RVL June 2013

SUMMER ISSUE JUNE 2013

woman of steel CHAMBER CHAIRWOMAN TRISH HENRY IS STRONG ON SMALL BUSINESS | PAGE 6

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GET ON YOUR KITCHEN REMODEL.

The Arvest Summer Loan Sale Now’s the perfect time to get a loan for whatever you’re wanting.

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behind the lines B

are feet, backyard sprinklers, fishing and catching lightning bugs in a jar feature into some of my most treasured early childhood memories. Of course, I can’t leave out mama’s cooking and my father’s famous backyard fish frys. What made the fish frys so special is that almost everyone played a role in getting the meal to the table. My father had a small cabin on Lake Conway, and with every spring and early summer came the time to bait and run the trotlines. Whoever was available — young, old, child, grandchild, neighbor, co-worker or sibling — was subject to be recruited to help.

This was serious business; if you were going to eat, you had to help catch the fish. The largest I recall was a 68-pound flathead that won my father statewide recognition, appearing on the sports pages of the Arkansas Gazette. That one, too, was on someone’s plate at one of his famous summer backyard cookouts.

I recently made a trip to Camp Lejeune, N.C., to visit Wyatt, my three-year-old grandson. Eager to share a few of these simple memories and to teach the art of “bug catching,” I found a really neat National Geographic Explorer kit that included a net and a clip-on belt canister. It was quite a bit fancier than my childhood’s

pickle jar with holes punched in the top, but it worked just as well.

This time, we weren’t catching backyard lightning bugs in Arkansas, but we did find some pretty neat things on the beach.

To end the day, my son wanted to have a family fish fry, during which I’d share his grandpa’s secret recipe. The store-bought catfish didn’t quite have the flavor of my father’s, but it was close, and at the end of the day my son and some of his fellow Marines had the “secret recipe” they, too, can share and pass along.

I hope you and your family make memories as precious as these this summer, and in between get the chance to thoroughly enjoy our June issue, spotlighting people and organizations that are committed to helping move our community in a positive direction.

As always, we at RVL Magazine would love to hear from you.

Send suggestions, comments or questions to our staff by emailing michelle@couriernews.com.

In the meantime, happy reading!

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Woman of steel .............................

Ask

6

Trish Henry talks small business — and the steel business!

Get active! ...................................... 10 Local retailers offer outdoor apparel to suit any need.

Backyard oasis ............................. 14

to meet our talented new jewelry designer.

Outdoor spaces are catching fire, and in our own backyard.

Up to par .............................................. 22 Local sisters are making a name for themselves on the links.

Family tradition ........................... 26 Bob Feltner’s family is carrying on his legacy, in more ways than one.

Just dandy ......................................... 28 Julie Meimerstorf ’s boutique is all about the bling.

In a league of their own ........... 30 Area high-school softball players sit down for a Q&A.

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

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We made this with stuff that was just laying around ...

Summertime favorites ................ 34 A little something savory — and a little something sweet.

Photo finish ....................................... 36 Photos from the Symphony Guild Brunch and Business After Hours.

Publisher David Meadows

Advertising Director Michelle Harris

Photography Joshua Mashon

Editor Mike Roark

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

Production Adam Franks

Circulation Mike Geiss Composing Gracie Camp

Imagine what your “stuff” can make.

Published quarterly by The Courier, Russellville, Ark.

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profile

By Heather Sprinkle Photos by Joshua Mashon

woman of steel Trish Henry, chairwoman of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce and president of Russellville Steel Company, reviews design drawing sections for a current client with project manager Jason Kendrick.

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TRISH HENRY IS PULLING DOUBLE DUTY AS PRESIDENT OF RUSSELLVILLE STEEL, CHAIRWOMAN OF CHAMBER

rish Henry, the newest chairwoman for the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, knows what it takes to succeed in business and understands why a thriving small-business community is crucial to the growth of the Arkansas River Valley.

She moved to Russellville to work as in-house counsel for Russellville Steel Company Inc. after graduating from law school at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock.

Almost 20 years later, she is the company’s president.

“I was the first in-house counsel to be hired at the company, and one thing led to another, and I transitioned to general manger, then to vice-president and then to president,” Henry said of her many

years with Russellville Steel. “I really love my job and the people I work with. The steel business, or really any type of construction business, can be a rough, busy and challenging job, and there aren’t typically as many females in management positions in the field. I’ve found that, regardless of gender, it’s either a job you’re well suited for, or the type of job you run from quickly.”

Starting out, Henry said she wanted to rely on more than just her legal training — she also wanted to learn as much as possible about every facet of the business. Now, she finds herself noticing when buildings are going up and even wondering about the roof lines and functionality of building sites.

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ON THE COVER Henry gets her hands dirty on the production floor of Russellville Steel.

“It’s a very rewarding job and business,” she said. “If you enjoy it, there is a lot of opportunity. At Russellville Steel, we really are a family business and try to promote from within.

I’m a good example of that.”

Henry said she respects everyone who works for the company — from the metal fabricators to the retailers to all of the project managers.

“Every facet of our business is intertwined,” she explained.

“Our success depends on the success of each one of those individual components.”

That philosophy is one that carries over into Henry’s personal life, where she said her family is strongest when each member is thriving and able to be him- or herself.

Growing up in a small town of about 5,000 in south Arkansas led Henry to appreciate hard work, the value of education and the many natural resources Arkansas has to offer.

Her experience at Russellville Steel also taught Henry the importance of maintaining small businesses in the Arkansas River Valley, she said.

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As chairwoman of the chamber, Henry’s goal is to cultivate a business-friendly atmosphere that enables local small businesses not only to succeed, but to thrive — and attract future businesses.

“Small business in this economy has taken such a beating,” Henry said. “We (at the chamber) want to embrace small business. That really is the heart and soul of the chamber.”

She said the Arkansas River Valley is a place she and her family are glad to call home.

“It’s an honor to be the chairman of the chamber,” Henry said. “But it’s even more of an honor to raise my family in the River Valley, surrounded by such great people and opportunities.”

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Get Active FROM FOOTWEAR TO ACCESSORIES, LOCAL BUSINESSES STAY ON TOP OF THE LATEST IN OUTDOOR APPAREL

hether your summer plans involve swimming, hiking, boating, kayaking or just hanging out, the newest trends in active wear have something to offer everyone.

Cara and Richard Payne, owners of Feltner’s Athletes Corner on West Main Street in Russellville, said neon hues in active-wear apparel and footwear are among the hottest trends in 2013.

“We’re seeing bright colors in shorts, tees and tanks this year,” Cara Payne said. “Summer sandals and athletic shoes are all available in an assortment of colors and styles.”

When planning for a day at the pool or lake, throw a lightweight summer dress over a swimsuit and you have an outfit that can be worn anywhere, she said.

Feltner’s also carries a wide variety of shoes, all of them perfect for summer fun.

“Chaco has new lighter-sole options, while still having the original soles available also,” Cara Payne said. “Keens have several new styles for men, women and children. Vibram Five Fingers are perfect for everything from fun in the river to a barefoot run.”

And what summer outing or outfit would be complete without accessories?

For eye protection, Oakley and Ray-Bans remain popular. Kavu bags in all shapes and styles are a big seller and add pizazz to any outfit while adding functionality, too.

What’s the hottest accessory item this year?

w

LEFT: Kindra Savage models the Angie hoodie swimsuit cover-up and the McKenna sport short by prAna over a prAna two-piece swimsuit. The ensemble is paired with Chaco sandals.

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LEFT: Vibram Five Fingers are perfect for everything from fun in the river to a “barefoot run,” Cara Payne of Feltner’s Athletes Corner told RVL Magazine.

“Hammocks and all sorts of hammock accessories like colored twinkling lights to hang around your campsite and speakers to play your music on are big sellers this summer season,” Cara Payne said. “We’ve already had to order more hammocks to keep up with the demand.”

And as a must-have for runners she suggested Body Glove to prevent chafing on summer runs.

By Heather Sprinkle Photos by Joshua Mashon

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RIGHT: The “Julie” by Orthaheel offers a coral color splash.

ABOVE: A foot model wears a pair of Merrell’s “Parva” in squash. At right, Orthaheel’s “Maui” is on display.

SUPPORT YOUR FEET lip-flops in every size and color around town, at the pool and even at work are a common sight during the summer months in the Arkansas River Valley.

While flip-flops are fun, comfortable and boast a style to match every outfit, are they foot-friendly?

Pam Cook, owner of Pam’s Shoes on East Main Street, said any shoe needs to offer support and comfort.

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until there is a problem,” she said. “You can find shoes that are stylish and also offer heel and arch support. Shoes should be comfortable and offer support.”

Cook and her husband, Rick, are both board-certified pedorthists.

Pam’s Shoes carries brands such as SAS, Merrell, Cushe, Chaco, Birkenstock and Orthaheel, all of which offer sandals or flip-flops that give necessary support to aid in the maintenance of healthy feet.

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LEFT: Pam’s Shoes stocks Chacos in a range of colors, including turquoise.

Above, a Cushe flip-flop.

cute styles for women, Cook said.

“Dr. Oz featured the brand on his show, and since then, we’ve had many customers come in specifically for that brand,” she said. “All of the brands we carry offer support, comfort and style.”

Cook said Chaco is a great all-weather shoe and remains popular with all age groups, especially athletic types and young adults. Merrell and Birkenstock also remain popular, she added.

A common foot ailment is plantar fasciitis, which involves

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pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, that connects the heel bone to the toes, Cook said.

“I call it the rubber band in the foot,” she said with a smile. “That really is what it is in simple terms and there are numerous reasons one can be affected with plantar fasciitis.

Wearing shoes with inadequate support is a contributor.”

Bottom line, Cook said: Have fun this summer, enjoy the weather and show off those polished toenails in comfortable, stylish and supportive shoes.

“Your feet will thank you for it,” she said.

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lifestyles OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES TAKE OFF, AND LOCALS LOVE IT

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By Heather Sprinkle Photos by Joshua Mashon

Georganne Rollans serves up a tray of drinks poolside at her Russellville home.

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ABOVE: Avery Peel, the granddaughter of Georganne and David Rollans, relaxes poolside.

At right, grandsons Chase Reel (right) and Ryan Peel get active.

S

ipping on sweet iced tea or lemonade while relaxing in the porch swing or sunbathing by the pool are longstanding Southern traditions, as are spring and summer outdoor tea parties and ice cream socials.

Russellville residents Georganne and David Rollans wanted to create just the type of cozy outdoor space that could play host to such gatherings when they remodeled their backyard in 2000. So they did. ... CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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Joel Vaughn’s pool area is an extension of his home, complete with a television, fireplace, kitchen and more.

“I love that our deck, pool and fire pit spaces truly are like an additional living space,” Georganne Rollans said. “We have family and friends gather outside year-’round. I can’t imagine not having this amazing space.”

The outdoor area was built in stages. The pool came first, then the existing deck was given a makeover that included the addition of a roof with ceiling fans. In 2012, the couple created the space affectionately dubbed “the marshmallow pit” by grandchildren and “the kumbaya area” by Georganne.

She said the addition of the fire pit and seating area was actually conceived to combat an area of the yard that was grass-resistant.

“It’s become such a fabulous little nook for us,” she said. “The grandkids love to roast marshmallows out there, and it’s the perfect little spot to read or meditate. We built it with church groups in mind and can’t wait for the church youth to enjoy it.”

She added that while the pool is enjoyed by family and friends, it’s really the grandkids who use it the most. The

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Rollanses’ pool is also open to guests and neighbors during the summer.

“We really want others to use the pool also,” Georganne Rollans said. “I have friends who bring their kids by and I’m always inviting new friends to use the pool whenever possible.”

The size of the pool compliments the backyard, and the landscaping of the entire house was incorporated into the pool area in the rock waterfall and raised flowerbed. Even the couple’s two dogs, Big and Beau, enjoy dipping their feet in the shallow end and can often be found sitting near or on the entry steps on a hot day, especially if the pool is occupied by younger guests.

Another outdoor space the Rollanses enjoy is the gated garden adjacent to the pool area.

“The garden is the perfect addition to our outdoor living space,” Georganne Rollans said. “It’s the perfect size for a retired couple that loves fresh vegetables, and I love serving the fruits of David’s hard work at gatherings.”

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LEFT: Betsy Vaughn’s covered pavilion and fire pit is a popular destination for her family in the fall and winter months.

OUTDOOR INDULGENCE Jeremy Lawson, co-owner of Luxury Pool and Spa in Russellville and Conway, said the key to creating a livable outdoor space that can be enjoyed year-’round is making use of existing space and landscaping and taking heating and cooling into consideration.

“If a space offers no shade or cooling element, or no way to heat the area, chances are the family won’t utilize it as much,” Lawson explained. “And then, really, what’s the point? There are different types of screen systems made for outdoors to keep the area cooler that actually filter UV rays, and then adding ceiling fans can make a big difference. In the pools, many are choosing to go with salt-water pools that are alternatives to the traditional chlorine systems.”

Salt actually produces chlorine, which will keep water clear, but not necessarily balanced. Lawson said the salt does away with the need to add a chlorine tablet, but pH levels still need to be tested and maintained.

A new trend he attributed to popular home shows on the DIY and HGTV networks is the addition of outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas that include televisions, creating more elaborate outdoor spaces.

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“People really are using their outdoor spaces as an extension of their homes,” he said. “That means they want all the creature comforts of home, only outdoors. In the past, just a nice deck and pool and maybe a pool house was all someone wanted in an outdoor space. Now, people are beginning to push the limits of traditional outdoor spaces.”

Russellville homeowners Joel and Betsy Vaughn did just that three years ago when their outdoor living center was created.

“It’s an extension of the house,” Joel Vaughn said of the amazing space. “We use it for entertaining with friends and family and it’s a space we designed to be used year-’round.

It’s basically an outdoor living room complete with television, a fireplace (and) a covered outdoor kitchen with fullsize appliances, granite countertops and a gas grill. There is a lagoon-shaped pool and patio area that includes a bathroom and outdoor shower. The covered pavilion with fire pit is a great place to entertain in the fall and winter.”

Vaughn said that raising three children historically meant ensuring there was enough space inside the house for the family; the focus wasn’t on the outdoor living space, although they did have a pool.

“Now that all three kids are grown, we could build a home and outdoor space for 815 North Arkansas entertaining and hopefully a Russellville, AR space that will keep our kids 479-968-4322 coming back to visit often,” M-F 9-6 • Sat 9-4 Joel Vaughn said. “Soon, our grandchildren will be old enough to enjoy the space.”

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LEFT: Niki Possage (left) excelled on the links for Arkansas Tech University. Her sister, Miranda Possage, a high-school student, is following in Niki’s footsteps.

By Travis Simpson Photos by Joshua Mashon

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RVL Magazine

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athletics

up to par

DARDANELLE SISTERS MAKING A NAME FOR THEMSELVES ON THE LINKS

P

icture this — two siblings, gazing down the green, each formulating the best strategy to reach the hole in fewer strokes than the other. The sisters’ life-long competition drove them to succeed. It prepared each to make a name for herself during her time playing golf for the Dardanelle High School Sand Lizards, and it gave her the skills needed to play golf at the college level.

There’s only one problem. It never happened. At least, it didn’t happen to Niki and Miranda Possage.

“We never really played together. (Miranda) didn’t start until she was a freshman,” Niki said. “By that point, I was a senior in high school. Now that I’ve been in college, we’ve gotten to play together quite a bit during the summer.”

Miranda, who recently signed a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II letter of intent to play golf at Arkansas Tech University, won the Class 4A district medal two years in a row, and earned All-Conference honors her junior and senior years and All-State honors her senior year. ... CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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RVL Magazine

Niki, who recently graduated from Arkansas Tech, also earned numerous awards throughout her high-school and college careers.

“We went to regionals for the first time as a team,” Niki said of her high-school days. “I also earned All-State my senior year and All-Conference all four years. In college, I earned the GAC (Great American Conference) All-Academic team three years and second team All-Conference.

I also earned All-GAC last year.”

With such storied careers, you might imagine that the sisters sharpened each other — that throughout their childhood there were competitions to decide who was the better golfer. But the truth is, they almost never played the sport.

“I just didn’t like it when I was little,” Miranda said.

“I don’t even know what changed my mind, really. I just started playing before my freshman year and I really liked it.”

“I was the same way,” Niki said. “I started as a freshman in high school. It was a game I played in high school, but I fell in love with it in college. I’d play every day if I could.”

The girls may not have grown up playing each other, but it’s safe to assume they’ll get to know each other

very well on the golf course during the next few years. Niki will be returning to Tech as a graduate assistant, working with Tech’s head women’s golf coach, Amy White.

“I will definitely be harder on her than anyone else,” Niki said. “There’s no doubt about that.”

“That’ll be interesting,” Miranda added.

“I don’t expect anything less from her.”

Niki currently holds the edge when the two do compete against one another, but that may not be the case for much longer.

Miranda is a tough competitor, and she proved it when she tore her patellar tendon in a basketball game one week before the Class 4A district golf tournament.

Possage not only played — on one leg — but won the 4A-4 District Medal for her efforts.

“Right now I’m better,” Niki said. “But she’ll blow me out of the water. She’s definitely way ahead of me when I was her age.”

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25

EASY AS I-2-3: Miranda Possage sinks a putt.

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feature

family tradition BOB FELTNER’S FAMILY CARRIES ON HIS PASSION FOR FEEDING THE MASSES — AND FOR FISHING

Missy and Randy Ellis keep old traditions alive at Whatta-Burger, maybe more so than most diners realize.

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By Howard West Photos by Joshua Mashon

R

obert Feltner had a vision of what a burger restaurant was supposed to be. His insight into how to establish and run a family business — one that’s been around since Thanksgiving Day 1967 — is the stuff from which legends are made.

There was more to Bob than making great sandwiches, though. Just walk into his restaurant, Whatta-Burger, and it’s easy to see he was a family man and an avid fisherman as well.

“I remember that the restaurant has always been a family affair,” Missy Ellis, Bob’s daughter, said.

She recalled her dad paging her on the intercom to come and cover the counter when she was still dating her husband, Randy Ellis. She and Randy have been together since she was 16, he 18.

“Randy would wait for me, and after I was done with work we would go on our date,” she said.

The joy of fishing is another part of the Feltner legacy. The extensive collection of fishing lures Bob collected is believed to be one of the largest in Arkansas, Missy said.

Folks who visit the Whatta-Burger restaurant on North Arkansas Avenue in Russellville can see a part of the family’s collection of lures and an extensive collection of other fishing memorabilia: antique bobbers, old-time reels and cork-handled rods.

Part of a huge collection of fishing memorabilia lines the walls at Whatta-Burger.

The majority of the family’s fishing lure collection, though, is on display at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission headquarters in Little Rock.

“He never threw away a lure,” Missy said.

“My dad was a lifetime member of the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club (NFLCC).”

Missy told Game and Fish officials they could keep the lures as long as they wanted.

“They are on loan until whenever,” she said.

The fishing hobby is as much a family affair as running the restaurant is, Missy said. Her dad raised a family of fishermen and -women.

“My mom always had us kids at church on Sunday,” Missy recalled. “Dad used to knock on the window of my Sunday school class and motion to me like he was fishing.

“Dad said, ‘You can learn just as much about God while fishing on the creek bank.’

He and I loved the outdoors and the people we met there.”

Dr. Stephanie Roth

Randy started working at the restaurant just after he and Missy began dating.

“Bob was more like a father than a father-inlaw,” Randy said. “Those were the best years of my life.”

The burger-making and fishing heritage is shared not only by Missy and Randy, but also the rest of the family.

Randy takes Missy and the grandkids fishing for crappie at Shoal Bay on Lake Dardanelle throughout the month of April each year.

Their granddaughter, Chloe Ellis, 12, caught the biggest one so far this year.

Meanwhile, back at the restaurant, Bob’s iconic gray hat, which hangs on the wall, is a familiar sight to diners. There is also a picture of him holding his “catch of the day” while wearing that hat. And it’s all by design.

“I love to see people smile,” Missy said. “Especially in the summertime. And yes, we do have a fish sandwich on the menu.”

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business

RVL Magazine

Julie Meimerstorf (right) opened ‘bling boutique’ The Dandy Lion in 2012.

just dandy

By Heather Sprinkle • Photos by Joshua Mashon

‘BLING IS KING’ AT THE DANDY LION, A BOUTIQUE IN RUSSELLVILLE THAT SPECIALIZES IN CUSTOMIZATION

RVL Magazine

b

ling is king! That’s the motto at The Dandy Lion Store, a unique gift boutique located at 2501 W. Main St. in Russellville.

Owner Julie Meimerstorf opened the store on March 1, 2012, after operating a home business for almost nine years.

“I built the business up as a home business and traveled as a vendor sometimes,” Meimerstorf said. “I loved that I had an outlet for my creativity ... that allowed me to stay home with my daughter, Jenna, and son, Landon, and make money.”

The home-business model couldn’t last forever, though. “My husband, Todd, and I realized in 2011 that I had outgrown my space at home, and we both knew it was time to take the plunge and set up a storefront,” Meimerstorf explained.

The Dandy Lion offers customizable shirts, cups, water bottles, garment bags, burp cloths, jewelry and even wooden signs at affordable prices.

Meimerstorf said she always loved unique and customized pieces growing up.

“I’ve been interested in personalized things all my life,”

29

she said with a smile. “I loved writing my initials on things — and stickers. Vinyl really is just a customized sticker that you can put anywhere.”

She said her store carries “girly” items for customers young and young at heart. T-shirts and signs are two of her best sellers. The wooden signs are cut by Todd, then hand-painted before the vinyl words are added.

“The store offers ‘bling’ shirts, rhinestone shirts and even large-order screen prints,” Meimerstorf said. “I love when grandmothers come in asking for custom rhinestone shirts for their grandchildren’s sports teams or parents make bling-y ‘No. 1 Grandma’ shirts and stuff. I recently was licensed to use the Arkansas Tech logo, so now I can also offer unique and customized Tech items.”

The store carries Razorback jewelry, and Meimerstorf also offers jewelry she personally customizes for area schools.

“If I don’t have it, it’s because I haven’t been asked yet, and I can probably do it,” she said. “I just want everyone to feel like they are unique and I think that’s what the store offers — a unique experience, with personalized items to fit every personality.”

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interview

In a league of their own AREA HIGH-SCHOOL SOFTBALL PLAYERS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

R

VL sat down with six high-school softball players from the Arkansas River Valley to ask them about life, softball and their greatest influences. They are junior Dianna Hale (DH), who plays center field for the Russellville Lady Cyclones; junior Raley Richey (RR), the catcher for the Dardanelle Lady Sand Lizards; senior Baylee Austin (BA), who plays third base for the Dover Lady Pirates; junior Kasey Rook (KR), left-fielder for the Hector Lady Wildcats; junior Emily Ward (EW), shortstop for the Atkins Lady Red Devils; and the Pottsville Lady Apaches’ catcher, senior Laken Gray (LG).

RVL: What is one thing you love about playing for your team?

DH: The friendships that you create. As coach says, we are a “band of sisters.”

RR: One thing I love is that we might get mad at each other one day, but we have learned that once we get out on that field we are family and we have each other’s backs.

Russellville High School’s Dianna Hale

BA: My team this year was an amazing group of girls that would take on any situation and come out of it smiling and having a good time no matter what the outcome. I was glad to watch them grow in their abilities as well as friendships and bond with each other as a team.

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BELOW: Baylee Austin of Dover KR: We had a lot of fun together and we are a family.

EW: I am so proud to be a member of the Atkins Red Devil softball team. Our team is bonded together with Red Devil pride and that pride makes us play with the intensity to give it our all. If one of us gets down on ourselves, my team will pick them right back up with support and humor.

LG: We are all a really close-knit group of girls and I love each and every one of them.

RVL: What is your favorite memory from playing softball?

DH: There are way too many to even count, but I love our team sleepovers and camping trips. Also, making it to the state finals two years in a row and winning this year will be something that I never forget.

ABOVE: Raley Richey of Dardanelle

... CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

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Emily Ward of Atkins

Kasey Rook of Hector

Laken Gray of Pottsville

RR: On the bus while we were heading to the hotel in Fayetteville, we asked our coach to hear our joke ... with a crazy, scared look on his face he said, “OK.” So we say, “Knock, knock,” and he says, “Who’s there?” and we say, “Interrupting cow,” and he says, “Interrupting cow, who?” and we yell, “Moo!” before he can finish his sentence.

nament this year — just seeing the girls come together. Seeing the realization in all of them that these girls are all more than just teammates, they are a softball family. We fight and bicker, but at the end of the day, we are the only ones we can count on when we step on that field.

BA: It is so hard to pick one memory from softball as my favorite, but if I have to choose one, I would say the Hope tour-

KR: I don’t really have a favorite memory. I’ve had a great year and I’m just thankful to be out there.

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33

‘you play like you practice.’

LAKEN GRAY, CATCHER FOR THE POTTSVILLE LADY APACHES EW: When we won the 2011 state championship in Fayetteville.

That has been the highlight of my school career.

our team since my freshman year. Your confidence in me has molded me into a better ball player.

LG: Mine is from last year in the state semifinals against Mena.

We were down by two and I told Jessie Van Es if she got on I would hit one out for her. Well, she did, and I hit one out and we went on to win the game.

LG: Always getting me out of my own head and reminding me to just play ball, and also for helping me get recruited to Williams Baptist College.

RVL: I would like to thank my coach for...

DH: Doing everything in his power to equip us. He will come in extra to let us practice and is always trying to figure out what he can do to make us better. He puts so much into our team. It means a lot.

RR: Teaching me not only to compete with others, but also against myself. For making me realize that there is always room to improve and not letting me give up.

BA: I would like to thank my coach for supporting me this year and teaching me lessons I can use not only on the field but in everyday life.

KR: Never giving up on me, always having faith in me (and) teaching me more about softball and as well as life lessons.

EW: For believing in me! Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to be the starting shortstop and lead-off hitter for

RVL: What is your life philosophy?

DH: Love God, love people.

RR: Go big or go home. Compete. Live life like there is no tomorrow. You will only receive as much as your effort shows.

BA: My life philosophy is that no task is too hard. With the right work ethic and education you can do absolutely anything you set your abilities and mind toward. No dream is too big, and nothing should get in the way of your happiness.

KR: To strive for excellence in school and on the field, but most of all to show Christ while doing that.

EW: “I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win.” This Michael Jordan quote explains my way of thinking completely.

LG: You play like you practice.

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SUMMERTIME

favorites SERVE SOMETHING LIGHT, THEN SOMETHING SWEET THIS SUMMER

2. BRANDY ALEXANDER PIE

1. CHICKEN SALAD

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1. CHICKEN SALAD

2. BRANDY ALEXANDER PIE

You will need: • 1 cooked rotisserie chicken • 1 3/4 c. cooked green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 3/4 c. cooked corn kernels (about 3 ears) • 1 chopped red bell pepper • 1/2 c. chopped fresh basil • 1/4 c. pine nuts, toasted • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1/3 c. extra virgin olive oil • 1/4 c. red or white wine vinegar • 1 tsp. salt • 1/2 tsp. black pepper Directions: Remove skin from chicken; discard. Remove meat from bones and chop. You should have about 4 cups of meat.

Toss chicken, beans, corn, bell pepper, basil and pine nuts in a large bowl.

Whisk garlic, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a bowl; pour over salad, tossing gently. Serves 8.

— Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough for Relish

You will need: • 1 1/3 c. graham cracker crumbs • 2 tbsp. sugar • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted • 3 eggs, separated • 2/3 c. sugar, divided • 1/2 c. cold water

• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin • 1/3 c. creme de cacao • 3 tbsp. cognac • 1 c. heavy cream, whipped • Chocolate curls for garnish (optional)

Directions: To prepare crust, preheat oven to 375. Combine all crust ingredients in a 9-inch pie plate. Press evenly on bottom and sides of pan. Bake 8 minutes or until edge is lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

To prepare filling, whisk egg yolks and 1/3 cup sugar until thick. Pour water in a heavy saucepan; sprinkle gelatin over top. Add yolk mixture. Cook over low heat 10 minutes, or until mixture is slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in creme de cocoa and brandy and pour into a large bowl. Let cool 10 minutes, whisking occasionally.

Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually beat in remaining sugar until stiff but not dry. Fold egg whites and whipped cream into custard and turn into crust.

Refrigerate 6 hours to overnight. If desired, decorate pie with chocolate curls. Serves 8.

— Jean Kressy for Relish

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symphony

GUILD BRUNCH t

he Russellville Symphony Guild hosted its annual membership brunch May 15 at the home of Doris Lawrence in Russellville.

The guild sponsors an annual performance of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in the Arkansas River Valley, among other endeavors.

photos by joshua mashon

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business AFTER HOURS t

he may 2013 edition of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours took place at the Hughes Center.

Area restaurants Stoby’s and Quiznos provided food.

Business After Hours takes place the second Thursday of each month from 5-6:30 p.m. at various member locations. Event hosts are encouraged to address participants about their company and exhibit their products and services, in addition to enjoying food, door prizes and conversation.

photos by judy manning and meagan wilson

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