ABOUT | February 2012

Fiddlin’ Around the River Valley

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley February 2012

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www.aboutrvmag.com

February 2012

8 Fiddlin’ Around the River Valley

The fiddle is the official state instrument of Arkansas and is most commonly associated with the musical education and entertainment of the pioneer families of Arkansas. Darwin Fontenot, a national award-winning luthier makes and repairs these stringed instruments.

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Family Photo: Take Two!

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Fishing on the Fly

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ABOUT Food

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Travelers tour Spain & Natchitoches

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Charity Ball Tickets Available

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For the Love of Community

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ABOUT Health

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about | our cover Photo by Steve Newby Darwin Fontenot is a nationally-recognized awardwinning “luthier” who retired to rural northern Pope County following a long and distinguished career as a mechanical and computer engineer. A luthier is a person who makes and repairs stringed instruments, and, Fontenot, a second-generation luthier and eighth-generation Louisiana Creole, says there are actually no differences between Arkansas’s state instrument, the fiddle, and a violin. Read, “Fiddlin’ Around the River Valley,” which begins on page 8.

4 ABOUT | February 2012

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A guy named Larry Clark started a class on fly fishing at Vo-Tech in Morrilton. The roots of the club started here. Just a guy that wanted to teach others about a sport he loved. It grew from there.

Betty LaGrone is more than just a long-term resident and worker of the River Valley area.

She has devoted her time, care and effort to the community; with an undying vision of growth and success for the city of Russellville.

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ABOUT Magazine P.O. Box 10176 Russellville, AR 72812 Or subscribe online at

www.aboutrvmag.com Call 479.970.6628 for information

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So whether we’re offering leadership and guidance to local school children, volunteering at a community fundraiser, or simply helping with local charities and events, giving back is just another benefit of being Community a locally-owned bank – right here in the Arkansas with communities you and your business call home.

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A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

ABOUT

the River Valley

Moving Forward

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. VII, Issue 1 – February 2012 Owners: Nolan and Dianne Edwards

Another year has passed, and for the most part, it went swiftly. As a child, it seemed the change of seasons went by exceedingly slow. The period between Christmas and summer break seemed “forever” back then. My, how I wish that was the case these days. There just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day anymore. Right before Christmas I remember telling someone I felt certain that they had moved up the “date” of Christmas again... it came and went so quickly!

We barely finish one issue before we are catapulted head-long into starting on another. It feels like only a few days ago we were working on the last issue of 2011 and looking forward to some respite before beginning the 2012 February/Weddings and Special Occasions issue.

I am surprisingly pleased when a distraught reader calls and tells us that they did not receive their “January” ABOUT Magazine. In keeping with our original plan, we publish 10 issues annually, excluding January and July. That allows our associates (and our advertisers) a break to enjoy time with family and friends during two brief periods each year. So, for those of you who missed us in January, we dedicate to you this first issue of 2012.

Also, in keeping with our commitment to our community to give you a value unlike none other, we have chosen not to increase the cost of our advertising or our mailed subscriptions – despite the fact that the postal service is again increasing the cost of mailing each issue. Call us crazy. We believe in the value of ABOUT the River Valley Magazine and we want to keep our costs as minimal as possible to give you, our readers and advertisers, the best value for your money.

Many of you have been receiving “complimentary” copies distributed through our advertisers or on a sample mailing list without paying the cost of a $20 annual mailed subscription. If you have been one of those lucky few, we hope you’ll take a moment to send payment for a 2012 annual subscription to: ABOUT, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812.

To guarantee you’ll continue receiving the magazine conveniently by mail, you’ll want to join our paid subscriber list soon. The cost of an annual subscription only slightly defrays the cost of publishing and mailing each issue so your support is critical to our continued endeavors.

ABOUT Magazine has been reflecting the character of the River Valley since our first magazine published in July 2006. We are locally owned and produced by associates who live, work and play in the Arkansas River Valley. We do business with our advertisers as often as we can.

We also welcome contributions and story suggestions and try to publish as many as possible.

Dianne Edwards, Editor/Publisher WE are your magazine, your voice, local and 479.970.6628 committed. We are ABOUT... the River Valley. editor@aboutrvmag.com

DIANNE EDWARDS | editor editor@aboutrvmag.com VONNA MARPEL | advertising vonna@aboutrvmag.com CHRISTINE WOJTKOWSKI | advertising christine@aboutrvmag.com KECHIA BENTLEY | writer kechia@aboutrvmag.com JOHNNY SAIN | writer johnny@aboutrvmag.com CONNIE LAS SCHNEIDER | writer connie@aboutrvmag.com STEVE NEWBY | photography stevenewbyphotography@aboutrvmag.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@zimcreative.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) 970-6628.

Office: 220 East 4th Street Email: editor@aboutrvmag.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: SPPI, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812.

www.aboutrvmag.com

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Las Schneider 479.497.1110

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about | february 2012

Talk ABOUT...the New Year Has Russellville forsaken its beloved Smallmouth Bass in search of something new and different? And no, we’re not talking about the designerstyle fish found above in illustrator Cliff Thomas’ drawing. (We’re thinking it’s not likely you’ll catch THAT fish in our nearby waters – not even near the waters of Arkansas Nuclear One.) But if you are fishing around for something new to experience in 2012, you’ll want to catch, “Fishing on the Fly,” an ABOUT introduction to the local CADDIS Fly Fishing Club. The group held their Basic Trout Fishing Clinic this past winter at Hughes Center, followed by their seventh year of trout-stocking the pond at Pleasant View Park.

Trout fishing in Russellville? Yes, not only trout fishing as long as the cooler temperatures allow, but an honorary “Trout Day” as proclaimed

by Russellville Mayor Bill Eaton.

The members of this Fly Fishing “Icthyological” society wish nothing more than to pass along their love of the sport to area youth and adults, alike. It seems there is always something new and unique in the Arkansas River Valley. Who knew?

If the Mayan’s are on to something (with the Anglo’s loose interpretation predicting a fiery end of the world

on Dec. 21, 2012) then we’d suggest you make this your most productive, healthy and happiest year ever.

(Personally, as one who celebrates their birthday on Dec. 20th each year, I’m betting the odds are in our favor that the majority of us will live on to celebrate another New Year’s Eve and welcome in 2013.)

Still, it’s 2012 – another year fresh with prospect and opportunity awaits us! Grab your planner, your phone or your wall calendar and start making a date to do the things you put off doing last year.

No New Year’s resolutions left our lips this year so we’re not going to begin making them in February. I’ve given up on those... why make them to break them? Instead, we’ll just brush the dust off last year’s good intentions and make another go of it.

Remember the old adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again?”

We’re going to take that approach in our everyday endeavors. We’re not making any more new rules or outlandish plans, we’re just going to follow the old ones that worked well before and make them even better.

Better planning, more organization, accurate recording and documentation... now, ‘where the blazes is my planner again?’

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Feb. 3: Eagle Tours, Lake Dardanelle State Park, 2 p.m.; other times and dates available, call 967-5516.

Feb. 4: Russellville Symphony “Talk of the Town” Tables fundraiser and silent auction, 6 p.m., Lake Point; dinner begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, $60. Info: 967-1177.

Feb. 6: UACCM Theatre Ensemble spring musical auditions, 6-9 p.m., UACCM Fine Arts Auditorium.

Info: (501) 977-2118.

Feb. 9: ‘Just Desserts,’ UACCM Foundation fundraiser, 5:30-8 p.m., UACCM Plaza, Morrilton; Tickets: $8, adults, $3 children ages 6-12, Under 5 are free. Available at the door or by calling (501) 977-2044.

Feb. 10: Flamenco Guitarist Ronald Radford, 7:30 p.m., Gardner Auditorium; Tickets, $10, 18 and older; $5, ages 5-17, free for children under 5. Info: 968-2452.

Feb. 11: Sweetheart Saturday, Arkansas Hospice fundraiser, 1-3 p.m., Hughes Center; sweet, savory and sugar-free treats available; tickets, $8 for one, $15 for two; Info: 498-2050 or visit arkansashospice.org.

Feb. 11: Monte Carlo Night, sponsored by St. John’s PTO and the Knights of Columbus, St. John’s Parish Hall; doors open 6 p.m., dinner, 6:30 p.m.; casino gaming activities, 7:30 p.m. Admission, $25 includes dinner and casino activities. Advance ticket sales at school office.

Feb. 14: Transitions Bereavement Support Group, 10 a.m., Ark. Hospice, 2405 E. Parkway; second Tuesday of each month. Info: 498-2050.

Feb. 14: Forget Me Not’s – Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, 6 p.m., second Tuesday of each month, Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood Ave. 264-8805.

Feb. 20: Presidents’ Day Feb. 23: Community Bingo, seniors 55 and older; 2-3 p.m. fourth Thursday of each month; Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood, Russellville; 890-6709.

Feb. 25: Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball, “LuckXury,” Boys and Girls Club, 6 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.; Tickets, $70 per person or $130 per couple; dance band “Boom Kinetic,” live and silent auction and dinner; 970-4220 or 970-0919.

Feb. 26: ‘The Trail Where They Cried,’ Lake Dardanelle State Park, 2 p.m., 967-5516. *Unless otherwise indicated, all area codes are 479 Visit www.aboutrvmag.com for a list of activities updated as they are received. To have your event included in the ABOUT Calendar of Events, email: editor@aboutrvmag.com or fax to (866) 757-3282. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication.

February 2012 | ABOUT 7

Photos by Steve Newby

Fiddlin’ Around the

River Valley Story by Connie Las Schneider

The fiddle is the official state instrument of Arkansas. According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History, the fiddle got this distinction in 1985, after Representative Bob Watts of Harrison (Boone County) asserted that the instrument was “most commonly associated with the musical education and entertainment of the pioneer families of Arkansas… and continues as a dominant musical instrument in the culture… of the people of Arkansas.”

But do you know the difference between a violin and a fiddle? Is it the way it’s played or the type of music? Is the shape or sound of the instrument different?

Actually there are no differences between a violin and a fiddle, and although different styles of music can be played, either name is correct, said Darwin Fontenot, a national-award- winning luthier (a person who makes and repairs stringed instruments) from rural Pope County.

Fontenot, a second generation luthier and eighth generation Louisiana Creole, retired to Pope County in 2005 to his love for making violins after a long and distinguished career as a mechanical and computer engineer.

“My father is still making violins at age 91,” said the soft-spoken but powerfully- built Fontenot. Both father and son’s instruments have been recognized for their excellent craftsmanship, tone, projection and playability, as well as for their beautifully crafted wood. In October, 2011 Darwin’s violin won the Gold Medal for

“A violin is kind of like a hamburger.

Just as a hamburger with all the trimmings is a well-rounded meal, a violin is a well-rounded technical instrument.” overall high points from the Violin Makers Association of Arizona, a prestigious competition that draws luthiers from the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Fontenot’s interest in instrument making came later in life as he only began making violins 12 years ago. As a younger man, Fontenot loved building and driving race cars and that is why he decided to become a mechanical engineer, he said.

“I‘ve always wanted to know how things worked,” said Fontenot, who now spends his days working in the shop he and his wife, Connie, built overlooking the confluence of Bear Creek and Big Piney Creek north of Hagarville. >>

The violin sings and the fiddle dances

The fiddle has been a popular instrument in Europe and the United States for centuries.

In the U.S., Irish/ Scottish immigrants spread all over the country bringing fiddle music with them because of the instrument’s relatively small size and portability, said Tim Trawick, who manages the Arkansas Fiddler website.

A high school teacher of physics and chemistry in Conway and fiddle instructor on the side, Trawick teaches fiddle music through the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) community school of music and three of Trawick’s students have become state fiddle champions.

“They make me look good,” said Trawick, whose son Johnathon Trawick, a guitar player and accompanist for championship fiddlers, recently returned from the Colorado state fiddler championship.

While the fiddle is a popular instrument in blue grass, country, old time folk music and Texas swing-style music popularized by fiddler Bob Wills, fiddle music has been historically linked with dance, said Trawick.

Because of the instrument’s distinctive high pitched sound, it provides a strong tune and rhythm to dance to and has been traditionally used for hundreds of years in the waltz, polka, jig and two-step forms of dance, as well as for hoe-downs and square dancing, said Trawick.

Continued on page 11 February 2012 | ABOUT 9

As an amateur musician who plays his viola with the Arkansas Center for Music Education (ACME) Orchestra in Russellville, Fontenot considers himself mainly a luthier.

“I see myself primarily as instrument maker, not a repairer or a musician, because it takes different training. Being a musician is a way to express the instrument itself.

For me, it’s easier to make instruments and make them sound good.”

Each of Fontenot’s instruments is painstakingly handmade, using techniques modeled after the world’s greatest violin maker, Stradivari, who made stringed instruments at his workshop in Italy from about 1666 until his death in 1737 at the age of 93.

“It’s a 500-year-old craft and hasn’t changed much since then,” said Fontenot.

Each instrument is made from spruce for the top, while the back, sides and scroll are usually made from maple or poplar for violas and sometimes willow for cellos.

But handcrafting violins and violas (a

larger version of a violin with deeper tones) and cellos (larger stringed instruments musicians’ holds between his or her knees) is far more complicated than careful hand woodworking.

A lot of engineering goes into each instrument, said Fontenot.

“A violin is kind of like a hamburger. Just as a hamburger with all the trimmings is a well-rounded meal, a violin is a well rounded technical instrument.

Even physics techniques using acoustics are used to make the plates of instruments today. Everything has a natural resonance.

Natural frequencies are a measure and I use computers to measure frequencies to improve the sound of the instrument.

Making violins is part art, part craft and part science, which is the newest part of violin making, said Fontenot.

Each instrument takes 200 to 300 hrs to complete. There is too much detail put into each instrument to make it faster, he added.

According to a fellow violin maker from

Oregon, David Gusset, there is true artistry in making a violin. A luthier wears many hats, Gusset said. He or she must be a wood sculptor, and architect and engineer, a tool maker, acoustician, musician, varnish maker and art restorer, he added.

Fontenot said he uses the Italian or “Cremonese” method to make violins because he uses an internal form to build the body of the instrument.

“Before starting the process, I study existing classical Italian instruments, such as those made by Stradivari, the Amati’s and the Guarneri’s, among others to determine the characteristics of the instrument I want to make. I don’t actually make copies of these instruments; rather the instruments I make are “styled” after a classical instrument.

Once I’ve chosen the model of instrument I want to make, I make patterns of the body outline and the profile of the scroll. The process begins by spot gluing six blocks (usually spruce or willow) onto the form, four for the corners and one each for the neck block and end pin block. Thin strips or ribs, are bent and glued to the ribs. This forms the outline of the body.

This outline is then transferred to the top and back plates which are usually two pieces each glued together in “book matched” fashion. The top and back outside surfaces a carved to the desired shape or “arching” and then the edge decoration or “purfling” is inlayed. The inside of the plates are then carved out in a process called graduation.

Here’s where the science part comes in. The plates are graduated to specific weight and tone properties. These are then glued to the rib structure to form the body of the instrument.

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10 ABOUT | February 2012

The profile of the neck and scroll are then cut out of a block of wood that matches the back and ribs. The carving of the scroll is a major part of the art process; the so called “signature” of the maker.

Once the scroll is carved the fingerboard and nut are glued, temporarily, to the neck and then fitted with a dovetail mortise, to the body and glued in place. The fingerboard is then removed and the varnish process begins. The varnish which contributes to the final tone of the instrument is a painstaking multi-step process beginning with a suitable sealer/ground followed by several coats of colored varnish and finally clear coats to protect the color.

Many people thought the secret to Stradivari’s magnificent tones was the varnish he used. But it was innate -- he intuitively knew the science behind the tone through touch and listening to the sounds made by the various parts,” said Fontenot with genuine awe in his voice.

“Today we use modern power tools such as band saws and drill presses but I’m sure if Stradivari had these tools he would have used them, too,” said Fontenot with a musical laugh. n For more information on fiddling in Arkansas, there are several good websites. Arkansas Fiddler: Info@ArkansasFiddler.com, Fiddlin Arkansas, run by Trawick’s son Johnatan: www.fiddlinarkansas. com, The Arkansas State Old Time Fiddlers Association: http:// www.myspace.com/arkansasstateoldtimefiddlersassociation, The Rackensack Folklore Society; Brody Morgan, president: http://users. aristotle.net/~bnesbitt/racken.html.

Continued from page 9 As easy on the ears as the fiddle is, the instrument is not particularly easy to play and take years of practice to master. With four string tuned to perfect 5ths, the fiddle does not have frets (raised bars across the neck of the instrument to help players place their fingers in the correct position) as a guitar or mandolin has. Plus, bowing techniques must be mastered to get the signature fiddle sound.

While a traditional violin player uses sheet music to play from, a lot of popular fiddlers play by ear and can make up something based on the chord progression and what sounds good to them, said Trawick.

“They play by instinct, lots and lots of practice and a familiarity with chord progress and scale notes.”

So, next time you hear a fiddler play and your feet start a’ tapping, thank the musician for his or her hard work and dedication to making music we can all enjoy. n

February 2012 | ABOUT 11

about | family

Bentley Family Photo:

TAKE TWO!

I

t is Christmas Day. It is the first time I have had all three of my boys in the same location in over a year.

I wanted a family picture because I have no idea when we will all be together again. Is that really too much for a momma to ask?

Well, for my boys it kinda is. Knowing this, I made sure to tell them about my plan earlier in the day so they would have plenty of time to prepare, i.e. complain and gripe. I told them I had this whole thing scripted out in my brain. They immediately began to roll their eyes. They have heard of my scripts before!

I told them, “In my script you all cooperate and make your momma so happy.” I also told the two on the right (in the photo) that in my script they were all clean shaven and in collared shirts.

I mean really, would it have been too much to shave for Christmas Day? Do they really have to show up to see relatives they only see once a year looking like they have been living in the woods for a month?

Of course when I mention this to them they quickly shoot back with, “It is not what is on the outside, it is what is on the inside that matters.” Did I really say that to them when they were little?

I guess I did, and now they are testing to see if I really meant it.

Apparently, I DIDN’T, because at that moment I wanted boys with collared shirts and clean shaven faces.

That just wasn’t going to happen because all they brought with them were T-Shirts. They say this is my fault because I didn’t tell them to bring ‘dress up clothes.’

Yes, you heard me right -- if the shirt has a collar of any kind then my children consider it to be “dress up clothes.” And if you are by chance looking at my dear child in the left photo and thinking, well he looks pretty good, then it is only fair that I tell on him as well.

He normally wears contacts, so I ask him to please put them on for the picture. He asked why? I said, “Because I think it will look better.” He responded, “So you don’t like the way I look in my glasses? Are you saying I look bad in my glasses?” I finally said, “Just wear your glasses!”

Now just in case there are any of you out there that think this child is somehow insecure and I have made him feel bad

12 ABOUT | February 2012

Story by Kechia Bentley

about his glasses, let me assure you, that was not the issue at all. He had this huge smile on his face with every word out of his mouth. These children know how to argue, debate, and push my buttons. I have no idea where they got those skills. But let’s not ask my mother, okay?

It comes time for the “big picture.” My sister has agreed to be the photographer. My children have been reminded of the script! At first all is well. The first picture is great; it is probably the best one. Only one problem, the light from the sun is casting crazy shadows on our faces. We need to wait for the sun to go down a little more.

My children don’t wait well. I begin to lose their cooperation.

We take a few more and the light still isn’t right. I have lost all cooperation. They are ready to be finished. I ask my sister to just keep taking pictures in the hopes that one of them will be acceptable. Only problem is she is laughing so hard she cannot take the picture.

I of course cannot see what is going on behind me, but I begin laughing because she is laughing. She manages to take a few pictures, but by then I am laughing so hard and saying, “Wait, stop,” over and over. She doesn’t wait or stop and there you have it. The picture at the top of the page: the TRUE Bentley Family Picture.

Let’s start from left to right.

Adrin had a true smile and laugh on his face. I love that smile. His whole face lights up.

Donald is looking at me trying to figure out if I am really crying or if I am laughing. Since I am doing both he is very confused. Should he stop these crazy children and make them behave or go with the flow? Poor, poor man.

Me, I look like I have received devastating news and that I am in hysterics. Well I am in hysterics, but it is all from laughter.

And finally Payton and Dillon, what can I say the picture speaks for itself. Whose children act this way? Whose children even think to act this way? And the answer would be... MINE!!!

Herein stands the rub: the first picture makes me smile, but the second picture cracks me up! I am seriously considering having it blown up, framed, and displayed as our family picture in my home.

Now what woman in her right mind would do that?

I think I have discovered the problem with my children; they were raised by a woman who would! Laughter, we do it well. n

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ABOUT...the River Valley Magazine

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Make gift giving easy. Will wrap and deliver throughout the year! For ten issues (1 year) send $20 payment to: ABOUT Magazine; P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812 February 2012 | ABOUT 13

Fishing on the Fly The icy current of the river pushes against the wading angler on this mid-winter afternoon. Though the air temperature is a balmy 55 degrees, the only thing standing between a pleasant day on the water and hypothermia are a pair of insulated waders.

Like the arm of a metronome, the fly rod swishes back and forth with practiced rhythm. As the line shoots forward, the fly gently kisses the clear water and slowly sinks. As the feathered lure tumbles along with the current, the angler gives a short sweep of the rod. The varnished bamboo telegraphs a jolting strike. With a lift of the rod, the hook is set and the fight begins.

Story by Johnny Sain Photos by Steve Newby

This scene, which could be straight out of the movie, “A River Runs Through It,” is something few River Valley anglers experience.

Fly-fishing is something that requires discipline and practice. It hovers on the line between utility and art. One can collect the prime ingredients for a shore lunch with any old fishing pole, but a fly rod enables you to do it with style.

“A warm spring afternoon, bluegills in shallow water, and a fly rod in my hand. Well that’s just a little bit of heaven here on Earth.”

All that being said, anyone willing to try can learn to do it. The members of the Caddis Fly Fishing Club experience magical moments like this on a regular basis and the club is always looking for new converts to teach. The only thing standing in the way of your own personal fly-fishing adventure is the will to learn.

The CADDIS in the Caddis Fly Fishing Club (CFFC) is an acronym. It stands for Central Arkansas Dead Drifters Icthyological Society. Yes, that is quite a mouthful but it’s a clever acronym too. Caddis fly larvae imitations are favored-fly patterns for trout and other fish.

14 ABOUT | February 2012

‘Match the Hatch’

Fly-fishing is at once both science and art, a combination of the primal search for food and a display of aesthetic principles. Like the beautiful patterns on the deadliest of snakes, the visual appeal is a by-product of increased efficiency.

The rhythmic waves of a fine bamboo rod place the fly with precision, within striking distance of the fish. The artisan quality of the hand-tied fly ensures a strike from the fish.

Tying your own flies goes hand in hand with fly-fishing. Most fly-tiers start out as only anglers, but they soon look for more involvement. Some become so engrossed with the craft that angling becomes an accompaniment to it. Some start out as builders first. Jerry McKaughan, President of Caddis Fly Fishing Club, actually started fly-tying before he started fly-fishing.

While many creations from the tying bench are veritable works of art, there is a method to the madness. The fly must “match the hatch” so to speak. The purpose of the fly is to entice fish by imitating natural food. The driving force behind the fly-tier is to create a fly that does this consistently. So, while those of us looking from the outside see creativity and artistic expression, the tier sees a tool; a beautiful tool, the epitome of form meeting function.

Founded in 1996, the CFFC started in Morrilton. Most members called Russellville home so within a couple of years the club moved west. Club secretary Ron Schwartz recalled that the desire to educate others was the first step towards the organization.

“A guy named Larry Clark started a class on fly fishing at Vo-Tech in Morrilton.

The roots of the club started here. Just a guy that wanted to teach others about a sport he loved.”

Those educational beginnings still beat at the heart of the organization. The CFFC, in conjunction with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Russellville Parks and Recreation Department, held the Basic Trout Fishing Clinic on November 29, 2011.

The clinic was free and included a free rod and reel voucher for the first 50 kids to register. The clinic was held at the Hughes Center. “A total of 119 folks showed up, more adults than children this time, which is a first” beamed Schwartz, “we were happy to see that kind of turn-out.”

Club President Jerrold McKaughn talked about some of the club activities and what the CFFC is.

“Our primary fundraiser is an annual banquet, I think this is our 15th year for the banquet. We donate to Arkansas Tech for Scholarship programs and we’ve been a part of the Stream Team here in Arkansas. The ‘Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs’ program is also something we’ve been involved with. Teaching others about fly-fishing, conservation, and getting kids involved is what we do.”

McKaughn pointed out that the CCFFC is always looking for new members that share these ideas.

“We have meetings on the third Monday of each month at Western Sizzlin’ in Russellville. Guests are always welcome at these meetings but we don’t have them in July or October... we’re all gone fishing.”

The CFFC was instrumental in bringing Trout Day to Russellville as a way to introduce others to the simple fun of fishing. It also offers an opportunity for River Valley anglers to pursue a somewhat “exotic” species.

Trout are cold-water fish, they can’t survive in temperatures warmer than about 60 degrees. The River Valley

doesn’t have any water that can maintain this cool temperature year round. This is typical for most of Arkansas. It makes the trout an ideal winter fishing species for the Arkansas Game and Fish to stock in community ponds all around the state.

Cold-water temperatures that cause other fish to slow down their metabolism are ideal for the trout.

The year 2011 marks the seventh year for trout stocking in Russellville. Club member David Snellings saw an opportunity to help introduce others to trout when he learned of the winter trout stockings conducted by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. >>

February 2012 | ABOUT 15

“My thinking was, why not bring it here, to Russellville? It’s been a great event these past years, we average about 200 people for Trout Day, the official opening of the pond to anglers.”

CFFC works with the AGFC and Russellville Parks to make the event happen every year. The trout are stocked in a pond at Pleasant View Park, just behind the softball fields.

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“This year we even got an official proclamation from the mayor,” exclaimed Snellings, “December 3, 2012, was Trout Day in Russellville Arkansas.”

The club members present at Trout Day were all quick to point out that the flyrod and the trout aren’t exclusive to each other. Of the 200 River Valley anglers in faces as they fished was evidence that fly attendance at Trout Day 2011, not one of rods weren’t required to have fun. them was using a fly rod. The smile on their On the flip side, club Vice-President Grant Ehren started listing the native warm water species that could be caught on a fly rod here in the River Valley.

“Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, all of them are a blast to catch on a fly rod.” As the sounds of successful anglers filled the air and the cold December sunshine reflected off the pond, Ehren had that faraway look in his eye. A memory sparked by his very words seemed to flash through his mind and he spoke as if talking to himself.

“A warm spring afternoon, bluegills in shallow water, and a fly rod in my hand.

Well that’s just a little bit of heaven here on Earth.” n

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about | community “TOWN TABLES” FEB. 4

The Russellville Symphony Guild will host its annual fundraiser, “Talk of the Town Tables,” at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at Lake Point Conference Center.

The evening begins with a silent auction, a strolling violinist, and music performed by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Quartet. Prior to dinner, which begins at 7:30 p.m., guests may browse the silent auction tables for items they would like to purchase.

Proceeds from the “Talk of the Town Tables” fundraiser will be used to bring the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO) to Russellville for a concert, March 31, as well as to promote music in the local schools.

The Russellville Symphony Guild is one of only three ASO guilds in the state of Arkansas. Funds are also designated for the Guild’s local scholarship fund and to raise awareness of the arts and music.

Tickets for “Talk of the Town Tables” are $60 and may be purchased from an RSO Guild board member or by calling board member Judy Murphy (479) 967-1177.

‘Just Desserts’ Feb. 9

Cookies, pastries, and pie, OH MY! The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton Foundation’s tenth annual ‘Just Desserts’ fundraiser is just days away. The sweets-filled fund raiser will be held from 5:30 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, in the UACCM Plaza.

‘Just Desserts’ provides attendees with an impressive selection of all-you-can-eat desserts that are guaranteed to satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth. All of the handmade desserts are donated by area bakeries and restaurants, as well as UACCM faculty, staff, and Foundation Board members.

A gourmet coffee bar will be available for those who would like to wash down their

chocolate cake, gooey brownie, or fresh baked apple pie with a good, hot cup of joe. There will be a delicious selection of choices available for everyone including a section of sugar-free deserts, as well as a selection of savory snacks including Petit Jean Meat and cheese trays.

The event will also feature a live band and door prize drawings throughout the evening. In addition to all of the eating and entertainment, ‘Just Desserts’ will have both a silent auction and a raffle auction where everyone has a chance of winning the bid.

During the “One Sweet Deal” raffle auction, tickets can be purchased for $1 each and placed into a drop box by each auction item. Beginning at 7:30, one winning ticket will be drawn for each item.

The Foundation is currently seeking donations for both desserts and auction items. Those who wish to donate a dessert or auction item may contact Mary Newsome at (501) 977-2044 or newsome@uaccm. edu, or Mary Clark at (501) 977-2011 or clark@uaccm.edu.

UACCM will have both donation forms and ticket order forms available online.

Individuals may complete an electronic donation form or pay for tickets with a credit card by going to http://www.uaccm. edu/jd12/. Tickets are $8 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12. Children ages 5 and under are free. Tickets will also be available by phone (501) 977-2044) or at the door on the day of the event.

Sweetheart Saturday Feb. 11

Arkansas Hospice’s 8th Annual Sweetheart Saturday is just around the corner! Get your sweet tooth ready and mark your calendar now for 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Hughes Community Center, 1000 East Parkway Drive, in Russellville.

Local food vendors, bakeries and restaurants will provide a tempting array of sweet and savory treats for everyone – including dieters – to enjoy! There also will be a variety of silent and live auction items to bid on from various businesses in the area.

This community event has been a huge success, raising proceeds for the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home, a state-of-theart, eight-bed inpatient center that began accepting patients in November of 2011.

By attending Sweetheart Saturday, you will help ensure Arkansas Hospice is able to fulfill its mission of enhancing the quality of life for those facing terminal illness and continue to provide this valuable resource to the deserving citizens of the River Valley.

Tickets for Sweetheart Saturday are $8 for one or $15 for two and may be purchased at the Arkansas Hospice office at 2405 East Parkway, Suite 3; by calling (479) 498-2050; by liking us on Facebook and following the link to purchase tickets; or by visiting www. arkansashospice.org. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Continued on page 23

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February 2012 | ABOUT 17

about | food

National Tortilla Chip Day? Story by Dianna Qualls, Food Editor

O

ne can find anything out in cyberspace.

I googled “February National” looking for national days of interest. I found “Bizarre February National Days,” clicked on it and found way too many bizarre national days. A few examples: National Hoodie-Hoo day, February 20th. You ask, ‘what do you do on Hoodie-Hoo day?’ Well, at high noon on February 20th everyone is to yell “HoodieHoo.” You ask why? To chase away winter and make way for spring to arrive, of course.

The entire month is “American Heart Month, Black History Month, National Dental Health Month, Canned Food Month,” even “An affair to remember month.” Special days such as Feb 4: Create a Vacuum Day, Feb 11: Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day, Feb 16: Do a Grouch a Favor Day, and who could forget the beloved “Int’l Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day” celebrated on Feb 23, or “Public sleeping Day” on Feb 28?

Who came up with these days, and who determined they would be national or international days of celebration, and the big puzzling question is did any of my tax dollars fund the enactment of these bizarre days? Just food for thought, ha!

With so many bizarre February national days in mind, I chose two food-related days to guide me in the choice of recipes for this article.

National Tortilla Chip Day and National Cherry Month.

For your Valentine, Customized

CHICKEN NACHOS

2 cloves garlic, crushed 6 green onions, sliced, white parts and tops separated 3 T. canola oil 1 shredded, cooked, whole chicken breast salt and pepper to taste 1 c. salsa 1/2 (12 oz.) package tortilla chips 1 (8 oz.) package shredded Cheddar/ Monterey Jack cheese blend 1/2 large tomato, diced

Monterey Jack cheese blend and tomato.

Bake in preheated oven 10 minutes, or until cheese has melted. Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onion tops before serving.

MONTEREY TURKEY TORTILLA CASSEROLE

1 c. coarsely crumbled tortilla chips 2 c. cubed cooked turkey 1 (15 oz.) can cream-style whole kernel corn 3/4 c. picante Sauce 1/2 c. sliced pitted ripe olives Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 12- 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese inch skillet over medium heat, cook and 1/2 c. chopped green pepper or red pepper stir the garlic and white parts of the green onions in canola oil until tender. Mix in shredded chicken, salt and pepper. Toss Layer the crumbled chips, turkey, corn until well coated with oil. Stir in the salsa. and picante sauce in 1-quart casserole.

Arrange tortilla chips on a large baking Top with the olives and cheese. Bake at sheet. Spoon the chicken mixture over 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until hot. tortilla chips. Top with Cheddar and Top with the pepper

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18 ABOUT | February 2012

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CHEESY POBLANO CHICKEN CHOWDER

3 Poblano peppers 1/4 c. butter 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 2 (32 oz.) cartons chicken broth 2 c. diced roasted chicken breast 2 (11 oz.) cans whole kernel corn with peppers 2 (15 oz.) cans black beans 2 c. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 1 c. shredded Pepper Jack cheese 2 T. ground cumin 2 tsp. garlic powder salt and pepper to taste 2 c. tortilla chips, for topping Preheat the oven’s broiler and set the oven rack at about 6 inches from the heat source.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Cut the peppers in half from top to bottom; remove the stem, seeds, and ribs, then place the peppers cut-side-down onto the prepared baking sheet.

Cook under the preheated broiler until the skin of the peppers has blackened and blistered, about 5 minutes. Place the blackened peppers into a bowl, and tightly seal with plastic wrap. Allow the peppers to steam as they cool, about 20 minutes.

Once cool, remove the skins and discard.

Dice the roasted peppers.

While the peppers are cooling, melt the butter in a pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, and stir until the mixture becomes pastelike and light golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Gradually whisk the chicken broth into the flour mixture, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook and stir until the mixture is thick and smooth, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the diced peppers, diced chicken, corn, black beans, Cheddar cheese, and pepper jack cheese. Season with cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer until the cheese has melted and the soup is hot, about 10 minutes. Serve sprinkled with tortilla chips.

AWARD WINNING

CHICKEN CHILAQUILES

1/4 lb. chorizo 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch cubes 1/2 (10 oz.) bag tortilla chips 1 c. frozen corn kernels 1 (19 oz.) can green enchilada sauce 1/2 c. sour cream 2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook the chorizo in a skillet over medium heat, stirring to break it into tiny pieces. Place the raw chicken into the skillet with the chorizo; cook and stir the meats together until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes.

Spread half of the tortilla chips over the bottom of a casserole dish; top the chips with the cooked chorizo and chicken mixture.

Sprinkle the corn evenly over the meats and layer the remaining chips over the top.

Whisk together the green enchilada sauce and sour cream in a mixing bowl; pour over the top of the casserole. Top

the casserole with the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Bake the chilaquiles in the preheated oven until the casserole is bubbly and the chips begin to brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

SUE’S TACO SALAD

1 lb. lean ground beef 1 (1 oz.) pkg taco seasoning mix 1/2 (14.5 oz.) pkg. nacho-flavor tortilla chips 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese 1/2 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained 1/2 c. ranch-style salad dressing chopped tomato, lettuce and green onion Place ground beef in a large, deep skillet.

Cook over medium-high heat, stirring to crumble until well done; drain. Stir in taco seasoning mix. Set aside to cool.

Place chips into a large bowl, and crush into bite-size pieces. Combine with seasoned meat, cheese, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions. Pour dressing over all, and toss to coat. Serve immediately. >>

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February 2012 | ABOUT 19

CARTOON CAKE

CAKE: 1 (18.25 oz.) package yellow cake mix 3 eggs 1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling ICING: 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened 1/2 c. butter, softened 4 c. confectioners’ sugar 1 (21 oz.) can light cherry pie filling Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Ignore instructions on cake box. In a large bowl beat eggs, add one can pie filling and combine. Add cake mix and beat until well mixed. The batter will be stiff.

Pour half of the batter into each pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of cake comes out clean. Cool a couple of minutes then turn layers out onto cooling rack. Cool completely before icing.

For the icing: Beat butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. Add confectioner’s sugar and continue beating until smooth.

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Ice a layer, add the second layer, and finish icing the cake. Refrigerate until time to serve. Just before serving, pour the cherry pie filling on top and spread it gently to the edges. Allow a few of the cherries to roll down the sides.

CHERRY CHEESE DELIGHT

1 c. all-purpose flour 1 c. chopped pecans 1/2 c. packed brown sugar 1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened FILLING: 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened 1/2 c. confectioners’ sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 (12 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 2 (21 oz.) cans cherry pie filling

Lightly grease a large casserole dish.

Arrange the squash, onions, and red bell pepper in the dish. Place in the microwave, and cook on High 10 minutes, stirring In a bowl, combine flour, pecans and once, until tender. brown sugar. With a fork stir in butter until Gently mix the mushrooms, green chile crumbly. Lightly pat into an ungreased 13- peppers, jalapeno peppers, cheese, and in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake at 350 sour cream into the dish. Sprinkle with degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until golden crushed tortilla chips. Cover dish, and cook in the microwave 10 minutes on mediumbrown. Cool completely. high power, or until cheese is melted and For filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the casserole is heated through. cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped ITALIAN NACHOS topping. Carefully spread over crust. Top 1 (10 oz.) bag tortilla chips with pie filling. Cover and refrigerate for at 1 lb. shredded Monterey Jack cheese 3/4 c. Alfredo Sauce least two hours.

1 small red onion, diced 1/3 c. sun-dried tomatoes, chopped SOUTHWESTERN 1/3 c. chopped pepperoncini SQUASH CASSEROLE 1/4 c. pitted Kalamata olives, chopped 2 lbs. yellow squash, cut in 1/4 inch slices 2 sweet onions, quartered and separated Arrange the tortilla chips on a large, 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch pieces microwave-safe platter. Scatter the cheese 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced over the chips; drizzle with Alfredo sauce.

1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chile peppers Heat in microwave until the cheese has 2 fresh jalapeno peppers, chopped 1 (8 oz.) pkg. shredded Monterey Jack cheese melted, 2 to 3 minutes.

Top nachos with onion, tomato, 1 c. sour cream pepperoncini and olives to serve.

3/4 c. crushed tortilla chips n

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Travelers Tour Spain in Fall, Natchitoches in December

From a fiery flamenco performance in Spain to the lights of festive Southern Louisiana, local travelers found excitement and camaraderie in their recent trips taken through Arkansas Tech University’s ‘Tech Travel’ venture.

A total of 10 Tech alumni and friends boarded an international overnight flight to Madrid, Spain, in late September, where they spent the first of several nights during their 10-day adventure. Touring the Prado Museum, the group experienced a historical and cultural perspective of the world’s finest collection of artist masters including Velazquez and Goya. Next they traveled to Toledo, a UNESCO site and early capital of medieval Spain. Highlights included majestic Gothic cathedrals and the 13th Century synagogue before departing for Cordoba, touring the Mezquita, an 8th century Moorish mosque, and heading to Seville.

Columbus’ tomb, ornate cathedrals, the old Santa Cruz Quarter, Plaza D’Espana and Maria Luisa Park filled the day followed by a flamenco show featuring Seville’s top performers.

Also included in the tour were visits to Granada, the world–famous Alhambra, Valencia’s picturesque scenes along the Mediterranean and a treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture.

Before ending the final day in Barcelona, the group experienced some of the most beautiful buildings of European civil Gothic architecture, the Lonja Silk Exchange and the vibrant Las Ramblas Boulevard, along with other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

On Dec. 8th, a group of 29 travelers left for a weekend getaway to historic Natchitoches, Louisiana, to experience the charm of the original French colony during the Festival of Lights.

Over 300,000 Christmas lights and 120-plus river bank set pieces line the scenic Cane River Lake. “Christmas in Natchitoches” is one of the nation’s largest community-based holiday celebrations.

The group toured the beautifullydecorated 33-block historic main street district complete with historic spots, candle-lit restaurant, wine-tasting rooms, antique shops, and arts and crafts shows.

Also featured were a food fair, art galleries, historic homes, museums, carriage rides and live entertainment. The group dined on Cajun and Creole Cuisine during their stay, and toured the beautiful Melrose Plantation home, known as a haven for artists and writers. A visit to Northwestern State University, a stop at the Steel Magnolia House, and a personal tour by the President’s wife, Brenda Webb, rounded out the visit.

To learn more about Tech Travel or to join them on an upcoming tour for 2012, contact Dana Moseley or Phyllis Stone, ATU Office of Gift Planning, (479) 964-0532 or visit www.atu.edu/travel.

Upcoming travel for 2012 includes: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, April 12; Baltic Treasures Luxury Cruise, June 8-19; Best of Eastern Canada, Aug. 5-13; and Holiday in New York City, Nov. 26-30. n

February 2012 | ABOUT 21

about | charity

Charity Ball Tickets Available

For nearly five decades, communityminded citizens of Russellville have gathered one night every year with two common goals: to help children, and to have a good time.

Junior Auxiliary of Russellville will present its 47th annual Charity Ball from 6 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. The 2012 event, which has a casino night theme of “LuckXury,” will be at the L.V. Williamson Boys and Girls Club of the Arkansas River Valley at 600 E. 16th St. in Russellville.

Tickets for the black tie-optional event are $70 per person or $130 per couple. Activities will include Hors d’oeuvres, casino games, a seated dinner in an elegant environment and a live auction. The band Boom Kinetic, a high-energy dance band, will provide the musical entertainment for the evening.

Junior Auxiliary is a national organization that represents a serious endeavor on the part of women to be active and constructive community participants and to assume leadership roles in meeting community needs. Junior Auxiliary is a non-profit organization that encourages members to render charitable services which are beneficial to the general public, with particular emphasis on children.

There are 102 active chapters in the National Association. From its inception in the late 1930s and early 1940s, the Russellville chapter of Junior Auxiliary has worked to improve the lives of children in Pope County. Members must be 21

Amy Tarpley, Lori Webb, Paige Fisher, Tonya Bloodworth and Heather Strasner

years of age and have resided within the Russellville School District for at least one year. The current chapter members continue to build on the strong tradition of service established by former members.

For 50 years, Junior Auxiliary has been assisting children and families by overseeing projects that directly impact child welfare, community education, scholarships, civic and cultural community involvement and children’s health.

Junior Auxiliary of Russellville currently has 43 members who volunteer over 3,000 hours of service annually. Helping children in Russellville is the priority of the organization. Charity Ball, which can be attended by any person that supports the mission of Junior Auxiliary, serves as the primary fundraiser for the organization.

This year’s slate of officers include: Chrystal Hall, president; Cindy Waits, first vice president; Jessie Hogan, second vice president; Heather Strasner, corresponding secretary; Ashleigh McMillian, recording

Photo by Steve Newby

secretary; Tonya Bloodworth, treasurer; Andrea Nicholson, assistant treasurer; Amy Tarpley, parliamentarian; Meggan Schuemann, historian; Heather Strasner, public relations chairman; Paige Fisher and Lori Webb, finance chairmen, and Angela Bonds, associate to the board.

Chapter members are required to complete 72 hours of service related to Junior Auxiliary areas in order to maintain membership. Members participate in annual projects like “Project School Supplies,” which provides school supplies to more than 550 children in the Russellville School District. The project benefits students in kindergarten through fifth grade who do not have funds for basic supplies.

The majority of the projects and scholarships provided by the Russellville Junior Auxiliary are funded by the chapter’s annual Charity Ball.

To purchase reserved tickets for Charity Ball 2012 and for additional information, call (479) 970-4220 or (479) 970-0919. n

The Junior Auxiliary of Russellville presents

LUCKXURY 2012 Charity Ball

Saturday, February 25, 2012 • L.V. Williamson Boys and Girls Club For more information, visit www.jarussellville.org

Junior Auxiliary of Russellville 22 ABOUT | February 2012

50th Anniversary

Continued from page 19 Arkansas Hospice is a community-based, not-for-profit organization serving more than 30 Arkansas counties including Pope, Johnson, Logan, Yell, Perry and Conway counties in the River Valley area. For more information, please call (479) 498-2050, toll free at 888-498-2050, or visit www. arkansashospice.org.

FLAMENCO GUITARIST IN CONCERT

The rage these days is musical shows such as American Idol, Sing Off and Glee.

River Valley Arts Center is providing an opportunity for area residents to enjoy the great musical experience of internationallyrenowned Flamenco Guitarist Ronald Radford live in concert at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at Gardner Auditorium. He is the only individual to be awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Spain in Flamenco guitar.

Tickets are $10 (age 18 and above), $5 (ages 5-17) and free for children under age 5. Tickets are available at the door or in advance from the Arts Center, 1001 East B Street, Russellville.

This performance will appeal to all ages and a broad range of musical tastes from those who like the creativity of jazz and the fun of Bluegrass to those who love the

classics. A protégé of the legendary Carlos Montoya, Radford is widely acclaimed as one of the foremost Flamenco guitarist touring today.

A recent reviewer from Alicante, Spain wrote, “This is not just a musical performance but an ambience-driven, immersive, soul-stirring experience – a musical journey adorned with stories, tales, poetry and sounds and music transcending the stage... This concert will take you on a journey to Spain and beyond.”

For more information, call (479) 968.2452.

Big Brothers, Sisters Needs Childhood Mentors

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Arkansas is working to fulfill a New Year’s Resolution to recruit 10 new members in 2012. Though January was designated as National Mentoring Month, anytime is the perfect time to resolve to make a difference in the life of a child facing adversity, urges Christine Sain, program coordinator for the group’s Russellville office.

“Making a difference in the life of a child makes a difference in the world,” shares Sain. “Support and encouragement from a mentor can provide the foundation for an adult life that supports these values.”

“National mentoring month was a time

to pay tribute to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters who make a daily difference in the lives of their “Little,” states Melody Sugg, CEO of the group’s North Central Association, “ and a great time to learn more about mentoring through our program.”

Volunteers meet with their “Little” for one to three hours a week, either through the school-based or community-based mentoring program. Bigs and Littles often play games, work on homework, or attend local sporting events.

The 2011 ‘Bigs’ of the Year for Pope County are Robert Whitehead, Big Brother to Michael for two years, and Holly Yeager, Big Sister to Raven for almost three years.

“Robert and Holly are very dedicated to their Littles and have built strong relationships with them.” said Sain.

As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-toone relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

To learn how you can positively impact a child’s life, contact the local BBBS office at (479) 968-5525 or visit the web at bigbrothersbigsistersnca.org. or contact sain at: christine@bigbrothersbigsistersnca.org. n

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www.nebo2.com February 2012 | ABOUT 23

Betty LaGrone is more than just a long-term resident and worker of the River Valley area. She has devoted her time, care and effort to the community; with an undying vision of growth and success for the city of Russellville.

B

For the Love of

COMMUNIT Y Story by Kimberly Brown | Photo by Steve Newby

24 ABOUT | February 2012

etty is known for her lengthy periods of devotion and loyalty as an employee. As Executive Director, she has currently served the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center for 10 years; prior to that, she spent 18 years as Executive Director at the Russellville Chamber of Commerce.

For more than two decades, Betty aided at the Pope County Public Library; along with countless numbers of community projects in the River Valley area.

Betty’s visions have been to see the Russellville community grow and succeed.

Through her efforts, Russellville has matured in to a solid community.

Betty’s determination and perseverance began at an early age; she has always understood the importance of education.

While raising two boys as a single mother, Betty made time to learn and to teach others.

“In high school, I always wanted to be a teacher. I got married right out of high school and moved to Los Angeles where I worked at a bank. I enjoyed it, but L.A. was fast- paced and I missed my family. When I came back here, I worked at Rockwell Manufacturing (now POM.) My youngest was only months old. I worked in the Rockwell office, went to college, and raised my sons. It wasn’t easy.”

“When I lived in California I went to night school; I was always taking classes to learn. I took primarily business courses, but also English, accounting, mathematics, and public speaking. I didn’t follow the curriculum and I never quite finished, but I learned a lot; I learned the things I wanted to. I have been to more seminars and workshops imaginable.”

Betty’s recently attended the Motivational Life Seminar that featured authors and celebrity speakers such as Mrs. George W. Bush.

Through experience, Betty has learned the basics of non-profit work and fundraising; an area that seems to be one of her best.’

“Part of our response here at the arts center is making the public aware of the local and original talent,” Betty explains.

“I enjoy the people I work with; they are happy and pleasant. People who are here want to be here. The artists themselves are tremendously supportive.”

As artists stroll in and out of the Center, there is a respect and kindness shown to Betty. Everyone seems to be family. Born in Dover, Betty has always had an esteemed ardor for family values.

As a young girl, she toured many areas of the nation as her father’s job as a farm-labor contractor often required the necessity of travel.

“I had a great childhood, and a great life.

When I was a child, I enjoyed my friends and family; we just enjoyed being together.”

With five children, 11 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, Betty’s wellblended family is continually growing.

“I am very proud of my family; they are very supportive and I couldn’t have done some of the things I’ve done without them.”

Betty credits her father and mother for an unlimited upbringing. “They were very family- oriented, and very giving. I am so fortunate to have had a wonderful mother who was so very wise, educated, patient and loving. She is a wonderful person to emulate.”

While working with Russellville’s Junior Auxiliary, a women’s group that targets and benefits children in need, Betty played a major part in the development of the arts center. After proposing to the city council

“She has a niche “She just steps into for trying to something and makes figure out a way it great.” to make the “ Betty is very involved in community better” making positive avenues for youth and the Arts”

“She is a pillar-level giver and constantly gives

back through her work and through her giving.” that talented artists in town had no place to showcase their work, Betty witnessed the birth of the arts center unfold. With Betty supervising a community fund drive for the project, enough money was made to transform the building (formerly a swimming pool bathhouse) into what Russellville citizens know now as the River Valley Arts Center.

Judith Stewart-Abernathy, director of Tech Museum, says, “Her energy and commitment have been instrumental with the way things are at the River Valley Arts Center. She has established many great learning programs there. She is a core person with a plan and a sense of where she wanted the Arts Center to go. I think she has succeeded with that plan. She has gathered quite a few useful people, in terms of volunteers and those helping. She is very devoted to higherlearning and has been successful as part of the school committee.”

One of the River Valley Arts Center’s funded agency partners, United Way, has been a part of Betty’s agenda for some time. She has created partnerships with businesses throughout her lifetime here. Serving as a past president of Russellville’s United Way in 1983, and Pope County’s Public Library, Betty is remembered for promoting positivity,

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especially to the youth. If there is good involved, Betty is a part of it and is always striving for a better community.

“She has a niche for trying to figure out a way to make the community better,” says United Way’s Executive Director Beth Latham. “She just steps into something and makes it great. She is a pillar-level giver and constantly gives back through her work and through her giving.”

As a partner to the River Valley Prevention Coalition, she works to advocate positive behaviors to the youth of the community.

By creating activities or extracurricular programs that aid in preventing drug and/ or alcohol abuse, violence, and other misconducts, the RVAC and its programs present positive reinforcement for young artists within the River Valley.

“Betty is very involved in making positive avenues for youth and the Arts,” Latham adds.

Betty became active in the Leadership Russellville Program, as member and president in the late 1980’s. Created as an instrument to identify young leaders in our community, the Leadership Russellville Program is an ongoing system that remains a success. >>

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In 1985, Betty organized the first nationallevel track tournament, (NAIA), which also brought several thousand visitors to the area and had a great influence on the Russellville economy.

Betty’s latest community project is the River Valley Art Walk, giving local artists a chance to showcase their work, with the help of downtown businesses.

Another, Party in the Parks, is an annual program that collaborates with Russellville Department of Parks and Recreation and River Valley Prevention Coalition to create a community art festival in the park for all ages. Her perseverance and communitydriven attitude are not new, and since the late 1970’s, her goals have not swayed.

Devoting much of her time to pledging and fundraising for her collaborated organization, Betty has a hand in many associations that benefit the River Valley.

Betsy McGuire, executive director of Main Street Russellville, reflects on her impression of Betty: “She is so involved and dedicated to this community. She is definitely at the top of the list when it comes to those who have shaped Russellville into the great community that it is. She stands on her own merits; the things she does is what great leaders do. Her humility and modesty are qualities that certainly mark a great leader.”

Another example of Betty’s commitment to the Russellville community is how the current Chamber of Commerce headquarters was made possible. Through Betty’s efforts, the current ex-bank building was acquired as the Chamber’s location.

While on the Chamber board, Betty acted as executive director, promoting the city of Russellville and developing industry tourism, new partners, and business growth to the

city. Betty worked with government and community members to make decisions on issues that had an effect on the businesses of the community. She also maintained company and business memberships, individual relationships and non-profit organizations. Prior to that position, she focused on the development of tourism, promoting bass-fishing tournaments, and working with business to encourage their developments. Due her encouragement of sporting events, such as bass fishing, more than 50 tournaments have developed from her years of effort and devotion. Lake Dardanelle’s Bass Pro competition, with its regional and national prize winnings, brings professional media such as ESPN to the area, along with generating unsurpassed amount revenue into the community.

Betty’s ability to build relationships has welcomed such groups as the Retreads Rally, Avian Cavalcade, and Industrial Contact Team to the area; establishing long-term industry and travel connections with people from all walks of life.

One of Betty’s job assignments, as the Chamber’s executive director was to organize annual retreat to discuss future strategic plans on bettering the strengths of the community.

Jim Bob Humphrey, owner and president of Humphrey Funeral Services Inc., and former president of the Chamber of Commerce, recalls his time with Betty: “Betty had a very significant role in the positive outcome of the Russellville community.

As executive director of the Chamber, and member of the Industrial Contact Team, she met with representatives that expressed an interest in placing their facilities or businesses in Russellville, and was responsible for

bringing new businesses, or working for independent companies.”

Many agree that her outgoing personality is what made her relationships such a huge success. Humphrey adds, “She is a very comfortable person to talk with, a great advocate and administrator for the River Valley; she knows a lot of people and she knew many business leaders.”

With great communication skills and keen eye for following up and offering feedback, Humphrey describes Betty as a great “cheerleader” for new events or fundraising projects in the area that needed support, on a personal level.

Humphrey remembers, “Her enthusiasm was contagious; there were many extensive and comprehensive programs that she had a hand in.”

Humphrey finds a letter written by Betty and himself, during their time at the Chamber, to then Gov. Bill Clinton. The letter was written to keep privacy on tax returns, and to ensure that the community of Russellville be able to keep its current drinking water source. Because of her response to legislative matters, Russellville is reaping the benefits today.

Humphrey says, “For years, Betty has been ‘digging wells’ that today are manifesting this community. The work that she did has had a great impact on our community.”

Another letter written by Betty, addressed the school district and school system suggesting improvement or encouraging support for better educational goals.

“She has considerable mediation skills, and she is a good negotiator. She is very kind, and she knows how to sit down amongst people with opposing views to help them find common ground. She was a great liaison with

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a great ability to compromise. She served as a great steward, facilitating projects, programs and relationships that have made Russellville a better place to live in.”

Betty continues to make progress in the community, leaving a great impression for many to follow.

Liberty Bank District Manager Roy Reeves, who formerly served as a Chamber board member with Betty, recollects his view of her. “She had a smile for everyone. She was always willing to help; very compassionate, and easy to work with.

The Chamber grew significantly with memberships under her leadership and direction. She is and was involved in numerous groups bringing industries together. Anything that was good in the community, Betty was involved in.”

“She made it successful for two reasons: First, it is the job of the chamber director to help the business growth of the community and to make the community attractive to others. Secondly, it is in Betty’s nature and personal desire to see things grow and succeed. Her role was definitely to promote development and growth and she succeeded in that. Her personality is very humble, but she has played a very significant role in this community. Russellville is better off because she has been such an active caring member of our community.”

A former board member and local supporter of Boys and Girls Clubs for more than 20 years, Betty is still a member of the River Valley Rotary Club, Pope County Community Foundation, Arkansas Arts Council, Business Development Committee of Dover, Young Homes Board (Friendship Services), as well as the All Saints Episcopal Church Finance Committee. And the list goes on.

At the arts center, Betty has been responsible, with the help of her coworkers and volunteers, for more than 20 involved partnerships that support the organization.

From secretarial, legal and accounting work to assisting politicians such as mayors and city officials, Betty has an extensive background in basically everything.

Her ultimate goal is to raise her grandchildren with as much culture and education as possible; envisioning a day where her greatest responsibility is to “sit on a porch and rock babies.”

A well- known and well- loved woman, Betty has served as an excellent role model, mother figure, volunteer, coworker, and leader to many people. She continues to be liaison and friend to many, on a professional and personal level; building and fostering a multitude of long-lasting relationships.

Through Betty’s ceaseless devotion and works of servitude, the River Valley has flourished into a thriving community. n

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Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center has been ranked the #1 hospital in Arkansas for Women’s Health, according to the newly released 2012 quality awards from CareChex, the medical quality rating service of The Delta Group. SMRMC is also ranked in the Top 100 hospitals in the country for Women’s Health, placing it in the top 10% in the nation as well.

Dr. Thane Forthman, managing principal at The Delta Group commented, “CareChex allows the public to make informed decisions regarding the quality of medical care provided by hospitals. We are pleased to acknowledge that Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Russellville, Arkansas, has achieved an exceptionally high level of performance of medical quality in Women’s Health. This is a benchmark that other hospitals should seek to emulate.”

CareChex is a hospital quality rating service of The Delta Group - the nation’s largest privately-held healthcare information services company that provides clinical, financial, and patient satisfaction findings to consumers, providers, and purchasers of U.S. medical care. Unlike other publicly available hospital quality ratings, CareChex provides a comprehensive evaluation of all components of medical quality including process of care, outcomes of care, and patient satisfaction.

“Women today have many options when choosing a healthcare provider” said Dr. Joe Cloud, Saint Mary’s Chief of Staff and gynecologist with Millard Henry Clinic. “We are always honored by the level of trust our patients extend to us when they choose us for their care. This recognition demonstrates that their trust is well placed. Knowing that we lead the way as Arkansas’s top hospital for medical excellence in women’s’ health clearly shows that our entire team, from physicians and nurses to our support staff, is focused on providing the highest quality, patient-centered care every day.”

Unlike other publicly-available hospital quality ratings, CareChex provides a comprehensive evaluation of all components of medical quality, including the process of care, outcomes of care, and patient experience. The 2012 CareChex analysis consists of data from 2008-2010.

“We are honored to receive recognition from independent ratings companies like 28 ABOUT | February 2012

‘Heal Thyself ’ Event

By Norah Dykema

The public is invited to attend ‘Step Up and Heal Thyself,’ a wellness symposium that will be held in Russellville on Saturday, March 10, at La Quinta Inn and Suites, 111 Harrell Drive. It is a workshop-based event that will host several educators and practitioners of alternative healing modalities that will guide participants in an inner transformative process that ultimately connects with the higher purpose of one’s soul. Registration begins at 9:45. Fee is $25 and includes a vegetarian lunch and healing with tuning forks.

A panel of holistic health professionals will be offering an exciting day of educational presentations and workshops on Practical Spirituality, The Mind and Body Code, The New Age of Aquarius, Transcendental Meditation, Alphabiotic Alignment, Colonics Explained, How to Find Your Life’s Purpose Through Hand Analysis, and How to Cleanse for Spring.

The list of distinguished speakers includes: Nancy Wilbanks, Naturopath and Maharishi Ayurveda Vaidya, and Certified Trancendental Meditation Teacher; Michael Wilbanks, Certified Transcendental Meditation Teacher and Corporate Development Program Consultant; and Louis Tamez, Alphabiotic Alignment Practitioner and Holistic Healer.

Also presenting are Norah Dykema of Russellville, ICRT Karuna Reiki Master and Instructor, Body, Mind, Spirit Counselor; Angie Underwood, Intuitive Intellichi Reader,

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CareChex that validates the level of quality care that Saint Mary’s provides to its patients,” said Mike McCoy, Chief Executive Officer. “Our medical staff and our hospital’s employees are dedicated to providing this level of care to each and every patient and this exceptional ranking comparing Saint Mary’s to other hospitals across our state and nation is a result of their commitment, dedication, and compassion.”

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Law of Attraction Life Coach, ICRT Karuna Reiki Instructor; Peggy Sue Skipper, published author, Intuitive Hand Analyst, and Motivational Speaker, and Donna McElreath, Colonics Technician and Tuning Forks Healer.

The event will include educational booths and services including: Powerful Chakra Cleansings, Alphabiotic Alignments, Intuitive Readings based on energy from unique stones, Young Living’s Essential Oil, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose with Hand Analysis. Therapeutic-grade Essential Oils will also be available for purchase.

Every person at some point in their lives asks the question of himself, “Why am I here?” That is a big question and sometimes we don’t know how to find meaning, even when we have a good income and a family.

Many of us are struggling with stagnation and don’t know why. Could it be because we just don’t have a clear understanding of what we are supposed to be doing here on earth. There is no doubt God has a plan for you, but what? First, identify where your energy blockages are and then seek to remove them. (An energy blockage is an area in your body, mind, and spirit that could be standing between you and your ability to “see” what direction in life best serves your higher purpose.)

This is deep introspective work that needs deciphering for many of us. What is exciting is that as we head into 2012, we are experiencing an unprecedented time where the scientific is becoming intertwined with the mystical.

There is a lot of speculation, both positive and negative. For me, there has been no better time to be a human being! This is a time to rid yourself of belief patterns that no longer serve you. The universal forces are in place like never before to support the tough decisions for change in your life that you have been holding back from. It is a time of purification and renewal.

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Aging and Reminiscing

By David Bachman, M.D.

With aging comes reminiscing – some good, some bad. How we perceive aging depends on our age: The only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we’re kids. If you are less than 10 years old, you think in fractions: “I’m four and a half.” You are never 36 and a half – you’re four and a half going on five.

When you get into the teens, you jump to the next number: “I’m gonna be 16.”

When you hit that great day (21), even the words sound like a ceremony – you became 21… Yes! Turned 30? The word turned sounds like spoiled milk – you become 21 but you turn 30.

Then you’re pushing 40 and finally reach 50. Finally you make it to 60. By then you build up so much speed you hit 70 – after that, it’s day by day.

If you get into the 80’s, you hit lunch... some octogenarians don’t even buy green bananas – it’s too big an investment. When the 90’s arrive, you begin going backwards – “I was just 92.”

If you survive to over 100 a strange thing happens – you revert to childhood – “I’m 100 and a half.”

Looking back at my life, I don’t know whether I’ve regressed or progressed as far as writing.

In the beginning it was writing articles by longhand, then to manual typewriters -advanced to electric typewriters, then word processors and finally computers.

Life was so simple in the “good old days.”

There just wasn’t that much to learn when pushing a pen and paper to write an article.

It took longer but there was a certain thrill in tearing up a piece of paper when things went wrong – not so with these danged computers.

The computer has changed my vocabulary: A window was something you hated to clean. A ram was a male goat. Meg was the name of my girlfriend A gig was a job for the nights. A program was a TV show. A cursor used profanity. A keyboard was part of a piano. Memory was something you lost with age.

A CD was a bank account. If you had a “3 and a half inch floppy,” you hoped nobody found out about it!

Log? That was a piece of wood for the fire. Hard drive was a long time on the road.

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A mouse pad was a place where a mouse lived. A web was the home of a spider.

Paste you did with glue.

With all this confusing terminology, I might be better off with pad and ink and memory in my head.

No one has been killed by a computer crash but when it happens, you wish you were dead.

One thing I thought would not change – proverbs. This old man is wrong again!

A first-grade teacher collected wellknown proverbs. She gave each kid in the class the first half of the proverb and asked them to come up with the rest: Better be safe than...punch a 5th grader.

Strike while the... bug is close. It’s always dark before... daylight savings time. You can’t teach an old dog... math. Two is company, three’s... The Musketeers.

An idle mind is... the best way to relax.

A penny saved is... not much. Children should be seen and not... spanked or grounded. Where there’s smoke there’s... pollution. If at first you don’t succeed... get new batteries. Never underestimate the power of...termites.

Yes, we live in a crazy world – the world isn’t crazy, just the people living in it. n

2012 SCHEDULE CRYSTAL BRIDGES: April 12, 2012. Enjoy a day in Bentonville at this nationally-acclaimed museum of American art founded by Alice Walton. Collection spans five centuries of American masterworks. Visit the museum store, restaurant, walking trails, gardens, sculptures, interactive areas and more!

BALTIC TREASURES LUXURY CRUISE: June 8-19, 2012. (12-Day Tour) A royal experience awaits you on this cruise from Copenhagen to legendary ports across the Baltic Sea. Highlights: Copenhagen, Berlin, Ronne, Gdansk, Visby, Riga, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm.

BEST OF EASTERN CANADA: Aug. 5-13, 2012. (9-Day Tour) Travel from Ottawa to Toronto aboard VIA Railway. Experience old world elegance to thundering Niagara Falls. Includes Montreal, St. Joseph’s Oratory and Quebec City.

HOLIDAY IN NEW YORK CITY: Nov. 26-30, 2012. (5-Day Tour) Experience the best of “the Big Apple.” From Little Italy to Greenwich Village, this NYC trip offers two exciting Broadway Shows, Ellis Island, Metropolitan Museum, Empire State Building, Wall Street and more with plenty of free time to shop and explore.

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For additional information, please contact Dana Moseley, Office of Gift Planning, (479) 964-0532

February 2012 | ABOUT 29