. 9 #. #3!1; 3/ ! // ./1
C̏ˢŐɪф̑Ӱ˰ Áˬľ [̐ģÁ˒ˑӺ ҶШ̑фқŐľ
Published by Press Argus-Courier/ GateHouse Media 100 North 11th Street Van Buren, AR 72956 www.pressargus.com ©2017 GateHouse Media
Publisher Kim Hattaway Editor Kenneth Fry Multi Media Sales Executive June Black Lacey Nietert Design Coordinator George “Clay” Mitchell Editorial Support Jenny McClure Contributing Writers June Black Taniah Tudor Tawana Wright Cover Design Lacey Nietert
Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this publication. GateHouse Media assumes no responsibility for misinformation. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of GateHouse Media is prohibited. 2 | 2017 - HOMEGROWN
Abilities Unlimited
3
Cozy Quilts & Things
4
Citizens Bank & Trust Co.
5
Hope’s Creek Retirement Center
6
Sophia Meyer Medical Center
8
Tax Break of Arkansas
9
Ocker Funeral Homes
10
Generations Bank
11
Paul’s Bakery
12
Crawford County Adult Education Center
13
Creative Furnishings
14
McCormick Works
17
Sparks-Alma Family Medical Clinic
18
The Press Argus-Courier, one of Arkansas’ oldest weekly newspapers, can trace its roots to 1859. There have been several name changes and owners over the past 158 years but the mission of the Press Argus-Courier has remained strong. As a local media source, the Press Argus-Courier strives to deliver the people of Crawford County the most dependable and accurate coverage of Crawford County news The award winning editorial staff of the newspaper focuses on local news related to life in Crawford County. Whether it be the report on last night’s city council meeting, the Friday night football scores, or upcoming community events, the Press Argus-Courier connects the reader to the community. The print edition is published every Wednesday and Saturday and has a readership of 3,500. The pressargus.com website is the digital component to the print edition and attracts, on average, 10,500 unique visitors per month. The Press Argus-Courier offers a comprehensive selection of quality digital and print products to help grow business and more easily navigate the market’s competitive media landscape. For more information on subscribing or advertising in the Press Argus-Courier, you may call 479-474-5215 or visit pressargus.com.
Agency’s mission serves others For the past 55 years the mission of Abilities Unlimited, a non-profit organization, has been to help individuals with disabilities recognize their full potential, gain as much independence as possible and become productive members of their community. The organization provides basic life skills, job training, job placement and employment. The staff at Abilities Unlimited works closely with individuals on a day to day basis to Abilities Unlimited provides basic life skills, job training, job placement and employment. encourage a strong, positive work ethic and a sense of one’s own personal responsibility. The staff’s reward is watching their client’s progress as they accomplish their goals.
# .#9 9 1 3/
1 / 3! 1
ããĄ Q nÓ .ª@eb 8@¥ ìÓn¥b . ãã
Abilities Unlimited moved to Van Buren due to the great need of a local training facility in Crawford County for individuals with disabilities. The City of Van Buren was instrumental in helping the agency relocate.
Û¦ Û² ã # #3.
,.# . / , #. 3 1/ 9 1 / 1 / 9 ᪠n@Ó¥ e@ þ û ¥ × × @¥e Qn Qn[ª n »Óªeì[á ûn n QnÓ× ª| á n Ó [ª ì¥ á n×Á
To find out more about the programs that are available at Abilities Unlimited call (479) 4715354.
/ ĄĄĄĄ¦ ܲÜÜ Ą²
The future of the agency will reflect the needs of the clients and families that will be served. Specifically the agency sees itself moving into service areas, such as community based training.
1 ! !1 . ¥ ªìÓ @Ó n eªìQ n á[ n¥b [ n¥á× n@Ó¥ ªü ᪠[ªª @¥e [ n@¥ ¥ á n á[ n¥ ×@|n þÁ
1! // !1 .
n¥á× n@Ó¥ ªü ᪠á@ n [@Ón ª| á n Ó Qªe n× á Óªì nýnÓ[ ×nb n@á ¥ n@ á þb @¥e @ ¥ ªªe en[ × ª¥×Á
# 8 ! !1 . ¥ á × @Ón@ [ n¥á× n@Ó¥ »Óª»nÓ [ª¥ûnÓ×@á ª¥ ná Èìnáánb @× ün @× ªü ᪠»Óª»nÓ þ ×ná @ á@Q nb ªü ᪠eª @ì¥eÓþb ná[Á
. !1 . #ìÓ Ó@ @ Óªª × @ » @[n ü nÓn [ n¥á× n@Ó¥ @Qªìá á n Ó [Ón@á ûn × en @¥e ný»Ón×× á n ×n ûn× á Óªì @Óáb » @þ×b ì× [b @¥e »ªnáÓþÁ
# ,31 . !1 . 9n [ìÓÓn¥á þ @ûn [ª »ìánÓ× ¥ á × @Ón@ ü á × Qì e ¥ »Óª Ó@ × áª }á á n ¥ªû [n ᪠ný»nÓá [ª »ìánÓ ì×nÓÁ ! ! !1 . ¥ á × @Ón@ [ n¥á× n@Ó¥ ªü ᪠@¥@ n ª¥nþb ª Óª[nÓþ × ª»» ¥ b [ªì¥á ªìá [ªÓÓn[á [ @¥ nb ná[Á
HOMEGROWN - 2017 | 3
Cozy Quilts grows out of need Quilts are so much more than just something to keep you warm. They represent love passed to others. These expressions of creativity can be seen through the fabrics and patterns used by the quilter. A non-quilter might ask themselves “Why cut up fabric just to sew it back together?” Linda Dewater knows the answer to this question. Quilts are magic and each quilt has a story to tell. Linda Dewater’s passion for quilting and fabrics led her to open Cozy Quilts & Things in 2005. Her shop is located in Mulberry and is well worth the drive when you are searching for that perfect fabric to use in your creations or just needing to get answers to questions relating to quilting. Linda said, “I enjoy sharing my knowledge about quilting with my customers and I sometimes do what I call mini tutorials for the ones coming into the shop.” Eventually Linda hopes to be able to teach classes on quilting.
Linda DeWater, owner of Cozy Quilts and Things in Mulberry.
#>;
Cozy Quilts & Things carries a variety of fabrics. Linda said, “I began offering fabric for sale when I realized Crawford County needed a local fabric shop where quilters could purchase affordable fabrics. By offering these fabrics locally, I feel the art of sewing and quilting will not become a lost art.”
-3 1/ I 1 ! / . / -3 1/ #! . ! 3
! -3 1 !
4 | 2017 - HOMEGROWN
¥e@
n9@ánÓ / ĄĄĄĄ¦ Ü²Û Ą²
Linda continues to offer machine quilting for others. She provides this service to those who love to make quilt tops but don’t like to quilt them. Cozy Quilts & Things also participates in the Row By Row Experience Shop Hop, a national event that promotes travel and quilting. If you would like to learn a new craft give Linda a call at 479-997-5689.
#ü¥nÓ
Û¦ ¦¦Û Üs¦ Û¦ ¦¦Û sãÜÜ Ą ᪠ý á éĄa 1ìÓ¥ n|áb ª ² ²Ýé n ᪠@×á@ ¥ .eÚ 1ìÓ¥ Ó áÚ /á@þ Ó á |ªÓ ² nÚ 1ìÓ¥ Ó á ª¥ / ûnÓ @» n ÓÚ ²×á ªì×n ª¥ n|áÁ
nQ á @Óe×Ý n[ × [[n»ánez
Citizens has long, local history Citizens Bank & Trust Co. is proud of its long, local history. Founded in 1886, Citizens Bank serves area citizens with locations in Van Buren, Alma, Mountainburg and soon Cedarville. “Our daily mission is to facilitate the success of our customers by providing good, solid deposit and loan products and trust and investment services,” said Keith Hefner, president and chief executive officer. He said the staff of Citizens Bank takes pride in its commitment to and involvement in our community. “You will find Citizens bankers
volunteering throughout Crawford County at our local schools and with local civic and non-profit organizations,” Hefner said. “You will also see our Citizens Bank grill and grill team at many local events.” He said Citizens is proud of its knowledgeable, professional, hardworking staff and the contributions they make toward making Citizens
Bank & Trust a strong financial institution and toward making Crawford County a better place to live. “We look forward to serving the financial needs of our current customers, as well as future customers,” Hefner said. “Please drop by any of our six locations. We look forward to seeing you.”
HOMEGROWN - 2017 | 5
Hope’s Creek provides care Hope’s Creek Retirement and Assisted Living was built by the Hightower family and opened July 1, 2002. Hope’s Creek is the namesake of Ashleigh Hope Hightower, the daughter of Todd and Lori Hightower. The Hightowers have been in the long-term care business for more than 50 years.
Todd Hightower said. “Our pride is in being a good community partner and helping meet the needs of not only our residents but those needs within our community.”
Todd Hightower is currently the “We enjoy bringing together your president of the Arkansas Assisted family with ours and extending our Living Association and strives to home and facility to our community,” enhance and improve the lives of
¥en»n¥en¥á I ×× ×áne û ¥ ª ì¥ áþ
seniors across Arkansas. Hope’s Creek is proud of winning the American Healthcare Association’s Bronze Quality award in 2013 and the Arkansas Governor’s Award in 2015. “We are proud to represent Van Buren and are thankful for all the support we have received over the last 14 years,” Hightower said.
#ìÓ ªááª × × » þ á ×a Ë1 n ªªe |n /á@Óá× nÓnËÁ 9 @á á × n@¥× ᪠ì× × á @á ün @Ón nÓn ᪠n » @¥@ n á n nûnÓþe@þ ×áÓn×תÓ× ª| |n ת þªì [@¥ áÓì þ n¥ ªþ á n ª en¥ þn@Ó×z #ìÓ [@Ó ¥ @¥e Èì@ | ne án@ × Ón@eþ @¥e ü ¥ ᪠×án» ¥ ü nÓn ¥nnene ᪠n » þªì »Ón»@Ón |ªÓ @¥e n¥ ªþ þªìÓ e@þÁ Z ne [@á ª¥ @¥@ n n¥á Z ne [@á ª¥ @e ¥ ×áÓ@á ª¥ Z n@ á [@Ón ×nÓû [n× [ªªÓe ¥@á ª¥ ü á » þ× [ @¥×b [ ¥ [ @¥×b @¥e » @Ó @[ ×á× Z /[ neì ne áÓ@¥×»ªÓá@á ª¥ ᪠@¥e |Óª @»»ª ¥á n¥á× Z ªªÓe ¥@á ª¥ ª| n nÓ n¥[þ ×nÓû [n× |ªÓ ne @án ¥nne ª| [@Ón Z ×× ×á@¥[n ü á Q ªªe ×ì @Ó ª¥ áªÓ ¥
ª»nÒ× Ónn .ná Ón n¥á n¥ánÓ é Ąé @þnáánû n .e 8@¥ ìÓn¥ Û¦ Û² ²¦ĄĄ Z üüüÁ ª»n×[Ónn Á[ª 6 | 2017 - HOMEGROWN
Z 8 á@ × ¥ áÓ@[ ¥ |ªÓ Q ªªe »Ón××ìÓnb n@Óá Ó@ánb ün áb ná[Á Z @ þ [ª¥á@[á ü á [n¥×ne ¥ìÓ× ¥ ×á@|| Z ;n@Ó þ ¥| ìn¥Ă@ û@[[ ¥@á ª¥× ª||nÓne ¥ ªì×n Z #»»ªÓáì¥ á n× áª »@Óá [ »@án ¥ ª n n@ á ×nÓû [n× áª QnáánÓ þªìÓ n@ á ×ì[ @× » þ× [@ á nÓ@»þb ×»nn[ á nÓ@»þb @¥e ª[[ì»@á ª¥@ á nÓ@»þ Z 9nn þ nýnÓ[ ×n [ @××n× áª n¥ @ n þªìÓ ¥e @¥e Qªeþ Z ì× [ á nÓ@»þ ᪠»Óª ªán »n@[n|ì Ón @ý@á ª¥ án[ ¥ Èìn× Z ü en Ó@¥ n @[á û áþ »Óª Ó@ ᪠»Óªû en ª»»ªÓáì¥ á n× |ªÓ ת[ @ Ă@á ª¥ @¥e [Ón@á û áþ
/ ĄĄĄĄ¦ Üé Û Ą²
ªÓ @ áªìÓ ª| ªìÓ |@[ áþb ªÓ |ªÓ ªÓn ¥|ªÓ @á ª¥b » n@×n [@ ªÓ û × á ì× ª¥ ¥nÁ 9nÐ Qn @»»þ ᪠@¥×ünÓ þªìÓ Èìn×á ª¥×Á
Marketing, advertising helps small businesses According to Forbes magazine, more than 50 percent of the working population works for a small business. The Small Business Association reports there are almost 28 million small businesses in the United States. Many small businesses are home-based and hundreds get started each month. Despite their prevalence, only a handful of small businesses survive more than 10 years. Small business owners must learn how to properly market their businesses and garner a larger audience to stay afloat. While there’s no set amount a business should devote to advertising and marketing, such expenses should be included in an organization’s operational budget. Small business owners just getting started may want to consider the following tips as they attempt to market their businesses and expand their customer base. • Create an online presence. A survey from online marketing firm Yodle found that only about half of small businesses have websites. Customers routinely go online to learn more about businesses and make purchases. Customers will visit websites to find directions to brick-and-mortar stores, find store hours and/or learn about the products or services offered by a particular firm. Small
business owners should establish an online presence and ensure the site is routinely updated and modernized. • Sponsor local events. For a relatively small investment, small businesses can get their names out to the public by sponsoring community events. When approached by schools and other organizations, lend your help. Donate a basket of goods or a certificate for services for gift auctions. Work with organizations to donate a portion of sales to a charity or school through a specialized fundraiser. Contact a sports league to see if your company name can be printed on uniforms or used on banners around the field. Not only will this get your name out, but it also will establish a positive image of your company. • Establish yourself as an ‘expert.’ Be accessible to journalists and media outlets who may need quotes or insight when writing articles. Local papers and circulars can get your name out to the community and bring in new customers. Being quoted in print helps establish a reputation
as being an authority in your field. • Don’t ignore social media. According to Adroit Digital, 75 percent of Americans who use the Internet admit that product information found on social media influences their shopping behavior and enhances brand loyalty. Social media accounts are generally free to set up and require minimal effort to maintain. Social media can help establish and maintain a brand and help you share messages and other content. Small business owners can enhance their marketing efforts by taking some relatively easy steps to widen their reach and get their names out to the public. HOMEGROWN - 2017 | 7
Clinic provides quality healthcare Sophia Meyer Family Medicine has been a vital part of the community for years and they are committed to providing quality health care to their patients in a friendly and family like atmosphere. The clinic has been at its present location, 620 Broadway, Van Buren since February 2007. The owners of the clinic are Dr. Rebecca Floyd, MD and Dr. Stephanie Frisbie, MD. Dr. Floyd has been practicing medicine since 1991 and Dr. Frisbie has been practicing since 1999. Both doctors began working together in the year 2000 at the same clinic in Van Buren. When asked why they chose Van Buren as the location for their independent practice, Dr. Floyd said “We wanted to stay here in Van Buren and continue to provide quality healthcare to the
people of Crawford County. After being involved as employees of a large corporation both Dr. Frisbie and I were ready M. Allison Linn, PA-C to exercise more control over our medical practice.” Along with the doctors, the clinic also employs Tracy Fisher, APRN and M. Allison Linn, PA-C. Tracy Fisher is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and M. Allison Linn is a Physician Assistant-Certified. Both Tracy and
Allison provide additional support to the practice and also allow the clinic to offer same day service for patients who need to be seen the same day they call. The clinic provides the conveniences of an in-house laboratory and also offers in-house x-ray capability and 24 hour emergency care. Services provided include: yearly physicals, well-child visits, men’s health, women’s health, school physicals, Diabetes care and Hypertension management. Quality patient care is what motivates the Sophia Meyer Family Medicine team to come to work each day. Dr. Frisbie stated, “Each patient is important to the clinic and we are meticulous in providing the best quality care available.”
-ì@ áþ n@ á [@Ón |ªÓ nûnÓþ @ n @¥e nûnÓþ ×á@ n
ªìÓ×a ÛaãĄ@ » ½ Û¦¾ Û ĄÜ² ÜéĄ Óª@eü@þb 8@¥ ìÓn¥ 8 | 2017 - HOMEGROWN
ÓÁ /án» @¥ n Ó ×Q nb
ÓÁ .nQn[[@ ªþeb
1Ó@[þ × nÓb ,.! Á ת¥ ¥¥b ,
Business commits to help clients Tax Break of Arkansas is located at 143 Highway 71 North, Alma. Fabian Tompos owns Tax Break and has been in business for six years. Along with his employee, Zachary Westcott, they provide expert income tax preparations to their clients. “My business is located in Crawford County because I live here,� Tompos said. He has owned several businesses throughout his career and prefers to be his own boss. Fabian believes their attitude towards their clients is beneficial for his business. “We care about people and their ability to survive in today’s financial climate,� he said. “With great
motivation we come to work each day to help people save and make money. “Tax Break has a deep commitment to helping our clients. We take the time to find every dollar in tax deductions and credits legally allowed.� Tax Break also sponsors a local school scholarship program. “As for the future, we still want to be doing all the great things for clients and communities,� said Tompos.
Here are some discounts Tax Break offers: • Twenty percent off to every new client. • Pays $10 for referrals. • Gives 50 percent discount to all uniformed military, law enforcement, first responders and firefighters. • Gives $5 off the fee per can of vegetables up to 10 cans or $50. • If a client lives more than 15 miles from the office, Tax Break gives them a $25 gas coupon.
�9ªÓ™‘¼… åª ×@Ýn ;#3 ª¼nÞzÎ
ARÂ’AÂŚ
/Â?Ä„Ä„Ä„Ä„ÂŚÂƒĂœĂŠĂœÂŚÂ?Ą²
" $! 2 ; -/ - / 2 $" < / /$4" 2 ; 0 /9
"oýâ ⍠Ă&#x201D;AĂÂĄĂ&#x2018;Ă&#x2DC;c Â&#x203A;ÂĄAc /
T žÂ&#x201E;Ă&#x153;§¿ Ă?äêÂ&#x2018;ÂłÄ&#x201E;Â&#x201E;Ä&#x201E; T ÂłÂ&#x201E;ä ßÞ Ă&#x153;Âł "ÂŤĂ&#x201D;âÂ?c Â&#x203A;ÂĄA HOMEGROWN - 2017 | 9
Family strives to assist, comfort others Family owned and operated Ocker Funeral Homes is celebrating its 100th year of being in Van Buren. Ronald Ocker and his sons have owned the funeral homes since 1985, passed down from Ocker’s parents and grandparents. “My grandparents came down in 1916 to take a horse-drawn hearse to Armbruster (Motor Company) in Fort Smith to get motorized,” Ocker said. “They liked it down here and that’s when they moved from Bentonville to Van Buren.” W.W. Ocker Sr. and his wife Daisy Ocker founded the funeral homes. After her husband’s passing in 1919, Daisy Ocker ran the business until she died in 1965.
Heritage United Methodist Church. Their two sons, Michael Ocker and Ronald Ocker II, own and help manage the business. People are more comfortable when they can have their funeral service needs met by a local and family owned business and people they know, Ronald Ocker said. Working for Ocker are funeral directors Douglas Shade, Randy Mattox and Julie Getsinger.
Locations include OckerPutman Funeral Home at 4500 Jenny Lind Road in Fort Smith, Ocker Funeral Home and Ocker Monuments at 700 Jefferson in Van Buren, and Ocker Funeral Home at 917 Highway 64 East in Alma.
Daisy Ocker was one of the first female licensed embalmers and funeral directors in the state. She also served as Crawford County Coroner in the 1930s and 1940s. Daisy Ocker’s daughter, Mary Ocker Moore, took over the funeral homes after her mother’s passing until she died in 1985. Moore established the OckerMoore Scholarship Fund for area seniors with scholarships awarded annually. A tradition of service has continued in the family. Ronald Ocker has served as Arkansas Funeral Directors Association president and on the Arkansas Burial Association Board. He and his wife, Jere Ann, live in Van Buren and attend the 10 | 2017 - HOMEGROWN
<|AąĊ # . #!3 !1
# . 3! . #
/nÓû ¥ 1 n Ón@ / ¥[n ²¦éé
/nÓû ¥ 1 n Ón@ / ¥[n ²¦²Û
# . #
ÛĄĄ Óª@eü@þb8@¥ ìÓn¥
ÛĄĄ n||nÓת¥b8@¥ ìÓn¥
¦²Û üþÁ Ü @×áb @
Û éÜãé
Û é éã
Üãé ã
Z ìÓ @ ,ª [ n× Z ,Ón !nne , @¥¥ ¥ Z @Ó ¥ ,nÓת¥¥n
Z ,Ón ÓÓ@¥ ne /nÓû [n× Z ì þ ì@Ó@¥ánne Z .n@ת¥@Q n ,Ó [n×
; #9! I #, . 1
/ /, ĄãĄ¦²ÛĄÜéĄ / ĄĄĄĄ¦ ÜéÜs Ą²
Community banking for generations Generations Bank has been a part of community banking in Arkansas for more than five generations. Established in 1907 in the small south Arkansas town of Harrell, Generations Bank has expanded into a full-service financial institution with nine locations serving Camden, Fayetteville, Hampton, Junction City, Rogers, Siloam Springs, Van Buren and its surrounding communities.
The staff of Generations Bank in Van Buren includes (standing from left) Joyce Romero, loan assistant; Leslie Thomas, head teller; Jessica Odom, branch manager; Terry Carson, market president; Brandi Abel, customer service representative; Stacey Smith, executive vice president and loan officer; Vicky Putman, teller and customer service representative; (seated) Deronda Ross, teller and customer service representative; Peggy Pierson, vice president and loan officer; Laura McMillan, product specialist; and Theresa Gilstrap, loan assistant.
In 2014, Generations Bank joined the community of Van Buren, formerly known in the area as First Community Bank of Crawford County. “Our personal and professional hometown bankers have nearly 250 years of combined banking experience and are committed to providing excellent customer service, as well as supporting and serving in the community,” said Terry Carson, Van Buren market president. “We look forward to continuing to serve Crawford County families and businesses for many more generations to come.” For more information about Generations Bank and the services we offer, call (479) 2622900 or visit us online at www. mygenerations.bank. / ĄĄĄĄ¦ sãs² Ą²
HOMEGROWN - 2017 | 11
Bakery keeps making goodness Paul Lehnen, founder of Paul’s Bakery in Van Buren, always had a love for baking. “Before his time in the service, he attended school for cooking and was at the top in his class,” his widow, JoAnn Lehnen, recalled fondly. Paul first began to perfect his baking skills in his sister’s bakery. When she got married and moved away, he seized the opportunity to open his own business in February of 1959, doing what he loved, in the town he loved. Fifty-eight years later, Paul’s love for baking and his passion to provide good quality products at fair prices still motivates his family to get up early each morning to bake those sweet confections people in the area have come to expect at their iconic bakery at 1800 Main St. in Van Buren. While all of the seven Lehnen siblings grew up in the business, some of them chose different career paths JoAnn said, “But, it is still a big part of their life and will always remain a piece of them.” When Paul got into his latter years, more of the day-to-day operations were assumed by his children. At his death in 2012, three of his daughters, Lisa Abner, Jackie Hamby and Michele Wilson, along with son Mark began to share management duties at the bakery. While JoAnn has assumed more of a “behind the scenes” role these days, six of the next generation of Lehnens are currently getting on-the-job training to carry the business into the future.
freedom to create an original design for their customers.
Working daily with family members can sometimes be a challenge according to Lisa Abner, one of the Lehnen sisters.
One thing that has not changed is Paul’s original sugar cookie recipe.
“But the majority of the time we work very well together and in the end, family is the most important. When we close down for the week in July, most of us also go on vacation together too!” she said.
“Each cookie is mixed, rolled, hand cut, baked, and hand iced by our employees. You won’t find another like it taste wise,” she said The family continues to turn out their old world buttercream wedding, birthday and special occasion cakes, cupcakes, donuts, pies, pastries, and cookies with the same passion and family pride felt by their father 58 years ago. And with six of the next generation in training, the future appears bright at Paul’s Bakery.
“Our employees are just like family as well,” she continued, “so we make one big happy bakery family!” As in any business, you have to adapt with the times, Abner said. Many of the cake and cookie ideas now come from Pinterest or Google, but they still love to be given the
9 /, > ! 8 .;1 ! .#
C qØ â« «« qØ}
#3. ; / .8 ! ;#3./ / ! ²¦ ¦ ²sĄĄ
@ ¥ /áÓnnáb 8@¥ ìÓn¥
Û¦ Û ÛĄ üüüÁ»@ì ×Q@ nÓþûQÁ[ª
/ ĄĄĄĄ¦ Û¦éĄ Ą²
12 | 2017 - HOMEGROWN
Center offers continual education The Crawford County Adult Education Center offers free classes and services. Hours of operation are Monday and Wednesday 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. The center is closed on Fridays. Preparation classes and tutoring are available for students in adult basic education including math, language, writing, science, social studies and computer literacy. Additional classes available at the center are as follows: Workforce classes, including instruction on basic computer skills; Microsoft IT Academy classes geared toward Microsoft Office certification; English as a second language (ESL); citizenship classes and introduction to craft skills classes.
collaboration with Vincennes University to offer college courses in Van Buren. Assistance with financial aid applications is available on site. A career coach at CCAEC is available to assist students for all educational goals and planning.
Marty Wilson instructs a Microsoft Outlook course.
For more information on any of our classes or services, call the center at (479) 471-0019. All of the services offered at the Crawford County Adult Education Center
are free. More information is available at the website www. crawfordcountyadulteducationcenter. webs.com, or go to Facebook at Crawford County Adult Education Center and on Twitter and Instagram @AdultEdCrawford.
Upon successful completion of CCAEC’s new craft Skills program, students will have the opportunity to gain an OSHA 10 certification and National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification. CCAEC continues to provide assistance in studying for the COMPASS and ASVAB exams, as well. Students who are seeking to increase their academic and job readiness skills can do so through the Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy (WAGE) program and Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) training, both available on site. Other services located on campus are: Parents as Teachers (PAT) Program, EOC Services for financial aid, Vincennes University Van Buren campus and Arkansas PROMISE Program. The Crawford County Adult Education Center works in / ĄĄĄĄ¦ Üé Û Ą²
HOMEGROWN - 2017 | 13
Local creative living Creative Furnishings by Jean is the culmination of a long and serious addiction to shopping and decorating. It began with an interest in attending farm auctions in the Midwest when Jean Arends-Allison would visit extended family members.
she is always looking for unique and unusual pieces of art. The store was recently expanded and will provide additional shopping experiences for everyone, along with industrial furniture and decor by Jack Kindberg, Arends-Allison said.
“Since I always purchased more than I could use, I began having quarterly yard sales at our home in Florida. We would put our sign out on the highway and the fun would begin,” said Arends-Allison. The store is stocked with handpainted furniture and a variety of gift items for the home. “For the do-it-yourself people, I carry a complete line of Miss Lillian’s No Wax Chock Paint and Milk Paint,” Arends-Allison said.
Ą
The shop will continue to have original artwork by Jason Sacran and photography by Kevin Mehle, and Arends-Allison says 14 | 2017 - HOMEGROWN
/ ĄĄĄĄ¦ Üé ¦ Ą²
She says it is always a fun experience to assist customers as they “solve the mystery” on making their piece a one-of-akind item. Arends-Allison also enjoys developing custom work plans for a special piece and is excited to see the “before” and “after” when the piece is picked up by the customer, she said.
@ ¥ /áÁb 8
Û¦ ssã ééܦ
“It also means that our home will no longer be a warehouse,” she said. Arends-Allison is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and The Old Town Merchants Association and has also been involved with the Center for Art and Education and the CASA board, she said.
Buying local benefits community Staying local when gift buying has its benefits.
Local merchants tend to be more knowledgeable about their products. Large chain stores might have many employees working on the floor or behind the registers, but those employees are not always experts on the products being sold throughout the store. Local merchants tend to have less inventory and fewer employees, who often know a great deal about the products on the shelves. Some employees might even have developed the products being sold, and that knowledge can be put to use when uncertain shoppers are looking for the perfect gift for their loved ones.
The average adult must shop for gifts for friends or family members several times over the course of a typical year. Birthdays, holidays and anniversaries are often the driving force behind such excursions, but some people will buy a gift for a loved one even if there is no special occasion attached.When buying gifts for those we love, many consumers hope to find something unique. But unique items can be hard to find at the local shopping mall, where national chain stores tend to dominate. That reality highlights just one of the many benefits of shopping locally. Local merchants tend to have more unique merchandise. A national chain store on one side of the country is not much different from its counterpart on the opposite coast. The stores’ layouts are likely identical and so is their inventory. Unlike such corporate giants, local merchants aren’t mass-producing their items, and chances are the items sold by local merchants are one-of-a-kind. Such items make for more unique gifts that recipients might find more thoughtful than an item they can find at larger chain stores. Local merchants often provide more satisfying customer service. Larger chains tend to rely on
automated systems to handle many of their customer service calls. Some consumers may never even speak to a real person when they call a customer service line, while others may first have to answer several automated questions before finally being connected to a real person. Local merchants tend to handle their own customer service, and consumers who have a concern or question about a product often speak directly with the store’s owner. That sense of direct connection gives consumers some peace of mind and can make them more comfortable when making their purchases.
Local merchants are more accessible. Arguably the biggest benefit of shopping locally for gifts is the proximity to home. Consumers who buy products from merchants within their community won’t have to travel far to do their shopping, nor will they need to gas up the car if the item needs to be returned or exchanged. Some local merchants may even be within walking distance of home, making a shopping trip even more accessible. Consumers often find shopping local when buying gifts for family and friends is a great way to obtain more satisfying and reliable customer service. HOMEGROWN - 2017 | 15
#¥ ¥ Ó@ü|ªÓe
Ó@ü|ªÓ Óe ªì¥áþ éĄ²Ü ²Ü
/ ĄĄĄĄ¦ ÛĄs Ą²
᪠þªìÓ ¥nü×»@»nÓz 16 | 2017 - HOMEGROWN
McCormick continues to innovate McCormick Works has served the River Valley and beyond since 1990, providing asphalt paving, asphalt repair, seal coating, striping and material hauling. McCormick Works has a vast range of experience: major highway construction, city streets, public parks and campsites, walking trails, commercial projects and residential paving. Originally, McCormick Asphalt Paving and Excavating, the company rebranded itself as McCormick Works in 2011.
green product. As a result, Moore said McCormick has found itself moving increasingly into asphalt maintenance. “Proper maintenance and repair greatly extend the life of your asphalt investment, potentially saving you thousands,” Moore said. She said RhynoTite is an environmentally friendly product which seals and restores pavements to its original color, helps disguise repairs, offers skid resistance, has no offensive
odor and produces longlasting results. “Whether you have a new paving project, need repairs to existing paving, or simply need a few loads of gravel, call the experts at McCormick,” Moore said. “Using up-to-date equipment, quality materials, skilled professionals and the newest application techniques, McCormick will deliver a quality, long-lasting result you can be proud of.” Call (479) 297-6122 for a free quote, Moore said.
McCormick has a stellar reputation, according to Martha Moore, owner.
[ ªÓ [ 9ªÓ × ×» @ á ,@û ¥ @¥e Ónn¥ ×» @ á
Moore said she takes great pride in her business, enjoys giving back to the community and is proud to offer jobs with competitive wages and benefits. In 2012, McCormick’s sister company, SealTite of Arklahoma, began producing RhynoTite, an asphalt emulsified seal coating and a certified
Z !nü ,@û ¥ Z Ó@[ Z /áÓ » ¥
@ ¥án¥@¥[n
Z ,@û ¥ .n»@ Ó× Z /n@ ª@á ¥ Z @ánÓ @ @ì ¥
,Óª»nÓ þ @ ¥á@ ¥ þªìÓ @×» @ áu×n@ [ª@á nûnÓþ é þn@Ó×
#. 9#. / ãĄÜ !Á @ ¥ /áÓnnáb ì QnÓÓþb . üüüÁ [[ªÓ [ üªÓ ×Á[ª
@ 1ªe@þ |ªÓ þªìÓ |Ónn Èìªán Û¦ é¦Û ܲéé ¥ Qì× ¥n×× × ¥[n ²¦¦Ą .@á ¥ ª| Å / ĄĄĄĄ¦ ÜéÜ Ą²
“We have an A-plus rating from the Better Business Bureau,” said Moore, who has been recognized both statewide and nationally for her company.
HOMEGROWN - 2017 | 17
Doctor returns home As a teenager growing up in Van Buren, Thanh Tan Le, MD, realized early that he wanted to be a doctor. “When family members were sick, I would always be the one to take care of them.” said Dr. Le. “I knew I wanted to become a doctor when I was in high school, and I enjoy family practice because you get to know the patients, and it is a versatile specialty.” Dr. Le is a primary care physician (PCP) at Alma Family Medical Clinic on U.S. 64. Alongside Dr. Jeffrey Medlock, he and clinic staff care for patients in all stages of life. While some may think only children need regular check-ups, it’s actually very beneficial for adults and families to have an established relationship with a healthcare provider. Seeing a primary care physician like Dr. Le offers: • Better preventive care. PCPs get to know their patient, their history and their family history. They can provide screenings necessary to identify and treat minor problems before they become major ones. • Fewer trips to the emergency room. By seeing a physician on a regular basis, and calling him or her first when patients have an urgent concern, they will have fewer medical and ER visits, which results in less waiting and lower costs for you. 18 | 2017 - HOMEGROWN
Thanh Tan Le, MD
• More resources. Need to see a specialist such as a cardiologist, neurologist or an ear, nose and throat specialist? Patients often cannot without a referral from a PCP. A physician cannot only connect you to specialists but other resources such as support groups or classes for rehabilitation or health education. Dr. Le spent more than 10 years away from home pursuing his education but he is happy to be back to provide medical care for the community he grew up in.
After graduating from Van Buren High School, he attended the University of ArkansasFayetteville and then graduated from University of Arkansas for Medical Services in Little Rock. He completed his family practice residency at UAMS Northeast in Jonesboro. While in school, Dr. Le participated in a job shadowing program with the physicians at Alma Family Medical. To find out more about Dr. Le or to schedule an appointment, visit SparksPhysicians.com or call (479) 709-DOCS.
Lung disease, such as COPD, makes ordinary activities like walking or climbing stairs difficult. That's why Sparks Medical Center â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Van Buren is focused on reducing the number of people hospitalized with or disabled by pulmonary symptoms. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation team will tailor a program to specifically meet the needs of each patient. The goal is to begin a healthy, productive lifestyle and maintain it. 6Q NGCTP OQTG QT VQ OCMG CP CRRQKPVOGPV ECNN
-ÂŤ>Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x17D;Ă&#x192;6>Â&#x2DC; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;iÂ&#x2DC;°VÂ&#x153;Â&#x201C;
READY TO
BREATHE EASIER?
HOMEGROWN - 2017 | 19
yƘȲǪu ɗ
0Ɔ Ɔ YǪţƆȓȓ uĀéƆĀDzé ɗ Ɔé ` ȓȲǪé ɗ ¶ HƆŴţƆĀ Ɔ ȧļȊǹ Ȋ Y] `` ` ],i`Ʉ Hi]0 ] , ƼǪĀDzDz ǪŅȲDzǎÇƘŽ Ç ¶ ļǹƉɄļǹļɄĭȧƨĭ ƨɥɥ D DƘǪȓŗ ƨƨƨȓŗá s Ɔ ȲǪĀƆ
]ĀƼƘǪȓţƆŅ Ǫ Ǫ ɓģƘǪé ƘȲƆȓɗ ƆĀɓDz DzţƆÇĀ Dz Ā ƨČĭƉ 20 | 2017 - HOMEGROWN