ABOUT | May 2017

A Fulfilled life

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley May 2017

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RUSSELLVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Class of 2017 Congratulations to our graduates Russellville School District is very proud of the hard work and accomplishments of this year’s graduating class.

Out of the 339 students graduating this year, approximately 82 percent of RHS seniors will attend a four-year or two-year college.

Graduation is a time to commemorate your achievements, anticipate future opportunities, and embrace a world of infinite possibilities. RSD wishes all of our graduates the best as they embark on the beginning of a bright future.

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

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M AY 2 0 1 7 E D I T I O N

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8 Full house & fulfilled life

Lori Johnson surveyed the concerned eyes of doctors seated around her. An intimidating experience to be certain, this midwife with a high school education knew she could not give up. Her six-month-old daughter’s life lay in the balance.

14 I think I’ve got it

16 Block and Roll

“The first thing we teach you is how to fall,” Erin Clair says as the women strap on wrist guards, pull on a couple of knee pads and lace their skates up tight. Erin is the coach and member of the Russellville Roller Girls. You can catch the women who make up the team practicing on an old tennis court twice a week at Merritt Park in Dardanelle.

26 Gotta have a Whatta

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

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MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

Say yes

Though it’s very nearly summer here in Arkansas, there is an unmistakable spring freshness to the month of May. It’s ushered in by fragrant honeysuckle blooms and of course graduations. Ah, graduations… the crisp promise of something new and exciting. The end of a long, often dark and often arduous journey as its own reward. It’s an invigorating liberation laced with the intoxicating awareness of untapped potential — here is the world, and it can be whatever you make of it.

This awareness was the foundation for one of the best dreams of my life.

Most of my dreams are like a surrealist painting with no narrative, no logic, and I rarely remember them beyond my feet touching the floor. But this one dream has stuck with me and it was a beautiful story. It still elicits the same emotions it did those years ago. It was about my last day of high school. In this dream I fully realized that I had my whole life still in front of me full of untapped promise and untold potential. It’s a feeling I couldn’t recognize during my actual last day of high school. There were too many distractions — a truck, a band, upcoming college, a girl. But, man, if only I could have understood where I was and what it meant, and let that once in a lifetime moment wash over me for at least a few moments. I’m lucky the dream came along, and I’m lucky that I can revisit it on occasion to experience the deliciousness in a weirdly vicarious way.

But all that promise and potential doesn’t get anything accomplished. Looking back over the decades with a critical eye, the pivotal moments happened only after channelling the will to act. To put a finer point on it, my regrets stem mostly from what I did NOT do. Maybe that’s why I have a difficult time saying “no.” Who knows what opportunity and adventures I would’ve missed had I said “no?” Now I didn’t say to not think things through. Be smart about it, and sure, it sometimes leads to a lot of work for not much return. Sometimes it is a mistake. But this happens less often than you’d imagine So during this time of unsolicited guidance, when great heaps of advice both good and bad are piled on you beaming youngsters who have no idea about what truly awaits, let me offer yet another bit of counsel — savor this unique moment of your life. And say “yes.”

Johnny Carrol Sain, Editor johnny@aboutrvmag.com

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley since 2006 A Publication of One14 Productions, Inc Vol. XII, Issue 4 – May 2017

DIANNE EDWARDS | founding editor JOHNNY CARROL SAIN | managing editor johnny@aboutrvmag.com LIZ CHRISMAN | photography editor lizchrismanphoto@gmail.com BENITA DREW | advertising benita@aboutrvmag.com CHRISTINE SAIN | advertising christine@aboutrvmag.com MIKE QUAIN | creative content producer mike@aboutrvmag.com MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS | freelance meredith@aboutrvmag.com SARAH CHENAULT | freelance sarah@aboutrvmag.com LYDIA ZIMMERMAN | columnist lydia@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@aboutrvmag.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com

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

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

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

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS: MAY 2017 May 3 — Lake Dardanelle Cruise at Lake Dardanelle State Park from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the state park tour boat (weather permitting).

Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley throughout this 1-hour cruise. There is no fee for the tour, but space is limited. You must register for the tour. Call 967-5516 to register for a seat. Boarding begins15 minutes before the tour at the boat dock near the south boat ramp. Admission is free. Meet at the weigh-in pavilion May 5 — River Valley Chocolate Extravaganza at the Russellville Boys & Girls Club from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. A $5 donation gets you all the chocolate you can imagine. For more information contact the River Valley Prevention Coalition through their Facebook page.

May 9 — Zika Preparedness Seminar. The Arkansas Department of Health Northwest Region will conduct a Zika Preparedness Seminar at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute Show Barn Hall on Petit Jean Mountain from 9:30 a.m.- 2:30pm. County judges, emergency management personnel, hospital/healthcare coalitions, women’s health providers, cooperative extensions, volunteer groups, and vector control organizations from the following counties are encouraged to attend: Scott, Logan, Yell, Franklin, Johnson, Pope, Conway, Van Buren, and Searcy. There will be no charge for this seminar and lunch will be provided. Please register for this event with the following link. https://www.

ABOUT...the River Valley

eventbrite.com/e/zika-regional-preparedness-seminar-registration-32699577316.

For more information contact 747-8650.

May 10 — The Russellville Symphony Guild will hold their annual Membership Brunch at the home of Mrs. Cynthia Blanchard, at 202 E. Shore Dr. in Russellville. The event begins at 11:00. The brunch serves as an opportunity for individuals to join the Guild, and to support their role in promoting music in our schools, and to sponsor music scholarships. One year memberships may be paid at the brunch, or the $20.000 may be mailed to treasurer Judy Murphy at 126 Lakeview Circle, Russellville, AR 72802. For more info call board member Judy Murphy at 967-1177.

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*Unless otherwise indicated, all area codes are 479. To have your event included in the ABOUT Calendar of Events, email: editor@aboutrvmag.com or fax to (479) 219-5031. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication.

May 12 — Light the Night 5k Run/Walk at the Downtown Russellville Depot from 7-10 p.m. Charitable event with 100 percent of all proceeds going to CASA of the 5th Judicial District. Prices: $25 for 14 and up for 5k, $10 for children 13 and under for the 1k, $20 for virtual runners Prices go up April 30th for 5k and virtual runners by $5. Registration opens at 6 p.m. Kids run at 7 p.m. Glow Contest at 7:30 p.m. (immediately after kids run) 5k 8pm. For more information contact 880-1195.

May 13 — Making a Positive for Pediatric Stroke at the Downtown Russellville Depot at 9 p.m. Live entertainment by Unplugged for a Reason, bounce houses provided by the Journey Church, and Equestrian Zone will have a booth for information regarding the benefits of hippotherapy, purple ribbon face painting, etc. Wear purple and for Pediatric Stroke Awareness. For more information go to www.bellaflies.org.

May 13 — Arkansas Heritage Day at Petit Jean State Park from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. Discover the state’s rich heritage in Arkansas’s first state Park. From Native American Indian life to the era of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Petit Jean State Park is a place rich with the influence of the past. Admission is free. For more information contact 502 -727-5441

May 27 — 100th Anniversary Russellville Depot Celebration - Reunion ‘Round the Rails. For more information contact 9671437.

May 24 — River Valley Health Expo at the Hughes Center in Russellville from 8 a.m.-1p.m. Info Booths. Door Prizes. Free Health Screenings. Free Admission. For more information contact 970-0551.

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8 8 ABOUT ABOUTthe theRIVER RIVERVALLEY VALLEY ~ ~ MAY MAY2017 2017

Full house & fulfilled life

L

Story by JILL MCSHEEHY | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

Lori Johnson surveyed the concerned eyes of doctors seated around her. An intimidating experience to be certain, this midwife with a high school education knew she could

not give up. Her six-month-old daughter’s

life lay in the balance.

She knew when she started the process of adopting this

Chinese baby that something was terribly wrong. No one could say for certain the baby would live. The infant had no muscle

tone, and her breathing was irregular. One night she aspirated on her milk and her lungs collapsed. Lori rushed her to the emergency room and the hospital admitted her immediately.

During the next three months and multiple trips to the hospital, the baby was placed on a ventilator twice. Test results made it clear that for the baby to survive she must have a tracheostomy and remain on a ventilator indefinitely.

One physician began talking to Lori about the baby’s quality of life. Even in the unlikely event the infant lived into her teens, he asked Lori, “What kind of life would that be?”

But Lori knew in her momma’s heart that she couldn’t give up on baby Estie. “Every person has value and deserves life!”

MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

9

A Passion Stirring

Opening Doors

Advocating on behalf of special needs children has become the fire in Lori’s blood over the last three decades. Having adopted 28 children – plus raising four biological children – Lori and her husband Willie have poured their lives into giving hope to the hopeless and voice to the voiceless.

Lori and Willie didn’t begin their marriage with plans to raise almost three dozen children.

Early in their marriage, with a preschooler, toddler, and an infant, Willie and Lorie relocated from Minnesota to Lamar. Willie started a chimney sweep business, and Lori volunteered at the local La Leche League. Driven by a passion to help women and babies, she and a few other women eventually launched the Pregnancy Crisis Center in Clarksville in 1982.

While volunteering at the Pregnancy Crisis Center, teaching childbirth classes and training as a midwife, she couldn’t shake the heavy burden on her heart. It was a burden so great she described it in the most vivid of words: “I felt like I had blood on my hands.” As a Jewish Christian, she began praying, “What can I do, God?” Meanwhile, her husband felt some unsettling of his own. While driving a school bus for the kids with disabilities he told Lori he thought they would one day work with special needs children.

In time, Lori and Willie began thinking about adoption, but as a low-income family, it wasn’t a feasible option.

One day she saw an advertisement asking for people to adopt special needs children. “Pictured was a cute little boy with spina bifida, and I knew immediately what we needed to do,” Lori recalls. She made calls, completed a home study (a requirement for adoption), and took classes. Though they weren’t matched with the boy that captured her heart in the picture, they were matched with a 15-month-old boy named Daniel.

Daniel, it turned out, had developmental delays and severe behavior problems. But despite the challenges, about five years later after also having her fourth biological child, Lori’s heart began to stir to adopt again. Lori and Willie waited for a year without a call and then decided to reach out further than the state of Arkansas.

Eventually, she received a call about a two-year-old African-American boy with cerebral palsy named Kyle. Kyle could not talk, walk, or sit up. “But,” Lori smiles, “Kyle was delightful. Having him was such a healing experience after the challenges with Daniel.”

Growing Family Soon Lori and Willie joined the Adopt America Network and began volunteering in the state of Arkansas to help other families match with children in need. Through this connection, she heard

“Even in the pain I find joy . . . acting on the passion God has given me to help find homes for the weakest and the most unwanted. “

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

about children needing forever homes. Partially because of her experience adopting Kyle, she felt led to adopt another child with special needs. The cycle continued. “I don’t know how many times we said we were done; I even told our adoption worker to destroy our home study. Then I would find out about another child who needed a home and the passion would stir again. We never put a number on it,” said Lori.

One of those children was a 13-year-old girl named Grace.

Born with spina bifida and paralyzed in both legs, Grace lived in an orphanage in China for most of her life. But when the Johnsons adopted her, she excelled in life and in school eventually becoming an honor student. “I had never been to a National Honor Society meeting before,” Grace grinned.

In junior high, Grace started playing the flute. When she entered high school this wheelchair-bound second-chair flutist set her ambitions on participating in the marching band. Through Grace’s dedication and Lori’s active advocacy on her behalf, Grace secured her place in the Russellville High School marching band.

Lori’s face lights up when she talks about her children. People some may see as a burden, she sees as a delight. “They are so much fun. They have no inhibitions,” she chuckles.

The Question Everyone Asks When asked about the sheer work of raising these children, Lori almost shrugs off the question. But how do they do it all?

“We have lots of helpers,” she’s quick to say. From her biological children — now adults — who work for her to the nurses who come in to help with some of the children, Lori and Willie coordinate with many people who help. The older kids and those who can also pitch in. “The kids help the other kids. They make their own lunches. Most do their own bathing.” >> MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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“I wish people would understand that kids with special needs are just kids. They have the same feelings as everyone else.

Day to Day Living Lori and Willie’s days begin at 5 a.m., when they each help specific children get ready for school. Then two helpers arrive at 6 a.m.

While the children are at school, Lori finds her days filled with scheduling appointments and taking them to doctors’ offices. “It’s constant advocacy on behalf of your child, fighting for them to qualify for this service or that. There’s hours of sitting at doctors’ offices, lots of waiting.”

One child must routinely travel to Delaware for a specific surgery. Much planning is involved for travel but also in making sure everyone else at home is taken care of.

“Summer is also a challenge,” Lori says with a laugh. “It is hard to find affordable activities for the children. One trip to CiCi’s costs over $100.” They do take advantage of free community events and activities designed for special needs children.

The other challenge is transportation. “We’ve outgrown our shuttle bus,” she chuckles, and adds that when the family travels 12

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

together her husband drives the shuttle bus and she drives the 15-passenger van.

Last summer their family took the trip of a lifetime to Disney World thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, which could be another story on its own.

What She Wishes Others Knew When asked what she wished the community knew about children with special needs, her lighthearted tone grows serious.

“I wish people would understand that kids with special needs are just kids. They have the same feelings as everyone else. One year we threw a birthday party for one daughter and nobody from her class came. We won’t make that mistake again. Now we just do family parties.”

When referring to the children who are unable to walk, she says, “Most people just see the wheelchair, but I wish they would look past it and see the person.”

A Hard but Most Satisfying Way of Life The interest and support for adoption in the past few years hasn’t escaped Lori’s notice. “More families are choosing to foster and adopt,” said Lori, and this thrills her.

Still, she shares from her experience. “Adoption is not easy. You have to be prepared to change your lifestyle. And there are sorrows like we’ve never known.” Lori points out that they have lost children, including her biological daughter. “Sometimes I get envious of people who choose a more simple life or so-called normal life, never having to face the tragedies we have by opening our lives to the broken and unwanted. But even in the pain I find joy, watching my children grow and seeing their accomplishments both big and small, and acting on the passion God has given me to help to find homes for the weakest and the most unwanted.

Those sorrows are more likely with children with special needs. But there’s also so much joy. I could not be more fulfilled.”

Estie, the baby Lori fought for in the tenuous earliest months of her life, is now a ninth-grader at Russellville Junior High, and she still requires a ventilator part of the day. Lori continues to research on behalf of her daughter in hopes of someday finding a cure for Estie’s undiagnosed condition. But amid the uncertainty of her illness, Estie thrives and is a motivational speaker even at her young age.

Through the highs and lows of this unique lifestyle caring for special needs children, Lori and Willie both insist they wouldn’t have it any other way. “I can’t imagine my life being satisfying without these kids.” l

s ’ r e n Din Us!

n O

We, at Friendship, appreciate the Johnson family and their willingness to open their hearts and home to serve individuals with disabilities and provide them with a home environment.

It will be our honor to deliver a complete evening meal for everyone in the house on the evening of their choice.

Just give us a call!!!

“In 2016 she was chosen as 1st chair in the All Region Jr. High Choir. In 2017 she was chosen out of 4,400 applicants from all 50 states to be part of the National American Choral Directors Association Choir, where she traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota to perform with students from across the country. I highly recommend RVMC to anyone looking to improve their musical skills! We are truly blessed to have found them!"

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479-747-1693

MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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EVERY DAY LIFE

ABOUT...the River Valley

I think I’ve got it Story by SARAH CHENAULT Illustration by CLIFF THOMAS

Warmer temperatures and clear skies always prompt a more adventurous spirit in most folks. One fine Saturday afternoon in May, my friend Crissy called me and asked if I wanted to go with her to test drive a car she was thinking about buying.

I happily agreed. Along the way to the dealership she told me about the car she wanted to buy and all its fancy features.

She was most excited about the Bluetooth and wireless features the car boasted along with all sorts of bells and whistles I would never know how to use.

We arrived at the dealership in the middle of the afternoon and were immediately besieged by salesmen and their glossyteeth smiles. My friend explained the reason for our visit and requested to test drive the car she had her sights set on. A salesman stepped forward and introduced himself then went about getting the keys to the car. A few minutes later, Crissy was handed the keys.

She was so excited as we approached the vehicle. She looked at the car from all directions before she even unlocked the car doors. “Are you going to let us sit in it too or just look at it all day?” I teased my friend. “Oh! Sorry I forgot to unlock the doors! I'm so excited!”

She clicked a button on the key fob and the I heard the doors unlock. We both hopped inside and starting perusing through all of the car’s features. She ran her hands over all of the buttons and knobs on the dash, skimming her fingers across some that she was impressed with.

Crissy was so caught up with admiring the interior of the car that she hadn't even thought to actually start it. I watched her with a grin while she touched all the buttons on the steering wheel. I picked up the key fob she had thrown into the cup holder, and leaned over to put the key in 14

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

the ignition. Just as I heard the engine start, I saw my earring fall and watched as it slid down into a small console beneath the fancy dashboard of lights and knobs.

“Oh no! My earring!” I opened the console and couldn't see it. I tried reaching my hand down in the tiny compartment, but it wouldn't fit.

“Oh well, I'll get it out after we test drive the car. Don't let me forget it!” I said. My friend assured me she would not let me forget, and she excitedly pulled the car out of the parking lot.

We had a fantastic time zooming around in the car! Crissy seemed to know how every knob and button functioned and was eager to try them all. We took the car on the highway, around tight curves and made sudden stops, trying out every safety feature as well. She turned back on the road and started heading toward the dealership.

As we turned into the parking lot of the car dealership, she reminded me of my lost earring. “Thank for reminding me! I had already forgotten!”

I opened the small console and fished around for my earring. I thought I felt the post but just couldn't get a good hold on it.

“Drat! I can't seem to get it. Can you turn the flashlight on your phone on and shine it in here?” I asked.

Crissy did as I asked and I spotted the earring. But I still couldn't get my hand down in the narrow compartment. “What is this space for anyway? Why would you want to put anything down in here if you can't get it out?” I exclaimed.

“I'm not sure, I'll check the owner’s manual. I'm definitely buying this car!” My friend said excitedly.

With one last bit of determination I shoved my hand down into the console. I instantly felt the hooked post of my earring and grabbed it between my two fingers. “I got it!” I said, and tried to retract my hand.

It wouldn't budge. I pulled again, even harder, and still couldn't get it out.

“Umm… Crissy, we have a problem.”

She glanced down at my hand, squished into the tiny compartment.

“Oh no… I'll go ask the salesman for help!” She hopped out of the car before I could beg her not to.

“Surely I can get this out!” I said to myself. I tugged on my hand several times, to no avail. Crissy and the salesman walked back over the car.

She opened the driver’s side door.

“See?” She said, in a tone that implied he hadn't believed her. The salesmen looked at me, then my hand, then back to me.

“Hmm… I've never had this happen

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before. Let me go check with the service department and see if I can find something to slip that right out of there!” I looked down at the floor mats with a red face.

He returned just moments later with some sort of oily substance, applied a bit to the sides of my hand that weren't jammed into the most inconvenient console ever. I pulled back on my arm one more time and my hand easily slid free.

“Thank goodness!!” I said with relief. I looked at my new newly liberated hand and at my earring, still clutched in between my fingers and jumped out of the car quickly before I could embarrass myself further.

Crissy and I started walking towards the front door of the dealership, for her to complete her paperwork for purchasing the vehicle.

I turned to the salesman, “By the way, what is that console for? It seems terribly narrow!” I said, looking down at my hand, which was still bearing red marks from being squished into the compartment.

“It's for sunglasses!” He said.

“Ohhhhhh…” Crissy and I said in unison. l MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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photos by liz chrisman story by karen ricketts 1616 ABOUT ABOUTthe theRIVER RIVERVALLEY VALLEY ~ ~ MAY MAY2017 2017

“The first thing we teach you is how to fall,” Erin Clair says as the women strap on wrist guards, pull on a couple of knee pads, lace their skates up tight, quickly clip on a helmet and start practice with a couple of warm up laps before doing a series of modified exercises.

Erin is the coach and a member

of the Russellville Roller Girls.

You can catch the women who make up the team practicing on an old tennis court twice a week at Merritt Park in Dardanelle.

“We put music on and it’s the hardest workout there is. There is no denying that,” Erin says.

“The first six months to a year, everything hurts until your body adjusts to it. It’s going to up your fitness level in someway no matter what shape or size you are. But it’s going to do it in a way that’s fun and you forget the stress of the rest of your life during that time.”

MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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ROLLER DERBY IS NOT YOUR AVERAGE SPORT. It’s often categorized as violent but don’t judge too quickly. It’s an international sport that empowers women to be resilient in a society that often times leaves them feeling trampled and beaten down metaphorically and sometimes literally.

Erin says that roller derby is all-inclusive, there isn’t a set body type needed to play.

“If you’re an itty-bitty person, there is a place for you,” Erin says. “If you have a big ole booty, there is a place for you. You use the type of body you have and there is a position for you to use that body in a certain way. That is a beautiful aspect of the sport.”

For Erin, roller derby is more than just knocking down competitors. It’s about empowering women, giving them the confidence to take control of obstacles they might face in their

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

daily life. “They’re in control of what is happening to them, they are in control of who is hitting them and they get up and they hit that person right back,” Erin says. “They learn how to fall down and they learn how to get up immediately. We celebrate how they fall and we celebrate when they get back up.

Being a woman in society, it’s a sense like you’re being crushed and being beaten up and being sad about it. In derby there is a sense of immense power, of being in control and being hit and then hitting back.”

Erin went on to say that the skills and attitude the women learn on the track could be applied to their daily life. “When a woman starts playing derby you see this sense of power that she suddenly has within that situation of her life, being in control, and it transforms her not only on the track but also outside of her life,” Erin says. “That’s the essence of Roller Derby. And that’s why I coach and do it. It’s not really about the competition even though I think it is the coolest sport ever.”

When a woman starts playing derby you see this sense of power that she suddenly has within that situation of her life, being in control, and it transforms her not only on the track but also outside of her life,

Roller derby is definitely a contact sport and mostly played by women. It also has a few strict rules.

The game is played by two teams of five women roller-skating on an oval shaped track. Each player is constantly moving counter-clockwise around the track. The game consists of a series of short two-minute mash ups called jams for two half hour rounds. Each team has a jammer and four blockers.

The jammer scores a point for every blocker of the opposing team she laps. The blockers work together to keep the opposing jammer from passing them, but also help their jammer get through. So in effect each team is playing offense and defense simultaneously.

“It’s like moving chess on wheels,” Erin says.

“When you watch it, it looks like a mess of mass of people. But they have a system. They will be linking arms, throwing each other around trying to maneuver.”

The game begins with both teams lined-up across the track. At the whistle, both jammers break from the pack, and the first to pass through the opposing team’s blockers is the lead jammer. Although, no points are awarded until the second lap.

In roller derby, players can only hit using their hips and shoulders and can only hit from the mid thigh to the shoulder. “If they do an illegal move they have to go take a penalty and sit out,” Erin says. >>

MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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“Let’s say the blocker does something illegal like trips somebody; they will have to sit out for 30 seconds. That puts their team out of a blocker and at a disadvantage. So this is why you don’t want to do things like elbow someone.”

The Russellville Roller Girls follow Women’s Flat Track Derby Association requirements when it comes to game rules and joining the team. The only requirement to join is to be at least 18 years of age. But after following the handful of rules, just about anything goes. “Within those rules it can get intense. You can do cool things like take your jammer, pick her up and throw her over people to get her through. We practice that. We do a thing called an apex jump where you throw the jammer over the corner of the track. She can go over that line as long as she’s in the air, but she can’t get over with her skates.”

Erin added that roller derby requires a lot of focus, especially in keeping balance.

“While you’re playing derby you can’t think of anything else,” Erin says. “If you do someone is going to knock you down. So that’s a good thing because you forget about the stresses of the rest of your day, and that’s going to up your endorphins and make you happy.”

For those that are new to the game, derby can seem a little daunting.

Especially if you haven’t been in skates in years. “We don’t put you in the jamming lines until you are ready. You only get hurt when you can’t control your skates,” Erin says.

Finding time and a proper place to practice in town has made competing a low priority for the Russellville Roller Girls. “Our team is different than say the more hardcore teams in Fayetteville or Little Rock,” Erin says. “First of all, we don’t have a competition track. We play on an old tennis court. You can’t actually compete on it as far as the Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association rules go. It’s too dangerous, even though we scrimmage on it every single week. Why we play and why we do it every week is for what it does for women. Which is why I’ve continued to make it happen year after year even if it’s just me and another girl some weeks.”

The team has looked for alternative spaces with a smooth floor to practice, but there are limited places available that are also affordable for the team. “We tried for a year and half to find an alternative space but it got to be door after door was slammed,” Erin says. “So we were like, well this is free. But it sucks in the summer. It sucks in the winter. It sucks when it rains and there are potholes. But it means we have to train twice as hard because the space is rough so when we do our laps we are working harder than other teams.”

Competing also means time away from home to travel, which isn’t in the cards for all of the team members. “Most of us are mothers and we can’t go and leave our kids and travel across the country,” Erin says. “There are certain women on our team that competing would be really great for them. There are times when we will switch out. There will be a team in Oklahoma and say we are going to do an exchange and we will send some of our members there and they will go play for them, but that’s not necessarily a goal.”

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

For the Russellville Roller Girls it’s more about passion for the sport and having an outrageous amount of fun with teammates.

“It’s more about getting together, empowering other women and we laugh so hard that we almost puke,” Erin says. “Like last night we were taking some pictures and we were like ‘let’s put our legs up’ and I ended up with a skate up my butt. You can’t help but laugh so hard.”

Roller derby allows women to let their hair down and be whatever they feel like without judgment. “We are just like big kids because you get out there and even though we are mostly mothers, you act like you don’t act in the rest of your life because you need to. You let all of that go and no matter how professional you have to be in the rest of your life, it doesn’t matter. This is why you have a separate derby name. It can be as ridiculous as you want. I mean, I never swear around my kids but you can be whatever you want out there and let it all hang out. You can be as asinine as you need to be.

You can laugh, have fun and act a complete fool.”

Erin added that roller derby becomes another form of love within the community and because of that the girls become family, a sisterhood. “They become your sisters. When you’re playing you have to protect each other. You work very much as a team. Whatever happens to them you have to take care of them. You know what’s going on in their personal lives, too. And it’s all different classes. I’m a professor and there’s also waitresses, some are unemployed, there are all different levels of people, and they are going to have all types of life struggles when they come in. One girl was homeless and we found her a place to live. And you can just see on people’s faces what they are struggling with and what they’re not. We take care of each other.”

Anyone interested in roller derby can check out the Facebook page "Russellville Roller Girls" or email Erin at eclair@atu.edu .

Or you can simply show up for practice on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. l

Wishing you all the best this Mother's Day!

1903 South Arkansas (479) 968-3991 MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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COMMUNITY PAGES

ABOUT...the River Valley

ATU creating new support network on campus for veterans

Arkansas Tech University continues to raise the bar in its outreach to active duty personnel, veterans and their families from the United States armed services.

Through its Office of Veteran Services, ATU assisted more than 450 students seeking military-related benefits during the fall 2016 semester alone.

In an effort to take service for that population to another level, the ATU Office of Veteran Services is developing a new Green Zone project. The initiative, believed to be the first of its kind in Arkansas, will provide faculty and staff with training that will better prepare them to serve the needs of military-affiliated students.

“We strive to serve our students as effectively as possible,” said Marsha Oels, coordinator of veteran services at Arkansas Tech. “Doing research and learning more about this program has been exciting

because of its potential impact. Programs such as this will not only be of great assistance to our military-affiliated students but to our entire campus community.”

Graduate assistant Alan Parsons is assisting in the development of Green Zone training at ATU. He has reached out to colleagues at East Carolina University, the University of Texas-Dallas and the University of Memphis to learn more about similar efforts on their campuses.

Parsons also traveled to a conference Feb. 9-11 in Washington, D.C., that allowed him to learn more and gather additional Green Zone resources.

Oels, Parsons and fellow ATU Office of Veteran Services staff member Shelly Hall

continued their development of the program in March by attending a Green Zone campus training at UT-Dallas.

Next steps will include training a small core group of identified faculty and staff members at ATU who can serve as trainers when Green Zone is fully active on campus in fall 2017.

Grant funding has played a key role in allowing Office of Veteran Services staff members to pursue the Green Zone program. Through the efforts of ATU alumnus and Hall of Distinction member Gen. Bill Harmon, the ATU Foundation received a $1,000 grant from an anonymous foundation to help offset the cost of conference attendance.

No matter your business size or needs, ASI can help.

Networking, server administration, IT consulting, accounting systems, structured wiring, we service it all, and more. With over 20 years of service to the Arkansas River Valley, we’re prepared to help you with all your computer needs. From design to setup, to installation and beyond, ASI is here for you.

www.asitechnology.com 22

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

479.880.2005

220 EAST 4TH STREET, RUSSELLVILLE

PICKLEFEST PAGEANT MAY 13

This year’s annual Picklefest Pageants will be held May 13 at the Atkins High School Auditorium at 3 p.m. The pageant will be open to boys ages 0 and up; and girls ages 0-12 months, 13-23 months, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-16 and 17-20 years(single) as well as a Ms. division for ladies ages 21- up (married, divorced, single). Entry fee is $25 and attire is casual wear only.

For more information and entry forms contact Amanda at 518-6110 or email picklefestpageant@yahoo.com.

Entry forms are available at www.peopleforabetteratkins.org All entries must be postmarked by May 5. The event is sponsored by People for a Better Atkins and held in conjunction with the Atkins Picklefest May 19-20.

ARKANSAS SCHOLARS RECOGNIZED

On April 10th The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, Russellville High School, and their partners honored 63 RHS Seniors who are distinguished as Arkansas Scholars.

The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce started the Arkansas Scholars program in the 1998-99 school year. It is a program of the Arkansas Business and Education Alliance that Chamber of Commerce’s throughout the state participate in.

Arkansas Scholars is a program that recognizes students with outstanding achievement in academics and attendance in 9th12th grades. The program is presented to all 9th grade students at Russellville Junior High by area business leaders that serve

on the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee. Criteria for Arkansas Scholars includes: maintaining a 95 percent attendance rate and a C average or above in ninth through twelfth grades, completing their high school career in eight consecutive semesters, and taking the core curriculum to graduate. The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce encourages local businesses to let the Arkansas Scholar distinction be the deciding factor in employment when all other credentials and qualifications are equal.

Business Partners for the banquet were: Centennial Bank, Textbook Brokers, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Harvel, Vista Place Apartments, Rose Drug Store, Arkansas Tech University, City Corporation, Lifetouch, Sorrells Body Shop, Mahle Engine Components, Arkansas River Valley Heating & Air, Edward Jones- Calvin Henderson, Walmart, Little John Transportation, The Courier, Arkansas Occupational Health, Shoptaw Labahn, and Tyson- Dardanelle. The keynote speaker was Mr. Joe Wilson, Operations Manager at ConAgra Brands. >>

Thank you Mom.

All mothers are working mothers and RPAC salutes you this day and any other.

Neylon S. Pilkington, M.D. | Robin Kirby, M.D.

220 N. Sidney, Russellville www.rpa.clinic 479.498.0858 Open 8am to 5pm Monday thru Friday Saturdays from 9am to 11am MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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The 2017 Arkansas Scholars Recipients are: Bailey, Selby Lee Barker, Joel Allen Bell, David Anthony Campbell, Matthew Robert Campbell, Michael Devoe Cawyer, Renee Marie Chiolino, Paul Deangelio Cloud, Daniel Benjamin Cochran, Hannah Celesta Collins, Brant David, II Collins, Jeremy Alexander Cotton, Makayla Elizabeth Daniels, Deja Kierria Davis, Collin Wade Duran, William Michael Duvall, Aaron Martin Duvall, Summer Raine Duvall, Tyler Scott Escobedo, Elizabeth Ann Garcia, Hillary Daniell’s Geurian, Presley Drake Gove, Dashawn Ray Gray, Ariston Claire Hale, Maebre Lee Harpenau, Ryan Joseph Harrison, Katelyn Renee Higgs, Shannon Rebecca Hughes, Jonathan Dale Jayroe, Mikayla Bethany Johnson, Maliya Grace Jones, Kaley Nicole Keating, Courtney Marie Kelley, Riley Taylor Aaron Kennamore, Charleigh Marie Kilgore, Taylor Mackenzie Kirkland, Ella Kathlein Kirkland, Kaitlyn Norellen Kirtley, Lindsey Michele

(479) 967-5575 3115 E. Main St. Russellville, AR 72802

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

Mateos, Ashley Dennis Meador, Ryan Matthew Meadows, Connor Allen Means, Patricia Andrea Montgomery, Julian Brooke Mullen, William Michael Neagles, Carson Bradley Nguyen, Lyann Thi Nufer, Bheyleigh Renee Nupp, Sylvia Jean Patel, Vatsal Alpeshkumar Rickman, Hannah Grace Rule, Madison Rhea Schaubroeck, Christopher Patrick Skartvedt, Megan Nicole Smith, Logan Renae Streety, Zachary Douglas Lane Taylor, Zeb Andrew Thessing, Carter Scott Tracy, Tyler Grady Van Houtte, Maxim David Vogler, John William Williams, Kalley Elizabeth Williams, Marissa Alene Young, Sydney Kay

JIM ED MCGEE AWARD PRESENTED

Dr. Andrew N. Mason is the recipient of the 2017 Jim Ed McGee Award as the most outstanding graduate student at Arkansas Tech University.

A native of Russellville, Mason was presented with his award during the Arkansas Tech Graduate Council meeting at Tomlinson Hall on Tuesday, April 18.

Mason earned a Master of Science in Business Administration degree from Arkansas Tech in May 2016. He previously earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from ATU in 2010 and a Doctor of

America’s Longest Lasting Pick-ups.

Pharmacy degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2014.

Returning to his alma mater to complete a master’s degree in business allowed Mason to advance in his career and gain a position in pharmacy management with Walmart Neighborhood Market in Bentonville.

“Having the degree helped me stand out and apart from the other people who were applying for the job,” said Mason, son of Beverly and Dr. Kevin Mason of Russellville. “It helped me get a job that I love. What I also like about it is, when you are within the Walmart system, there is so much room for growth. Having this degree will help me move up if and when I am ready for it.”

Dr. Mary B. Gunter, dean of the ATU Graduate College and College of Education, presented Mason with his award.

Nominees for the Jim Ed McGee Award must have completed their graduate course work with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75.

The award’s namesake --- Dr. Jim Ed McGee --- served as vice president for academic affairs at Arkansas Tech from 1973 until the time of his passing in fall 1992.

His service to Arkansas Tech before attaining the rank of vice president included time as associate professor of education, director of institutional research, director of institutional services and director of development and public relations.

McGee’s wife, Carolyn, assisted in the presentation of the award on Tuesday.

For more information about educational opportunities available through the Arkansas Tech Graduate College, visit www.atu. edu/gradcollege or call (479) 968-0398. l

SAVE Presented By:

Shop: 479-968-9732 • Fax: 479-968-0821 dwane.ahrens@gmail.com 2731 S. Arkansas Ave., Russellville, AR 72802

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THE DATES

June 24th July 29th August 26th 370 LAKE FRONT DRIVE, RUSSELLVILLE • (479) 968-3304 MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

VALLEY VITTLES

ABOUT...the River Valley

Gotta have a Whatta Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN | Story by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN

FELTNER’S WHATTA-BURGER | 1410 N. Arkansas, Russellville

Across the state, Feltner’s WhattaBurger needs no introduction. No preamble is necessary.

If you’ve eaten a Whatta-Burger loaded down with all the extras and a side of onion rings or fries, you know there is nothing comparable. If you’ve never had one, there is no analogy. It tastes nothing like McDonalds or Burger King. It’s not the chain Whataburger founded in Texas. Our WhattaBurger is an icon known far and wide as a “must eat ” restaurant anytime anyone is within a 30-mile radius of its Arkansas Tech University inspired green and gold sign.

There is no telling how many ATU alumni

worked their way through college writing orders on those white paper bags or flipping tasty, flavor-bursting burgers.

And there is no telling how many WhattaCheeseburgers have been devoured over the years by both River Valley residents and hungry travelers. With three sizes to choose from — a single patty and slice of cheese, a double-meat double-cheese, and even a triple-meat triple-cheese— the Whatta-Cheeseburger can satisfy any appetite. Order a large chocolate milkshake to wash it down.

If you gotta have a burger in the River Valley, it’s gotta be a Whatta-Burger. l MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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COUNTERTOP CREATIONS

ABOUT...the River Valley

Baked Salmon with Creamy Avacado Sauce

Protein

Story by LYDIA ZIMMERMAN, Food Editor

R

ecently a friend began the Atkins Diet in hopes of shedding some unwanted pounds She talked it up, saying she had done the diet before and lost a significant amount of weight.

After hearing this I thought I would seriously give it a try. Since I love bread, and am not a big meat eater, when I’ve attempted this diet before I lasted only a day before throwing in the towel.

I began the diet by limiting my carb intake to 20 grams a day. After two weeks of no bread and trying to eat three meals a day (I generally do good to eat two meals a day due to a busy schedule), I have officially gained five pounds. This is mind boggling to me. I’ve mentioned it to others and heard that maybe it’s muscle or water weight gain. Whatever the reason, I’ve decided to give it another two weeks before giving up. In doing so, I researched and found recipes to put on my high-protein/low-carb diet menu. I hope you will try them too.

As always, enjoy!

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

4 small salmon fillets or 2 large fillets (skin removed) ½ lemon salt and pepper to taste avocado sauce 1 large ripe avocado ¼ c chopped cilantro 1 T fresh lime juice 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder Coupons ½ tsp salt milk or water Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a large piece of foil and grease lightly.

Place fillets in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Squeeze the lemon half to drizzle juice over the salmon fillets. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste . Wrap the edges of the foil over the salmon fillets - this helps to keep them moist! Bake for about 15-10 minutes or until flakey and tender.

While salmon is baking, prepare the sauce. Add avocado, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to a blender or food processor and pulse several times. Add milk or water 2-3 tablespoons at a time until mixture reaches a pourable consistency. Chill until ready to serve.

When salmon is fully cooked, drizzle with avocado sauce. If desired, serve salmon with additional chopped cilantro, fresh limes or lemons for squeezing, and rice.

Per serving (per salmon fillet): Carbs 5.3 grams, Protein 23.1 grams.

Recipe courtesy of lecremedelacrumb.com

CHICKEN BREAST WITH MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 c baby bella mushrooms (cremini mushrooms) or button mushrooms 1/2 c diced onions 2 T flour 3/4 c milk 3 T olive oil, divided 2 T chopped fresh thyme leaves 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 tsp kosher or sea salt 1/4 tsp black pepper Using the bottom of a wide jar or glass, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Salt and pepper both sites of each chicken breast.

Place a sauté pan with one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the bottom of the whole pan is coated with the olive oil. Add the chicken breasts. Cook for 1 minute until golden on the bottom. Turn the breasts over and reduce heat to low.

Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid. Cook for 10 minutes (check time). Do not remove the lid while cooking. After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the heat, still covered, and allow to sit for 10 additional minutes.

Make sure there is no pink in the middle of the breasts or that a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F when inserted in the center.

Remove chicken from the pan and set aside, covered to stay warm. Add one tablespoon olive oil and the mushrooms and onions to the pan and increase heat to medium.

Allow mushrooms and onions to cook 5 to 8 minutes until the water releases from the mushrooms and evaporates. Whisk in two tablespoons flour and allow to cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.

Add in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Add a 1/4 cup of milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until thickened. Add another 1/4 of a cup and whisk until thickened. Repeat until all of the sauce has thickened.

Place chicken on serving plate. Pour sauce over the chicken and serve.

Enjoy!

Serving size 1 chicken breast: 8 grams Carbs/35 grams Protein Recipe courtesy of skinnyms.com LOW CARB CASSEROLE 1lb breakfast sausage 11 eggs 2 c chopped cauliflower 1 chopped red bell pepper

¾ lb bacon 1 spoon hot sauce 1 c cheddar cheese Garlic powder Salt and pepper Cook sausage and bacon in a greased pan, in a preheated oven to a desired consistency.

Crumble them into 1 inch pieces.

Steam cauliflower until it’s tender for 5-8 minutes. Then sauté peppers, onions and other vegetables in skillet.

Stir the vegetables together with sausage, bacon and seasonings.

After spreading the above mixture in the pan (9X13), pour beat up eggs in hot sauce and pour onto top of mixture.

Top it up with cheese. Bake the casserole until the cheese has melted.

Approx 12 servings. Per serving: Carbs 6 grams, Protein 35 grams.

Recipe courtesy of stylecraze.com

Your Neighborhood Drugstore • Complete Prescription Services • Drive-Thru Window • Fast Prescription Service • Free Delivery • Easy prescription transfers • Competitive pricing

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

(479) 968-1157 • 715 W. Main, Russellville, AR Serving the River Valley Since 1970 MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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BROCCOLI CRUST PIZZA Broccoli Crust: 1 small head of broccoli (about 2-3 c diced) 2 eggs ¼ c parmesan cheese ¼ c mozzarella cheese ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper Coupons ½ tsp italian seasoning (optional) Toppings ¼ c pizza sauce 1 c cheese veggies (optional) Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (highly recommend) or grease with oil; set aside.

Process the broccoli in a food processor or shred with a cheese grater until the broccoli is the same consistency as rice.

Place broccoli in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 1-2 minute or until it is steamed. Cool for at least one minute then pour broccoli on a clean washcloth and squeeze as much liquid as you can out of the broccoli until you are left with a dry ball of broccoli.

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, eggs, cheeses, and seasoning with a spoon until fully combined. Pour mixture into the pre-lined baking sheet and shape into a pizza crust, ½ inch thick.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Remove from the oven and add the pizza sauce and cheese. At this point feel free to add desired toppings (veggies or meat). Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

until the cheese is fully melted. Cool for at least 5 minutes before cutting.

Makes 4 servings. Per serving of crust alone (pre toppings): Carbs 5.9 grams, Protein 9.6 grams.

Recipe courtesy of gimmedelicious.com SLOW COOKER PEPPERONI AND CHICKEN 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts salt, to taste black pepper, to taste 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ½ teaspoon basil ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes 35 turkey pepperonis, sliced in half ½ cup sliced reduced-sodium black olives Place the chicken on the bottom of the slow cooker, and season the tops with salt and pepper, to taste.

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the chicken broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, then pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Next, add the pepperoni and the olives to the slow cooker.

Cover and cook for 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. , or until the chicken falls apart and can be easily shredded.

Shred the chicken in the slow cooker with tongs or 2 forks, and mix it up to absorb the remaining liquid for an additional 30 minutes.

Per 1 cup serving 4 grams Carbs/52 grams Protein Recipe courtesy of womanista.com

For the red onions: 1 c red onions, peeled and thinly sliced 2 T chopped fresh cilantro 1 T lime juice ½ tsp apple cider vinegar pinch of salt 1 tsp granulated sweetener (optional)

PERUVIAN ROASTED CHICKEN AND GREEN SAUCE Serves: 6 servings For the marinade and chicken: 5-6 lb whole raw chicken Coupons 3 T olive oil 2 tsp lime juice 1 tsp lime zest 2 tsp minced fresh garlic ½ tsp onion powder 1 T kosher salt ½ tsp ground black pepper 1 tsp dried oregano 1 T ground paprika 1 T ground cumin For the Green Sauce: 2 jalapeños, seeds removed 2 cloves garlic, peeled ¾ c fresh cilantro, washed 2 T olive oil ⅓ c sugar free mayonnaise 1 T white vinegar ½ tsp kosher salt 2 tsp lime juice 1 tsp lime zest

For the chicken: Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a magic bullet or small food processor and process until a mostly smooth paste.

Rub the paste all over the inside and outside of the chicken, including under the skin of the breast and legs as far as you can reach.

Roast the chicken uncovered at 400 degrees for about 70 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the center of the thigh reads 165 degrees. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before cutting and serving.

For the green sauce: Combine all of the ingredients in a magic bullet or blender and process until smooth.

Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Reuse.

Recycle.

Restyle.

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For the red onions: Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and toss well to coat.

Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

1 thigh - 358 calories, 22g fat, 0g carbs, 36g protein; 1 drum - 233 calories, 12g fat, 0g carbs, 29g protein; 1 breast - 193 calories, 12g fat, 0 carbs, 31g protein; 2 Tbsp green sauce: 133 calories, 16g fat, <1g carbs, 0g protein 2 Tbsp onions: 9 calories, 0g fat, 1g net carbs, 0g protein Recipe courtesy of ibreatheimhungry.com

Kirt Mosley

Interior Design

34 Years Experience Design Work by-the-hour From a Single Room to Your Entire Home or Office For appointments or consultations contact:

(479) 890-1715

or email kirtm1101@hotmail.com MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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COMMUNITY COMMERCE

ABOUT...the River Valley

Russellville Lawn & Landscaping

S

pringtime: the time of year when lawnmowers are awakened and the low drone cuts through the pollen-filled air. This is a busy time of year for lawn care businesses such as Russellville Lawn and Landscape. Being in business for 15 years, Russellville Lawn and Landscape not only produces quality work, but also cultivates personal relationships with it customers in the River Valley.

“We’ve had customers that have been with me the whole time.

It’s all about the customer service. That is what makes us different from the next guy,” Kyle Lamberson said.

Kyle, a Russellville native and family man, bought an existing lawn care business back in 2002 and later bought Green Lawn of Arkansas in 2005. Initially the lawn care company Russellville Lawn & Landscaping only had four employees (479) 967-7439 and ran out of a small shop.

2909 S. Ark. Ave., Russellville Since then, the business has expanded to a larger location and employs twenty people. “I’ve got some real good guys that work for me,” Kyle said. “We have safety meetings, a company cookout each year and an employee of the year to build some pride and things like that.”

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

Story by KAREN RICKETTS

Russellville Lawn and Landscape provides both residential and commercial lawn care and landscaping services. The list of services they provide to River Valley residents is almost limitless.

“We do everything from pressure washing to pulling weeds and even pull dead shrubs and put new ones in,” said Kyle.

Services also include installation of sprinkler systems, laying dirt and sod, as well as design work with flowerbeds. Green Lawn of Arkansas mainly provides chemical fertilization and weed control services.

As the days become warmer, Russellville Lawn and Landscape employees get ahead by prepping customers’ lawn for the hot summer months. “We try to keep the commercial properties looking nice,” Kyle said. “Planting flowers in the spring and the fall, if a tree dies or needs to be replaced we will replace anything really. Right now we are going around hooking up sprinkler systems and getting them ready to go.”

Recent commercial projects for the company included landscaping work at the Russellville High School. “At the high school we planted 60 something trees, placed sod and installed an irrigation system,” Kyle said. “We do all sizes of projects, little to big, whatever people need.” The company’s next big project is the new Russellville Aquatic Center.

But things don’t slow up much during the winter months for Russellville Lawn and Landscaping. Kyle finds ways to keep his staff busy during the cooler months. “In the winter we do Christmas lights for both commercial and residential customers,” Kyle said. “We have people who we’ve hung lights for the past 15 years. It keeps four or five guys busy until we take them down. In January and February we are trimming trees and crepe myrtles, pruning and raking leaves. So we stay busy year round.”

For Kyle, growing the business has all been about patience. “I try to grow the company slow and not get ahead of myself,” Kyle said. “If I see a need we try to expand. We grow with the business.

We’ll add a truck and add a crew where we need it.”

Through the years Russellville Lawn and Landscape has bloomed to now include a greenhouse on the property and had readily available retail for the DIY customers that stop by. “We have four

colors of mulch; we’ve got two sizes of river rock; compost, trees and shrubs; pallets of all kinds of stone and we sell sod,” Kyle said. “Not only does that help me grab something that I need for a job, but people can come here and can take advantage of it if they don’t need a whole dump truck of dirt. They can bring their truck here and we can give them one scoop. Everything here in the yard is what I use on the job and we make it available for whomever.”

Kyle’s favorite aspect about the job is seeing the finished product. “Just to see the work you’re doing and seeing the improvement that it makes,” Kyle said.

“You take a brand new house that has dirt around it and make it pretty. You bring in the green grass and the shrubs, you complete the project. I’ve always been that way, from mowing a yard to whatever I’m doing, you see the benefit of it. I guess I come by that by the way my parents raised me, taking pride in your work. I try to pass that on to my guys.” l

Visit our newly renovated PDQ on Highway 247 • Conveniently located near the intersection of Highway 247 and South Arkansas • Ultra-high flow fuel dispensers • Hot deli • ATM inside

Stop by TODAY!

Get your sun-kissed glow the healthy way Lisa Gibson

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT

(479) 970-7503 154 SR 247, RUSSELLVILLE, AR

rodanandfields.com/us/pws/lisagibson MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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BACKYARD LIVING

ABOUT...the River Valley

My global gardening community Story by JILL MCSHEEHY

T

Read more from Jill at www.journeywithjill.net

he notification caught my eye. You have a new follower. I clicked over to my Instagram feed – the account I had created specifically for gardening. I hoped to connect with other gardeners and inspire beginning gardeners with my experiences. I peeked at my new follower’s Instagram profile.

She’s from Russia?

My own gardening journey in its toddlerhood phase, I hadn’t really developed relationships with other gardeners, not on a wide scale anyway.

Within a few months my followers included people from six continents and multiple states. I watched an older gentleman grow tomatoes in Florida (in January) and a man from southeast Texas start his greens months before I could start mine. I salivated over a young woman’s bountiful lemon harvest in California, answered questions from a new gardener in Kansas, and marveled at the snow-covered garden of a follower in Maine.

My Instagram community compares paradoxically to my smalltown upbringing in Arkansas, though it looks as eclectic as you might find in an urban area. I’m discovering a joy in “meeting” people from diverse walks of life under one common interest.

News outlets paint pictures of division and hate and war. It’s hard to watch sometimes and I just want to withdraw to a secluded

Major League Baseball is back!

Catch your favorite team at...

220 W Main Street, Russellville | (479) 219-5181

Hours: 11am to 10pm Sun-Thurs • 11am to Midnight Friday & Saturday

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ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

If we see an emerging seedling or a growing garden or a plant we’ve never heard of before, we cheer! When aphids damage a kale crop we offer words of encouragement.

We salivate over the tomato that our southern friends grow in January and we pick the brains of our friends who inspire us with their unique raised bed or trellis. cabin in the Arkansas woods to get away from the angry voices.

But my Instagram feed paints a different picture, a vibrant picture with a prism of melding colors. It wouldn’t surprise me if my Texas friend has a Donald Trump bumper sticker on his truck, while another friend participated in the Women’s March.

My Florida friend donates his extra garden produce to charity, my Canadian friend grows for her family, and my Pennsylvania friend runs a gardening business.

We cheer each other on as our seedlings mature like young moms do with growing children. We ask each other questions. We compare differing methods. We bond over a shared interest.

None of our differences matter. Sure, even in gardening circles we can argue over types of fertilizer or whether we till our soil. We may have strong opinions on GMO seeds and Monsanto, and we may or may not grow hybrid varieties of plants.

But no matter our specific passions in those areas, there’s no fighting over who is right or wrong.

If we see an emerging seedling or a growing garden or a plant we’ve never

heard of before, we cheer! When aphids damage a kale crop we offer words of encouragement. We salivate over the tomato that our southern friends grow in January and we pick the brains of our friends who inspire us with their unique raised bed or trellis.

Gardening bonds people. Whether we’re separated by seven blocks or seven time zones, we gardeners unite.

We understand, like few others do, the power of spending an afternoon serenaded by the mockingbirds while we’re wrist-deep in soil. We know what it’s like to appreciate summer rains as more than what might rain out a baseball game. We experience the miraculous process of composting and marvel at the work of the common earthworm. We taste the difference between a grocery store tomato and one picked off the vine in the back yard.

In a world full of competing voices, in a world of division, gardening brings people together. If we’re tired of the angry voices and we feel helpless do change it, we can do something. We can plant something even if it’s just one plant. And we can find others who do the same. l

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OUTDOORS

ABOUT...the River Valley

Slow Indeed W

ater and air were indistinguishable in the 90 percent humidity. Gills or lungs, it seemed like either could work on this side of the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface as I stepped into the canoe and paddled across the small channel. I had beat the local bass fishing crowd but just barely. Headlights drew down on my quiet wake trailing from the boat ramp.

The headlights made a u-turn and swapped ends with taillights as trailer wheels crunched on loose gravel then hissed along the

A VIEW

FROM THE

Read more from Johnny at www.aviewfromthebackroads.com 36

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

Story and photo by JOHNNY CARROL SAIN

concrete ramp. The coughing ignition and low rumble of 200 horses cut through the quiet mist of an early summer predawn.

Blue smoke mingled with fog as the fiberglass beast motored off the trailer and trolled though the no-wake zone enroute to a creek channel where the ponies could gallop. My green canoe bobbed in the wake. As the eastern sky brightened, a succession of outboard adorned metal-flake monsters entered the water. The occupants gave curious glances to the guy with paddle in hand and a fly rod resting on the canoeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gunwale.

No doubt that I was a curiosity. Who paddles out in a canoe, fly rod in stow, on a lake known across the country for bass tournaments? But I was not out of place. I was out of step, moving at a different speed and to a soft beat often drowned out in our everyday lives.

The roar of pistons faded as sun rays glittered on the shallows.

I dipped a paddle into the olive waters of Lake Dardanelle and guided the canoe toward a nearly forgotten place, safe from the big boats.

It’s not a secret spot, most of my bass fishing buddies know about it, but it’s a place that any craft bigger than a canoe simply can’t go. Still, if you don’t know where to look you’ll probably miss it. A thick stand of cattails covers an entrance about the width of a roadside ditch, and even the canoe skidded across bottom as the narrow passage opened into a wide flat. The water depth varied from six inches to maybe three feet with stands of water lilies breaking the monotony. Water and lily pads and that was it.

Austere beauty in the surging heat and light.

Lake Dardanelle is a eutrophic body of water. The lake is a swollen section of the Arkansas River, its flow dammed and controlled at the narrows of two ridges, the last upland geography the river will carve through on its way to the Mississippi. Draining lands from as far as Colorado, the river runs warm and brown, heavy with nutrients, at this point in western Arkansas. The richness of the river, for better or worse, is manifest in the richness of life it nurtures.

This shallow cove was a microcosm of the lake as a whole. Largemouth bass eruptions from under the pads punctuated the rhythm of gentle slurps from feeding bluegill along the pad’s edge. Channel catfish glided just over the silt bottom with a body form and swimming motion reminiscent of the sharks. Toothy spotted gar gulped air with audible gasps. Despite the throb of interstate traffic less than a mile away and the distant din of outboards on the lake, it was a wild world inside the cove. It was a world not out of place, but it was out of step.

Time was slowed on this hidden water.

I hate cliches and using one so obvious in your work is considered a deadly sin of the scribe, but there’s no other way to say it. Staccato seconds melted into ribbon. It wasn’t magic, and there’s no reference to H.G. Wells or any other work of science fiction here. It was the fly rod and the canoe and the paddle and my lazy, quiet strokes. It was choosing a path less traveled. Mastering time is another way of mastering yourself. Time does not escape

us, but awareness of the moment often does, and the blame lies within our deliberate decisions. There is no cosmic clock maker tinkering with gears. There is no work or responsibility stealing your precious minutes on Earth, the grains slipping through glass as we watch helpless. It’s all on you. Yeah, that sounds like Buddhist or New Age or hippie mumbo jumbo, but it also sounds like Henry David Thoreau and Aldo Leopold and Jose Ortega y Gasset philosophy.

Truth defies a label.

Of course I was there to fish, too, and the fly rod has brought an eclecticism to angling that I haven’t experienced since I was a boy: anything with fins is fair game. The delightful problem in front of me that morning was picking which species to pursue first.

The bluegill were eager. A small popper brought half a dozen to hand, an iridescent spectrum reflecting from each as I unhooked and returned them to the lake. Bass were a bit more finicky, as bass are prone to be, but I finally managed to connect with two largemouth. I even sight cast to channel catfish, but the cats shunned my headstands and Clousers. The gar were just as indifferent as the catfish. Roving schools of carp never gave me a chance as they stampeded through the flat, kicking up silt trails long before I reached casting range.

It was an Arkansas safari of fish and I had it all to myself. With no watch or phone handy (by design), quitting time was totally dependent on endurance. Only a midday sun and depleted water bottle finally brought the fun to halt.

I paddled toward the narrow mouth as rivulets of sweat poured down my shirtless back and the first tingles of sunburn began.

After reaching the main body of the lake, I met a bass angler with the trolling motor on high, exploring every nook and cranny of shoreside weeds with purple plastic. “Any luck?” he asked as I paddled by. I offered my morning’s experience, just a few bluegill and small bass. “Yeah, things are pretty slow,” he replied.

Slow indeed. Just the way I like it. l

Mastering time is another way of mastering yourself. Time does not escape us, but awareness of the moment often does, and the blame lies within our deliberate decisions.

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On a Personal Note The Best Gift Guest Written by Karen Ricketts

I believe the biggest gift a parent can give their child is an education. Words cannot express how meaningful their love and support has been over the past six years, and I know they are just as excited to see me graduate and start the next part of my life as I am. In a way, I feel like we have all earned a college degree together.

38

May, the season for graduations: a time for ceremonious goodbyes and nerve-racking beginnings.

Whether you are a graduating high school senior or a college graduate, I understand your apprehension and excitement of being on the brink of starting anew. I first graduated from Arkansas Tech in 2015 with a journalism degree and now two years later I’m about to graduate for the second time with my masters in multimedia journalism. I’m still not for certain what I want to do when I grow up, and that’s OK. As my own graduation date draws near, I’ve spent time reflecting on my last six years at Arkansas Tech and how far I’ve come since high school.

Before I get ahead of myself, let’s pause for a second and rewind back to May of 2011. A newly graduated senior from Charleston High School with the big wide world at my feet, my biggest fear at the time wasn’t moving out of my parents’ house or leaving my hometown. It was the worry of how I would be able to find the funds to pay for all four years of college. My two main goals for college were: to keep good grades and somehow receive as much financial assistance as feasibly possible. That way my parents wouldn’t have to borrow money for my education. Whether it’s credit card debt or mortgages, I would say having debt is fairly common in American households.

And I honestly understand the toil it can take on a family to pay off those debts and still manage to make ends meet. Coming from my background, I set out for college with the determination to avoid student debt like the plague.

Luckily for me, I will be graduating with zero student debt. This is largely due to scholarships I’ve applied for and received over the years along with support from my family. Outside of academic scholarships from Arkansas Tech, I received many smaller scholarships from individuals from my community in Charleston and Russellville.

Thinking back, many of the scholarships I received from the community were dedicated

ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY ~ MAY 2017

to the memory of passed loved ones. I always thought it was a special way to honor a loved one by helping a student in the community reach for their goals and dreams. I haven’t forgotten those families that helped me reach mine.

I believe it takes a village to propel young people who might not have the necessary means.

I’m an example of that. If it wasn’t for working as a student worker, later a graduate assistant at Arkansas Tech, and receiving those academic and community scholarships in the beginning, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today. My parents and grandparents have also helped pave the way for me to accomplish my dreams of an education.

They weren’t able to help out all the time, but when they were able to help out, even if it was 20 bucks for gas money, it was still very much appreciated. And I don’t think I will ever be able to thank them enough.

I believe the biggest gift a parent can give their child is an education. This gift is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am the first in my nuclear family to graduate from college and the first to graduate with a master’s degree. Words cannot express how meaningful their love and support has been over the past six years, and I know they are just as excited to see me graduate and start the next part of my life as I am. In a way, I feel like we have all earned a college degree together.

I believe education is a powerful tool in changing the world and when people come together in the efforts of education they can ultimately change the trajectory of a student’s life. What a gift to bestow on someone. I will always be grateful for the financial support I have received from Arkansas Tech, my community and my family. I really don’t think I would have made it this far without it. And now I’m ready to pay it forward and leave a positive, lasting impact on the world.

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

ENGAGEMENTS

ABOUT...the River Valley

Save the Date!

Calendar listings of engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements on the pages of each issue of ABOUTâ&#x20AC;Śthe 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.)

May 6

June 2

Hattie Buell & John Raines

Lexie Mortimore & Jake Fowler

Tonya Gosnell & Dr. David Oates Carleigh Tackett & Dustin Powell

June 3

Kirstie Williams & Caleb Norton

Erica Whorton & Brett Creekmore Alaina Harpenau & Thomas Meares Lori Wilson & Brandon Hanlon

May 14

June 7

May 13

Melissa Apple & Corey Harrison

Shelly McCraw & Zac Tippin

May 20

June 9

Rebekah Cole & Ethan Grace

Riley Smith & Kyle Ahern

Angela Nill & Beau Dake

June 10

May 21 Alyssa Anderson & Dillon Miller

May 26 Amber Race & Joe McDaniel

May 27 Ashtin Kendrick & Nathan Pennington

May 29 Lauren Ossolinski & Foster Pace

Sarah Palmer & Todd Robinson Aleksi Stinnet & Hayden Hipps Brennan Quinn & Matthew Duffield

June 11 Amber Tomlin & Blake Martin

June 24 Alex Carter & Zach McKinney Amy Campbell & Nik Kirby Colleen Perkins & Luke Hoelzeman

Photo by Benita's Photography

July 1 Lacey Mayer & Chris Isbell Meredith Smith & Derek Birginske

July 7 Samantha Smith & Joseph Chapman

July 8 Paxton Goates & Hunter Anderson Jordan Webb & Brandon Sorrels

July 15 Brittany Crosby & Zachary Louden

July 21 Haley Link & Matt Piker

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

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MAY 2017 ~ ABOUT the RIVER VALLEY

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