Water's Edge Magazine October 2023

WE Adopt a Pet

Finnegan is a charming 4-month old DSH cat with a heart full of love and a playful spirit that was brought to the shelter as a stray. The definition of a friendly kitty, he adores human company and will greet you with gentle purrs and a sweet smile. His playful personality will keep you entertained for hours and his hilarious antics will melt your heart. Finnegan is a quick learner and has already mastered the art of litter box training. He is also great with other cats. His adaptable and easygoing nature makes him a perfect fit for families, couples, or individuals looking to add a furry companion to their lives. Apply to adopt Finnegan!

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

Meet Soncha, the majestic 2-year old Kangal who’s ready to become the shining star of your life! This impressive 130-pound gentle giant is looking for a special forever home where she can be the one and only dog. She has been very neglected and wants all the love you can possibly give her. Soncha is a very loyal and protective family member, she would enjoy outside activities with a secured fenced yard along with indoor relaxation. Soncha would thrive in a home with an experienced dog owner who understands the Kangal breed and can provide the structure, love, and attention she craves. Due to her size and protective nature, a home with older children or adults would be best.

Soncha’s adoption fee includes sterilization, shots, and worming with an optional microchipping and registration for an additional $20.00. Anyone interested, please go to heberspringshumanesociety.com and complete an adoption application and a volunteer will contact you.

WE Writers and Staff

To apply for a Spring 2024 scholarship, single parents must have a GED or high sc GPA in past courses, and a household income typically not more than 250% of Fed Guidelines A full list of ASPSF’s eligibility guidelines is here: aspsf.org/eligibility

For more information about the nonprofit which has awarded more than $50 mi across the state to single parents since 1990 contact ASPSF Communications Director Jen Para at jpara@aspsf.org or 479.318.2885.

About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: For more than 30 years, A Parent Scholarship Fund has worked to create stronger, more educated, and more families Through scholarships and services, ASPSF opens doors for low-income sin them pursue education, secure employment, and transform the future for their fam of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, tra both single parents and their children. For information about scholarships, voluntee ways to give, visit www aspsf org

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.

y receives her scholarship from volunteer Dave mester from 2018-2021 andgraduated in 2021 with her bachelor s degree in organizational leadership (Photo Courtesy ASPSF)

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 by ASPSF

Cover Design by Joey Thomas

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund alumna Carrie Terry (right) shared her educationa at an ASPSF fundraiser. Following her mother’s footsteps, Carrie’s daughter (left) is now en (Photo Courtesy ASPSF)

editors note

I do believe fall has arrived and with it pumpkin spice everything! My youngest granddaughter has been preparing her Trick-or-Treat greeting for the past two weeks and I’ve been dreaming of homemade popcorn balls and crisp caramel apples!

Take some time to get outdoors and enjoy the cooler temps and the changing of the colors as we leave summer behind.

If you haven’t already, dig out that comfy sweater, grab a cup of tea or

coffee if you prefer, kick back and see who WE’ve caught between our covers for October.

Have a story you feel is Cover worthy? Drop us a note at kimberlee. watersedge@gmail.com or text me at 870.503.1150 .

“Trick or Treat smell my feet, give me something good to eat...if you don’t I won’t care, I’ll......” Come on Halloween!

Kimberlee Thomas

WHITE RIVER MEDICAL CENTER

As cancer touches more lives in our communities, it is vital that White River Health meets the needs of cancer patients and their families during their journeys. Your gi ensures White River Health’s Oncology Clinic & Infusion Center is a healing space with the staff, equipment, and technology to save lives.

The expansion and renovation of White River Health Oncology is an opportunity to give hope. Help us create a comfortable, encouraging, and healing environment for patients and their families as they plan for a future of better health.

ONCOLOGY EXPANSION Give Hope

Press release

For immediate release

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

Contact person: Jen Para

Organization: Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

Phone: 479.318.2885

Email: jpara@aspsf.org

Website: www.aspsf.org

ASPSF Accepting Applications for Spring 2024 Financial Aid

Single parent students at trade schools, community colleges, and universities can apply for a Spring 2024 scholarship until Oct. 15.

Little Rock Ark (Aug 29, 2023) Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is accepting scholarship applications for the Spring 2024 semester through Oct. 15 at aspsf.org/applynow.

Single parents enrolled at trade schools, community colleges, and universities can receive up to $1,600 next spring to help pay for expenses that get in the way of their education. This can include car repairs, shoes for growing children, internet, or groceries.

“The scholarship helped me purchase a laptop,” ASPSF Alumna Carrie Terry said. “I took that laptop with me to dance competitions, to ball games. I did a lot of homework at intermissions, at halftimes, at practices, and my lunch hours at work so I didn’t have to sacrifice all the hours with my kids.”

ASPSF recipients also receive wraparound services from staff and volunteers. The ASPSF team provides mentoring, resources, and encouragement to help single parents stay in school through graduation and find the profitable career of their dreams.

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund summer recipients celebrate their awards. (Photo Courtesy ASPSF)

To apply for a Spring 2024 scholarship, single parents must have a GED or high school diploma, a 2.0 GPA in past courses, and a household income typically not more than 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. A full list of ASPSF’s eligibility guidelines is here: aspsf.org/eligibility.

For more information about the nonprofit which has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships across the state to single parents since 1990 — contact ASPSF Communications Director Jen Para at jpara@aspsf.org or 479.318.2885.

About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: For more than 30 years, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund has worked to create stronger, more educated, and more self-sufficient families. Through scholarships and services, ASPSF opens doors for low-income single parents, helping them pursue education, secure employment, and transform the future for their families. With the help of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for both single parents and their children. For information about scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give, visit www.aspsf.org.

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund alumna Carrie Terry (right) shared her educationaljourney on Aug. 12 at an ASPSF fundraiser. Following her mother’s footsteps, Carrie’s daughter (left) is now enrolled in college.

(Photo Courtesy ASPSF)

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund alumna Carrie Terry receives her scholarship from volunteer Dave Stevens. Carrie received a single parent scholarship each semester from 2018-2021 andgraduated in 2021 with her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. (Photo Courtesy ASPSF).

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

The best people, places, fun and futures are right here in our home state. First Security has deep roots in Arkansas – and even deeper relationships with the people who live here and love it, too. That’s why we created an entire site celebrating the Natural state, from food and festivals to events and adventure. Explore it all at OnlyInArk.com now. And for community banking with people you can count on? Connect with our team today.

“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 Audio

High fives for heroes at HSES Cynthia Herrin

Heber Springs Elementary School celebrated the local men and women who serve and protect their school and community. This is a loved event by all. Students lined the hallways with handmade banners and posters of gratitude, ready to give the first responders high fives and cards that they made for them.

A huge THANK YOU from the Panthers! First graders waiting for the parade of first responders.

WE see you

Local first responders came for all of the high fives and thank you from Heber Springs Elementary School.

Students made banners to show their appreciation to the local heroes.

Calendar we

Ozark Trail Festival

We are gearing up for a great festival this year! Mark your calendars Friday October 6-Saturday October 7 2023! Vendors, live music, more food trucks this year, and a dog show! Unfortunately, we will not be having the pageant this year as our coordinator has stepped down. We are still accepting vendors and sponsors! Please email ozarktrailfest@yahoo.com for details.

Summit 55 Upcoming Events: October 4-12, 2023-New England Rails and Trails, call Phyllis at 501-884-6501 for all the trip details!

American Legion Post 64 Fall Festival: Pumpkin painting/ carving contest, Costume Contests, Games with candy & Prizes; Saturday, October 28, at 2pm thru 4pm, at 49 Park Road. For More Info:Robin Rose, 501.691.0456, nearrobinsnest@yahoo. com.

After Dark in the Park: Saturday, October 28, 6pm at the City Park in Heber Springs.

City Trick or Treat: Tuesday, October 31, 7pm in Heber Springs

Heber Springs Makers Market on the Square: Artisans, Crafters & Farmers 9am - 2pm on the Courthouse lawn. October 7 & 21 / November 4 / December 2. Follow them on FB.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Join us for the 2nd Annual Casino Night hosted by the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, November 2nd at the Red Apple Inn & Country Club! Casino Night is a fun opportunity to network, socialize and make new connections.

Professional dealers will be there with Blackjack, Roulette & Craps games! Play for the opportunity to win fun prizes! *Chips have no cash value and are for entertainment only.

Attire: Glam it up Vegas style or come as you are!

Tickets are $40 for Chamber members and $45 for nonmembers.

We will be posting more details soon, so follow this event page to see updates! Call 501-362-2444 or email chamber@heber-springs.com to reserve tickets or if your business is interested in sponsoring the event.

USACE announces early opening of campsites ahead of 2024 solar eclipse: USACE is announcing the early opening of several campsites in the Little Rock District to facilitate the influx of people to Arkansas and Missouri for the solar eclipse happening on April 8, 2024.

The Little Rock District plans to open the following sites 60 days early and leave them open for the remainder of the 2024 recreation season.

Parks opening fully on March 15, 2024, in Arkansas: Greers Ferry Lake • Dam Site / Old Highway 25 / Heber Springs Rec / John F. Kennedy / Devils Fork / Choctaw Cherokee / Mill Creek / Sugar Loaf / Shiloh / Narrows / Hill Creek / Cove Creek Normally, only Dam Site, Old Highway 25, Heber Springs Recreation Area, John F. Kennedy, Devils Fork, and Choctaw parks would fully open on March 15, with the remainder of the parks opening on May 15. This change will open more than 430 additional sites to accommodate the eclipse visitation. Visit www.heber-springs.com to read the full press release. For more information contact the Greers Ferry Project Office at (501) 362-2416.

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).

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

October 2023

Patriot Day Memorial Ceremony 2023

Each year, the Saxton-Willis Uint 64 American Legion Auxiliary, covers the courthouse lawn with American flags in memory of veterans and first responders. Family members and friends sponsor flags for people flown in the Field of Heroes. act flag is tagged with a name and colored ribbon representing the hero that is being sponsored. On September

Cynthia Herrin

11, The American Legion Auxiliary holds an opening ceremony for the flags that are flown until November 11 with the presentation of colors and local guest speakers.

The closing ceremony will take place on November 11 at 11 am on the courthouse lawn.

To the left, Ryan Herrin, Heber Springs Fire Chief, gave remarks at the ceremony. To the right, Sergeant Chris Gracey with the Heber Springs Police Department was also a speaker.

John Hill, a firefighter and board member, of the Drasco Fire Department was a speaker .

Lisa Evridge giving opening remarks at the Memorial Ceremony.

Mike Hernandez sang the National Anthem .

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Margies Haven House of Cleburne County is a phone call away!

Gina Slagley

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Margie’s Haven House of Cleburne County is a phone call away! (You can also find them on social media with links to reach them)

(501) 362-6757

Margie’s Haven House, (MHH), was founded in August 1989 by a determined group of 4 women with children who had been victimized by domestic violence and abuse. To raise awareness and funds for the need of a shelter, the

ladies and their supporters spoke to any civic group, church, local businesses or organization that would listen. Since 1989, Margie’s Haven House has been at the forefront of helping those who have experienced domestic violence and abuse through their crisis

Today they continue to offer victims and their children shelter, food, a warm bed, basic clothing, and hygiene essentials, weekly support groups, appropriate community referrals, (such as medical help, dental needs, furthering education, referrals for legal counsel, finding

employment, and child care). They also provide re-housing assistance.

Crisis Intervention & 24 Hour Hotline Service. A hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. They have trained advocates to help victims any time of the day or night with questions or concerns. All calls are private and confidential. The hotline also provides safety planning, information, and referral to other community agencies for additional services requested.

Emergency Shelter

Margie’s Haven House operates a 24hour emergency shelter for adults and their dependents who are victims of domestic violence. Their shelter can accommodate up to 15 Victims and children at any time. It is a communal living environment. Our location is confidential and secure. They provide

residents with all of the items necessary to sustain everyday life while they reside in the shelter such as personal care items, linens and food.

Court Advocacy

The court advocacy program can help victims of domestic violence with legal issues. Although the court advocate is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice, she can connect the victim to free or low cost legal services, help the victim request protection from an abuser (ex parte order), go to court with the victim (adult abuse, child protection, divorce, criminal court), and give emotional support before, during, and after the court process.

Case Management

The advocates at Margie’s Haven House assist in-shelter and out-ofshelter clients with a variety of case

management activities, including safety planning, short- and long-term goal-setting, self-identified needs, prioritization, connection to community resources, and financial planning. They offer specialized case management for children/families, housing, and substance use recovery referrals. They are available and open 24/7.

Education & Outreach

The education program provides community outreach services and training to a wide variety of audiences. To stimulate change and improve responsiveness to domestic violence in our community, they offer training and participate in outreach activities that build capacity at the community level to address the issues related to violence.

Individual Support & Support Groups

The individual support & support groups provide support and therapeutic services to anyone who has been affected by or has experienced violence in the home. Advocates provide emotional support and a safe place to heal and help clients figure out where to turn, what to do next, and how to keep themselves and their children safe. Healing takes time, resources, and ongoing support. Individual support and group support

are available. All services are free of charge.

The Community’s support and contributions fund the future of families. Kind-hearted donors, such as yourself, will ensure we continue offering 24/7 365 days a year shelter and support to victims and their children fleeing from domestic violence and abuse.

Sponsored by HEARTLAND FORD

Home Town Heroes Cynthia Herrin

Tell me a little bit about your family. I was born late in life to my parents. I moved to Arkansas from Northwest Louisiana. My dad did 20 years in the Army. Half of my brothers have served in the military or are in law enforcement.

What got you interested in becoming a 9-1-1 dispatcher?

I’ve spent most of life in the hospitality industry. This job just kind of fell into my lap. I’ve also enjoyed advancing in leadership here.

Who is the hero in your life?

My dad. He lived through some stuff. Mainly when he was in the war, he went through some hard times. He did everything for everyone and never thought of himself.

What do you find most challenging about this job? The fact that most of our county depends on volunteer departments. A lot of people can’t just drop their work and leave. It makes me nervous because I

can’t guarantee when someone calls needing someone I can get someone there in a timely manner.

Tell me a little bit about your family.

So my wife’s name is Hannah. We have a daughter Heidi and two sons, Aiden and Zane.

What is your favorite part about your job?

I don’t do as much patient care anymore, but I still love the interaction with the public. I like going to the community events. I really just like interacting with the community. If our trucks are at the community center or at a festival, I love just hanging out with the crowds and showing them our equipment. That’s what I enjoy.

What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?

Knowing that we made a difference. Everyone gets in this for different reasons. People who choose this profession don’t do it for the money. To me it’s truly about making a difference. Not all calls end well, but even the bad ones, at times, can have a decent outcome…like we could give somebody the ability to say goodbye while their loved one still has a pulse. I try to find good in everything. It’s what I do to cope.

What’s your favorite quote?

Courage is fear that said it’s prayers.

Shaine Keasler

Anthony Thompson

FEST

ARKANSAS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL + HOMECOMING

OCTOBER 27-29, 2023

PIPE BAND EXHIBITIONS

HIGHLAND ATHLETICS COMPETITION

HIGHLAND DANCING

THE KILTED MILE FUN RUN

ENTERTAINMENT TENT

BRITISH CAR SHOW

SHEEP DOG DEMONSTRATIONS

DOG SHOW

FOOD, ARTS AND CRAFTS VENDORS

CEILIDH AND DANCING

KIRKIN' O' THE TARTAN WORSHIP SERVICE

BONNIEST KNEES CONTEST

LYON COLLEGE HOMECOMING SOCCER MATCHES AND MORE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT PAMELA.PALERMO@LYON.EDU

CANCER CARE CLOSE

Un ity H eal th Onc o logy p r o vi de s a com p r eh e ns ive ap p roa c h t o ca n c e r c a r e , a ll o w i n g y o u t o b e d ia g n o s ed a n d t r e at e d i n o n e c on v e n ie n t l o ca t i on c l os e to hom e . O u r t eam of bo ard -c er t i fi e d h e ma t o lo g is t s , o n co l og i st s a nd r ad i a tio n onc o l o g is t s pr o v i d e e xp er t , compa s s io na t e care.