Water's Edge Magazine May 2023

WE Adopt a Pet

Meet Jordan, the best looking barn cat in Cleburne County. Jordan is an older DLH cat that needs to live his best life in a barn due to spraying inside. He loves people and enjoys attention, but is not the biggest fan of other cats. Adopt sweet Jordan and put this boy to work for you.

Jordan’s adoption fee is $60.00 and includes first shots, worming, and sterilization. Anyone interested in adopting Jordan, please go to heberspringshumanesociety.com and complete an adoption application. A volunteer will contact you.

REDUCED ADOPTION FEE: Jesse is a 2 year old Pit mix brought to the shelter because his owner could not care for him. Jesse is friendly and gets along with other dogs. He loves everyone and will make a fantastic adventure buddy. Jesse is very strong and has the ability to jump fences like a pro to socialize. He will be a great companion in the right home. If you are the perfect fit for Jesse, complete the application for him today!

Jesse’s adoption fee is reduced and includes sterilization, 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

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

editors note

Let me lead by congratulating all our area Kindergarten, High School, Home School and College graduates. Kudos to the Class of 2023!

Spring is in full swing and summer is soon to be upon us. As a resident of Heber Springs I’m sure I don’t have to tell you about all the lovely places in your area to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. But just in case you are new in town the Heber Springs Chamber is a great place to start when looking for such information. You may give

Kimberlee Thomas

them a quick call at 501-362-2444, visit them in person at 110 S. 7th Street or take a look at their web-site www. heber-springs.com. The City of Heber Springs web-site is another great resource for area events and information www.Hebersprings.gov.

When you are finished browsing our pages to see what your friends and neighbors are up to, “Go Make a Splash!”

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 submitted

Cover Design by Joey Thomas

WE Neighbor of the Month

Keith McHan to be inducted into Chamber of Commerce Hall of Honor Heber Springs Chamber of CommerceKeith McHan serves as Market President of First State Bank in Heber Springs. He has been in banking for the last 37 years, beginning his professional career upon graduation from the University of Central Arkansas in 1987. Keith then earned his diploma from the National Commercial Lending School in 1992, before earning his graduate degree in banking in 2005 from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Since moving to our area in 1987, Keith has maintained an active positive influence in the community by his civic involvement and service in many community leadership positions. He has served as a member of the Conway Jaycees, was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Cleburne County, past chairman of the Church Council of the First United Methodist Church, an advisory board member for Baptist Health and a participant in Leadership Arkansas. Keith has also served on the board of directors for many area organizations including Latch Key, the United Way, the Heber Springs School District, the Heber Springs Housing Authority,

the Cleburne County Economic Development Commission, Baptist Health Foundation, and the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.

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-in-law to Billy and Patrick and proud grandpa to Slade and Kynley.

Keith will be inducted into the Hall of Honor at the 67th Annual Chamber Banquet on May 4th.

Keith McHan

With a Courthouse View

Gina Slagley

“

There is no place quite like Heber Springs, AR. I love this place and am so honored to own a little piece of it.”, Felicia Stone.

Casey and Felicia Stone purchased the building that they now describe as a Loft Studio with a Courthouse view, on June 13th, 2022, and began the renovation the same week.

Felicia says what prompted them to restore the space was a creative itch -“I’ve always wanted to restore something old but it took some convincing to get my husband on board. He is a local custom home builder and would much prefer to build something new from the ground up. After fostering children for ten years I was feeling like I didn’t know who I was anymore. (I guess most people call that a midlife crisis.) I have always been a very creative/ right brained person, however, during the child raising and fostering years, I had very little time to be creative. Once Casey was convinced, we

began to look at properties. When we learned of this building being for sale I knew it was exactly what we were looking for. It took approximately 10 months to finish.”

“Now that it is complete,” Felicia adds, “our plans for the space are for short term/overnight type rentals using the Airbnb platform.”

The excited and creative couple hope that their renovation sparks revitalization. “We live in the most beautiful place and believe there is potential here for a thriving downtown area. I would love to see more retail and restaurants around the court square. We need to give people a reason to get out and walk and to spend time downtown.”

Felicia feels that it would be so nice to pull some of our thriving, but outlying, retail

businesses and restaurants to the center of town. It is just a matter, she believes, of custom renovating to potential buisness’ needs. For specific types of tenants in mind. “As of now,

most businesses downtown close around 5 leaving the court square and Main Street mostly abandoned at night. I have recently read that the heart of every small town should be the

court square. Everything fun and exciting should be happening downtown if you want a thriving small town. Also, it cannot happen if downtown is not pedestrian friendly. (A Dead

Downtown To America’s Best Downtown by Vertis and Richard Mason). There is no place quite like Heber Springs, AR. I love this place and am so honored to own a little piece of it.”

The Heber Springs Community Center hosted Spring Stay-Cation, their first Spring Break Camp, in late March. Looks like everyone had a blast from the kids to the volunteers!

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

May 4th the Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 67th Annual Chamber Banquet at the Barn at Fawn Hollow! For more details and tickets visit www.hebersprings.com or call 501-362-2444

Summit 55 Upcoming Events:

May 10, 2023-rain date May 17, 2023 - The annual miniature golf tournament to be held at the Fairfield Bay mini golf course, Dave Creek Pkwy. The cost is $18.00 which includes a round of mini golf, lunch, and prizes!

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.

May 24th - The Cleburne County Extension Office is hosting a CPR Certification class on Wednesday, May 24th. The CPR class will be conducted by Survival Flight. Please stop by the Cleburne County Extension office or call 501-362-2524 to sign up. The deadline to sign up is May 19th.

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 May 2023

WE see you

Wedding Ford House Bakery celebrated their opening in mid-April with a ribbon cutting and CAKE cutting. They are located at 1101 W. Main Street Ste. E.

Batesville

Ash Flat

SUMMIT 55 - MYSTERY TRIP - August 25-27, 2023

How well do you know yourself?

Are you as smart as you think?

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.

Survival Flight Welcomed two new pilots in April. Welcome John Simpson Survival Flight 22.

The Heber Springs Community Center hosted Spring StayCation, their first Spring Break Camp, in late March. Looks like everyone had a blast from the kids to the volunteers!

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Notes from the Clearing

Joey Thomas

The dawn brought a gilded sky that promised every conceived desire. The birds were silently in awe and the large body of water at his feet, placid with ancient respect. He had plans and ideas about what the day could hold, but this waking still frame conjured exhuberance yet dreamt. As if the world had shifted in the night and wishes no longer held for display at arms length. This new day was different and pulled like a magnet at his desire to manifest the first words of his last book.

The Heber Springs Panthers Shooting Team got in some practice on April 13th in preparation for the AGFF and Mack’s Prairie Wings shoot that was held on April 22.

WE see you

Heber Springs Panthers Shooting Team member Jesse McFaddin shot a 50 straight on April 10th, Congrats!