Greenwood Life NOVEMBER 2019. VOLUME 1. ISSUE 8
C O M M U N I T Y | S C H O O L | FA M I LY | FA I T H
WORLD-RENOWNED PROSTHETIST
FRANCOIS VAN DER WATT
LOVING SMALL TOWN LIFE
GREENWOOD RUN, WALK & ROLL Read all about this unique event from conception to results and meet this years prosthetic recipient.
Out&About Homecoming Spirit Week Halloween Trail
IT ISTHE MISSION OFTHE GREENWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
......Through active community involvement, we are endeavoring to prepare our students to become responsible citizens, and to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
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TO PROVIDE A QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL STUDENTS IN A SAFE AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT.....
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Greenwood Life EDITOR/COORDINATOR
SUMMER AINA
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
KRISTYN SIMS
PRODUCTION
CHRISTY MORRISON RACHEL POWELL
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contents
BILL NEEDHAM JULIE NEWMAN TARA LYNCH KATHIE SMITH ASHLEY YEARY MIKE OPOLKA MATTHEW MOCK BETHANIE STARR ANNA HERNANDEZ
All opinions, beliefs and views presented in editorials and letters are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Greenwood Life. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to: Greenwood Life, 5111 Rogers Ave., Suite 471, Fort Smith, AR 72903 (USPS 229-440)
26 Comes 06 Hear the Bride
08 Blazing Trails Read about the first ever girls wrestling team in Greenwood.
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Hometown Heroes
BJ and Nikki Lenderman bring a new farm learning experience to area students.
Greenwood Life
Spirit Week
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Francois Van Der Watts
39 Congrats!
See the man behind the motto - “Turning Disabilities into Possibilities”.
Walk and 26 Run, Roll
Read all about this unique event and see participant profiles and costume winners.
Homecoming See this years court and who was out and about supporting their Bulldogs!
See who was showing their Bulldog spirit during Homecoming week!
All about the Allie and Adam Deacon wedding.
Greenwood Life is a publication of
Call 479-996-4494 or email greenwoodlife@gatehousemedia.com 4for more information.
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See all the awards and achievements featured this month including Chamber Banquet Honorees.
Halloween Trail
Kids and parents out and about at this years Halloween trail.
OUR CREW THIS ISSUE Our talented batch of contributors for November 2019
SHARLA DERRY
SCOTT SMITH
SCOTT CUTLIP
Photographer
Writer
MORGAN SKAGGS
Writer
KEVIN TAYLOR
Photographer
Writer
BRIAN SANDERFORD Photographer
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Allie & Adam
DEACON Married May 26, 2018 at The Grandeur House in Little Rock with reception following ceremony Kristen Robertson and Elliott Brown are both from Greenwood. Kristen’s parents are Pam and Wes Robertson of Charleston. Elliott’s parents are Kimberly and A.C. Brown, Jr of Greenwood.
HOW WE MET: Adam played for the Razorbacks as did my Brother Tyler. We met at a game in Mississippi at the pregame hotel where our families were staying. THE PROPOSAL: I had been in the hospital for a serious
illness. Adam had already worked with my family to plan the most awesome proposal at the sight of our first date- the amphitheater on McClure Road. I was released from the hospital just in time for Adam to pick me up for dinner and then the visit to the lookout for the proposal. While we were at the proposal site, my parents were transforming our house into an engagement party for about 75 of our closest friends and family.
OUR WEDDING DAY: Our first plan was to have
the wedding in the Ft Smith area but my job moved me to Little Rock and that became my home, Adam and I decided it would make more sense to have a wedding in the town where we lived. We chose a brand new venue called The Grandeur House and we were the 2nd wedding ever held there. The ceremony was in the Hall which is their ceremony space and the reception included an outdoor snack and lemonade session with live music from the Bride’s cousin Jabe Burgess. Then the formal reception was held in the great hall featuring food, flowers,and planning by Greenwood vendors. We felt bringing a part of Greenwood to Little Rock made the wedding more personal and meaningful. The blue and white ribbons used on the programs, boutennaires,
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and the bride’s bouquet were in memory of Adam’s mom who died of ALS. The blue and white ribbon is the national ribbon for ALS. There was also rope on the boutennaires and bridesmaid and bride’s flowers- Adam’s mom never let him and his brother play with rope because they would rope each other. When they would ask her when they could play with rope,’she would say “when you are married”. Therefore, rope was used in all decorations. Allie had 8 children attendants. Five of them were males cousins of the bride and groom, two of the flower girls were the bride’s cousins and one flower girl was a child that Allie befriended while in college and helper her receive eye glasses and medical assistance for an eye disease she has had from birth.
OUR HONEYMOON: We spent our honeymoon in Mexico. It was a great all inclusive resort that allowed us time to unwind and relax after the busy, hectic wedding activities!
WEDDING VENDORS: Wedding Planning and Design: I Do Wedding Consulting, Mary Ann Sandifer Flowers by Booneville Flower Catering by Tina Skaggs Rentals By Eventures Wedding music by Allison Kyrouek and Jabe Burgess Reception entertainment by Central Arkansas Entertainment Kim Singer Photography by Bridal portraits and wedding photographer Videography by Solik Films Hair and Make Up by Madison Martin Wedding Cakes by Harp’s Venue at The Grandeur House/Events by Natalie Scott
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GREENWOOD WRESTLING COACH IS
By Scott Cutlip CONTRIBUTING WRITTER
BLAZING TRAILS John Kincade’s office is filled with memorabilia of his coaching career. Plaques and photos cover his walls and bookshelves, particularly highlighting wrestling. A quick glance at the photos suggests one thing: as far as one can tell, all the wrestlers are male. If Kincade gets his way, that’s likely to change. Greenwood High School girls wrestling has been sanctioned this year by the Arkansas Activities Association. According to a presentation by Joan Fulp and Andrea Yamamoto, co-chairs of the USA Wrestling High School Development Committee, Arkansas is one of the four states that have added a girls’ championship in 2019, bringing to a total of 18 nationwide. During the 2018-19 season, 58 girls wrestled in Arkansas, of which three were at Greenwood High School. Already this year, Kincade said, nine girls are currently preparing for the upcoming wrestling season.
Wrestling Coach John Kincade surrounded by his wrestling memorabilia.
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- Photo by Scott Cutlip
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Kincade expects that number to grow. Wrestling has been growing steadily in Arkansas. A decade ago, wrestling was barely a blip in Arkansas. According to Kincade, Arkansas was the 49th state to include wrestling in high school. The National Federation of State
Arkansas is 18th state to sanction girls wrestling and Greenwood girls are ready to compete.
High School Associations reports that in 2007 Arkansas had no high school wrestlers at all. There are now over 1100. Girls wrestling participation nationwide has increased for 29 straight years. Kincade, who began teaching at Greenwood in 2007, started the high school’s wrestling program in 2012. Kincade also owns Warthawg Wrestling Academy. When girls started joining the wrestling team at Greenwood, they would have to compete against boys. Now with the creation of the girls team, they’ll be able to compete against other girls. Kincade said they should be able to compete in at least three tournaments and, at the end of the season, challenge for a state championship. “I’m really excited about it,” he said. “The girls are here to practice everyday. It’s not sporadic. They want to learn. And so we’ll teach them-the same values and character that wrestling teaches. It’s going to be a great opportunity.” Kincade hopes the addition of girls wrestling encourages more girls to join who might not have when they knew they had to wrestle boys. While he pointed out that there are
wrestlers, both boys and girls, who don’t have an issue with wrestling the opposite gender, sometimes it does make becoming a wrestler something they might not attempt. Kincade pointed out that the weight classes means that anybody can join without having to worry about the difference. “It’s going to help you with your strength,” Kincade said, “your cardiovascular. It’s going to help you with your fitness, your health, your conditioning, your mental health, being able to say, ‘I can overcome obstacles no matter what those obstacles are.’” Part of the reason wrestling has become more popular among girls is the increased popularity of MMA and its different fighting techniques. Fighters such as Ronda Rousey
have been as popular as many of MMA’s top male stars. Although Kincade is proud to have a girls wrestling team, and he understands the significance of it, to him, once they are on the mat, there’s not much difference. “At my youth academy I trained a girl from Poteau, Oklahoma that went on to wrestle at the high school level,” he said. “She beat a lot of boys. She was really good. And some of the boys were affected by that, because it said, ‘I got beat by a girl.’ I said, ‘no, she’s not a girl; she’s a wrestler.’” In addition to the girls wrestling team, Kincade is looking forward to the boy’s upcoming wrestling season. Greenwood captured
four state championships in Little Rock in February, as well having two runner-ups and two placing third. According to Kincade, he will be accepting girls to the wrestling team up until December. “I’ve been wrestling since I was 5 years old,” he said. “I’ve been in the sport for 50 years. It’s been a great avenue for me to work with young people, and this is even better getting girls involved. What I encourage young ladies to do is just come out and check it out. Just watch and come up into the stands. There’s no obligation and no having to get out on the mat. But just come out and see and say, ‘hey, is this something that I might be interested in.’”
(ABOVE) Lady wrestlers pictured left to right: Delia Lawson, Savana Stone, Lola Culverson, and Autumn McEver. (RIGHT) Coaches John Kincade and Robert Moore demonstrate a wrestling manuver for the lady wrestleres.
Photos by Scott Cutlip
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GREENWOOD AREA BIRTHS
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April and Kenneth Johnson of Greenwood announces the birth of a son born on September 25, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
Mystri and Hunter Floyd of Greenwood announce the birth of a son born on October 6, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
Larysa and Chauncey Reed of Greenwood announce the birth of a daughter born on September 30, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
Kayla Rush and Chad Smith of Greenwood announce the birth of a son born on October 12, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
Blakely Graham and Zachary Stringer of Greenwood announce the birth of a son born on October 5, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
Danielle and Logan Emery of Greenwood announce the birth of a son born on October 17, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
Jeanita Khounvisay and Elijah Graham of Greenwood announce the birth of a daughter born on October 5, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
Ashley Wallace of Greenwood announces the birth of a daughter born on October 18, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
Darcy Rochon and Kurt Staton of Greenwood announce the birth of a daughter born on October 6, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
SEND US YOUR MILESTONES! Email a photo and the details of your wedding, engagement, anniversary or birth to greenwoodlife@ gatehousemedia.com.
HOMETOWN HEROES Greenwood’s One School One Book event was a community project that involved parents reading the book Charlotte’s Web to their children and Greenwood citizens, including the mayor, principals, dentists, and Miss Arkansas recording themselves reading the book. The event culminated in the Charlotte’s Web Day at the fairgrounds October 3-4, largely spearheaded by BJ and Nikki Lenderman through the Greenwood FFA. The Lendermans had many of the types of animals, many provided by agriculture students, that had been in Charlotte’s Web, in addition to a petting zoo. BJ, in his second year as an agriculture teacher at Greenwood High School, also wanted the opportunity to introduce children to agriculture. According to BJ, approximately 1,400 students went through the exhibit. Agriculture has been in the Lendermans’ blood. Both of their fathers taught agriculture. Nikki’s father, Johnny Harp, taught at Hartford and is now teaching at Hackett. BJ’s father, Homer Lenderman, taught for over 30 years at Brookland High School and is now retired.
BJ is a 2002 graduate of Brookland High School and attended college at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Before coming to Greenwood, he taught agriculture for 12 years in Marmaduke. Nikki graduated from Hartford High School in 2003 and also attended Arkansas State University. She was an insurance adjuster with Shelter Insurance. She said she’s now taking the opportunity to enjoy being a stay-at-home mom. They have been married for 15 years and have two children: Cash, 14, is in the eighth grade; and Harper, 6, is in the first grade.
Bringing “Charlotte’s Web Day” to 1400 students By Scott Cutlip CONTRIBUTING WRITER
BJ AND NIKKI LENDERMAN
BJ has a little over 140 students in his classes and is hoping that the Charlotte’s Web presentation prompts younger children to give agriculture a look. “We want to show kids you don’t have to own a cow to have an impact on your community,” he said. “A lot of kids don’t understand 25 percent of the jobs in America are agricultural-related jobs. Less than 2 percent farm. So we want to make sure we’re impacting the community in a positive manner, and we want to reach out to these kids.”
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Allie Dolan, Dacie Gamble, Taylor Koeth, Ella Austin and Violet Rushing
Eden Adams and Londyn Jasna
Grant Huneycutt
Chaise Hanna and Madeline Bateman
Chirstian Brown and Jacob Childers
JoLynn Dixon
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Katie Fair and Tracy Austin
Niyah Frasier and Easton Erwin (65)
Avery Roland and Riley Posey
Marko Polo, Sheve Deben and Wesley Johnson
OUT &ABOUT
WITH MORGAN SKAGGS Spirit Week
October 7-11, 2019
Bailey Malenshel,Paige Walton, Kadence Phelan, Mckenzie Lynch
Elisa Lopez, Kennedy Holland, Leona Shenke, Eden Adams and SoďŹ a Doice
Makenzie Wilson, Haye Bullington, Nadia Bullington, Kylie Cumbie, Rachel Wiginton, Beau Asher (66), and Ethan Cole (56)
Landyn Jasna (Cheer), Luke Brewer (86), Tyler Crossno (42), Erin Geren, and Cary Whinthrop (34)
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Recommended Reading SCOTT-SEBASTIAN REGIONAL LIBRARY
18 NORTH ADAIR, GREENWOOD, AR • 479-996-2856 OPEN MON. 9 A.M. TO 7:30 P.M.,TUES. - FRI. 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. AND SAT. 9 A.M. TO NOON.
Books are available at the library or through ebook form at https://lib2go.overdrive.com/
THE SOCIETY OF EXTRAORDINARY RACCOON (2019) by Randall Goodgame,
Illustrated by Joe Sutphin Using 2 Corinthians 9 from the Holy Bible, Goodgame tells a story about generosity for young children. Through colorful illustrations and rhyming text, two young raccoons learn the value of generosity, and they can get more by giving to others.
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THE HADLEY ACADEMY FOR THE IMPROBABLY GIFTED (2019) by Conor Grennan Jack Carlson’s friend, Freddy, is mocked by his classmates regularly for his theory of a secret military academy where teenagers are trained for active duty. Jack even has a difficult time believing his friend’s theory until he is kidnapped and drafted to Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted. Improbably gifted couldn’t be a truer statement because Jack can’t figure out why he was drafted when he appears to have no extraordinary abilities. The longer he is at Hadley Academy and works through personal struggles and doubts, Jack’s abilities become apparent and his mission defined.
THE WAY I HEARD IT (2019) by Mike Rowe A combination of his favorite episodes of his podcast, The Way I Heard It, and his memories and insights, Mike Rowe creates a “memstery”, a mix of memoir and mystery. It is in short story format with 35 true stories about well known people but with not so well known facts about their situation in their story. Mike Rowe writes in his distinguishable wit and charm.
Remembering Special Thanksgivings By Drucilla Hughart
As I enjoy this beautiful weather, I began to reflect back to the years past when it seemed that Thanksgiving was in the winter time. Thanksgiving was hog killing time and the day the big football game of the year was played. The day Greenwood played Mansfield. The weather was so cold that you thought you would freeze before the game was over. As I think about Thanksgiving and back to the big day when I was growing up, I think about that wonderful Thanksgiving dinner when we always had baked guinea and dressing. We did not know that one was supposed to have turkey. Along with the baked guinea there was always candied sweet potatoes and in lieu of cranberries we had homemade plum jelly with our dressing. When Frank and I first married Mrs. Hughart would cook a goose. Having lived her early life in Germany a goose was the big thing at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I never ate any goose. When a goose became hard to find we started having turkey. When growing up the meal itself was not very important to the kids in the family as we hurried to finish in time to get to the football game. If it was in Greenwood, we did not have to rush so fast, but if it was in Mansfield, we had to hurry to get to the park to meet the big truck going to the game. The late Otis Peoples would park his big truck at the park to pick up the locals going to the game. By the time he got to town he had a pretty good load as he picked up kids along the way. I don’t know if Mr. Peoples was ever honored in any way,
but if it had not been for him taking his truck to the games, most of the Greenwood kids would not have been able to have gone to the out of town games. As he had teenagers at that time when he took his kids, he took the rest of us that had no other way to get there. It did not seem to matter if it was snowing, cold wind blowing, or raining. No one seemed to mind riding in the back of an open truck with its high wooden side rails. There was singing and yelling all the way there and back. If Greenwood won everyone between Greenwood and Mansfield knew it because of all the yelling coming from a big open truck loaded with Greenwood fans. Girls at that time would never think of wearing a pair of jeans. In fact, the boys didn’t wear jeans either. Needless to say, knee length stockings were the “IN THING” to wear in cold weather, but even those did not seem to help while riding in the back of the open truck so there were many quilts taken along to the games. It was great fun huddling under a quilt with your friends. Gone is that wonderful rivalry between Mansfield and Greenwood, the cold weather, and the big open truck. Let us all remember that Thanksgiving does come between Halloween and Christmas and remember why we celebrate that day. We all need to pause and give thanks for all our many, many blessings. Where else in this world do the citizens have as much to be thankful for as we do in the United States of America?
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Thanksgiving is in the air but one would never know it because it seems that few people remember Thanksgiving comes between Halloween and Christmas. When one visits Mall, Christmas is everywhere.
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FRANCOIS VAN DER WATT’S SLOGAN, “TURNING DISABILITIES IN POSSIBILITIES,”
RINGS LOUD STORY BY
Scott Smith
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Sharla Derry
Francois Van Der Watt’s childhood plans of becoming a farmer in South Africa took a sharp 180-degree turn somewhere along the way, and the now-49-year-old Greenwood resident is a world-renowned prosthetist who helps Paralympic athletes and other active amputees. Born in the South African city of Bethlehem in the Free State of Province before becoming a Greenwood resident, Francois operates Van Der Watt Prosthetics & Orthotics, 11 N. Main St. in Greenwood, a business whose slogan, “Turning Disabilities in Possibilities,” rings loud throughout the area and beyond. Francois has a lengthy list of clients from the area and elsewhere and is preparing for his fifth journey to the World Para Athletics Championships. This year’s event will be held Nov. 2-4 in Dubai on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates, where Francois will serve as the team prosthetist for Team USA. “It’s exciting, but I don’t get nervous anymore,” he said with a laugh and a smile in between appointments in his Greenwood office. “Since this will be my fifth time, I don’t feel nervous beforehand.” Working with high-profile, successful paralympians is second-nature to Francois, Francois, who has provided prosthetics for Jerome Singleton, Jason Macon, Trenten Merrill, Oscar Pistorius and Arkansas Razorback Hunter Woodhall, among others. Macon, who is from Little Rock, was the only amputee on the U.S. Para-Cycling Team, and Merrill is a U.S. long-jump champion from California. “Jerome Singleton was the first amputee to beat Oscar Pistorius in over six years,” Francois said. “And Hunter Woodhall is the first amputee to win a Division 1 scholarship. It’s exciting to around these people.” Francois was selected for the 63-member Team USA based on his skill levels, accomplishments, experience and passion for helping amputee athletes and other amputees who live highly active lives. Joining this year’s team will be competitors with “a variety of physical disabilities,” including blind individuals and those with spinal-cord conditions, according to Francois.
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“I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING WHERE I WOULD BE WORKING WITH MY HANDS AND I COULD SEE THE OUTCOME. AND PROSTHETICS ALLOWS THAT.” Francois Van Der Watt OWNER OF VAN DER WATT PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS
“It’s all played by competitors with disabilities, and it’s still a fierce competition,” he said of the events. “It’s quite an honor for me to be asked to be the team prosthetist for Team USA. I’ve been to New Zealand — that was the first one — and also to France and London, England. “And with these competitions, you hope that nothing goes wrong, but if it does, you try to do your best,” Francois added. “You can’t predict what will happen or when something might happen, but when it does happen, you can get in there and do your best to react to that. If something breaks or needs to be replaced, I’m there for that. We try to be prepared.”
help, although you have to really be at the top of the game to get sponsorships.” “Most prosthetics prove durable for work and play, although the more a prosthetic is used, the more likely something can happen to it later.” Francois said. “A blade usually needs to be replaced between a year and 1 1/2 years,” he said. “And although we don’t have a lot of the cutting-edge technology taking place in our office, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee has facilities that we have access to, and that’s good. The opportunity is there to go to training camps to get more details on all of this.”
Competitors in the World Para Athletics Championships utilize prosthetics known as “blades,” which are made of carbon fiber, acrylic and thermoplastic materials, he said. The costs for prosthetics can vary “all over the place,” depending on what is needed, Francois said. “Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t cover blades, although we hope that this happens someday,” he said. “People can try to get grants and sponsorships to
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Francois and his wife, Shawn, moved to Greenwood in 2014 and operated their prosthetics business in Fort Smith before relocating it to Greenwood in 2018. The couple’s house is complete with two children, 12-year-old Victoria and 11-year-old Alex. Francois isn’t surprised that he is close with his wife and his children, but he still smiles when he thinks about their immediate surroundings. “I grew up in a small community, and when I left, I said, ‘I’m never going back to living in a small community!’” Francois said before laughing and stretching out his arms. “But we love Greenwood. We love it here.
work with my hands,” he said. “I wanted to do something where I would be working with my hands and I could see the outcome. And prosthetics allows that.” In 1996, Francois graduated from Technikon Pretoria in South Africa, obtaining a national diploma in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics. At the dawn of 2002, he arrived in the U.S. and soon started work as a certified prosthetist, orthotist and staff practitioner in Savannah, Ga. Francois met his wife in early 2005, and when asked about their first encounter, Francois and Shawn both laughed simultaneously.
“When we looked at moving to Arkansas, everyone recommended the schools in Greenwood; they said the Greenwood schools would be best for our children, and they were correct,” he added. “Plus, we were already living in Greenwood when we first opened the business in Fort Smith, so it was just easier to move the business to Greenwood. We’re able to stay closer to home, and that’s been nice.” While a student at Reitz High School in Reitz, Free State, South Africa, some classes were difficult for Francois, but other classes, particularly those involving science and biology, were a metaphorical breeze. Sports, for the most part, also arrived easily for Francois. “I played rugby, cricket and track-and-field sports — you know, all of the non-U.S. sports out there,” he said while laughing. “And back in the 1980s in South Africa, we still had the compulsory military, where you had to enter the military after school. I went to the Navy and did my two years of service.” Francois then set his focus on college, attending the University of Orange Farm State in Bloemfontein, South Africa. His college roommate’s brother was a prosthetist, which almost immediately sparked interest in Francois. Later, Francois felt “a little discouraged” while at college. “What you learn on paper and what happens in life are sometimes different, and I knew that I wanted to (Right) Shawn Van Der Watt.
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“It was love at first sight for him,” said Shawn before laughing again. “Well, there are two stories — her story and mine, I guess,” Francois responded while grinning. “My wife is from South Carolina and we met on a beach. There were mutual friends there and then Shawn and I started corresponding later.” Following their 2006 marriage, Francois and Shawn moved to Winnie, Texas, where Francois provided clinical training and education for a global prosthetic manufacturer for several years. Francois, four years after moving to Greenwood, becoming a U.S. citizen in 2018. “Becoming a U.S. citizen is something I’ve wanted to be for a long time,” Francois said. “Getting a green card is the first step in that process, and when the green card expires, you can extend it. But I’m not going anywhere, so I thought I might as well become a U.S. citizen. Once you have lived here that long, you might as well reap the benefits and enjoy it, right? Plus, it’s easier to travel with a U.S. passport.” Francois admitted he’s counting down the hours until he leaves for Dubai. “Team USA is one of the two or three
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biggest teams involved,” he said. “They usually do well. I would say that they definitely are in the top 5 of the world.” When asked if he will participate in or merely attend the 2020 Para Athletics Championships in Japan, Francois shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know about that yet,” he said. “That will probably be in Tokyo but they don’t announce the team until a month before the event, so I won’t know anything for a long time.” When asked if the thrill of participating in a championship event ever fades, Francois shook his head from side to side. “It’s exciting to be a part of all of it — to represent the team and be with the team,” he said. “The training and prosthetics are important, because 1/100th of second can mean the difference between silver and gold in these competitions.”
Francois Van Der Watt with his wife, Shawn, daughter Victoria (12) and son Alex (11).
For the most part, Francois harbors regret-free thoughts. He calls his life “fortunate” and full of “great” opportunities. “If I had to do anything different, I would have come to the U.S. earlier,” Francois said. “But I am happy how life has worked out for me so far.”
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&
FRANCOIS VAN DER WATT
more about world-renound team prosthetist for Team USA, Tokyo 2020
HOW HAS WORKING WITH PARALYMPIANS AND OTHER HIGHLY ACTIVE AMPUTEES AFFECTED OR INFLUENCED YOU?
It has forced me to get a little more educated in the field. High-level sports with amputees isn’t in the curriculum. They don’t really train you to work with amputee athletes and active amputees. There’s no handbook on sports prosthetics. It’s more of an experiment-based, trial-and-error thing.
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE IN SCHOOL? WAS SCHOOL A GOOD THING FOR YOU? I passed. (Laughs) I was pretty good at sports in school. We had fun.
WHAT SPORTS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN TODAY?
I pickleball now. My wife, Shawn, will tell you that I’m obsessed with pickleball now. (Laughs).
WHAT DO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY LIKE TO DO TOGETHER AWAY FROM WORK?
We’re campers. We do a lot of camping together because we really enjoy the outdoors. We pack up the camper and head out, usually for a weekend. There are 52 state parks in Arkansas, so you could stay in a different state park in Arkansas just about every weekend of the year.
DO PEOPLE CONTACT YOU FOR AN APPOINTMENT IF THEY NEED A PROSTHETIC?
Yes. We order the blade or the foot, then it comes in and we put everything together. Making a socket that works for the athlete or individual is part of the process.
IS IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR AN ATHLETE OR A NON-ATHLETE TO ADJUST TO A NEW PROSTHETIC? It’s easier if the athlete already has the skill and technique. Most athletes adapt to using a prosthetic fairly quickly. Someone who isn’t an athlete, it can take longer for them to become highly active with a prosthetic. But it all depends on the person, though.
WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF YOUR JOB?
There are some moments of stress, but I find that what you put in is what you’ll get out.
DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS?
We started doing an outside clinic once a week — it’s by appointments now — at Pinnacle Health in Poteau. And it would be nice to have multiple clinics in the region. That’s how it slowly starts — a clinic here and a clinic there.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING AND WORKING IN GREENWOOD?
Greenwood is a small community and it’s an open, accepting community. We came here as outsiders but the people include you. We’ve made some great friends with great people. Here, you can talk to your neighbor and you truly know your neighbor. Photo by Sharla Derry
HOME LOANS WITH LOCAL SERVICE Arvest retains the servicing of 99% of the home loans we make, giving you peace of mind that you won’t suddenly be dealing with an unknown mortgage servicing company. You can also make payments at any branch location, over the phone, or even online. If you're considering buying a home, give me a call today! Karan Spector AVP /Mortgage Loan Officer 224 S Coker St, Greenwood 11808 HWY 71 South, Ft. Smith (479) 996-3514 kspector@arvest.com NMLS# 564269 Fee assessed to non-Arvest accounts for online and telephone payments. Loans subject to credit approval.
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RUN, WALK
AND ROLL
On October 26, people gathered in Greenwood, under a sky that had shed an almost-uninterrupted two days of light rain, with temperatures in the low 50s. They came from Greenwood and Fort Smith and Van Buren. They came from Booneville and Roland and Sallisaw. At least one runner came from Texas. Some ran; some walked; others came to ride. They all came to help, in one way or another, raise money for three young people and Focus on Greenwood by participating in the second annual Greenwood Run, Walk and Roll event.
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of a good match to do an activity like a 5K, so we decided to do something a little beyond a normal 5K.” “In the past, I was involved with Battle of the Blades in Fort Smith, which was a similar event,” said Van Der Watt. “We invited Paralympic athletes to compete against high school athletes. Evan approached me about doing something similar, where we could actually help someone. We’re going to focus on activity equipment for disabled people.”
The Run, Walk, and Roll is put on by Focus on Greenwood. Evan Rowe, owner of Rowe Chiropractic, and Francois Van Der Watt, owner of Van Der Watt Prosthetics and Orthotics, came up with the concept of the Walk, Run, and Roll. Rowe, and Van Der Watt, a prosthetist who specializes in amputee athletes, are work neighbors, with their businesses across from each other on N. Main St. The two are also members of Focus on Greenwood and wanted to come up with something to raise money for the community, but also wanted to do a little something extra.
The first Run, Walk, and Roll provided a prosthetic leg to Jessica Wilson, to assist her in her endeavor to become a barrel racer, while this year’s provided racing chairs to three recipients. The chairs are provided through Ainsley’s Angels, which was formed in 2011 by the family of Ainsley Rossiter and has provided hundreds of wheelchairs for riders to use since then. Ainsley was diagnosed with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy at age 3. She participated in her first race in 2008, being pushed in a wheelchair by her father. She competed in 100 races, before passing away in 2016 at the age of 12.
“I thought we needed to do something fun and safe that’s family-oriented,” Rowe said, “And being a chiropractor, I wanted to do something that gets people active and healthy. It was kind
In addition to the race, the night before the racers attended a dinner where three young racers received their racing chairs. The chairs
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Story and Profiles By Scott Cutlip CONTRIBUTING WRITER were presented by Paralympic cyclist Jason Macom. Macom participated in the 10K roll event. Participants were also encouraged to wear Halloween costumes during the event. Prizes of 25 dollars were given to the winner of individual categories, such as most creative, best duo/group, cutest, and best overall. Early registrants received a T-shirt, while candy was given out, also. Recognition was given to winners of each 5K division, as well as overall male and female winners. Joshua Merritt, 14, of Greenwood, was the overall top finisher, with a time of 18 minutes and 16 seconds, over three minutes faster than his closest competitor. It is a hometown goal for the two men to run this event each year. Rowe, a 2002 graduate of Greenwood High School, attended college in Fayetteville and chiropractic school in Kansas City before returning in 2011 to open his own clinic. Van Der Watt moved to Greenwood in 2014 from Texas. He had a practice in Fort Smith until 2017, when he moved the practice to Greenwood. “We hope to grow it every year,” Rowe said. “We hope to continue to do sports adaptive equipment and get other people involved.” “I want to broaden the perspective that anyone can participate,” Van Der Watt said. “Regardless of your ability, even if you’re disabled, you can still participate. And with the fundraiser, we can try to provide the means to participate.”
Carol Andrews Age: 37
Trina Oglesby Age: 44
Patty Sloan Age: 48
Participation Reason: Because of the good cause and also because my son is a recipient of a Freedom Chair.
Participation Reason: I was in a serious car accident 16 years ago and was supposed to never walk again. So I am thankful for all that God has blessed me with. I did have a complete left hip replacement and I have stress fractures in my left knee along with having broken pelvis and head injury, so I am very blessed and running is what I enjoy.
Participation Reason: I love the running community. Runners are very encouraging to other runners and it does not matter what your pace is. It is all about completion. At races you get to see and run with a lot of friends.
Training/Experience: I started walking in April after my son was a rider with Ainsley’s Angel’s in the Hogeye. The run/walk intervals did not start till June. My first 5k was in May with Ainsley’s Angels. All of the races I have been able to participate in have been while pushing a chariot in Ainsley’s Angels. All but one race I pushed my son. Costume: Pirate
Costume: Spider-Woman (Forrest Gump last year).
Training/Experience: My first race was the Fort Smith Half Marathon 2/14/2016. A friend at work asked me to run it in December, so with a month of training I embarked on a half marathon. One half marathon and I was hooked. I have run 79 total races. 30 5Ks, 9 10Ks, 29 half marathons, and 6 Full Marathons.
Completion: 46 minutes, 20 seconds. 62nd overall, and 8th in division.
Completion: 36 minutes, 52 seconds. 55th overall, and 16th in division.
Completion: 26 minutes and 52 seconds. 20th overall, and 5th in division.
Colton Andrews
Dale and Darice Augustson Ages: 70 and 68
Nycole Oliver Age: 37
(answers provided by mother Carol)
Age: 5
Participation Reason: He participates as a rider with Ainsley’s Angels but loves to cross the finish line himself. He likes to ride in as many races as possible. Training/Experience: Christmas was his first race. He has participated in every Ainseley’s Angels since. Additional Information: Colton suffers from Muenke Syndrome. He also has developmental delays and hearing loss as part of that. He has had two craniofacial surgeries so far for multiple suture craniosynostosis. He was also born with chiari malformation. He has two other issues related to that. He also has encephalomalacia, epilepsy and hypothyroidism.
Training/Experience: This is about my 19th race. I haven’t run in about 5 or 6 months.
Participation Reason: Just trying to stay healthy. Training/Experience: I have been training with Carey Vines (personal trainer at Greenwood Athletic Club. This is our first marathon. We are regulars at the club with the Silver Sneakers group. Completion: Did not run due to recovery from a cold and weather conditions.
Participation Reason: I ran this race last year, it’s local (I try to participate in all the local races since I started running), and my son is being pushed by Ainsley’s Angels. Training/Experience: I did Couch to 5K last year starting in March, and have progressed my training to be able to run half marathons. To date, I have ran 5K x 12, 10K x 3, and half marathon x 6. This race was my personal best for 5Ks last year. I started running in 2011, then started back again in 2018. All my races except 1 are from 2018 on. Costume: Halloween tutu Completion: 34 minutes, 41 seconds. 49th overall, and 6th in division.
Costume: Buzz Lightyear Completion: Finished 10K Roll Event
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HOME TOWN NOVEMBER 9
HARTFORD FALL FESTIVAL & CHILI COOKOFF 10am-5pm with craft & food vendors, chili cookoff, horseshoe tournament, games for kids, etc.
NOVEMBER 16
SHOEBOX COMMUNITY PACKING PARTY 1pm-3pm at the Greenwood First Assembly of God 479-996-6030. Every year, communities get together to fill & pack shoe boxes with basic necessity items (bar soap, wash cloth, toothbrush, hairbrush, etc.) and small toys so that children around the world will receive a gift for Christmas. Bring you filler items and your friends and/or relatives to this community-wide event in which we will sort and pack Shoebox gifts for children all over the world. Your contribution could have a life-changing impact on a child. We will also participate in the National Shoebox Collection held November 18-25 and we will be assembling shoeboxes everyday from 9am-7pm each day. Please feel free to join us.
Happenings NOVEMBER 16
TASTE OF THE AUTUMN SEASON AUTUMN FESTIVAL 9am-5pm at Buckner Park in Witcherville. Family fun, hot beverages, face painting, crafts, vendors, food, prizes and more.
NOVEMBER 21
BINGO FOR BOOKS Adults - Join Us at 10:00 a.m. Play Bingo – Win Books! Free! Sebastian County Library, Greenwood.
NOVEMBER 23
HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR 9am-3pm at Farmer’s Bank - handmade craft vendors set-up for free and public to shop for unique gifts. Call to reserve table 479-262-9043
NOVEMBER 23
HOLIDAY MARKET 10am-2pm at Curves - Vendors call to reserve table 479-996-9601. Great items will be available for public gift shopping.
DECEMBER 4
CANDY CHRISTMAS LIGHT STRING Adults - Join Us at 10:00 a.m. Sebastian County Library, Greenwood.
DECEMBER 7
MERRY MARKET VENDOR EVENT 10AM-4PM, Attention area Vendors & Shoppers! First Assembly of God-Greenwood will be hosting the third annual. Admission is FREE; however, please remember this is a Fundraiser for our Food Bank. Canned or boxed meals are appreciated. Merry Come shop unique, one of a kind vendors that have partnered with us to offer shoppers a family friendly shopping experience. Remember the Holidays are fast approaching. Please contact info@greenwoodfirst.com or 479.996.6030 for more information. Proceeds will support the First Assembly of God-Greenwood’s Food Bank ministry. To make an online donation, please visit www. greenwoodfirst.comfgive-online. First Assembly of God, 725 Park Drive, Greenwood. 479-9966030 info@greenwoodfirst.com
GREENWOOD LIFE COMMUNITY EVENTS are Sponsored By: 28
415 E Main St, Charleston, AR 72933 • (479) 965-2369
FS-SPAD0403150002
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OUT & ABOUT
WITH MORGAN SKAGGS
Best Overall Costume Winner: Sharla Derry and her dog Pepper as Sally and Zero from “Nightmare Before Christmas”
Run, Walk and Roll October 26, 2019 Cutest Costume Winner: Patricia Martinez as CatWoman
Hocus Pocus - Sanderson Sisters: Tasha Payne (Green), Misty Waddle (Red), Kiersten Smith (Orange), and Jayne Parsons (Purple)
Gabe the Pirate and Alison the Jolly Roger
Showdown Superheroes: Christy Parris, Dianna May, Crystal Brown, Jessica Izell, Robin Meskill, Trina Oglesby, Amy Lovegrow, Makayla Diaz, and Butch Burton
Anthony Smith as Captain Freedom
Most Creative Costume Winner: Sarah Stevens as the Black Widow
Morgan Skaggs as the Mad Hatter
Best Duo Costumes Winner: Debbie Brown and Paige Moore as angels
Pam Coyne as a Scarecrow
Poker Face: Amber Hovater, Angie Robertson, Jessica Bair, Suzanne Bobbitt, Jana Haynes, And Sherry Skinner
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FAITH, FAMILY, SPORTS Greenwood’s Austin hopes to add to family’s golf legacy By Kevin Taylor CONTRIBUTING WRITER There are three things in Ella Austin’s life she will not do without: Faith, family, sports. First and foremost, there is Austin’s faith. She carries it with her everywhere she goes. “My faith is my biggest aspect of my life,” Austin said. “My mom (Janice) was one of eight kids who went to IC (Immaculate Conception) and Trinity,” Green continued. “My meemaw (Mary Maestri) has always gone to I.C. “Immaculate Conception is a magical place for us.” It turns out, the golf course and the soccer field are pretty special, too.
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Soccer, in fact, helped define Austin’s athletic persona. “Soccer is where I let all my anger out,” she said. “All of my emotions in golf, they control all my shots. At the conference meet last week, I wasn’t shooting my best, and I thought if something doesn’t change now it will go down fast.” The Greenwood Lady Bulldogs captured their 13th conference title since 2000 recently, with Austin defeating teammate Grace Woody for overall medalist. But Austin’s contributions to the Lady Bulldogs’ program almost didn’t happen.
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“I actually started golfing when I was 8,” she said. “I was part of First Tee (of Fort Smith) until I was 10; I did that with an older sister until I was age 10, then took up tennis.” By the time Austin was a preteen, and in the heat of tennis competition, she noticed some of her future Greenwood classmates had eclipsed her on the tennis court. So she picked up a golf club. The rest is history. “I played until I was about 13, and i decided tennis wasn’t for me,” she said. “I was actually playing against Olivia Gaston and Abigail Woodring from
Greenwood — they were really good!” Four years ago, even as Austin was finishing her ninth grade year at Trinity Junior High, she was back on the links. Her older sister, Olivia, had celebrated the Lady Bulldogs’ 2014 state title run with Sydnie Gamble and Lexie Adams. “My freshman year I took up golf again. My sister had just won her state championship, and I thought it was neat. I wanted to gain one for myself, so she talked me into it. “I started playing it and I fell in love with it.” Fueled by Gamble’s final run, and her overall individual medalist effort, Aus-
tin got herself a ring in 2017. She fired a two-day total of 199 at the Big Creek Golf & Country Club in Mountain Home. Ella Austin was a state champion. “I got to feel the police escort into town and cars honking and cheering us on as we got to the high school,” she said. “A group of my friends had made signs. They greeted us with cookies and signs. It was really cool.” Greenwood dropped from 6A to 5A last season, and Austin and the Lady Bulldogs felt the difference. “We had to work a little harder at what we were going for,” she said. “We put in the work and won the conference championship last year. There will be 64 girls at the state tournament; it’s a bigger pool, so you have to shoot really lower than if you were in 6A.”
SOCCER A fierce defender for the Lady Bulldogs’ squad, Austin recently picked up with her travel soccer team. Like golf, Austin rediscovered her passion for soccer not long ago. “I played soccer from age 3 to 12; it was my No. 1 sport,” she said. “I fell in
love with it, and then I fell out of love with it. I stopped it about the time I was quitting tennis.” Not for long. “Two friends talked me into it,” she said. “I found that I loved soccer again. I left the two sports I love (golf and soccer), and then I came back.”
tist Health. “My mom has always worked nights at the hospital,” she said. “My mom would take us to Meemaw’s house after school. I would have to learn to do my homework. I learned to try and spend my time wisely with my family.
Sometimes I would wave at my mom driving down the road. I’ve learned to juggle my schedule. “I’ve had many mornings where I’m finishing my homework, but my teachers are so supportive. We have a wonderful support system.”
Unlike golf, where it’s you against the world, soccer is about doing a specific job. “With soccer, my emotions are connected to the rest of the team,” Austin said. “It’s where I can run out my frustrations or be aggressive. It’s the mental aspect of where I have to help my team get somewhere.”
TIME MANAGEMENT When her senior year is over, and Austin receives her GHS diploma next spring, she will leave athletics behind. Well, maybe not all of them. Austin plans to become a physician’s assistant. She wants to work with Catholic Youth Ministries. Austin’s parents, Janice and Marty Austin, work busy schedules — Marty at FedEx and Janice as a nurse at Bap-
Greenwood golfer Ella Austin pitches onto the No. 6 green on the Willow Course on Monday, Sept. 23, 2019 at Ben Geren Golf Course during the 5A West Conference Tournament. - Photos by Brian D. Sanderford
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Baylee Jantzeen is the Homecoming Queen with Caden Taylor (89), Eli Martin (33), Jace Presley (8), Lazaro Angel (80) and Cole Erwin (63)
Harley Terry (Senior Maid) is being escorted by Cole McDaniel (10), Treyton Dawson (6), and Jayden Martin (9)
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Greenwood Life
Baylee Jantzeen is being crowned Homecoing Queen by Lazaro Angel (80) and Jace Presley (8)
Erin Fowler (Senior Maid of Honor) is being escorted by Colton Tuck (16), Garrett Newman (15), Blaze Moore (12), and Logan Workman (19)
Madison Pugh (Junior Maid) is being escorted by Halen Carter (50), Justice Randolph (84), and Jackson Stewart (17)
HOMECOMING COURT 2019
PHOTOS BY MORGAN SKAGGS
Chaise Hanna (Sophomore Maid) is being escorted by Ryan Thacker (74), Michael Emberson (79) and Aaron Ligon (41)
Madisyn Wilson (Junior Maid) is being escorted byJohnson Kevin Douglas (55), Nathan Nethers(61), and Brayden Hedge (31)
Baylee Jantzeen (Homecoming Queen), Erin Fowler (Sr Maid of Honor), Harley Terry (Sr Maid), Madison Pugh (Jr Maid), Madisyn Wilson (Jr Maid), Chaise Hanna (Sophomore Maid), and Liberty Rogers (Sophomore Maid)
Liberty Rogers (Sophomore Maid) is being escorted by Traven Nichols (58), Eric Cook (83), and Matthew Thompson (70)
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Kourtney Davenport, Taylor Keuth, Josh Terry, Mollie Wisher, Emily Woolsey, Dacie Gamble, Violet Rushing, Ella Austin and Matt Parker The Greenwood Bulldogs
Abbie Rudder , Faith and Hope Cockrell, Madie Pelt, Emma McCorkle, Oliva Gaston, Michael Doss and Breana Acosta
Eden Hutchens, Evan Brown and Maggie Rozell
Greenwood High School ROTC Raising our flag for our National Anthem.
Greenwood High School Cheer
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Greenwood Life
Class of 1984 – Charles Evens, Pam Webb, Trey Gentil, Theresa Coffman, Charla Atkins, Lisa Holland, Loretta Passen, Traci Hampton, Gaylon Class of 1979 – Paul Jacobs, Alesia Campbell, Jan Bowden, Sandee Atkins,
Robbins, Jennifier Sweeten, Suzie Stovall, Kevin Hesslin, Richard Staton,
Claudia Davfis, Elizabeth Scharbor, and Dan Shelby
Jerry Mathis, John Lentz, and Stan Robison
OUT & ABOUT
WITH MORGAN SKAGGS
Greenwood Homecoming Ceremony Friday, October 11, 2019
Class of 2009 - Winter Kasworm, Haley Carter, Madison Martin, Samantha Gard, Ryan Gammon, Elijah Luther with his son Gabriel, Ron Patterson, Katy Carnahan, Dalayna Lincks, Ashley Minsor, Mark Minsor and Jake Hindman
Class of 2009 – Josh Faires, Ashley Misner, Tyler Lincks, Kistianna Peckat, Winter Kasworm, Jake Hindman, Maidison Martin, Haley Carter and Samantha Gard
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AREA WORSHIP GUIDE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
BAPTIST
FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD Hwy. 10 Spur and Park, 996-6030, John D. Miller, Min.; SS 9:45 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m & 6 p.m..; Wed. 6:30 p.m.
ARKOAL COMMUNITY BAPTIST Pastor Gene Gullick 8937 Old Arko Rd., Huntington, AR., SS: 10 a.m.; WS 11 a.m., 7 p.m., Wednesday Service, 7 p.m.
ECHO ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1202 Echo Rd., Barber Community; Steve Quick, Pastor 928-4424
BURNVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH 5 mi. East on Hwy. 10, Tyler Thompson Pastor, SS 10am; Worship 11am & 6pm
MIDLAND ASSEMBLY OF GOD 6th & Adams, Midland, AR., SS: 10 a.m.; WS 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.; Pastor, Andy Jones; 639-2096 CALVARY CHAPEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD 201 Greenwood St., Hackett; 479-561-8998, Pastors Tim & Gaylene Smith, SS 9:30 am, WS: 10:30 am & 6pm, Wed: 7pm Bible Study calvarychapelhackett@yahoo.com LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY WORSHIP CENTER Hwy. 71 S., Witcherville, 479-928-5654, Pastor Tommie Rhamy, SS 9:45 am; Worship 10:45 am; Prayer 5:30 p.m.; Sun Eve 6 pm; Wed., Bible Study & Youth 7 pm BONANZA ASSEMBLY OF GOD 701 McConnell Ave., Bonanza, AR. 72916, Rev. Ricky Yarberro HOWARD HILL ASSEMBLY OF GOD Past. Quinton Rowan, 3515 Gate 9 Rd., 996-2496 howardhillag.com
CENTRAL FREE WILL BAPTIST 17 E. Central Ave, Central City. Steve Mclain Pastor, 452-2308; SS 9:45 am, WS 10:45 am, 6:00 pm; Wed. 7 pm DAYTON BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Robert Presson, 2305 Apple Blossom Rd., Mansfield, 479-996-5495, 912-294-2281
LIBERTY MISSIONARY BAPTIST 705 E. Gary St. • P.O. Box 3225, Pastor, Cavan Gappmayer SS 9:45 am; WS 10:45am; SEW 5 pm, WEW 6 pm WESTWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH Hwy. 10 Spur - 996-6220, Dewey Hickey, pastor, SS 9:45 a.m.; Worship 11 am, 6 pm; Mon. 7:10 pm, Wed. 7 pm PALESTINE BAPTIST CHURCH 1207 Young Ridge Road, Pastor Jordan Martin, SS 10:00 am, Worship 11am & 6pm. and Wed night for Children & Youth 6-7:15 pm
EXCELSIOR BAPTIST CHURCH 3421 Smokey Rd, Greenwood; Pastor Mark Griffith; Sunday School and Worship 10 am
SHADY GROVE FREE WILL BAPTIST 6425 New Hope Road; SS-9 am, Worship 10:30 am; & 6 pm; Wed. nights 7 pm. Danny Owenby Pastor.
FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 14511 Old Jenny Lind Loop; 996-6456, James M. Jones, min.; SS 9 a.m.; WS 10 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Atlanta & Adair Streets, 9962166; Pastor Ronnie Deal, Worship, 8 am SS & Worship 9:15, 10:45 am & 6 pm
GREENWOOD TIRE & ALLIGNMENT 803 West Denver 996-7510 Don Lamberson, Owner Greenwood Life
HACKETT FIRST BAPTIST 401 E. Greenwood St. 638-7363; Pastor, Joe Silva
FS-SPAD1105185825
301 West Center, Greenwood • 996-4440
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JENNY LIND FIRST BAPTIST 1910 Gate Nine Road, 996-2513; Clay Kibler, min.; SS 9:30 a.m., WS 10:45 a.m.; SEW 6:30 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m.
DENVER STREET BAPTIST CHURCH 1413 W. Denver St., Greenwood; Alan Davis, Pastor, 479-9967544, SS 9:45 am; WS 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wed. 6 pm
FIRST FREE WILL BAPTIST 504 S. Fowler St, 996-4374, Jim Walker, SS, Worship 10:50am, 6pm; Wed 7pm
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597-6644. Sun 8:30am coffee/donuts, 9:01am SS, 10:10 WS, 5pm Discipleship Training, 6pm EW. Wed. 5:30pm Adult Prayer Meeting, 6pm Youth Services, 5:45pm AWANA Registration, 6pm-7:30pm AWANA.
CATHOLIC
SSTS SABINA & MARY CATHOLIC
Jenny Lind; Saturday Mass at 4pm. Father Matt Garrison. OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC 616 Cherry St., Booneville, Pastor-Fr. Alejandro Puello; Regular Liturgy Schedule, Sat. Vigil Mass: 6pm; Sun. Mass 8:30am; Wed: Mass: 6:00 meal & youth activities, Thurs. Mass in Chapel 8:15 am, First Fri. of Every Month Mass at 5:30 pm adoration followins. Confessions; 30 min. before Wed/Sat/Sun Masses or by appt. This local church directory is made possible by these supporting businesses that are positioned around the Worship feature and this directory. The basic church listings are provided at no charge to all our area churches in Sebastian County. If your church is not listed or an information change is needed, please contact us at greenwoodlife@gatehousemedia.com or call 479-996-4494.
McConnell FUNERAL HOME 137 N Main St, Greenwood, AR 72936
(479) 996-2131
AREA WORSHIP GUIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST
DAYTON CHURCH OF CHRIST 2230 East Hwy 252, Huntington, 479-928-4034. Sunday morning Bible class 9:30 am, Sunday morning worship 10:30 am evening worship at 6 pm and Wednesday night Bible classes at 7 pm. GREENWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST Hwy. 10 & Bell Rd, 996-6635 WS 10 am, 6 pm; Wed. 7 pm. JENNY LIND CHURCH OF CHRIST Old Hwy. 71, Sunday WS 9 a.m. NORTHSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST 1240 W. Center, 996-2626; WS 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 7:30 p.m. VALLEY VIEW CHURCH OF CHRIST Hwy. 10 West, 996-6040; WS 10:50 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 7 pm WASHBURN CHURCH OF CHRIST 9911 Old Hwy 10, 252-1213. Sun Bible Study 9:30 am, Morning worship 10:15 am, Evening 6pm, Wed Bible study 6pm
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS GREENWOOD WARD: CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST 915 West Center St, Greenwood. Sun 10:00 am. English. http://Churchofjesuschrist.org FORT SMITH WARD: CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST 8712 Horan Drive, Fort Smith. 479-484-9907, English and Spanish. Sun 10:00 am. http://Churchofjesuschrist.org
EPISCOPAL ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S 2701 Old Greenwood, Ft. Smith 783-2101, SS 9:15, WS 8 & 10:30 Sun., WS 5:30 Sat.
LUTHERAN
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 18218 Hwy. 71 S, 996-7747; Jason Zirbel, Pastor; WS 10 am SS 9 am
METHODIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 10 W. Denver, 996-6397, Wed.: Meal 5:30 p.m., Youth Wed. & Sun. nights, Traditional Sun.: 8:15 & 11 a.m. in Sanctuary, Contemporary 9 a.m. in Family Life Ctr. SS:10 a.m., Rev. John Embrey, Senior Pastor. Rev. Lyn Poplin, Associate Pastor
NAZARENE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Hwy. 10 West, 996-4688; SS 9:45 a.m. WS 10:45 a.m., 5:30 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m.; Jon Newlin, pastor.
PENTECOSTAL CALVARY TEMPLE UNITED PENTECOSTAL 47 Ware Rd (Off of Hwy. 96), 996-HOPE; www.ctupc.net; SS & WS 10 a.m.; Sun. eve. WS 6pm, Wed 7 pm Family Connect; Trent Hampton, Pastor. CITY HARVEST PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD Hwy. 10 East & Dawson. Sun. 10-12pm, Wed. 6:30 pm. Billy L. Goines, Pastor, 996-1663 FREEDOM FELLOWSHIP 12311 Hwy. 96, 479-221-8740; CV Lewis, Pastor; Sunday. 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. CROSS ROAD CHURCH 15024 Hwy. 71 S. Jenny Lind Community; 252-6700. Pastors: Michael & Keshia Tom; Sunday WS 11 a.m., Sun. eve. WS 5:30 p.m., Wed. services, and Youth Night 7 p.m.
400 S. Coker, Greenwood • 996-4125
Golden Years Retirement Village
GOOD SHEPHERD PRESBYTERIAN Bass & Denver St., 996-0750. SS 10 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m., Orin Frank, min.
OTHER
WASHBURN UNITED METHODIST Paster, Geral L. Holloway, Sunday: 9 a.m.
Pink Bud Nursing Home
PRESBYTERIAN
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF GREENWOOD 110 S Coker, Ste 1, Greenwood. Sunday bible study - 10 am, Morning Service 11 am, Evening Service 6 pm, Prayer Service Wed. 6 pm COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH-GW 601 Ulmer St., Greenwood. Communitychurch.com. Service time is Sunday at 10 am HUNTINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH 216 East Vine St., Huntington Sun. Worship Service 11 a.m. LIVING WORD TABERNACLE 1848 Hwy 10 • Booneville, 675-4820; Pastors Robert & Melissa Jones; Sunday Worship 10:30 am, Wed. WS 7:00 pm RIVER VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Phillip McClure and Pastor Adam Kareus. 7030 Taylor Ave, FS in Chaffee Crossing. Sevice Sunday 10am Modern Worship, Classic Christianity ROSE GARDEN FULL GOSPEL Jenny Lind, 928-5745; SS 9:45 am, WS 11 am, 6 pm; Wed. 7pm; Weldon Bratton, min. THE POTTER’S HOUSE APOSTOLIC CHURCH 9516 Robison Court Fort Smith, Arkansas 72916 TYRO COMMUNITY CHURCH 8401 W Hwy 252. Hackett. Pastor: Chris Scott, Sun. 10am & 5 pm, Wednesday 7pm
Tricia Miller 314 W. Center St., Suite B, Greenwood • 996-9311 TMiller@ShelterInsurance.com
Residental Care & Independent Living 1570 West Center, Greenwood • 996-9945
Greenwood Life
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NOvember. The month with my favorite holiday—Thanksgiving. The holiday that says, “no” to overspending, and “yes” to family, friends and overea ng! I found some plates that said Happy Friendsgiving and just wanted to share what a blessing having true friends really are! I’m not a FAKEbooker. . . I like my friends curled up on couches face to face. That’s what true friendship is built upon. Coziness, honesty and physically being there! Situa ons shouldn’t determine friendship. Mine are there in the good, bad, and ugly (no makeup kinda friends!) During this month of thankfulness I hope you take a moment to count your blessings and text your friends a simple, “I am thankful for you friendGod has blessed me with you!” *** Someone once said the di erence between family and friends is that you can’t pick your family! Set up this holiday season with a heart of friendship—decide now to nd the good quali es in your family members and do what you can to love them and shine a light on their strengths. We all need to love and be loved! *** Kiddos—all that stu you are “going to do someday” well that day should be today! Let your kids set the holiday table! Let them help make a cherished grandparent recipe. Let them start the blessing chain at lunch sharing something they are thankful for. Put down the black Friday ads and play games and work puzzles. It may not seem like much now—but in a few years down the road it is what your children will want to con nue each holiday! BE THANKFUL this season! We are a blessed people! Have a heart of thanks and giving!
Greenwood Quiz Bowl
RANKS SECOND
in preseason Coaches poll In the 6A division, Greenwood Quiz Bowl team has been ranked second just behind Russellville in a preseason poll of participating Arkansas Governor’s Quiz Bowl Association (AGQBA) coaches.
Weighted points were assigned to higher rankings. A composite score was generated from those weighted points to determine the highest ranking teams in each division.
The poll was administered by Arkansas Friends of Quiz Bowl, a nonprofit organization comprised of alumni, coaches and others who support quiz bowl in Arkansas by, among other things, funding annual scholarships for quiz bowl players.
Quiz bowl is an academic competition governed by the AGQBA under the administration of the AAA. During games, players answer questions on a variety of academic topics such as literature, art, music, history, science and math to earn points. Games are structured such that teams must rely on the individual knowledge of each player to answer most questions but are allowed to work collaboratively on others. State championships will be played in April and broadcast live on the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN).
“Much like teams in athletic competitions, schools who participate in quiz bowl have reputations and expectations that rise and fall based on graduating seniors and up-and-coming freshmen,” said Spencer Watson, president of the Friend of Quiz Bowl board of directors. “Coaches are keenly aware of these changes in the makeup of other teams and have a pretty good idea what the strength of their competition will be.”
Complete 6A rankings include:
Polls were taken in September in which all AGQBA coaches were asked to rank their divisional opponents, as determined by their classification in the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA).
Greenwood Life
1. Russellville 2. Greenwood 3. Lake Hamilton 4. Benton 5. Searcy
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Awards and Achievements
HOLLAND WINS STATE FAIR YOUTH TALENT GRAND CHAMPION Kennedy Holland, daughter of Sean and Katie Holland of Greenwood won the Arkansas State Fair Youth Talent Grand Champion Junior Division. She represented Sebastian County Fair in the Northwest Region prelim on Tuesday night and returned to compete in the finals on Saturday.
TAMMY BRILEY IS THIS YEAR’S “SHINING STAR”
“CITIZEN OF THE YEAR” AWARD GOES TO JOHN CIESLA
2018 Honoree Christy Clark, presents the 2019 “Shining Star Award” to Parks Director, Tammy Briley, at the 2019 Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet.
Greenwood School Superintendent John Ciesla, is presented the “Citizen of the Year” award by 2018 recipient Michael LeJong, at the 2019 Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet.
“BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT” AWARD TERI AND PHIL HICKS INDUCTED PRESENTED TO SHAWN AND INTO CHAMBER “HALL OF FAME” Phil and Teri Hicks, with Phil Hicks Shelter FRANCOIS VAN DER WATT Chamber of Commerce President Meryl Ware, presents the Chamber’s “Business Development Award” to Shawn and Francois Van Der Watt, of Van Der Watt Prosthetics, at the 2019 Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet.
Insurance on being inducted into the Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame by 2018 Inductee Dr. Evan Rowe, at the 2019 Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. All Chamber banquet photos and descriptions courtesy of Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Greenwood Life
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Jaylene, Ryan, and Whitney Borst are with Brittney, Riley and Jared Girard
Jeremiah, Madelyn, Jon, and Ransom Clark with Robin Bray
Austin, Jackson and Weston English
Karly and Katy Jones are with Elizabeth and Rebekah Merritt
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WWW.GREENWOODARLIFE.COM | NOVEMBER 2019 |
Hudson Clark as a Hamburger, Ben Clark as a Hotdog and Brigham Clark as Optimus Prime
Greenwood Life
Campbelle as Elsa, Dolan as Harry Potter, Eorique as Black Panther, and Belle Rose as a Cheerleader.
Eva and Abbigail Booth with Serenity Tucker
Sterling Park as a bum, Easton Parker as a KCS Railroader, and Lorelai Parker as Drakula’s daughter
Paige, Meagan, Ivy, and Willow Hamm with Kylar Maness
Halloween Trail OUT & ABOUT
WITH MORGAN SKAGGS
Greenwood Walking Trail October 31, 2019
Dakoda and Colton Knight
Brayden, Nova and Hunter France with Harley Tyree
Mason, Emma and Madelyn Helms
Raya as a mermaid and Reed as a Ninja are with their parents Brian and Whitney Jones
Addison Bridges and Bree Yancey
Larysa Oglesby as Barbie, Kaylee Oglesby as the Devil, Kaden Oglesby as Spiderman and Sophie Peeples as an Angel
Greenwood Life
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At the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, you’re never just a number. We pride ourselves on being large enough to make a difference in our world, but small enough that every student can make an impact. We keep our classes small so you know your faculty, and we make sure our campus feels like home to every Lion.
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Greenwood Life
uafs.edu/greenwood
EASTSIDE
CONVENIENCE STORE Daily specials MONDAY
THURSDAY
CORNDOGS
BBQ SANDWICH, ONE SIDE AND 20OZ FOUNTAIN DRINK $
99¢ TUESDAY
BURGER/FRENCH FRIES W/ 20OZ FOUNTAIN DRINK $
5.99
WEDNESDAY
CHICKEN STRIPS
99¢
5.99
FRIDAY
FRIED CATFISH, HUSH-PUPPIES, FRENCH FRIES AND 20OZ FOUNTAIN DRINK $
7.29
November Specials 2 HAMBURGERS $
10
CRISPITOS 2/$
3
BISCUIT GRAVY & 12OZ COFFEE $ 99
1
ICE 2/$
3
FS-0001259286-01
1425 E Center St., Greenwood, AR 72936
(479) 996-4562
Wade & Susan Dunn, Owners Laundry, Tanning, Deli, Car Wash
THIRSTY THURSDAY 1/2 PRICE FOUNTAIN DRINKS EVERY THURSDAY
Give Thanks
Thanks for the trust you have placed in my agency and Shelter InsuranceÂŽ. May we continue to serve your insurance needs in the years to come.
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Phil Hicks LIC#1668203 1740 W. Center Street, Greenwood, AR 72936 (479) 996-2127