Water's Edge Magazine June 2023

Chamber Banquet 2023

WE Adopt a Pet

Mindy is a beautiful 1 ½ year old gray/black DSH cat looking for a unique home. She is rather fickle and prefers to have a home without dogs, cats, or children. She enjoys subtle attention, but doesn’t like to be held or cuddled. Maybe in time she would trust her human and want some affection. If you are willing to love her from a distance and work through her issues please apply to adopt Mindy. She needs you!

Snowflake is a chunk of cuteness that will be one of your most loved pets. Sweet Snowflake is a 4 month old Staffordshire Bull Terrier who was surrendered because her owner could not take care of her, no fault of Snowflake. She gets along with other dogs and is full of puppy love, playfulness, and curiosity. She seems smart and eager to learn. She would enjoy outside playtime and inside cuddle time. Snowflake is a darling and will make a wonderful family addition. If you are a perfect fit for Snowflake, apply to adopt her today. Xoxo Snowflake’s adoption fee is $100.00 and this includes sterilization at 6 months, first 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. Fill out an adoption application at heberspringshumanesociety.com . A volunteer will contact you.

Heber Springs Humane Society

Mindy’s adoption fee is $60.00 and includes first shots, worming, and sterilization. Please go to heberspringshumanesociety.com and complete an adoption application. A volunteer will contact you. 501.362.7322

Arkansas 72543

Tuesday thru Saturday 12:00 to 4:30 | Sunday and Monday Closed.

editors note

Spring has sprung and here comes Summer! The feel of the hot Sun and the beautiful water to play in! I Love it!

I’m grateful to live in a state with abundant outdoor entertainment and scenery that helps us connect with Mother Nature!

Gina Slagley

Cleburne County offers a variety of activities for the entire family including hiking and camping, swimming and exploring!

Be sure to get out an soak up some sun and enjoy the view!

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 photo: Cynthia Herrin

Cover Design by Joey Thomas

As your hometown health partner, White River Health has a number of locations across the region with Family Care, Internal Medicine, Specialty Care, Therapies, and more. To find a White River Health facility near you, open the camera app on your smartphone, hold your phone over the QR code, and click on the link.

Chamber Banquet:

Outstanding Business

Cynthia Herrin

“HARPS always provides friendly service and steps up in the community when asked to help. “

Outstanding

Nonprofit Citizen of the Year

“Jeffrey James is a citizen with outstanding character who has been honored with the Distinguished Citizen award from the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. “

“I see the Call representatives in action constantly as they aim to carry out their mission of “recruiting, training, and supporting the body of Christ to provide a future and hope for children in foster care.” “

Volunteer of the Year

Quote from Ginger, Heber Springs Chamber President:

“On behalf of the Staff and Board of Directors of the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, we want to say thank you to everyone who attended and supported the 67th Annual Chamber Banquet! It was a fun opportunity to recognize those who have such a positive effect on our community, review the Chamber’s accomplishments over the past year, announce our plans for the future, and network with our Chamber members and community leaders. Congratulations to all our award winners. We appreciate everything you do for the community. Thank you to The Barn at Fawn Hollow for the beautiful venue, the band Molly’s Ransom for the great entertainment, and Arrow’s Café and BBQ for the delicious food. We appreciate our Chamber Ambassadors and volunteers for all their hard work on this event. Of course, this event would not have been possible without our sponsors:”

When you volunteer you are making a commitment to share the most precious of resources – your time.

Premier Sponsors:

Cowboy Chevrolet

Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs

First Security Bank

Supporting Sponsors:

Pro Land Title and ArCare

Hospitality Sponsors:

Centennial Bank

Entertainment Sponsors:

Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs and First Electric Cooperative

We would also like to thank the businesses who donated auction items to this event. Thank you to our members and the community for your support of the Chamber. We hope to see you at the banquet next year!

Quote from Ashley Adams, Chamber Board President:

“Thank you to everyone that was involved with making the Annual Chamber Banquet a wonderful event. It was a great night of being with fellow businesses, recognizing those that have made an impact on our community, and just having FUN!

Can’t wait to see you next year!”

The Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated their local businesses at their 67th Annual Banquet. Everyone gathered at the Barn at Fawn Hollow for a fun night filled with mingling, food, live auction, and awards. This year, Molly’s Ransom entertained guests as they played covers of songs ranging in all genres.

Keith McHan, who serves as Market President of First State Bank in Heber Springs, was inducted into the Hall of Honor, for his service to his community. Keith has maintained an active positive influence in the community by his civic involvement and service in many community leadership positions. Although his professional life keeps him busy, Keith enjoys hunting and other outdoor activities in his free time. But by far, Keith’s most important role has been that of husband of 12 years to Ronda, father to Meghan, Lindsey and Leah, father-inlaw to Billy and Patrick and proud grandpa to

State Representative Josh Miller gave out the Citizen of the Year award to Jeffrey James, a citizen with outstanding character. Mr. James works to guide and improves the lives of youth in the community through his leadership of Heber Springs Young Life. He sits on many boards in the community and also serves as a volunteer firefighter and first responder for the Pine Snag/Lobo Fire Department.

Volunteer of the Year was given to Tina Moore, who goes above and beyond to give their time to volunteer in many different capacities. She currently serves as a member and officer of Cleburne County Rotary, Board Member for Cleburne County Cares, Board Member for Cleburne County Community Foundation and, an active member of New Life Church. Not only does she serve in our community but is an encourager. An encourager to her staff, where Continues on page 14

Slade and Kynley.

Calendar we

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Greers Ferry Lake Project Office reopened the William Carl Garner Visitor Center. Hours of operation are Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with additional days and hours potentially being added on later in the season. The visitor center offers numerous educational exhibits related to local and state history, hydropower usage, local fisheries and wildlife information, as well as a model of the dam. A variety of maps are also available to assist visitors with outdoor activities. For more information contact the Greers Ferry Project Office at (501) 362-2416

Summit 55 Upcoming Events:

June 3, 2023-The annual Summit 55 Golf Tournament at Indian Hills Golf Course, 8:00AM registration, save the date, more details to come!

October 4-12, 2023-New England Rails and Trails, call Phyllis at 501-884-6501 for all the trip details!

Heber Springs Makers Market on the Square: Artisans, Crafters & Farmers 9am - 2pm on the Courthouse lawn. May 6 & 20 / June 3 & 17 / July 1 & 15 / August 5 & 19 / September 2 & 16 / October 7 & 21 / November 4 / December 2. Follow them on FB.

Heber Spring Community Center announces Summer Life program. Register online using the QR code!!! Exciting Summer planned!!! Every Tuesday and Thursday 1-4pm for 4 weeks!!!

June 1 & 2 Young Life presents Downtown Heber Springs SpringFest. There will be crafts vendors and lots of fun to be had. Friday afternoon Cavin Kemble will be taking the stage at 3pm followed by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band at 4pm and rounding out the evening Get Off My Lawn will perform at 7pm. There is a $5 donation requested to see the bands. For more information you may call (501) 206-2003 or email heberspringsyounglife@gmail.com. Vendor & Sponsor applications available.

June 30 - July 1 - The Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce presents the 3rd Annual Freedom Fest on the Lake June 30th-July 1st presented by Red River Dodge!

- Concert Friday night, June 30th, at Sandy Beach

-World Championship Cardboard Boat Races “Space” theme: Begins Saturday, July 1st: 10 am start at Sandy Beach. Get Ready to Blast Off at the World Championship Cardboard Boat Races!

-Fireworks Extravaganza: Fireworks Display Saturday, July 1st: 9:30 pm, broadcasted by 101.9 the Lake-KSUG; live music by

the band, Just Sayin’ beginning at 7 pm

For more information about this event, local attractions, and things to do, you can check out our website at www.hebersprings.com. For event registration information or volunteer inquiries, please contact the Heber Springs Chamber at (501) 362.2444

Save the date: April 8, 2024

The City of Heber Springs has something wonderful in store...mark your calendars now, you won’t want to miss it. A solar eclipse will occur in Arkansas and we are in the path of totality! This is one of those events you HAVE to witness once. The next chance you’ll have won’t be until 2044 and 2045. (See attached artwork)

August 17 - 19 Heber Fever 2023 Pickleball Tournament. Event will include Singles, Men/Women Doubles, Mixed Doubles. The event is hosted by the Heber Springs Community Center located at 201 Bobbie Jean Lane. The $75 entry fee covers all 3 events, T-shirt, lunch on Saturday and hospitality room. For more information call 501-362-4901.

https://www.cityofhebersprings.com/ about-heber-springs/pages/attractions

Cleburne County Library, 1009 W. Main, Heber Springs, AR 72543 501-362-2477 www.cleburnecountylibrary.com

June 2023

*Story time at the park will be weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, we will move to the library.

Hall of Honor

Batesville

Flat

“Keith McHan has maintained an active positive influence in the community by his civic involvement and service in many community leadership positions.”

she instills the value of being a volunteer and encourages them to give back to the community as well. Through her years of service she have truly became an example of a great leader and volunteer.

HARPS was awarded Outstanding Business of the Year. They always provides friendly service and step up in the community when asked to help. They work with the schools, support Margie’s Haven House, store food for the community school when needed, and they have donated hams for giveaways during the Christmas holiday. A lot of things they do for the community is behind the scenes, including discounting and donating food to many charitable and community events.

Outstanding Non - Profit of the Year was given to the The CALL in Cleburne County, an organization that works in conjunction with foster and biological parents, churches, local businesses, DCFS, and individuals to educate, support and love. A nominator wrote, “As a former foster parent, current volunteer and simply a community member, I see the Call representatives in action constantly as they aim to carry out their mission of “recruiting, training, and supporting the body of Christ to provide a future and hope for children in foster care.”

Through out the evening, laughter and conversations could be heard from the individuals and businesses that came together to support their local Chamber of Commerce and the evenings award winners. Molly’s Ransom ended the evening with a lively show for the attendees to dance to.

SUMMIT 55 - MYSTERY TRIP

How well do you know yourself?

Are you as smart as you think?

- August 25-27, 2023

Here is a chance to test your wits while having fun.

This Mystery Trip is for 3 days / 2 nights in an Historic Hotel, a short walk from a beautiful downtown area. Enjoy a massage, sitting by the pool or shopping while still being engaged in the activity. Check your observational skills as you many be surprised. What’s included?

3 days / 2 nights

A welcome reception on Friday, August 25, with a smorgasbord of finger foods and a cash bar.

Breakfast Buffet, Lunch Buffet, and Dinner on Saturday and another breakfast buffet on Sunday.

On Sunday, you may be surprised to find out how observant you are...or not. Sunday, August 27, we check out of our hotel to search out another adventure. See if you make it or not! On the way home, dinner will be served.

$875 per person double occupancy includes room, taxes, gratuities, motorcoach transportation, admission into attractions and all meals. Single occupancy $1475. Deadline to sign up is May 1, 2023 and space is limited.

Ginger Harper - Chamber Director and Ashley Adams - Chamber Board President (1)

Kathy and Bill Brown with Molly's Ransom

Kelly and Karen, Chamber Ambassadors

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Home Town Heroes Cynthia Herrin

Eric & Leslie Holcomb

Tell me a little bit about your family.

Leslie: Well I have a great husband. I have three children…a thirteen year old daughter, eight year old boy, and a three year old boy. They keep us very busy.

Eric: We also have four dogs, a cat, a bearded dragon, and a giant tortoise.

What do you find most rewarding about the job?

L: The positive outcomes. When you actually see that you made a difference in a patient. I find those calls most rewarding.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

E: That I’m nice. *chuckle* And that I’m actually a cancer survivor.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment as a medic?

L: Well I’ve been a medic for 14 years and became a nurse 6 years ago. I like to teach people who are becoming medics.

E: You also have a very high sense of critical

thinking in high pressure situations. You’re also very sought after from new medics, because you take time to show them the field.

L: I also feel like I have a positive attitude most of the time.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a medic?

E: Be the calm in the storm.

What are three qualities that you think would make a great medic?

L: Being able to think quickly or adjust, be knowledgable and continue to learn, and try to use each call as a learning opportunity.

How do you remain calm in difficult situations?

E: I have no idea. You don’t know where you’re going to find yourself. You just start working until you find your way through it.

Eric & Leslie Holcomb

Notes from the Clearing

WE see you

Cleburne County Community Foundation Awards 13 Grants to Local Nonprofits

Cleburne County Community Foundation, an affiliate of Arkansas Community Foundation, announced more than $31,000 in Giving Tree Grants for nonprofits. These grant awards were presented at a Grant Reception on May 2 at the Breakin’ Bread in Heber Springs.

“We had an amazing evening with great attendance. It is an honor to work with our nonprofits, like Breakin’ Bread, to showcase the work they do on a weekly basis,” said Susan Vowels, executive director of Cleburne County Community Foundation. Each of the grants were presented by CCCF board members and then the nonprofit was able to showcase their work in the county.

“Our Giving Tree program is our flagship grant making program. It represents our commitment to and the importance of local decision making to meet local needs,” said Heather Larkin, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “Funding for our Giving Tree grants comes from individuals and families within our affiliate areas who want to improve their community.

These endowments provide a permanent source of funding for local charitable causes.”

Dr. Linda Griffith presented an Early Literacy Grant to Dee Parson and Michelle Tolley of the Quitman HIPPY Program

Judy Crowder presents an Early Literacy Grant to Shannon Martin representing Heber Springs Elementary

WE see

you Cleburne County Community Foundation Awards 13 Grants to Local Nonprofits

Liz Blankenship presented a Giving Tree Grant to Greers Ferry EMS

This year grant recipients include:

-Heber Springs Elementary School - Early Literacy

-Quitman HIPPY - Early Literacy

-Westside GF Elementary - Early Literacy

-NLC Outreach - Food Security

-Fields of Boaz - Food Security

-Heber Springs Humane SocietyAnimal welfare

-The Genesis Project - Needs for Victims

-Cleburne County Agency on Aging - Handicap door

-The Otherside - Replacement of water heaters

-Greers Ferry EMS - Medical instruments for the ambulance

-Heber Springs Counselor’s Fund - Student needs

-Breakin Bread - Replacement of the breaker box.

-The CALL - Needs for foster children.

Cleburne County Community Foundation makes grants through the Giving Tree program annually. The next grant cycle will begin in January 2024. More information about Community Foundation grants is available at www.arcf.org or contact Susan Vowels at cleburnecounty@arcf.org .

Mrs. Teresa Vaughn presented a Giving Tree Grant to the Heber Springs Humane Society

Louis Gray presented a Giving Tree Grant to Kathy Bryan of the Genesis Project