Water's Edge Magazine February 2023

It’s All fun and games

WE Adopt a Pet

It’s Taffy’s turn for love and attention. Taffy is a one year old DSH orange tabby that is a shy sweetheart. She was found with her 8 kittens and has been a very loving mother. She likes to be petted, not picked up, and walks close to her person. She enjoys her food and sitting in the window. Taffy is litter boxed trained and will make a very nice companion that will love you forever. Show her the love she deserves and adopt sweet Taffy!

Taffy’s adoption fee is $60.00 and this includes first shots, worming, and sterilization. Anyone interested in adopting Taffy, please go to heberspringshumanesociety.com and complete an adoption application. A volunteer will contact you to set up a meet and greet appointment.

Onyx would be the ideal companion for an active family or someone who enjoys a daily run. Onyx is a 2 year old Labrador mix found as a stray. He is a friendly, happy boy with medium energy. With his alert, inquisitive nature, he is sure to excel at obedience training. He loves everyone and has several doggy friends. Onyx likes the water and is dreaming of a summer trip to the lake with a family. Apply to adopt Onyx!

Onyx’s adoption fee is $100.00 and this includes sterilization, shots, and worming with an optional microchipping and registration for an additional $20.00. We have a dog park to check compatibility with existing dogs.

editors note

February brings with it Cupid, roses, chocolates and sentiments of love. My gift to you, our faithful reader, is a love poem from the 13th century poet, Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi. May you enjoy and know that loving yourself first is the key to loving others, well. - Kimberlee Thomas

In the Arc of Your Mallet - Rumi

Don’t go anywhere without me. Let nothing happen in the sky apart from me, or on the ground, in this world or that world, without my being in its happening. Vision, see nothing I don’t see.

First Love Yourself

Language, say nothing. The way the night knows itself with the moon, be that with me. Be the rose nearest to the thorn that I am.

I want to feel myself in you when you taste food, in the arc of your mallet when you work, when you visit friends, when you go up on the roof by yourself at night. There’s nothing worse than to walk out along the street without you. I don’t know where I’m going. You’re the road, and the knower of roads, more than maps, more than love.

WE Writers and Staff

Gina Slagley is a co-owner of Water’s Edge magazine, a contributing writer, and sales representative for W.E. She lives in Jackson County and has two adult children and eight grandchildren. Her goal for Water’s Edge is to bring the reader’s a collection of stories, photographs, interviews and moments together in each publication that they will enjoy and be proud of.

Gina brings over twenty years of print publishing experience to Water’s Edge and knows that local matters.

Kimberlee Dannette Thomas is a Chandler, Oklahoma native. She relocated to Jackson County in 1986. She has five children, five grandchildren, is co-owner, creator, and ad builder for Water’s Edge and Eye On Magazine. She is proudly serving her home community as a newly elected Alderman. She is recognized from her years of co-hosting Cable Channel programming in Jackson and Independence County. She earned her Associates from ASUN in Fine Arts.

Joey Thomas is a freelance graphic designer, a writer, and book cover designer for hire. He is elevated by his wife, five children, five grandchildren and is attempting to evolve at every turn.

Cynthia Herrin is a contributing writer for Water's Edge. She lives in Heber Springs with her husband and two kids. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Harding University and currently sits on the Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce Board. She has a background in advertising, radio, marketing, photography, and now real estate.

For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact:

Gina Slagley

870.217.2837

ginas.watersedge@gmail.com

Kimberlee Thomas

870.503.1150

PUBLISHER / ASSOCIATE EDITOR / MANAGING

EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR / AD DESIGN: Gina Slagley & Kimberlee Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas & Gina Slagley, PROOFING

DEPARTMENT: Gina Slagley & Kimberlee Thomas

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Gina Slagley, Kimberlee Thomas. GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Thomas.

kimberlee.watersedge@gmail.com

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 Waters Edge Magazine or any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2021 Waters Edge Magazine 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, Water’s Edge Magazine, is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof.

Cover by Monica Fulmer Photographer

Cover Design by Joey Thomas

Submit Your

WE Neighbor of the Month

We just need a really nice photo of said Neighbor and their answers to the following questions.

Let Us,...I mean...WE Get To Know You! Submit Your Neighbor Today,@ kimberlee.watersedge@gmail.com .

WE Neighbor of the Month

Where did you grow up?

I’m from Rose Bud, Arkansas. That’s where I grew up and attended school.

Education/Work:

I graduated high school in 2014 and started college at ASU-Beebe. After attaining my associates degree, I transferred to Arkansas Tech where I graduated with my bachelors in Agriculture Business - Animal Science Emphasis, in the fall of 2018. From there, I worked for the Arkansas Department of corrections as a farm supervisor for a few months before working for the UofA Division of Agriculture for 3 years. 2.5 of those years were spent in Washington County, before I moved to Lonoke County in 2022. Shortly after moving, I was blessed with the opportunity to teach Agri Science at Heber Springs High School!

Family:

I am engaged to my gorgeous fiancé, Erinn and live in my home town surrounded by much of my family. We have a sweet labradoodle named Maggie and a fat black cat, whom we lovingly refer to as Fat Boy. What is something people don’t know about you?

I never learned how to ride a bike!

Hobbies:

I love to cook, be outside, work with livestock, teach, and spend time with my loved ones. Idea of a fun weekend:

Grilling outside with Erinn and our family and spending the evening laughing and playing cards.

Issac Gauvey

It’s All Fun and Games

Gina Slagley / Kimberlee Thomas

Cabin fever is a reality for many with the cold temperatures, rain and snow keeping them indoors. There is however a cure! With warmer days not far off and with them, the opportunity to get outside and soak in some sun, WE wanted to take a moment to highlight the area parks, facilities, activities and the gentleman responsible for keeping track of it all.

Josh Mayes, Heber Springs’ Park and Recreation Director, is a Cabot, Arkansas native and currently resides in Benton with his wife and two young children. Josh is excited to be relocating to Heber, “My wife’s family is from the Heber Springs area and we are super excited about moving our little family to the area.” He is currently a Certified Parks and Recreational Professional or CPRP. Josh is a graduate of Arkansas State University where he majored in Sports Management, minored in General Business, and played baseball. During his time at Arkansas State University he spent his summers working for the Memphis Redbirds and Houston Astro baseball teams.

Josh shared a funny story from his time with the Astros, “I truly am the ultimate team player! I was with their minor league affiliate in Greeneville, Tennessee when one morning there was a skunk trapped inside one of the batting cages. Since I was from “Arkansas” I was asked to get it out and I did but not without being sprayed not once, but twice! Several weeks later I would still wake up to the smell of skunk on my skin.” He truly took one for the team!

When not overseeing the parks and recreational facilities Josh enjoys spending time with his family, “We enjoy going out on the lake

and fly fishing on the Little Red River. I never tire of watching my kids at play.” Traveling is another of the family’s favorites, “It is always at the top of my list. I would like to eventually visit every National Park and Major League baseball stadium.”

Josh was quick to share information about all the great outdoor parks and indoor spaces Heber Springs has to offer.

Outdoor locations include Bridal Veil Falls which features a look-out deck, a stunning waterfall and trails for most skill levels. Trails are accessible year round and make for great photo opportunities. The Falls are located just off Highway 25 on Bridal Veil Falls Road.

Eagle Bank Park located at 206 W. Main Street is host to a beautiful cascading water fountain, pavilion, and benches for sitting and taking in the charm of Main Street. There is an information hub of maps, a public restroom and parking.

Sandy Beach is located near the end of W. Main Street and is a great area to swim and relax. It is the location for the community’s cherished cardboard boat races and annual fireworks display. There is also a pavilion and volleyball court which may be reserved for special gatherings.

Another great outdoor area is Spring Park, known for the seven springs Heber Springs was originally centered around. The land was donated to the community many years ago and became known as Spring Park, the waters there are believed to have healing powers. Spring Park is home to multiple community events and is in the heart of town. It offers a huge playground

Josh Mayes, Park and Recreation Director,

area, picnic areas and a large pavilion, which may also be reserved for special occasions.

The Heber Springs Sports Complex located east of town at the corner of Highways 107 & 110, is a multi-field complex which hosts multiple sports including baseball, softball, ragball and soccer. The complex includes 8 lighted baseball/ softball fields, 6 soccer fields, 2 concession stands, covered dugouts, spectator seating, electronic scoreboards and a playground for the kiddos. You will find this complex bursting with excitement and athletes of all ages throughout the spring, summer and fall.

Rounding out the bevy of great places to cure those winter time blues is The Heber Springs Community Center. It is “the place” for fitness and fellowship. There are multiple classes and fitness programs offered at the center. You will

Sandy Beach

find basketball courts, racquetball courts, a women’s fitness room, weight room, walking track, aquatic center and elliptical equipment. There is plenty of space for hosting private and city events alike. The Heber Springs Community Center is conveniently located at 201 Bobbie Jean Lane.

Whether you crave indoor or outdoor activity, Heber Springs Parks and Recreation has you covered. Josh and the staff are available to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

Josh recalls that as a child he and his family would spend time camping and playing on the lake each summer. Finding himself as the Director of Heber’s Parks and Recreation brings it all full circle, “I am proud to be a part of the team here at Heber Springs Parks and Rec. If there is anything I can do to assist you, please feel free to contact

me via email at parksdirector@cityofheber.org or call 501-362-4901.”

Now get out there and have some fun, play some games and shake off that cabin fever!

The Mayes Family wanted to give an extra thanks to Monica Fulmer Photography for their beautiful work on their family photos. All other images submitted by Heber Springs, Parks and Recreation.

Bridal Veil Falls

Eagle Bank Park

Spring Park

Aquatics Center

Panther Kids Club enjoying their new games and seating in their before /after school room.

WE see you

Sponsored by - Tina Moore Allstate Keeping

Charles Evans was honored by the FAA for his 50 years of exemplary aviation flight experience and commitment to aviation safety when they awarded him The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.

WE see you

Panther Kids Club enjoying their new games and seating in their before/ after school room.

Haleigh used her single-parent scholarship to earn a nursing degree so she can take care of patients — and her daughter. Ready to help hardworking single parents succeed? Donate now at aspsf.org

“I was not alone in this journey. There were people who wanted to help me!”

Haleigh S. & her daughter Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund Recipient

WE see you

Congratulations to Harlee Reams for receiving a “Bike Safety Award” from Corporal Jeffery Hiltz, HSSD SRO. We love when our students display Leader in Me habits outside of school. Good job Harlee for “Being Proactive.”

WE Student of the Month

Ryan Higginbotham is a Sophomore at Heber Springs High School and when he began band in the 6th grade he did not realize the musical door that was about to open. The Music Department at Heber Springs Schools gave Ryan the ability to not only love music and the Euphonium (one of the many instruments that he can play) but also gave him the confidence to venture out past the Euphonium. This young man has taught himself how to play the trumpet, piano, melodica, keytar and is now working on the guitar.

WE see you

All-Region Concerts!

It is incredible what these students and clinicians do in 9 hours of practice. These musicians are such wonderful kids, too—a pleasure to work with, and to be around. Thank you parents for all you do and have done!

Ryan Higginbotham

Coach Todd Wood

Juniors

2022 Heber Springs Panther Football Awards

Outstanding Offensive Lineman

AXLEY DAVIS

Outstanding Offensive Receiver

EASTON CUSICK

Outstanding Offensive Back

XANDER LINDLEY

Special Teams MVP

GIDEON TATE

Outstanding Linebacker, Panther Award, and 2-4A ALL CONFERENCE

CHRIS EDWARDS

Outstanding Defensive Back

LOGAN RUTLEDGE

Outstanding Defensive Lineman

CORBIN JONES

Offensive MVP and 2-4A ALL CONFERENCE

PARKER BROWN

Defensive MVP, Team MVP, Panther Award & 2-4A ALL CONFERENCE

KENAN SNEED

Seth Decker Award

CARTER JULIAN

The 2022 Senior High Football Banquet was held in January at Trinity Church. Thank you to all coaches, players, parents, and volunteers for a wonderful season.

The 2022 Senior High Football Banquet was held in January at Trinity Church. Thank you to all coaches, players, parents, and volunteers for a wonderful season. WE see you

Notes from the Clearing

Joey Thomas

The black birds swam past in a fabric blowing in the wind, a collective mind with a strength as large as they expanded. Out and in they broiled, and dove, and turned to shape the peppered ball into everything imaginable. They climbed and fell and breathed out again, until the breathing string of them disappeared beyond the horizon. Just another touch of magic not wasted on my enjoyment, as I took in the fluttering joy that dropped from their effort.

Axley Davis

Carter Julian

Chris Edwards

WE see you

The 2022 Senior High Football Banquet was held in January at Trinity Church. Thank you to all coaches, players, parents, and volunteers for a wonderful season.

Kenan Sneed

Logan Rutledge

Parker Brown

Freshman Cade James

Corbin Jones

Easton Cusick

GideonTate