Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
RVL Magazine
RVL Magazine
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
4 Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
A
Letter
RVL Magazine
from the editor
s another summer winds to a close, we at RVL Magazine are excited about the coming autumn’s worth of River Valley Living. With the kids back in school and high school football readying for another season of kickoffs and completions, temperatures are mellowing even as what promises to be an exciting election season is heating up. The stories and features in this quarter’s edition are a part of that backdrop, with information about the best of fall fashion — its accessories! — and a cost-effective alternative to outfitting the little ones in your home without sacrificing style. We also take a look at the rebuilding effort at Hopewell Baptist Church, destroyed in an apparent arson earlier this year. The story of the tiny congregation, along with one little girl’s efforts to help give it a home, is truly heartwarming, and we’re excited that one day soon, we hope, we’ll be able to cheer as the Hopewell church rises from the ashes. Another inspiring story in this edition is that of Rich Minick, a U.S. Navy-trained watchmaker who is keeping an old craft alive — or, as he says, bringing “the magic” back — in the Arkansas River Valley. Of course, it wouldn’t be fall without football, so we’ve also included a few tailgateready recipes courtesy of Plantation Catering of Dardanelle, including a prescription for hot wings so good you’ll wish for a postseason just to have an excuse to make more. And if all that fall food leaves you feeling heavy, be sure to look to page 28, where we feature a local running group and talk more about the tools of the trade. We think this issue is packed with information you’ll enjoy reading as you take on a fall attitude, and we are excited to present it to you. Our next issue of RVL Magazine doesn’t arrive until November, but between now and then, be sure to check in with the RVL — River Valley Living — section in each Sunday edition of The Courier for tips and information on food, family, friends and more. And if you’d like to suggest a feature for RVL, be sure to let us know. After all, it wouldn’t be RVL without the Arkansas River Valley, and it wouldn’t be the Arkansas River Valley without you.
y
On the cover Casen Madjerich, 7, and his sister, Kaizley, 10 months, the son and daughter of Nicole and Tony Madjerich, model fashions available at kids’ consignment retailer The Mulberry Bush. For more about the Madjerichs and the store, see page 12.
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RVL Magazine
contents Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
5
Metal and more
The look in jewelry for fall is all about metals — rubbed, brushed, galvanized and more. A local shop provides the tour.
12
The look for less
The kids are back in school, but if their fall wardrobes still need some fluffing, consider an alternative that will keep both them and your pocketbook happy.
18
From the ashes
Hopewell Baptist Church — destroyed in an alleged arson earlier this year — is rising from the ashes with the help of a young girl.
22
A man out of time
Rich Minick is a man out of his time, a watchmaker in an age when such artisans are hard to find. And he’s right here in our own backyard.
24
Tailgate tonight
Fire up the grill; pack up the cooler. It’s time to tailgate!
28
The runaways
One local group is giving new meaning to the idea of fitness, offering training for a half-marathon as Richard Payne, owner of Feltner’s Athletes Corner, offers tips of a related sort.
30
Photo finish
The American Red Cross continues its fundraising with a Relay for Life party — That ’70s Relay Party, to be exact.
Published quarterly by The Courier, Russellville, Ark. Publisher David Meadows Editor Mary Kincy Production Manager Adam Franks Business Manager Kelly Davis Circulation Mike Geiss Insertion Steve Douthit Advertising Director Michelle Harris Sales Beth Higgins Jim Kelley Lauren Lampkin Judy Manning Marie Norris Christine Wojtkowski Advertising Designer Gracie Camp Photo Editor Joshua Mashon Cover Design Joshua Mashon & staff Contributors Cara Bailey Brent Hogan Cindi Nobles Whitney Snipes
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
RVL Magazine
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
RVL Magazine
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Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
RVL Magazine
About the model: Shelby Statler, 18, is an Arkansas Tech University student who works part-time at the City Mall in Russellville.
The look is strong
yet sweet tender
RVL Magazine
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
Metal
high fashion
& more L
ess is more, or so they say. But when it comes to fall fashion, accessories are king, and they aren’t exactly understated this season, with metal making a major statement in all its burnished, galvanized and brushed glory. Shelly Kitchens, owner and operator of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios — which also offers clothing, purses, accessories and more — at the City Mall in Russellville, recommended “reaccessorizing” old styles for a new look this season. And the substance of the process is forged in steel, pewter, copper, gold, bronze and more. “All the metals are big this year,” Kitchens summarized. But the best news? Whether studded or beaded, linked into chain or molded into rivets, the options are mostly cost-effective.
9
Story by Mary Kincy Photos by Joshua Mashon “Everything goes in cycles,” Kitchens said. “We are in a costume cycle.” For consumers, that means autumn’s accessories will be affordable — welcome news in a time of economic uncertainty.
“
See METAL on page 10
Pull out a sweater from last year and put a new necklace or bracelet or earring with it. Shelly S helly Kitchens
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RVL Magazine
Metallic elements in the form of studs and zippers add a hard edge to handbags. - METAL continued from page 9 Kitchens’ jewelry prices, for example, range from $10-$28 for pieces that offer a look that is both substantial and upscale. Kitchens comes naturally to the business of fashion, having worked in retail for most of her lifetime. She’s owned Merle Norman for 20 years, and has operated at City Mall for 14 of those. She knows, for example, that although a fashion-world color shift always occurs as seasons change, this year its impact will be less as those metallic elements take center stage. As far as color goes, however, “gray continues to be a huge trend,” Kitchens said, her statement evidenced by the wall of accessories behind her based in that hue. Other seasonal influences include flowers on everything
from purses to wallets to rings, and the side-slung purse, a smaller version of the handbag seen in recent years intended to be worn across the body. Scarves — worn both with coats and as an accessory over a shirt — remain popular, “beading and ethnic is a big look” and gold is still in, Kitchens said. For an easy, sophisticated look, she recommends a “statement” — read, large — ring or necklace. But the best news of all this fall? You can be trendy without trying too hard. “Pull out a sweater from last year and put a new necklace or bracelet or earring with it,” Kitchens said.
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 11
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“
Everything goes in cycles. We are in a costume cycle. Shelly Kitchens
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RVL Magazine
The look for less
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 13
RVL Magazine
back to school Think the start of classes means the beginning of the end for your pocketbook?
Think again. Kids consignments are giving ‘regular’ retailers a run for their money
L
Casen Madjerich, 7, and his sister, Kaizley Madjerich, 10 months, model fashions from kids consignment store The Mulberry Bush. Casen and Kaizley are the son and daughter of Nicole and Tony Madjerich.
BY CARA BAILEY
isa Barnes knows the challenges of dressing children and keeping costs low. They are, after all, what prompted Barnes, 42, of Russellville to open The Mulberry Bush. The Mulberry Bush is a Russellville consignment-style store that features only children’s clothing. All clothing in the store is a year or less old and free of defects or stains. Clothing items can be traded for cash or store credit. Barnes became a mother of twins in 2001 and learned after having her girls, London and Olivia, that working and raising two daughters was difficult with a full-time job. “So, I didn’t work until the girls were 9 months old,” Barnes said. “Then a friend talked about opening a shop (The Mulberry Bush) until our children were in kindergarten. We both had two kids and we shopped a lot.” At first, Barnes said she wasn’t into the idea of having a consignment store. Then, the former co-owner showed her some specialty children’s consignment stores in Little Rock and Fayetteville that featured high-end childrens clothing. Three weeks later, the store became a reality. After eight years, Barnes is still running the business. When Barnes isn’t working, she’s busy being a part of her girls’ lives, which includes keeping up with the latest children’s fashions. This year’s fall trends include flowers and bows for little girls, along with UGG-brand boots and leggings, Barnes said. Animal prints and the layered look is also popular. Many girls’ clothing also features a “bling” look, with metallic fabrics, glitter and sequins. Boys are still sporting a traditional look with preppy styles like Polo and brand-logo shirts and khaki shirts and pants, Barnes said. “A lot of stores have the Ed Hardy look,” Barnes said. Ed Hardy is a designer brand known for its modern, colorful graffiti graphics and tattoo-replicating designs. “Anything with the rocker look is popular right now,” Barnes added. “There’s also a lot of plaid and colors like kelly green out. There’s not as much neon as there was last year.” See look on page 14
1 Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
- look continued from page 13 Barnes said the “rocker look” is popular among boys and girls with guitars frequently featured on T-shirts. Black is also a popular color on T-shirts. The “skater look” is popu-
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RVL Magazine
lar with boys and is similar to the grunge look, featuring Vans shoes, plain jeans and tight shirts with skateboardrelated labels. Barnes said she’s willing to purchase any clothing that looks like new. “Parents don’t want their children’s clothing to look like they dress in garage-sale clothing,” Barnes said. Barnes demonstrated how she makes sure all clothing is suitable to be sold by flattening each item on a table to check for stains and making sure even the smallest details are like new. Barnes also checks to see if the snaps on clothing still have their paint. “I don’t buy anything that looks like you could have bought it four years ago,” she said. Barnes sells clothing with designer labels and from more expensive stores; however, she’ll sell some clothing outside those categories that’s more difficult to find in Russellville, she said. Barnes uses her Facebook page to market her store because, she said, she has many loyal customers who have become friends on Facebook and in real life. Barnes uses her Facebook status updates to remind customers about what’s for sale in the store, including posting photos of unique boutique items. “I’ll get new hair accessories in here, and we’ll sell most of our stock (after notifying others on Facebook),” Barnes said. Local clothing events like Amanda Shilling’s Cutie Pie Kids also offer parents a way to keep children dressed for less. The week-long event takes place two times a year for parents who want to make some cash and shop for clothes, Shilling said. The resale event also features clothing for juniors and expectant mothers, furniture, pageant wear, dance and gymnastic wear, kids and nursery bedding, strollers, car seats, cribs, toys, games, books, Halloween costumes and more. Shilling said the event began in 2002. She said it is a great way for her and other parents to get rid of clutter and restock closets as the seasons change. “Over 100 families consign with me,” Shilling said. “We’re a mom-and-pop consignment store. They (parents) bring in stuff to be tagged and labeled. They say how much they want to sell it for. We watch over their stuff and sell it for whatever they want, and they pay us ... 30 (percent) for that.” Cutie Pie Kids’ motto is to “reduce your clutter, reuse what someone else outgrew, recycle your things when you’re done with them and to resale,” Shilling said. Booths are also offered to those who sell homemade clothing and toys. “With the economy being so poor, people make hair bows, bottle-cap necklaces and more,” Shilling said. “We’re seeing more and more handmade items.” Shilling said her teenage daughter even shops consignment racks, especially at Cutie Pie Kids. “With the economy, businesses are not as busy as they once were, and we’re losing jobs left and right,” Shilling said. “Like almost everything of the past, we’re making more of an economic decision. We can’t continue to keep living beyond our means.” For more information about Cutie Pie Kids, visit www.cutiepiekidssale.com. The next event will be Sept. 1519 at the Valley Park Centre in Russellville. The Mulberry Bush is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 968-3477.
RVL Magazine
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 1
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Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
RVL Magazine
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Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 1
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18
ashes
from the
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
from the ashes
RVL Magazine
faith
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 19
RVL Magazine
An Atkins church, destroyed by fire, is rebuilding with the help of a community — and a young girl
M
any Bargains Galore on 64 vendors were out to make a profit, but Kiley Lea wanted to share hers. As the heat and humidity settled in the valley, Lea settled down for business, hoping to make a difference. With lemonade in hand, 7-yearold Lea offered refreshments for the nominal price of a $1 to quench the thirsts of shoppers looking for a good deal. Most lemonade purchasers didn’t realize the Pottsville secondgrader wasn’t out for herself. Lea donated $65 of the profits to the Hopewell Baptist Church in Atkins. During the two-day yard sale that stretched across the state from Fort Smith to Beebe, Lea sold the summertime beverage near Pottsville. The Atkins church burned after an alleged arsonist set it and another Atkins church, Union Grove Baptist, on fire in late May. Sustaining an estimated $100,000 worth of damage, Hopewell Baptist was destroyed to the point it had to be bulldozed and the building’s remains buried, said Sam Young, the church’s treasurer. All pews, hymnals, Bibles and more were destroyed, Young said, adding the church’s piano was retrieved by local firefighters. Young praised Lea and others like her who have acted in the weeks and months since the fire. “It is certainly a blessing to our church that so many people have come to our rescue with donations and volunteer labor,” he said. Young said the church has received $52,000 in cash donations and $22,000 in donated labor and equipment.
Story by Cara Bailey Photos by Joshua Mashon
Above: Hopewell Baptist Church before (top) and after (below) a fire that seriously damaged the sanctuary in May. At left, workers set plumbing lines in the foundation for a new facility, currently under construction. The church’s steeple was saved. “We’ve heard from people who said they were saved after seeing that steeple lit up at night, and it helped them keep going,” Young said. “One woman said she’d feel down and low, and it would give her a big lift throughout her day when she saw it driving to work.” Young also said the church also received donations from residents throughout the state and from Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama and as far west as Arizona. Young said it’s not the first time the
church was rebuilt because of a fire. In 1930, the original 1875 church, known as “Old Hopewell,” was destroyed. Through fund-raisers, the church was rebuilt in 1936 at its present location. The Leas meant for their donation to be anonymous until the word spread that a young girl spent two days in the worst heat of the summer to help the church, said Lea’s mother, Lisa. Both Lea and Lisa planned a lemonade stand before Bargains began. See ASHES on page 20
Kiley Lea, a second-grader at Pottsville Elementary School, donated the profits from a lemonade stand she operated to the rebuilding fund at Hopewell Baptist Church in Atkins. The church burned in May.
- ASHES continued from page 19 They didn’t know, however, what cause they’d donate the money to, Lea said. So, they prayed. “My mom and I (were) going to donate the money to Arkansas Children’s Hospital,” Lea said. “So we prayed about it one night before going to sleep.” Lisa said the next morning, she woke up with Hopewell Baptist Church’s name in her mind. Lea agreed and was ecstatic about the idea, Lisa said. “It felt good to help people,” Lea said. “I prayed for God to bless our lemonade stand.”
Lisa said their Atkins church was destroyed by a tornado a few years ago, so her family knew what it was like to rebuild a church from ground up. “She really lifted their (the church congregation’s) spirits,” Lisa said of her daughter. “She’s such a giving person. She’s always helping out others.” Lea got the idea for the stand while traveling with her father, who visits various communities with his work. “She made some friends in Dubuque, Iowa, a few years ago, and they had a lemonade stand to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” Lisa said. “No matter where we are, she’s found a way to help others.” When her baby brother cries or drops his bottle, Lea is there to help him, Lisa said, adding that when she needs a tissue, her daughter will get one for her without a request. “I’m very blessed with two good kids,” Lisa said. “I have the best, kindest kids, and I’m honored to be their mom. I’ve always taught them to pay it forward by helping people, even with simple things. I hope she’ll always help others.” Lea plans to do so, she said, adding she did give away some free lemonade and tea cake cookies to children. Lisa said Lea is always giving things to others — even toys to children who don’t have them. But she doesn’t ask for accolades. “I let a few people know about it (the cause),” Lea said. “Some were very generous. I just really wanted to do something (for others).”
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 21
RVL Magazine
You oughta be in print. For information about advertising in our holiday gift guide issue, publishing in November, contact our sales department at 968-5252.
22 Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
RVL Magazine
Story by Whitney Snipes Photos by Joshua Mashon
A man out of time Local watchmaker brings heirlooms back to life
H
orology is the art of studying or measuring time. Some might consider it a dying art, but for Rich Minick, the magic of horology is still very much alive. Minick has been keeping time for 30 years. He trained as a watchmaker in the U.S. Navy in 1980, then spent 14 years
working for NASA before going into business for himself in Florida in 1996. He sold his business in 2000 and moved to his native Ohio, where he not only worked as a watchmaker but also did voice work for television commercials. Now he is back in Russellville, where he graduated high school in 1976, work-
ing as an on-site watchmaker at Joshua’s Fine Jewelry on West Main Street. Anything that deals with the measurement of time is fair game for Minick, who has worked on everything from Rolexes and grandfather clocks to NASA and military calibration equipment. “If it takes time, I do it,” Minick said.
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 23
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profile
“
Rich Minick (left) is a man out of his time, a watchmaker in an age when the art is rapidly being lost to industrialization. At right, he manipulates the gears on a pocket watch using a precision tool.
If it takes time, I do it. Rich Minick
Minick said the best part of his job is the way people’s faces light up when they see a family heirloom restored and working. “They bring in their own sentimental stuff, and I can bring the magic back,” he said. In this day and age, people like Minick are hard to find. He is currently the only
watchmaker working in the Arkansas River Valley, and residents are glad to see him. Many of the pieces Minick works on are family heirlooms, which are often a century or more old, he said, and people are understandably reluctant to send such items off to be repaired. Now local residents have the opportu-
nity to take their timepieces to be repaired locally. Minick said he calls customers personally to speak with them about the repairs he is doing for them. Minick also has the skills and equipment to make his own watch parts. See TIME on page 27
24 Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
RVL Magazine
e t a g tail time
Plantation Catering offers up three gridiron-ready recipes
Did you know?
Buffalo wings were first prepared in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, N.Y.
Doug’s Hot Wings You will need:
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
4 cups Louisiana Hot Sauce
To prepare:
2 cups butter-flavored oil
Fry or bake chicken wing pieces until crispy. Mix
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
sauce ingredients together. Heat sauce until thor-
1/4 cup fajita seasoning
oughly hot. Toss wings in sauce to coat.
2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons molasses
Recipe in memory of Douglas Booker, former employee and friend.
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 25
RVL Magazine
food You will need:
Olive Greek Salad
2 heads Romaine or green leaf lettuce, shredded 1 cucumber, seeded and chopped 2 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 small red onion, finely diced 1 medium red pepper, seeded and diced 1 can (8.5 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained 1 can whole pitted ripe olives 1/2 lemon, juiced 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 12 Pepperoncini peppers, drained 1 cup Kalamata olives, drained To prepare: Arrange the lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, artichoke hearts and ripe olives on platter. Squeeze lemon over mixture. Whisk red wine vinegar, oregano and olive oil together. Pour over salad. Garnish with peppers and Kalamata olives.
Tim and Carole Tackett, owners and operators of Plantation Catering Company and Dardanelle’s Catfish N, have provided press box packages to the Russellville Cyclones for more than 15 years. For more information about Plantation Catering, call (479) 229-2495 or e-mail plantationcatering@suddenlinkmail.com, or go online at www.plantationcateringco.com.
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Sweet Hot Wrapped Chicken You will need:
and place on skewer. These may be grilled or baked.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes To bake: Place on baking rack coated with nonstick cooking 1 pound sliced bacon, cut each slice into thirds spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. 2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar To grill: 2 tbsp. chili powder Use medium heat. Turn every 5-7 minutes for even To assemble: browning. Cook until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Mix together brown sugar and chili powder. Roll Adapted from Food Network recipe. chicken pieces in mixture. Wrap bacon around chicken
RVL Magazine
- TIME continued from page 23 Because he works on some rare and antiquated pieces, Minick sometimes is unable to obtain the parts he needs to repair them. In those cases, Minick is able to make his own pieces with a specialized lathe. Because of Minick’s experience in the field and passion for watchmaking, he knows a great deal of history about different watches and timepieces and enjoys sharing that knowledge with customers as he works on their heirlooms, he said. He will sometimes help his customers preserve their history by taking a picture of an heirloom and superimposing it over a written history of that piece. “If it means something to you, it means something to me,” Minick said. Another rare service Minick is able to provide is an onsite workshop inside Joshua’s Fine Jewelry. Many modern watchmakers pick up merchandise from jewelry stores and perform the repairs off-site, but Minick said he prefers to be inside the store where he can see and interact with customers. Minick has only been back in Russellville for a few weeks, but said he has had more fun in the short time he’s been here than he has in years. He attributes his enjoyment of Russellville in large part to the other local residents, saying everyone seems to enjoy living here and has welcomed him to the community with open arms. “I’m really glad to be here, too. I really am,” Minick said, adding he is excited to be a part of the community and to watch as it continues to grow.
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
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Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010
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Photos by Joshua Mashon and Brenda Harrison Stories by Leann Pacheco and Brent Hogan
The runaways Fitness Center offers organized running clinic
T
he secret to successful marathon and halfmarathon training lies in staying supremely motivated, and training smart and safe. This summer, Saint Mary’s Wellness Fitness Center offered its first organized running clinic, providing support and expertise to both experienced runners and novice racers. “Whether you’re already running more than 20 miles per week, or you haven’t seen a pair of running shoes in 10 years, you can successfully train for a distance race,” said Amy Smith, who heads up the program for the fitness center. “Everyone is welcome, and you do not have to be registered for a race to participate in a training group.” Several runners in the current Saint Mary’s group are aiming specifically to finish the Soaring Wings Half Marathon in Central Arkansas this fall. Training for the 13.1-mile outing began in July and includes group-long runs every Saturday morning, which start from designated meeting areas such as Bona Dea Trails or atop Mount Nebo, one weekly speed session on a local track and three weekly aerobic runs from 3-5 miles. Two days are rest days. Arkansas River Valley races such as the recent ValleyFest 5k and the upcoming Fall Fest 5k serve as training runs for those in the group who wish to participate. Smith intends to train the fitness center’s next running group for December’s Mount Nebo Bench Trail Run. “This will be a four-mile trail race,” she said, “and should be lots of fun. I’ll be picking different trails in the River Valley for our training runs.” Sam Bloodworth, 42, of Russellville is running with the current group. “I ran in high school and college,” he said, “and
thought that this would be a good way to get back into it. It’s easier to stay motivated when you are training with people who share a similar goal.” Heather and Erick Oynes, 26 and 31, respectively, also of Russellville train together with the Saint Mary’s group. “We’re a little more dedicated than we might be on our own,” Heather said. “This way, we hold each other accountable.” This will be Heather’s second year to run in the fall Soaring Wings race. “I didn’t train very well for last year’s run, so I’m confident that my time will improve this year,” she said. Initially, about 30 people joined this summer’s program. “Not everyone can make every training run, but (a runner) can still use our program and schedule on his or her own,” Smith said. “The Saturday group run usually averages about 20 runners.” She explained the training plan is based on heart-rate zones. Each runner’s zones are determined through a formula based on maximum heart rate. They then train in a specific zone for each designated workout. “It’s important that long runs are done in the aerobic zone, which improves the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to its muscles,” she said. “During a speed session, the runner trains in the anaerobic zone. This creates a tolerance for lactic acid and hydrogen ions that build up in the blood. It’s a very physiological system. Some opt to train this way, and others just make sure they get in the mileage. Regardless of how or why you train, participating in a program like this is an unforgettable achievement.” For more information on the running clinic, facilities and the center’s services, call 968-7979.
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 29
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fitness
Tips for a better shoe A
ll athletes focus on proper training and equipment in order to win. The proper apparel, especially for marathon runners who want to avoid injury, is part of the overall combination for success. Shoes and socks play an important role in bringing the athlete across the finish line. Richard Payne, co-owner of Feltner’s Athlete’s Corner, has prepared many athletes for the rigor of their training. When a customer enters his store, he or she is asked many questions pertaining to his or her needs. Customers are also given analysis as to the proper fit. “We carry shoe measurers, and the feet are analyzed,” Payne said. “We look at what they have been wearing, and we can make a good suggestion.”
Payne offered several tips for runners as they choose their shoes and while they are training and participating in races. “If you are training for a longer race — half to a full marathon — it is always advised to get fitted correctly and then to purchase two pairs of shoes and rotate them,” he said. “You will get longer life out of both pairs For longer races, never buy a new pair of shoes and just run in them on race day. Get them a few weeks early and make sure there are not any spots where they rub.” Payne also acknowledged the need to buy good socks for running. Cotton socks, while popular to wear, are not ideal for exercising. “Most shoes don’t cause blisters, bad
socks do,” he said. “Do not wear cotton while exercising because it pulls moisture away and holds it near your skin. Try a SmartWool, Balega or any technical sock, and have at least three pairs so you always have one ready to run in.” When buying new brands, Payne advocated the need to try different options and walk through the store. “When trying on shoes, ask to try multiple brands,” he said. “Then wear one on each foot and start narrowing down which one you like the most. Go run in the parking lot. Any reputable store will allow this.” See SHOE on page 31
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That Seventies Relay Party
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 31
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society
August
2010
- SHOE continued from page 29 “We try to bring out our favorites, but we do offer comparison brands,” Payne said. “Every brand has a high, medium and flat type of shoe for each foot type. A person with a flat foot will need a different support in the shoe than a person with a high arch. We fit the foot and activity to the right type of shoe.” Payne has a long history associated with Feltner’s Athletes Corner. He began working at the store in 1985. At the time, John and Katy Feltner owned the store. Payne and his wife, Cara, purchased the business in 2001. Payne is happy to be a local business owner. “The money we make and pay our employees goes back to the community,” he said. “Hopefully the customer can find what they need here instead of traveling to Fayetteville or Little Rock. We have what big cities have when it comes to the running markets.”