ABOUT | February 2017

redefining age

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley February 2017

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20 Career Pathways

Develop

Your Path at RSD At Russellville School District, we are providing career opportunities and helping our students toward their future career path. We offer 20 Career/Technical Education pathways to our students at Russellville High School and Russellville Junior High School. These pathways allow our students the opportunity to receive college credit through Arkansas Tech University Ozark campus and/or receive industry level certifications that will one day lead them to their future career.

6 Business Pathways 3 Project Lead the Way Pathways 9 ATU Career Center Pathways A Family and Consumer Science Pathway

A Junior ROTC Pathway

220 West 10th Street ■ Russellville, AR. 72801 ■ 479.968.1306 ■ www.russellvilleschools.net 2

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

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• $3,000 shopping spree from Furniture Factory Outlet • $500 In Store Credit to Flowers Etc. and 4 hours Decorating Time • $150 In Store Credit from Georgia Carpet Mill to apply to a new floor covering of your choice.

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3 night stay in a Deluxe Room at the Belmond Charleston Place Hotel Round-trip coach airfare for two Daily Breakfast for two Private 2.5 hour Charleston History and Photo Walking Tour for two 6 course dinner menu with wine pairings at Charleston Grill

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• • • •

One Bedroom Condo at the Village at Steamboat Springs by Wyndam Set dates 6/23/17-6/30/17 ~ 7 days 6 nights Southwest Airlines round-trip tickets for two $400 outing activity card

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• Wrigley Field Rooftop Bleachers and All Inclusive Dining Experience for two • Just pick the Regular Season Chicago Cubs Game • Your Rooftop Admission includes seats, beverages (beer, wine, soft drinks), entrees, side dishes and desserts with a large and varied menu of ‘Chicago Fare’.

• 3 night stay at Hyatt, Hilton or Marriott, Chicago, based on availability • Round Trip Coach Airfare for two

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• 7 days/6nights 1 bedroom Villa at Sheraton Vistana Resort Orlando 7/3/17-7/9/17 (villa sleeps up to four) • 4 day park tickets for four, to Walt Disney World • Airfare vouchers provided, maximum of $1,200.00

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GIRLS TRIP TO NYC

• Pre-shopping trip $1,500 maximum In Store Credit at The Leaning Willow, shopping trip must be booked in advance and used by winner of package this will cover two complete outfits for two.

• 3 night weekend stay at New York Hilton Midtown • $1,000 shopping spree to Saks Fifth Avenue

ALL AMERICAN MOTHER DAUGHTER DALLAS WEEKEND

• • • •

2 night stay at the Fairmont Dallas American Girl Doll of the Year 2016 $250 gift card for American Girl Store at The Galleria, Dallas Enjoy a lunch with your special little girl at the Dallas Bistro at the American Girl Store!

PERFECT SMILE

Get ready to show off the perfect smile from Dr. Knoernschild Orthodontic Clinic! Details to follow at jaofrussellville.org.

PRECIOUS PHOTOS

The winning bidder gets to customize a photography session with Russellville’s top photographer, Jennifer Goodman. An artist who uses her talent to create a work of art, Jennifer Goodman, will craft you a treasure for your family for generations. The session must be completed by December 30, 2017. Photography package includes the following • On-location session.

• Flash Drive Containing all images from your session • (1) 16x20 float wrap print FEBRUARY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

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FEBRUARY 2017 EDITION

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8 Redefining Age

She sits tall, spry, and full of life. For Holly Ruth Gale, life is meant to build momentum over time. Born in Dardanelle, Arkansas, her tenure as Arkansas Tech associate professor of music began in 1994.

14 New Year, Old Me

16 Bridal Special Feature 2017

Perhaps the biggest day of your life is the day you make that sacred bond official in front of friends and family. A new life, a shared life, begins amid flowers and lace, and it is proclaimed to all with sincere vows and bands of gold.

24 Community Pages

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

28 Sweet Tooth Sacked

It’s a dessert that can be enjoyed during a romantic one-on-one evening or in the company of yelling, cheering, football fans with big screens flashing the latest big play. And it can be found only at The Old Bank Sports Grill in Downtown Russellville.

36 Fungus Among Us

FEATURED MERCHANT Phil Wright Autoplex Pg. 26

FEBRUARY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

Red Devil Proud

I’d lived half of my 45 years in Atkins but this might have been a first. I could not see Crow Mountain. A thick, chilly January fog had swallowed the monolith that stands like a guardian over my little hometown. No matter where you stood in Atkins you could always see Crow Mountain. But not today. Down in the valley, in front of the new high school facilities, the fog thinned to light mist as a line of thousands nearly spilled out of the building.

It was a two-hour wait to reach the gymnasium. But the two hours were a journey back through 30-plus years. This building was young, I’d never even set foot in it before this day, but it felt familiar because of the faces in line with me.

Older but also timeless, they were pieces of my life, and I of theirs, in this intimate small-town-life mosaic of relationships that always endure from cradle to grave.

My place in line finally reached the gym where a glass case crammed with trophies and photos stands as testament to the efforts of gritty athletes and determined coaches. The plaques are engraved with names I recognize. I went to school with their kids and grandkids and with them, and I’m proud of them.

It’s a far cry from the resentful emotions I felt decades ago. I was a wannabe athlete, too small, too slow, too weak. The coaches rarely gave me a second look.

But during sophomore spring changes finally started happening, and a glimmer of hope sparkled on — of all things in Atkins — the tennis court.

The sparkle nearly fizzled when I broke my Walmart racket. Coach could have told me tough luck. He could have told me to go back to Walmart. But that’s not who coach was. I played out all of my matches alternating between his and his wife’s rackets. Wins outnumbered losses, and though the year ended in a quarterfinal fall against our district’s top-seeded player, it was an athletic season I could finally be proud of. I credited the rackets. I should have credited the man. The racket was just a tool. But it represented something far more effective in my success on the court and later in life — coach believed in me.

Old victory banners sagged with the weight of time as they hung beside the taut flags of newer conquests. The red casket was surrounded by grieving family and friends, by a community shrouded in the fog of loss. But unlike Crow Mountain, no matter where you stand in Atkins you can and will always see the inspiration that was Charlie Sorrels.

RDP forever, Coach.

Johnny Carrol Sain, Editor johnny@aboutrvmag.com

Celebrating a Decade of Character in the Arkansas River Valley A Publication of One14 Productions, Inc Vol. XII, Issue 1 – February 2017

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 CHRISTINE SAIN | advertising christine@aboutrvmag.com MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS | freelance meredith@aboutrvmag.com SARAH CHENAULT | freelance sarah@aboutrvmag.com LYDIA ZIMMERMAN | columnist lydia@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@aboutrvmag.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com

ABOUT… the River Valley is locally owned and published for distribution by direct mail and targeted delivery to those interested in the Arkansas River Valley.

Material contained in this issue may not be copied or reproduced without written consent. Inquiries may be made by calling (479) 219-5031.

Office: 220 East 4th Street Email: info@aboutrvmag.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: One14 Productions 220 East 4th Street Russellville, AR 72801

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS: FEBRUARY 2017 Feb. 4 — Savor The Symphony Fundraiser dinner presented by the Russellville Symphony Guild. 6 p.m. at Lakepoint Conference Center. For tickets call board member Judy Murphy at 967-1177.

February 4 — Eagle tour at Lake Dardanelle State Park from 11 a.m. - noon.

Lake Dardanelle State Park is proud to offer free winter lake cruises for the best chance of seeing our national symbol, the Bald Eagle. Many other birds will be in the area for viewing including American white pelicans, ducks, and snow geese.

Please dress warmly as temperatures and winds are more severe on the lake.

To accommodate as many people as possible, we will be taking reservations.

Please call the visitor center at 967-5516 to reserve your seat. Begin boarding 15 minutes before the tour at the boat dock near the Tournament Weigh-In Facility.

Tours are weather dependent.

February 10 -12 — Hikes, Hearts and Hugs Weekend. Enjoy historic Mather Lodge on Petit Jean Mountain and be treated to a romantic weekend. Guided trail hikes geared toward couples. Contact the park for a schedule. Admission is free unless otherwise noted. For more information contact (501) 727-5441.

February 14 — Blood drive for the Arkansas Blood Institute at First United Methodist Church, 215 W Sevier St in Clarksville.

12-6 p.m. To schedule an appointment call Sue Wollenberg at 979-7711.

February 16 — Free Workshop: From Me to We – Create your Financial Future Together from 6 - 7 p.m at the Thrivent Financial Conference Room 1110 West C Street,

fsbmybank.com

Russellville. Light Refreshments served.

Seating limited to 20. RSVP Cynthia.callahan@thrivent.com or call 264-0828 February 17 — O.W.L.S. at Lake Dardanelle State Park from 6 - 10 p.m. Admission: $20. 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) our new 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 they need to enjoy nature. The series will be one evening a month for six months.

Some of the topics covered will include hiking, kayaking, Dutch oven cooking, fishing, and learning about the things you might encounter in nature. For more information contact 967-5516.

February 21 — The Arkansas Tech Small Business and Technology Development Center presents “Starting a Small Farm Business” from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Pope County Extension Office in Russellville.

Those raising animals, operating a greenhouse, doing small-scale canning or other farm-based activities are encouraged to attend. Workshop will address startup steps, legal business structures, regulations and licensing, sources of capital, and other key issues that affect business success. A representative from USDA Rural Development will also discuss the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant program. Although there is no charge to attend, registration is required no later than Feb. 19 at 356-2067 or http://asbtdc.org/ training/russellville-events.

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*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 15th of the month preceding publication.

February 25 — Junior Auxiliary of Russellville Charity Ball. The theme for 2017 is “Mardi Gras Masquerade.” The majority of projects and grants provided by Russellville Junior Auxiliary are funded by the chapter’s annual Charity Ball. The event is held at the Boys and Girls Club in Russellville. For information contact Junior Auxiliary of Russellville Arkansas on Face Book.

March 4 — Archeology Day at Petit Jean State Park from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. March is Archeology Month in Arkansas, and you are invited to spend a day discovering the archeological treasures of Petit Jean Mountain, including the American Indian pictographs of Rock House Cave. Contact the park for schedule. Admission is free. For info. contact (501) 727-5441,

Putting you first is always in fashion.

That’s why Leaning Willow Boutique’s Lindsey Bartlett chose First State Bank.

Come see for yourself at any of our five locations or visit us online.

FEBRUARY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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Redefining Age Story by MIKE QUAIN | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

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Holly Ruth Gale is 54 years old, but she doesn’t act it.

She sits tall, spry, and full of life. For Holly Ruth, life is meant to build momentum over time. Born in Dardanelle, Arkansas, her tenure as Arkansas Tech associate professor of music began in 1994. She teaches women’s choir, applied voice, vocal solo literature, and music theatre workshop. Over the years she has grown her career, pursuing countless projects related to her passions: music and theater. She has taught masterclasses and clinics all over the world, from Kansas City to Shanghai. Her age certainly isn’t slowing her down and Femme Vitál, her latest project, aims to redefine how we think about age.

FEBRUARY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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“Why do we as a society, especially women, allow age to be a definer for us?” asks Holly. After her youngest daughter left for college, she explains that people began saying things like, “Oh, you’re going to have so much free time,” and “now you can just kick back.” In her case, these presumptions are entirely inaccurate. Holly Ruth fights back against notions of a quiet life and an empty nest. “Just because I’m a certain age doesn’t mean I’m stopping.”

Age stigmas often discourage women to pursue careers and new experiences later in life. This issue, which Holly Ruth addresses in Femme Vitál, has deep roots in our society. Though the stigma against old age affects both men and women, women are hit hardest. Not long ago, women were expected to give up careers to become a child’s primary caregiver. The arrangement worked well for some, but as children grew into adults women were left seemingly without purpose or a career. For many, their life began to slowly fade. Although times have changed, this attitude has remained. “Philosophically, I started thinking that I’d rather live my life in a crescendo, building momentum, as opposed to a decrescendo,” she says, “I’m vital, and I’m thinking.”

Holly Ruth says that she’s been fortunate in life. She and her husband, affectionately referred to as “Dreamy John Gale,” take equal parts in their daughter’s lives.

This shared responsibility has given her a chance to pursue careers in music, theatre, and teaching.

Femme Vitál is a production that aims to tackle age.

The name is a play on the words “femme fatale,” the dangerous, seductive, and mysterious female trope common in film noir. “That name reflects that element of spicy, and vital, and still kicking and going as a human,” Holly Ruth says.

In preparation for the play, Holly Ruth is interviewing older women near and far to learn how they stay vital and vibrant in their old age. “These ladies do not let themselves be defined by anything other than what they’re doing at that moment,” says Holly Ruth with a smile. “The oldest was 97. They’re just fabulous women.” In addition to the personal stories and interviews she’s collected, the play will use female archetypes and historical women. “We’re taking our favorite traits of these ladies that we like and creating a story about them.”

The play features a single character, a seamstress played by Holly Ruth, who wears the tools of her trade on her clothing -- scissors, measuring tape, needle, and thread. Each of these tools has a symbolic meaning. For example, scissors can cut, create, and reshape while needle and thread can repair, mend, and alter. “She’s working and telling these stories. I think she’ll become 10

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

different people, and different characters.” Analogies related to the tools and garment components lead the viewer into the next story.

Like her character in the play, Holly Ruth has learned from a long line of strong women. She’s the fourth generation in her family to earn a college degree. “My great grandmother in the 1880s was the first,” she says. “She was a teacher and got a degree in Missouri.” Both her mother and grandmother survived the Great Depression. “My mother is one of the people I interviewed. She tells these wonderful stories about moving from Colorado to California during the Depression and how all of that experience was a positive one.”

Holly Ruth says that these women treated the trip to California as an adventure. Nobody felt bad for themselves and nobody played the victim.

Holly Ruth isn’t in this alone. Dreamy John Gale is responsible for set design, and Jeremy Williams is the producing director. Kate Michael Gibson fills the position of professional dramaturge and playwright. Holly Ruth and her team have been working on the project for a year now. She’s in what she calls “phase two” of production which involves fund raising, set design, and professional playwriting. The team hopes to have a preview performance ready by the end of 2017.

Femme Vitál is a service play. Proceeds will benefit charities

that reflect Holly Ruth’s passions, including women’s and social charities. In addition to monetary benefit, Holly Ruth says that the play is already impacting lives. “Even if nothing were to come from this project, the process of interviewing women like this is huge for all of us.”

While Holly Ruth’s Femme Vitál looks to the future, her work with shape notes preserves the past.

Shape note music was highly influential in Holly Ruth’s early

“Why do we as a society, especially women, allow age to be a definer for us? Oh, you’re going to have so much free time, now you can just kick back. Just because I’m a certain age doesn’t mean I’m stopping.” life. Her father was a Primitive Baptist minister, and unlike many churches the Primitive Baptist tradition allows only a cappella singing. Without accompanying organ or piano, the burden of pitch-perfect singing is placed on the singers. This was a problem in early America when relatively few churchgoers had classical music training. >> FEBRUARY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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They implemented shape notes starting in the early 1800s as a tool for teaching and learning hymns. Shape notes are a unique form of music notation where note heads are replaced by shapes that indicate a syllable and pitch. These shapes are associated with pitches and are easier to sing, especially on first sight.

This new, easier to read music spread like wildfire from its origin in New England to the South and western frontier.

Several versions of the system came about including four and seven shape systems. In these versions each shape represents a syllable in the solfége system — do re mi fa sol la ti. When using the shape note system, singers don’t need to learn to read complex key signatures on the staff. As a result, shape note singing is inclusive and everyone is invited to join in. Singing

groups often form a square singing inward. Each side of the square has a part in the four piece harmony. “It’s a magical kind of music called a singer’s music. It takes hold of you when you take part in it,” she says.

Although the tradition dates back more than 200 years, shape notes are still in use today. “My father was a hymnal writer and editor,” Holly Ruth says. “The shape note system was just part of who we were as musicians.”

In 2000 Holly Ruth, John and good friend Charlie Sandage started the annual Shape Note Gathering in Mountain View, Arkansas. The gathering is an event that discusses seven different shape note traditions. As with many early traditions, regional varieties arise. “There are different traditions depending

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on the hymnal you use and where in the country you are,” she says. Set among the mountains at the Ozark Folk Center, the gathering lasts three days.

Participants learn the basics of shape note singing, sample various traditions, and sing together. “My area of specialty with them is helping the shape note singers, who are singing all day long, sing in a healthy fashion and not wear their voices,” Holly Ruth says.

Recently, Holly Ruth gave a master class in Poland.

Though the tradition is American it has spread overseas. “People were there from ten different countries,” she said. “I thought I was going to need a translator, but they said that this was an English speaking tradition and that everyone at the event would speak english.”

Hollie Ruth’s folk music career isn’t limited to shape notes. She is also the creator of the musical group Jargon. Jargon explores music from early Yankee tunesmiths written between 1770 and 1810. “They were some of the very first American composers,” she says. The group performs at lecture recitals where they talk about early composers like William Billings, Supply Belcher, and Justin Morgan among others. They have performed everywhere from Wichita to Williamsburg.

Holly Ruth sees herself as not just a performer but a facilitator. She’s an embodiment of the living tradition and is happy to see it passed along.

When she isn’t singing or teaching, Holly Ruth performs as a theatre actor and director. Her recent plays include Greater Tuna and Souvenirs.

“Today is today, and today is great,” Holly Ruth Gale declares. “In some ways I feel better about myself now than I ever did. I’m more comfortable with who I am; I know who I am.” Through her work and her life, Holly Ruth is an inspiration. l Femme Vitál is set to premier in 2018. Holly Ruth’s Shape Note Gathering will be held July 6-8th, 2017

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FEBRUARY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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EVERY DAY LIFE

ABOUT...the River Valley

New Year, Old Me Story by SARAH CHENAULT | Illustration by CLIFF THOMAS

I’M AN OPTIMIST. And as an optimist, I always look forward to having a clean slate, a do-over, a chance to begin again. All of these come once a year on January 1. I look forward to this date for weeks, pondering my resolutions, in search of the best “me.”

This year was no different. Most of my resolutions revolved around organization, accomplishing unfinished tasks, taking time for new experiences, eating better and exercising more. Basically, my resolutions are all over the place. There’s room for improvement in all areas of our lives, right?

January 1 came and, since it was a Sunday, it consisted of the usual Sunday doings — church, lunch with family, cleaning the salon, getting caught up on laundry, and preparing for the week ahead.

January 2, being a Monday, seemed a much better day to begin new practices and habits. However, Monday proved to be full and chaotic — getting back into the routine of the mundane, getting up early, getting my son to school on time, and doing all of my regular Monday things. Tuesday seemed a much better day for all things “new.”

Several days later, I concluded that the first week after Christmas vacation was just hard. It was hard to get up early because of sporadic scheduling over the holidays.

It was hard to button my pants because of all the delicious holiday snacking. It was hard to remember to put on a bra because I left my house as seldom as possible over the holidays and who wears a bra at home? And it was hard to get organized when I still had so much holiday clutter congregating on every surface in my home. Not to mention how hard it was to develop the urge to eat healthier.

Alas, mid January came and I decided enough was enough. I could only wear leggings and baggy sweaters so many days a week, olives and cheese only constituted a meal in the month of December, and everything in my life needed a good organizing and decluttering. The list of resolutions was lacking even a single check mark. I had accomplished nothing.

As a goal oriented and efficient person, the thought of any list lacking check marks 14

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

was gnawing at my psyche. I just couldn’t handle it. I decided to take a day off from work to stage my own intervention. I had to get my life together.

My day of productivity started by getting up an hour earlier than usual with the intention of making a healthy breakfast for my son and myself. However, once downstairs I just stood in front of my refrigerator in my bathrobe. As I stared at the sad menagerie of its contents, I remembered I had forgotten to go to the grocery store.

But I would not be discouraged! I was able to put a check by the “get up earlier” resolution and the “be more intentional with your mornings/stop rushing” resolution as I decided to take Raff to Cracker Barrel. He was elated to go somewhere for breakfast instead of having to scarf down oatmeal or eggs while I rushed us out the door.

After dropping him off at school, it was go time. Time to make some checks on my list.

First things first: the gym.

I realized I wasn’t dressed for the gym, so a quick trip to purchase gym attire (and several other items) made me realize I wasn’t adhering to my “buy less/make do with what you have” resolution. And since I eat my feelings, only a quick trip through the Shipley’s Donuts drive-thru for a snack would help. I rationalized this by telling

myself I had to have energy for the gym.

I couldn’t possibly burn calories on an empty stomach.

After my snack, I drove straight to the gym. I was feeling confident in my new work out garb until I realized I had dropped chocolate cream filling from my donut all over the seat of my car and had somehow managed to smear it all over the back of my purple spandex pants. I was definitely not working out with brown smudges on my pants. Feeling very disappointed, I cheered myself up with a very healthy smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Anything is healthy if you put kale in it, right?

I was exhausted. I had worked myself into a frazzle trying to be productive. I drove myself home, my smoothie straw never leaving my mouth. Thoroughly exasperated over the events of the day, a nap was definitely needed. Changing out of my over-priced, chocolate-smeared spandex and into leggings and a baggy sweater, I curled up on the couch with a cozy blanket and an overly dramatic romance novel.

Right before I nodded off into nap time, I remembered my resolutions list and mentally checked off “make more time for yourself” and “read more.” With four of my resolutions gaining a check, I decided it was still a productive day. And as an optimist, and with four being my lucky number, this was definitely going to be a great year. l

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Bridal

SPECIAL FEATURE ~ 2017

PERHAPS THE BIGGEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE outside of births and deaths is the day you make that sacred bond official in front of friends and family. A new life, a shared life, begins amid flowers and lace, and it is proclaimed to all with sincere vows and bands of gold.

The perfect wedding doesn’t have to be the most expensive, but your perfect wedding will be the most deliberately planned. Careful planning and attention to detail weeks before will lead to a day of carefree bliss…

Ok, maybe not carefree but much less taxing. A big part of that careful planning is finding just the right registry and just the right vendors. After all the pomp, after the cake is eaten and the music fades, all you’ll be left with are thoughtful gifts, lovely images and cherished memories.

All of these should be of the highest quality.

On the next few pages, three River Valley brides share images and memories from their special day. And they’ve also thoughtfully included a list of vendors that worked together to make their wedding the perfect wedding.

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

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Registering is Fun at Millyn’s FEBRUARY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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JAYDE BRYSON

&

WESLEY HEILMAN

MAY 28, 2016 PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA CHANDLER 18

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

The Heilmans HOW DID YOU AND WESLEY FIRST MEET? We met at a concert in Fayetteville through mutual friends. We have been together for almost four years now.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE WEDDING? My favorite part of the wedding was our dog being there! He barked during the

Begin your life together with the "essentials."

Register with our Bridal and Gift Registry.

ceremony and added some humor, which was great because I was crying!

WHO WERE YOUR VENDORS? Our photographer was Jessica Chandler, our DJ was Jon Nathan George, Cathy's Flowers did my bouquet, and Myra Strecker did the rest of our florals! We also had a snow cone truck at the reception. I believe the name of the snow cone truck was Jo-Sno. They're located in Russellville. Michelle Mayer did our cakes.

407 N. Ark. Ave, City Mall • (479) 280-1933 www.kitchenessentials.net

Belle Helene Bess Historic home available for special events and parties For information on booking a private event contact (479) 968-6688 214 East 5th Street • Russellville, AR FEBRUARY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

19

ATALIE KNIGHT

&

ERIC SESSIONS

JUNE 18, 2016 PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRANT HARRISON 20

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

The Sessions HOW DID YOU AND ERIC FIRST MEET? We met at, out of all places, the Arkansas State Fair. We had mutual friends that had recently moved to Little Rock and were trying to get acquainted with their new city and meet new people. Our friends decided to gather all the people they knew in Little Rock to grab dinner at the fair. Eric watched me eat a plate of chili fries and a foot long corn dog, but claims it was the fried Oreos that made him fall in love with me. A month later we ran into each other at church and he asked me out on a date… And the rest is history. We dated 10 months before we got engaged on September 27, 2015, and 9 months later we were married on June 18, 2016.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR WEDDING? We have a lot of unforgettable memories from our wedding day. We unintentionally added some humor to the big day. We often reminisce about when I forgot my personalized vows in the house and when the pastor asked for me to say my vows, I looked at my pregnant sister and matron of honor with a mortified look on my face. She took off in a dead sprint to the house to retrieve my vows so the wedding could go on. Not long after that, the confetti cannon shot off early while the preacher was giving us very serious and intentional advice on marriage.

Surprise! That was our first lesson on marriage being full of surprises! We love to laugh and we love for other people to laugh so we think we won the award for the most “entertaining wedding!” All in all, by far our favorite part of the wedding was the people who came and celebrated with us and the outpouring of love that was shown to us. Memorable is an understatement.

WHO WERE YOUR VENDORS? Vendors were Photographer Grant Harrison from North Little Rock, Caterer was Susan Morehouse , Rentals were from Let’s Celebrate, Flowers were from Teresa White, Design was by Terri Knight, the bridal dress was from Danielle’s Bridal, Clarksville, and the cake was by Michelle Mayer.

FEBRUARY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

21

BLAIR LEWIS

&

JORDAN LIEBLONG

SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEAN BERNER 22

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

The Lieblongs HOW DID YOU AND JORDAN FIRST MEET? Jordan and I met at an insurance agency, where we were both working in Little Rock. I changed jobs a few years ago and we began dating seriously. We have been together about five years, but I have been putting up with him for seven or eight. It has always been a dream of mine to go to The Outer Banks of North Carolina, and in August of 2015 we were fortunate to be able to go. I have always loved lighthouses, I guess it's what they stand for, giving direction to home. One afternoon after sight seeing, we went to visit the Cape Hatteras lighthouse. I was admiring this amazing structure, and I turned around to say something to him and he was on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE WEDDING? The overall aura, atmosphere, and setting made the entire wedding my "favorite."

Seeing the person you love,happy, in that atmosphere of love is something we both have dreamed about. Being able to celebrate such an important day in your life with your family and friends is amazing and irreplaceable.

WHO WERE YOUR VENDORS? Fat Daddy's Catering, Dean Berner Photography, music was the band Mr. Lucky, flowers were from Cathy’s Flowers, bridal dress was from The Bridal Cottage, bridesmaids/ flower girl dresses were from David’s, men’s attire was from Men’s Warehouse, cakes were made by Juanita Sutterfield. The wedding director/coordinator was Becky Smith and decor was provided by MPMJ EVENTS — Mike & Malinda McSpadden. The entire event was planned by the best family and friends anyone could ask for. And a special

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(479) 968-3117 www.joshuasfinejewelry.com FEBRUARY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

23

COMMUNITY PAGES

ABOUT...the River Valley

ATU community service project yields 40,000+ meals for those in need

Arkansas Tech University exceeded its goal of providing 40,000 meals for people in the Arkansas River Valley who are food insecure during a community service event on Monday, Jan. 16.

The event was part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration on the Arkansas Tech campus in Russellville. Volunteers from the Tech community met at W.O. Young Building Ballroom to assemble the meals in an effort coordinated with The Pack Shack, a non-profit organization headquartered in Rogers and co-founded by Arkansas Tech alumnus Jarod Ring.

By the time the evening was complete, 431 students, faculty, staff and community members had packed 41,888 meals and prepared them for delivery to partnering agencies ATU Food Bank, Ray of Hope Pantry, River Valley Food Bank, St. John’s Catholic Church Food Pantry and Manna House.

The meals will be distributed to individuals and families who lack reliable ac-

24

cess to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

“We call it a party for a cause,” said Ring, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in emergency management from Arkansas Tech in 2007. “Everyone throws on hairnets and gloves, we crank up some music and we pack, in a giant assembly line, a nutritious, dehydrated meal. We hope this encourages and motivates people to love their neighbors in need. We have a vision of creating a community of people who love and serve their neighbors.”

This marked the second consecutive year in which Arkansas Tech and The Pack Shack have partnered for a community service event.

In two years, the Tech community has provided more than 79,000 meals to people who are food insecure through The Pack Shack.

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

Additional sponsors for the 2017 Pack Shack event at Arkansas Tech included the following campus entities: the Division of Student Services, the Department of Diversity and Inclusion, the Office of Campus Life, the Department of Athletics, Student Government Association, Student Activities Board, Residence Hall Association and National Residence Hall Honorary.

LAW ENFORCEMENT GATHERS AT ARKANSAS TECH FOR TABLETOP EXERCISE

Arkansas Tech University and Arkansas State Police Troop J hosted a tabletop exercise on Wednesday, Jan. 11, to provide area law enforcement officers with a controlled environment in which to test local resources for solving child abduction cases.

The exercise, which took place at Arkansas Tech’s Chambers Cafeteria West Dining Room, was led by members of the FBI National Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) team.

Representatives from a variety of law enforcement agencies went step-by-step through the process of a child abduction case beginning with the moment that a 911 emergency call is received.

“We are pleased to have opportunities such as this one to coordinate with our fellow law enforcement agencies for the greater good of the communities we serve,” said Joshua McMillian, chief of public safety at Arkansas Tech. “Bringing in nationally-recognized experts such as the ones we learned from today allows for best practices to be shared throughout the local law enforcement community. It is the type of training you hope to never utilize, but preparing for such scenarios saves lives.”

Agencies represented at the training included Arkansas Community Correction, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas State Police Troop J, Arkansas Tech University Department of Public Safety, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Pope County Office of Emergency Management, Pope County Sheriff’s Department and Russellville Police Department.

The FBI Violent Crimes Against Children program established CARD teams in 2005 as a means of offering quick and effective response in the event of a child abduction. There are five regional units and a total of 60 agents nationwide who serve on FBI CARD teams.

ATU STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN INAUGURATION SEMINAR IN WASHINGTON

Two Arkansas Tech University students are examining the transition of power from one presidential administration to another during a two-week academic program in Washington, D.C. Junior Savannah Dye of Russellville and sophomore Allison Edwards of Perryville earned an opportunity to spend Jan. 8-21 in the nation’s capital as part of a presidential inauguration academic seminar hosted by the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars.

According to information provided by the Washington Center, the seminar allows participants to learn about “key policy issues in detail by hearing from leaders from the government, think tanks, the media and other national organizations.”

In addition, the Washington Center stated that the program prompts students to “examine the significance of the inauguration through guided small-group discussions and by visiting leading organizations around the city.” >> You don’t have to be a farmer or an insured to take advantage of all the great benefits that being a member of Farm Bureau has to offer. Arkansas Farm Bureau members have access to SavingsPlus, an exclusive benefit which contains the nation’s largest private discount network. You’ll find savings on everyday necessities like food, clothing, car care and more. In fact, you’ll save enough to offset the entire cost of your membership and beyond!

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FEBRUARY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

25

COMMUNITY COMMERCE

ABOUT...the River Valley

Phil Wright Autoplex Phil Wright Autoplex started out in 1975 when Phil Wright bought the Gosnell Chevrolet/Buick dealership in Russellville.

He added Toyota around 1993 and brought along the rest of the General Motors family of cars just a few years later.

The Phil Wright Autoplex today is home to 200-250 inventoried vehicles from Toyota and all current GM brands except Cadillac. The business employs 52 people. “We’ve really grown in the last couple years,” says Danny Hipps, general Phil Wright Autoplex sales manager at Phil Wright (479) 968-1555 Autoplex. Danny says that www.philwrightautoplex.com most of the growth has been in the service department. “We’re trying to speed up on getting customers in and out. We’ve got a few more mechanics and a few more people in the service drive to better accommodate customers.”

There is a distinct and comfortable hometown business vibe at Phil Wright. This is to be expected after more than 40 years in business. But it’s also attributable to long-term employees. “A lot of our employees have been here 30-plus years. We really try to take care of our employees, which translates into taking care of your customers.” This means that customers can expect to see a familiar and helpful face each time they return for service work or a new purchase. “Butch (Booher) has been here for 38 years,” says Danny, “Dusqua (Moore) has been here for 35 years, Russ (Wright) has been here for 30 years. People know who they’re 26

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

Story and photo by JOHNNY SAIN

going to see when they walk in the door.” Danny himself has been at Phil Wright Autoplex for 25 years. There’s another list of employees with decades-long employment in the service department as well. “We’ve got a lot of mechanics with 19 or 20 years of working here,” says Danny. And even employees that leave often come back. “A lot of people that leave, you know, you think the grass is greener, and then they come back when they realize how good it was here.”

This level of caring within the business is also how Phil Wright Autoplex feels about the River Valley. It’s evident in their “Player of the Game” awarded weekly to an area high school football player and in their monetary support of local charities and nonprofits. “We really try to do business with hometown values,” says Danny. “People need support, donations and such, in the community and we try to help them as much as we can.

We try to support local efforts. We support the local community.

And we enjoy what we do.”

Danny says that he hopes the local community appreciates Phil Wright Autoplex. “We can’t sell to everybody, but we sure wish everybody would give us the opportunity.” Danny says that many people would be surprised to find out that they can buy what they want and get a good deal by shopping local. “We don’t have the inventory that other dealers do, but we’ve got access to more inventory. We can get what you’re looking for and we can get it here in 24-48 hours. Give us the opportunity, that’s what we’d really like folks to know.” l

Dye and Edwards are blogging about their experience at http://blogs.atu.edu/ studyabroad/. Interested parties are invited to read about their journey throughout their two weeks in Washington, D.C. “As a political science major, it is a great advantage to be familiarized with the history of our country and the terminology of politics which allows me to understand and appreciate this city even more,” wrote Edwards in a blog entry from Tuesday, Jan. 10. “Since the inauguration is less than two weeks away, the city is bustling with tourists and workers trying to set up all of the stages and viewing areas.”

Dye and Edwards are also touring many of the nation’s most historic sites.

They have visited the Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial.

“It’s one thing to hear how many soldiers are still missing in action from the Vietnam War in a class lecture, but it’s much more

powerful to walk alongside the wall of the names of soldiers,” wrote Dye in a Jan. 10 blog entry. “Walking to and from these monuments like many influential people from history have before us is a truly empowering experience.”

LOCAL POET PUBLISHED

Russellville poet Jeannie Stone, who writes under the pen name Dexta Jean, has recently had a poem published as part of The 2016 Poetry Marathon Anthology compiled by Poetry Marathon facilitator Caitlin Jans.

The Poetry Marathon is an annual event where writers from around the world labor against the clock to write a poem every hour for either a marathon — 24 poems in 24 hours — or a half marathon — 12 poems in 12 hours. All of this takes place over the internet, on the official website and blogs as well as private Facebook groups.

More than 500 poets labored against the clock during the latest Poetry Marathon.

Truly an international endeavor, English is the second language for a full 25 percent of

the participants. Stone completed the full marathon as she did in 2015, and her poem HOSTAGE was one of 102 poems chosen for publication.

Stone may be reached at dstone3@atu. edu. The book may be purchased at Gallery 307, 307 W. C St., Russellville or online at https://www.createspace.com/6664239 l

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27

VALLEY VITTLES

ABOUT...the River Valley

Sweet tooth sacked

Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN | Story by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN THE OLD BANK SPORTS GRILL | 220 W. Main Street, Russellville

Chocolate is derived from cacao seeds.

It was first enjoyed nearly 2,000 years ago by the Mayans. The Aztecs believed that the blessed cacao seeds were a divine gift from their god of wisdom, the feathered serpent Quetzalcoatl. It wasn’t until centuries later that chocolate became a sensual symbol of one of our basic instincts, an instinct that often leads to abandonment of all wisdom.

Abandonment of wisdom could be an argument for the creation of professional American football — grown men paid to knock the slobber out of each other in order to move a ball that’s not even shaped like a ball up and down what could be perfectly good pasture. But here we are with the NFL’s championship game as an unofficial national holiday.

Quetzalcoatl weeps.

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

And February is the month in which these two decadent and purely American originals gain center stage. Lucky for River Valley folks that we can combine them symbolically and literally at The Old Bank Sports Grill in downtown Russellville. The dessert that serves it all up — the chocolate blitz.

A true bull rush of cacao, it’s chocolate soft serve ice cream, chocolate whipped topping, mini chocolate chip cookies, mini Twix bars and brownies topped with a cone and drizzled with chocolate syrup.

Also, a little caramel syrup just to keep you on your toes.

It’s a dessert that can be enjoyed during a romantic one-on-one evening or in the company of so many yelling, cheering, cussing football fans with big screens flashing the latest big play. l

FEBRUARY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

29

COUNTERTOP CREATIONS

ABOUT...the River Valley

WAFFLE PIZZA DIPPERS 7 oz of Italian Blend cheese (or mozzarella) ½ tsp dried basil ½ tsp dried oregano 2 cans (8oz each) crescent rolls 1 jar pizza sauce pepperoni slices (about 32 slices, omit for vegetarian option)

Spending time with the ones you love Story by LYDIA ZIMMERMAN, Food Editor

F

ebruary brings us two occasions to spend time with the ones we love. Of course I’m referring to Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day. According to gone-ta-pott.com, Super Bowl Sunday is second only to Thanksgiving when it comes to food consumption. It’s also rumored that the day after is the most called into work/school day of the year.

In honor of Super Bowl Sunday I’ve compiled game day recipes. Here’s some fun facts about the Super Bowl and it’s origins: • The first Super Bowl was played on January 15, 1967 as part of an agreement between the NFL and its younger rival, the American Football League (AFL) in which each league’s championship team would play each other in an “AFL-NFL World Championship Game.”

• The Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I and the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II. For Valentine’s Day I gathered recipes for my favorite food group — chocolate. Dark, Milk, White, Semisweet and German chocolate, it’s all good. If you don’t like chocolate yourself you can prepare them for the chocolate lover in your life.

As always, enjoy!

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

Preheat waffle iron to medium/high. Unroll first can of dough flat on a working surface.

Separate each crosswise, making 4 7x6inch rectangles. Firmly press perforations to seal.

Repeat for second can. You should have 4 rectangles.

Combine cheese, basil, oregano and set aside.

Place one 7x6inch rectangle on the waffle iron.

Place ½(about 1 cup) of the cheese mixture on the dough.

Top with layer of pepperoni. For vegetarian option, omit pepperoni, and add more cheese if desired.

Top with another 7x6in rectangle . Close waffle iron and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Repeat with other 2 dough sheets. Cut into triangles and serve with side of pizza sauce for dipping.

Recipe courtesy of familyfreshmeals.com PUB STYLE BEER CHEESE DIP 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into bite-size cubes 4 oz cream cheese, room temp & cubed 1.5 T Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp Dijon mustard 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp paprika 1/2 – 2/3 c of beer Place all ingredients, except for the beer in a food processor. Blend until finely chopped.

Slowly pour in beer a little at a time until desired texture is achieved. I started with 1/2 cup, and added a little more ( about 2/3 cups).

Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Served with pretzels, crackers or some veggies!

Recipe courtesy of familyfreshmeals.com

CROCK POT ORANGE MARMALADE MEATBALLS 32 ounce bag frozen meatballs 1 12 to 16 ounce jar orange marmalade ½ cup ketchup 2 TBSP soy sauce ½ tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp black pepper Place meatballs in slow cooker.

In a bowl, combine remaining ingredients and mix well.

Pour orange marmalade sauce over meatballs and stir to coat meatballs with sauce.

Cover and cook on LOW 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH 2 to 3 hours.

Recipe courtesy of funnyisfamily.com GERMAN CHOCOLATE MOLTEN CAKES 11 T butter (1 stick + 3 T) 4 oz German Baking Chocolate (Baker’s brand) 3 egg yolks 3 whole eggs 1.5 powdered sugar, sifted 3/4 c all purpose flour 1 c toasted pecans 1 c flaked sweetened coconut 1 1/2 c caramel topping Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place chocolate and butter in a microwave proof bowl for 45 seconds. Remove and

stir. Continue doing this at 15 second increments until all melted, but be careful to not overcook. Stir until all melted and smooth.

Once your chocolate is melted, let it cool to room temp before adding the mixture to the eggs. (Pop it in the fridge for a few minutes if you want).

Whisk eggs together well using a hand or electric mixer, then slowly add the sugar, then the chocolate mixture, then gradually add the flour. Mix until smooth.

Pour into a greased muffin tin - filling muffin cups about ¾ of the way full.

Bake for 6-8 minutes or until the middle puffs up but the cake inside is still underdone.

Remove from the oven and place the muffin pan on a cookie sheet. Place another cookie sheet on top. Hold it all together and gently (but quickly) flip it so the muffin tin is now upside down. Carefully lift up the muffin tin, give it a shake and a tap to get the cakes to drop down.

Serve each cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, drizzle on some caramel topping, top with toasted pecans and coconut flakes. >>

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OVEN-FRIED PICKLES WITH HOMEMADE DILL BUTTERMILK RANCH Dill Buttermilk Ranch 1 T fresh baby dill 1/2 c mayo 1/4 c plain Greek yogurt 1/4 c milk 1/4 c buttermilk 1 T white balsamic vinegar 1/4 tsp onion powder 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/8 tsp ground white pepper salt, to taste Oven-Fried Pickles 1 (24-oz) jar dill pickles spears 1/2 c all-purpose flour 2 large eggs 1/2 c panko bread crumbs 1/2 c stone-ground corn meal 1/4 c plain bread crumbs 1 T finely grated parmesan cheese 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (more or less to taste) 1/4 tsp black pepper In the bowl of your food processor or blender, combine all of the ingredients for the ranch. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Pour into a small bowl and cover. Place in the refrigerator until you are ready to use.

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F and spray a large baking sheet with a non-stick spray. Set aside.

Drain the jarred pickles and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Pat completely dry. Set aside.

In one shallow bowl, add the flour.

In another shallow bowl, add the eggs and whisk to combine. In a third shallow

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bowl, combine the panko, corn meal, regular bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Toss the ingredients until evenly distributed. You shouldn’t need any more salt, as the pickles are already extremely salty. If you need more salt, then feel free to salt away.

Starting with one pickle, dredge in flour, then coat in the whisked eggs, and then transfer to the bread crumb mixture. Toss the pickle to make sure it is evenly coated, pressing to adhere where it is needed. Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat this step for the rest of the pickles. Spray the pickles with a non-stick canola oil spray.

Place the pickles in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating them halfway through. Spraying again with a non-stick canola oil spray. Make sure they are crispy before pulling them from the oven. This may take more or less time, so keep a close eye.

Serve immediately out of the oven with homemade dill buttermilk ranch.

Recipe courtesy of cookingandbeer.com ITALIAN SUB DIP 1/4 lb Capicola or imported ham (thick sliced) 1/4 lb Genoa Salami (thick sliced) 1/4 lb pepperoni (thick sliced) 1/2 lb Provolone Cheese (thick sliced) 2 medium tomatoes or 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped 1/2 onion, diced 1/2 c shredded Iceberg lettuce 1 T red wine vinegar 4 T hot pepper spread Salt Pepper 1 T oregano

Cube the meats and cheese into small cubes. Put it in a bowl and add the chopped tomatoes, and onions. Add in the hot pepper spread and oregano. Season well with salt and pepper. Combine well and chill. Let the flavors combine for an hour or overnight. night before you are going to serve, toss in the Iceberg lettuce. Serve with toasted Focaccia bread.

Recipe courtesy of thekitchn.com BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL’S CLASSIC NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER 2 T butter 2 celery stalks, trimmed, chopped small 1 large yellow onion, peeled, chopped small ½ c dry white wine 1½ c clam juice 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, ¼-in cubes 2 c heavy cream 2 c chopped fresh clams ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp white pepper ¼ c fresh chives, chopped Oyster crackers Melt butter in large pot over medium-low heat. Slowly sauté celery and onion until they soften, about 8 minutes, being careful not to let onion color. Add wine. Raise heat.

Simmer 5 minutes. Add clam juice, bring to boil, cover pan, then lower heat to simmer.

Add potatoes and cream and simmer until potatoes are tender and chowder thickens, about 25 minutes. Stir in clams, season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with chives with crackers on side. Serves 8.

Recipe courtesy of FootballNation.com

Enjoy great food and watch the big game!

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

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In a heavy medium saucepan, heat and stir 1/3 cup of the whipping cream and the white chocolate over low heat until chocolate is melted. Using a whisk, gradually add the remaining 1 2/3 cups whipping cream. Heat cream mixture to a simmer. Remove from heat.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, the 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla.

Very gradually whisk the cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture.

Place six 3/4-cup ramekins or 6-ounce custard cups in a 13x9x2-inch (3-quart) baking dish. Divide the custard mixture evenly among the ramekins or custard cups.

Set baking dish on the oven rack. Pour enough boiling water or very hot water into the baking dish around the ramekins or custard cups to reach halfway up the sides of the dishes.

Bake, uncovered, in a 325 degrees oven about 1 hour or until custards are nearly set when gently shaken. Remove ramekins from baking dish; cool on a wire rack. Cover; chill in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.

Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Sprinkle each with remaining 1/4 cup sugar and caramelize with a culinary blowtorch. (If you do not have a culinary blowtorch, place the 1/4 cup sugar in an 8-inch skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until sugar begins to melt, shaking skillet occasionally to heat sugar evenly. Do not stir. Once sugar starts to melt, reduce heat to low; cook about 3 minutes more or until all the sugar is melted and golden, stirring as needed with a wooden spoon. Quickly drizzle caramelized sugar over the custards.) Serve custards immediately. Garnish with berries.

Recipe courtesy of MidwestLiving.com l

n He

CHOCOLATES LOVERS’ RECIPES White Chocolate Creme Brûlée 2 c whipping cream 3 oz white baking chocolate with cocoa butter, chopped 4 egg yolks, lightly beaten 1/2 c sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla 1/4 c sugar Fresh strawberries or raspberries

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BACKYARD LIVING

ABOUT...the River Valley

Learning goes both ways Story by MEREDITH MARTIN MOATS

The Boiled Down Juice Read more from Meredith at www.boileddownjuice.com

34

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

AS SOON AS CHILDREN BEGIN VERBAL COMMUNICATION they learn to divide the world into categories. Things with wheels are automobiles. Things with four legs and wagging tails are dogs.

Children’s books and programming focus on the importance of recognizing opposites. Things are hard or soft, hot and cold, big or little, open or closed.

Those of us who have spent a lot of time with children know that sometimes they have trouble recognizing our adult distinctions. The difference between an apple and a pear may obvious to us, but to a young child the differences are less apparent. Likewise, abstract concepts like big and small are very much situational distinctions and it takes a while for children to grasp that our way of naming things is highly contextual.

In other words, what’s big in one situation is pretty small in another.

One of the greatest joys of working with children is watching them discover the things we forget. They love to find the moon and the sound of thunder fascinates them. We adults may not pay a bit of attention to the bird on the limb, but it gives them unspeakable joy to be able not only to see it but also to name it. They speak with pride when they can identify a dog, or a cat, or cow. They are learning to divide the world up into ideas and characters and categories and they can’t wait to show us.

I’m a mother of three young children and I work with toddlers for a living. It’s an honor to help them learn what makes red, red or how to name concepts like fast, funny, and happy. I teach them songs about opposites and I help them learn needed structure in the classroom. But while I’m helping them find the words for expressing the difference

between, say, water and grass, they’re busily teaching me that sometimes we adults get a little too hemmed in by our divisions.

Children see commonalities in the most unexpected places. Give them a chance to dress themselves (without laughter or judgement from adults) and they’ll go for a combination that defies any adult’s sense of fashion. If you ask them why they chose that particular get up they almost have an answer about why the plaid looks great with the flowers or why mismatched shoes are actually a good idea. We often laugh and write it off as they not understanding how color coordination works. Which is true, I guess. But what’s also going on is they’re making their own choices in a framework that hasn’t been socialized to see certain things as natural companions. Clothes are a simple example, but an important one. After all, if you’re two you have very little freedom to make choices. Clothing is usually one of the first places we see choices emerge.

They’ll combine foods in unorthodox ways; they’ll take a toy out of the package and have little use for the “correct” way

to use it. If you pay attention you begin to realize that this experimentation is more than just cluelessness about the world.

It’s the way they learn. It’s the way they become themselves. They are scientists, inventors, artists, storytellers. They have their own sense of what is beautiful, and if we think we have nothing to learn from their freedom and creativity then we’re the ones in need of some direction.

I learned long ago that sometimes we adults often treat children as receptacles for our pain. We have a lot of unresolved issues and heartache regardless of who we are. So often I see adults down right obsessed with this notion that children are just waiting to get something over on us, even children who haven’t learned how to speak. Children are seldom out to get us, at least not at this age. They’re just trying to figure out the world and see things we’ve long since forgotten.

We need to be there to show them these distinctions. We are their teachers. But as any good teacher knows, real learning always goes both ways. l

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OUTDOORS

ABOUT...the River Valley

Fungus Among Us Story and photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

THE WOODS ARE QUIET DURING THE EARLY PARTS OF THE CALENDAR YEAR. Quiet, but not dead. Hikes are peaceful during these months; the insanity inducing buzz of buffalo gnats is replaced with emollient whispers of winter.

The chilled breeze strikes remaining leaves of deciduous trees, an adventurous chipmunk unwraps a white oak acorn and the spooked trot of a whitetail between hill climbs stipple the atmosphere. This yearly visual landscape shift is often described as mundane. The typical strokes of green and zests of gold give way to a dusty monochromatic array of bleak textures. This Rothko-like aesthetic is exciting for my curious eyes. A wash of gray, the winter woods provide the perfect canvas for spotting a unique and often overlooked constant: fungus.

By and large, these organisms remain mysterious to the average outdoor enthusiast in recognition and function.

Majorities associate fungus with decay, but many of the complexities are still unknown. One of the key attributes of fungi that differentiates them from their plant cousins is the presence of nitrogen in their cell walls rather than cellulose. This is what places them at the hub of the nitrogen cycle, the process that enriches the land with nutrients. Those who often plunge their hands into dirt are familiar with nitrogen as part of some commercial and natural fertilizers, and its role in the success of a domestic garden. Nitrogen is critical for plant growth and a lack of it slows photosynthesis, resulting in yellowed leaves and

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

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The start of a new year puts me into a state of reflection, especially on symbolic relationships between humanity and nature. puny harvests. In the forest, naturally occurring nitrogen infused fungi serve as the flywheel for the exchange of life and death. This natural nutrient cycling is key to maintaining balance and making proper use of death within the ecosystem of the forest.

Identifying a fungus can throw off even the most learned of biologist from time to time. In Arkansas, we enjoy a deep diversity of fungi given the variety of terrain that makes up the state. I err on the side of a caution when it comes to the “on the spot” analysis of certain mushrooms, and especially for consumption after decades of instruction to eat from the commercial produce chiller rather than plucking straight from the earth. I’ve known local mycophiles to brag of their forest spoils from time to time, teeming with excitement over recycled plastic bags stuffed with chicken of the woods or handfuls of morels collected straight from the base of a familiar white oak. Coming across a jackpot of morels is no easy feat considering their irresistible nature to deer, turkeys and the occasional wild hog. Aside from solid forms on the forest floor and clinging to deadfall, there is another type of fungus that has helped make the Arkansas River Valley famous. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or brewer’s yeast, is what makes the fermentation of grape juice into wine possible and is naturally occurring on ripe fruits like grapes and plums.

The start of a new year puts me into a state of reflection, especially on symbolic relationships between humanity and nature. Personal growth is a theme of the still months of winter; the hours of the day are limited and the air is too cold during most waking hours for any long bout of outdoor activity. Some of us brood. Some tuck underneath hand-me-down quilts and pour ourselves into classic

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novels. Some of us purposely expose ourselves to the damp cold as a cathartic practice in testing immunity. Our wild instincts tell us to hibernate, to pack on a few extra pounds and await the coming of spring. This waiting gives way to reflection. We reflect on the next steps in the cycle of the new year: how we might infuse more of ourselves and the talent nutrients we’ve been equipped with into our own environments. Yes, I know this sounds like a far stretch, but stick with me. In our own symbolic nitrogen cycle, this is the time to embrace the functions of the fungi that litter our region.

It’s this time of year that gives way to spring cleaning, thoughts of minimalism and the urge to be better versions of ourselves.

Perhaps this is our time of decomposition. l

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FEBRUARY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

37

On a Personal Note The Girl Outside of Blass Guest Written by John R. Pledger, Jr.

I finally met Cheryl by accident on the streets of Little Rock one night in October.

We visited for a while, but after we parted I decided with nerves in check that I would call and ask for a date. Knowing that the F.B.I. had done an extensive investigation of my past, she accepted.

38

Little did I know that when I went to my new job I would meet a girl who grew up on a street only one block from the street I grew up on. I grew up on Highway 10 in Danville, and she grew up on Ohio Street in Little Rock. Ohio Street is only one block away from Highway 10. I also didn’t know the girl from 90 miles and one block away would become my girlfriend, my wife, my best friend, and the love of my life.

We met while we both worked for the F.B.I. That’s right, the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Our first encounter was in the break room at the Bureau where Cheryl, two other stenographers, and I shared our break time and some small talk.

From then on I tried to make sure my break just happened to be the same time as theirs.

After several weeks of those secret meetings in the F.B.I. break room, I finally met Cheryl by accident on the streets of Little Rock one night in October. Our encounter was outside Blass (now Dillards and now closed) on Main in Little Rock. She and a third stenographer from the Bureau were shopping, I was just trolling. We visited for a while, but after we parted I decided with nerves in check that I would call and ask for a date. Knowing that the F.B.I. had done an extensive investigation of my past, she accepted.

Our first date was a movie — good choice.

The movie was Irma la Douce — bad choice.

Movies were not rated then, but it would not have been a “G.” Thank goodness she overlooked the selection as the result of country come to town. For whatever reason, she accepted a repeat date the next night and the next and the next, and you get the gist.

Since we had only known each other for a few weeks, and our first date was in October, we decided a longer courtship would be in order so we got engaged in November. A month is long

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ FEBRUARY 2017

enough don’t you think? Weddings take a while to prepare for so the date was set for February 15, one day after Valentine’s Day. No two big days should fall on the same date.

After a short ceremony at the cathedral in downtown Little Rock we took off for a reception at the Marion Hotel (later imploded) to celebrate. I gave the bell captain $5 to watch our car, but my uncle gave him $10 to tie on the cans. Money talks. Following the reception, we took off as one with cans in tow for the Florida coast.

Our destination was the Edgewater Beach Hotel (also later imploded). Little did we know the Edgewater was a resort for a lot of old snowbirds in the winter. We were the youngest occupants by least 50 years. It was hard to blend in with the group, and they would all cheer when we came down for meals. But a honeymoon is a honeymoon and we enjoyed it.

Such is the beginning of our love story and in order to prove that I hadn’t been vamped by a big city hussy, we waited 14 years to start our family. This wasn’t really planned but we are not in charge of everything (thank goodness). We are in charge of a lot and our lot includes two kids, three grandkids, two farms, three businesses, two states, six towns, fifteen addresses (yes, we have moved fifteen times), built two houses, lots of dogs, cats, horses, cows and chickens. Our lot does not include any more implosions, divorce, or even fights.

Yes, no fights. How can you fight with your best friend? How long has this been going on?

I’ll ask my best friend. Wow! She says it will be 52 years the day after Valentine’s. It’s not hard when you marry the girl outside of Blass, the prettiest girl in town.

Look for more interesting features and tidbits in "On a Personal Note" each month in future issues of ABOUT... the River Valley. You'll find short stories, interesting pieces and other great reads from people you know, or would like to know from around the River Valley.

ENGAGEMENTS

ABOUT...the River Valley

Save the Date!

Calendar listings of engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements on the pages of each issue of ABOUT‌the River Valley are available at no charge. They may be mailed to: ABOUT Magazine, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812 or sent via email to: editor@aboutrvmag.com. (A phone number must be included for verification.)

February 4

June 3

Jessica Howerton & Chris Shippey

Lori Wilson & Brandon Hanlon

March 25

June 9

Marissa Trusty & Mitchell Mourot

Riley Smith & Kyle Ahern

April 8

June 24

Meredith Grubbs & Philip McKelvy.

Alex Carter & Zach McKinney

Lorna Porter & Eli Pierce

July 1

May 6

Lacey Mayer & Chris Isbell

Tonya Gosnell & Dr. David Oates

July 8

May 29

Paxton Goates & Hunter Anderson

Lauren Ossolinski & Foster Pace

July 21

June 3

Haley Link & Matt Piker

Photo by Benita's Photography

Alaina Harpenau & Thomas Meares To have your engagement or wedding published in a future issue of ABOUT Magazine, send your information, photo* and a check for $57.50 to: ABOUT Magazine, PO Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812, or visit www.aboutrvmag.com/forms.html. Word count is limited to 225 words. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. For additional information, call (479) 857-6791. *Digital files are accepted and will be published upon receipt of payment.

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We specialize in advanced surgical techniques so you can specialize in being a grandma.

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Dr. Mark Buchanan is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon whose practice includes joint replacement, fracture management, and sports injury treatment.

His specialty is direct anterior approach hip surgery, a minimally invasive, total hipreplacement procedure that may be associated with a faster post-op recovery, and reduced muscle damage and pain.

As with any surgery, hip replacement surgery carries certain risks. Dr. Buchanan can evaluate your condition and help you determine your best course of treatment.

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