ABOUT | April 2020

SONGS OF STEWARDSHIP

April 2020 • www.aboutrvmag.com

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley

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AMOM

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COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL

Russellville School District wants to congratulate

SEQUOYAH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL for earning the Cognia STEM Provider Certification.

This certification recognizes comprehensive program quality to distinguish STEM providers who have met high standards and who demonstrate rigourous expectations that set them apart.

Schools who receive this award provide the following - promote scientific inquiry and engineering design, - develop skill sets that transfer across career sectors, - encourage students’ capacity for critical thinking and perseverance through complex tasks, and -engage students deeply in their local community in ways that connect.

220 West 10th Street  Russellville, AR 72801  479.968.1306  www.rsdk12.net

April 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Songs of Stewardship You might recognize Lauren Ray from social media. She’s a Buffalo National River park ranger, which is a cool, though, inconspicuous job. However, she has turned a talent for writing song parodies into a tool for conversation.

Very Berry Blast AMOM Colin was beautiful baby boy, but when he was 15 months old, he wouldn’t make eye contact. At two years of age, Colin was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Colin’s mother Kim Keller struggled with her desire to connect with her son, and her determination sparked the creation A Meeting of Minds (AMOM), an autism support nonprofit based in Russellville.

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The River Valley Citizen Come out of your shell I didn’t grow up eating crawdads. Instead, we often used them as bait for what we ate.

Somewhere out there, a Cajun is reading this and shaking their head at the utter tragedy… so many wasted mudbugs. After my first crawdad eating experience, decades ago, I agreed with that Cajun.

Finger Lickin’ Good

FEATURED MERCHANT Clarksville Aquatic Center |

A fresh start

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Red in tooth and claw

Subscribe Today!

Have every issue of ABOUT the River Valley delivered to you monthly! Subscribe online today at www.aboutrvmag.com or send/drop-off a $20 payment for a One-Year Subscription (11 Issues) to: ABOUT Magazine 220 East 4th Street Russellville, AR 72801 Call 479.219.5031 for more information.

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ABOUT THIS MONTH’S COVER “The early morning sun glints in the eye of Lauren Ray, National Park Service interpretator, as she gazes across the Buffalo River during our photo shoot. Recently, Ray gained viral status for her clever Youtube parodies that combine two of her passions: singing and environmental education. She’s just as likeable in person as she portrays in her videos, trust me.”

Music by

Book by

Mary Rodgers

Jay Thompson Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer

Lyrics by

Marshall Barer

Adults $10 Students $5 Purchase tickets online at www.russellvillecenter.net

April 30- May 2 7pm May 3 2pm

For info call 498-6600

Once Upon a Mattress is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricalscom APRIL 2020

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Real news I often think about the purpose of what we do at ABOUT. What do the stories and columns pertaining to this one quiet little corner of a vast and rapidly changing world contribute to the lives of folks who read them? I wrestle with the answers, rarely satisfied, wondering if we could be more without a clear understanding of what “more” would be. More of what?

I know the questions stem from my freelance reporting for other publications (in case you didn’t know, everyone on the ABOUT staff also freelances, but that’s a topic for another editorial). A lot of my other freelance writing focuses on more controversial subjects.

The conflict, that friction between what we think is truth and the cold hard facts that say otherwise, is what many people think of when they think of journalism. They think of gritty reporters uncovering what was supposed to stay hidden. When the Founders of this nation drew up the First Amendment to the Constitution, this is what they were thinking as well. As the Fourth Estate — a crucial pillar of democracy — journalism is a tool of accountability. It’s a journalist’s obligation to hold those in power accountable to the public.

This heroic aspect of journalism is incredibly attractive to someone like me, who happens to be a bit of an iconoclast anyway.

But deconstructing journalism reveals a simpler definition. The ultimate goal of the journalist is to tell a story that pulls the reader into it and leads to a degree of enlightenment. If you leave an article knowing more, the journalist has done his or her job. If you want to know more truths about the River Valley, about the people, about the character of this place, ABOUT is your best media option. Even our seemingly simplest column is incredibly informative.

If you flip through to the back pages of this issue, you’ll find the “10 Things ABOUT” Chris Zimmerman. Go ahead and do that now. I’ll wait.

I’ve worked with Chris for going on seven years, and while I knew what some of his answers would be, I was surprised by a few as well. Isn’t it interesting how just a couple handfuls of pretty mundane questions can be so revealing? That was our goal with “10 Things ABOUT,” an opportunity to learn a thing or two or ten about your neighbors.

If you want to understand the essence of journalism, the “10 Things ABOUT” column is among the purest of forms — simple yet probing questions designed to draw out illuminating answers that leave the reader better informed.

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley since 2006 A Publication of One14 Productions, Inc Vol. XV, Issue 3 – April 2020

DIANNE EDWARDS | founding editor JOHNNY CARROL SAIN | managing editor johnny@aboutrvmag.com LIZ CHRISMAN | photography editor lizchrismanphoto@gmail.com BENITA DREW | advertising benita@aboutrvmag.com MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS | freelance meredith@aboutrvmag.com JILL MCSHEEHY | freelance jill@aboutrvmag.com SARAH CLOWER | freelance sarah@aboutrvmag.com LYDIA ZIMMERMAN | columnist lydia@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@aboutrvmag.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 2020 3rd-5th — Wildflower Weekend at Petit Jean State Park. Admission is free. Soak up the newness of spring with the beginning of wildflower season. Programming geared towards wildflowers you can see while visiting the park will be available to the public all weekend. For more information contact 501-727-5441.

4th

— River Valley Mural Paint Party from noon-4 p.m. at the Arkansas Tech Department of Public Safety. All ages and skill levels are invited to join artist Tiffany Black and try their hand at mural painting.

The mural’s 16 panels will be set up as a giant paint-by-number. Come for the painting, stay for the food and live music. To enter raffle, bring a donation for our partner River Valley Food 4 Kids See list below for accepted donations. Rain date (in case of storms or dangerous weather): Sunday, April 5. Accepted Donations for River Valley Food 4 Kids: 1. Monetary Donations — donate online (handled through PayPal) at or mail your donation to P.O. Box 1808, Russellville, AR 728112 (show your payment confirmation at event). 2. Food Donations (collected at event) — Mac & cheese, granola Bars, applesauce, Chef Boyardee, oup (with pop top lids), Ramen Noodles, fruit cups, Little Debbies.

Find up-to-date information and future events @

www.aboutrvmag.com/events 17th — O.W.L.S Tree ID from 6 - 9 p.m. in the Lakeview Room at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Lakeview Room. Admission is $30. The Arkansas River creates many recreational opportunities for us to enjoy. Join Lake Dardanelle State Park staff for O.W.L.S. (Outdoor Women Learning Skills). This program series is designed to give ladies the opportunity to explore the available recreation at Lake Dardanelle and the surrounding areas, by learning skills and knowledge that they need to enjoy nature. The series will be from 6-9 p.m. one evening a month for 6 months. Registration will be $30 per night. For more information contact 967-5516.

18th

— 7th Annual RussVegas Half Marathon from 7:30 - 11:30 a.m in downtown Russellville. Entry fee is $75. Another year of supporting the Arkansas River Valley Circle of Friends and the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in return. Overall event info: https://russvegashalf.com/event.html.

FAQ’s for runners: https://russvegashalf. com/faqs.html. Want to donate to your ACH Angel: https://russvegashalf.com/ ach-angels-info.html

29th — 2020 River Valley Business Expo from 9-3 p.m. at Tucker Coliseum on

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26 27 28 29 30 1 2 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 *Unless otherwise indicated, all area codes are 479. To have your event included in the ABOUT Calendar of Events, email: editor@aboutrvmag.com or fax to (479) 219-5031. Deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication.

the campus of Arkansas Tech University.

Presented by the Russellville Area Chamber, will be Wednesday. This event is free to the public. The Expo is a great way to visit with and shop from 100 different retailers throughout the River Valley in one location Suppliers and organizations that can make a real difference to your business and life will be exhibiting. Exhibitors will have interactive games, shopping, and food samples at their booths. From free health screenings to an on-stage cooking demonstration there is something for every member of the family.

For more information contact 968-2530.

APRIL 2020

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Songs of Stewardship Lauren Ray has turned a talent for writing song parodies into a tool for conservation.

Story by MEREDITH MARTIN MOATS | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

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You might recognize Lauren Ray from social media. She’s a outreach, she’s finding modern ways to promote Arkansas’ natural Buffalo National River park ranger, which is a cool, though, inbeauty to more people. conspicuous job.

Lauren spent most of her childhood in Bentonville and graduat Lauren has been stationed at the Buffalo River National Park ed from Siloam Springs, but her roots in the River Valley run deep for four years now. Located in northern Arkansas, the Buffalo as well. She’s a graduate of the University of the Ozarks and spent River is our nation’s first national river and known far and wide a great deal of time in Clarksville and surrounding areas, somefor its natural beauty. Lauren is making it even more well known thing she credits for the work she does today. “I never thought that with her talent for merging pop hits with catchy and informative being a park ranger or working in the outdoors or in conservation lyrics about national parks. Her skills are impressive. was a viable career path until I started taking some biology and en For example, in her viral video set to Fleetwood Mac’s “Dream’ vironmental science classes at University of the Ozarks,” Lauren she details the problems with stormwater runoff during says. Her professors and classes helped her realize this the dry season, singing, “Ponca only happens when it’s could be her profession, and she gives credit to the U of raining; please know what the river gauge is saying.”

O for getting her where she is today.

Or perhaps you’ve seen the one where she writes her After college, Lauren began working for the Illinois own lyrics to “Drop it Like it’s Hot,” turning it into a River Watershed partnership in northwest Arkansas, an catchy beat on the benefits of ranger tours called, “Join organization focusing on the health of the watershed My Guided Walk.”

Scan to hear a selection that covers portions of northeastern Oklahoma and urof Lauren’s works.

My personal favorite is her parody of Adele’s “Someone ban northwest Arkansas. “I served there as the education Like You” that educates park guests on how to find their lost items: outreach coordinator for a couple of years,” Lauren says, “and “I heard that you dropped your keys; that you cannot find your wedreally fell in love with conservation education and boots on the ding ring. I heard that you lost your new smartphone gadget things, ground type of conservation work that is so essential to protectdidn’t you?” She holds up the items as she sings and then points ing our special wild and urban places alike.” After that, Lauren listeners to their lost and found guide, reminding visitors they’d love became involved with the Student Conservation Association as a to put these items back in the hands of their rightful owners. way to get her foot in the door at the national parks. After filling Connecting people with the park — whether it’s by giving a out a survey to help find a good fit for her work, she ended up at presentation, a guided tour, or writing hilarious songs to remind Arches National Park in southeastern Utah. “And that is where you about river safety — is her passion. And, thanks to her clever my National Park Service career really started,” Lauren says.

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Arches National Park is located in the Red Rock Canyon area. west Arkansas but wasn’t sure about how to get there. “I called The erosional patterns led to the formation of more than 2,000 the [Buffalo River National Park] headquarters office and I asked natural sandstone arches in the red rocks. The Delicate Arch is if they had any volunteer opportunities coming up,” she explains. the primary feature of the park, but only one of thousands of Luckily, they did. The National Park Centennial Year was just getacres to view. The park is filled with hiking trails, wildlife, and ting started and extra help with programs and initiatives was needcamping locations. Surrounded by this beauty, it was here that ed. “I told them that I had quite a bit of social media experience, Lauren made her first parody song. and that was an area where they were lacking,” Lauren says. “So I “I would find myself driving through the park or out on hiking came to the buffalo in January 2016 as a volunteer,” Lauren says, trails,” Lauren says.” And suddenly, I would start rewriting the “helping with social media outreach, and just helping plan some lyrics to popular songs in ways that made the song fit of the special events and programs that went on that year in with different educational topics or resource managefor the National Park Service centennial.” After a couple ment issues that I was working on.” She recalls rewritof months volunteering in the position, she was offered a ing the Gilligan's Island theme song at some point. It seasonal position. That turned into a permanent position. had to do with the geology of arches.

Lauren says she didn’t grow up singing, but she did “But the one that I actually ended up recording and ushave very influential musicians in her life including her ing for something was a parody of Snoop Dogg’s ‘Drop Scan to watch “Propper uncle Darren Ray, a professional musician in NorthPreparation Rap” it Like it's Hot,’” she laughs. “And this parody I called west Arkansas. “I would go to a lot of his gigs as a kid ‘Join my Guided Walk.’” The song invites park guests to learn and just admire his musical talent, especially his voice,” Laumore about the geology of the park. She says she was encouraged ren says. “Anytime I went over to his house he would let me by her supervisor, who wanted her to use this avenue to educate mess around on his instruments and his music room and stuff.” people about the flora and fauna while also making people laugh.

But Lauren didn’t sing much on her own until she went to col Lauren may be well known now, but back in 2015, she was lege. She never liked performing live. “I have debilitating stage trying to find a way to get her foot in the door back home. After fright,” she says. Lauren prefers, instead, to write and record leaving Arches in Utah, she knew she wanted to return to northmusic and share it through social media. >>

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“Just seeing those ‘aha’ moments when you start describing how these geological formations came to be, the interaction of rock and acidic rainwater, you really see their wheels start turning.

They say, ‘oh, man, we learned about this in the classroom, but now we're seeing it; we’re living it.’”

Though, Lauren loved singing and helping people find innovative ways to connect with the park, she never expected her two skills to take off as they have. But since that first parody video, Lauren has had more than 200,000 thousand videos views and says the park receives a high volume of calls and emails about her songs. Even national media has covered the “rapping ranger,” and her fame leads to recognition when she’s out and about in northwest Arkansas. “I've been recognized in a lot of places before where usually I could just kind of fly under the radar,” Lauren says. “So it's been fun to have people ask for a high five or for a selfie or something.”

When she’s not singing on video, Lauren says there is really no such thing as an average day as a park ranger because everyday is so vastly different. On the day we spoke, Lauren started with checking on Nacho and Pancho, the horses who live at Steel Creek Historic Valley and used to assist with backcountry patrols for rescue missions. Then she had a phone call with a professor from the University of Central Arkansas who is collaborating with the park for an upcoming oral history collection program.

After that was the planning of a Leave No Trace container course to keep park visitors educated on how to keep the park clean.

Then she turned her attention to planning for the busy paddling

season: preparing for boat launches, communicating with visitors about safety, and the Leave No Trace ethics of the park.

As the weather warms, Lauren’s job veers toward even more time outdoors. “I’ll start doing more guided walks once our visitation comes back up.” Really, Lauren’s work is anything to help park visitors connect in more meaningful ways with the park. “That's what my job is about,” Lauren says.

What’s her favorite part of being a park ranger? “Helping facilitate those ‘aha’ moments that really cause people to feel a deeper appreciation and inspiration for their public lands,” Lauren says.

Lauren says that she loves teaching park visitors about the history of the people who lived in the valley and how they made their living. She likes to ask people to put themselves in the shoes. “It's more than just about outdoor recreation,” Lauren says. “Especially when we're talking about the history of this park.”

She also loves promoting scientific discovery on the trails.

“Once again, just seeing those ‘aha’ moments when you start describing how these geological formations came to be, the interaction of rock and acidic rainwater, you really see their wheels start turning,” Lauren says. “They say, ‘oh, man, we learned about this in the classroom, but now we're seeing it; we’re living it.’”

Lauren says that even though this information isn’t new to her, to see it through a new park visitor’s eyes is powerful. “I might have been a small part of a stewardship ethic that they're going to carry with them for the rest of their lives,” Lauren says. “That is very, very rewarding.” l

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APRIL 2020

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EVE RY DAY L I F E

Very Berry Blast Story by SARAH CLOWER | Illustration by CLIFF THOMAS

A FEW MONTHS AGO, I decided that 2020 was the year I was going to get back in shape. My progress has waxed and waned from week to week.

My friends all have the same goal, so we’re trying to keep each other motivated — sharing healthy tips and recipes, reminding and encouraging each other to frequent the gym, and holding each other accountable to our health goals.

However, it always seems like it’s easier for some, more than others, to find the time to work out and make the effort to be diligent about meal prepping and clean eating. My friend Ashley is one of those “easier for some” people. Ashley has a flexible work schedule and doesn’t have children. But she is a great cheerleader for the others in our group.

One Friday we went to lunch and she told me about a great smoothie recipe. It was a high-antioxidant smoothie with cherries, goji berries, pomegranate seeds and raspberries. It sounded delicious. She recommended using a Vitamix brand blender or a Ninja brand blender to make sure the berries and the ice were smoothly blended.

I don’t have either of those types of blenders. Instead, I have a $25 Walmart special that I’ve been using for years. I’m not a big fan of really expensive kitchen appliances unless it’s something I can truly expect to use everyday, for instance, a refrigerator. But I thought that surely my cheap blender could handle the job.

After work that day, I went to the grocery store to pick up my smoothie ingredients. While I was at the store, my sweet friend Kala called to see if Raff could spend the night at her house that evening. Raff and her son Dragan were good friends. I, of course, agreed that he could but said I would need to pick him up mid-

morning for his basketball game. Kala volunteered to bring him home if I could drop him off at her house that evening.

That evening, after I dropped Raff at his friend’s house, I contemplated making a smoothie for dinner. I decided to wait until the next morning so I could take it with me to Raff’s basketball game and not be tempted to purchase an over-priced bottle of water from the concession stand.

The next morning, just as I was loading my cherries, goji berries, pomegranate seeds and raspberries into my blender, Kala called to say she was on her way to drop Raff off at my house.

We ended the phone call and I sat my phone down, placed the top on the blender, and pressed the “puree” button. The blender came on with a roar and started crunching and crushing the ice

He has risen!

(479) 968-3991 • 1903 SOUTH ARKANSAS

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and fruit together. Suddenly, it started making a lagging noise. I switched the appliance off as I bent down to inspect the blender pitcher more closely. It looked as if a chunk of ice had wedged itself between the base of the pitcher and the blades causing them to not turn properly. I stirred a wooden spoon around in the pitcher and poked at the hindering chunk of ice, quickly dislodged it, replaced the lid and hit “puree” again. After another few seconds, it happened again. So I picked up my spoon, poked at the chunk of ice in the way, and hit “purée” once again.

The very instant I pushed the button I realized that, this time, I’d skipped one crucial step. “Oh no!”

As red berry mixture was flung every direction and all over my kitchen, I lurched towards the base of the blender while being pelted with ice chunks and bits of berry. Just as I reached the blender and went to hit the off button, a pomegranate seed launched into my left eye causing me to miss the “off” button, and press the “liquify” button.

The blender surged and roared louder as more red liquid sprayed. With one eye squinted shut, I fumbled around on the blender, managed to hit the correct button, and the blades of the blender came to a halt. Just then, my front door opened and three shocked faces looked at me with wide eyes.

“Mom?” my son asked in a nervous voice. “What happened? It looks like a murder scene in here.”

I slowly glanced around. My entire kitchen was drenched in a bright red sludge that was slowly oozing down every surface and dripping on

the floor. It did indeed look like a horror movie murder scene.

“Well, you see… I was trying to make an antioxidant smoothie.”

Luckily, my friend Kala isn’t phased by much. She immediately took control of the situation and instructed Raff to show her where I kept the towels and cleaning supplies since I was drenched in red goo and rendered pretty much immobile as I didn’t want to risk getting it all over my beige carpet.

About an hour later, my kitchen was clean, sparkling, and had a hint of fruity aroma. I was so grateful for Kala’s and the kids’ help. We missed Raff’s basketball game, but I was thankful to not be bathed in berries anymore.

Then my phone rang. It was my friend Ashley.

“Hello?”

“Hey! Do you want to go to the gym with me later today? And did you try that smoothie recipe?” she asked.

“Umm… Well I attempted to try it. And no, I’m pretty sure that I’m going to order pizza, have it delivered and sit on my couch all day. I’m pretty exhausted from having to wash berries and seeds out of my hair,” I explained.

“What?” Ashley asked, sounding confused.

“It’s a long story, but I don’t think I’m going to be making any more smoothies for a while. I’ll tell you about it some other time.” I got off the phone, and as I reached over to sit it down I spied a red pomegranate seed stuck to one of the legs of my coffee table. No, there would definitely be no more smoothies in my immediate future. l

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Learn more at www.pediatricsplus.com or call 479.890.5494.

(while they last)

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AMOM A

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M E E T I N G

APRIL 2020

O F

M I N D S

Story by CATHY GRAVES | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

Colin was beautiful baby boy, but when he was 15 months old, he wouldn’t make eye contact. At two years of age, Colin was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Colin’s mother Kim Keller struggled with her desire to connect with her son, and her determination sparked the creation of A Meeting of Minds (AMOM), an autism support nonprofit based in Russellville.

Autism was first recognized in 1942. But even in 2005, not many parents knew the best ways to nurture an ASD child.

Kim was one of those parents. “There was such a disconnect between resources and me, Kim says. “I didn’t know where to look or what was available. I didn’t know what grants or services were available. The doctor had said to ‘Google it.’

I spent a lot of late nights Googling, trying to find support.”

Like many on the ASD spectrum, communication skills were difficult for Colin. “He couldn’t share information with me,” Kim says. “It makes you and your child feel vulnerable. They can’t tell you what’s going on in their world.”

Colin began talking some at four years of age, and Kim enrolled him in speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy in preschool at Friendship Community Care.

“I would go into the therapist offices and ask what I could do to reinforce what they were doing at home,” Kim says.

Kim also sought to connect with other parents who were dealing with ASD, but she found no organized groups. “All of it was very isolating,” Kim says. “Everyone’s story is different, but if you can’t connect you’re alone.”

When Colin was in the fifth grade, Kim made her first real connection with a fellow ASD parent. That parent was Shannon Brown. “I had noticed that her daughter and my son were friends,” Kim says, “so I asked if she’d be interested in a play date. As time passed, I would ask other parents to join us. We’d meet at a park, bring our families, and the kids could play even if it was in their own little world. There was strength in that.” >>

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By 2017, Kim and Shannon had started AMOM as a support group and began holding meetings. Their mission was to connect parents and caregivers with each other and to resources. The group meets at Russellville Christian Center once a month and usually features guest speakers with expertise in resources, information about Medicaid or any other advice on how to raise a child with special needs. “Here was the connection to resources that I never had,” Kim says.

The meetings are also broadcast live on www.facebook.com/ amomsupport so parents/caregivers can attend online. “They [parents/caregivers] can comment or ask a question,” Kim says, “and we can ask the speaker to respond in real-time or parents can watch the meeting later.”

And the connections are spreading. New AMOM groups are forming in Conway and Morrilton. The first Conway event was in February, and the first in Morrilton will be scheduled soon.

AMOM also hosts four family events through the year: an Easter egg hunt, a first responders meet and greet, a Halloween party, and a fall fest. “Here, kids can be themselves with people who just get it,” Kim says. “Your child may have a meltdown, but you are among people who will offer support and empathy to help your child cope.”

The first responders meet and greet has been especially helpful in bridging the communication gap. One of the biggest fears of a non-verbal or non-communicative children’s parent/caregiver is their child or a first responder being hurt in an emergency situation. “These kids struggle with chaos, lights, noise, and alarms and may be frightened,” Kim says. So AMOM is educating both kids and responders. “Our organization facilitated special training for the police department that was autism-specific, “Kim says.

The idea of autistic awareness training for police officers was something Kim brought up in 2019. She called on Diane Varaday from the Arkansas Autism Resource Outreach Center (AAROC) to help. “The training made sense,” Captain David Ewing of the

Russellville Police Department says. “The theme in law enforcement is to stay aware. This training helps officers recognize different approaches for people with autism in a crisis. It adds a useful tool to our toolbox for the community.”

At the meet and greet, kids interact with officers and climb through police cars. “It was a big hit with the officers, Captain Ewing says, “and we’re hoping to continue in the future.”

The first sensory-friendly Halloween party was held in October 2019 at the Pope County Library. Melanie Goad, children’s librarian and AMOM for children with special needs, oversaw the

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“Here, kids can be themselves with people who just get it,” Kim says. “Your child may have a meltdown, but you are among people who will offer support and empathy to help your child cope.”

event. The Halloween party was a success with 40 children in attendance. “We plan to make it an annual event,” Melanie says.

The fall fest features silent fireworks along with traditional autumn festival activities. “We have a Bump and Jump, a hayride, food, and carnival-style games for the family,” Kim says.

Collaboration with other groups has also contributed to the success of AMOM. “We love to partner with and support what other organizations are doing,” Kim says. ‘It helps the kids grow in their social skills and have extracurricular activities.”

As examples, Community Connections offers free activities for

Welcome!

special needs children including drama, bowling, and art. Connections Behavioral Health, a division of Friendship Community Care, offers counseling. Sensory Story Time is offered by the Pope County Library Children’s Department. “Singing, sensory activities, dancing, and stories are part of the mixture,” Melanie says. “It’s a unique story time for children with disabilities.”

Melanie also brings a collection of books on topics like sensory processing disorder, bullying, and anxiety to the monthly AMOM meetings so parents can check them out at the meeting without a visit to the library.

ASD kids enjoy cinema, too. Sensory-friendly movies are arranged by Kristi Bartlett of River Valley Special Needs Support Group and shown at the United Entertainment Corp. Theater.

“The lights are up a little and the volume is turned down,” Kim says. “And the Girl Scouts provide drinks and snacks.”

Since it is a nonprofit, funding for AMOM is through donations or grants. A Giving Tree Grant to fund resource binders for parents was one of the most helpful. Resource binders have tabs for the paperwork from therapists, doctors, teachers, and evaluations. It’s a better way to organize for parents/caregivers of ASD children. “The amount of paperwork is overwhelming,” Kim says. >>

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APRIL 2020

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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“When kept together in a binder it becomes a portable filing cabinet to share information with professionals.”

Those professionals are what’s known as the individualized education plan (IEP) team. An IEP Team consists of the ASD child’s special education teacher, a general education teacher, school therapists, and sometimes additional staff from the office of special services along with parents/caregivers. “This IEP binder contains the rules on how to deal with one child,” Kim says.

Brittany Turner, director of special education for the Russellville School District, says that the IEP is a way to define objectives. “If the child can’t meet the goals, you move the goal,” Brittany says, “but still push to achieve.”

Kim has attended many IEP meetings with other parents. “I’m there for support and to offer ideas,” Kim says. “The goal is for parents to feel like a valuable and equal part of their child’s IEP team.”

Kim says that her plans for the future of AMOM are to educate the community on the unique wiring of the autistic. “The CDC (Center for Disease Control) says that one in 59 people are diagnosed with autism,” Kim says. “That’s a lot of people. It’s their community too.” Kim says that exposing people to those who are not like them is key. “As long as we think of people with autism as other or different or something separate, how will they ever feel welcome in our society?” Kim says. “We’d like to remind people that people with autism deserve respect.”

Kim’s hope is that more families will connect with AMOM. “There is power in meeting face-to-face and sharing your stories with someone else who gets it. The candid conversations at our meetings are when parents connect with each other and share their experiences and often receive help from someone with a similar issue.”

Though, in-person fellowship is best, Kim wants parents/ caregivers to know that they can still get help and a connection to other ASD parents/caregivers without attending meetings.

“Sometimes it’s hard to reach out because you’re so exhausted from life,” Kim says. “We’ve been where they are, and we’re ready and willing to help. We don’t know all the answers, but usually know someone who does.”

To learn more about A Meeting of Minds contact Kim Keller at (479) 857-1849 or AMOMkim@outlook.com, or Shannon Brown (479) 223-2407 or AMOMshannon@outlook.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amomsupport. l

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APRIL 2020

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APRIL 2020

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COMMUNITY

No. 1 in Arkansas: ATU debate team wins title Fifteen Arkansas Tech University students traveled to the Southern Forensics Championship in Starkville, Miss., in late January and returned home to Russellville with what is believed to be ATU’s first statewide championship in debate.

Dr. Gabriel Adkins, associate professor of communication and director of debate and forensics at ATU, said the ATU debate team finished in first place among all Arkansas teams. The annual Southern Forensics Championship event is recognized as the state championship event for debate teams from Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

“It means a lot to our program and our department,” said Adkins, who has provided leadership for the ATU debate team since 2011. “I am proud of our team. We have built ourselves from a small team that competed in 2-to-3 tournaments per year into one that is now seen as a leading team in the largest collegiate debate association in the world. The state title is another step in gaining that level of recognition.”

Members of the 2020 Arkansas state

championship debate team from ATU are: Nihal Anwar of Russellville, Stephen Baker of Russellville, Kiara Bradford of Conway, Brayden Downum of Springdale, Raegan English of Dardanelle, Gaje Faulkner of Dardanelle, Rebekah Hughes of Forrest City, Scottie Lawrence of Russellville, Chloee Oxford of Siloam Springs, Sarah Pollock of Rogers, Jerry Schoe of Eureka Springs, Constance Smith of Little Rock (graduate assistant), Ethan Taylor of Beebe, Kiley West of Pea Ridge and Hannah Wyatt of Fort Smith.

“The benefits of the program are huge to our team members,” said Adkins. “We have five alumni of the debate team who have completed (doctoral) degrees or are in the process of doing so. We have sent more than 20 students on to graduate school and produced law school graduates. We par-

ticipate in IPDA, which is real-world persuasion training as opposed to technical debate. We moved away from purely academic debate several years ago to emphasize real-world, applicable life skills.”

ATU will host a collegiate IPDA debate tournament Feb. 28-March 1 on its Russellville campus. It will mark the sixth consecutive year the ATU debate team has hosted the event.

Adkins said the group is seeking volunteer judges for the tournament. It is preferred that judges have no previous experience with debate.

To volunteer as a judge for the ATU debate tournament, send e-mail to gadkins@ atu.edu.

Learn more about the ATU Department of Communication and Journalism at www. atu.edu/cj.

Neylon S. Pilkington, M.D. | Robin Kirby, M.D. | Mallory Cranor, APRN

220 N. Sidney, Russellville | www.rpa.clinic | 479.498.0858 | Open 8am to 5pm Monday thru Friday | Saturday 9 am to 11pm 22

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~

APRIL 2020

Russellville Board of Realtors Real Estate Sales Award The Russellville Board of Realtors has announced recipients of the 2020 Real Estate Sales Awards. The Real Estate Sales Awards program recognizes outstanding performance during the 2019 calendar year.

There are seven levels of achievement for recipients: $1,500,000 in sales at the bronze level, minimum $2,000,000 in sales for silver level, minimum of $3,500,000 in sales for gold level, minimum of $5,000,000 in sales for platinum level, minimum of $7,000,000 in sales for diamond level, minimum of $14,000,000 in sales for double diamond level, and a minimum of $21,000,000 in sales for the triple diamond level.

Property Management awards begin with $250,000 minimum sales for bronze level, $500,000 sales minimum for silver level, $1,000,000 sales minimum for gold level, $1,800,000 sales minimum for platinum level, and $3,000,000 sales minimum for diamond level. All individuals completed 10 or more transactions in the 2019 calendar year. Teams completed at least 12.

Visit the Russellville Board of REALTORS Facebook page for a list of award earners at www.facebook.com/russellvillebor

ATU Named to 2020-21 First-gen Forward Cohort Arkansas Tech University is one of 77 higher education institutions nationwide --- and one of just two four-year universities in Arkansas --- to earn a place in the 2020-21 First-gen Forward Cohort.

The Center for First-generation Student Success established the honor as a means of recognizing institutions that have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students.

Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences and a first look at the center’s research and resources.

Systematic approaches to enhancing first-generation student success at Arkansas Tech University have included the development of the ATU First Generation Institute. The summer program allows high school students from across Arkansas to interact with current ATU students, discover the academic opportunities available at Arkansas Tech, experience life as a college student, learn how to finance their education, tour the ATU campus and gain insight on becoming involved in campus life.

ATU was an active participant in the national First Generation College Celebration 2019. Personnel from the ATU Department of Campus Life set up informational tables on campus and surveyed first-generation college students at ATU.

Continued on page 25...

Save the Date ENGAGEMENTS

List your engagement or wedding announcements in the pages of ABOUT the River Valley magazine at no charge. You can email yours to: editor@aboutrvmag.com or mail to: ABOUT Magazine, 220 East 4th Street, Russellville AR 72801. A phone number must be included for verification.

April 2020 Sarah Langston & Hunter Jackson (17th)

MAY 2020 Hannah Grace Knight & Robert Branscum (1st) Hannah Simmons & Colten Talley (2nd) Brooke Woodward & Derek Hollowoa (2nd) Kristin Palmer & Ben Halley (3rd) Sidney Brandon & Jacob Taylor (10th) Grace Sykes & Jeremy Smothers (15th) Katelyn Boudreaux & Bret Fleck (16th) Katie Hartzell & Shawn Price (16th) Lauren Kirby & Tripp Penney (16th) Tori Lantz & Mason Buerer (16th) Cassie Tackett & Trevor Dawson (23rd) Alex Webb & Garret Haney (23rd) Susanna Harding & Zach Summitt (31st) Tori Underhill & T.J. Glasse (31st)

JUNE 2020 Tayler May and Woodrow Ramey (5th) Madison Reasoner & Jacob Morton (6th) Hannah Key & Travis Farmer (13th) Cassandra Johnson & Ryan Watkins (13th) Sarah Kathryn Hale & Samuel Pegg (20th) Lindsey DeSoto & Tyler Allen (28th)

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(479) 968-2456 Courtesy and Service Since 1958 APRIL 2020

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T H E R IVE R VA L L EY C I T I Z E N

Just ask Story by KRISTIN FOSTER

AS A WOMAN WORKING IN THE POLITICAL ARENA, I often attend public meetings held by elected officials at varying levels of state and local government. The meetings all pretty much look the same, whether sitting in a legislative committee meeting in Little Rock or a city council meeting in Russellville. A quick tally of the audience will generally include a mix of citizens, attorneys, business interests, advocates, and staffers. Sitting front and center will be a distinguished looking group of elected officials prepared to make the laws that govern our daily lives and spend the taxpayer funds.

Anyone taking a headcount of the lawmakers will generally be left asking: “What the heck? Where are all the women?”

This problem isn’t isolated to our community. Some countries have requirements that women hold a certain percentage of legislative positions. But across America, communities are still disproportionately represented by older white men. In Pope County, women make up 50.4 percent of the population but hold only 12 percent of local elected positions. People of color are hardly represented at all. The 2020 election cycle provides a perfect example of this issue in real time. Last November, 62 individuals made their way to the courthouse and declared their candidacy for a local office ranging from school board to justice of the peace. There were 58 men and four women on the final list that voters will consider in 2020. Men more than 40 years old made up 83 percent of the candidate list.

Research shows that when women run for office they are elected at the same rate as men. Female lawmakers are more likely to work across party lines, actively engage with constituents, and prioritize health and education policy. In the words of Madeleine Albright, women in office “can be counted on to raise issues that others overlook, to support ideas that others oppose, and to seek an end to abuses that others accept.”

With all of this in mind, it seems obvious that our community

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would benefit from more women in office. But that still doesn’t explain why they aren’t there already. The simple answer is that women aren’t being asked. Compared to men, women are much less likely to see themselves as “the right choice” for an elected position without being prompted. That doesn’t even begin to address the additional hurdles that all candidates face. From the initial fundraising launch to the craziness of election day, there’s no doubt that campaigning is hard work regardless of gender.

Michelle Obama once said: “The difference between a broken community and a thriving one is the presence of women who are valued.” It should be clear by now that achieving any level of gender parity at the local level will require a dedicated effort by our community. There are many examples that we can draw from in order to begin strengthening our own local ethos on gender. Nationally we have seen more women successfully running for office after participating in political mentoring programs. These programs provide a forum where candidates come together to learn the ins and outs of running for office. Some states have created public campaign funds that support candidates who agree to certain best practices for campaigning. In July 2018, the Arkansas Ethics Commission issued an advisory opinion clarifying that candidates may use campaign funds to cover childcare expenses.

Those are all excellent examples of policies and programs that help women run for office, but they don’t address what a regular person can do to create a local government that looks like the community it represents.

The answer is simple — just ask.

Think of the women or people of color in your life who inspire you, who have a talent for finding solutions, or who make a great teammate. Then go ask them to run for an elected office.

That simple act is the single most effective way for each of us to create a more diverse local government. Just ask...then ask again and again. l

...cont. from page 23 The university is applying data from those surveys to develop initiatives directed at the first-generation population.

“The Center for First-generation Student Success is so pleased to welcome Arkansas Tech University into the 2020-21 cohort of First-gen Forward institutions,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, senior director of the Center for First-generation Student Success. “Through the application process, it was evident that ATU is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students, but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies for significant scaling and important advances in the future.”

The University of Arkansas-Fayetteville is the only other four-year university in Arkansas to earn a place in the 2020-21 First-gen Forward Cohort. Northwest Arkansas Community College represents the Natural State among two-year institutions in the cohort. l

RUSSELLVILLE ANIMAL SHELTER

Featured Friends

Lionel

Lionel is about one year old. He’s very chill. And he’s soon to be neutered, which will make him even more chill.

Lionel likes warm laps and good back rubs. If you can provide both, go meet him up at the Russellville Animal Shelter and give him a home.

To learn more, or to adopt this month’s featured friend, please contact the Russellville Animal Shelter at (479) 968-1944.

Photos by MADISON REVES

APRIL 2020

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FRONT STREET GRILL (479) 229-4458 115 S FRONT STREET DARDANELLE

Come out of your shell Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN Story by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~

APRIL 2020

I DIDN’T GROW UP EATING CRAWDADS. Instead, we often used them as bait for what we ate. Somewhere out there, a Cajun is reading this and shaking their head at the utter tragedy… so many wasted mudbugs. After my first crawdad eating experience, decades ago, I agreed with that Cajun.

The rich, delightfully earthy flavor of crawfish perfectly seasoned with spice and salt made me realize that I should have been taking cues from the raccoons a long time ago. Why would you ever waste such a delectable little hunk of meat as fish bait?

Boiled crawdads are relatively tough to find around these parts unless you know someone who runs down to bayou country

every now and then and invites you over for a sit, shuck, and sip. But we found a place right on the river that does them right and does them every Thursday.

Front Street Grill in Dardanelle is that place.

Besides the crawdads, Front Street also offers all kinds of seafood along with Cajun and Creole specialities like jambalaya and gumbo. Then you’ve got dinners and sandwiches from portobello chicken to alligator tail po’ boys with steaks aged to perfection (for 40 days) as the newest menu items.

Order a platter of crawdads and fixin’s. Pinch a tail and suck a head. Ça c’est bon! l

APRIL 2020

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CO U N T E RTO P C R E AT I O N S

Finger Lickin’ Good Story by LYDIA ZIMMERMAN, Food Editor Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

I

recently overheard two mothers’ discuss party plans for their soon-to-be-graduates.

Of course, my mind turned to the menu. At most graduation parties, finger foods are very popular. Then I began to wonder about the origins of finger foods.

I love history, so I had to research where the term “finger foods” came from. What I found is from PBS.org “The History of Kitchen”.

The French have been calling finger foods canapés since the late 18th century. Originally a term for sofa, canapés began as thin slices of bread, toasted or fried, and covered with various savory toppings. Canapés earned their name by their physical nature — toppings sit on top of the bread like people sit on sofas. Over time, the word canapé evolved into a broader term for any small-sized foods served at catered parties.

In 1920, when American laws of Prohibition went into effect, most citizens responded by taking their drinking habits underground. As bars and taverns were shut down, secret watering holes called speakeasies began popping up in their place. Most speakeasies were located in the basements and homes of people willing to provide the illegal libations.

One way of ensuring that patrons didn’t leave inebriated, thus drawing unwanted attention to the secret saloons, was to serve small amounts of food throughout the night. Canapés, like finger sandwiches and stuffed mushrooms, proved to be the perfect solu-

Pepper Jack Stuffed Mushroom Poppers

tion. These small bites could be carried in one hand, drink in the other, while guests socialized.

I’ve gathered some tasty savory and sweet recipes for you to try. I also included my Crabmeat pasta salad for those who don’t want to get their hands dirty.

As always, enjoy!

PEPPER JACK STUFFED MUSHROOM POPPERS ABOUT Magazine Featured Recipe ~ APRIL 2020

8 oz pkg whole Portabella mushrooms 6 oz pkg Laughing Cow Spicy Pepper Jack Cheese (8 triangles) unwrapped 1/4 c Parmesan Cheese 4 oz cream cheese, softened 2-3 T Frank’s Original RedHot Cayenne Pepper Sauce 2 T Italian seasoning Fresh Dill, washed and trimmed

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~

APRIL 2020

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Wash Portabella Mushroom and dry with a clean paper towel. Remove stem of mushrooms. With a teaspoon scoop out the inside of each mushroom and set aside.

Place all three cheeses into a small mixing bowl and blend with an electric mixer.

Add 2 T hot sauce and mix well, add additional hot sauce to taste.

Using a teaspoon, add cheese mixture to

each mushroom packing it down into mushrooms. Place each mushroom on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper stuffed side up. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top of cheese mixture and place a sprig of dill on each mushroom for flavor and garnish.

Place in oven and bake 20-25 minutes or until cheese is set. Serve while warm.

If you have extra cheese filling place in a bowl and serve as dip with crackers.

CRABMEAT PASTA SALAD 1/2 c mayonnaise 1/4 c Zesty Italian Dressing 1/4 c Parmesan cheese 12 oz cooked and drained (tri color) corkscrew pasta 1/2 c chopped tomatoes 1/4 c chopped green bell pepper 1/4 c chopped purple onion 1 1/2 c chopped imitation crab meat

Combined mayonnaise and dressing in a large bowl, mix well.

Add there remaining ingredients and toss.

Chill until served.

FRESH RAINBOW SALSA 6 Roma Tomatoes 1 – 15oz Can Black Beans, drained and rinsed 1 – 15oz Can Corn, drained 4 Green Onions ½ c Red Onion, chopped 1/3 c Cilantro Crabmeat Pasta Salad 1 Orange Bell Pepper 1-2 Limes Stir the coating mix ingredients together in 1 tsp Salt a bowl. Set aside.

1 tsp Cumin In another smaller bowl, lightly beat 2 1 tsp garlic powder eggs. In a third bowl, place the shredded coconut.

Chop the green onions, pepper, onions, Holding the shrimp by their tails, dip first and cilantro and put into a medium bowl. into the beaten egg, then in the panko mix Add the beans, corn, and spices and gento lightly coat, then dip back in the egg, and tly mix well. finally, roll in the coconut.

Add the juice of the 1-2 limes and mix Lay shrimp on their sides on your pre- well. pared baking sheet. Depending on the size Refrigerate for 1-2 hours and serve with and number of shrimp you’re making, you tortilla chips. may need to use one more egg.

Recipe courtesy of ohmy-creative.com

BAKED THAI COCONUT SHRIMP 18-24 medium to large raw shrimp butterflied (tails can be left on) 1/2 c dry shredded coconut (unsweetened baking type) 2-3 eggs For the Coating Mix: 1/2 c Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs, or any dry refined breadcrumbs) 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp garlic powder 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (or dried crushed chili) Preheat oven to 425 F. Also, prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray or covering it with parchment paper.

*Tip: Since they’re going to be baked, avoid over-coating, or your shrimp will be flat on one side.

Bake on the middle rack at 425 F for 1520 minutes, or until coconut is lightly toasted (light golden-brown). Turn the shrimp halfway through baking.

Serve with Thai sweet chili sauce (available at most supermarkets) Recipes courtesy of thespruceeats.com

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See us for your flu immunization today!

• Front Door Parking • Old Tyme Soda Fountain • Daily Lunch Specials

(479) 968-1157 • 715 W. Main, Russellville, AR Serving the River Valley Since 1970 APRIL 2020

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CRANBERRY CREAM CHEESE CRESCENT BUNDLES 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature) 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper (or to taste) 6 T dried cranberries (chopped) 3 T walnuts (finely chopped) 2 T chives (heaping T; chopped) 2 (8 oz) cans crescent rolls (refrigerated rolls; or one-piece crescent dough sheets)

Have you considered pre-planning?

It is never too early to pre-plan your funeral arrangements. By taking time now to collect cost information and calmly making choices related to your own services, you'll be protecting your family from the stress of having to make these decisions at a time in which they should be allowed to grieve. With pre-planning you can carefully choose specific items you want and need ... and pay for them now, or make a payment plan, locking in current pricing.

In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese with the dash of cayenne pepper until creamy. Add the chopped cranberries, the finely chopped walnuts, and the chives. Mix well with a fork until thoroughly blended.

If baking right away, heat the oven to 375 F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Remove one roll of crescent rolls from the can. Spread the roll out on a lightly floured surface. Pinch and seal the perforations. The sheet will measure about 12” x 8”. With a pizza cutter or knife, slice the dough into 24. With a measuring teaspoon, scoop up a scant teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture. Drop the cream cheese mixture onto the center of a 2-inch square of crescent roll dough. Bring opposite corners together over the filling; twist the top corners slightly and pinch to seal. Repeat with the remaining squares and cream cheese filling.

Open the second can of crescent roll dough and repeat the above steps.

At this point, you can choose to refrigerate the bundles for up to 3 hours; bake them just before serving time.

Bake the bundles in the preheated 375 F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Recipe courtesy of thespruceeats.com REECE’S PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE DOUGH CHEESEBALL 1/2 c light brown sugar 1/2 c peanut butter 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 3/4 c powdered sugar 1/2 c butter, softened 1 tsp vanilla 1 1/2 c Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped 1/2 c Reese’s Pieces In a large bowl, beat the brown sugar and butter together until combined. Then add in the cream cheese and peanut butter and beat until combined. The beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla until combined.

Stir in the chopped peanut butter cups.

Place the mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap. Bring up all the corners of the plastic wrap and wrap into a ball. Freeze the ball for about 1 1/2 hours or until it is firm enough to keep its shape.

Place the Reese’s Pieces on a flat plate and roll the unwrapped cheese ball in the Reese’s Pieces. Make sure to press the Reese’s Pieces into the cheese ball until it is fully covered.

Place the ball on a serving dish, cover with plastic wrap and freeze the cheese ball for another 2 hours or overnight. If frozen overnight, thaw for 20-30 minutes before serving. Serve with Vanilla Wafers, pretzels, graham crackers, fruit, or other cookies.

Recipe courtesy of whatscookinglove.com

Proudly serving our customers since 1903 Four convenient Russellville locations to serve you:

800 N. Arkansas Ave. 306 West O St.

(ATM on Tech Campus)

2500 West Main 3079 East Main

A Century of Service ~ 1916-2016 1-866-246-2400 30

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~

APRIL 2020

HONEY CINNAMON ROLLUPS 2 c ground California Walnuts, toasted 1/4 c sugar 2 tsp ground cinnamon 12 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed 1/2 c butter, melted SYRUP: 1/2 c honey 1/2 c sugar 1/2 c water 1 T lemon juice Preheat oven to 350°. Combine walnuts, sugar and cinnamon. Place 1 sheet of phyllo dough on a 15x12-in. piece of waxed paper; brush with butter. Place a second phyllo sheet on top, brushing it with butter. (Keep remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.) Sprinkle with 1/4 cup walnut mixture. Using waxed paper, roll up tightly jelly-roll style, starting with a long side, removing paper as you roll. Slice roll into 4 smaller rolls; transfer rolls to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Repeat with remaining phyllo dough and 1/4 cupfuls of walnut mixture. Bake until light brown, 1416 minutes. Cool dish on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine all syrup ingredients. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Drizzle cinnamon rolls with syrup; sprinkle with remaining walnut mixture.

Recipe courtesy of tasteofhome.com EASY LEMON BARS 1 yellow cake mix 1 stick butter, softened 1 (21 oz) can lemon pie filling zest of 1 lemon, divided (optional) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix and1/2 of the lemon zest (if using).

Add butter and using a pastry blender or a fork, incorporate it into cake mix until it becomes crumbly. Remove 1/2 cup of mixture. Press remaining mixture into prepared pan to form a crust. Mix remaining lemon zest with the pie filling. Spread over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup cake mixture over the top.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until it looks set and is starting to become golden.

Recipes courtesy of lisasdinnertimedish.com

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Call 479-747-3111 for more information.

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Blessed is the king of Israel.

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Indoor Fitness Center @

Mon-Fri 5am-8:30pm | Sat 7am-5pm | Sun noon-5pm

479-754-4100

www.ClarksvilleAquaticCenter.com

1611 Oakland St., Clarksville Clarksville Arkansas Parks and Recreation or Clarksville Aquatic Park

APRIL 2020

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

31

COMMUNITY COMMERCE

Clarksville Aquatic Center

Story by HANNAH BUTLER

THE CLARKSVILLE AQUATIC CENTER has all the fea- munity is the best part of his job. And the citizens of Clarksville tures: three pools, private showers, changing areas, a conces- and the surrounding area love their Aquatic Center, too. “We have sion stand, party rooms and lounge chairs. It lives inside the people come in all the time,” Ian says.

Marvin Vinson Multi-Purpose Center, which sounds exactly as The indoor facility offers two pools. One is an eight-lane comdiverse as it actually is. petition pool and the other is a therapy Ian Elliot has been the facilities manager pool. Both are heated for cool weather of the Marvin Vinson center since Septemenjoyment. Also indoors: private showers Clarksville Aquatic Center ber of 2019 and became facilities manager and changing areas, concessions, family (479) 754-4100 for the Clarksville Aquatic Center shortly shower and dressing rooms, diving board, 1611 Oakland Street afterward. and a party/meeting room. Lounge chairs Clarksville, AR Ian says that interacting with the comoffer a place to relax and there’s a retract-

Kirt Mosley

Interior Design

35 Years Experience | Design Work by-the-hour

From a Single Room to Your Entire Home or Office For appointments or consultations contact (479) 890-1715 or email kirtm1101@hotmail.com 32

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~

APRIL 2020

We’re more than just Bees!

Come check out our bee-themed decor and honey based products

479-968-4044

www.centralbeekeeperssupply.com Tues-Fri, 10-5 & Sat 9:30-3:30 109 Warehouse Row Russellville, AR

able roof for when the weather is nice.

There are even inflatables available.

Five different swim teams in Johnson County use the Aquatic Center.

Water aerobics, lifeguard, CPR and swim lessons are all available. Ian says he’s working on a water Zumba class, as well.

The indoor pool is open Monday through

Friday from 5 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m - 5 p.m. It’s also open on Sundays from noon - 5 p.m.

The outdoor waterpark section of the Clarksville Aquatic Center offers completely different ways to enjoy water including: a splash pad, a zero-entry kids’ play area, a splash bucket, a leisure pool, a body slide, a vortex pool, a climbing wall, basketball, and picnic tables.

The outdoor section is seasonal and will open on May 24.

The Clarksville Aquatic Center regularly hosts events of various types. Private and semi-private parties are available on the weekends from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Outdoor pool hours vary each day: Mondays are 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday hours are 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturdays hours are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sundays hours are noon - 5 p.m.

Every part of the center is within compliance with the ADA. The Clarksville Aquatic Center is located on 1611 Oakland St. Additional information or reservations are available by calling 754-4100. l

Rhonda Wolf puts the Therapy into massage.

Book an appointment today at (479) 385-2755 for help with those chronic issues of pain.

MOST FSA’S WILL COVER MASSAGE.

CranioSacral Therapy and Structural Integration Located inside the Denver Clinic, 1305 East Main Street, Russellville

APRIL 2020

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

33

in the Garden

A fresh start Story by JILL MCSHEEHY

SHAFTS OF LIGHT PEEK THROUGH THE BEDROOM CURTAINS. I awake to silence -- no hum of the heater or purr of the air conditioner. Grabbing a coffee, I step out the door onto my patio. My ears tickle to the sound of birdsongs, and my eyes rest on the birdhouse in my line of sight. I watch for the mama as she makes repeat trips to gather food for her babies.

In my periphery, bright shades of green edge out the brown carpet I’ve bemoaned for months. The slippery grass sparkles in the early morning light. Orange calendula flowers catch my eye. They had opened with the sunrise as if whispering, “good morning.” A few steps away from the calendula, my favorite herbs beckon me to

enjoy a quick sniff. Yet a sniff is never enough. I snap off a sprig of peppermint and rub it between my fingers. My eyelids lower and I breathe deeply, taking it all in.

Finally, spring has arrived.

For months I wished winter would hurry up and exit. Relentless cold, clouds, and rain brought a cloudiness to my soul

I fought to shake. The flu visited our household and disrupted our “normal” for a week. Spring could not get here fast enough.

Yet, at this moment as I breathe in the sweet scent of peppermint, I recognize this: spring would not feel as sweet without winter.

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~

3115 E. MAIN STREET, RUSSELLVILLE • (479) 967-5575 APRIL 2020

Green wouldn’t pop if I hadn’t stared at brown for months.

Birdsongs wouldn’t insist on a second listen if I hadn’t known silence.

The smell of fresh herbs wouldn’t entice me to take a few extra steps if I hadn’t spent months using dried herbs in their stead.

(And seasonal allergies wouldn’t seem so manageable had I not endured cold and flu season.)

I breathe a sigh of thanks, not just for spring, but for the winter that heightens the enjoyment of this season.

I glance back at the birdhouse in my garden, looking for mama again. Then my eyes settle to my favorite place -- my vegetable garden. This will be my eighth season growing my own fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Even though I’m gardening in the same plot of land, it all feels new again.

Just like spring.

No matter how many gardening seasons are behind me, I always find myself trying something new. Last year I planted apple trees, a fig tree, and elderberry bushes, and I dabbled in the latest vegetable craze -cucamelons. This year I am adding peach trees and cranberry bushes, and I’m growing a common but new-to-me vegetable, eggplant. Will every new endeavor I attempt work out? Probably not. But I have to try. If I hadn’t planted blueberry bushes in my first season, I wouldn’t harvest bushels season after season. You just never know which experiments will fail and which will succeed, but the fun is in the trying.

And spring -- more than any other season -- reminds us to try new things.

What can you try for the first time this year?

April is a great time to start a garden for the first time. Can’t commit to a full garden?

Anyone can grow a few pots of vegetables.

Try growing your favorite herb. Plant a new tree or bush. Buy that flower you’ve been eyeing. Make a regular Saturday hobby out of visiting a local Farmer’s Market.

One of these mornings, walk outside at daybreak. Close your eyes and listen. Feel the air against your skin. Take a moment and drink in nature and all its gifts of the season. Reflect on what this new beginning offers you. And then commit to trying something new this year. Embrace the season of new beginnings. l

Have a

Blessed Easter.

At AMCARE, our goal is to make life easier. Our local staff can help your loved one with safety supervision, daily health reminders, groceries and appointments, or personal care.

We invite you to call today for your FREE, no obligation assessment at (479) 880-1112

From our family to yours.

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Since 1972

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

35

Story & Photo by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN

A JOURNAL of our RURAL & NATURAL HERITAGE

Red in tooth and claw We got our first laying hens for a couple of reasons: free-range chicken eggs taste way better than store bought (it’s not subjective, there is no comparison) and for organic pest control.

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~

APRIL 2020

month. The jury has been and is still out on the pest control. I was hoping the chickens would curb the ticks that hitchhike into our yard on deer and other critters. Maybe they help a little, but I still pick a few bloodsuckers off of the dog and me. Guineas are the best fowl option for ticks, but the screaming little critters are so easily set off and so loud about it. I prefer the gentle clucks and oc-

casional excited cackles of a hen who has just dropped a fresh protein-packed oval of goodness. As sacrifice for this more peaceful yard — and eggs — I deal with a few more ticks.

Since I work from home, I let the chickens out of the pen every day around lunch to roam our semi-rural two acres. Lately, I’ve been letting them out a bit earlier in the hopes that they’ll pick off a few more ticks.

Today I let them out at 9:30 in the morning, right after I finish mowing the front yard.

The chickens love a fresh-mown yard.

It’s a chicken smorgasbord.

As I make pass after pass with the mower, the little beings that live within the tangles of wildflowers, Bermuda grass and dandelions move ever inward toward the remaining refuge. But eventually, it’s all chopped up. And the ghoulish chickens feast on the tiny homeless, the wounded and the dead. I’m a winner here, too, because all that free-range protein is what makes for tasty eggs.

I watch the chickens stalk through the fresh trimmings like miniature Allosauruses. They choke down nightcrawlers and chomp hapless crickets and hoppers. They snare lizards and frogs. Nothing escapes their vision. No wad of grass is a safe haven. They are a flock of feathered death descending with hunger on the wee creatures.

And I really dig watching it all. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s something about the natural order of things, unnatural as chickens in North America may be. Chickens eat bugs and whatever else they can fit in their beaks. Johnny eats chicken eggs… and maybe that one barred hen who hasn’t laid an egg in months.

But with deadlines looming and work on the computer waiting, I can’t watch all day. I walk back into the house. I think again of the barren barred hen and wonder if I can figure out my Granny’s old chicken and dumpling recipe. But right now, I need a shower.

After the shower and a couple of eggs on toast, I just settle in on the computer when terrified cackles erupt from the front yard.

I walk to the door, peering out the glass, expecting to see my rooster bobbing and weaving with the neighbor’s rooster who just can’t grasp property lines.

But that’s not what I see.

Instead, I see Becky, our first hen and most dependable layer, the hen my wife

“I watch the chickens stalk through the fresh trimmings like miniature Allosauruses.

They choke down nightcrawlers and chomp hapless crickets and hoppers.

They snare lizards and frogs.

Nothing escapes their vision.” named and my granddaughter loves, waddling as fast as she can in fright. And I see a thin brown canine in hot pursuit.

It’s a coyote.

The little prairie wolf overtakes Becky and sinks its canines into her back not fifteen yards from our front door, right in the middle of our neatly trimmed front yard. I yank the door open and hear the hysterical cries from our other chickens, but see no coyote and no Becky.

And then the coyote appears at the edge of our yard. Becky is in his jaws, still

alive but silent and motionless. No doubt, she’s in shock. I yell at the coyote to stop and put Becky down — like that’s going to work — and it stares back, yellow eyes dancing with fire, lean torso heaving with exertion and, I’m sure, predatory excitement as adrenaline courses through its veins. I see Becky’s amber eyes as well, and I wonder what emotions are going through her avian mind.

The coyote bolts into the trees. A murder of crows erupt in raucous caws from the woodlot where the coyote ran. And then silence.

At the spot where the coyote snatched Becky, a loose pile of orange feathers bounce in the breeze. Tomorrow, Becky will be coyote poop.

I stand in the yard, mouth agape. A mockingbird arrows down from the rim of the basketball goal in our driveway and nabs a cricket at the concrete’s edge.

The silence is finally broken by the coughing start then steady growl of a lawnmower on the next street over. l

Thursday, April 23, 2020 | Russellville Depot | Tickets: $25 prior ~ $30 day of We invite you to join us from 5-8pm for the 28th Anniversary of Main Street Russellville’s award winning tasting party! We’d love for you to be a part of the festivities. Call (479) 967-1437 for ticket and information. Hope to see you there!

APRIL 2020

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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COMMUNITY LEADERS

...

Chris

ZIMMERMAN AGE: 46 OCCUPATION: Graphic Designer / Publisher of

ABOUT magazine

HOMETOWN: Dover. Lifelong resident of the

River Valley.

FAMILY: Lydia (wife), and children,

Grace (20), Anita Claire (15), and Lucas (13).

1

What is your favorite book and why?

The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Aside from periodicals, I’ve never been much of a recreational reader, but this was one of the few books I read as a teen that wasn’t an assignment which inspired me to read even more in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Then, after seeing the movies as an adult, I read them all again.

2

Dog or cat? Why?

As much grief as I’ll catch, I’d have to say cat...as long as I don’t have to care for it.

We’ve had varying luck with dogs over the years (except for our current Schnauzer, Pepper,) but regardless, we’ve always had a cat. While it’s hard to knock a dogs loyalty, I can’t help but to love the unearned arrogance of a cat.

3

What do you think is the most positive aspect of living in the River Valley?

Photo by LIZ CHRISMAN 38

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~

APRIL 2020

Its speed. The River Valley has always been my home, so I’m inclined to like all the inviting aspects of the area. However, the one that stands out to me the most is the speed of the River Valley. It’s not too slow, but it’s never too fast. You can get pretty much anything you need locally, without all the hustle and bustle of a larger town. From people you know at that! This doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate growth in our community, but I’m perfectly happy as well with what it is now...and will be equally as happy to grow with it as it goes.

4

What’s something no one would ever guess about you?

I’m not all that adventurous. I’ve come to prefer the comfort and familiarity of my regular routines. From getting up in the morning to managing my day to vacations with the family. If I can work something into a schedule or a spreadsheet...I’m happy.

5

What is your favorite music genre and artist? Why?

I can honestly say I don’t have a favorite. My music tastes have always changed in step with where I’m at in life.

For instance, over the past several years my eldest daughter played regularly in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra. While traveling with her and learning about what she was playing, I began to really enjoy classical music. Then, for awhile it was big-band and easy-listening music that my mother and her parents introduced me to when I was young. Today, I’m enjoying main-stream jazz, as my youngest daughter begins to discover it as well in her school’s jazz band. Ask me again in a few months and I’m sure it will be something different.

6

What do you nerd out on?

Reality television. To be specific, Discovery Channel, HGTV and Food Networks reality programming. I’m neither a builder or a cook, let alone all that adventurous as previously established. Yet the satisfaction of watching someone else cook or wreck a meal I’d never dare try, or building a homestead in the middle of nowhere, or digging for gold in the Alaskan wilds, I can’t seem to get enough of.

7

If you could change one thing about the River Valley, what would it be?

More investment in old buildings. In Russellville particularly, we have several large buildings in prime locations that look like they could be so much more. If only someone with the vision and backing could find a way to make it work. Wouldn’t it be great to see more of them be developed as entertainment hubs or industrial centers?

8

Where is the one location in the River Valley you would tell a firsttime visitor that they must go?

Probably Long Pool Recreational Area on Big Piney Creek. Spent a lot of time there

over the years, swimming and floating.

It’s a perfect snapshot of the areas natural aspects; in the hills, on the creek, not far away, surrounded by people you already know or soon will. If that’s too far out-ofthe-way, then I’d encourage them to spend an evening on Mt. Nebo.

9

Pizza, tacos, cheeseburger, or fried chicken? Any particular reason why?

Pizza, hands down. While typically, almost any pizza will do, I especially enjoy diving into one from Venezia’s in Russellville. After that, it’d be a cheeseburger from Center Valley Grocery, and then tacos from Taco Villa. Yet to find some local fried chicken to scratch that itch.

10

What is your favorite quote?

Could be from an inspirational person, could be an original.

“It’s better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you’re stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”

While that quote or variations of can be attributed to many different people, I heard it from Lou Holtz. It stuck with me through the years and I still do my best to apply it every day...even though I regularly fail.

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APRIL 2020

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

39

Helping our kids

GROW STRONGER for a stronger community.

At Millard-Henry Clinic, we take a team approach to caring for kids from birth to young adulthood.

By working together, we believe we are not only helping kids grow stronger, but are helping to grow a stronger community for generations to come.

To schedule an appointment with a Millard-Henry Clinic pediatric specialist, call 479.964.4377.

Barry McCraw, MD

Rick Harrison, MD

Christina Bartlett, MD

Lynette Smith, MD

Madison Orsburn, MD

Chad Masters, MD

Jonathan Brixey, MD

Kendra Hubbard, APRN

101 Skyline Drive | Russellville | facebook.com/mhcpediatrics