RVL September 2012

AUTUMN ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2012

RUSSELLVILLE, ARK. LOCAL TRIO IS TAKING COUNTRY BY STORM | STORY BY HEATHER SPRINKLE | PAGE 10

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behind the lines H ello, Arkansas River Valley! Thank you for joining us for another edition of RVL Magazine. After a long, hot summer, fall is finally here and, as we all know, it brings with it a busy time of the year — including school, football, soccer and fun community events known for bringing family and friends together. One of the many reasons we started RVL is to get you in touch with your community and all it has to offer. RVL is committed to highlighting local people and businesses that you know and love … or that you may not be familiar with at all.

We are all excited about this issue, in which you will see a focus on life, music and people — the essentials we believe make the Arkansas River Valley such a special place to live, work, play and raise a family. Our cover story features three talented young musicians from our area. Earlier this month, the trio — now known as Edens Edge — agreed to an interview request from Heather Sprinkle. They were eager to share their music and explore how once-upon-a-time living here influenced their lives. Heather also spent time with the musicians’ families, who were gracious to share photos and take us on a trip down memory lane.

RVL Magazine

In the spirit of food and fun, we also spotlight one of the highlights of fall, tailgating, along with some tips for the perfect party. Plus, you will meet Tusk, the Razorback mascot, and the family that cares for him.

A couple of features you are sure to enjoy include an interview with the family that owns and operates Tarascos, a popular Mexican restaurant located in Dardanelle, and Roy Beth Kelley and her son, Jonathan Kelley, who have a law practice in Russellville.

Meanwhile, don’t miss out on the many local activities taking place in our community this season. Next up is the annual Downtown Fall Festival and Chili Cookoff, followed by the Boys and Girls Clubs’ Mistletoe Market.

See you there!

Michelle Harris michelle@couriernews.com

Where Style & Affordability Meet!

815 North Arkansas • 479-968-4322 • Mon. - Fri. 9-6 • Sat. 9-4

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Fall in love fashion .................. 6 Lefler’s offers tips for looking cool as the weather turns cold.

A homegrown talent ................. 10 Hometown band Edens Edge makes good in Nashville.

Musicians showcase .................. 18 Steve Smith, Jason Campbell and Emory Molitor in the spotlight.

Get your sparkle on.

Reflect your life and your style in one-of-a-kind jewelry created in dazzling beads of sterling silver, 14k gold, Swarovski crystal, colored stones and Itanlian Murano glass.

Arkansas’ favorite hog ............. 20 A Dardanelle family talks Tusk, tailgating.

Family practice ............................ 26 A Q&A with the mother-and-son team behind Kelley and Collins Law.

Funky /Junky .............................. 28 A new store aims to offer a “piece of history” to customers.

Heart healthy ............................... 36 Medical professionals offer advice on eating, living well.

310 WEST MAIN RUSSELLVILLE 479-968-3117 Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sat. 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

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Home cooking ............................... 40 A Q&A with the woman behind restaurant fave Tarascos.

Photo finish ................................... 42 Photos from Business After Hours and Standing Ovations. Oh my!

Publisher David Meadows Editor Mike Roark Business Office Kelly Davis Circulation Mike Geiss

Advertising Director Michelle Harris

Photography Joshua Mashon

Account Executives Jim Kelley Lauren Lampkin Judy Manning Marie Norris Meagan Wilson

Production Adam Franks

What Are You Waiting For? www.joshuasfinejewelry.com

Published quarterly by The Courier, Russellville, Ark.

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Step 2

Step 1

Left: Diane Cook applies lip liner in Apple Cordial and Vixen Plum to K-Leigh Richardson at the Estee Lauder makeup counter in Lefler’s.

Right: Richardson shows off low-rise Citizen jeans paired with a Tribal cardigan over a Red Mesh crew in Hipstick Red. She is wearing Brighton jewelry and carrying a Hobo wallet.

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Treats to Avoid: caramel, nuts, popcorn, toffee, jelly beans, licorice, bubble gum, corn chips & ice Dr. Carmella Montez Knoernschild Orthodontic Specialist & ABO Diplomate 2015 West Parkway Dr., Russellville, AR 72802 www.DrKstraightsmile.com 479-968-2138

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Dr. “K”

RVL Magazine

fall in love

FASHION Lefler’s details this season’s must-haves

By Heather Sprinkle

Ah, fall.

I t ’s finally here. That’s a signal to clean out your closets — and an excuse for a shopping excursion.

Gail Anthes at Lefler’s in the City Mall said each season is an opportunity to update the wardrobe while still maintaining staple pieces.

“Updating your wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank,” Anthes said. “Go through your closet and get rid of clothing that doesn’t fit or that you haven’t worn in a quite a while. Buy new pieces that compliment your existing suits and then splurge on a few fun, seasonal items.”

Wardrobe must-haves Look for bright colors, tunics and denim in every color.

Tunics, available in a variety of fabrics, are a must-have for the season. They can be worn over tights, with skinny jeans or by themselves. To add your own personality, belt it.

Anthes said jeans are no longer just for lounging around the house on the weekend or for quick trips to the grocery store.

She believes a well-fitting pair of jeans should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe — and getting them there doesn’t have to be a trial.

“People can really get self-conscious when trying on jeans,” Anthes said. “We have a variety of brands of jeans that are perfect for every size, shape and age. Our Citizen jeans are our most popular and come in different styles.”

Citizen jeans are made in the United States, which is a selling point, Anthes said.

To take the uneasiness out of buying new jeans, women should experiment with different brands and cuts and let go of the “mom jeans” mentality, Anthes said.

“Skinny jeans, which look great with fall fashions and boots, can be worn by everyone,” Anthes said. “There are straight-leg skinny jeans and boot-cut skinny jeans, and while some skinny jeans really are for petite frames, the term skinny doesn’t necessarily apply to your waist line.”

Anthes said skinny jeans flatter the figure by emphasizing curves and are the perfect pairing for another fall must-have — boots.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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Left: Cheryl Davis models a Karen Kane jacket paired with Karen Kane sequined tank and pants. She is carrying a Big Buddha bag and Brighton sunglasses.

Right: K-Leigh Richardson wears a My Story dress paired with a Matt & Nat wallet and Moroccan leather belt.

When shopping for pieces to update an existing wardrobe, Anthes said to buy clothing that transitions easily from day to night and can been worn for multiple occasions.

Employee K-Leigh Richardson modeled an outfit she said she could wear to classes at Arkansas Tech University, where she is a student, or to a party.

“K-Leigh’s look, with the red shirt and long, cardigan-style wrap, would work well on a variety of body types and ages,” Anthes said.

“I could see a lot of my friends wearing something like that to a Razorback game.”

Accessorize the positive Look for versatile jewelry pieces that compliment day- and nighttime looks.

“Our Brighton jewelery line is our biggest seller,” Anthes said. “It’s a great way to customize any outfit. Some women like chunky or bold jewelry that really makes a statement, and others like something softer that accentuates the outfit. I always suggest mixing things up a little and having a little bit of both.”

Lefler’s also carries Brighton sunglasses, a must-have accessory for eye protection year’round.

Bangles in every color, metal and texture are a popular trend, too. Anthes suggests stacking multiple bangles and mixing gold and silver together.

For the office, go for less jewelry, then add additional pieces to transform any outfit for a dressy or evening look.

And the perfect accent to any outfit is the handbag. Anthes said purses are no longer just functional items worn only to carry “necessities.”

Handbags easily change a look and, depending on the size and color, make an outfit look more casual or dressy.

For a modern, sleek look, Anthes suggested carrying a clutch or wallet purse as the perfect touch to add elegance to any outfit, including jeans. Carry a handbag in a bold color or print to add pizazz.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5

7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Bookstore Open *Purchase your green 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Bookstore Openand gold Tech gear while you are on *Purchase your green and gold Tech gear while you are on campus. campus.

10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m Tech Museum Open 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m Tech Open Located in Museum the Techionery

Located in the Techionery

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Homecoming Classic Golf Tournament Homecoming Classic Golf Tournament Russellville Country Club Russellville Country Club

10:30 a.m.a.m.Check-in 10:30 Check-in 11 a.m.

11 a.m. Lunch Lunch 11:45 a.m.a.m.Official Welcome 11:45 Official Welcome Noon Shotgun Start Noon Shotgun Start Noon Noon

Ladies ‘Champagne Bingo’ Luncheon Ladies ‘Champagne Bingo’ Luncheon Conference Center Dining Room Lake Lake PointPoint Conference Center Dining Room

– Midnight Alumni & Friends Reception 8 p.m.8 –p.m.

Midnight Alumni & Friends Reception Russellville Country Russellville Country ClubClub

SATURDAY, OCTOBER66 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

Hindsman Players Breakfast Hindsman Players Breakfast Lake Point Conference Center Lake Breakfast Point Conference begins at Center 9 a.m.

Breakfast begins at 9 a.m.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

Tech Museum Open TechLocated Museum in theOpen Techionery

Located in the Techionery

Alumni Gold Registration - Class of 1962 WestGold DiningRegistration Hall, Chambers Cafeteria Alumni - Class of 1962

West Dining Hall, Chambers Cafeteria

SATURDAY (CONTINUED)

SATURDAY (CONTINUED) 11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

1 – 5 p.m.

1 – 5 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

Alumni Gold Luncheon

West Dining Hall, Chambers Cafeteria Alumni Gold Luncheon West Dining Hall, Chambers Cafeteria Bookstore Open

Bookstore Open W.O. Young Building W.O. Young Building

Homecoming Parade

Homecoming Parade Arkansas Tech Campus Arkansas Tech Campus

Class of 1959, 1960, & 1961 Reunion

Class of 1959, 1960, & 1961 Reunion Tomlinson Library Tomlinson Library

p.m- -5:30 5:30p.m. p.m. Reunion Reunion Groups at Centennial 33 p.m Groups at Centennial Plaza:Plaza: Alumni Gold 1962, Greek, Classes 59, Alumni Gold 1962, Greek, Classes of 59,of60, 61,60, 61, College of Business (SIFE, accounting & marketing College of Business (SIFE, accounting & marketing club alumni), Parks, Recreation, & Hospitality club alumni), TheThe Parks, Recreation, & Hospitality Administration Department (HA Society & RP & RP Administration Department (HA Society Club), T-Club, 1970 ROTC Summer CampCamp Cadets, Club), T-Club, 1970 ROTC Summer Cadets, Alumni Chapters Alumni Chapters 44 ––5:30 5:30p.m. p.m.

Pre-Game Tailgate Meal at Centennial Plaza Plaza Pre-Game Tailgate Meal at Centennial $6 per person

4 p.m.

4 p.m.

Alumni T-Club Meeting Alumni Lounge, T-Club Hull Meeting Letterman’s Building

4:30 p.m.

Stadium Bookstore Opens

5:30 p.m.

Pre-Game Activities Pre-Game Thone Stadium Activities at Buerkle Field

6 p.m.

Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys vs.Arkansas SE Oklahoma TechState Wonder Boys Thone Stadium at Buerkle vs. SE Oklahoma StateField

$6 per person

Letterman’s Lounge, Hull Building

4:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

Stadium Bookstore Opens Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field

Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field

,EARN MORE AT ALUMNI ATU EDU s

,EARN MORE AT ALUMNI ATU EDU s

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To read band bios, see pages 16-17.

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a homegrown talent Locals Hannah Blaylock, Dean Berner &

Cherrill Green are living their dream in Nashville as Edens Edge

“

We had fans that believed in us even before we had a CD out.

We just continue to thank God & our families for their love and support.

By Heather Sprinkle

t

he members of country music group Edens Edge are doing what they love and loving what they do, each and every day.

The three Arkansas River Valley natives decided to go all in when they made the decision five years ago to move to Nashville, the heart and soul of country music.

The trio began playing together in 2004, when Dean Berner and Cherrill Green joined the band with Hannah Blaylock. Blaylock was the lead vocalist for Hannah Blaylock and the Lost and Found, a group she, her mom and dad and family friend Steve Smith formed.

Smith invited Berner to join the band when Berner returned to Russellville after college. Coincidentally, Smith was the one who taught Berner to play guitar and was also his soccer coach at one point.

Over time, Berner began playing the dobro guitar and gradually began singing more vocals. Green joined the band within a few months after coming to hear it play at the invitation of Smith’s son, Andrew, who was a college friend.

Green grew up singing in her family’s bluegrass band and plays mandolin, banjo, guitar and the bass fiddle. The band needed more vocals and a mandolin player, so she joined up.

It was after Green joined that the band changed its name to Hannah Blaylock and Edens Edge, after learning from Green that there already was a bluegrass band named the Lost and Found.

Smith actually gave the band its new name. The group was driving through the Ozark Mountains to a gig when Smith commented that the valley they were driving past looked like the edge of Eden.

The group changed its name one last time, to Edens Edge, when the trio made the move to Nashville in 2007.

On previous page: Dean Berner (left), Hannah Blaylock and Cherrill Green comprise the country music band Edens Edge.

All Edens Edge photos included herein are courtesy of Big Machine Records. Image on cover is a photo illustration.

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For the first few years the group played together in Russellville, Blaylock was still in high school. She later attended the University of Central Arkansas on a choir scholarship.

Berner moved to Nashville first, followed by Green, and then Blaylock.

The talented trio was actually encouraged to move to Nashville not just by family and friends, but also by one of Nashville’s great songwriters, Kye Fleming, who heard the three sing after Smith entered one of their songs in the National Songwriters Association International competition.

Fleming loved the sound and contacted Smith, who at first wasn’t sure the call was “for real.”

The call was indeed real and Fleming, a Fort Smith native, began encouraging the trio to move to Nashville.

When they got to Tennessee, it was Fleming who took them under her wing. She encouraged the group to wait to try to get a recording contract until after they had truly honed their sound.

All three musicians were talented in their own right and had been either playing or singing for some time. Fleming suggested they spend time becoming more cohesive as a band — one true unit — before launching their careers.

“It’s probably some of the best advice we’ve ever been given,” Blaylock said. “For two years we worked odd jobs. I finished my degree and we just wrote and played music together. She wanted us to develop our sound and really have a strong foundation.”

After those two years, the trio launched before an intimate

group of 800 guests when Fleming was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October 2009.

It’s all about timing. Blaylock, Green, Berner and their families frequently refer to that one short phrase.

It was all about timing for Berner and then Green to join the band. It was all about timing when Fleming was on the panel of judges that heard their song and decided to mentor the three in Nashville. And what about the timing for their debut to the greats in country music?

The president of Big Machine Records, Scott Borchetta, met with Blaylock, Berner and Green the day after the Hall of Fame induction.

On March 5, 2011, Brad Paisley introduced Edens Edge at its debut performance on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry.

“It was so amazing to be at the Opry,” Blaylock said. “About 150 people from the Russellville area drove seven hours to hear us play two songs. We are so blessed to have such amazing support in the River Valley.”

Paisley invited the three to tour with him, and the rest has been a whirlwind.

Edens Edge has played with Paisley, Reba McEntire, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts and others.

They are currently touring with Rascal Flatts and said this tour has taught them more about what it is to be a band — to play together, live together and remain best friends.

“We’ve had the good fortune to play with some really

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great artists and each, Brad and Reba, helped us and shared with us. Reba was so down to earth and really great to us,” Green said. “This tour right now is different because it is all bands. To see what they do on stage and how they act off is helpful for us. It’s nice to see that Little Big Town has their families on tour with them.”

Their schedules are grueling — the day starts before dawn with an early-morning television interview, followed by a radio interview, then it’s time for sound check and wardrobe and the show starts. At some point, they find time to eat. It’s definitely not a typical 9-to-5 job.

“Cherrill was talking to me a while back,” her mother, Debbie Green, said. “She said she was so grateful we had encouraged her to move to Nashville and that even if they were still just trying to get their big break, she would be happy. She said she loves what she’s doing and wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.”

Their sound has been described as organic by many, but if you ask the Greens, the Blaylocks, the Berners or the Smiths, they just smile and say the band sounds like Hannah, Dean and Cherrill — there’s nothing else out there like it.

The trio has an open invitation to stop by the Opry any time they’re in Nashville.

“It’s really just been amazing, the support and opportunities we’ve been given,” Berner said. “We had fans that believed in us even before we had a CD out. We just continue to thank God and our families for their love and support.”

Our Fall Favorites

y’s Largest & Most Traveled Antique Mall River Valle

Collectors Gallery Antique & Gift Mall

130 E Harrell Drive • Russellville 479-967-6773 28,000 Square Feet of Antiques, Collectibles, Gifts & Decorating Accessories: •Lily & Laura •Depression Glass Bracelets •Fenton Glass & •Fashion Scarves Pottery & Purses •Fiesta •Sports Cards Dinnerware •Antique Furniture •Frankoma •Glassware •Primitives

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I-40 Exit 81 Behind Cracker Barrell 250 Booths-Accepting Dealer Inquiries & Consignments Layaway Available

2725 East Parkway Drive • St. 1 • The Pointe

(479)968-4900

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RVL Magazine

Fabulous Fall Finds TOMS New Desert Wedge in Camel. Also available in black and mushroom.

The Other Foot & More 2175 East Parkway, Ste. 1 The Pointe 479-968-4900

SHAW Christmas Rugs on sale. Beautiful Christmas gifts.

All R2X cleaners in stock.

Race Carpet & Vinyl 600 East 3rd St., Russellville 479-968-6174

Invisalign – clear, removable braces for teens and adults.

Dr. Carmella Montez Knoernschild, DDS Orthodontic Specialist and ABO Diplomate 2015 West Parkway Drive, Russellville, AR 72802 479-968-2138 • www.Drkstraightsmile.com

Razorback Canvas now available!

Rackley Furniture 1402 N. Church Street, Atkins 479-641-2220

RVL Magazine

Lily & Laura Bracelets Lots and lots of colors to choose from including ATU, RHS, and Razorback colors!

Wilkins Brothers Outdoors 815 N. Arkansas 479-968-4322

Quality Tony Lama boots for the whole family!

Men’s, women’s and youth sizes available at Woody’s Boot & Repair 511 E. 4th Street 479-968-8980

Check out our junk in the trunk for your 60’s & 70’s reused, repurposed, & reconditioned treasures! .

Funky Junky 116 N. Commerce Historic Downtown Russellville 479-967-3865

Great Razorback items at Millyn’s.

Everything from bath robes to sunglasses and serving trays.

Millyn’s 124 S. Front Street, Dardanelle 479-229-4144

Unique and exclusive to the River Valley for nealry 40 years.

Quality musical instruments for your home and church.

Valley Piano Co. 813 E. Main, Russellville 479-968-5200 www.valleypiano.com

The Granite Shop Granite, quartz and eco friendly designs 3315-A East C Street, Russellville 479-967-ROCK John Schaeffer 479-857-6586 Wendell Schaeffer 479-970-9255

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backstage

RVL Magazine

with the members of Edens Edge

C

herrill Green has come a long way from earning a quarter a song when she was just five or six years old.

The talented member of Edens Edge grew up singing solos at church and performing in her family’s bluegrass band.

Her mother, Debbie Green, said that even though young Cherrill enjoyed singing and playing, she was also kind of shy.

Cherrill’s grandmother paid her a quarter to sing solos in church and, like any good musician knows, payment needed to be made in advance.

“One Sunday, Cherrill stopped walking down the aisle,” Debbie Green said, smiling as she recalled the funny story. “Grandma was having trouble getting her quarter out of her purse and Cherrill wasn’t budging until she got paid. They held up church for her.”

At the age of eight, Cherrill was already an accomplished mandolin player. When she was just eight or nine, the family cut their first cassette.

Debbie Green said the producer was none too happy to learn he would be working

with young Cherrill and her sister Gail, who is just a few years older.

“You could tell he was mad about it,” Debbie Green said.

“He thought we were wasting his time. Well, Cherrill sure proved him wrong.”

Cherrill and her mother both agree that while there is definitely God-given talent there, it is also work ethic that always made Cherrill stand out from other musicians.

She tirelessly practiced and took lessons. On weekends, the family traveled to festivals and spent many summer vacations working and then playing at Silver Dollar City and Six Flags Over Texas.

Debbie Green said the girls were always consulted before a show was booked, that she and their dad never wanted to force them to do something they didn’t want to do.

When Cherrill moved to Russellville to attend Arkansas Tech, she left her instruments at home. She was ready to find herself.

It was more than a year before she brought her instruments to college, and that’s when her parents knew she was serious about music again.

After she met Hannah Blaylock and Dean Berner and began playing with them, Cherrill’s parents knew Nashville was in their daughter’s future.

“Hannah, Dean and Cherrill harmonize like siblings,” Debbie Green said. “It’s amazing to hear them sing together. Immediately, Cherrill treated Hannah like she was her sister, and Dean has always been the older brother.”

Cherrill said she and the others will never forget where they came from and remain humble and thank God and their families for helping them get where they are today.

The road ahead is probably paved with big

city lights, performances and fame, but it’s also paved with hard work and dedication, both of which Cherrill said she is up for.

“I want to thank all of my family and friends back home who supported and encouraged us from the start,” Cherrill said.

“Thank you to my parents and my sister for making music a huge part of my childhood.

Steve Smith (see story on page 18) was such a huge part of bringing Hannah and Dean and I together and being family to each of us at different times in our lives. For me, he and his wife, Becky, were my family away from home when I moved to college at Arkansas Tech University.” •

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From left: Cherrill Green performs, joined by Dean Berner and Hannah Blaylock.

Together, they comprise the country music band Edens Edge.

T

wo words that sum up Dean Berner are patient and dedicated.

At a young age, Dean’s mother, Virginia Berner, said her son would get stuck on mastering one specific task and keep at it until he had it perfect. She said it didn’t matter if it was learning to button his shirt at the age of 2, tie his shoes or break the world record for consecutive pogo jumps, Dean was determined.

“It was almost painful to watch sometimes,” Virginia Berner said. “He would just get so focused on something and stick with it until he was satisfied he could do it. It was Dean that learned to button his shirt first and then his older brother, Keith, copied Dean. His patience, dedication and perseverance have always been three of his strongest characteristics. That and his sense of humor.”

When Dean was about 10, he decided he was going to set a record for pogo jumping.

Virginia Berner said he talked the neighbor into counting his jumps for him, but the other boy refused to continue after he reached 5,000.

She said she could hear the rhythmical “boing,” “boing” all through the house. Even Dean’s pogo jumps had rhythm.

Dean learned to play the guitar in the eighth grade when he signed up for a free guitar class at First United Methodist Church.

Those few lessons led Dean to an interest in music, and soon he began studying Eric Clapton’s work. His mother would hear Dean listening to Clapton and then playing the same song himself.

When Dean joined Edens Edge, he learned to play the dobro guitar, then gradually began singing more vocals and harmonizing with the girls.

Dean already had a degree from Arkansas Tech University and thought he wanted to be a lawyer, but he returned to Russellville when he decided a career in law wasn’t for him. Instead, he wanted to take some music classes at Tech.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

H

annah Blaylock was born to sing. At an early age, she showed a penchant for matching melodies and performing like a seasoned professional.

Family friend, former band member and songwriter Steve Smith said he still remembers the first time he heard Hannah sing.

“She was probably around 8 and we were camping in Nimrod on her family farm,” Smith recalled. “She climbed up in my lap and I was flabbergasted by what came out of her mouth. Even then, she had such a powerful voice.”

Hannah was born on the outskirts of the Arkansas River Valley in the little town of Nimrod, but spent her early years living in Alaska.

She returned to Nimrod the summer before third grade started and began school in Perryville.

Hannah quickly decided to attend school in Russellville, riding with her dad an hour each morning to Pope County to be in the choir.

Music, both instrumental and vocal, has always been a part of Hannah’s life. Her parents both sing and play instruments and Hannah said she remembers that her mother sang her at least 10 songs each night before bed.

Her mother says Hannah began mimicking the lullabies at the age of 1.

When Hannah was a high school junior, her family began attending First United Methodist Church in Russellville.

Soon after, several family friends formed a band and Hannah became the lead female vocalist, singing many songs Smith wrote.

She plays the piano, flute and guitar, but vocals were always her main focus in the band.

Hannah was the only teenager in the original band of adults until Dean Berner and Cherrill Green joined the group in 2004.

Smith entered the band in the Arkansas Acoustic Showcase and, to the band’s surprise, they won the competition. It was after winning the competition that Hannah said the group really got serious about playing and thought there was a future in music for the band.

“Hannah has always loved to sing and been a great performer,” her dad, Mel Blaylock, said. “I can’t imagine her not singing. She has a real presence on the stage.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

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RVL Magazine

MUSICIANS SHOWCASE three area performers talk talent

Above: Jason Campbell takes a break near the Depot in downtown Russellville.

Right: Steve Smith at his home.

S

teve Smith is known as “the music man”

to many in the Arkansas River Valley. He is one of the leaders for the praise and worship band at First United Methodist Church in Russellville and, for several area young people, has been a mentor.

Smith said music was a way of life growing up in the hills of Newton County. His uncle, older brother and friends played, and Smith wanted to join them.

“I actually took three lessons when I was 15 and just picked up things here and there,” Smith said of learning to play the guitar. “The lady that gave me lessons actually played the piano but she showed me the chords on the guitar. I’ve learned more and more throughout the years.”

Soon, Smith was playing, singing and writing songs as often as he could. Today, he is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International. His “Songbird” was a finalist in the 2006 association competition — the start of a series of events that would lead the band known as Edens Edge to Nashville after Smith and songwriter

Kye Fleming developed a professional relationship as a result of the song.

Smith has been a friend of Edens Edge — Hannah Blaylock, Dean Berner and Cherrill Green — since its beginnings, and counts his experience with the band as a blessing.

“Playing with Edens Edge was the most fun, musically, I’ve ever had,” Smith said. “We just had fun being with each other. They are each so talented in their own right, and then together they are magical.”

One of Smith’s songs that the trio has since recorded and released is “Christ Alone.”

“They end every show with it,” Smith said.

“It’s a song that every time I hear it still means something to me. They send me notes all the time about how after the show someone will come to them and tell them how that song has affected their lives. It’s a really special song.” •

C

ountry boy Jason Campbell

traded in the big-city lights of Nashville six years ago for the quiet life of Pottsville not because he wanted to give up his dream of being a country singer, but because he wanted his children to have the same kind of childhood he had growing up in Perry County.

Campbell grew up in Perryville and learned to play the guitar at 12 thanks to a family friend. He picked up four or five chords from the lessons, then taught himself the rest.

By age 14, he was singing at local Veterans of Foreign Wars clubs, and at 17 he began writing music.

In 1991, a year before he graduated from high school, Campbell and his band, County Line, competed on “Star Search,” winning in the first round. The group lost in Round 2, but the competition spurred Campbell’s interest in singing professionally.

After high school, he played at various venues and traveled back and forth between Nashville and Russellville, where he worked at River Valley Furniture. He signed a development deal with Dreamworks, but it didn’t lead to superstardom.

RVL Magazine

So in 2000, Campbell decided to move to Nashville to concentrate on his music and writing. He married his wife, Kara, in October 2000 and she joined him there.

It was a good time for Campbell, who went on to open concerts for Little Big Town, Joe Walsh, David Allen Cole and Restless Heart.

“I met so many people in country music that really influenced my writing and encouraged me,” Campbell said of the years in Nashville. “I had the time of my life. I kept my head on my shoulders and we never struggled for money. It was definitely the right decision at the time to move to Nashville.”

Then Campbell’s oldest son, Tyler, 10, was born. Campbell said he didn’t want his family to sacrifice in order to make his dreams come true, so the family picked up and moved to Pottsville full-time. And he doesn’t feel like he sacrificed his dreams to give his family the quiet country life he enjoyed so much growing up.

“I still write, and sing and play shows,” Campbell said. “Only now, it’s on my time. I get to pick where and when I play. I have my own recording label and get to produce other independent artists. I wouldn’t trade my life with anyone else’s.

“I’m making music and having the time of my life,” Campbell added. “I don’t dream about hitting it any bigger and touring non-stop around the country anymore. I dream about making my kind of music and sharing it with my fans and being my son’s baseball coach. I’m doing that right here from the River Valley.” •

E

mory Molitor of Russellville found a way

to be a successful actress and singer without leaving the Arkansas River Valley.

Molitor, who just wrapped up “The Sound of Music,” is performing in her third play for Little Rock-based Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, “Church Basement Ladies.”

The busy wife and mother of two said she finds time to perform during her husband’s off-season at Arkansas Tech University.

Molitor’s husband, Jason, is the minister for the Wesley Foundation at Arkansas Tech, which is where the two met.

Emory Molitor, an Atkins High School graduate of the class of 1990, graduated from Tech in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in music

19

Above: Emory Molitor strikes a pose before a Steinway piano.

and speech theater. She and Jason married the same year.

Her love affair with theater began at an early age — her grandfather said she “came out singing.”

Today, Molitor works at First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Russellville as the assistant director of children’s ministry. She leads the Cherub and the Joyful Noise Kids choirs there.

Molitor’s daughters, Abigail, 12, and Olivia, 9, both inherited their mother’s gift of song. Molitor said they’re part of what keeps her grounded.

“I would enjoy performing on that level professionally,” she said of Broadway stages and Hollywood lights. “But I enjoy being near all of my family — my parents and grandmothers — and enjoy being a mom and wife.”

For now, commuting to Little Rock to be in several plays at Murry’s each year, performing in community theater and working at FUMC fulfill Molitor’s passion to perform — but she joked that there are days when living in New York City and having a nanny to care for the daily routine at home sounds really, really good. •

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game day

RVL Magazine

DARDANELLE FAMILY RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING THE SPIRIT TO RAZORBACK GAMES

Arkansas’ favorite hog

By Preston Tolliver ollege football is in full swing, but you won’t find the Stokes family sitting on their couch cheering on the state’s favorite team.

Instead, they’ll be in Fayetteville with Arkansas’ favorite hog, Tusk, celebrating their

C

seventh year of escorting the Razorback mascot to the team’s home games.

The Stokeses, who operate a farm near Dardanelle home to three razorbacks, travel to all the Hogs’ home games — including those in Little Rock — as well as to the occasional bowl game, letting Tusk visit a variety

of pep rallies and game-day activities.

Keith Stokes, who along with his wife, Julie, raises the hogs, said they begin their game-day activities in Russellville, filling up their truck with gasoline and giving passersby the chance to see the state’s most famous pig.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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RVL Magazine

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Above: Tusk IV meets a few local children — and prepares to enjoy an apple — in Russellville.

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RVL Magazine

Tips from Tusk’s kitchen THE STOKES FAMILY SHARES RECIPES FOR TAILGATING

W

ith all their pit-stops at different gatherings in Fayetteville, the Stokeses are no strangers to tailgating. And wherever you’re tailgating — whether it be at Arkansas Tech University or outside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium — Keith Stokes said the perfect people make the perfect tailgate party.

“Get a lot of good friends who’ve been to a lot of games together and have shared a lot of memories,” he said. “To me, the perfect tailgate is the old-timers telling the young folks about the old days and what it was like being a Razorback fan back then, and passing down the history of the program.”

As for snacks, Stokes said to keep it simple with finger foods, and, most notably, chips and dip — a staple for any tailgate, he said. He added that tailgaters can never go wrong with a good old-fashioned barbecue, with ribs, brisket, hot dogs, brats and hamburgers.

“The smoke coming off the grill and the smell coming through will just make your mouth water,” he said.

Tusk IV.

HOG, continued from page 20 They then travel to Fayetteville, where they pick up cheerleaders and partake in a series of rallies before entering the stadium before kickoff.

Since the mascot program began, four razorback hogs, all de-

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scended from a common ancestor, have served the state’s college team. Tusk IV, the current mascot, is the first the Stokeses have raised since birth, though they’ve participated in the program since

Men’s and Women’s Apparel

by Kavu

Men’s and Women’s Razorback Apparel and Accessories

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Woo Pig Dip Tusk’s Favorite Coleslaw

You will need: • 2 cups sour cream • 1 cup shredded fiesta cheese • 1 package fiesta ranch dip mix • ½ cup real bacon bits Mix ingredients well and chill for at least 1 hour.

Touchdown Brownie Bake You will need: • 1 package of Oreo cookies • 1 box of brownie mix • 1 package of chocolate-chip cookie dough In a 13-by-9-inch pan, press chocolate chip cookie dough, then top with Oreos and pour prepared brownie mix over top. Bake at 350 degrees until brownies are cooked.

its start in 1994.

Tusk IV is 2 years old. Razorbacks have a life expectancy of about 15 years, Keith Stokes said.

You will need: • 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded • 1 carrot, shredded • ½ bell pepper, shredded • 10 grapes, cut in half Dressing • ¾ cup real mayonnaise • 3 tbsp. distilled white vinegar • ¼ cup sugar • Salt, pepper and celery seed to taste Mix ingredients together and chill.

— Julie Stokes

“I’ve always liked animals, and like raising them and working around them,” he explained. “And we like being around people, and this is kind of the best of both worlds.”

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profile

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family

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PRACTICE radition. It’s all in a day’s work at Kelley and Collins Law, where Roy Beth Kelley and her son, Jonathan Kelley, practice law side by side. RVL Magazine sat down with both Kelleys to talk about how they ended up where they are, what it’s like working alongside an immediate family member and what they’d do if they weren’t doing this.

ROY BETH KELLEY

JONATHAN KELLEY

RVL: Why did you decide to practice law?

RVL: Why did you decide to practice law?

Roy Beth Kelley: I thought the practice of law would be fulfilling — to be able to use the law to help others.

Jonathan Kelley: I decided that I wanted to practice law when I was a sophomore at Arkansas Tech University.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

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RVL Magazine

Story by Heather Sprinkle

Funky / Junky NEW STORE’S OWNER AIMS TO OFFER CUSTOMERS A ‘PIECE OF THE PAST’

A

visit to Funky Junky at 116 N. Commerce Ave. is like walking into a time capsule.

There is vintage decor and stuff, stuff and more stuff for sale.

Co-owner Amanda Shilling said she wants customers to feel like they are getting a “piece of the past” when they find that special something in the Funky Junky.

“We have customers all the time who identify with different items in the store,” Shilling said. “It might be a knick-knack they had when they were little or some dishes that remind them of their grandmother.

I really like that each customer has their own unique experience and always finds that perfect little treasure to take home, especially when they didn’t even know what they were looking for to start with.”

Shilling and co-owner Jimmy Armstrong spend their days pickin’ to find new items for the store.

Shilling favors pieces that someone else tossed out thinking there was no use for it anymore, then repurposing the piece to find a new use and owner.

Her specialty is furniture. She will dumpster dive with the best of them when she sees a piece with life left in it.

“Repurposing furniture and other everyday items is a great way to add new pieces to your decor,” Shilling said. “Then you have a totally unique piece of furniture or art that no one else has. Some of the best conversation starters are pieces I’ve repurposed.”

She recently made a bench by connecting to old dining room chairs and adding one longer top piece with a cushion — the perfect little bench at the end of a bed or a cute little love seat.

If a customer comes in with a specific idea in mind and the store doesn’t have it, Shilling adds it to her wish list, and then looks for it when she and Armstrong go pickin’.

A recent addition and prized possession, the trunk of an old Volkswagen Bug, is a conversation starter.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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P hotos by Joshua Mashon

Second from left: Jimmy Armstrong and Amanda Shilling, co-owners of Funky Junky, hang out inside their Commerce Avenue store. The shop features unique and repurposed items. At right, Armstrong works to rehabilitate an old pair of chairs.

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Armstrong said the pair hopes to expand the store in the future to offer even more variety.

“We have people all the time that ask us if we take consignments,” Armstrong said. “We don’t have the space for that right now. We do hope to continue to grow and have more space for even more treasures in the future.”

Funky Junky is open Monday through Saturday, not too early. It stays open past 5 p.m. to allow customers who get off work at that time of the day the opportunity to come in for a visit.

“Sometimes people just like to come in and browse,” Shilling said. “And that is just fine with us. Come in and stay a while. That’s what we’re here for.”

RVL Magazine

Funky Junky co-owner Amanda Shilling said she isn’t afraid to dumpster dive to find the perfect pieces for the store.

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seen around

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33

Standing

OVATIONS

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n Aug. 23, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley hosted a festive evening of entertainment, awards and recognition for the many businesses and volunteers who have made their success possible. Mike Anderson, University of Arkansas head basketball coach, gave the keynote address. All proceeds from the event benefited the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley.

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RVL Magazine

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35

healthy HEART

36

G

RVL Magazine

By Heather Sprinkle

one are the 100-plus degree days that kept so many people around the Arkansas River Valley inside instead of outdoors enjoying Mother Nature.

A great way to enjoy the cooler weather while also helping your heart is by hitting the trail.

Twenty minutes of moderate exercise each day improves heart health and gets more oxygen pumping, which in turn, improves a person’s overall health.

And as our exercise routines fall back into place, our diets also need to come back in line.

Apples, butternut and acorn squash and pumpkins are a seasonal favorite this time of year.

School has started, which means busy schedules and fewer meals shared around the table in some households, but a busy schedule is not an excuse to eat poorly.

Russellville cardiologist Dr. Shuja Rasool of Cardiology Associates N.C.A. offered some advice.

“Variety is the key to making and sustaining hearthealthy food choices,” he said. “You can reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular disease by eating a variety of heart-healthy foods, especially whole grains, fruits, vegetables and fish. Eating a variety of healthy snacks throughout the day is the best way to get all the different nutrients to provide brain fuel for kids in school and give us an extra cardiac boost for exercising.”

The key to eating healthy isn’t about cutting out your favorite foods completely, but instead modifying existing diets.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip You will need: • 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese (room temperature) • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened, unsalted) • 3 tbsp. sugar • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves • 1/2 tsp. vanilla Mix all ingredients for the spread together in a mixing bowl by hand or with an electric mixer on medium speed. Serve with apple slices for dipping or spread on whole wheat toast.

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37

EXPERTS’ TIPS TO GET READY ... GET SET .... GET FIT! Substituting low-fat yogurt for ice cream, or making smoothies from fresh fruit and yogurt, is an easy and healthy alternative. If chocolate is your weakness, try to limit yourself to one piece of dark chocolate, or chocolate that hasn’t been overprocessed, each day.

Research has shown that flavonols found in cocoa, in addition to having antioxidant qualities, also have other potential influences on vascular health, such as lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow to the brain and heart and making blood platelets less sticky and able to clot.

These same benefits can also be found in cranberries, apples, peanuts, onions, tea and red wine.

If cookies are a favorite family snack, bake oatmeal chocolate-chip instead of just plain chocolate-chip.

Muffins made from oats or ones that combine fresh fruits or vegetables add much-needed nutrients to an old favorite. Read food labels to ensure low sodium and sugar in store-bought muffins.

Katie Whitlow, a registered dietitian with Millard-Henry Clinic, said the art of eating well isn’t about fancy gadgets or exotic ingredients; instead, cooking at home should be fun. She also said parents sometimes need to play a little hide-and-seek with the good stuff to get kids to eat more healthfully.

“Sometimes, it’s about getting creative with your food,” Whitlow said. “Sneak vegetables in spaghetti, either by pureeing them in with meatballs or by grating squash in with the noodles. Substituting wheat pasta is an easy switch also. Fresh produce and veggies make for an all-around great snack, and for picky, younger eaters, just add a fun dip. A great resource for introducing healthy food options into everyone’s diet, especially kids’, is ‘Deceptively Delicious’ by Jessica Seinfeld. It’s as much fun to read as the recipes are to make. ” CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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Hearty, Healthy Chili You will need: • 1 lb. extra-lean ground beef • 1/2 cup chopped onion • 2 large tomatoes (or 2 cups canned, unsalted tomatoes) • 4 cups canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained • 1 cup chopped celery • 1 tsp. sugar • 1 1/2 tbsp. chili powder or to taste • 2 tbsp. cornmeal • Jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped, as desired In a soup pot, add the ground beef and onion. Over medium heat, sauté until meat is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain well.

Add the tomatoes, kidney beans, celery, sugar and chili powder to the mixture. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Uncover and add water to desired consistency. Stir in cornmeal. Cook for at least 10 minutes more to allow the flavors to blend.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with jalapeños, if desired.

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38

RVL Magazine

Left: A woman and child enjoy the outdoors at Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary in Russellville.

Spicy Green Beans

Soups are also a great way to add variety to any diet and can be made ahead of time, a boon for busy schedules. Be adventurous and try a hearty soup made with lentils or butternut squash. When it comes to soup, try to experiment with new ingredients and don’t be afraid to mix and match different meats and vegetables.

For a lengthy list of heart healthy foods, including beverages, appetizers, side dishes, salads, dressings and main courses, go to www.mayoclinic.com.

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You will need: • 1 1/2 lbs. green beans, fresh, frozen or canned • 1/3 cup diced sweet red bell peppers • 4 1/2 tsp. olive or canola oil • 4 1/2 tsp. water • 1 1/2 tsp. vinegar • 1 1/2 tsp. mustard • 1/4 tsp. salt • 1/4 tsp. pepper • 1/8 tsp. garlic powder Cook beans and red peppers in a steamer basket over water until crisp-tender. Whisk together all remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer beans to a serving bowl. Add dressing and stir to coat.

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• 1 lb. pork tenderloin, cut into strips • 1 small onion, sliced • 8 whole-wheat flour tortillas, warmed in microwave • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese • 4 medium tomatoes, diced • 4 cups shredded lettuce • 1 cup salsa

Pork Fajitas Dietitian’s tip: This recipe uses pork tenderloin — a tender, lean meat. Traditionally, fajitas are made with skirt (flank) beef steak, which has twice the fat and three times the amount of saturated fat.

You will need: • 1 tbsp. chili powder • 1/2 tsp. oregano • 1/2 tsp. paprika • 1/4 tsp. ground coriander • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Prepare a hot fire in a charcoal grill or heat a gas grill or broiler to medium-high or 400 degrees.

In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, oregano, paprika, coriander and garlic powder. Dredge the pork pieces in the seasonings, coating completely.

Place the pork strips and onions in a cast-iron pan or grill basket. Grill or broil at medium-high heat, turning several times, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

To serve, spread an equal amount of pork strips and onions on each tortilla. Top each with 1 tbsp. cheese, about 2 tbsp. tomatoes, 1/2 cup shredded lettuce and 2 tbsp. salsa. Fold in both sides of each tortilla up over the filling, then roll to close.

Serve immediately.

Have a recipe you’d like to submit to RVL Magazine for publication consideration? Email michelle@couriernews. com. Be sure to put “RVL Recipe” in the subject line.

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COOKING

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Tarascos in Dardanelle is serving up Mexican food family-style. arascos has firmly established itself as a presence on the Arkansas River Valley dining scene since its opening just a few short years ago. We spoke to Tarascos owner Marisela Zamora about her outstanding family-run restaurant. Here’s what she had to say.

RVL: How did Tarascos get started?

Marisela Zamora: We started out with a lunch truck for some years, and from there we were able to buy a historic local building and got a loan to remodel the building and turn it into a rustic restaurant. It took about three years to get where we stand now. It took a lot of hard work and sweat.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

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TARASCOS, continued from page 40 RVL: How many of your employees are related?

RVL: What is the biggest reward of working with family?

MZ: There are nine family members working. Some are employed and some volunteer continuously when we need their help. They are Antonio, Marisela, Ramiro, Erendira, Armando, Denise, Andres, Dalia and Elena Zamora.

MZ: The biggest reward of working as a family is that we all get to work together and we are able to see all the progress we have made because we have been united throughout our business.

RVL: If I wasn’t the owner-operator of Tarascos...

MZ: … I would probably be working in one of the chicken plants like many people are today.

RVL: What is the biggest challenge you face when working with family?

MZ: One of the biggest challenges we face as a family working together is not bringing personal family problems into our work environment, which is hard because we all care a lot for each other.

RVL: Where do you see Tarascos going from here?

MZ: We have plans to make the business grow bigger and possible plans to eventually make a chain of Tarascos restaurants. That would also give the opportunity to give employment to needy people.

RVL: Will it always be a family-run business?

MZ: Yes, we believe that it is best that we work together as a family because it brings benefits and we hope that in the future maybe every one of our six grandchildren will be able to own their own Tarascos. We’ll see how that works out!

FASHION, continued from page 8 Put your best face forward And what about your most important accessory ... great-looking skin?

Anthes has tips to protect that asset as well.

“Fall and winter mean a change in the temperature, so women need to remember to make a change in their moisturizing routine,” Anthes said. “Winter can dry out skin, so it is important to moisturize each night after you take your makeup off.”

Many of the new beauty lines carry what are called BB creams that offer hydration, sunscreen and vitamins and can be worn under

foundation or instead of it. Clinique and Estee Lauder both carry tinted BB creams that are meant to be worn as foundation.

Anthes said if you like the products you currently wear, just add sunscreen or moisturizer with sunscreen under foundation to protect skin.

A change in season also means a change for many in their color choices for eyes, cheeks and lips.

“Red lips are a big trend this fall and winter,” Anthes said. “No matter what the outfit, red lips are always the perfect accent.”

BERNER, continued from page 17 The music college was only accepting students who were music majors, though, so Dean couldn’t just attend classes.

Guitar didn’t count as an instrument in the music program, so Gary Morris at Tech suggested Dean audition for choir. He gave it a shot, and that shot turned into just the opportunity he needed.

He stayed at Tech, joined Edens Edge at Steve Smith’s suggestion,

and the rest, as they say, is history.

“He has a real gift for music,” Smith said. “When we recorded our first CD, there was one note Dean could hear that was missing.

We played it back and I couldn’t hear it. On the recording, Dean sings that one note. He really does have a gift to hear the music being played.” •

RACE

BLAYLOCK, continued from page 17 Hannah said that no matter how famous the band gets or where the music takes them, Russellville, Nimrod and the entire Arkansas River Valley will always be home.

“There are a million people to thank,” she said. “My family for never doubting my ability to make my dreams come true and for using any and all of their resources to help me. My music teachers all through school who nurtured and improved my talent. My bandmates for choosing to take this crazy ride with

me every single day. Every single person in Nashville who has believed in us and our music enough to lay their reputation, investments and hearts on the line, and the amazing country artists that have taken us out on the road and mentored and encouraged us.

“Most of all ... the fans. They knew nothing about us before they heard a song on the radio, in a restaurant, their friend’s car or on the street, and they took the time to find out who we were and they supported us.” •

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JONATHAN KELLEY, continued from page 27 I took an American government class, and absolutely loved it. I decided to switch my major to political science at that point, and law school was a natural progression.

RVL: What’s it like working with your mother?

JK: I love working with my mom. She’s a great person to learn from. When you graduate from law school, you know all about the basic legal concepts, but you know nearly nothing about how the legal system actually works in real life. I have learned a great deal of real-world “lawyering skills” from my mom.

RVL: What are some challenges of working with one another?

JK: I think that the greatest challenge is simply coordinating our schedules. We are both involved in so many things outside of the Russellville office that it can be difficult sometimes to make sure that we have at least one attorney in the office. The people we are lucky enough to work with definitely help to keep us on track.

RVL: What are some advantages of working with one another?

JK: First, I am able to learn so much from my mom’s experiences. If I have a case or an issue that I get stumped on, all

I have to do is walk over to Mom’s office and ask her what she thinks. Another advantage is that we can help one another when it comes to certain court dates, or appointments.

We both have quite a bit of projects that take place outside of the Russellville office, and we are often able to cover for one another if we get double-booked or something. Finally, this job can be quite stressful because attorneys are not often employed by happy people. Usually an attorney is hired when somebody has a problem that needs to be fixed, and it can be overwhelming to take on another person’s problem. I think that it’s good to have your family around to remind you that you have a life outside of work.

RVL: If I wasn’t practicing law ...

JK: … I would like to be working for a nonprofit organization or for one of our representatives in Congress. I’m fascinated by the legislative process and the positive impact that nonprofit organizations like the River Valley Shelter for Battered Women and Children, or the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, have on Arkansas families.

ROY BETH KELLEY, continued from page 27 RVL: What’s it like to work with your son?

RBK: It is a blessing to be able to work with Jonathan. I am enjoying seeing him grow as a young professional and seeing him helping those with legal problems.

RVL: What are some challenges of working with one another?

RBK: The only difficulty is wanting to take over or interfere, and just letting Jonathan be his own person. Also, I want to clean up his messy office!

RVL: What are some advantages of working with one another?

RBK: Being able to share work that I don’t have time to do is a huge advantage. It is also nice to be able to discuss cases to determine the best strategy and to share information on new developments in the law.

RVL: If I wasn’t practicing law ...

RBK: … I would be a full-time preacher.

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