supplied the remainder, but then divided what he had left with the older for next time. Both boys wore faces of jovial gratitude. They walked off with their Legos, proud as conquering kings...wearing the mantle of The King.

Let’s set our hearts as these brothers have, anticipating the true reason for the season. Merry Christmas!

Kristi blogs weekly at themyopiclife.wordpress.com N

2011 “ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE” CHRISTMAS PARADE & FESTIVITIES PRESENTED BY FUTUREFUEL CHEMICAL COMPANY FREE EXERCISE CLASSES The “Be a Santa to a Senior” has ways for organizations to help out this Christmas Season.

To learn more about these events, please log on to www.eyeonmag.com to see complete press releases. You can also see this issue, past issues, other events, and our EYE ON’s photo album.

2011 Workshops now posted! Thomas Mann, Jimmy Clewes, Daryl Lancaster, Pop Wagner and more! Check our Courses Page at www.arkansascraftschool.org for the entire list. N

Smith’s Verdict Super 8

Reviewed by Tanner Smith Smith’s Verdict: **** To get straight to the point before I type my review, “Super 8,” one of the most highly anticipated movies of the 2011 summer season, is my favorite film of the year so far. It’s a love letter to the summer blockbuster season—it has gripping action, first-rate special effects, and great acting. Take all of those elements up a notch and there’s a movie that deserves four stars from me.

“Super 8” clearly loves the tradition of the summer blockbuster. It reminds us of how “Jaws” created that phrase. And that reference to Steven Spielberg’s 1975 hit brings us to this note: “Super 8,” which was produced by Spielberg himself, is also in the tradition of the early Spielberg classics, paying homages to “Jaws,” “Close Encounters,” “ET,” “Poltergeist,” and “The Goonies.” We have a likable bunch of kids as the film’s central heroes, an ominous threat, a small town, aweinspiring visuals, and scary moments to boot. Writer/ director J.J. Abrams, of “Lost,” “Mission: Impossible III,” and “Star Trek,” obviously has a great affection for Spielberg and “Super 8” is his way of showing that.

Abrams also shows his affection for filmmaking.

2080 Harrison Street, Batesville

When he was a kid, he was making movies in his neighborhood with an 8mm camera. Spielberg did the same, as the kids in “Super 8” do. The film takes place in 1979—no iPods, Smart Phones, or even Internet are found here. Instead, the kids use whatever they can get ahold of, even if at one point it’s another kid’s dad’s Super 8 camera. The kids (each aged about 12) are Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney), the makeup artist; Charles (Riley Griffiths), the intense director; Cary (Ryan Lee), the fireworks expert; Martin (Gabriel Basso), the nervous leading actor; and Preston (Zach Mills), the lighting guy. They’re making a zombie movie in their small town of Lillian, Ohio, and they need a leading lady. So they recruit Alice Dainard (Elle Fanning, Dakota’s sister), one of the prettiest girls in school.

Alice is unsure of Joe because both their fathers— Deputy Jackson Lamb (Kyle Chandler) and Louis Dainard (Ron Eldard)—hate each other and their kids.

You see, Joe lost his beloved mother to an accident at the factory she works in (by the way, the movie has a great opening shot in which the factory’s message board counting “DAYS SINCE LAST ACCIDENT” changes its number back to 1) and his father hates

870-793-2161

Smith’s Verdict continues on page 38

Joseph Thomas

Organization

The aroma of ground coffee beans embraced my senses as I entered MorningSide Coffee House for an appointment with James Cox, Customer Service Manager of Ascent Children’s Health Services, and Jill Overturf, Batesville Clinic Director, to talk about what Ascent is and what they do for so many in Arkansas.

Ascent Children’s Health Services, also known as Child and Youth Pediatric Day Clinics and Pediatric Specialty Care, provide CHMS (Child Health Management Services), which are the Medicaid services that fund developmental therapies such as; speech, physical, and occupational therapies as well as cognitive and psychological services. They also provide RSPMI (Rehabilitative Services for Persons with Mental Illness), services which are mental health related. They work with children who have developmental delays, mental health/behavioral concerns and sometimes histories of neglect, and DHS involvement or environmental risks at home. There are ten Ascent Clinics in the State of Arkansas and they provide transportation for qualifying children from a wide area around those clinics even in extremely rural areas.

Ascent provides services for a number of children who need special medical transportation and coordinate those transports with local Medicaid transports. Their full-time day treatment program is funded through Medicaid and begins with a physician’s referral, but anyone can call in and request service. Ascent can then contact a physician and seek a referral to evaluate and begin treatment. “We try to eliminate the hoops that parents have to jump through and make it as easy as possible to reach those children that can benefit from our treatments so they can better function in their daily lives. In most cases, when caught early enough, treatment is the only thing standing between these children and a fully functional life and we intend not to let any children miss that opportunity,” explains Cox. Ascent then applies a standardized test and evaluation for qualification into a treatment program.

Even if the child does not qualify, Ascent will set up a series of follow-ups to make sure that the child receives the help and/or recommendations they need

Serving Children in Need

to receive whatever help they need.

The Batesville clinic sees patients from Batesville and the surrounding area including but not limited to Newport, Melbourne, Oil Trough, Pleasant Plains, and even Cherokee Village. Ascent is a Pre-K Program, but they also house an outpatient staff geared for school aged children. They see school aged children mostly for mental health and speech therapy, but in some cases for occupational and physical therapy. Ascent’s outpatient program can be sought through private insurances or private pay in addition to Medicaid insurances. Psychiatrist, Dr. Sara Van Scoy is housed within the Jonesboro location but travels throughout and around Craighead and Independence County. “The great thing about Dr. Van Scoy is that she is always accessible to us because even when she is not at the Batesville location, she is at another Ascent facility and easily reachable,” says Overturf.

Ascent Children’s Health Services offers a full time children’s mental health program. Ascent counselors and case workers maintain consistent vigilance and care for each case, so that problems can be dealt with in a matter of minutes in most cases. Overturf expresses her firm belief in the follow-up that is carried out for their patients who no longer need their regular services so as not to leave the parents alone in their children’s care. Ascent offers parenting classes and encourages parental involvement knowing that it is best for the children and understanding that when parents know what symptoms mean they have the information to better handle and understand their child’s behavior. Cox says, “Giving the parents the tools they need to understand and strengthen their relationships with their children and to better their lives is what Ascent Children’s Health Services is all about. We treat a spectrum of needs for children, even what is consider mild need under Medicaid guidelines, and sometimes those disabilities are so small that they often go unnoticed, but with early treatment they can be completely overcome. We always recommend a that parent who has a concern about their child‘s development should call and let us evaluate them and if there is nothing wrong then great, but if there is then we can set about correcting whatever issues are found.

Fall Festival hosted by Child and Youth Pediatric Day Clinic on Saturday October 22nd, which was free to the public. They are located on 2040 Fitzhugh Street in Batesville.

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I used to work at our Trumann clinic and there is a child still in that program who has Cerebral Palsy who learned to walk while I was there. To watch that and how it affects his entire family, that is why we do this.”

Cox went on to say that Ascent offers comprehensive therapy services for children in Arkansas and that if ever they see a child who needs more than they can

provide, that they do not hesitate to send them on to facilities that are set up to handle such cases.

Further information concerning services may be obtained at the Batesville Day Treatment and Outpatient Clinic located at 2040 Fitzhugh Street in Batesville or by calling (870)793-3334 or visiting www.ascentchs.com. N

Feature part 3 continued from page 22 thought of the cost and their selflessness is humbling.

I so appreciate our great director, Nicole Stroud for the opportunity to learn from her experience here and work with the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project and for Jubilee Family Church for organizing such a great community outreach and providing us with the space to do what we do. I wish more churches would follow their example in leading similar efforts.”

Matthew Carpenter is a full time student at UACCB and also attends part time at Lyon. He enjoys learning about other cultures and languages after experiencing Russia on a trip with his father. Carpenter told me, “I was a writing and math tutor through the TRIO program at UACCB, and when I came across an email stating that they were looking for an ESL tutor, I applied. ESL and foreign language have been my school focuses for awhile now, and so it seemed like a perfect fit. It means a lot to me to be tutoring for them. I get a great amount of joy and satisfaction from teaching and from the experiences and interactions with students. I'm from Batesville and I've lived here all my life. I'm a 30 year old non-traditional student at UACCB working for a General Education AA that I can transfer to ASU to continue my language and English studies. At ASU I will be working toward an Interdisciplinary Degree with focuses in English, Japanese language, and Geography. After that I plan to study in Japan for a semester, with the intention of teaching ESL in Japan after I graduate.” He will tutor Latin American students learning or improving their English at the Literacy Project. Carpenter is

anxiously awaiting a two-week study tour of Japan he will be attending with his Lyon College Japanese class will take next Spring. He plans to apply to the Japan Exchange and Teaching program and become a cultural liaison.

Seymore and Carpenter are involved with the Literacy Council which is a part of Arkansas Reads.

These programs fund the teaching of English to nonEnglish speaking persons and reading to adults. It is also a part of the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project and Seymore says it breaks down fairly evenly as far as the number of persons learning language and literacy. This is the first time the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project has received two Americorps positions through the “Arkansas Reads” program, which is administered by Arkansas Literacy Councils in Little Rock. The two positions are also made possible thanks to United Way of Independence County. As a United Way agency, the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project has been granted funds to help cover the majority of the cost of the two positions.

If you would like some language training in English or some tutoring to improve your reading you can email Nicole Stroud with the Literacy Council at dence.org or call the Literacy Council at 870-793-5912.

Si desea algún tipo de formación en el idioma Inglés o tutoría a algunos a mejorar su lectura puede enviar Nicole Stroud con el Consejo de Alfabetización en dence.org o llame al Consejo de Alfabetización en el 870-793-5912. N December 2011 | 37

Smith’s Verdict continued from page 35 Louis because he couldn’t make his shift at that same factory and Joe’s mother had to fill in for him.

Jackson blames Louis and tells his son, Joe, whom he barely connects with, to stay clear of his daughter Alice. Louis tells Alice to stay clear of Joe. But Joe and Alice, while making Charles’ movie, form a sort of bond together.

Anyway, the kids work on the movie secretly (it’s more fun that way). They sneak out in the middle of the night (stealing Alice’s dad’s car) to film a dramatic scene near some train tracks. A train passes by, but this is coming to an advantage.

“Production value!” Charles gladly exclaims to his friends. But something goes really, really wrong as the train derails while the kids are filming. In one of the best special-effects sequences I’ve seen recently, the kids nearly get killed as they outrun the train cars and debris crashing down. You’ve seen part of this sequence in the trailer (and in FOX sneak peeks), but once you’ve seen the whole sequence, you’ll realize how “insane” the actual scene is. I mean it—when I saw that scene, I was close to hyperventilating, and I tell no lie. I was in complete awe and fright.

OK, those who’ve seen the trailers and TV spots know that the train crash was no accident and that something escapes from one of the train cars. We don’t know what it is and we continue to not know until the final act of the film.

Following the rule of “Jaws,” we see only glimpses of the monster until its big reveal much later in the film. But whatever it is, it scares all of the dogs in town away, steals almost every electrical appliance in town, and comes out only at night to attack people. What it is, where it came from, and what its true motivations are, I won’t give away.

Anyway, the US Air Force shows up after the big train wreck. At first, it seems as if they are going to clean up after it, but to Deputy Lamb, it becomes clear that they’re here for something more. When

he asks Colonel Nelec (Noah Emmerich) if the cargo is anything to be concerned about, he gets the response, “I can assure you the answer is no.” He’s lying. Lamb and Nelec are in a constant battle of wits as Lamb tries to get some answers out of him and hopefully explain to the panicked townspeople exactly what is going on.

Kyle Chandler is very convincing in these scenes in which he tries to piece things together, much like police chief Martin Brody in “Jaws.” He also has to find way to get through to his son, since he wasn’t as much of a parent as his deceased wife. Chandler handles these scenes in an effectively strong way.

But he’s only in a supporting role. Most of the screen time is given to the kids. They try to get on with their lives after barely surviving witnessing the train derailment.

But certain events happen that lead to them searching for clues and figuring out everything about the escaped creature. They’re on a crazy adventure that would make the Goonies envious.

These are some very talented young actors. When playing nerdy adolescents, they don’t seem to be acting at all. You really buy their friendship with each other, whether they’re singing “My Sharona,” playfully trading insults to each other, or just sitting at a diner and talking. They are always convincing and have the energy to carry the film. In particular, Joel Courtney is a promising newcomer I hope to see more of in the future and Elle Fanning (who was last seen as Stephen Dorff’s daughter in Sofia Coppola’s “Somewhere”) really shows off some acting chops.

There are some very touching moments when these two are together, including one in which Joe helps Alice with her zombie makeup and another in which they talk about the accident that killed Joe’s mother. The other kids— Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Gabriel Basso, and Zach Mills—are likable, funny, and, like I said, convincing.

I love how Griffiths handles this

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role of a bossy, yet chirpy and excited, young director and shows a convincing jealous-adolescent side of the character when he knows that Alice likes Joe when he wanted her to like him. Then there’s Lee, who plays the character of a fireworks nut that parents tell their kids to be careful around, and Basso, who is always vomiting whenever he’s scared. It’s amazing these two are still able to function after what they go through.

I say that last sentence in the previous paragraph because there are many scary moments in “Super 8”—this movie is not rated PG-13 only for its constant use of profanity. This movie is not for those under the ages of 10 or 11. Maybe 12, like the kids in this movie, but I don’t know. There’s one particularly frightening scene in which the creature attacks a bus with four of the kids in it. It’s even more effective because the monster hasn’t been fully seen yet.

I mentioned that “Super 8” is my favorite film of the year so far and I really didn’t mind that the action hits harder when the film reaches the final act. It has to, or it wouldn’t be a 21st century summer blockbuster. But these action sequences are exciting and actually have a purpose. Besides, the whole movie isn’t about action or the creature—it’s about the kids and how they react to this strange, terrifying situation. This is one of the best kinds of film— the characters are introduced and developed so that when the action happens, it amounts to something.

“Super 8” is the best summer blockbuster to come around in a long time. N

870-793-8287 2401 Harrison Street, Batesville

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