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May 2012

8 Savannah Smiles

If you noticed an awful lot of happy people wearing tie-dye shirts and smiling in Russellville the second week of April, it’s likely they were participating in “Sunshine Week,” held throughout the Russellville School District and sponsored by the Peace Club.

8 16

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about | our cover Photo by Steve Newby After three long years, The Center for the Arts has officially opened. Located on the campus of Russellville High School, the performing arts center welcomed performers to its first event, the Concert Band Assessment for Region IX, on April 3. The Center then celebrated its grand opening on Sunday, April 15th. Don’t Miss. “The Center Makes Grand Debut” for a spectacular visual treat of the new performing arts center.

4 ABOUT | May 2012

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ABOUT...Education

12

Relay For Life

16

Making Big Moves

20

The Center for the Arts

26

Blue Jeans and Ballet

28

'Spring into Summer' Outdoor Guide

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A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

ABOUT

the River Valley

Which came first...

While in high school, our daughter Stephanie worked the counter at the downtown drug store. After leaving, she mentioned that it saddened her when she would discover the obituary of a former customer in the local newspaper.

She remembered many of the older folk who were long-time customers at C&D Drug and how they chatted and talked while picking up their prescriptions. She had come to know many of them by name and face while working there and always looked forward to their conversations.

One of the hardest things about loving is losing. No matter what the age of the person who passes on, saying goodbye is never easy. As I’ve grown older, I’ve begun losing more family and friends – some were expected, others were not. When I was young, I lost a two-year-old cousin to encephalitis. I wasn’t allowed to go to the funeral and, though I knew he had died, I don’t think I ever really understood the grieving process.

In later years, I said goodbye to grand- and great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, and siblings and spouses of good friends. And in recent years, I’ve lost my own father and father-in-law, and again on April 13th... another good friend.

Life is never fair and thankfully for those who believe, there is peace and hope after death. It’s the promise of such an eternity that gives us comfort when it’s hard to be comforted.

Still, losing a husband and father at an early age seems so unfair. Thankfully the family has so many memories to treasure, lots of living and loving crammed into 56 years of life.

Rest in peace, Mike McAlister. You left this world a better place.

In this issue, you’ll read about the celebration of the beautiful life of Savannah Kaitlyn Hintze, cut short in 2011 by a tragic car accident just days shy of her high school graduation. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting her, she led an amazing life as mirrored here in a testimony of family and friends.

Savannah’s story shows that it’s the ‘living in the life’ that really matters.

Unfortunately “losing” isn’t always about death. Sometimes it’s the loss of a friendship or romantic interest, a job or change in location that cause us to give up what is familiar and comforting. It’s scary, striking out again, having the faith to trust, love or believe in someone or something all over again.

But it is what makes life worth living.

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. VII, Issue 3 – April 2012 Owners: Nolan and Dianne Edwards DIANNE EDWARDS | editor editor@aboutrvmag.com VONNA MARPEL | advertising vonna@aboutrvmag.com CHRISTINE WOJTKOWSKI | advertising christine@aboutrvmag.com KECHIA BENTLEY | columnist kechia@aboutrvmag.com JOHNNY SAIN | freelance johnny@aboutrvmag.com CONNIE LAS SCHNEIDER | freelance 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.

Dianne Edwards, Editor/Publisher 479.970.6628 editor@aboutrvmag.com

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Las Schneider 479.497.1110

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May 5: Braedon's Bravery Fundraiser, Atkins Assembly of God; silent auction, singing and supper; funds for a kidney transplant for 10-year-old Braedon. Info: 890-0055.

May 5: Resource Rendezvous “Children’s Bicycle Rally,” 9 a.m. Lake Dardanelle State Park; ages 2-13, three divisions. No entry fee. Info: 890-7477.

May 5: “Symphony Safari” Children’s Concert by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra; 3 p.m. info, 754-3839 or www.ozarks.edu.

May 5: 4th annual Boots and Benefactors BBQ, Equestrian Zone, 4-7 p.m., Pope County Fairgrounds; $35 pp, age 15 and under free. Info: 970-8351 or equestrianzone.org.

Talk ABOUT...

So much to do, so little time...

Unless you’ve lived in the Natural State for many years, you probably have not had the opportunity to experience half of what our beautiful state has to offer.

When I was young and living in East Texas, we took vacations to The Natural State. I remember climbing Petit Jean Mountain, fishing and camping on Lake Ouachita, seeing the Alligator Farm and drinking from the natural spring fountain in downtown Hot Springs. I also had the chance to ride the mini-train and scale the heights of Queen Wilhelmina State Park, and to camp at Beaver Lake. So many memories!

However, since living in Arkansas for more than 36 years, I have never had the opportunity to float the Buffalo (or any other great Arkansas stream.)

I have not visited Crowley’s Ridge or climbed Pinnacle Mountain. My “bucket list” continues to lengthen, and while I’m not getting any younger, there are still many wonderful places here that I’d like to visit.

Freelance writer Connie Las Schneider, a transplanted current Arkansan (hailing previously from Chicago) has collected a wonderful list of spring and summertime activities in this month’s great “GoTo" Outdoor Guide. Talented illustrator Cliff Thomas has taken a light-hearted look at those many suggestions and combined them to create yet another humorous cartoon above.

From music mania at Arkansas’s own Woodstock held on Mulberry Mountain to the quiet waters of Piney Bay, activity awaits you. Riding, biking, canoeing, fishing – try your hand at it all.

And if something from our activity list doesn’t intrigue you, stop by one of Russellville's 14 city parks where you can catch a softball or baseball game, watch soccer practice, play disc golf, swim or have a family picnic.

Can’t decide which activity to pursue next? As I’m commonly known to say, “You can eat an elephant a bite at a time,” start by selecting the first bite.

But chew slowly. Savor every bit of this great state! n

May 5: 2012 Swinging For a Cure 4 Person Scramble, Lion's Den Golf Course, 9 a.m.; in memory of the late Lt. Stan Maxwell; benefits the American Cancer Society. Register: (479) 747-4734 May 5: St. Jude's Children's Hospital benefit Walk-AThon, Bona Dea Trails; info: 858-1315.

May 9: Russellville Symphony Guild Membership Brunch, 11-1, 500 Hilltop Drive; info: 293-4147 or 967-2284.

May 11-12: Relay for Life, RHS Cyclone Stadium, 24 Hour Event, 5 p.m. until 5 p.m.

May 11-12: Yell Fest, Veteran’s Riverfront Park. (479) 229-3328.

May 11-12: “Step Up and Heal Thyself,” Outdoor Living Center, 10 Outdoor Court, Russellville; $25 or $40 for both days. Rivervalleyreiki.com or 970-4811.

May 18-19: Atkins Picklefest, downtown Atkins. Booth space; 641-2245; info: atkinspicklefest@yahoo.com.

May 24: Community Bingo, seniors 55 and older; 2-3 p.m. fourth Thursday of each month; Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood, Russellville; 890-6709.

May 26: Tri-Peaks Community Market, 7 a.m.- noon; “C” Street between Depot Park and Russellville Depot; produce, baked goods, crafts; vendors: one-time $25 fee plus $5 each day of participation. Open to the public. Info: 967-1437. *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.

May 2012 | ABOUT 7

Savannah Smiles Story by Jeannie Stone | Courtesy Photos

Casey continued, “I never realized what a difference she made until we didn’t have shirts and smiling in Russellville the second week of April, it’s likely her anymore, and we miss that smile.”

Fellow teacher Paul Gray agreed. they were participating in “Sunshine Week,” held throughout “Savannah had just returned from a spring trip to Europe that I led,” he said. “The the Russellville School District and sponsored by the Peace Club break smile, the positive attitude, her inclusivity -she didn’t care where you were from, what (People Encouraging Active Change and Exchange.) color you were or what your political views The all-out effort to impart the community others by her hard work and gentle ways. were. She was so accepting.” with good cheer stemmed from the All the students who recorded their feelings “She accepted everyone 100 percent students’ desire to celebrate the life of mentioned her warm smile. across the board, no matter what,” Savannah Kaitlyn Hintze, a Russellville One of her teachers, Amber Casey, Casey said.

High School honor student who passed described her former student. “A lot of “Savannah struggled to save enough following a tragic car accident days before times kids don’t think they can make a money for the trip to Europe,” Gray difference, but Savannah made a huge continued. “Her grandmother helped her scheduled 2011 graduation.

By all accounts, Savannah was a blessing difference just by smiling,” she said. “She her, and my wife and I bought her some had a quiet way of lending her support luggage. She absolutely loved the trip. to everyone she met.

Messages penned by students cited and encouragement to everyone. When When we got home, she brought the the myriad ways Savannah impacted students would stand in front of the luggage back to school to return it to me. their lives. She made one girl feel pretty. class to deliver a presentation, she She couldn’t understand how someone She encouraged several to have courage would just smile at them and make them would give her a gift, but it was Savannah to reach for their dreams. She impressed feel at ease.” who gave us the gift of herself.”

If you noticed an awful lot of happy people wearing tie-dye

8 ABOUT | May 2012

Her mother Ingrid remembers a suggestion for Savannah to use money saved for her college education for her trip, but her daughter decided against it. “She was a wise soul,” Ingrid said, “and education was so important to her, that she wasn’t willing to sacrifice her dream of going to college.”

In light of her newfound love of travel, Ingrid came upon an idea that resonated with others who loved Savannah.

“It became important to me that her DNA was spread everywhere,” she said.

“It started with a goal of leaving a strand of her hair in all 50 states, but people heard about it and offered to help me.

What started out as a lifetime project ended up taking not even a year.”

Savannah’s hair is in every state and on every continent, in the Sea of Galilee, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Mediterranean Sea, Poland, Norway, Germany, Italy, Austria, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, Antarctica, a mosque in Iran and soon to be in China and Africa.

“One of her teachers is taking a two year sailing trip around the world, and he

will leave some of her hair everywhere,” Ingrid said. “Even my father-in-law and his scuba diving friends held a ceremony on the ocean floor in Honduras. They put her hair in a box handmade by the locals, and they buried it in a coral garden.”

Everyone who has participated in Savannah’s hair project has a special story, said Ingrid “It’s exciting how people have wanted to become a part of it. Several people travel quite a bit and they keep getting locks of hair to take with them. When I started this, I just wanted to feel she was everywhere in this world and not just in heaven.”

Rainbows were special to Savannah, and in many of the pictures of her, there is a rainbow in the background, on her shirt or painted on her face.

“Rainbows have appeared in a lot of places where people have taken her hair,” Ingrid said. “In the Dominican Republic, a double rainbow appeared when a friend buried her hair, and when Ms. Casey dropped hair into the Caribbean Sea, the sun hit the waves and created a prism.” >>

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A goal of $25,000 has been set to endow a scholarship in Savannah’s name. Endowed scholarships are given in perpetuity, by investing the money and using only the interest for scholarships. The Savannah Kaitlyn Hintze Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to an RHS student who demonstrates financial need, has plans to attend Arkansas Tech University and exemplifies the traits for which Savannah was known.

To donate to the scholarship fund, visit www.atu.edu/givetotech, follow the instructions and indicate the gift is for the Savannah Kaitlyn Hintze Memorial Scholarship.

12th Annual Rummage

’Round the Rails WHAT: Huge Rummage Sale!

WHEN: May 25 & 26; 8am–1pm WHERE: Russellville Depot 320 West C Street

All items are half-price on Saturday!

To donate items contact Frances Parker at 479-747-3360. All donations are tax deductible.

For more information contact Main Street Russellville at the Depot: 479-967-1437 May 2012 | ABOUT 9

The night of her death, it was so black everywhere,” Ingrid said, “but right afterward, everything was golden, and there was a double rainbow in the sky.”

Savannah knew how precious life was.

She had suffered plenty of tragedy in her young life. Maybe that’s why she lived each day to the fullest, said Ingrid.

“She’d lost her father when she was only three years old,” Ingrid continued, “and there were several times we almost lost her. She was a twin, but I lost the her sibling during my third month and almost lost Savannah during the fifth month. Later, she survived two bad car accidents, one when she was an infant and the other on

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a family trip, but God didn’t take her. This time it was her time.”

Savannah was the youngest of four until her baby brother, Logan, was born six years before the crash. He shared those last minutes with her.

“Logan and I remember Savannah every day,” Ingrid said, “mostly, when we are acting goofy or dancing silly. She was such a sweet spirit and had an aura that just glowed around her. We know she is still with us.”

“It still amazes me at how many lives she touched in her short life,” Ingrid said. “I wonder if I lived 200 years, if I’d touch that many lives.”

Even in her absence, she has touched others. “When my friend heard about Savannah, he was so angry that he turned his back on God,” Ingrid said.

“I shared a scripture that the coroner shared with me, and after that, he said he felt Savannah’s presence and recommitted himself to God.” Isaiah 57:1 The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.

In an address she made to her daughter’s graduating class, Ingrid shared how her heart was broken when she lost her daughter and thanked the students for keeping Savannah’s memory alive.

“The fundraisers, the tie-dyed shirts, the bracelets, the moments of silence before special events... the lovely words, pictures and songs on Facebook -- each thing, big and small, that you have done has truly filled my heart with love again.”

In closing, Ingrid blessed the students.

“My wish and hope for each of you is for you to always show love, to be kind, to forgive, to laugh and smile each day, and to live life to the fullest. I hope that you continue that legacy of love that Savannah has left,” she said. “I know you will.” n

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about | education Students Earn Second ‘Free Enterprise’ Championship

Arkansas Tech University has earned a regional championship in Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) competition for a second consecutive year.

The Arkansas Tech SIFE team was named a 2012 regional champion at the SIFE USA Regional Competition in Dallas, Texas, on April 13. It is Arkansas Tech’s sixth SIFE regional title since 2003.

SIFE is an international non-profit organization that engages students on 1,500 college campuses around the world in projects that, according to the organization, “create a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business.”

This year marks the fourth time in the last five years that Arkansas Tech has earned a SIFE regional title. Arkansas Tech’s SIFE team won the championship based on a presentation concerning its public service projects throughout the current academic year.

Make it a great Mother’s Day with

Dr. Linda Bean, associate professor in the Arkansas Tech College of Business, serves as Sam M. Walton Fellow for the Arkansas Tech SIFE team.

In addition to showcasing their work over the past year, SIFE team members are exposed to career networking opportunities with national and international companies during regional competition.

Recruiters from Pepsi, Liberty Mutual, Walmart and Sam’s Club attended Arkansas Tech’s presentation in Dallas.

Bean said that at least one SIFE student from Arkansas Tech was able to schedule phone interviews with possible employers during the regional competition.

“The team received strong compliments on their presentation and their projects,” said Bean. “Recruiters specifically sought out some of the team members.”

Five Arkansas Tech SIFE members --- Timothy Deatherage of Clinton, Maggie Good of Alpena, Cat Singleton of Paragould, Amanda Smith of Romance and Amanda Sparks of Berryville --- served as presenters at the regional competition.

Arkansas Tech was also represented

at the event by SIFE members Brent Armstrong of Benton, Rebecca Bartlett of Lamar, Kristen Buser of Cabot, Lindsey Falkenstein of Pea Ridge, Sheng Fan of China, Cecily Long of Harrison, Charla New of Dover, Taylor Potts of Charleston and Gabriel Smith of Little Rock.

Falkenstein is serving as president of the Arkansas Tech SIFE organization in 2011-12, while Sparks is the group’s vice president.

As a regional champion, Arkansas Tech will advance to the 2012 SIFE USA National Exposition in Kansas City, Mo., May 2224. One national champion at that event will advance to the SIFE World Cup in Washington, D.C., Sept. 30-Oct. 2. n

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‘EVERYONE CAN DO SOMETHING’

In 1985, Dr. Gordon Klatt, a Tacoma, Wash., surgeon, realized there was a need to raise more money for his local American Cancer Society. That year, Dr. Klatt, a marathon runner, circled a local track for 24 hours, and the Relay for Life was born. That first Relay raised $27,000 for his local ACS office.

Story by Tabatha Duvall | Photos courtesy of Relay For Life

12 ABOUT | May 2012

Since then, the Relay for Life has become the most recognizable fundraising event for ACS spreading all across the United States and 19 other countries. The Pope and Yell counties area have held a local Relay for the past 16 years, and it has become one of the largest in the state of Arkansas.

Linda Wooten and Johnna Walker, this year’s event co-chairs, have been able to witness the growth of the Relay for several years.

Wooten first served as a team captain in 1998 and became the chair of accounting the next year. She is now also volunteering on the state level by co-chairing the Relay For Life State Leadership Council and the Mid-South Division Relay Advisory Team.

Walker joined as chair of publicity in 2008 after a committee member and good friend, Jock Davis, asked her to join, and has been an active member of the committee since.

“The success of the local Relay is due to some really dedicated ACS staff members and volunteers,” said Walker. “When I learned

“Relay gives us the opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember those loved ones we have lost." how many years some individuals have been involved with this event I was surprised. Relay For Life is personal to a lot of people.” Walker and Wooten included.

Just months before her wedding in 1986, Wooten’s father passed away from prostate cancer, and weeks after announcing her pregnancy, her mother-inlaw lost her battle with melanoma.

“My son never knew two of his grandparents because of cancer, so when I was asked to get involved I couldn’t say no.”

Within a year of becoming involved with Relay, Walker’s mother was diagnosed with lung cancer, and is now battling ovarian cancer.

Experiences like theirs are the reason Wooten and Walker relay. During Walker’s second year, she used a golf cart to help participants bring their things into the stadium, and helping the survivors who attend gave her a chance to learn more about their stories,

and she said it was one of the most fulfilling things she could have done.

“I found lots of people who were bringing their parents, and in one case their child, who were survivors… this gave me a chance to chat with them and I took away so much from their positive attitudes.”

To Wooten, the Relay gives these survivors, and those who are battling this disease as a patient, caregiver, friend or family member, the one thing they need the most: Hope. She said, “Relay gives us the opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember those loved ones we have lost, and support the Cancer Society’s life saving mission of fighting back against a disease that has taken too much.”

The Relay For Life of Pope and Yell counties is May 11th and 12th, 2012 at Cyclone Stadium at Russellville High School. The event will be 24 hours, from 5

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p.m. to 5 p.m., signifying the darkness of a cancer diagnosis to the sunrise of hope of a cure and celebration of remission. At Relay, volunteers and participants gather to help raise money to find a cure Everyone has a different role and different story, but every one of them is just as important. As Walker said, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” n

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about | family

Playing Ball in South Arkansas Story by Kechia Bentley | Photo by Steve Newby

I so love being from the South. There are things that happen here that just would not happen anywhere else. I hope I can convey this story properly because I am telling you, it is right out of a Hollywood movie script.

It involves a small town in the middle of nowhere, baseball games in the ‘Hotter than Hades’ summer sun, bugs big enough to carry you off, a truck spraying bug spray with a fog so thick it enveloped small children, enough citronella candles to make it look like some kind of religious ceremony, and my favorite thing of all -- the “Jesus fans” supplied by the local funeral home. Can you see it!? Let me help you just a little.

When my boys were younger, baseball consumed our summers. Now our oldest, Adrin, was not much of a baseball player.

It moved just a little too slow for him. He had more fun going out in the outfield and looking for lost coins than he did playing the game. But the younger two, Dillon and Payton, loved it. They would make the AllStar team every year, which meant we were playing ball until at least mid-July.

Trust me, if you are a baseball parent long enough at some point you will ask the question, “Why are we playing the tournament in ...?”

Fill in the blank here. Pick any small town that no one has ever heard of, that is not easy to get to, and is at least 20 to 30 minutes from anything that resembles a real city. Now, thankfully not every tournament is like this, but you are not a real baseball parent until you have been to one of the “where are we playing?” tournaments. The good thing about these tournaments is they will provide you with enough stories to last a life time. Here is mine.

The 10-year-old State All-Star tournament was to be played in Lake Village, Arkansas, population 2,364! For those of you who don’t know, Lake Village is the last town at the bottom right-hand side of the state.

One would think that you would try to hold a State tournament is a centralized location with enough accommodations to actually accommodate those attending the tournament. Apparently not!

If I remember correctly there was only one hotel in Lake Village, which meant the majority of those involved with the tournament would need to make 14 ABOUT | May 2012

accommodations in the adjoining state of Mississippi. I am not making this up.

Seriously, just go past Lake Village, take a left and you are in Mississippi.

Just a side note: I am a southern girl and I can understand just about any Southern accent you throw at me. Y’all do know we don’t all have the same “Southern accent” right? Each state has its own twist.

But there is a southern accent in Greenville, Mississippi, that is downright unintelligible. (I know, big word for a Southern girl) We tried to order a meal at a McDonald’s drive through window and literally could not communicate with the young girl at the window. That whole scene was right out of a movie as well!

Back to the tournament: I had never spent any time in Southern Arkansas so some of my friends warned me about the mosquitoes. They said, “They grow them big down there.” They were not lying. We would sweat to near death during the day and then endure a plague attack of bugs at night.

Imagine with me, except remember this is all true, dusk is beginning to fall. You look up at the lights on the baseball field and you see this cloud descending toward you. At first you are trying to figure out what it is and then all of a sudden you are blanketed with bugs It happened every night! You could see the kids, especially in the outfield swatting feverously to get them away from their faces. Just about that time here came the “bug truck.” It would drive along the outfield fence and spray this fog to dissipate the bugs. That fog was so thick that it shrouded the outfielders from view. For a moment we mommas questioned if it was safe for the boys to be breathing that in. But because we were fighting the bugs too, it became every man for himself.

Because bugs do not go well with big hair, hairspray, or lip gloss, we mommas were not going to go down quietly in our fight with the bugs. We emptied every store

in that little town and a few in Mississippi of bug spray and citronella candles. If we could have found torches we would have surrounded the ball complex with them.

The next night, just before sun down, we broke out the spray and the candles. After bathing in bug spray, we strategically place the candles in a circle around each of our lawn chairs. We then sat back waiting for the cloud to appear, daring the bugs to try and reach us. And appear it did.

I swear if you have never seen a cloud of bugs descend in this manner, it is worth the trip just to view this sight for yourself. It is straight out of a science fiction movie.

I wish I could say we won, but there were just too many of them.

This is where my favorite part of the story comes in. It’s July, saying “it’s hot” is an understatement. The town people noticed we were miserable, so the funeral home came around and passed out fans.

Now y’all, that is just sweet isn’t it? But these were not just any fans, these were Jesus fans! Please try and get a picture of this in your mind: Mommas in their lawn chairs, glistening with bug spray, encircled by citronella candles, desperately fanning themselves with Jesus fans. A sight to behold. I kept looking around for the director to yell, “action.” It was perfectly staged for a scene in a movie about life in the South.

I have kept that Jesus fan for the past twelve years, because you just can’t make this stuff up. Play ball! n

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May 2012 | ABOUT 15

Making

Story by Connie Las Schneider | Photos Courtesy of Combs Moving

Moving is stressful for most people. From packing and unpacking to the decisions in between, relocating one’s possessions takes physical labor and hard work.

Now, imagine the planning, precision and heavy lifting needed to move a building!

House moving takes expertise, specialized equipment, careful planning, heavy physical labor, a lot of paperwork and a little bit of luck, said Shane Cantrell of Combs Homes Builders and House Moving in Ratcliff, Ark. Cantrell described a house he moved in Pottsville. “We moved a brick house in Pottsville for the widening of hwy 247. The house was a two story with a chimney in the middle, 48 feet wide by 92 feet long.

The two main beams were 100 foot long and 30,000 lb alone and the house weighed 425,000 lb. loaded with truck and steel. We had 50 tires on the ground.”

“We did not travel on any highways, but we went cross fields to the new location. We had a large excavator and two winch trucks to help with the pull, but we still had to be careful to keep the house on firm ground.

With that kind of weight, we had to lay boards we call tracking to make a surface to drive on. The way you lay the tracking is by hand under the house in front of the wheels so you end up laying a 100 foot of 16 ABOUT | May 2012

tracking, pulling up, resetting the tracking over and over.”

“On top of everything else it rained an inch during the move. We traveled a quarter of a mile in three days with five extremely tired crew members,” said Cantrell.

Every year good houses are torn down to make way for new construction.

Usually no one considers that instead of adding to landfill space, that house could be moved and recycled to a new owner.

Combs has been moving structures in Arkansas since 1936, when Paul Combs, a cap board hauler for the (what name?) coal mine until it closed, built three custom trailers to move the custom houses he constructed on his property to sell. When Paul Combs died in 1969, his wife Marie took over the home building operation and Lindell Hill, Marie’s brother, continued the house moving.

“My grandmother was a woman working in a man’s business but she made it work,” said Cantrell fondly.

After Marie Combs died, Marie’s daughter, Ann took charge of the home building operation and Lindell continued to move houses up until around 2000 when he became ill. Shane, who is Ann’s son and Paul and Marie Combs’ grandson, started working with Lindell in 1993, took over the moving operations. Shane grew up around the home building and house moving business.

“We still use those trailers occasionally but 90 percent of moves today are on steel beams. Beams are much more universal with use and can be left under house while foundation is built,” said Cantrell.

“Today, house moving is the same but different. The old methods of moving houses will always be used, but with ever rising overhead costs, you have to become more efficient.

For years, we would use only winch trucks and hand railroad jacks to load houses but with so much concrete demolition around houses today, we use skid steers and excavators, which help make jobs easier and faster. While it used to take a whole day to tunnel under a house by hand, with skid steers, etc, it can take 30 minutes to dig the trench.

“Despite the new equipment, house moving is a still a stressful, labor intensive job,” said Cantrell. “Unified jacking machines, steerable dollies, and equipment make the job safer, but there is still plenty of hard physical labor involved. This equipment costs a lot of money to buy and maintain and rising fuel costs only add to the overhead and drive everything up,” he said.

“Every year it gets a little harder to move houses. Rising insurance costs are the biggest obstacle today followed by permitting requirements. Getting moving permits with state Highway Department, city, county, electric, phone, cable, stop lights can be very trying.”

“House moving is not a 9-to-5 job. You work weekends, weekdays, in water, mud, snow, and heat. When the weather man says its 8 degrees temperature outside and you want to stay inside, that means the ground should be frozen enough to move a house. The weather also makes scheduling sometimes impossible,” said Cantrell.

Timing the move is also critical.

“With increases in road traffic, a lot of the moves today are done at daylight on Sunday mornings because that is the best time with the least amount of traffic on the highways. In two hours on a Sunday at daylight, you can move a house. During the week could take eight hours,” said Cantrell. Weather can also be a problem, he added. >>

How Do They Do That?

If you’ve never had the opportunity to see a building being moved, it’s a sight to behold. Imagine a worker sitting precariously on the roof of a moving building with a long handled pole clipper to prune low hanging branches that could catch on the roof. Or crawling under a multi-ton building that could crush you like an ant; then oh-so carefully position and reposition jacks beneath a structure balanced on beams above a half demolished foundation.

“Every move is different and you never know what kinds of problems you might run into,” said Shane Cantrell, moving foreman of Combs Homes Builders and House Moving in Ratcliff, Ark. “First you have to look at each and every building before you move it to measure width, height, length and look for obstacles around and under house so you can load it. Every building has a different floor structure so some you have to crossload with steel, where others you can use two main beams.”

“You also determine moving route at this time. A lot of people will call and say the house is up off the ground and you can back a trailer right under it in no time, but in 99.99999 percent of the time, that is not the case. The most complicated form of house moving is when you move concrete slab houses.”

“We use beams because of the universal use they offer. With trailers, the neck is always on the wrong end or in the way. The dollies cannot be easily moved to accommodate certain turns, and with beams you can move their width to accommodate different moves.”

“After you place the steel beams under house, we use either our power pack hydraulic machine to lift the house in three zones or our unified jacking machine. It all depends on the house. After that, you place the dollies and bolster on the house for the move. This method is what is used to move wood frame wood floor houses.”

“Sometimes we move wood/frame houses with brick left on, but this is more expensive due to loading and moving with brick stone etc.,” said Cantrell.

The cost of moving each building depends on many factors including size and construction of the building, load time, concrete excavation, route and destination.

When asked about his hardest moves, Cantrell named two projects.

“The hardest moves to date have to be either the Oakley Chapel in Rogers which was 48-feet tall or three concrete slab houses we moved two years ago in Springdale.” >>

May 2012 | ABOUT 17

Even with the obstacles, moving a structure is an attractive alternative to new construction because many people simply can’t afford to purchase a new home, said Cantrell. Although it is not cheap to move a building, it is much less expensive than new construction today, he added.

“A lot of people do not realize that a house can be moved.

Any house or building can be moved. Besides houses and public buildings, we’ve moved steel buildings with no floor in them, garages with no floor, train cars, bridges for county and city road department, large tanks, about anything that will fit down road.”

Every year good houses are torn down to make way for new construction. Usually no one considers that instead of adding to landfill space, that house could be moved and recycled to a new owner.

For example, when the tornado hit Etna and Denning, some of the people lost everything and could not afford to have new homes built. So, they found older homes that others either did not want or were to be demolished.

“We moved the houses for them and after the move they fixed the houses to like new condition at a fraction of the cost.”

Some homes need to be demolished and that will always hold true.

But if you stop and think about it, when you tear a house down you still have to pay a teardown fee and only help add to landfill space.

But, when you recycle and move a house, it provides more of a chance for jobs to be made because of new foundations being built, remodeling, upgraded electrical, plumbing, siding, future taxes, etc. so it’s a win-win situation,” said Cantrell. n

18 ABOUT | May 2012

"How Do They Do That" continued...

“The three concrete slab houses were 48-feet wide and 60feet long with brick. The catch was that the call to move was made on July 20, and had to be moved for highway widening of Wagon Wheel Road by Sept 1.”

I was already busy so I could not start until August 1 which left us one month to move. It took a week to cut, brace and prep the brick on the three houses. It took two weeks to load all three houses and one week to move. On top of all that, we had to travel under a 175,000 volt line where we had to keep a 20-foot overhead clearance or pay $15,000 dollars to have them raised.

(I kept it well under their clearance.) Permits, paperwork, and even more paperwork made loading the houses seem easy.”

None of these moves could have been made without the hard work of our employees,” said Cantrell.

For more information on building moving, contact Shane Cantrell at (479) 635-2311. n

about | the arts ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ First Performance

The Center for the Arts celebrated its opening with the production of Annie Get Your Gun on April 26-29. The production, starring students from the Russellville High School theatre department, played in the Center’s brand new theatre located on the Russellville High School campus at 2209 South Knoxville. The show will be recognized as the first theatrical production performed on The Center stage since its opening.

Both students and teachers worked hard for several months leading up to the show, preparing for a spectacular event and knowing that they could possibly be the first theatrical show in the new theatre.

“This production was a dream come true for the theatre department at Russellville High School. For the past six years I have been fortunate to be a part of a creative team that brings forth our musicals,” stated Stephanie Schultz, RHS theatre teacher and show director.

“Each year we have struggled to make theatre happen in the old Gardner

auditorium due to technical and physical issues but we made it the best we could because of our love for theatre. Now, to be able to do what we love in a state-of-theart facility and to really show the talent we have in our student body is a dream come true for so many.”

“Annie Get Your Gun” is a Tony Awardwinning musical which has long been considered one of Irving Berlin’s greatest theatrical achievements. The show tells the fictional love story of Annie Oakley and Frank Butler. The two unlikely lovers that meet as Buffalo Bill’s traveling Wild West Show comes to town. Annie quickly falls for the dashing Mr. Butler, but he is not as excited about the sharp shooter Annie. A rivalry ensues but in classic Broadway fashion, the couple ultimately falls head over heels for each other. The play featured some of musical theatre’s best show-stopping musical numbers such as: Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better and of course, There’s No Business Like Show Business.

Schultze believes the musical was the ultimate compilation of artistic endeavors by all our performing arts groups. The theatre, choir, and band all came together to bring

life to words and notes on paper, she added.

The show blended full-scale spectacle with old-time vaudeville including a cast and company of over 40 actors, beautifully designed Wild West banners, and hit songs one will never forget.

For information on The Center for the Arts and future community performances, contact Wendy Sparks, operations manager at 857-7292. n

Thank You! At Nebo2, we are proud to celebrate Mothers, Graduates and our Military Heroes! During this month, take time to be greatful for these very special people.

See us for your next vehicle!

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Ta Dah! The Center Makes Grand Debut After nearly three years in the making, The Center for the Arts, Russellville High School’s performing arts center, celebrated its grand opening on Sunday, April 15. The community was invited to attend and view the facility, which includes the auditorium, an orchestra pit, professional dressing and sewing rooms, and state-of-the-art technical lighting and sound facilities. A more intimate “Black Box Theater” includes seating for 150 and will be utilized to host events such as one-act plays, poetry slams and the Feast of Carols.

Originally priced at a maximum budget of $28.1 million, the final costs of the project are still being determined as change orders and a redesign of part of the facility may alter the price.

The 6.9-mill property tax increase to fund construction of the performing arts center, along with other district construction projects, was passed by voters in September 2007. Groundbreaking Photos

by Steve | MayNewby 20 ABOUT 2012

was held May 29, 2008. Although the scheduled project completion date was originally set for Aug. 9, 2010, a number of alleged design flaw issues and financial losses by the original construction manager prevented the project from being completed on schedule.

By March 2012, the performing arts center was “substantially completed,” and issued a temporary certificate of occupancy. On April 3, one of the center’s first events, the Concert Assessment for Region IX, was conducted.

Hired in August 2010, Wendy Sparks will serve as operations manager for The Center. Her responsibilities will include creating policies, maintaining fee schedules, creating business plans, and performance scheduling.

Randall Williams, superintendant of Russellville Schools says many of the planned performances will be booked for a year or more in advance due to the popularity of The Center.

May 2012 | ABOUT 21

about | food

Happy Mother's Day, Mom Story by Dianna Qualls, Food Editor

R

ecently I borrowed the personal cookbook from my Mom, Beulah Ricker Tramel. Each recipe has been lovingly typed, holes punched, sorted into appropriate categories, and placed in a three-ring binder.

Many of the recipes were given to her by friends and family. Some have notes critiquing the finished product.

She always gives credit to the person who shared the recipe by including their name as part of the title.

Look a little closer and one can notice some of the pages are not recipes but little mementos collected over the years.

Some make you laugh and some bring a tear. Included are titles like. “When I get Old,” “Life,” and “Drinking from My Saucer.”

After perusing this cookbook, memories flooded in as some of the dishes came to mind - yeast rolls we looked forward to every Christmas, her almost-world-famous cinnamon rolls that were consumed as soon as they came out of the oven...

I decided to honor my mom this mother’s day with this food section devoted to the recipes she has collected over the years, along with the notes she has made on them.

Happy Mother’s Day to a great cook and a great mom.

Thanks for the memories we - your children - have attached

to so many of these recipes. Family gatherings have always revolved around “the FOOD” and the joy of being together. Just look at all of us, our entire family has been fed quite well with many of these recipes.

These are but a few of my mom’s treasured recipes. Some of them contain a lifetime of memories for our family. Perhaps they will become some of your family’s favorites, as well.

CORNMEAL MUFFINS

Great -- Nelle Smith, Mom’s sister February 2003 1 1/4 c. flour 3/4 c. yellow cornmeal 2 T. sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 c. milk 1/4 c. oil 1 egg 1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn (do not drain) In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine egg, milk and oil and undrained corn. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.

Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 22 ABOUT | May 2012

two-thirds full. Bake at 425 degrees for 1418 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm.

BEEF MUSHROOM AND RICE Pat Bailey, 7-15-1993

Brown 1 1/2 lb ground beef. (May use steak or roast beef cut into bite size pieces.)

Brown and drain. Return to the skillet.

Add: 1/2 c. chopped onion 1/2 c. chopped bell pepper 1 can drained mushrooms 1 tsp. Cavender’s seasoning 1 can beef consommé

Bring to a boil and add: 1 1/4 c. minute rice Cover with lid. Turn off heat and let stand 5 minutes. Serve.

LITTLE GRANDMA ENGLISH’S HUSH PUPPIES Mom’s maternal grandmother 1 1/2 c. self-rising cornmeal 1/4 c. sugar 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 3/4 tsp. baking powder Combine dry ingredients.

Add: 3/4 c. chopped green onions (white and green parts.) Place in an airtight container and let stand for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.

Just before cooking add: 2 eggs, beaten and enough milk to make a medium stiff dough. Drop by teaspoon full into a deep fat, cook until golden brown.

Q’s Tip: Use about 2 quarts of vegetable oil heated to about 365 degrees for frying.

FRENCH FRY CASSEROLE John Clement

1 (8 oz.) sour cream 1 c. mayonnaise 3 large tomatoes chopped 1/2 c. red bell pepper, chopped 1/2 c. green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 c. green onions chopped 2 (16 oz.) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese In a large bowl combine sour cream, 10 slices bacon cook crisp, crumbled Velveeta cheese, onion, soup. Stir. Add 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans whole kernel corn, drained frozen potatoes and mix.

Combine melted butter and corn flakes.

Spray casserole (13x9x2) with cooking Prepare muffin mix as directed; cool. spray. Place potato mixture in casserole Stir together the peppers, tomatoes, dish. Top with the corn flake mixture. Bake and onions. In separate bowl, combine ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. and sour cream. Crumble 1/2 of the cornbread into the bottom of a large MISSISSIPPI CORNBREAD SALAD salad bowl. Top with half the beans, Brenda McCoy, Mom’s sister-in-law 1/2 the tomato mixture, 1/2 the cheese, Very, Very Good 1/2 the bacon, 1/2 the corn, 1/2 the dressing mixture. Repeat the layers.

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cornbread muffin mix Chill for at least 3 hours.

1 (1 oz.) pkg. ranch dressing mix 1 (16 oz.) sour cream 2 c. cubed Velveeta cheese 1/2 c. chopped onion 1 can cream of chicken soup 32 oz. frozen shoestring potatoes 1 stick butter (melted) 3 c. crushed corn flakes

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OLD SETTLERS BEANS

These were made every year at Ricker deer camp.

Combine in a large pot.

2 (16 oz) can pinto beans 2 (16 oz) can great northern beans 1 large onion chopped 1/4 c. barbecue sauce 1/4 c. catsup 2 T sorghum molasses 1/4 c. brown sugar 1/4 white sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 1/2 tsp. chili pepper 2 T prepared mustard 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained Cook over medium to medium low heat until sugar has dissolved and onions are transparent. Stir often as they will stick.

Serve hot. >>

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May 2012 | ABOUT 23

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24 ABOUT | May 2012

Robbie, my youngest, younger brother, can eat a ton of these. Also, these cookies are a mainstay at Ricker deer camp.

Everyone leaves for their stands with their pockets full of these cookies to tide them over until lunch.

Mom writes at the bottom of the recipe: “I wish I had a dollar for every batch of these I’ve made plus interest. I think we could all retire in style. Ha, Ha.” How true this is.

1/4 c. cocoa 2 c. sugar 1 stick butter or margarine 1/2 c. milk 1/2 c. peanut butter, creamy 1 tsp. vanilla 3 c. quick cooking oats In large sauce pan combine the cocoa, sugar, butter, and milk over medium heat.

Bring to a boil. Boil for 1 ½ minutes.

Remove from heat. Add peanut butter, vanilla and oats. Quickly mix well. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper. Allow to cool before storing.

Mix well drop into greased muffin tins.

Bake at 400 degrees 10-12 minutes

FUDGE PIE

Larry’s Favorite, except for Peanut Butter Streusel.

My oldest, younger brother 4 T. cocoa 4 T. flour 1 c. sugar 2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 c. butter, melted Combine and mix well. Pour into an uncooked pie shell. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

COCOONS

Keith’s favorite birthday cookie (my middle, younger brother)

MAYONNAISE BISCUITS

1 c. butter, softened 6 T. powdered sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 2 c. all-purpose flour, sifted 1 c. nuts, chopped 1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. self-rising flour 1/2 c. mayonnaise (not salad dressing) 1/4 c. milk

Cream butter and sugar, add vanilla salt and flour. Mix well. Add nuts.

Make into pecan shaped cookies. Bake at 325 degrees until lightly brown. Roll in powdered sugar while hot. Place on platter to cool. n

Joe Ricker (Mom’s brother) Great! Great! Great!

Tropical Paradise Photos Courtesy of Tech Travel

More than two dozen Tech Travel friends and alumni set off for a 9-Day Tropical Costa Rica vacation on in mid-February.

Arriving by plane in San Jose, the group began their adventure with a tour of the colorful capital. The days that followed allowed days spent touring the verdant regions known for growing world-renowned coffee beans and the breathtaking beauty of the find sandy beaches.

Two days at Tamarindo Beach Resort and the Monteverde Cloud Forest offered views of the flora and fauna in the country’s delicate ecosystem, along with the opportunity to discover endangered species. Day Five spent in Monteverde found travelers exploring the world’s largest

butterfly gardens, 14 different species of hummingbirds and the “hanging bridges.”

Breathtaking views of the majestic Arenal Volcano were a highlight of the group’s cruise on Lake Arenal, followed by a twonight stay at the nearby lodge. A visit to the remote 20,000 acres of Cano Negro, home to the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife, and guided river boat trip let travelers watch and photograph the wildlife.

The trip drew to a close after a trip to ancient Poas Volcano, the powerful symbol of the geothermal forces that formed Costa Rica.

Tech Travel trips are open to anyone with a love of travel. For more information on upcoming trips, contact Dana Moseley or Phyllis Stone at the ATU Office of Gift Planning, (479) 964-0532. n

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Eyes, cheeks and lips in your choice of Pinks or Nudes.

Your Bonus with any Clinique purchase of $23.50 or more.

A $60.00 value.

Let Us Make Your House a HOME! Special discounts for builders, contractors, and remodeling projects!

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Quantities limited.

City Mall Russellville (479)968-3001 May 2012 | ABOUT 25

Blue Jeans and Ballet

Photos by BnBauman Photography The first-ever “Blue Jeans and Ballet at the Barn� fundraising event was hosted by the Dance Foundation on Saturday, April 14, at the home of Ken and Dr. Vicki Henderson in Russellville.

For several hours during evening, guests enjoyed a tasting from the Bar 6 Brewing Company owned by Jeff Harrison, gourmet slider burgers, a live and silent auction, a performance by local ballerinas and music

by Some Guy Named Robb. Tickets were $75 per couple or $40 per individual.

Proceeds from the event will be used to further the efforts of the Dance Foundation and help support upcoming performances and events. The Dance Foundation is an area nonprofit organization chartered to promote participation and appreciation for the art of dance. The foundation began in 2005 with the idea of bringing the art of dance to the community. Donations are tax deductible.

For information about future events, call (479) 968-6888. n

26 ABOUT | May 2012

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May 2012 | ABOUT 27

Story by Connie Las Schneider

Spring into YOUR ‘GO-TO’ OUTDOOR GUIDE Ah, springtime in the River Valley… so much to do and so little time to do it. While the weather is still cool enough to enjoy being outdoors, why not make plans for a memory making adventure?

Music Mania

One of the largest outdoor music festivals is Arkansas is the Wakarusa Music Festival which annually draws 20,000 or more music fans for four days of non-stop music and mayhem. Often compared to a latter-day Woodstock, this year’s festival is held from May 30 to June 3 at the beautiful Mulberry Mountain Lodge and Event Center located on the Scenic Pig Trail Byway (AR Hwy 23) north of Ozark.

Camping is the preferred method of enjoying the event, as the music and entertainment continues 24/7. The facilities at Mulberry Mountain are set up to accommodate tens of thousands of festival goers with potable water and sanitation, a wide variety of food and drink vendors and scores of tent vendors selling strange and wonderful items. To top it off, there will be a gigantic Ferris Wheel and Water Slide, a Friday Night Costume Contest

and Parade, morning yoga and a Sunday morning drum circle.

With more than 100 bands in the lineup with musical styles ranging from blue grass to jam bands and hip-hop to dub step, headliners at this year’s event include Pretty Lights, The Avett Brothers, Primus, Weir Robert and Greene Acoustic Trio, Umphrey’s McGee and Slightly Stoopid.

Wakarusa was recently awarded 1st place as Best New (started within the past five years) Festival or Event in Arkansas

by ALFIE, the Arkansas Festivals and Events Association.

For festival information and tickets go to www.Wakarusa.com

Water Wonders

For adventurous types, few outdoor activities match the thrill of running the rapids in a kayak or canoe. Or, maybe you’d

Fish Tales

For young anglers, the Mountain Fishin’ Derby will be held on June 1 at Petit Jean Park. The derby is open to children ages 15 and under. Parents are welcome to help, but the kids must do the fishing. Bring your own bait and tackle. Fish will be stocked and prizes provided by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Call (501) 727-5441 for information.

Lake Dardanelle State Park has one of the best fishing areas in Arkansas and events and tournaments are scheduled almost every weekend throughout spring and summer. All fishing event weigh-ins at the park are open to the 28 ABOUT | May 2012

general public and many people come out and watch participants weigh the fish, which usually takes place at 3 p.m. on the tournament date, said Andy Thomas, Superintendent of Lake Dardanelle State Park. For more information, call (479) 890-7474.

prefer a leisurely float trip down the Buffalo or Mulberry Rivers or Big Piney Creek.

The Buffalo River is world renowned as a float destination. The Ozark Society, which has championed conservation along the Buffalo River since 1972 when the river was designated the first National River in the United States, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a 60-mile Buffalo River float trip from May 28 to June 2. The float trip starts at Tyler Bend and travels down the Buffalo River to the confluence of the White River. For more information, contact Alice Andrews at alice209ok@yahoo.com or call (501) 219-4295.

To plan your own float trip, outfitters in Yellville, Ponca and Lost Valley offer a variety of options for water lovers. The Buffalo Outdoor Center can be reached at (800) 2215514; Lost Valley Canoe at (870) 861-5522.

Big Piney Creek is also a popular destination for canoe adventures. Ranking among the best float streams in the state, its 67 mile course empties into Lake Dardanelle. Moore Outdoors in Dover offers canoe and raft rentals, shuttle services and a campground. Moore Outdoors contact number is (479) 331-3606.

The wild and scenic Mulberry River which runs through part of the Ozark National Forest is another prime location for white water rafting in spring when the water is at peak levels. Outfitters along the river north of Ozark include Turner Bend Junction on Hwy 23 (the Pig Trail National Scenic Byway) and Byrd’s Adventure Center off Hwy 215 on County Road 83. For information on Turner Bend services, go to turnerbend.com or call (479) 667-3641. Bryd’s Adventure Center can be reached at byrdsadventurecenter. com or call (479) 667-4066.

At Lake Dardanelle, children who want to learn kayaking and discover the lake’s inhabitants and its resources can participate in ACE Camp (Aquatic Conservation Experience) on May 11-12, a two-day, one-night camp for kids age 1013. Go to lakedardanelle@arkansas.com or call (479) 967-5516.

will be also available from hundreds of vendors. Antique show judging begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday. For more information, go to www.motaa.com or call museum curator, Alan Hoelzeman at (501) 727-5427.

These Hills are Made for Walkin’

Like to hike? National Trails Day will be celebrated on Saturday, June 2 at Petit Jean State Park in Morrillton with hikes and hiking- related programs within the park’s 20 miles of trails. For further information go to petitjean@ arkansas.com. Free.

The River Valley Hikers website www. takahik.com also contains valuable information on hiking trails in the area.

Hard core backpackers will enjoy the 165 mile long Ozark Highlands Trail, stretching from Lake Fort Smith State Park to Woolum Ford on the Buffalo River. Visit arkansas.com/outdoors/ hiking.

Scroll down to Selected Arkansas Trail Maps.

If carrying binoculars is more your style than lugging a backpack, consider birding. Springtime is great for bird watching and Holla Bend National

Nature on Wheels

For those who prefer to view nature from the comfort of a vehicle, springtime can be a wonderful time to look for wildflowers along highways designated “wildflower routes” by the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHDT). In the River Valley, these routes include Hwy 7 and Hwy 22.

For information on wildflower routes visit arkansashighways.com.

Want to take your children for a bike ride through the park? On Saturday, May 5th is a children’s bicycle rally at Dardanelle State Park followed by keel boat rides offered by Early Arkansas Re-Enactors.

Call (479) 967-5516.

Is your idea of wheel-good fun watching daredevils crash and burn? The Ozark Demolition Derby is May 5th at the North Franklin County Fairgrounds in Ozark.

Contact the Ozark Chamber at 667-2525

95

“

Natural History

Wildlife Refuge in Dardanelle is a birder’s paradise. In May and June, neo-tropical migrant birds like Indigo Buntings, Painted Buntings, Summer Tanningers and several different Warbler species can be seen, said Durwin Carter, Refuge Manager. Contact Hollabend@fws.gov or call (479) 229-4300.

On June 2, make your own walking stick to hike with on Meadowbrook Trail in Dardanelle State Park! Call (479) 967-5516. or email at ozarkareacoc@centurytel.net .

Applications are at the Chamber for those who want to crash cars.

Like four-wheeling? On May 25-27, Byrd’s Adventure Center is hosting a four-wheel drive competition where drivers compete on mountain climbs, rock crawling, barrel races and mud runs. This is a great event for spectators, too. For more information, call Byrd’s at (479) 667-4066.

Car enthusiasts will enjoy the 54th annual Petit Jean Car Show and Swap Meet is Tuesday, June12 thru Saturday, June 16 at the Museum of Automobiles in Morrilton. This annual Antique Car show is co-hosted by the Mid-American Old Time Automobile Association and the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain.

Classic and vintage vehicles from all over the region will be on display. Auto parts, antiques, arts and crafts and memorabilia

In honor of Arkansas Heritage Month, Saturday, May 19 is Arkansas Heritage Day at Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas’ first state park. Programs include commemoration of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, family oriented outdoor experiences, games, an evening program, and other programming throughout the day. For more information, call (501) 727-5441 or go to http://www. petitjeanstatepark.com..

City Festivals

The Altus Springtime Gala in Altus City Park will be Friday, May 4th from 1pm to 8pm and Saturday May 5th from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Gala features arts and crafts, food, 5K run, talent shows and live entertainment. For more information, call Jan Stacy at 209-5308.

Atkins 21st annual Pickle Fest is May 18 and 19. Atkins will have deep fried dill pickles, pickle juice drinking and pickle eating contests, arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, rodeo, parade, and beauty pageants for boys and girls. For more information call 890-6421.

Russellville’s Downtown Art Walk will be 5-8 p.m. on Friday, June 1. This free quarterly mini-festival has great local artists and musicians, drinks, refreshments and a lot of downtown fun. Start at the Russellville Depot at 320 W. C St. to pick up a program listing host locations and participating artists for this popular event. Call 967-1437 for information.

Thanks for the Memories

Memorial Day Weekend at Dardanelle State Park kicks off on Friday, May 25 and activities at the Visitor run through Monday, May 28. >>

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The park will be offering a wide variety of nature and recreation programs as visitors come out to begin their summer break. Contact the park for a schedule. Call (479) 967-5516 or email lakedardanelle@ arkansas.com.

Summer Celebrations

• 15th-Annual Lineman Camp (grades 7-12), June 24-27; $250 overnight campers; $200 commuter campers • Senior Skills Camp (2013 Senior Grads), June 30; $40 per athlete (8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)

• Youth Camp II (6-12 years), July 9-11; $75 (8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.)

CONTACT: Dean Norsworthy (479-9680351) or e-mail dnorsworthy@atu.edu

Check out July events listed for the River Valley by going to http://www.arkansas. com/events on the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism website.

ATU Golden Suns

Basketball Camp

2012 Arkansas River Valley Summer Camps Arkansas Tech (ATU) Baseball Camps

• Senior Elite Camp (High School Juniors and Seniors), May 30-31; $75 (2 day camp) • Little Wonders Camp (ages 7-12), June 4-7; $90 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)

• Elite Pitching/Catching Camp (All ages), June 11-12; $50 (9 a.m-11 a.m.)

• Complete Hitting Camp (All ages), June 13-14; $50 (9 a.m.-11 a.m.)

CONTACT: Derrick Wynn (479-968-0211) or e-mail dwynn2@atu.edu

ATU Football Camps

• 7-on-7 Tournament, June 12; $200 per team (check-in at 8:30 a.m.)

• Youth Day Camp I (6-12 years), June 18-20; $75 (8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.)

• Team Camp, June 14; $250 per team (7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)

• Team Camp I (Jr. and Sr. High Teams), June 13-15; $135 overnight campers; $115 commuter campers with meals/$90 commuter campers without meals • Individual Skills Camp (grades 5-12), July 11-13; $195 overnight campers; $160 commuter campers with meals/$120 commuter campers without meals • Lil’ Suns Camp (grades K-4), July 11-13 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.); $60 per camper • Team Camp II (Jr. and Sr. High Teams), July 18-20; $135 overnight campers; $115 commuter campers with meals/$90 commuter campers without meals • Shooting Camp (grades 3-12), July 23-24; Commuter only; $75 per camper (campers need to bring sack dinner/lunch) CONTACT: Julio Pacheco (479-964-0538) or e-mail jpachecofilho@atu.edu

ATU Wonder Boys Basketball Camp

• Team Camp (Jr. High and Sr. High JV and Varsity Teams), June 15-16; $300 one team / $500 two teams / $600 all three teams (Arrangements can

Dana Baker Elect

Pope County Assessor

I would like to respectfully request your vote on May 22nd for Pope County Assessor. I have been serving the citizens of Pope County for the past 11 years in the Pope County Courthouse with 4 ½ years experience in the Assessor’s Office. I am hardworking, business minded, dependable, and honest. I have great moral values and experience. I would love to serve you as your next Pope County Assessor. Make the right choice. Vote Dana Baker for your next Pope County Assessor.

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30 ABOUT | May 2012

be made for staying on campus, just contact Tech Men’s Basketball Office) • Individual Skills Camp I (grades 5-12), June 18-20 (9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day); $125 per camper • Elite Camp (High School players), June 22 (12 p.m.-4 p.m.); $50 per camper • Individual Skills Camp II (grades 5-12), July 25-27 (9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day); $125 per camper CONTACT: Brandon Friedel (479-968-0367) or e-mail bfriedel@atu.edu

ATU Golden Suns Volleyball Camp

• Lil’ Suns Camp (1st-5th grade), May 29-30; $50 (6-8 p.m. each night) • Serving Session (7th-12th grade), June 4; $25 (6-8 p.m.)

• Passing Session (7th-12th grade), June 5; $25 (6-8 p.m.)

• Attacking/Setting Session (7th-12th grade), June 6; $25 (6-8 p.m.)

• Advanced Camp (High School Players Only), June 10-11; $150 overnight campers; $125 commuter campers • All-Skills Camp (6th-12th grade), July 13-14; $150 overnight campers; $125 commuter campers CONTACT: Kristy Bayer (479-964-0513) or e-mail kbayer@atu.edu

ATU Science Camp

• Community Science Network Science Camp, elementary kids (entering 1st-5th); June 11-15 and July 16-20; Russellville High School.

• Community Science Network Science Camp, Middle School students (entering 6th-9th); June 18-22; Russellville High School.

Call 968-0391 for information.

First United Methodist Church VBS June 18-22 Operation OverboardDare to Go Deep with God Ages: 4 yrs – 5th grade 9:00 – 11:30 each day Sports Camp July 9-13 Ages 1st – 6th grade $75 for first child each additional child $50

British Soccer Camp

July 30 through August 3, Russellville Soccer Complex, Lock & Dam Road;

Camp Caudle

2012 CAMP SCHEDULE Family Camp: June 7-10 Cost: Number of Family Members 2 People $150; 3 People $188; 4 People $226; 5 People $264; 6 People $302; 7 People $340 Day Camp: June 11-15 Director: Neil and Katie ReynoldsSession for children going into the 1st – 7th grade • 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday • Registration: 2 – 4 pm Sunday (June 10th) at Westside Church of Christ • Lunch and Transportation Included Mars Hill: June 17-23 Director: David Riley and Allan Myers • Session for ages 10-18 Junior Week: June 24-29 (SESSION FILLED) Directors: Greg Sublett and Keith Lape • Session for children who have finished 2nd – 6th grade • Camp ends with an awards assembly at 5:45 pm on Friday Night. Campers should plan to go home afterward.

Junior Week Session 2: July 8-13 Director: Lee Henson • Session for children who have finished 2nd – 6th grade • Camp ends with an awards assembly at 5:45 pm on Friday Night. Campers should plan to go home afterward.

Livingstones Week: July 15-21 Directors: Brent Ruple and Lee Henson • Session for age 13 (by October 1st) – high school graduates

First Kicks, 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM Ages 3 to 4, cost: $77.

Mini Soccer 2hr, 10 AM – NOON Ages 5 to 6, cost: $89.

Mini Soccer 2hr, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Ages 5 to 6, cost: $89.

Half Day, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Ages 6 to 10, cost: $109.

Half Day, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Ages 11 to 15 -- $109.

Sponsored by the Arkansas Valley Soccer Association; Information and registration online at: https://registration. challengersports.com/FindACamp/ FindACamp.asp

Teen Week: July 22-28 Directors: Brian Baker, Neil Reynolds, Craig Shackelford, and Nathan George • Session for age 13 (by October 1st) – high school graduates • Bring dark or camouflage clothin For information, e-mail info@campcaudle. org, call Andrea at (479) 331-4924 or visit: http://campcaudle.org

Vacation Bible School

First Baptist Church VBS June 11-15 Amazing Wonders Aviation Ages K – 7th grade

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about | community

Symphony Brunch May 9

The annual Russellville Symphony Guild Membership Brunch will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9, at the home of Mrs. Peggy Talkington, 500 Hilltop Drive, in Russellville.

The Brunch serves as an opportunity for individuals to learn more about the Guild and its role in promoting the arts in the area.

The Guild directly supports the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, bringing them to Russellville annually for a sell-out concert performance. In addition, ASO quartets play in local schools and scholarships are given to local music students.

A one-year membership fee is only $20, and may be paid at the brunch. Those unable to attend the Brunch may mail a check for $20 to Judy Murphy at 126 Lakeview Circle, Russellville, AR 72802.

For more information, call co-chairs Paula Stamps at (479) 293-4147 or Barbara Blalack at (479) 967-2284.

Hershey Meet May 5

The local Hershey Track and Field Games meet will be held in Russellville on May 5, at Russellville High School’s Cyclone Stadium.

Students age 9-14 (by Dec. 31, 2012) are eligible to compete.

Events will include 50, 100, 200 and 400 Meter Dashes, the 4x100 meter relay, standing long jump and softball throw for both boys and girls. A 1600 Meter Run will be offered for boys and girls ages 13-14. Certain restrictions apply and not all group relays will qualify for the North American Final.

Pre-registration forms and information are available at Hughes Center or call (479) 968-1272

Committee members organizing this year's brunch include; Doris Lawrence, Paula Stamps, Ann Squyres, Barbara Blalack, Mary Barham and Gerry Summers.

The goal of this year’s event is to raise $35,000 to support the efforts of the organization. To date, sixteen area businesses and individuals have joined as corporate sponsors but more are needed.

Equestrian Zone, Riding for a Reason is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities in our community, by providing therapy services through equine assisted activities. Organizers encourage the public to, “Grab your boots, put on your favorite western wear, and join us for some boot scootin fun!”

Can’t attend? Tax deductible donations may be sent to:Equestrian Zone, 4800 South Frankfort, Russellville AR 72801.

Arts Center Receives Grant

A storytelling festival, documentary films, a mural, a walking tour, music programs, original plays, and a radio show are just a few of the exciting activities and projects that will receive funds from Arkansas Heritage Month grants.

Every year the month of May is set ‘Boots’ Barbeque May 5 aside by the Department of Arkansas The 4th Annual Boots and Benefactors Heritage to explore Arkansas history and Barbeque, sponsored by Equestrian Zone, tradition. This year’s theme is Dreams and will be held from 4-7 p.m. May 5 at the Pope Determination: Arkansans at Work. Events County Fairgrounds, 517 S. Knoxville in held in association with Arkansas Heritage Russellville. Featured will be musicians The Month will highlight industries and Mountain Boomers, a chuck wagon Dinner, individuals whose dedication has made an door prizes and a rider exhibition. impact in Arkansas, all the way from the Tickets are $35 per person. Children 15 and frontier pioneers of Arkansas Territory to under are admitted free. To purchase tickets present-day explorers of new frontiers in or become a corporate sponsor, call (479) a high-tech world. A total of $50,000 will 970-8351. Tickets may also be purchased be awarded to 17 organizations hosting online at www.equestrianzone.org.

Arkansas Heritage Month projects.

32 ABOUT | May 2012

As one of 17 recipients, the River Valley Arts Center will receive $2,500 in grant money to create a storytelling festival featuring professional and local amateur storytellers. A professional storyteller will perform in Pope County schools and lead a storytelling workshop for the public during Arkansas Heritage Month.

Pope County students will develop stories and perform them in class. All winners will perform their stories before the school. One overall winner will be selected from each school. All storytellers chosen will go on to compete with other winners at a public storytelling event. The winner of the county-wide event will have their story published in the River Valley Arts Center newsletter and sent to area media.

“Arkansans work hard, especially when pursuing our dreams,” said Cathie Matthews, director of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

“Arkansas’s homesteaders and pioneers persevered to create what we know today. For Arkansas Heritage Month 2012, we take a look at that hard work and what it means for our future.”

For more information about Arkansas Heritage Month, visit ArkansasHeritage. com, connect on Facebook.com/ ArkansasHeritage, or contact Melissa Whitfield at (501) 324-9611.

Pool Passes on Sale

The Russellville Recreation and Parks Department will begin selling individual pool passes for M.J. Hickey Pool beginning May 1. Individual passes are available at $75 per pass.

Reservations for private pool parties will also begin on May 1. Available times are Monday through Thursday, 8-10 p.m.; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 7-10 p.m., and Saturday, 9-11 a.m.

Costs are $50 per hour pool rental plus $12.50 per hour per lifeguard. Number of guards based on attendance: 1-50, two guards; 50-200, three guards, and 200 or more, four guards.

Passes may be purchased or reservations made at Hughes Community Center, 1000 East Parkway between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call (479) 968-1272.

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Children’s Bike Rally May 5

Lake Dardanelle State Park will be hosting a bicycle rally as part of the annual Resource Rendezvous event. The bicycle rally will be held May 5, for ages 2-13.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. Race starts at 10 a.m. There is no entry fee.

Participants must register, either before the event at the State Park visitor center (Russellville site) or the morning of at the registration table. Helmets are required. A limited number of helmets will be available that can be borrowed, said park staff.

There are three age divisions: ages 2-6 with training wheels, ages 6-9 without training wheels, and ages 10-13 (without training wheels). The older division will have trivia challenges to complete as part of the race. Prizes will be awarded after all races are completed. A free lunch will follow for all participants.

Lake Dardanelle State Park is one of the 52 state parks administered by the State Parks Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. The park offers two areas on 34,300-acre Lake Dardanelle.

The Russellville (main park) and Dardanelle locations both offer camping, marinas, launch ramps, standard pavilions, picnic sites, restrooms, and bathhouses. Along with the visitor center and fishing tournament weigh-in pavilion, the Russellville area offers a barrier-free fishing pier and nature trail. Year-round interpretive programs are offered at the Russellville area.

For more information about the Bicycle Rally or other park events contact the park at (479) 967-5516, or visit ArkansasStateParks. com or AdventureStateParks.com.

Auditions, Musical Date Set

River Valley Arts Center and Russellville School District have announced the spectacular theater production of “Peter Pan,” J.M. Barrie’s classic story, will be performed in the new state-of-theart The Center for the Arts for a limited six-performance engagement beginning Friday, June 22. >>

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”We are thrilled to be working with Russellville School District and bringing The Center’s first dazzling flying sequences.

We are excited to bring this extraordinary experience featuring local talent and epic music with live orchestration to the River Valley,” said Betty LaGrone, Arts Center executive director.

Auditions will be held in the Black Box Theater, located in The Center for the Arts, at Russellville High School beginning at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 30, and Thursday, May 3 with call-backs on Friday, May 4.

Auditions are open to interested persons of any age and there are no pre-preparations required. Rehearsals begin Monday, May 21, and continue nightly (except Fridays) through performance time.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 22-23, and 29-30. Matinees at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 24 and July 1.

Along with the flying sequences, one of the most striking elements of this new production is the setting in which it will be presented. The Center for the Arts, is a 1,900 seat newly-opened theater built on the campus of Russellville High School for the benefit of the school and the community.

“The Arts Center is thrilled to be able to bring such a fabulous family- oriented production. This outstanding facility allows us the opportunity to showcase the impressive talent of local actors. It also gives even the very young actors and those in the audience an exciting and thrilling event they will remember forever,” said Emory Molitor, president of the Arts Center Board of Directors.

For additional information, contact the River Valley Arts Center, 1001 East B Street, Russellville, call (479) 968.2452 or visit www.arvartscenter.com.

Community pARTy in the Park Rogue Infusion Tribal Belly Dance Troupe, This year’s pARTy in the Park Community Festival sponsored by River Valley Arts Center, Russellville Department of Parks and Recreation and River Valley Prevention Coalition once again offered a day full of fun, entertainment, visual excitement and special activities for all ages and abilities according to festival organizers.

The event was held Saturday, April 28, at Russellville City Park, the Arts Center and Hughes Community Center. Estimated attendance has been upwards of 5,000 throughout the day.

Entertainers included the Mirage Middle Eastern Belly Dance Troupe,

River Valley Martial Arts, the Arkansas Scottish Country Dance Society, Dance with Joy Studio and Remnant Christian Dance Team.

Art displays, demonstrations and at least a dozen free crafts, Bingo, games and activities were available. Food vendors, ticketed fun inflatables and live pony rides, fingerprinting, pet adoptions and viewings of emergency vehicles provided something for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to entertainment, this event provided an excellent opportunity for businesses and non-profits to advertise their goods and services through booths and exhibits. n

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May 2012 | ABOUT 35

about | engagements

Save the Date!

~ June 30 ~

Calendar listings of engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements on the pages of each issue of ABOUT … the 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.)

Kallie Gangluff and Ben Miller Samantha Lee Rial and John Jackson Guerra

~ July 7 ~

~ May 5 ~

~ June 2 ~

Sarah Griffin and Shane Floyd April Hudson and Clayton Glover Lindsey Lee and Scotty Shepherd

Derek Mosher and Christy Carter Brittany Osborne and Joseph Epperson

Kristi Anderson and Matt Goodson Kendra Brixey and Troy Zellers

~ July 21 ~

~ May 12 ~

~ June 9 ~ Whitney Blackwell and Kenneth Holloway Jamie Sterrenberg and Austin Glover Alma Worrell and Jeremy Pearson

Taylor Barrick and Thomas Franklin Lisa Horan and Jacob Smith Blake Geurin-Singleton and Jonathan Phillips

~ May 19 ~ Kayla Cleveland and Ty Osborne Kourtney McBride and Tyler Connell

~ May 26 ~ Mary Buford and Wes Corkins Kelsey Melder and Josh Stroud

~ June 2 ~ Morgan Black and Christopher Lomax Courtney Coffman and Kris Kendrick Lauren McGoogan and Charles “Chuck” Labuda

Jessica Hall and Blake Walters Keshia Riley and Cameron May

~ July 28 ~ Lauren Davis and Degen Clow

~ June 16 ~ Jeremy Barlow and Kay Turner Bayley Hepp and Lucas Cox Tosha Henderson and Nicholas Cain Kristen Osborne and JD Henderson Katherine Turner and Jeremy Barlow

~ September 1 ~ Kristen McBride and Chris Cooper

~ September 15 ~ Piper Vaughn and Liam Thornell

~ September 22 ~

~ June 22 ~

Jessica George and Jamie Vernon

Brittany Helms and Andrew Smith

~ October 20 ~

~ June 23 ~ Molly Bishop and Austin Myers Kelli Cole and Zach Moore

Rachel Enderlin and Daniel Hunt

~ October 27 ~ Christa Smith and Blane Bartlett

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 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) 970-6628. *Digital files are accepted and will be published upon receipt of payment.

Visit ABOUT’s new and improved website today!

• Wedding & Engagement forms online • See who is in this month’s issue • Browse information from past issues • Learn how to Advertise in ABOUT • Up-To-Date Event Calendar • Subscribe Online via PayPal!

www.aboutrvmag.com 36 ABOUT | May 2012

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Anderson, Goodson to Wed

Carter, Mosher to Wed

Edward and Marla Anderson of Clarksville are pleased to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Kristi Kathleen, to Matthew Todd Goodson, son of Mike and Mary Lou Goodson of Russellville.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Dale Anderson of St. Joseph, Mo., the late Nancy Anderson Maltsbarger and Elsie Tornholm of Red Oak, Iowa, and the late Leonard Tornholm. She graduated cum laude from the University of Arkansas with a degree in biochemistry and is currently a first year medical student at UAMS in Little Rock.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Patrick Henry O’Neal of Fayetteville, the late Norma Jean O’Neal, and Jo and John Tuck and Ed and Louise Goodson of Texarkana, Texas. He will graduate from the U of A in May with a degree in business finance.

The wedding is planned for 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at Victory Baptist Church in Russellville.

A reception will follow. Friends and relatives are invited to attend.

Ricky and Cathy Carter of Leslie, along with Steve and Natalie Mosher of London, announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their children, Christy Nicole Carter and Derek Steven Mosher.

The wedding is planned for 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, 2012, at Flat Rock Baptist Church.

The bride will be escorted by her father, Ricky Carter. Kelly Schneider of Russellville will serve as matron of honor. Brittany Anderson of Ravenden Springs and Sarah Carter of Marshall will be the bridesmaids. Jaycee Carter will serve as flower girl.

Jared Mosher of London, brother of the groom, will serve as best man.

Wyatt Mosher and Colte Mosher, both of London and brothers of the groom, will be the groomsmen.

Following the wedding, the couple will make their home in London. The bride-to-be has an accounting degree from Arkansas Tech University and the groom-elect is an operator at Arkansas Nuclear One. Friends and family are invited to attend the June 3rd ceremony.

Photo by Tim Carr Photography

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2012 SCHEDULE

BALTIC TREASURES LUXURY CRUISE: June 8-19, 2012 (12-Day Tour) Onboard the Nautica, experience the pinnacle of intimate, luxury cruising as you visit Copenhagen, Berlin, Ronne, Gdansk, Visby, Riga, Tallinn, St. Petersberg, Helsinki and Stockholm.

BEST OF EASTERN CANADA: Aug. 12-20, 2012 (9-Day Tour) Travel from Ottawa to Toronto aboard VIA Railway. Enjoy old world elegance of Quebec City to the magnificence of Niagara Falls. Other highlights: Montreal, St. Joseph’s Oratory.

NEW YORK CITY HOLIDAY: 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.

UPCOMING 2013 TRIPS PERU: January 2013 IRELAND’S COSTAL TREASURES: April 2013 TRAINS, WINERIES & TREASURES OF NO. CALIFORNIA: July 14-22, 2013 MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE: October 2013 UPDATED PASSPORTS REQUIRED ON TRIPS OUTSIDE OF THE USA!

Tech Travel

Alumni and Friends of Arkansas Tech www.atu.edu/travel

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

May 2012 | ABOUT 37

about | health

Saint Mary’s celebrates an auxiliary in action

For the past 38 years, the members of Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center’s Volunteer Auxiliary have focused on service above self.

Like their counterparts around the country, they make up an irreplaceable force.

During National Healthcare Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 15 – 21, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center would like to thank the nearly 65 men and women of the volunteer Auxiliary for their outstanding dedication and contributions that make a difference each day in the lives of patients and guests.

This year’s national appreciation theme is “Volunteers: A World of Diversity…One Purpose,” which perfectly reflects the multifaceted role of volunteers within the country’s healthcare network, and right here in the River Valley.

The Saint Mary’s Volunteer Auxiliary is an energetic and active mix of men and women; youths and senior citizens; working and retired; married, single, widowed; and those of different race, religion, and socio-economic background.

And the duties they perform are as diverse as the members themselves. On any given day, Saint Mary’s volunteers can be found assisting throughout the hospital. Whether they’re helping visitors and families in high-visibility areas such as the Information Desk or various waiting areas; assisting with behind-the-scenes tasks; running specimens to the lab; delivering flowers; or escorting a new mother and baby to the front door, each volunteer plays a vital part in delivering

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FOR SALE $400 (479) 968-1176 38 ABOUT | May 2012

quality patient care and strengthening the community’s trust in its hospital.

“This annual springtime recognition is well-deserved,” said hospital CEO Donnie Frederic. “Without this auxiliary, we could not accomplish what we do at Saint Mary’s. Our volunteers’ goodwill, energy, and abilities make a big difference in the achievement of our mission, and we applaud their dedication and all they do for this hospital and the River Valley community.

“Each year, our hospital invests and moves forward in technologies and medical techniques,” he continued, “but these advancements cannot replace the value of the human touch. Our volunteers are here to welcome our guests, comfort our patients, and support our staff – because they care and want to give back. They are a constant in the ever-changing frontier of healthcare, and for all of these things we want to show our gratitude and honor them.”

During the week, Saint Mary’s volunteers will be treated to a variety of sweets and other treats made by employees from various departments throughout the hospital.

If you are looking to do something good for others – and yourself, volunteering at

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Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center may be just what you need.

Studies show that volunteerism boosts the mental, emotional and physical health of those who volunteer. Older volunteers in particular are seeing significant benefits.

Research has concluded that most volunteers enjoy greater mental awareness, improved social connectedness, and a renewed sense of purpose. And relationships created through volunteerism may also buffer stress and reduce depression.

Benefits of volunteerism extend across all generations. Studies also show that students who volunteer enhance their skills, increase self-esteem, develop empathy for others, and interact with like-minded peers.

When young people serve as volunteers, they are more likely to continue the practice into adulthood.

Saint Mary’s is always looking for people to join its energetic and enthusiastic Volunteer Auxiliary. Applications are available at the hospital’s switchboard office near the main entrance, or can be downloaded at www.saintmarysregional.com. Additional information can be obtained by calling 479968-2841, ext. 0. n

BIG SAVINGS

Amber Smith

(479) 968-1932 • 2410 E. Parkway Dr., Ste. 4 Insurance and coverages subject to terms, qualifications and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, Illinois © 2010 Allstate Insurance Company.

May 2012 | ABOUT 39

Touch Lives, Not Tissue.

Advanced Cancer Treatment at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center brings IGRT Technology – the world’s most advanced radiation therapy treatment approach – to the River Valley.

Unlike other radiation treatment systems, this breakthrough technology allows physicians to actually see tumors at the time of treatment – saving patients time and preserving healthy tissue.

With IGRT, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center is providing physicians with confidence, and patients with hope.

Darrell Speed, M.D.

Thomas Sneed, M.D.

479-964-5999 • saintmarysregional.com