Eye On Independence www.eyeonmag.com
October 2011
The Many Hats of Steve Thomas An Ozark Holiday Rocktoberfest
A Publication of MeadowLand Media, Inc.
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In This Issue 6/Letter from the Publisher October is a Treat
7/Fork in the Road The New Food Culture
9/The Morning Line Friday Nights
9
24
11
31
19
32
22
38
11/Feature
The Many Hats of Steve Thomas
20/Eye On Events 22/I Do
The Sweetin Wedding
24/Eye On Nature Slightly Alter to Adapt
27/The Myopic Life An Ozark Holiday
30/The Perfume of Cooking Surprising Sorrel
32/Homes
Stuart and Carol Smith
34/Communities Putting Prevention to Work 38/EOI Movie Review Halloween
40/Notes from the Clearing October Through My Headphones
For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Kimberlee Thomas 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com.
Eye On Independence October 2011
www.eyeonmag.com
Steve Thomas The Many Hats of An Ozark Holiday Rocktoberfest
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Cover Photo by Robert O. Seat Cover Design by Joseph Thomas
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Eye On Independence THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY
Creative Director: Joseph Thomas
MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag. com
AD DESIGN Department: Kimberlee Thomas
PUBLISHER: Kimberlee Thomas Associate EDITOR: Bob Pest MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas
Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Michael McGaha Robert O. Seat CIRCULATION: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas 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 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.
October 2011 | 5
Letter from the Publisher Kimberlee Thomas October is perhaps one of my most favorite months of the year. The leaves are beginning to make their gentle decent to the ground, tuckered out from their final days of glory as they dressed and redressed in a blaze of countless shades of red and gold. The brisk smell of fall takes over the air as we rake them into countless piles for jumping. Jack-O-Lanterns begin to take up residence on the neighborhood porches in anticipation of little hobgoblins on the prowl for a sweet treat. And perhaps it is one of my most favorite months because it is the month that I arrived into this wondrous world more than four decades ago. As always, Joseph and I are excited to share this month’s issue with you. You will find great stories about your
October is a Treat neighbors and friends, and details on some of the areas upcoming events. One such friend is Steve Thomas whom you will read about along with news of Rocktoberfest. Mark Lamberth shares a story with us about his partner in crime, Bill Shelton. Autumn Hunter’s section has been renamed, but no worriesshe will continue to fill us in on interesting topics, like this month’s focus…Scorpions. Janine Winters and Kristi Price join us again with their expertise on glorious food and family life, respectively. Please join us for another issue of reading pleasure. We hope that you find a little something just for you. Joseph has a few words to share and so I will bid you a brief farewell and turn the floor or should I say page over to him. Kimberlee I want to apologize to TEAM DEPOT and to all of our faithful
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readers for the error in last month’s issue. TEAM DEPOT LENDS A HAND was cut short due to a mistake of mine. You can find the entire article on our website, www.eyeonmag.com. Joseph N
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Fork in the Road Bob Pest
The New Food Culture
After several trips and some fine special guests. During my most recent visit I talked eating, I decided to examine the food with a produce vendor who was also selling his culture of western North Carolina, a harvest to a new restaurant where my wife and I had leader in implementing sustainable eaten the evening before. I was also surprised to find agriculture by supporting local a vendor making and selling mozzarella cheese. growers and building a “field to table” food chain. Nine Haywood County farmers recently attended This region is not unique in its efforts to get locally- an agriculture-specific business planning workshop grown food in stores, restaurants, and homes, but its in order to gain certifications that will enable them approach and commitment makes it a good example to sell produce to larger institutions like schools, to examine. hospitals, and retirement homes. Nearby Jackson Waynesville, a Haywood County community about County has already launched a Farm to School the size of Batesville, is located Movement where students will about thirty miles east of Asheville, learn to grow and prepare the the cultural and economic hub of food they eat. Farm to School the region. Asheville embraced is a project of the Appalachian the local food movement early and Sustainable Agriculture Project, rebranded itself as “Foodtopia.” funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Most of the city’s many restaurants The penetration of the new food serve local produce, meat, fish, culture into local communities and eggs. Your waiter or waitress has turned routine restaurant will be glad to tell you where the meals into dining adventures. The food you are eating came from and Tipping Point, a popular tavern when it arrived. You will even see on Main Street, proudly serves photographs of the farmers who Raised beds make it possible to grow a artisan smoked meats, local beers, grew your food on the walls of variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs and local produce. The tavern on small “truck farms.” some restaurants. Asheville, also home to several local breweries, welcomes thousands of visitors annually, many of whom return home inspired by the local food culture and eager to develop a local food chain in their own communities. While it is not surprising that a large town like Asheville would undertake such an ambitious initiative, it is impressive to see how the enthusiasm for fresh local food has spread throughout the region and transformed communities like Waynesville. Most of Waynesville’s restaurants buy their produce, beef, chicken, eggs, honey, and trout from local growers; some chefs even choose to start their own herb and produce gardens. Many of the local growers began as vendors at the Haywood Historic Farmer’s Market, held every Wednesday and Saturday just a few blocks from the downtown commercial district. The market makes shopping festive by including crafts, live music, and occasional October 2011 | 7
also makes its own sausage using local beef and pork. Just down the street, Café 50, a charming, casual eatery, uses the slogan “Fresh not Frozen” to describe its offerings. The café’s Blueberry Strudel is a delight that lingers in my memory and the daily quiche special is always loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs. The newest addition to the local restaurant scene is the Frogs Leap Public House. A few selections from the menu will tell the story. One popular salad includes heirloom tomatoes, local mozzarella, basil oil, a vanillabalsamic reduction, and local basil; another offers baby arugula, Humboldt Fog Farm goat cheese, green apple-almond vinaigrette, and peach jam. Entrees make equal use of local products. I have tried two that I look forward to enjoying again: a Goat Cheese –Pancetta Frittata, with spinach, roasted pepper, caramelized onion, and basil;
The new food culture of western North Carolina did not emerge overnight.
and Angel Hair Caponata with artichokes, eggplant, fennel, olives, fried capers, basil, and lemon. The Frogs Leap also uses local products such as Sunburst Trout, Stone Ground Logan Turnpike Grits, and home-grown collard greens. The penetration of the field to table movement has begun to reach grocery stores; the Ingles chain in western North Carolina carries Hydroponic (Living) Lettuce grown year-round at the Shelton Family Farm in Whittier; cabbage from the Hollar and Greene farm in Boone; and cucumbers and apples from a number of local growers. 8 | Word Of Mouth....For Your Eyes!.
The CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) movement has also caught on in many communities; customers subscribe to a farm, purchasing a one-year share. Each week, shareholders receive a box of whatever is in season. Several North Carolina colleges, including Warren Wilson College, have embraced the movement; Warren Wilson College raises 100% grass fed beef and humanely-raised pork, as well as creating a variety of specialty sausages. The new food culture of western North Carolina did not emerge overnight. Both growers and chefs that I have talked to say it has taken a decade to educate restaurant owners, farmers, and customers about the value of eating fresh, local food grown by people you know. Locally grown food is still more expensive than the food purchased by the truckload available in most grocery stores, but the gap has begun to shrink as growers become better organized and learn how to strengthen the local food chain, schools and hospitals see the value of purchasing and serving locally grown food, and consumers begin to understand the health value of “fresh, not frozen” food. Conscientious consumers also realize the critical importance of supporting farmers in their own communities. Corporate farming has decimated the family farm, once one of our countries greatest strengths. The field to table movement has given many small family farms opportunities to once again do what they have always done best—feed America. It also gives struggling rural communities the opportunity to reinvent themselves with regular markets, food festivals, and cozy eateries serving outstanding fresh, local food. Home-made food products—jellies, jams, sauces, dried herbs, smoked meats, and baked goods—add value to fresh foods and can energize the economy of small communities. Much of the United States has yet to embrace the field to table
movement for obvious reasons of weather and geography. Most of the Ozark Foothills, for example, is far too rocky to grow much of anything. We are, however, fortunate to have Bald Knob strawberries and asparagus every spring and Cave City watermelons later in the year, easily available at tailgate markets. Even in relatively arid regions with little agriculture, raised beds make it possible to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs on small
The penetration of the field to table movement has begun to reach grocery stores.
“truck farms.” It is well worth the time to drive twenty or thirty miles to the farmers market nearest you or to pick up your monthly CSA box. What else can you do? Talk to your local grocer, the chef or owner at your favorite restaurant, or the local school principal; start a community garden; grow herbs in pots on your porch or windowsills; and talk to vendors at the closest farmers market about new, creative ways to prepare fresh produce, meat, and other foods. Remember, as we all learned in elementary school, “You are what you eat.” N
The Morning Line
photo by Keith Sturch
Friday Nights
Mark Lamberth You get to know a person pretty well if you’re married to them for sixteen years or share a broadcast booth with them for the same amount of time. Dr. Bill Shelton and I were friends long before we started as a broadcast team for Pioneer Football. It was after my first football broadcast in 1996 at Mountain Home, that I realized I needed a partner. I had done lots of Pioneer Baseball solo and was able to manage it as a result of the pace of the game. However, football was a different animal and I learned quickly it was not easy to follow the ball, identify tacklers, call the outstanding blocks, and generally see the entire field; not to mention Head Coach Dave King’s skepticism of me flying solo. And while my choice seemed easy regarding the “Old Scrap Duck Hunter”, as he was a former Pioneer football player, it was not made without some trepidation. By the way, a scrap duck is any duck that is not a mallard and considered inferior, by real duck hunters. What if “Pres Ellis” broke into Heartbreak Hotel during the pre game show? I’ve handed out numerous scarves for this “minor celebrity” so I know from whence I speak. However, my fears were unfounded as we seemed to hit a rhythm in that first broadcast together that has seemed to last all these many years. In the early years, Gary Bridgman would send us on the road alone. And while we never missed getting the show on the air, it was darn close. From wireless equipment that Marconi used at the turn of the century (the 20th century not the 21st), dead telephone jacks and electrical outlets to being kicked out of booths; we learned that having a third party (Gary B.) made life a whole lot easier. We have locked ourselves out of our car (at Mountain Home), broadcast standing in the rain (at Forrest City), nearly missed the opening kickoff by getting lost (at Helena), and escaped
bodily injury (at Newport) where my color man got a little too exuberant in their press box, but we have always managed to bring Pioneer Football to the Pioneer Nation. Our travels have included some bizarre moments such as an official at Searcy whipping out his American Express card to slide between the chain and the football on a measurement for a possible Pioneer first down. When we lost the measurement, we knew we were going to lose the game. Watched in amazement as a state representative and his wife routinely broke into their car to retrieve sound equipment for the public address at Greene County Tech. As he wriggled through the broken window, she produced a broom to sweep up the broken glass as if on cue. It was obvious they had done this before. Making a point to a “sports savvy” owner of another radio station that we were flattered to be asked to broadcast his city’s high school football game in addition to our gig with the Pioneers, but it would probably be impossible for us to be in two places at once Friday night. We owe our modicum of success to one simple fact – We have a good time whether it was with a timekeeper in a rival city who
asked us how many minutes were in a quarter, to our own Batesville coaches who trust us with the game plan for that night, but not with the choice of songs for the pregame warm up. We’ve also met many characters along the way including “The General” and “Cussin’ Billy Smith”. We’ve sampled hamburgers from every stadium and city we visit (Wynne is outstanding) and know all the tastiest bar b que joints in Eastern Arkansas. We’ve totaled close to 200 ball games during our time including three at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. As we both have faces made for radio, I am always amazed when someone recognizes me by my voice alone. That’s a tribute to the popularity of the brand of Pioneer Football that Coach Dave King has brought to Batesville. He and I started that same year (1996) and I’m hoping he will still be around when Dan, my grandson, puts on that Pioneer helmet. So here’s to Head Coach Dave King and my partner Dr. Bill Shelton for sixteen great years including a State Championship in Little Rock. I can’t imagine doing it with anyone else. N
Mark Lamberth and Dr. Bill Shelton, photo submitted. October 2011 | 9
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Feature Joseph Thomas
Photos by Robert O. Seat
Born and raised on a farm and hard work in Tuckerman, Arkansas, Steve Thomas has become a man of many talents and many hats. After graduating from Tuckerman in 1976, Thomas attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he earned a degree in Business and then attained a masters degree in Business from Washington University in St. Louis. Thomas met his wife of twenty-six years, Leslie, when he was farming--or trying to--he laughs, and she worked for the Department of Agriculture. She was born and raised in Newport, holds an accounting degree from Arkansas State University, and holds him together, he suggests. He speaks of how supportive she is and how intricate a part of Batesville Cold Storage she is. Thomas sold exercise equipment for a national company all over the country in 1985. Traveling was wonderful for a few years, seeing America, but Thomas tired of the constant travel and so joined the family company, Frosty Air, in Searcy. The company later expanded into Batesville Cold Storage in 1993 and evolved further into Maumelle in 2003. Batesville Cold Storage is what is technically called a public refrigerated warehouse and exists as one of only three hundred or so in the United States. They warehouse, freeze, export, and distribute frozen food products for major food vendors. Thomas talks about how wonderful the community has been to his family and their business, and how they as a business extend every effort to local charities, events, and those in need. He mentions this very briefly as modesty is probably his first hat. If the second hat were Batesville Cold Storage, then the third would be Batesville Promotions. The genesis of Batesville Promotions was the love that Steve and his brother shared for Motocross racing. Steve began riding when he was twelve. He and his brother would ride in the summer and decided, when Steve was thirteen, to promote a series of three races called the Mid South Championship in Tuckerman. The racing series was successful and so they held the races five or six years in a row. Batesville Promotions first partnered with Loud And Clear Productions in 2000 to host their first big event on the White River, touted as Big Bang On The River, featuring local bands, Head East and Black Oak Arkansas, as well as an assortment of others. The two companies then began using the Melba Theater and UACCB for more intimate shows focusing on the blues. Batesville Promotions has garnered talent such as Al Green and the Commodores at the State House Convention Center in Little Rock for the Gala Ball for
The Many Hats of Steve Thomas
the Arkansas Cancer Research Center (which brings us to Thomas’s fourth hat as he sits on the board of the Arkansas Cancer Research Center). Batesville Promotions is also responsible for what is now called the Downtown Jonesboro Barbecue Festival, a free festival that will this year feature Rick Springfield and Memphis Legend John Kilzer. Batesville Promotions was behind the Gone Country Fest and this will be the third ROCKTOBERFEST, which Thomas is excited about and focusing on as it draws close. Thomas has loved music since sitting at his grandmother’s side as a small boy and listening to the Grand Ole Opry on her transistor radio. When Thomas was six the Beatles came to America. They had a number one song at the time; “I Wanna Hold Your Hand”. Thomas remembers being fascinated by the reaction of the crowd. Next came the Jackson Five. Thomas watched the television program Hollywood Palace with his grandmother every Saturday night. Again it was the crowds response that grabbed Thomas’s attention inspiring him to one day bring that kind of entertainment to his friends, his town, his state. He talks briefly about the Memphis AM radio station, WMPS, John Records Landecker that he and his friends would listen to during the day; at night they would turn to WLS out of Chicago and listen to DJ sensation John Records Landecker. Thomas loves music of every genre and lists his favorites as the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Merle Haggard, and Loretta Lynn. Thomas explains that not only is he passionate about the music and bringing entertainment to his hometown, he sees the effect that growing events in surrounding areas have on the local economy and tourism and wants to give Batesville that same Eye On Feature continues on page 47 October 2011 | 11
Arkansas Craft School Announces Evening Community Craft Classes Starting October 15, 2011, the Arkansas Craft to start a knitting community in Mountain View – School will be offering evening classes in Pottery, come knit and visit with friends! Learn the basics of Weaving, Glass Bead Making and Knitting; as well as knitting and purling, or tackle a complicated project a Saturday morning craft program for kids aged 8 – with guidance from an experienced knitter. Session II classes, which will begin in January 2, 12, ‘Where the Wild Things Are…”. Three nine-week sessions will be offered this year. Session I, which will 2012 will be announced later in the Fall. Except for the kid’s class, tuition for each begin October 15 will run until December 15, 2010. Each class will be held at the Craft School’s Artisan individual nine-week class will be $225.00 plus Studios at 110 East Main Street; conveniently and materials fees according to the instructor, and safely located right off the Square and next door to scholarships are available to qualifying students. Class registration forms, scholarship applications the Arkansas Craft Gallery. Session I classes will start off on Saturday and further information on these and other class mornings from 9:30 – 12:30 with a craft class for offerings of the Arkansas Craft School may be found kids aged 8 – 12, entitled “Where the Wild Things on the website: www.arkansascraftschool.org. Are…” Taught by instructor Coral McCallister, the Students may also sign up for classes by calling Terri classes will incorporate pottery, painting, weaving, Van Orman at (870) 269-8397. The Arkansas Craft School, located in Mountain cartooning and much more! Tuition is $150.00 for the nine week session, and scholarship money is View, Arkansas is dedicated to the education of aspiring and practicing craft artisans for success in available. Monday evenings, Terri Van Orman will be the Creative Economy. The Craft School partners with offering Four Harness Weaving. A recent grant has Ozarka College which offers Continuing Education allowed the Craft School to purchase six new Baby credits for all of its courses. Support for the Arkansas Wolf looms, as well as complete tools and other Craft School is provided, in part, by the Arkansas Arts weaving equipment. Students may start from the Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas beginning and learn to weave; or those who already Heritage, and the National Endowment of the Arts. possess skills can learn a new technique such as lace N weaves or overshot. Wednesday evenings will be set aside for Glass Bead Making with local bead makers Beau, Tom and Sage. As early pioneers in the revival of glass bead making, Beau, Tom and Sage are known nationally as well as internationally – as both teachers and as creators of beautiful, intricate beads. Students will be individually mentored during the class according to their Pork * Beef * Brisket * Chicken * Ribs * Homemade Desserts * Cookies experience and all skill levels are Dine In or Carry-Out invited to participate. Thursday evenings will be set aside for our most popular request – Pottery Classes - which will be taught by local ceramic artist, David Dahlstedt. David and his wife Becki have been creating their line of decorative and functional ceramic wares produced under the name of Mountain View Pottery for many years. David is looking forward to sharing the skills he has mastered in a lifetime of pottery making with local beginning and intermediate pottery students. Mon-Wed 11-7 Thur-Sat 11-8 Also on Thursday evening will be a new class – Knitting. Veteran fiber artist Susan Burden wants 870-698-0034
129 Lawrence St.
12 | Word Of Mouth....For Your Eyes!.
Dancing the night away at the White River Carnival Dance
The Batesville Country Club hosted the 2011 White River Water Carnival Dance on August 7. Miss Batesville, Ashleigh Rogers was in attendance.
Chris Caruthers, Water Carnival Dance Chairman and Ashleigh Rogers, Miss Batesville The Jokers along with Penny Wolfe and Sarah Jo Roark provided the evenings entertainment.
October 2011 |  13
14 | Word Of Mouth....For Your Eyes!.
Join these FREE opportunities today!
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
Thursday
Body Pump Class 4:00-5:00 and 5:30-6:30 Biggest Loser Club - Monday 4:00 and 5:30 For more info. call Kristie Jenkins @ 870-251-2661
Lyon College Again in Top Tier of U.S. News Rankings
For the fifth year in a row, Lyon College is ranked in the top tier of the best national liberal arts college, according to the 2012 edition of the U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges guidebook. The Princeton review recently recognized Lyon as a "Best Southeastern College" in its annual report for the 8th consecutive year. Among the factors weighed in determining the rankings, the key measures the quality for national universities and national liberals Arts College are: undergraduate academic reputation, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, high school counselor ratings, and graduation rate performance. N Photo by Clayton Cavaness of Select Shots
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
Batesville / Eagle Mountain Campus
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
Wednesday
Zumba 4:15-4:45 / Line Dancing 5:30-6:15 Pilates 5:30-6:15
Thursday
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.
October 2011 |  15
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ARKANSAS STATE FORESTER JOHN T. SHANNON ELECTED PRESIDENT TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE FORESTERS LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – Arkansas State Forester John T. Shannon has been elected President of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF). The annual meeting of this group dedicated to sustainable forestry, as well as forest protection and conservation, concluded today in Baltimore. Shannon will serve in this position over the next year, representing Arkansas at meetings and events across the nation. Shannon lives in Cammack Village and has served as State Forester since 1994.
“I am honored to be recognized by my colleagues and will use this office to promote Arkansas,” said Shannon. The NASF is a non-profit organization comprised of the directors of forestry agencies all over the United States. Alongside many partners, NASF supports practices and policies that are unique to the forest resource needs of our nation. For more information about the NASF, visit stateforesters.org. For more information about the Arkansas Forestry Commission, visit arkansasforestry.org. N
Landers Memories The Fellowship Bible Church has meticulously restored and repurposed the Landers Theater, making it their home and sharing the impressive facility with community organizations. All that remains to be done is restoring the marquee and Landers neon sign. A community-wide campaign has been launched to raise the funds for this final touch on this historic building. Many long-time Batesville residents have fond memories of the Landers when it was a functioning movie theater. To remind people about the good times had at the Landers, and encourage them to contribute to the campaign, we are asking Landers fans to submit their stories—first dates, stolen kisses, memorable (and not so memorable) movie experiences, whatever. Send your Landers Memories to bobpest@wildblue.net. Memories should be 100 words or less. The “best” memories will be published in the November and December issues of Eye on Independence. Share your memories and help “Light the Landers.” Send your contribution of any amount to Fellowship Bible Church, 276 East Main Street, Batesville, AR 72501. Make checks payable to Landers Marquee Restoration Fund. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. N October 2011 | 19
Even s Museum Soiree Set for October 8 Old Independence Regional Museum is hosting an exciting trip into the past Saturday evening, October 8. The Museu on m Soir ee will take place from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Light refreshments and beverag adult event are $25 for individuals, $40 es will be served. Tickets for this fundraising Entertainment will be provided by loca for couples and are available at the Museum. keyboardist David Robinson. Door Prizl singer/songwriter/guitarist David Grimes and e drawings will be held throughout the with the final drawing taking place at 8 o’clo evening ck. A silent auction will be held featuring sign ed copies of John Grisham’s two children books (Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer and ’s The odore Boone: The Abduction), an 11X14 portrait and sitting fee by Keith Stuch Martin Dealerships, pearl earrings by JonPhotography, Autographed hat from the Mark Bill and Hayes Olsen, BBQ chicken dinner athan’s Fine Jewelry, a gourmet dinner for six by gifts from Ozark Foothills FilmFest, Com for 10 by Judge Robert Griffin as well as exciting and Gifts, Heritage House, Premiere Tanfort Suites, the Ramada Inn, the House of Flowers Flowers and Gifts in Newport, Riverside s, Newark Furniture, Deni’s Inspirations, Purdy’s Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Graphics, Cur ves for Women, Arkansas Lime, the Gifts and Silks, UACCB, Charlie’s Angels,Thompson’s Jewelry, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Joan’s Batesville Area Arts Council, and artwork Aline McCracken and Danny Ramsey. s by Guests will be able to tour the museum some of the more compelling exhibit piec ; volunteers will be positioned to discuss the Move exhibit chronicles how travel es and answer any questions. The Region on focuses on wagon, train, and automobilein our region has evolved over time. The exhibit a 1904 Brougham Carriage, and a 1930’s travel. It features a Springfield covered wagon, Room explores Native American life in ourgas station and gravity gas pump. The Shawnee Shawnee who settled to the north in the region. This exhibit examines the culture of the Era Back Porch highlights what life was present day Yellville area. The 1930’s Depression Depression. It provides a revealing look like for families in our region during the Great Era and the important role children play at how people “made do” during the Depression ed dur The Civil War exhibit explores Secession, ing that harsh time. reunions that followed the conflict. A scra the War, and Reconstruction, as well as the letters between a Civil War soldier and his pbook contains several primary documents-newest exhibit, “Looking Back: How Toy family and receipts--for visitors to examine. The common ever yday items have changed s, Tools and Togs have Changed,” focuses on how and equipment from Vera and Agnes Beaover the years. The exhibit includes implements uty Shop, located in downtown batesville 1940’s and 50’s. Most fascinating is the “tor in ture device” used to create “permanent wavthe for women customers. Each roller was es” attached to an electric cable, creating a Medusa look. Tools represented include an strange of what work was like before electricity. anvil and a sandstone tool sharpener, reminders with Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys, MatchbThe exhibit is also strong in the toy department, ox Cars, toy soldiers, marble collections dolls, and hand-made dolls. , paper Old Independence Regional Museum call 793-2121 or visit www.oirm.org. Theis located at 380 S. Ninth. For more information Community Bank, George’s Liquor, Pep Museum Soiree is sponsored by Wal-Mart, First si, Daylight Donuts, MorningSide Coffeeh FoxCreek BBQ , and Coltons. ouse,
Library to begin Storytime The Independence County Public Library will be hold a public Story Time every Wednesday beginning from 10:30-11:00.
nefit rform at FilmFest Be Pe ill W rs ve Lo ic us ock and the Real M to Batesville
Rodney Bl
rn al Music Lovers retu on Sunday, Re e th d an k oc Bl ey st Last Call for Volunteer Jazz masters Rodn rk Foothills FilmFe Elizabeth’s za O e th r fo t er nc co at fit Ho ld ne urs he be a be to perform ay Afternoon” will zz nd Ja k Su oc a Bl on ey z dn az “J Ro p.m. The November 6. Main Street at 3:00 t, piano, bass, and drums, The Batesville Area Chamst Ea 1 23 at nt ra Restau trumpe ad le t, of lis ed ber ta is of Commerce is needing en pr m m stru t co Project is a quarte needed. Block, a classically trained in peo nk ple fu to turn in their comp, as spel, hip-hop, Bebo e of go , zz with extra vocalist ja al mu on nity iti ser vice hours for the ad blend of tr by playing in som s ill sk s hi performs a unique d Ark ne ans as ho Volunteer Communsas native, he aza III, Blue Room Pl , um ri po nity and soul. An Arka Em of the nd Year Nomination. r, Claude ier venues – Gra for Jonathan Butle There is no limit on the amount ed Kansas City ’s prem en op ve ha at es bl rly is ensem rforms regula of hours volunteered. The deadand Liberty Hall. H salis. The group pe ar M n to yn ate; they W st d e an th s, m nd ia line ou ill ar is September 30th. You can W ” es nu “Fiddler Row. Rock and other ve t le on tt Fr : Li ts in en em ht es ail these to officemanager@ Pr ug ho the Aftert en featured on AETN Oliver Thomas on be d an il az my Br bat in esv ille.org or drop them ed have also tour the group includes t, r pe fo s um et tr ck off Ti on at the s. k BACC office. oc um In addition to Bl hael Chandler on dr 1-1189. Light ic M d an o, an pi bass, Sam Carroll on 5 and are available by calling 870-25 e $2 the benefit event ar rages are included. ng; ve th anniversar y this spri be d 11 its refreshments an es at br le lmFest ce nues around Ozark Foothills Fi April 1 at several ve pendence to 28 ch ar M e ac pl Inde the festival will take , the Landers Theater building, Old CB e has labeled in AC az U g ag mes m Ti as ns town, includin ka Ar . ge lle and Lyon Co the countr y.” m Regional Museum, town film festival in l Senior Walk Progra al sm st be he “t al the festiv of the Senior The participants t Mondays at Economic Solar Panels Workshop mee Walk Program will nesdays at North ed W , ol Fitzhugh Po There will be a workshop at the Cushman Cam s at Riverside Park pus Complex, and Friday. on September 24th from 10:00 a.m. - Noon. (Josie's parking lot) Hutton will be the speaker. Dr. Stuart is aDr. Stuart :00 a.m. and solar panel advocate. This workshop is AESphysicist ions will begin at 10 ss P Gran se t l Al Supported. There will be no fee but you mus In this class you learn the difference between t register. panels for generating electricity and those for heating wate placement of solar panels, the insulation of sola r, the r panels, and more. Class size is limited to 10. Register by calling UACCB at 870-612-2080 or 870-612-2081
There was an Open House at the new Stanley Wood dealership in mid September with some free grilled goodies, drinks, and a bounce house for the little ones. There was a good crowd and a good time had by all if one were to read into the smiles all around..
I Do
Kimberlee Thomas
Photography by Erin Moulden Photography
Bradley and Pam knew each other and shared mutual friends throughout their college years at ASU in Jonesboro; however, they never dated. Several years after graduating those same mutual friends set about playing matchmaker and brought the couple together feeling they would be perfect for one another. The young couple hit it off from the start and felt certain they had found their matches. There was only one catch to this newfound friendship, distance. Pam lived in Jonesboro and Bradley lived three hours away in Tichnor, Arkansas. They both had crazy work schedules and therefore two and sometimes even three weeks would pass before they could spend time together. They agreed they would do whatever it took to make their relationship work across the miles; they knew their relationship would be stronger for it. On June 11, 2010 Pam made the 150-mile trip to Tichnor for a weekend visit. Bradley was waiting for Pam when she arrived, which seemed a bit odd since June is the height of the wheat harvest and Bradley is a farmer. The true gentleman that he is, Bradley helped Pam carry in her bags. They sat in the living room and visited for a while, catching up on missed time. Bradley then left Pam and disappeared down the hall. A few moments later Pam’s dog, FeFe, came running into the living room wearing a tee-shirt. Pam began chasing her around the room trying to catch her beloved pet so she could see what her shirt said. In all the chaos Bradley and his dog, Jax, had entered the living room. Bradley was down on one knee with Jax sitting quietly beside him, wearing his own tee-shirt and holding a gift bag in his mouth. Pam stopped short. Jax’s shirt read, “Will you marry my dad?” FeFe’s shirt read, “Please say Yes. I will be the flower girl!” The couple married March 26, 2011 at the West Baptist Church in Batesville. Like so many young ladies Pam has been planning her dream wedding since she was just a little girl. Her grandfather, Bill Cash, a.k.a. Daddy Bill, presided over the candlelit traditional wedding ceremony. A string quartet led by Barbara Reve provided music for the ceremony. Lawanda Mize sang “There is Love” accompanied by Debbie Adcock on the piano. “I Will Be Here” was sung by Ed Adcock accompanied by Debbie Adcock on the piano during the lighting of the unity candle. The foyer of the church held a table with wedding pictures of the bride and groom’s parents and grandparents. Pat James and Connie Jenkins were the wedding decorators. House of Flowers in Batesville did floral decorations and bridal party flowers. The groom’s cake was a John Deer Combine chosen to reflect the groom’s love for farming. The reception was held at the Eagle Mountain Country Club in Batesville. Pat James served as the reception director.
The Sweetin Wedding
The couple made their get away in a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air. The Sandals La Toc Resort in St. Lucia was their honeymoon destination. They enjoyed seven wonderful days of ocean, beach, sun, and sand. Pam is a 2008 graduate of Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is currently employed at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit. She plans to start working on her master’s degree in the spring for her Family Nurse Practitioner license. Bradley graduated from Arkansas State University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He is the owner and operator of Sweetin Farms in Tichnor, AR. The couple resides in Tichnor, where they plan to build a house on the farm and hope to start a family of their own soon. N
Add some life to your Halloween gathering with hand painted glasses by Top Shelf. They make every occasion spooktacular!
Eye On Nature Autumn Hunter
Photos submitted
I was considering researching rainbows or different types of clouds. Then a scorpion walked across the carpet while I lounged on the couch just before the evening news. I was in shock since I’d never seen a live one “in the wild.” This one didn’t receive the typical “catch and release” treatment. Well, not at first. I freaked a little, I admit. I frantically slammed a coffee cup on top of it and pressed down hard. Just for good measure, I left it in that spot in the middle of the living room floor all night. In the morning light I removed the cup and began my inspection of the unwanted house guest. I was thinking I could still get a picture of the flattened scorpion when it JUMPED UP AND MADE A RUN FOR IT! I’m positive it would have been a winning moment on America’s Funniest Home Videos with my screaming and chanting “No,No,No” over and over like a toddler. However, I would not dare let it escape. Since smashing hadn’t worked and I was bare foot, I somehow managed to get it inside the coffee cup. When I realized it could not get out of the cup, my heart slowed and I could think well enough to retrieve the camera. After documenting this unwelcome guest, I walked a quarter of a mile away from the house and
24 | Word Of Mouth....For Your Eyes!.
Slightly Alter to Adapt
set if free. Let’s just say I didn’t need any coffee on this morning to get awake. The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture website informs us: “The striped bark scorpion is the only species recorded in Arkansas, where it is most abundant in the western part of the state, and the most widely distributed species in the United States.” This type of scorpion can live in a variety of habitat from pine forest, grasslands, or rocky outcrops of the desert. This type of scorpion is an active hunter and does not burrow. Interestingly, this species is even able to withstand being frozen. The average length for an adult is 2.5 inches. Their diet consists of insects. Their sting contains venom for subduing prey. Since bark scorpions are Striped Bark Scorpion
nocturnal, in daylight they hide from humans and other predators. Most cases of stinging occurs while people are doing yard work and moving natural elements like tree fall, lumber, rock, dead leaves, or other debris. It’s natural for the sting to be painful for a short amount of time with some nausea, but the venom is only slightly toxic for people. Most scorpion stings do not require a hospital visit and are ranked as minor or “least priority” in emergency waiting rooms. Severe allergic reactions, high fever, or even death are extremely uncommon. You may however, have numbness, swelling, itching, or tingling at the injection site for several days. In Arkansas, scorpions are most active during late spring and early summer. The male performs elaborate courting displays and might mate in any season except winter. Eight months after mating, up to thirty live young are born and live on their mothers’ back up to fifteen days until they shed. The Entomology Department at Texas A&M University reports, “After the first molt they disperse to lead independent lives. Immature scorpions molt an average of six times before maturity. Typically scorpions live between three and eight years.” The striped bark scorpions can live up to twenty years and mature between three and four years. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Office provides some easy ways to control scorpion populations. First remove any trash or unwanted items away from your house, store firewood and lumber off of the ground, keep wood dry and stacked away from house, have a good runoff of rainwater away from the house, and remove rocks
Mothersback Scorpion
from your property. You may want to consider small gravel in your flower beds instead of wood mulch. Basic winterizing, such as sealing any openings or cracks with caulk, and weather-stripping doors, windows or vents will help keep scorpions outside. Scorpions are attracted to moist areas, especially in dry seasons. Use a dehumidifier in the basement and repair water leaks quickly. You can also use regular insect spray to cut down their food source. These scorpions are climbers. Look for them in your attic or around fireplaces. You may detect them by using a black light at night. Their waxy cuticle is florescent, a mystery for biologists. Scorpions are beneficial because they are a natural pest control. They feed on cockroaches, spiders, and even other scorpions. Our first reaction is to fearfully smash the unknown with a coffee cup and learn about it afterward. If it has the potential to hurt us then our first thought is to get rid of it rather than be bothered by altering our own behavior. Now I’m motivated to tighten up possible insect access routes, move the firewood farther away, consider allowing the cat back inside, and rethink a trip to the mailbox without shoes. Still, I’d rather learn how to live among misunderstood creatures and use my human brainpower to predict and adapt to their habits than to simply kill them. I believe everything has meaning of which I am unaware and purpose far greater than I can find in a book or online. I hope you’ll widen your perspective as well. N
Striped Bark Scorpion October 2011 | 25
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26 | eyeonmag.com Check out our Photo Album.
The Myopic Life An Ozark Holiday
Kristi Price In a farewell nod to summer, my family rented a palatial home in Fairfield Bay for the weekend. With views of Greers Ferry Lake on the outside, and plate glass and travertine tile on the inside, we kicked back more or less in the lap of luxury. Around coffee our first morning, we surveyed our good fortune and recalled less opulent trips. In my home, where money was tighter than waistbands on Thanksgiving day, our vacations involved one thing and one thing only: a week or two at my granny’s little white cottage in Fulton County. And with everyone else just as poor as we were, my cousins showed up by the car loads. We slept anywhere we could find four square feet together. And when things really got hopping, my uncle towed in an old camper trailer (sans electricity) and threw all us kids out there. On desperately hot nights, we just dragged sheets out onto
the lawn. My mother, thoroughly a product of her Ozark raising, said that when she was a girl growing up with eight siblings, there were never enough beds when family came to visit, so they slept in lawn chairs in the kitchen. My brother remembered some of the earlier motels we crashed at, where for a quarter fed into a box bolted to the wall, the bed would shake us to sleep. We never made it to Disney World, but I have great memories of Dogpatch USA. And while I’ll probably never see the fireworks over the Washington Memorial, I’ll never forget my cousin accidentally setting my grandpa’s car on fire one Fourth of July. We are Arkansans. Vacations aren’t about exotic locales or high-class luxury. A vacation is falling asleep around people you love. And hopefully waking up without ticks. N
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Cathy Demko on Second Friday
Pallett Knife Workshop
These wonderful volunteers all pitched in and made the BAAC remodel happen
Help Us Get Some "Green" Cash! Donate your old ink jet cartridges, toner cartridges, cell phones, and ipods to the BAAC. We are able to get money back for recycling these items. The "green" dollars that we earn go to helping us fund our programs in the community.
ries: or Movie Se ting o td u O e th Permit ates for scheduled d E to the public- Weather 1st Couch re s a h C A A r B ese are FRE ing, Octobe Remember theams” Saturday even wn Chapel) “Field of Dron College- (behind Bro ing October 15th n Gardens, Ly ” Saturday eveing October 30thearlier, e id n e S v d e n y a li ing d B “ Sun e sun is settearlier than us” c th o , P ll s fa u c to o in H “ s progress r –it’s dark As the week movies will start earlie e therefore, th th last mon
2011 White River Juried Exhibition The Batesville Area Arts Council is pleased to announce the artists whose work has been selected in the 2011 White River Juried Exhibition to be on display at the BAAC Art Gallery on Main beginning October 3rd through October 28th. BAAC would like to thank all the artists who entered this juried art show. Citizens Bank will award a purchase prize of $500 and there will be cash awards for first, second and third place. The Best of Show award will include both a cash prize and an opportunity for a gallery exhibition in the BAAC Art Gallery on Main in 2012. BAAC will host a public reception on Friday evening, October 21st from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. There were eighty eight entries and thirty three were accepted. A variety of work was submitted including photography, watercolor, oil, mixed media, acrylic, graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, bronze and collages. The juror, Melissa Gill, professor at Hendrix College, was impressed with the overall quality and competitive level of all work entered making her decision difficult. Artists whose work will be included in the 2011 White River Juried Exhibition are: Bill Barksdale, Cotter, AR; Sandra Barksdale, Cotter, AR; Sandy Bennett, El Dorado, AR; Alan Candler, Batesville, AR; Allison Cantrell, Sidney AR; Patricia Corder, Smithville, AR; Ted Denton, Marshall, MO.; Susan Gibson, Mena, AR; Marlene Gremillion, Hot Springs, AR; Virginia Haines, Mountain Home, AR; Patricia Langewis, Hot Springs, AR; Aline McCracken, Concord, AR; Sheila Parsons, Conway, AR; Mary Ann Stafford, Maumelle, AR; Dixie Wilson, Salem, AR; and Diane Ziemski, Little Rock, AR 28 | Word Of Mouth....For Your Eyes!.
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October 2011 | 29
The Perfume of Cooking
Surprising Sorrel
Janine Winters October is a very exciting month for me. After the hot and humid summer, it is a relief to be able to open all the windows and let the fresh air in. This is the best time to be in my garden, pulling all my plants and preparing for my next planting. My houseplants that spent the summer outside are ready to come back indoors. I will check them for insects and spray them with insecticide soap. I will re-attach saucers to the pots for future watering. It is time to prepare for fall color season and riding my horse. Arkansas has two-and-half million acres of national forest. Fall in the Ozark Mountain Region begins with color change at the end of September and early October. The peak will occur at the end of October. In the Ouachitas and Arkansas River Valley, early November is usually the peak time for this area. The Delta (east) and Gulf Coastal Plain (south) are usually colorful by November. I will be cooking a fresh pot of soup daily during the next few months. Nothing can replace a hot chicken noodle soup, minestrone, bean soup….I usually eat the soup for a couple of meals and store the remainder in my freezer. They are always a treat for my friends when they visit the farm. Today, I would like to tell you about another of my favorite
herbs. It is called SORREL (botanical name rumex scutatu). It is a very prolific plant used mostly in Russia and France. I will never forget the first time I was served the SORREL soup. It was in a French restaurant in Montreal, Canada. It was the best soup I have ever put in my mouth! The SORREL leaves do not have much perfume but the taste is tart and lemony. They are perfect little leaves to add to my sandwich or my omelette. When steamed, sorrel resembles spinach with an acidic taste due to the presence of oxalic acid. It is considered less a vegetable and more an herb in some cultures. The Egyptians rolled their meat and fish with SORREL leaves, using them as tenderizer. The best thing about SORREL is that it grows like a weed in Arkansas. If you grow or find SORREL in a farmers market, don’t hesitate and try my recipe. Bon Appétit!
Blanch the sorrel in 1 cup of boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Drain all water. In a sauté pan, heat butter and add the sorrel. Cook slowly for 15 minutes. Add chicken broth. Simmer gently for 5 minutes. Puree in food processor’ Put the mixture back on the stove until heated. Remove from heat. In a small bowl, beat 3 egg yolks and the cream. Wisk into the soup. Reheat the soup before serving but DO NOT BOIL. N
SORREL SOUP 3 tbsp of butter 2 shallots diced 6 cups chicken broth 9 oz sorrel 3 eggs yolks ½ cup cream
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The best thing about Sorrel is that is grows like a weed in Arkansas.
Welcome to Independence
Southwestern Bell
October 2011 |  31
Joseph Thomas
Homes Stuart and Carol Smith Photos by Joseph Thomas
Kimberlee and I are very fortunate to have become so close to so many wonderful families and people in and around Independence County. No exception is Pioneer Football Defensive Coordinator Stuart Smith and his lovely wife, Carol. We first met and got to know Coach Smith when we were asked by fan and Batesville Councilman, Fred Krug, to film Pioneer Football in 2008. I have stated many times that Independence County is full of virtuous and stand-up people, but Coach Smith has a character that I strive to some day carry. His wife, Carol, is a very endearing and warm person whom we have had the pleasure to meet on only two occasions while touring their beautiful and well kept home. The couple met during Coach Smith’s freshman year at Arkansas College in 1978. They dated, married, and have three sons. Each son was born in a different decade; their oldest son, Jeff, was born in
the 70’s; their middle son, Kevin, in the 80’s; and their youngest son, Quinten, who is now a senior at Batesville High School, was born in the 90’s. The Smith’s are also the proud grandparent’s of two amazing grandsons--Braxton age four and Wyatt who is five months. Our first visit to the Smith home was in the fall of 2010, we were on a film location reconnaissance mission for the taping of the Pioneer Football Coach’s Program. Coach Smith’s Pioneer Room was the focus of that visit and is where we started our tour. Some might call it a ManCave, but it is truly a time capsule of Pioneer history, trivia, and hour upon hour of great stories. Coach Smith estimates that what fills the room is only a third of what he once had in his collection, having lost the rest to a flood in his father-in-law’s basement. It began as a simple accumulation of mementos that Coach Smith
had a hard time leaving in boxes and wanted to display. He began placing them in what is now the Pioneer Room. One picture led to another, one newspaper article led to a second, and then friends began bringing their pictures, vintage Pioneer Programs, stories and other keepsakes until what was once a garage became a place of homage and remembrance, a place for friends and conversation, FCA meetings, and speakers for the teams he’s coached. A favorite piece is an old photograph depicting five generations of male Smith family members, which speaks to what this coach holds dear and hands down to his children, young students, and athletes: the importance of tradition, family, and the bonds we make through life. This home was purchased and embraced by the Smith’s in 2003. The sweeping front porch is an inviting area that calls for
evening discussions soaked in cool breezes. As you enter the home through the side kitchen door you are greeted by an open dining room with an antique buffet, and a living room with a warmth that carries through the home. The kitchen is roomy, practical, and seemingly perfect for large Thanksgiving meals that fill the Smith family table. Through the kitchen you enter a wonderful setting room centered around
Carol’s mother’s piano, a cherished family heirloom. Just off of the setting room are the formal entry, a staircase, that I’m quite envious of, and a short hallway. The home’s bedrooms occupy the second floor of this beautiful Victorian fashioned home and Coach’s home office can be found nestled away on the third floor. The formal entry contains a painting of the Spring Mill that Carol has many fond memories of, “I remember my
parents driving us out to Spring Mill and there was little spout to drink from here,” she says pointing at the picture, “and I just loved it.” The entry hallway leads you back through into the living room and open dining room to a door that enters the garage. The garage opens out to a beautifully kept flower garden with manicured shrubbery (maintained by Coach Smith), a peaceful sitting area, and a large backyard featuring a double Home continues on page 41
Organization Autumn Hunter I finally overcame that nicotine addiction I’d been battling for years. With a year under my belt I made up my mind that it was time to work on the rest. A lady I attend church with teaches a free aerobics class through the week. I went and I loved it. It was really hard at first and I couldn’t keep up. The instructor, Terri Ann Cunningham, urged me to keep whatever pace I could and just keep moving. She demonstrated different levels (1, 2, and 3) for different moves. I was seriously surprised in just a couple weeks when I was able to hold the dreaded “elbows and toes” position properly for an entire sixty seconds. I was also surprised when I found out all four school districts in our county offer free exercise classes. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a program called Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW). The CDC has awarded a $2.6 million dollar grant to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Through this grant, two sub-grants were offered in the amount of $668,206.00. Susi Epperson is the District Grant Writer/ Coordinated School Health Coordinator for the Cedar Ridge School district. She applied for one of these grants with the help and support of the Independence County Hometown Wellness Coalition (ICHWC). The competition was strong and in the end only two
Communities Putting Prevention to Work communities in Arkansas were awarded the money: Independence County and the city of North Little Rock. The purpose of the grant is to implement and promote public health strategies and policies to combat obesity. In Independence County, obesity affects 27.9% of adults and 38.5% of students. The funding will be used to meet the following grant objectives: 1. Strengthen school wellness policies. This includes making healthy food options more accessible and increasing the price of unhealthy vending machine items in all four schools. 2. Implement the SPARK program; a CDC approved physical education curriculum, in all K-6th grade PE programs. www.sparkpe.org 3. Establish Joint Use Agreements between all four school districts to provide accessible facilities for physical activity to communities throughout the county. The grant money is utilized to meet these objectives in many different ways. All county PE teachers attended the SPARK conference to learn how to implement the program in our schools. All K-6 schools received SPARK equipment packages. Another opportunity free to all K-6 students of Independence County is Pioneer Camp. The camp launched its after-school fitness program for the spring semester of 2011. In the month of June Pioneer Camp lasted from Monday through Thursday. Camp attendees learned to play Frisbee golf, parachute, human wheel, kickball, and water games. Most of these fun games also teach team building and cooperation. When school started back this fall Pioneer Camp kicked off with five weeks of basketball skills. Susan Parker is the site coordinator for this camp as well as the community fitness classes on this campus. To date, Pioneer Camp has served over 400 students. The next round of Pioneer Camp begins October 11th and runs through December 2nd. They will meet on Thursdays from 3:30-5 pm. The first phase for 2012 will begin the end of January and run until spring break. The Arkansas Department of Health admits that 98% of our health dollars goes toward treating disease or symptoms. The CDC is now focusing on community prevention. The ICHWC hopes this grant helps our county to develop policies for environmental change and change Organization continued on page 43
34 | Word Of Mouth....For Your Eyes!.
Bob Pest
ar P s m u e s u ay M w e t a G k r a z O
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Museums Celebrate the History of the Ozark Gateway Region: Part I
The Ozark Gateway Region is rich in history, dating back to the 1700's. Not surprisingly, the region is also home to a number of outstanding museums that keep that history alive with exhibits, guest speakers, workshops, and educational programs. There are so many museums to discover and discuss that one article cannot possibly cover them all; so this will be a two-part article. Museums in Independence, Stone, and Izard County are featured in Part I; museums in Fulton, Lawrence, Sharp, Jackson, and Randolph counties will be featured in Part II, which will come out in early fall. We hope that these articles will inspire many of you to visit the museum in your community; even more importantly, we urge you to take your children and introduce them to people, places, and events that shaped our region. The Stone County Museum is, appropriately, located in a building with its own rich history. The building which eventually housed the museum was built in 1928 to replace the Stone County Academy, which had stood near the site. For a decade it was the sole facility for area students in grades one through twelve. In 1938 a gym was built and the high school moved to that location. Five years later the elementary school moved into new facilities. This left the original building to house grades one through three for the next thirty years. In 1974 a new elementary school was built and the original building was used for a kindergarten and band hall. In 1984 the building was purchased by the Stone County Historical Society, the City of Mountain View, and Stone County and the Stone County Museum was born. The building was placed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places in 2004. In 2006, the museum was expanded to include a larger research room and more space for Stone County artifacts. The building currently houses the museum and the Loy and Freda Daum Massey Research Room. The museum's many exhibits include a tribute to entertainer Dick Powell, born in Mountain View in 1904. Powell's family moved to Little Rock in 1909 and the entertainer never returned to Mountain View. A glass case full of press clippings, photos, and other memorabilia provides a look at Powell's impressive career as a singer, actor, producer, director, and studio boss. Powell's birthplace is still standing on the north side of Main Street. The Mountain View Room resembles a mid-20th century barber shop, complete with barber's chair, sink, and shoe shine station. The equipment belonged to Howard Engle, the town barber for many years who also happened to be a deaf mute, as was his wife. The exhibit also showcases the first stop light in Mountain View, at Main and Peabody, installed in 1960 and removed soon after due to public complaints. A stop sight was eventually installed at the intersection of Highways 5, 9, and 14. Harold Sherman, one of the more colorful
characters in Mountain View history, receives considerable attention in the museum. Sherman was well-known as the writer of boys' sports and adventure books. He moved on to Broadway plays and toured the country promoting mind-to-mind communication, also known as ESP. Sherman lived in both New York and Hollywood before discovering Mountain View by accident on a trip to Chicago. In 1947 he moved permanently to Mountain View, where he became an important voice in rural electrification, securing paved roads, and in the development of Blanchard Springs Caverns and the Ozark Folk Center. In 1958 he created a pilot for a TV series, "My Dog Sheppy," filmed in Mountain View and Blanchard Springs. The series never made it on air, partly due to the popularity of another popular television dog named Lassie. DVD copies of the extremely interesting pilot can be purchased at the museum. Many of the items on display in the museum were donated by the Sherman Family. The museum also contains an early 1900's kitchen exhibit, a large safe from the same era, a number of pieces of vintage furniture, and dozens of carefully-preserved photographs. A well-chosen and prepared variety of print materials offers plenty of background information and will enrich your museum visit. The Stone County Historical Society plans to restore the building's exterior to its original condition with hopes of a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The museum, located at 204 School Avenue, is open from mid April through the end of October. Friendly, helpful volunteers host the museum on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 PM. Admission is free; contributions are greatly appreciated. Calico Rock is one of Arkansas' most storied communities, with roots that go back to the days of Spanish explorers. The new Calico Rock Museum is a work in progress that promises to offer a bridge between the town's heritage and culture and the unique experience of visitors. The museum is located in the historic Bank of Calico Rock Building on Main Street. It is built around three themes: the Development of Calico Rock, Calico Rock as an Economic Center, and Everyday Living in Calico Rock. The museum was developed with assistance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Public History graduate program. The partnership combines the resources of UALR and the talent and energy of its graduate students with the enthusiasm and commitment of the community. The new museum also enjoys a partnership with Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville. French fur-traders named Calico Rock because of the uniquely-colored bluffs jutting up from the river. While blasting for the railroad in the early 1900s, much of the coloration was lost. Over the past 100 Ozark Gateway Museums continued on page 44 October 2011 |  35
CITY OF BATESVILLE AWARDED ARKANSAS STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION GRANT The City of Batesville has recently been awarded $43,887.00 in grant funding from the Arkansas State Highway Commission to extend the walking trail at Fitzhugh Park. The application was written and submitted on behalf of the City of Batesville by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Rick Elumbaugh said “The proposed trailway will be key to developing our long term goals of continuing to build trailways that connect and contribute to the walkabilty of our city. The overall plan trails plan will link the trailway system around the city; to residential centers, public schools and to Lyon College”. The funds will be used to extend a trailway from existing recreational facilities at Fitzhugh Park to Riverside Park. The trail will be a 12 feet wide asphalt trail suitable for all weather use. This project directly fulfills the priority for urban trails and greenways. More specifically, it impacts the priority for multi-use trails. All city trails are maintained at a high level with an emphasis on safety. The trail will provide barrier free access, add to recreational diversity, and it was recommended and designed with input from citizens at two public charrettes while complying with the long term plan to increase
trail access to key city areas. Crystal Johnson, Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO said, “The chamber is proud to partner with the City of Batesville. Recreational infrastructure adds value to our city. Businesses grow and thrive in communities who continue to add programs and projects that enhance quality of life”. Contact: Crystal Johnson, President/CEO Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce 870.793.2378 crystal. johnson@mybatesville.org www.mybatesville.org N
Photos by Michael McGaha
36 | eyeonmag.com
Main Street Batesville recently hosted a fantastic evening of entertainment at the Fellowship Bible Church (Lander's Theater) on Main Street. David Grimes and the All Star Band opened for Narvel Felts. Paula Grimes, Director of Main Street Batesville, stated "The concert was a great success and raised approximately $5,000. for Main Street Batesville. It was a sold out show and we apologize for having to turn people away at the door. We hope to have Narvel back next year." N
October 2011 |  37
EOI Movie Review Reviewed by Tanner Smith Smith’s Verdict: **** happened. And wouldn’t you know it, it happens to be on Halloween. J o h n So now, Loomis has to track him C a r p e n t e r ’ s down before he finishes what he 1 9 7 8 t h r i l l e r started all those years ago. But he “Halloween” has spawned more just might be too late… than a dozen rip-offs, most of which Loomis is well-played by are deplorable wastes of time. But Donald Pleasance, but most how does “Halloween” itself hold importantly, the other actors give up? It holds up very well—so well, likable, sympathetic performances. that I believe it’s one of the best I say “most importantly” because horror films I’ve ever seen. You like all thrillers and horror films, know the storyline—a masked they work best if we care about psychotic killer stalks and kills the characters in jeopardy. The teenagers. That’s also the storyline killer’s primary targets are a trio for those afore-mentioned of teenage girls—Laurie Strode deplorable rip-offs like “Prom (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her best Night,” “Friday the 13th” (and its friends Annie (Nancy Loomis) and sequels), “Terror Train,” and even Lynda (P.J. Soles). When we first the lame “Halloween” sequels. But meet them, they seem like realistic the original “Halloween” is very teenagers and are likable enough different from all of those other for us to fear for them. That’s movies. Why? Read further and I’ll either a credit to the writers’ part try to explain. (the writers are Carpenter and The film opens (on Halloween Debra Hill) or the actresses’ part, night 1963) with a wonderful but it works. but scary point-of-view shot of someone stalking a teenage girl who apparently had sex with her boyfriend. The person grabs a carving knife, picks up a mask to wear (so we can see through the eye holes of the mask), and stabs the girl repeatedly, killing her. Only when he is discovered do we see who the killer is—it’s a sixyear-old boy in a clown costume. That’s the opening scene and it’s Myers mask was actually a mold of William Shatner’s an effective chiller. It grabs our Michael face from an old Star Trek episode that was used due to the attention—especially with the low budget lack of emotion in the little boy’s face as he holds the blood-soaked As for the killer—named knife. Michael Myers, or “The Shape,” The boy is sent away to a mental as he is referred to in the end hospital and is described by his credits—he seems like a demon psychiatrist as pure, unadulterated who stalks before he kills. He evil. The psychiatrist is named Sam kills mercilessly, silently, and Loomis (Donald Pleasance) and he remorselessly. Carpenter, as says he has spent eight years trying director, is careful about his to reach him through his mind, and camera angles for his villain. Until the next seven years trying to keep the final act, he isn’t seen entirely. him locked up. But now, fifteen He’s creepy, especially when he is years since the incident, the killer seen from a distance (like when a escapes. He returns to the same kid that Laurie is babysitting looks town and the same street where it out a window and sees him just 38 | Word Of Mouth....For Your Eyes!.
Halloween standing under the porch light of the house across the street) and still creepy when he gets closer to chase his final victim for the night. He sports a white-painted Captain Kirk mask and black coveralls, and that makes him even more frightening. And we never know what his motivations are. That shows that killers are more terrifying when the motive is unknown. And since he’s possibly mentally-unfit, it would seem like all it would take is teenage sexuality to set him off. All of these make Michael Myers an effective, ominous villain. John Carpenter’s chilling piano music score for the film may seem simple, but it’s fantastic. It works well with the tone of the story and it also goes all over the place. Most of the scores will start one theme and lay another theme on top of it, but will keep the other theme and sometimes start another theme. With this music, added with Carpenter’s clever camera work in keeping the killer obscure for the most part, it is hard to feel secure watching this movie. I remember I had to tell myself, “It’s only a movie, it’s only a movie, it’s only a movie.” So “Halloween” loves moviemaking, but it also loves its characters. No one in this movie is presented as a stereotype, although that’s how I fear they’ve become after being exploited in the other movies, with characters like the Virgin Girl Who Lives to Fight and the Sex-Crazed Friends Who Die. I don’t know why the ripoffs don’t have the writing talent to create characters as effective as the ones in “Halloween,” but each one has these stereotypes. But here’s something the rip-offs do even worse—they keep the sympathy away from the characters in jeopardy and have the killer be the main focus. That’s a very important difference between “Halloween” and the imitations
it spawned—we never identify with Michael Myers; the movie has us care about what happens to Laurie, Annie, and Lynda. It’s rare to find a horror film this brilliant. “Halloween” is well-crafted, well-acted, thought-provoking, and scary. Since its release and popularity, filmmakers have tried so many times to recreate its terror…but hardly even get close to what “Halloween” has created. It’s a classic in the horror-movie genre. N
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Jamie Lee Curtis’character, Laurie Strode, was named after John Carpenter’s first girlfriend October 2011 | 39
Notes from the Clearing Joseph Thomas
October Through My Headphones
I think all of the great songs got it right. At least they were right for those who wrote them when they pieced the words together and put them upon paper. Love hurts and is also sometimes a rose, and I suspect that sometimes it is over the rainbow. It is also grand and elegant and raw and rough, but like life, it is also what you make it. I’ve used music to pump myself up for the school day ahead and as the backdrop to feel sorry for myself. It has inspired me and made me somber, and ultimately it is the heart that I’m tethered to by this thin short chord that fits over my ears. It is the greatest puzzle, finding the words that hide within and placing them in a random order that doesn’t seem so random at the time. We tell our story, paint our anger, ink out our loss, as well as our desperation until our grief is released. We let the cold in so the heat of our lives doesn’t consume us utterly and completely. Music is our purest expression of everything and the second most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard, second only to the sound of my newborn children crying out their welcome to this wonderful world. Life is full of flowers and heart shaped boxes and things we’re all too young to know. It makes fools of us all, but only because we don’t want the tears to show. May we all find the strength to be so vulnerable and open to the days that lay open to us so that we may share a little more of this life we spend shut away from each other in our little wooden boxes. I hope this October finds you with the melody you need most in your ears. N
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Eye On Home continued from page 33.
water fountain and a secluded fire pit. Carol enjoys spending time within the peaceful confines of the back yard, especially when the azaleas are in bloom. There is a newly added Pergola that only enhances the inviting property. Coach Smith also has further plans for the Pioneer Room with hopes of someday adding a loft and bathroom for possible guests. We all fill our homes with
what we mostly see as small insignificant pieces of our own history that mean the world to us. I believe that it is human to see more in others and their accomplishments and successes than we see in ourselves, but we all have a story and each story is filled with meaning, with hopes, dreams, and triumphs. Stuart and Carol Smith have a beautiful family with a wonderful story and
a history that goes further back than even Coach Smith knows. It was a pleasure visiting with them and is an honor to Kimberlee and myself to be in the position to be the carriers of such a story. We share this with you in hopes that we can all be a little closer, as we are all intertwined within our own history. N
October 2011 |  41
Cledas Manuel, FICF Ark. Lic. 265634 905 20th St. Batesville, AR 72501 870-307-3769 Cledas.Manuel@mwarep.org
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Eye On Organization continued from 34. the culture for our children to make health a priority. Independence County received the grant because we have a large number of city and county organizations willing to work together to focus on making a real commitment for change in our health. The only thing required to attend the free exercise classes is to sign in each session for grant documentation. I definitely enjoyed the research for this article and have even modified some of my own behaviors for healthier options. I attend Cedar Ridge on Monday and Wednesday for Aerobics and Abs. On Tuesdays I try to catch the Zumba class at Eagle Mountain. I was surprised at the incredible attendance of fifty folks! I hear their Line Dancing classes are even more fun fitness for the whole family. By Thursday it’s time to dial the heartbeat down to turn up the muscle building at Southside Body Pump class. Unfortunately, I never made it over for the classes offered by the Midland school district. However, I do
hear good things about their program. Monday classes are held in the high school cafeteria in Pleasant Plains. All other classes are held in the elementary gym of each school district. Susi Epperson notes optimistically, “After funding is gone, it is our hope that enough participants dedicate themselves to the program that we will be able to continue all activities by giving community members affordable programs at minimal fees.” She also mentioned the possibility of applying for a different grant in hopes to extend the program past the end date of the CPPW grant in October 2012. School aged students are also encouraged to participate with mom or dad at any of the adult fitness classes. I encourage you to take full advantage of this free community service. I think we should all decide to just keep moving and be the healthiest we can be today no matter our weight, height, or body structure. N
Elbows and Toes, Mary Carter and Tiffany Garnett
Zumba, class at Eagle Mountain
site coordinators receiving the check from l to r Kristie Johnson, Susi Epperson, Director of Ark Dept of Health-Dr. Paul Halverson, Susan Parker, Shannon Strother. October 2011 | 43
Support Our Advertisers A Formal Affair---------------------------------3 American Floor Care-------------------------- 13 Autry’s------------------------------------------5 Batesville Printing & Copy Center------------ 34 Carlee’s Crown Shop-------------------------- 19 Car Today------------------------------------- 10 Charles’ Lil Shop of Coffee----------------------3 Charlie’s Angels------------------------------- 40 Charlie’s Mens Wear-------------------------- 10 Citizens Bank--------------------------------- 45 Cledas Manuel / Modern Woodmen--------- 42 Dairy Queen---------------------------------- 40 Denim Blues---------------------------------- 18 Deni’s Inspirations------------------------------7 Elizabeth’s Restaurant------------------------ 27 Factory Return Outlet------------------------ 10 Fine Line Body Art---------------------------- 42 First Community Bank-------------------------2 Fox Creek BBQ at the Depot------------------ 12 Frank Kallsnick, Inc.-------------------------- 30 General Pest Control------------------------- 18 Heuer’s Family Shoes------------------------- 10 Ind. Co. Hometown Wellness Coalition------ 15 Independence County Recycling Center----- 15 Ivory Owl------------------------------------- 23 Jonathan’s Fine Jewelry---------------------- 46 Kent’s Firestone------------------------------ 29 Liberty Bank---------------------------------- 16 Mark Martin KIA------------------------------ 17 Milligan’s Gifts and Party Decor-------------- 18 NADT Dance Academy------------------------ 18 Natalie’s----------------------------------------3 Newark Furniture- -----------------------------6 Newport EyeCare----------------------------- 14 Pioneer Football 2011------------------------ 18 Quiznos Sub------------------------------------4 Renee Martin / State Farm------------------- 45 Richard Hawkins II/ Modern Woodmen-------6 Rich Realty----------------------------------- 39 Robert O. Seat Photography----------------- 24 Skid Steer / Aaron Contracting--------------- 34 Southern Bank------------------------------- 26 SouthSide Football 2011--------------------- 14 Stanley Wood and Scott Wood--------------- 48 Sterling Construction------------------------ 15 Studio Salon---------------------------------- 40 The Batesville Chamber of Commerce---------7 The Medicine Shoppe------------------------ 29 The Property Shoppe------------------------- 13 The Uniform Shop---------------------------- 25 Thompson’s Jewelry-------------------------- 39 Welcome To Independence Page------------ 31 Woodlawn, Inc------------------------------- 14
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Ozark Gateway Museums continued from page 35. years, the unique coloration has museum also contains a large begun to return through natural collection of arrowheads, railroad processes. Calico Rock's White memorabilia, and photographs. River location provided a perfect Informative descriptive panels landing for trappers, traders, and accompany most exhibits, timelines, settlers attracted by the rolling and narrative descriptions. The Calico Rock Museum shares hills and fertile valleys. The town developed as a trading a large building with the Calico Rock and bartering area, steam boat Artisan Cooperative, featuring landing, commercial and wholesale jewelry, woodworking, stained center, and railroad boomtown. But glass, dolls, hand-made soap, books, while the coming of the railroad in photographs, and other creations by 1902 changed everything, it almost artists, writers, and other talented bankrupted an empire. Railroad people in the region. The museum, tycoon Jay Gould was laying rail located at 102 Main Street, is open from Memphis to Kansas City Tuesday through Saturday from to expand his inland empire. He 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission brought the railroad to Calico Rock, is free. Located in the foothills of though other routes would have been more direct and easier to build. the Ozarks in Batesville, the Old His decision turned Calico Rock into Independence Regional Museum a boom town almost overnight; preserves and presents the unfortunately, the cost of the history of 12 counties that were ambitious and challenging project part of Independence County in 1820: Baxter, Cleburne, Fulton, nearly bankrupted Gould. Thanks largely to the railroad, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Calico Rock became a major force Marion, Poinsett, Sharp, Stone, in the economic development of White, and Woodruff. The building the region. People brought their that houses the museum was livestock, timber, cotton, and other constructed by the WPA in 1936 commodities to the landing at Calico and is on the National Register of Creek to barter and trade. When Historic Places. It has been restored, the steamboats began traveling and opened as a museum in 1998. Its up and down the river, merchants interior architecture is expansive and traveled from around the region modern. Its exhibits are interpretive to barter, trade, and buy goods to and educational. The Region on the Move sell in their shops in towns dotting the countryside. The Home was exhibit chronicles how travel in our a steamboat built at Calico Rock. region has evolved over time. The Electric power was generated in exhibit focuses on wagon, train, Calico Rock long before rural electric and automobile travel. It features a cooperatives came along. When Springfield covered wagon, a 1904 industry faltered, the White River Brougham Carriage, and a 1930s gas helped launch a new era fueled by station and gravity gas pump. The fishing, hunting, and tourism. The Shawnee Room explores Native American life in our museum's current collections and exhibits celebrate the town's colorful region. This exhibit examines the history, from pre-historic times to culture of the Shawnee who settled to the late 20th century. The most the north in the present day Yellville recent additions honor the town's area. The 1930s Depression Era Back river heritage with a boat dock, a Porch highlights what life was like vintage steering wheel, wheelhouse, for families in our region during smoke stacks and other artifacts the Great Depression. It provides a from the riverboat era. The museum revealing look at how people "made also houses a miniature version of do" during the Depression Era and the Ozark Queen, the last of seven the important role children played steamboats that navigated the during that harsh time. The Civil War exhibit White River until the early twentieth century. All seven boats are explores Secession, the War, recognized in the museum with and Reconstruction, as well as buoys boasting their names. The the reunions that followed the
conflict. A scrapbook contains several primary documents--letters between a Civil War soldier and his family and receipts--for visitors to examine. The newest exhibit, "Looking Back: How Toys, Tools and Togs have Changed," focuses on how common everyday items have changed over the years. The exhibit includes implements and equipment from Vera and Agnes Beauty Shop, located in downtown batesville in the 1940's and 50's. Most fascinating is the "torture device" used to create "permanent waves" for women customers. Each roller was attached to an electric cable, creating a strange Medusa look. Tools represented include an anvil and a sandstone tool sharpener, reminders of what work was like before electricity. The exhibit is also strong in the toy department, with Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys, Matchbox Cars, toy soldiers, marble collections, paper dolls, and hand-made dolls. The Archival Research Wing contains a library of books pertaining to General Historical Information, Arkansas Resources, Civil War, Native Americans, and published Family Histories. Shelves are dedicated to books, transcriptions of public records, and historical journals from each of the twelve counties served by the museum. A public access computer, microfilm reader/printer, and video-viewing station are available. Research takes place around comfortable tables in a pleasant environment with volunteers to assist visitors. The museum Gift Shop offers hard to find and unique gifts. Among the many varied items for sale are books about the history of the region and the state, original quilts, botanical cards, locally handcrafted jewelry, homemade scented and unscented goat milk soap, handcrafted bags, bears, and angels made from old quilts, family tree charts, hand turned wooden vases, art pottery, and pottery game boards. Children's items, many priced under three dollars, include a wide variety of fossils, minerals, books, plush animals, and historical toys. Old Independence Regional Museum is located at 380 S. Ninth Street. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30
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p.m. and Sundays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays, legal holidays, and Easter. Admission is $3 for adults; $2 for adults over 55; $1 for children over 6; and $2 for archival research. Schools are encouraged to schedule tours; the average length is one hour and fifteen minutes. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more with a reservation. Specialized group tours and group workshops are available with reservations but additional fees may apply. Call 870-793-2121 or visit www.oirm.org for more information. For more information on area museums or other attractions visit www.ozarkgateway.com or call 1-800-264-0316. N
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The gracious and infamous Narvel Felts waited after the show and took the time to talk to everyone that lingered for a signature or handshake. Mr. Felts’ voice has only gotten better and it was a pleasure to meet the man and witness his performance. L-R Joseph Thomas, Narvel Felts, and Kimberlee Thomas 46 | Word Of Mouth....For Your Eyes!.
Eye On Feature continued from page 11 opportunity. Thomas adds his appreciation to the City of Batesville, the Mayor, the Sheriff’s Department, and local businesses for being so supportive of his ventures at Riverside Park. “If you find an event that works, like Rocktoberfest, you keep it going. This year Rocktoberfest will feature Lucero, Haven Hill, Pop Evil, Think Floyd, Kings Down, Devon Allman, and many others. ” Yet another hat for Thomas would be his athletic ventures; he has played most every major sport that can be played. He exhibits the virtues that can be naturally taught from sports: overcoming adversity, teamwork, and discipline. He credits his parents for always supporting him, and former Tuckerman high school Superintendent, Mr. Walker, for keeping him on the right track. I consider Steve Thomas a friend, a music aficionado, and one of the many virtues of Independence. Rocktoberfest Friday Lineup on Amphitheater Stage: Starroy 5pm / Burning Waco 6pm / Haven Hill 7pm / Brent James / The Contraband 8pm 9pm Think Floyd (American Pink Floyd Tribute Show w/light show). Rocktoberfest Saturday Lineup on Amphitheater Stage: Brother Leadfeather 2pm / TBA 3pm / Devon Allman’s Honeytribe 4pm / Doghouse 5:15pm Kingsdown 6:15pm / Egypt Central 7:15pm / Pop Evil 8:15pm / Lucero 9:30pm Rocktoberfest Saturday Lineup on Mike Payne Stage: TBA 11:30am / Wizzbangers 12:00pm / Ken Smith 12:30pm / RoseFire 1pm Lost Machina 1:35pm / Unbearable Hand That Fate Dealt 2:30pm / Macrophonic All-Stars 3:10pm Cross Eyed Mary 4pm / This Tragic Day 4:50pm / Sinful Saint 5:45pm / Cory Branan 6:30pm Flaming Daeth Fearies 7:30pm N
Lucero
Ken Smith
Lucero, Haven Hill, local artist Ken Smith, and Pop Evil are just four of the twenty-five bands slated to Rock your River October 7th and 8th, brought to you by Batesville Promotions. For more information log on at www.batesvillepromotions.com
October 2011 | 47
Who Would?
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