ABOUT | February 2009

JA Charity Ball ~ A Night in Venice

February 2009 a publication of SILVER PLATTER PRODUCTIONS, INC. www.aboutrvmag.com

Come join the

Excitement

Construction

Complete!

phil Wright toyota offers a HUGe Selection at Unbeatable prices!

Simplifying the Experience phil Wright’s professional staff takes pride in treating customers with courtesy and respect, so customers can be assured that their shopping and purchasing experience will be a pleasant one. Customers will enjoy a low-pressure sales environment at phil Wright toyota. phil Wright always says that “we should exceed our customers expectations every day,” and we work hard to carry out that motto, says Dusqua moore, Business Office Manager.

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Pride in Service Staffed by master technicians Kenny Woods, James Richardson and Scotty Freeman, our Service Department hours are 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. monday thru Friday. “the parts Department keeps a large inventory on hand to ensure maintenance and repairs can be made in a timely manner,” says Bryan Brock, Service manager.

For those in the market for a quality crossover vehicle, the new toyota Venza offers an upscale cockpit with options like a panoramic glass roof.

Engine Options include a 4 cyl. 182 HP engine with a 21/29 MPG city/highway rating. While the available V6 268 HP received an EPS estimated 19/26 MPG city/highway rating.

Stop by and test drive the new Venza today. “You’ll be surprised how beautifully balanced a vehicle can be,” says Randy Cox, toyota Sales manager.

Our friendly, professional staff includes: phil Wright, Owner Randy Cox, Sales Manager Joel Campbell, Sales michael Bucker, Sales

Bryan Brock, Service Manager Kelli Childress, Service Advisor Sharon Duvall, Warranty Clerk Steve Hall, Parts Department max Salas, New Car Pre-Delivery

3300 E. Main • Hwy. 64 East, Russellville www.philwrighttoyota.com

(479) 968-1555

February 2009

contents 7

Smoking Guns

8

A History of Helping

10

A Crafty Career

12

ABOUT the Best Products

13

Kechia: A Good Pluckin’

14

Beautiful Career Choice

n Surprise Your Valentine Call now and place your order. We do balloon bouquets, plush animals and we also have Valentine’s decorations for the parties.

Let’s Celebrate

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n Kashwere Half Zip Pull overs for Men and Women.

Several colors available. This is the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Modeled by Jared Hood.

Bath Junkie

2125 East Parkway • Russellville (479) 968-BATH

16

Successful Year for Margaret’s

18

Live Well and Learn

22

Ministering to the Broken Hearted

26

Healthy Amore’

30

Snowbirds Fly South

34

MLK Day Celebrated

37

Books You’ll Love

38

ABOUT Engagements

Our Associates

n Welcome to Sweet Shop USA Every gourmet chocolate is handcrafted by skilled artisans. Sugar Free Available.

Gifts on Parkway/Gifts on Rogers

2149 E. Parkway, Russellville • (479) 890-6932 510 S. Rogers, Clarksville • (479) 705-8282

ABOUT our Cover

Junior Auxiliary officers Laurie Reasoner, Tammy Rhodes and Mel White are just one of the many Junior Auxiliary members working diligently on this year’s Charity Ball fundraiser set for Feb. 28. JA Italia Bravissima (An Evening in Venice) will magically transport attendees to the avenues of Venice -- all Per il Bambinos -- For the Children. For details on this year’s popular event, read “A History of Helping” beginning on page 8.

Cover photo and design by Steve Newby and Chris Zimmerman. Dresses and Jewelry provided by Rendezvous.

Chris ZIMMERMAN

Melanie CONLEY

Jeannie STONE

graph i c des i gn

advertising

f re e l a n ce wri te r

4 7 9 . 2 6 4 .2 4 3 8 c h r is @ zimc re ative .c o m

479.858.2708 mela nie@a bout r vma g.com

479.747.0210 jea nnie@aboutrv mag.com

Steve NEWBY

Stephanie YOUNG

Cliff THOMAS

ph oto gr a phy

advertising

illustrator

4 7 9 . 8 8 0 .1 0 0 6 stevenewbyphotography@hotmail.com

479.970.2215 st eph@a bout r vma g.com

479.890.3 630 ma ddsignti s t@gmai l .com

4 ABOUT...the River Valley

February 2009

“A beautiful smile can leave a lasting impression” What Impression Does Your Smile Make?

– Dona Kirkpatrick Longtime Patient of Dalton Family Dentistry

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You Too Can Leave a Lasting Impression

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After

ABOUT the River Valley

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. IV, Issue 1 – February 2009

OWNER/PUBLISHER Nolan and Dianne Edwards Silver Platter Productions, Inc. Advertising Sales Melanie Conley Stephanie K. Young LeAnne Colvin Dianne S. Edwards Graphic Design Chris Zimmerman Zim Creative Contributing Writers Kechia Bentley Dianna Qualls Jeannie Stone Contributing PhotographerS Steve Newby RC White Assistant to the Publisher Melissa Edwards

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.

Subscriptions are available by sending $20 for one-year (10 issues) to: SPPI/ABOUT Magazine P.O. Box 10176 Russellville AR 72812 Material contained in this issue may not be copied or reproduced without written consent. Inquiries may be made by calling (479) 970-6628.

Office: 417 West Parkway Email: editor@aboutrvmag.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: SPPI, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812.

6 ABOUT...the River Valley

A PAGE FROM ___________________________________________________

The Editor’s Notebook Like so many of you preparing for a new year, we find ourselves torn in many different directions. So much to do with family and friends, getting back to the routine of work and school, there just never seems to be enough time to do the things we want to do. (Humm, those readers who grew up during the Jim Croce era may recognize those lyrics of Time in a Bottle...)

As the Christmas decorations were put away into their storage containers, I found myself struggling with each piece. We’d had a particularly difficult holiday season, losing first a beloved great-aunt, then my fiercely-independent grandmother, and finally, a dear, dear friend taken during the prime of his life. (And we know we were not alone. For those of you who also lost loved ones this season, our sincere condolences.)

It really wasn’t the memories that held me at bay, it was my inability to focus on the task at hand – too many things to that I wanted to do.

Thanks to our daughter Laura who refused to accept defeat, we did stick with the tradition of getting the tree undecorated and out of the house – even more important as this year’s tree was a real one. But, assembling and crating the decorations seemed an insurmountable task.

I, like many of you, was experiencing the overwhelming oppression that we sometimes experience when we feel pulled in many different directions.

Working constantly but not seeming to accomplish anything visibly productive.

It’s the feeling one gets when cleaning out a closet or a cabinet drawer – you work for hours but when it is closed, no one sees the efforts of your labor. (Now my ‘organized’ friends are probably laughing at this point. “Why did the closet get that way to begin with?”)

Honestly, I used to be organized, but somewhere along the way – motherhood, work, house-keeping, bills – I lost my way.

No matter how many books or plastic organizing containers I own, I struggle.

Fortunately, my lack of organization doesn’t drastically affect our publication of ABOUT Magazine.

And, for that, I have a great group of associates to thank! They keep me organized and on task more than they realize. They share their enthusiasm and willingness to produce the Valley’s mosttalked about regional magazine – fill it with loyal advertisers who appreciate your business, photograph or write captivating stories about your friends and neighbors, and create each month’s beautiful layout.

Now, least you confuse my direction as depressing rather than reflective, let me clarify. With each new year, we look back on the things that have made a difference in our lives. Personally, that centers strongly around family and friends – which includes many readers who have become part of our family.

For the associates of ABOUT, our extended family continues to grow.

Each and every magazine you read has been touched directly by more than more than two dozen people – including the sales staff, our designer and photographers, our freelance writers, our columnists, our printers and their associates who assemble and package the magazine – even the mailing handlers who are all involved in your receipt of each month’s issue.

All these individuals have made a difference in our lives, and for that we are grateful! Plus, in an ever-delicate economy, their involvement keeps your money at home. We hope you will pause to reflect on those who are important in your life – and take a minute tell them they are appreciated.

To our readers and subscribers, and to our loyal advertisers, we say “thank you!”

You are important to us and we appreciate you in so many ways!

This year, keep it ‘local.’

Dianne Edwards, Editor/Publisher

PS: If you haven’t had a chance to visit our updated website at www.aboutrvmag. com, we hope you will soon. There you will find ‘our’ story, as well as links to past magazines and other contact information.

Let us know what you think!

February 2009

Out and ABOUT Feb. 5: Parent/Child Pottery Workshop begins, 4-5:30; first grade and up; six-week class: $140 per couple. (479) 968-2452.

Feb. 7: Talk of the Town Tables, Lake Point Conference Center, 6 p.m. Charlotte Lynch, (479) 229-3292.

Feb. 9-10: Hikes, Hearts and Hugs, Petit Jean State Park; (501) 727-5441.

Feb. 10, 17, 24: Test ‘N Tune, 12 noon to dark; Centerville Dragway, (479) 576-4001.

Feb. 12: Picture the Past Archeology, Film and Lecture Series, Withrop Rockefeller Institute. “Maria Martinez: Native American Potter of San Ildefonso.” Free. (501) 7276219, uarwri.org.

Feb. 13: Country Dance Workshop, 7:3010:30 p.m., $10 pp. Dance with Joy Studio.

RSVP (479) 968-1620, (479) 264-7287 or email: dancewithjoy@suddenlink.net.

Feb. 14: 5th Annual Sweetheart Saturday, First Baptist Church, 1-3 p.m. (479) 4982050.

Feb. 14: Ballroom Dance Party, 7:30-10:30. $10 pp. Dance with Joy Studio. RSVP (479) 968-1620, (479) 264-7287 or email: dancewithjoy@suddenlink.net.

Smoking Guns Taking aim at criminal activities brings on a new meaning with the passage of ACT 13, Arkansas’s Protection from Secondhand Smoke for Children Act. The focus of illustrator Cliff Thomas’ talented work (above) pokes fun at the extent to which our police force will be called upon to enforce this and other forthcoming bills.

According to ACT 13, smoking with a child in the car is no longer an option.

“Because smoking causes more than 400,000 cases of severe asthma in children, and may lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, it (smoking) is now prohibited in all motor vehicles carrying a child less than six years of age and weighing less than 60 pounds. The child should also be restrained by a child passenger safety seat properly secured in accordance to law.

Penalties for violating this act, considered a primary offense, include a fine of $25. Law enforcement officers have the right to pull you over for any suspected violation. Any first offender proving they have entered a smoking cessation program may have his or her fine voided, according to the bill.

For more information, read Arkansas Protection from Secondhand Smoke for February 2009

Feb. 14: Nature Photography: Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary, WR Institute, Petit Jean. $60, (501) 6211, uarwri.org.

Children Act or visit www.aircleanair.com.

Discussion continues to ensure the passage of a cellular “hands-free” law banning the use of hand-held devices by all drivers operating a motor vehicle. In February 2003, Arkansas HB 1042 was signed into law and prohibits school bus drivers (and privately-owned vehicles owned and operated for compensation for the benefit of school district to or from a school-sponsored activity) from using a cell phone unless the bus is safely off the road.

In 2007, two bills filed previously, requiring hands-free devices and prohibiting teenage drivers from using cell phones, failed in previous legislative sessions.

As of Dec. 17, 2008, pending legislation included HB 1013, aimed at banning use of cell phones by drivers unless a handsfree device is employed. It also bans text messaging by all drivers. SB 28 would ban drivers under 18 years of age from using cell phones while SB 31 would require drivers to use hand-free accessories while using cell phones.

The Arkansas State police began tracking the roles played by cell phones in accidents beginning in 2007.

Feb. 14: Chef’s Series: “Kisses, Hugs and Tarts: Desserts that Delight.” $69, Registration required. (501) 727-6220, uarwri.org.

-----------------------------March 14-15: Annual Wye Mountain Daffodil Festival, seven acres of daffodils in 30 varieties; arts, crafts and barbeque.(501) 330-2403. (Second weekend in March.)

March 26: Annual Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Performance, Witherspoon Auditorium, ATU; (479) 229-2041.

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.

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ABOUT...the River Valley 7

B

Junior Auxiliary

A History of Helping Story by Dianne S. Edwards

Charity Ball chairmen include: (pictured) Amy Tarpley, Mel White, Tina Ison, Lynne Knight, Laurie Reasoner, Sandy Davis, Ragena Moore, Michele Purtle, Brandi Tripp, Aaron Wojo, Cathy Huett, Tammy Rhodes. (Not shown: Dani Martin, Kathleen Stingley, Sherry Streety and Cindy Waits.)

efore the beginning of the public school lunch program, the ladies of Junior Auxiliary were providing for the needs of area children. These women, part of a local chapter of Junior Auxiliary that organized in the late 1930s and early 1940s, personally saw to it that every needy child received free milk with their school lunch.

They drove directly to the dairy each day and transported the milk in their own vehicles.

When the original chapter of ladies disbanded with the onset of World War II, they became inactive until 28 local women reorganized the group in 1960.

They became affiliated with the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA) based in Greenville, Miss. After serving a year as a petitioning organization and a second year as a provisional group, the Russellville Chapter of Junior Auxiliary was classified as an active chapter in 1962.

The national focus of each chapter of Junior Auxiliary continues to center around meeting the needs of the area’s underserved children. Community services offered by Junior Auxiliary members are funded through the group’s annual fund raisers, such as the annual Charity Ball, which began in 1965.

Perhaps you bought a gilded bird cage from that first JA Charity Ball, or fell privy to photographs from “The Red Stocking Follies,” held in the mid-1970s. Or maybe you’re one of those silent “Friends of Junior Auxiliary” who chooses to help without public recognition. Regardless of your method of support or your walk of life, chances are that you’ve been touched in some way by the countless efforts of the Russellville Chapter of Junior Auxiliary.

The group encourages its members to assume responsible leadership roles in the community and render service of a humanitarian nature within the community, with children their primary focus.

Membership in the organization is by invitation only. To be considered, a woman must be at least 21 years of age and have resided within the Russellville School District for at least a year. A required 72 hours of service related to Junior Auxiliary areas must be performed to maintain membership.

Categories of membership include provisional, active, associate and life.

This year’s slate of officers include: Mel White, president; Robin Duffield, first vice president; Sandy Huie, second vice president; Sherri Streety; corresponding secretary; Elizabeth Harris, recording secretary; Michele Purtle, treasurer; Kathleen Stingley, assistant treasurer; Debra Choate, parliamentarian; Amy Tarpley, historian; Dani Martin, public relations chairman; Laurie Reasoner and Tammy Rhodes, finance chairmen, and Suzanne Gately, associate to the board.

Committee chairs are: Sandy Huie, projects committee; Sandy Huie and Ragena Moore, Child Welfare Co-Chairs; Jennifer Aguilar and Kate Riggs, co-chairs of the civic and cultural committee; Tammy Morgan, community education; Robin Duffield, constitution committee; Cindy Waits and Rhonda Orsburn, co-chairs of the continuing education committee; Cathy Huett, convention; Aaron Wojo and Sandy Davis, health; Debra Choate, nominations; Tonia Adkins, placement; Rhonda Orsburn and Tammy Rhodes, co-chairs of the scholarship committee; Elizabeth Harris, self-evaluation; Leigh Ann George and Amanda Shilling, cochairs of the social committee, Amy Tarpley, telephone committee, and Lynne Knight, properties.

There are 102 active chapters in the National Association within six regions and eight states, including Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. A total of 3,478 of the more than 13,809 NAJA members are actively involved with the daily focus of the organization.

A strict list of assessed fines and/or losses is evoked when a member fails to perform the required number of service hours. These, as well as guidelines for the operating rules of the NAJA organization, are listed in the standing rules and procedures which are amended periodically by the membership at their national convention held each May.

A

n extensive list of projects, approved last spring for the 2008-2009 Junior Auxiliary service year, will involve the entire membership.

Projects falling under the “Service/Finance” category include: Crawford Elementary Eagle Bucks, Help Network, Clothes Closet, Cookbook, General Welfare, CBI at RHS, Adopt-a-Family, Boys & Girls Club, School Emergency, Achieving Through Reading, School Hygiene Boxes and Scrubby Steve.

Scholarship projects are: Kids In Motion, Pope County Single Parent Teacher Assisted Grants, Judy Thacker Memorial, Project School Supplies, NAJA Scholarship, Aim For Success, Betty Robbins Scholarship Fund, Cyclone Achiever, Marge Crabaugh Scholarship, Little Ladies/Young Men’s Luncheon, ATU Nursing Scholarship, Girls of Promise, ATU Education Scholarship, ATU-Earth Day, ATU Book Scholarship, Breakfast With Santa, RHS Vocational Scholarship, Toy’s For Kids, Celebration of Excellence, ValleyFest 2008-2009, Fall Fest, Backpacks For Commodities, Reading By Demand, Russellville Library Summer Reading, Age To Age and JA Properties.

The first Charity Ball began in 1965 under the leadership of JA president Joyce Laws. The group operated on a shoestring budget that first year, driving to Dallas to get supplies for the decorations. The first ball was held in the Russellville National Guard Armory (located behind Wendy’s at the site of the current Russellville Police Department.) Members had reported that decorating that facility “was quite a feat!”

As interest and attendance in the Charity Ball increased, Junior Auxiliary outgrew the armory. Through a community needs survey conducted by the chapter, it was determined that a community gathering place was needed for the city of Russellville.

From that survey came the eventual creation of Hughes Center, built in 1976 with the aid of Federal matching funds through the Urban Renewal program. The local share came from a property tax approved by local residents.

The local JA chapter provided the furnishing, equipment and appliances for the kitchen in Hughes Center. Originally, all food for the Charity Ball was prepared

by the members – for some 400 guests – with each member actively involved in food preparation. The original menu is a far cry from this year’s seated, catered dinner.

And, since the Hughes Center’s creation, the event center has served for the site of the group’s annual fund raising event.

That is, until this year, when the decision to move the event was made. This year’s Charity Ball, JA Italia Bravissima (An Evening in Venice) will be held for the first time at the L.V. Williamson Boys and Girls Club located at 600 E. 16th St. in Russellville.

The 44th annual Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball will be held from 6 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at the L.V. Williamson Boys and Girls Club of the Arkansas River Valley. Tickets for the black tie-optional event are $65 per person.

The evening will include a caterer meal, a live and silent auction, complimentary photograph and dancing to the music of The Rockets.

For reserved tickets and additional information, call (479) 264-7642. n

Drive Thru Window Free Delivery

Custom Made Wood Letters and Picture Frames

479-498-2617 479-886-0138 scrappinalpha@hotmail.com

Penny Harris February 2009

Serving the River Valley Since 1970

Medicare/Medicaid Provider for Diabetic Supplies Old Tyme Soda Fountain Daily Lunch Specials

Bill & Marlene Newton, Owners • (479) 968-4185 • 715 West Main, Russellville, AR

ABOUT...the River Valley 9

A Crafty Career

Story by Holly Ruppell Photo by Steve Newby

While some people consider Friday the 13th unlucky, the day has a lot of charm for Brian Wright.

Not only did the 26-year-old Burlington, N.C., native move to Russellville on that day in July 2007, but it’s the title of the popular series of “slasher” movies. This is somehow appropriate to Wright, who as a special effects makeup artist and creature designer, has made his career crafting aliens, monsters and horrors beyond the wildest imaginings of many.

Wright, who counts the horror film An American Werewolf in London and the music video for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as the greatest influence on him, said his fascination with the horrific began at an early age. He remembers watching A Nightmare on Elm Street as a kid and the profound effect it had on him.

“It got something in my mind working,” he said. “I was scared of it, but I wanted to see more.”

Wright was nine years old when his stepfather saw a television ad for The Original Hollywood Horror Show and decided to take Wright and his younger brother.

The show, which is run out of an old (and reportedly haunted) house in Snow Camp, N.C., is heavy on prosthetic creatures and special effects makeup.

As Wright made his way through the maze of horrors and monsters, a zombie placed its clammy, undead hand on his shoulder. Again, the curious Wright wanted to know more.

“It literally scared me so bad I had to know how it was done,” Wright said. “I couldn’t go through it again until I figured out how it worked.”

Wright subsequently pestered his stepfather to take him back to the house during the day, so he could see behind the scenes.

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10 ABOUT...the River Valley

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PRE-OWNED AUTO CENTER

479-498-2277 3405 E. Main, Russellville February 2009

“He kept telling me, ‘No. You don’t want to keep bothering those people,’” Wright said.

But Wright persisted, his stepfather relented and they returned to the house during the day.

At that time, Wright met the Horror Show’s creators, Emmy Award-winning makeup artist Dean Jones and his brother, Starr.

Wright wasted no time in telling the brothers his career plans.

“I told them I wanted to learn what they did,” Wright said.

So Wright began working at the house during the summer, picking up trash, running errands and learning everything he could about creating creatures and masks. Wright was so passionate about learning his craft he would often skip class to work at the house.

“I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” Wright said, adding he figured he should be doing that instead of going to math class.

Wright credits Dean Jones, who created makeup effects for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, with teaching him the basics and giving him invaluable pointers.

“Dean would always critique me,” he said, “telling me this needs more texture or that doesn’t look right.” While Wright said he learned a lot just by watching the Jones brothers work, he is largely self-taught.

“I had to teach myself about 90 percent of what I know,” he said, noting most of that learning was the result of practical application.

This resulted in many cracked molds.

“I went through a lot of stuff and messed it up before I learned to do it right,” he said. “… a lot of trial and error.”

Eventually, Wright excelled, and at 16, while still working for Jones, began selling the masks he created on the Internet.

At 17, he secured his first motion picture work on the Michael Madsen film Vampires Anonymous, which was filmed partly in Wright’s native Burlington.

February 2009

Since, Wright has worked with the art department on several other movies, including Cabin Fever. For that film, he helped create makeup and prosthetic sculptures and worked for KNB EFX, one of the biggest special effects houses in the industry.

Having worked with some of the best special effects makeup artists and creature designers in the business, Wright has a growing business of his own. When not working full-time at Peters Family Living, Wright busies himself with his professed first love, designing and creating masks and prosthetic creatures for customers stateside and overseas (among them a Predator mask for a customer in the United Kingdom).

In addition to custom orders for individual customers, Wright sells his work through Halloween Express, the seasonal retailer of Halloween costumes and haunted house effects. Wright is currently designing an eerie special effects picture frame for the franchise. It features several human faces wearing faces of distress and agony. Wright said when the piece is finished it will appear their skin is stretching in different directions.

“I’ve got stuff going out every day for Halloween,” Wright said.

Wright indicated his fan base grew rapidly after he posted videos of himself sculpting pieces on YouTube, the popular Internet site which allows users to upload videos.

That has led to more exposure and more business, he said.

“I started getting e-mails and people wanting me to make them masks,” he said.

“You can’t find some masks in stores.”

Wright said he enjoys running his own business and business is good. “It just keeps getting bigger and bigger,” he indicated.

But Wright’s work takes a lot of time and patience, so he can’t complete as much as he prefers. He considers each piece a labor

of love, which is evident in the minute facial details such as pores, wrinkles and lines.

Wright said he uses tiny dental tools to add such intricacies.

Wright’s work is in demand and he’s so busy he can barely keep up. “I have to turn a lot of people away,” he lamented.

Wright indicated in the future, he wants to expand operations so he can do more work.

For now, Wright practices his craft out of his Russellville home. In his small living room, the head of an extra terrestrial being sits on a glass shelf, its sharp teeth settled menacingly in its snarling mouth.

Nearby, a disembodied zombie man stares at the ceiling in apparent agony, no doubt wondering where he’ll find his next meal.

Evidence of Wright’s craft is settled all over the space. Ultra cal molds line the wall in the living room and an unpainted latex bust awaits finishing touches in the kitchen.

A small storage shed on the property serves as Wright’s studio. Buckets of paint, various tools and boxes of clay share shelf space with a pair of zombie teeth and the mold for a witch’s head.

Wright makes molds in the storage shed then brings the pieces inside for casting and painting. On the small, plaster-covered table in the center of the room, a padded palette waits for a mad scientist, Wright’s next creation.

According to Wright, that will undoubtedly be inspired by Tales from the Crypt.

“Everybody’s begging me for a Crypt Keeper mask,” he said.

Wright said his ultimate goal is to get back to his haunted house roots.

“My future dream is to open up a haunted house,” he said, noting it wouldn’t be standard spook house fare. Wright said he wants to scare his patrons using all five senses.

“Really get into people’s minds,” he said, eyes gleaming. n

ABOUT...the River Valley 11

ABOUT

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We have decorations, plates, napkins, accessories, masks, beads, centerpieces and wall décor and more.

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12 ABOUT...the River Valley

February 2009

ABOUT Relationship Strengthens with a

Good Pluckin’

Story by Kechia Bentley Photo by Steve Newby

Right before I fall asleep at night, I write the most amazing stories in my head. As sleep takes over, I tell myself, “I will write it all down in the morning.” Then, when morning comes, I can’t remember all the witty phrases and sentences I wanted to use to tell my story. I remember the topic, but it is just not the same. No matter how many naps I take during the day trying to re-create the memories, they just won’t come. Oh, the sacrifices I make for a story!

The last one I wrote in this semi-conscious state was really funny. It was about plucking my husband’s eyebrows. The whole story begins with a conversation I had with my sister-in-law over the Christmas holidays.

We girls had all gotten pedicures and something was said about more and more men getting manicures and pedicures these days. All the Bentley men in the room scoffed at that idea. This led into the conversation my sister-in-law and I had about how our husbands had not really changed despite all our valiant efforts throughout the years.

We joked about trying to make them more stylish and better mannered. We have failed. We joked about trying to make them better communicators. We have failed.

Now the men wanted to argue with this point, saying they are in fact better communicators now than when they were first married, it is just we women are never satisfied. They could be right about that, but we wouldn’t concede the point at that time.

Now, during my middle of the night version of this story, I had a great seque into my husband’s present-day grooming habits -which includes my plucking his eyebrows. I can’t remember it so you will just have to trust me that it was really funny.

For those of us who are bit older, we know full well that there comes a time when hair takes on a mind of its own. It begins to grow wild and in places it does not belong. I, of course, stay vigilant and pluck these mavericks as they appear.

My dear husband was of the impression that they should be left alone to express themselves wherever they wanted. It took a great deal of persuasion on my part to even get near his eyebrows with a pair of tweezers. After much pledging, I was finally permitted to pluck a few hairs from his eyebrows that had absolutely gone wild.

You would have thought we were preparing to cut off his ear.

As I would approach his brows with the tweezers he would say, “wait, I am not ready.” After about three times of this “wait” game, I went in for the kill.

From the reaction my husband had to the plucking of a single rouge eyebrow, one can categorically conclude that he would never survive childbirth. To his credit, he did let February 2009

Family me pluck the two or three more crazy hairs, but each pluck was accompanied by yelping, moaning and thrashing about. Each pluck was also accompanied by my uncontrolled laughter.

The first plucking occurred at least two years ago, and I am happy to report that today my husband will actually ask me to check his eyebrows. The scene in our bathroom during this grooming ritual is even funnier now than it was two years ago -- because now my eyesight is not what it used to be. It actually does look like I might be preparing to cut his ear off. We turn on every light in the bathroom. I get a high power flashlight. I put on my magnifying eyeglasses.

I position Donald just right on the stool to maximize the light on his forehead and then I begin. The one thing that hasn’t changed in all this time is he is still a poor candidate for childbirth. The yelping, moaning, and thrashing are not as acute, but he still has to take a minute or two break between each pluck.

I shared the details of this ritual with a girlfriend one time and she said, “You know you don’t have to pluck the hairs you could just trim them.” I had never really thought about that but she was right. You would think between two college-educated adults, my husband and I could have figured that out by ourselves.

My husband has still not figured it out because I never shared that conversation with him. It is much more fun to pluck those babies out than to trim them.

Besides, now there is a sneaky little hair that thinks it can hide in his ear. But it is no match for me and my high powered flashlight.

After all these years, I have conceded the fight on the communication front and resigned myself to the fact that we will have the same, “you just don’t understand me fight” for the rest of our marriage.

On the grooming front, however, I have made great progress, and in some odd way, I think it has strengthened our marriage. You see, I feel much better about our communication problems after I have plucked his eyebrows.

Could it possibly have something to do with the amusement I get from all his yelping, moaning, and thrashing about? I think it could.

ABOUT...the River Valley 13

College offers

The Arkansas Beauty College has 65 students enrolled this year. There are six instructors, as well as an office staff. Ward, a member of the Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology, is proud of the quality of education her students receive and has encouraged students to travel as far as their dreams take them.

“This is a good profession to be in,” she said. “You can take it anywhere in the world. There’s no set pay scale and no limit on what you can make.” She added, “And you can work it around your schedule.”

This is one reason why Ward sees several Tech students go through the college.

“They want to express their creative side, plus they can work it around their schedules and pay for their college education.”

It was Ward’s travels abroad that led her to enter into the business side of perms and manicures. Her husband Charles, who worked in the airline industry, accepted a job in Saudi Arabia years ago, and Ward enrolled in a cosmetology class so she could maintain herself. She laughed. “We ended up living there eight years so I’m glad I took it seriously.”

beautiful

career choice

Story and Photos by Jeannie Stone

Barbara Ward has seen a lot of careers bloom at her downtown Russellville business. Since 1981, she has overseen the education of cosmetology students enrolled in the Area Vocational Centers (Vo-Tech) at 13 area high schools. With the addition of training older students she runs a full house. Anybody familiar with Ward knows that, under her watch, it’s all hands on deck -- nicely polished, please.

14 ABOUT...the River Valley

When the Wards returned to the States, Barbara intended to open a salon adjoining her home off Skyline Drive in Russellville, “but there were zoning laws that didn’t allow that,” she said. Instead, she bought the beauty school.

“I remember wishing I’d learned more through my studies, so I bought the school to improve the curriculum.”

Ward is currently updating the equipment and remodeling the school.

Arkansas Beauty School is one of the top 10 schools in Arkansas according to Ward. Full-time students can expect to complete their studies within a year. Students must be at least 16 years old. Vo-Tech students must have completed 10th grade.

“And if they really apply themselves, most of them are employed within the month they receive their license,” instructor Ana Martinez said.

“There’s no limit on the age,” Ward said. “We’ve had students in their 50s.

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“We’ve also had students that were college graduates, but they moved back to the area because of family or what-not, and they’d always been curious about cosmetology. We’ve had older students who wanted to supplement their income.”

Besides the limitless financial opportunities and flexibility, Ward cites another motivator. “You help people feel better about themselves because they look better,” she said.

How many careers can say that?

Beauticians are an intimate part of the major celebrations in a person’s life.

Remember the movie “Steel Magnolias?”

“They bring their children and their friends to celebrate birthdays, and they come on their way to funerals and weddings,” Ward said. “I’ve even seen adults, who’ve grown up as our customers, bring in their children.”

Dover Vo-Tech student Jessica Weatherl, 16, was first inspired toward cosmetology because she and her mother Kathy would spend time together at the school.

“We’d come and get our nails done, and it meant so much to me,” Weatherl said. “I just love working with my hands and having that kind of influence on others.”

Longtime friends Mattie Dale of Russellville and Ellen Warnke of London are two such examples. The pair sits under the dryers chatting away. They’ve been meeting

at the beauty school every Wednesday for 25 years, and the rendezvous is a significant part of their social life.

“Most of the girls who come here are looking for a technical career,” Martinez said, “and if the students come both years of Vo-Tech, they’ve completed more than half of their requirements to graduate. We had one student last year who’d already completed by the time she graduated high school, and she had passed her tests and received her license too.”

Martinez explained that students have the opportunity to work on Saturdays if they desire and to participate in competitions.

“If they win a local competition they can go on to the state level and have the chance to win a scholarship they can apply toward the remaining tuition,” she said.

In fact, Feb. 19th is the competition date scheduled at the Area Vocational Center (VoTech) in Russellville to test cosmetic skills.

Arkansas Beauty College offers grants toward tuition.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are Senior Citizens’ Day. Patrons of a certain age are encouraged to enjoy discounts on services.

“Wildflower has a bus that brings clients, and they love getting manicures, pedicures and styles,” Martinez said.

“The bottom line is you’ve got to be good with people,” Ward said. n

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ABOUT...the River Valley 15

Successful Year for Margaret’s Story and Photos by Jeannie Stone

Margaret’s Hair Academy is situated in a handsome fieldstone building, built in 1926, on Tyler Road in Russellville.

The school, under the direction of Marti Poyner and owned

by Margaret Thomas, offers a basic cosmetology course as well as an instructor course for students interested in joining the cosmetology field.

“It’s amazing how quickly we’ve grown,” Poyner said. “We started with five students in July 2007, and we’re bursting at the seams with 32 students now.”

Because students advance at their own pace, five students are set to graduate by March.

“We are currently accepting admissions,” she said.

Incoming students contract for 13 months although, according to Poyner, “it’s possible to complete the program in 10 ½ months.”

To assist with the cost of tuition, students are encouraged to apply for Federal Pell Grants. Direct loans are also available. J.R. Richards is the financial aid officer at the school.

Not all students are fresh out of high school; not all are female.

Jenny Swenson, 21, a junior at Arkansas Tech University, majoring in early childhood education, enjoys the creative aspects of styling hair.

Nathan Wisdom, 27, came to the school later in life but his grin lights up the school. “I’m right where I want to be,” he said.

Twenty-year-old Dana Wilcox was attending a job fair held at the Goody’s distribution plant where she’d been employed.

“Becoming a cosmetologist is just something I was always interested in,” she said.

According to Poyner, Wilcox will be highly marketable after graduation. Most students have positions right after completing their studies.

16 ABOUT...the River Valley

February 2009

Take for instance Ashley Lunsford, who has a job lined up with Beverly’s in Dardanelle.

“She is one of our best,” Poyner said.

“Ashley has earned 148 percent in attendance. She is always here and ready to learn.”

Lunsford, married to a police officer, loves coloring and doing updos.

“I’ve been doing all my family’s hair for years, so it just feels natural. I already have a strong customer base.”

Poyner also bragged on Ana Perez, 19, of Danville. “We have several Hispanic students currently enrolled,” she said, “and that’s a huge benefit around here.”

Perez is looking forward to working a little closer to home. “I love cutting. I just like working with scissors best,” she said.

Brandy Wells, 20, of Pottsville participated in the Vo-Tech program when she was a student at Pottsville High School, “but I quit for awhile and decided to return.” She has completed half of her course hours.

“Oh, they work,” Poyner said. Classes include retail, rebooking, product knowledge, ethnic hair designs, how to work a front desk, how to build clientele, and how to greet patrons at the door. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the Arkansas State Board licensing exam.

“Oh,” Poyner exclaimed to a student, “I almost forgot. Smart Style at Wal-Mart is coming in February to recruit.”

Sounds like opportunity is knocking at Margaret’s Hair Academy. n Margaret’s Hair Academy is located at 502 Tyler Rd. in Russellville. Call (479) 8900215 for information.

Walk-ins are welcome and the college offers all services to its patrons. Open Mondays through Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. and Friday 8:30 - 4:15 p.m.

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ABOUT...the River Valley 17

Live Well

& Learn Taking steps toward better health is key to a better life. Attending Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center’s “Live Well Lunch & Learn” seminars in 2009 is a smart step in the right direction. Saint Mary’s will partner with several area physicians this year to provide this series of community wellness events, offering health screenings and information on current health topics.

Dr. Finley Turner will present on metabolic syndrome and diabetes at Saint Mary's upcoming "Live Well Lunch & Learn" on February 25

R I V E R

Finley Turner, M.D., a family practice physician with Millard Henry Clinic and Saint Mary’s, will present at the first “Live Well Lunch & Learn” on Wednesday, February 25 in the hospital annex. Dr. Turner’s presentation is scheduled to begin at noon and will include information on metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Free blood glucose screenings will be available beginning at 11 a.m., along with nutritional information and consultation with staff from Saint Mary’s Outpatient Therapy Center. The event will also include lunch, gifts and door prize drawings.

Admission is $5. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling Saint Mary’s Community Relations at (479) 964-9355.

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clarklawfirm@centurytel.net February 2009

Diabetes and Heart Disease – Making the Link According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or 7.8% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.7 million people (or nearly one quarter) are unaware that they have the disease.

In Arkansas, diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death. Eight to ten percent of the population in each of Pope, Johnson, Conway and Yell counties lives with the disease.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

The term "metabolic syndrome" has been widely used in research to refer to a combination of related health factors that, when they appear together, create a higher risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The value of the term is that it alerts both patient and physician that heart disease and diabetes, two seemingly disparate ailments, actually share common triggers.

Most people with diabetes have health problems -- or risk factors -- such as high blood pressure and cholesterol that increase one's risk for heart disease and stroke. When combined with diabetes, these risk factors add up to big trouble. With diabetes, you are two to four times more likely to die of a heart attack. In fact, more than 65% of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.

The good news is that even with diabetes, steps can be taken to help prevent heart disease or reduce your chances of having

another heart attack. By managing blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol, people with diabetes can reduce their risk. Lifestyle changes, such as choosing foods wisely and being physically active, as well as taking medication can help.

Thriving with Diabetes It is easy to become overwhelmed by diabetes and all that comes along with it, but it is possible to break that mind set and realize living successfully with diabetes is achievable. The diabetes selfmanagement program at Saint Mary’s Outpatient Therapy Center, recognized by the American Diabetes Association, can help.

Bobbie Miller, RNC, CDE, operations coordinator for the center and the diabetes program stated, “Studies have proven time and time again that if a diabetic person controls his or her blood glucose numbers and blood pressure, stays physically active, eats healthy and maintains a healthy weight, he or she has a 70 percent or more reduced chance of suffering a stroke or heart attack, blindness, kidney disease, and/or amputation.”

The center’s group classes educate those with diabetes on how to best manage living with the disease. Specific topics such as healthy eating, monitoring blood sugars, staying active, coping with lifestyle changes, medication management, problem solving and reducing the risk of potential complications are discussed. For more information on services provided at Saint Mary’s Outpatient Therapy Center, call (479) 968-3733.

Upcoming 2009 “Live Well Lunch & Learn” topics include heart disease, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), bone density, mammography, colonoscopy and prostate health. Saint Mary’s looks forward to bringing our community these opportunities to learn more about living well! n

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3103 W Main Place, Russellville AR ~ (479) 968-1323 ABOUT...the River Valley 19

D E C O R AT I N G

Style W I T H

S T Y L E

New Furniture & Accessories Arriving Daily!

New Style New Colors New Brands

Riverside Photos by Steve Newby

Whether you have a new home to decorate or you want a fresh new look, River Valley Furniture is your one-stop decorating source.

Joey & Karen can pull together a room or an entire home with a floor plan that puts expertly coordinated home furnishings, fixtures and accessories in all the right places.

Call or come in today to schedule your time with Joey and Karen!

Joey Pack and Karen Ray, Interior Designers

Canvas Art Starting at $158

(479) 967-9984 • www.rivervalleyfurniture.net • 2609 E. Parkway, Russellville, AR Hours: M. thru F. ~ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; Sat. ~ 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sun. ~ Closed

A year and a half ago, during his early morning

quiet time, Bob Adkison cut his walk short because he felt fatigued. After showering, he felt heaviness in his chest and realized something was wrong.

Adkison, soon to turn 78 and the executive director of ARVAC, Inc., was suffering a heart attack.

Ministering to the

Broken Hearted Story and Photos by Jeannie Stone

Race Carpet & Vinyl 600 East 3rd • Russellville, AR (479) 968-6174

A day after undergoing quadruple bypass surgery, the unflappable public servant attended a board meeting.

Adkison began his career with the Arkansas River Valley Area Council, Inc. (ARVAC) when he was hired as a program development specialist in 1965. He was charged with developing the housing and home management programs.

“I was hired during President Johnson’s term,” he said. “I was part of the Great Society movement.”

Adkison observed, “There’s a parallel with what’s going on today with the recession to the public works of FDR’s New Deal and the tail end of the depression.”

The young Adkison was greatly influenced by growing up in Atkins during the Great Depression. He carries memories of living in a two-story boarding house with his parents, a single uncle and his grandparents.

“There were other people living in the house as well,” he said.

“My dad was a preacher and traveled all around, pastoring churches in Delaware, Ola and Plainview -just all over. He and my grandfather worked for the WPA (Works Progress Administration). They built the road to Crow Mountain on the Atkins side.

“Those were hard times,” he said. “My recollection of that period was that the vast number of people living in Atkins during 1937 to 1940 would have all been classified as ‘needy.’ I could count on one hand the people who could afford a car. I remember people all around me telling of being laid off. I’ve lived to see history repeat itself.”

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22 ABOUT...the River Valley

Russellville’s Historic Missouri-Pacific Depot

320 W. “C” Street • Downtown Russellville, AR 479.967.1437 for Reservations February 2009

*The Great Society was the name given to new social directives under President Lyndon Johnson (1963-69) including civil rights, the establishment of Medicaid and Medicare, aid to education and the “War on Poverty.” *The New Deal was the name President F.D. Roosevelt christened a sweeping array of social programs initiated between 1933-36 and intended to assuage the suffering resulting from the Great Depression. The goals were to provide relief in the form of work to the unemployed, reform to business and financial industries, and recovery to the economy. Several programs inducted remain today such as the Social Security Administration and the Federal Housing Authority.

The WPA, as well as the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) were programs introduced during the Depression by President Roosevelt.

“I know there were a lot of critics of the New Deal, but there are a lot of buildings and roads we use today that were built by those programs -- like Caraway Hall at Tech, the forestry building in Russellville, the fire station on Skyline and even several buildings on the U of A campus.”

Adkison has hobnobbed with officials during his productive career. As former president of the Arkansas Community Action Association, he had the honor of introducing two governors to the assembly during that period. They included former governors Frank White and Bill Clinton.

“I even breakfasted with Clinton during his ‘off term’ when he wasn’t being governor,” he said with a laugh.

The self-effacing businessman with a social worker’s heart shakes his head.

“These high-level officials knew I wasn’t intending on running against them. They’ve all helped us; even back to Dale Bumpers we had delegates to D.C.,” he said.

ARVAC is a non-profit community action agency corporation established in 1965 to

promote economic and social development in a nine-county area in the Arkansas River Valley. The agency’s main office is in Dardanelle, and it has ten satellite offices located throughout the area.

Besides providing housing assistance and supplying area church food pantries, the organization provides support to clients through educational workshops, counseling to low-income persons and operates a recovery center for drug dependent men and women.

Currently, Adkison and an exploratory team including the mayor of Dardanelle and a Yell County judge are waiting to see what president-elect Obama will do.

“If he’s going to bail out Wall Street, maybe he will bail out the food banks,” he said.

ARVAC is in need of a larger food warehouse, as well as equipment such as a larger cooler to handle clients’ increased needs.

“We need a 20,000 square foot warehouse,” Adkison said, “and we’re waiting for word from Washington to see how much the States will get allocated.”

ARVAC currently uses a 5,000 square foot warehouse, and the limited space has been a hindrance in trying to store enough food for the needy. Adkison is diligently searching for

additional federal and state funds.

The proposed stimulus package has generated hope of forthcoming funds. Sen. Pryor and Sen. Lincoln alerted Adkison of the projected opportunity for additional funding.

“I’m already approaching banks because the reality is that the funds will probably combine guaranteed loans with allocations generated by the stimulus package,” he said.

U.S. Congressman John Boozman has been involved with assisting ARVAC in finding funds as well.

“He has a great grant writer that is very aggressive about helping us,” Adkison said, “and we are very grateful.”

“Our requests for winter assistance have tripled since last year,” Adkison said.

ARVAC has received over 3,300 requests for the one-time payment.

“We’re able to help about 5,500 households.” The payments run about $125. “That’s not much to help for the entire winter,” he said.

Adkison is particularly concerned for the elderly clients.

“The elderly are part of a generation that doesn’t really like the idea of getting help. They’re fiercely independent. And this embarrasses them.”

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ABOUT...the River Valley 23

“The poor will always be with us. Our mission is to be the best stewards with what we have and to get the best utilization from our resources,” Adkison said.

Although he’s never drank or smoked, he recognizes the emotional and financial havoc substance abuse wreaks on families, and he responds.

“I’m a rehab person, and I believe in giving second chances.”

ARVAC opened a treatment program for persons suffering from alcohol addictions in 1974 and, over the years, Freedom House expanded to include women and those suffering from drug addictions.

“There, but for the grace of God, go I,” Adkison said. “Don’t tell me people can’t be helped. Give people as many chances as they need to succeed.” He believes it is hard to discern why a person acts in a certain way, but he is certain many folks didn’t have the opportunity to grow up as he did, with family and church.

“It doesn’t concern me where people came from,” he said. “I’ve seen clients come into the treatment center from all walks of life, and I get to witness a change in them when they realize somebody cares for them. Whether they indicate it or not people want and need others to care for and respect them.

Adkison has a long affiliation with the

24 ABOUT...the River Valley

Assemblies of God church, serving as an elder, deacon and Sunday School teacher, but he believes strongly in walking the talk.

“You’ve got to meet people in the marketplace. If you treat them right long enough, something good will come of it,” he said.

“There are a lot of hurting people out there,” he continues, “and this is a faithbased community initiative carrying Christ’s caring passion. Whether you’re a Christian or just a do-gooder, they need you.”

Adkison is married to Opal, and father to sons Gary and Greg, both residing in Pulaski County. Also the grandfather of Jennifer and Christopher, Adkison is grateful to the local medical community and the Heart Hospital for saving him.

“I used to fly a little Piper Cub, and I told the MedFlight crew I’d always wanted to ride in a helicopter,” Adkison said. “I wasn’t in any pain, and I was stabilized, so they let me sit up and take in the horizon.”

Waiting for his heart surgery, Adkison admits he couldn’t help being a bit concerned: “I wasn’t worried, so to speak, but I did keep wondering if my heart would start again once they stopped it. Going through something like that makes you wonder if you have everything in order, and if your life is right.”

“But my faith sustained me,” he said. “I’m

here for a purpose, and my job is to find out what’s that purpose is. I’m truly blessed.

I’ve seen a lot of suffering people.”

Adkison adheres to a personalized, selfmedicated treatment schedule guaranteed to recharge his heart. Whenever he feels low, the beloved community leader admits that walking among the men and women residing at the agency’s rehabilitation campus and encouraging them to victory is the best medicine for his heart.

“I can tell you that my heart feels as if there was nothing ever wrong with it,” Adkison said. n For more information on the services ARVAC offers call (479) 229-4861 or visit their office at 613 No. 5th St in Dardanelle.

For more information on the services offered by Freedom House call (479) 9687086 or visit their facility at 400 Lake Front Dr., Russellville.

February 2009

ABOUT

Food

That’s healthy

Amore’

Story by Dianna Qualls Photos by Lloyd Qualls

Since February is National and American Heart Month and Valentine’s Day, it is only fitting our recipe offerings are not only heart healthy and delicious, but a wonderful beginning for a romantic interlude.

Hey fellows! Listen up -- surprise your sweetheart with breakfast in bed.

Prepare the Blueberry Brunch Bake the night before, pop into the oven the next morning, warm your favorite syrup and whip up the Orange Jewlet. Add her favorite flower (and a sweet little box from the jewelers, with a BIG, sparkly diamond inside.) Place it all on a tray.

This, dear sweet man, is guaranteed to keep you out of the dog house for at least the rest of the month.

Ladies, instead of hoping the love of your life will take you out to dinner, send the kids (if you have kids) to grandma’s for a sleep over. Turn the lights down low, light lots of candles and add some soft music (our favorite is Mystic Mood.) Share a cocktail -- alcoholic or non-alcoholic -- and the stage is set.

Dine on Dijon Chicken Smothered in Mushrooms, with his favorite sides, or try the Baked Potato Spears. And … the big TA-DA … Italian Love Cake.

P.S. If Grandma lives in Timbuktu or can’t find a sitter, with only a few minor changes, the kids can be included in your candle light dinner and know they, too, are your Valentine.

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ITALIAN LOVE CAKE

1 pkg.chocolate cake mix 32 oz. part-skim ricotta cheese ¾ c Splenda 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. egg substitute or 4 whole eggs 1 (3.9 oz) pkg instant sugar-free fat-free pudding mix 1 c. skim milk 1 (12 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed Prepare cake mix as directed on box. Pour batter into 9x13x2 inch greased baking dish. Set aside. Combine ricotta cheese, Splenda, vanilla and egg substitute. Blend well. Spread mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 75 minutes if using a glass dish, 90 minutes if using a metal pan.

Blend pudding mix and milk until thickened. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over cooled cake.

Recipe from allrecipes.com.

Q’s-Tip: The cake can be cut into a heart after it cooled. The pieces leftover, and the remaining whipped topping were placed in layers in a bowl and called a trifle. Delish!!

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26 ABOUT...the River Valley

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February 2009

LOVE POTION #9 COCKTAIL

1 oz strawberry, vanilla or clear vodka 1/2 oz white crème de cacao 1/2 c. fresh or frozen strawberries scoop of vanilla ice cream 1/2 c. ice strawberry for garnish Pour the ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a chilled margarita glass. Garnish with a strawberry. If the mix is too thick, add berries or milk; too thin, add ice or ice cream.

STRAWBERRY FRILLS

LOVE ME TENDER CHICKEN BAKE 2 medium onions, chopped 6 celery ribs, chopped ½ c. light buttery spread, (i.e Smart Balance) 5 c. cubed cooked chicken ¾ c. water 2 cans (10 3/4 oz each) cream of mushroom soup, fat-free, undiluted 1 c. (8 oz) fat free sour cream 2 cans (8 oz each) sliced water chestnuts, drained 1 c. sliced almonds, toasted 1 c. crushed butter-flavored crackers

16-18 large strawberries 1/3 c. mascarpone cheese 1/3 c. heavy whipping cream 2-3 T. Splenda or white sugar ½ tsp pure vanilla extract You want the berries to sit flat. So if they are a little wobbly with the stems left on, cut the green stems off the berries so they will stand upright when placed on your serving tray.

With a small sharp knife, cut an “X” in each strawberry, cutting almost to the bottom of each strawberry. (The cut should be such that the strawberry will open up but not fall apart.) Gently, with your fingertips, spread each strawberry apart to make “petals”. Set aside while you make the cream filling.

In a medium sized bowl, whip the mascarpone cheese and whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.

Spoon the cream mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe the cream into the strawberries. If not serving immediately, cover, and place in the refrigerator until serving time. Recipe from Joyofbaking.com.

Modified by Dianna Qualls.

In a large skillet, sauté onions and celery in butter until tender. Add chicken and water; heat through. Remove from the heat. Stir in the soup, sour cream, water chestnuts and almonds.

Pour into eight greased 1 ½-cup baking dishes. Sprinkle with cracker crumbs.

Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. Recipe from Taste of Home.

CHOCOLATE-AMARETTOSTRAWBERRY PARFAITS

1 box (4-serving size) chocolate instant pudding mix, sugar-free and fat-free 2 slices (4 x 1-inch) angel food cake, cubed ½ c. frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed 6 strawberries, sliced in half 2 strawberries left whole for garnish 3 T Amaretto liqueur Use parfait glasses or tall wine or champagne glasses. Layer in this order; pudding, cake, strawberries, whipped topping.

Repeat until glass is full.

Garnish with whole strawberries, and grated chocolate.

Open up our menu to see other great menu choices.

Bacon & Egg Cheeseburger

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

BBQ Ribs

Chicken Tender Salad

SAVE THE DATE!

Thursday, April 30, 2009 Vendors ~ Reserve Your Spot by Calling (479) 967-1437 Russellville’s Historic Missouri-Pacific Depot Downtown Russellville, AR

February 2009

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(479) 968-4467 • Open 24 Hours ABOUT...the River Valley 27

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Home Made Cakes, Pies & Cookies

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www.patticakesbakery.net HOURS: Tues. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sat: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

BAKED POTATO SPEARS 2 medium Potatoes 6 T. Miracle Whip Light onion salt pepper

Cut potatoes lengthwise into wedges.

Brush with Miracle Whip Light and season with onion salt and pepper. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes.

½ loaf French bread, cut into ½” cubes ¾ c. blueberries 6 oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened 1 c. Egg substitute or 4 whole eggs ¼ c. plain fat-free yogurt ¼ c. fat-free sour cream ½ tsp. vanilla ¼ tsp. cinnamon ¼ c. skim milk ¼ c. maple syrup

HEART OF MY HEART TARTS

1 pkg. (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened ½ c. butter, softened 1 c. all-purpose flour 1 egg ¾ c. packed brown sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2/3 c. chopped walnuts In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy; beat in flour until blended. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.

Shape dough into eight balls; press onto the bottom and up the sides of greased heart-shaped or regular muffin cups. In a small mixing bowl, bet egg. Beat in brown sugar and vanilla until blended. Stir in walnuts. Spoon into cups.

Bake at 325 degrees for 25 – 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 10 minutes before carefully removing from pan to a wire rack. Recipe from Taste of Home.

ORANGE JEWLET

12 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate ¼ c Splenda 1 c skim milk 1 c water ½ tsp vanilla 10 ice cubes Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until slushy. Serve immediately.

Recipe from Table for Two Cookbook.

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28 ABOUT...the River Valley

BLUEBERRY BRUNCH BAKE

Place half of the bread cubes into an 8” square baking pan, sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle with blueberries.

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in eggs, yogurt, sour cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Gradually add milk and syrup until blended.

Pour half over the bread and berries in the pan. Top with remaining bead and cream cheese mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 to 20 minutes longer, until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Serve with additional blueberries and syrup. Recipe from Table for Two Cookbook.

DIJON CHICKEN SMOTHERED IN MUSHROOMS

4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless ¼ c. all-purpose flour ½ tsp.. salt ¼ tsp pepper 2 T. olive oil ½ c. chicken broth, low-sodium, fat-free ½ tsp. garlic powder (or to taste) 1 jar (4.5 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained 1 ½ T. Dijon mustard Between pieces of plastic wrap or waxed paper, place chicken breast with smooth side down; gently pound with flat side of meat mallet or rolling pin until about ¼ inch thick.

Repeat with remaining chicken. In shallow pan, stir together flour salt and pepper.

Heat oil in 12-inch non stick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat both sides of chicken with flour mixture. Cook chicken in hot oil 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until chicken is no longer pink in center.

Remove chicken to serving plate; cover to keep warm.

Stir broth into skillet. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Stir in mushrooms, mustard, and garlic powder. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened. Spoon sauce over chicken.

Recipe from Betty Crocker. n February 2009

ABOUT

Community

Students Race Toward ‘Little Rockers’ Goal

Last fall, Lynette Carruth inspired more than 100 Sequoyah Elementary students to join the Little Rockers Kids Marathon Training Program. Carruth is the special education designee at Sequoyah who helped initiate the student’s involvement beginning in October 2008.

According to the Little Rockers Kids Marathon website, the purpose of the program is to encourage children ages 7 to 12 to become more active by following a fun, simple running and/or walking program. The goal for each child is to complete at least 25.2 miles before race day. (A marathon is 26.2 miles.)

“On race day, children who are properly registered and have reached their mileage goal will complete their final mile on the official Little Rock Marathon course in front of family, friends and thousands of spectators. The final mile is a one mile, noncompetitive, untimed fun run/walk.

“This is how it works,” Carruth explained.

“The students run one mile per week at school on a designated day each week (Tuesday.) In February, they will run two miles a week.”

The students complete a total of 25.2 miles prior to the Little Rock Marathon weekend in March, with mileage incentives along the way. As the children cross the finish line of the official Kids Marathon, each will be presented with their finisher’s medal and refreshments, just like the adult marathon finishers.

On Saturday, March 14, the Sequoyah team will travel to LR and complete their final mile, where they will receive a finisher’s medal and t-shirt.

“Not only do we have over 100 kids running and getting exercise, but there are several teachers that are spending their lunch time outside running and walking with the kids as well,” added Carruth.

“This is a tremendous thing!”

The Little Rockers Marathon is presented

by Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Today’s THV. Start time for the event is 11 a.m. at the front of the Arkansas State Capital, Capitol and Woodlane in Little Rock. Online information is available at littlerockmarathon.com. Registration closes at noon on March 2, 2009.

For more information about Sequoyah’s involvement, contact Carruth at Sequoyah Elementary by calling (479) 968-2134 or via email at lynette.carruth@rsdmail.k12.ar.us.

Project to ‘Save’ Tradition

Each year the Leadership Russellville class focuses on a current community issue and need as their project for the course. This year’s group is planning to keep Christmas alive in Russellville with their upcoming project, generating funds to replace the current decorations.

According to class members, the city’s present decorations are in poor condition and will be retired during the 2009 season after a decade of use. The Leadership Russellville group is planning to replace 35 wreaths with new decorations which contain updated LED lights.

Leadership Russellville is asking the community to help save this tradition by sending donations to the Leadership Russellville Community Project.

The Christmas Decoration Fund Donor Levels include: Santa, $1000 and above; Reindeer, $500 to $999, and Elves, $1 to $499. Checks should be made to: Russellville Development Foundation, 708 West Main Street, Russellville, 72801.

Members of this year’s class are ready to preserve the decorating tradition. They include: Jeff Brown, Brown & Brown Insurance; Breanne Davis, Blackstone Construction; Hope Hagan, C-Js Burgers; Nola Jennen, River Valley Sign; Teresa Madeley, EntergyANO; Kristin McNulty, Bow-Ks Flowers n more; Lori Melton, Shoptaw, LaBahn and Co., and Karla Stanton, Firestone.

For information, call (479) 968-2530. n

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February 2009

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407 N. Arkansas ~ City Mall ~ 967-7827 ABOUT...the River Valley 29

T

he South has a long history of offering accommodations to “Northerners” wishing to escape the frigid and long winters of their native lands. It’s not surprising that many of these fine folks decide to change residences altogether. For two Russellville couples, Wes and Barbara Zulfer and Lynn and Jean Faaborg, the reasons to move to the beautiful River Valley were only too obvious.

Both Wes and Barbara were born and reared in Chicago.

The couple reared their two sons in the suburb of Sheridan.

Wes was a career banker, and Barbara worked in the insurance business. Their sons, daughter-in-laws and seven grandchildren remain in Illinois.

Although being apart from their precious grandchildren is difficult at times, the Zulfers don’t regret making the decision to move. In fact, the thought had been on their mind for years.

“We were looking to get away from the harsh winters,” Barbara said. The Zulfers had visited friends living in other places and looked at moving to Yuma, Ariz., but the heat was too much for them “It starts to get hot the first of April,“ she said.

Her husband agreed. “Let’s face it,” he said. “We love the beautiful climate here, and the people are more relaxed here.”

Barbara explained, “We had great neighbors, but when I can’t find Wes, I know if I just look outside he’s probably visiting the neighbors we’ve made here.”

The Zulfers are both engaged in the community. They joined the Church of the Assumption in Atkins, and they help prepare a monthly meal to feed the college students at St. Leo’s Catholic Youth Center at Tech. A smaller church requires you to be more active,” Barbara said referring to their Atkins church home.

The Zulfers, however, need no help in keeping busy.

They are both certified hospice volunteers and visit nursing homes weekly along with their therapy dog Scotty, a mini Schnauzer.

“The patients love Scotty’s visits so much,” Barbara said.

“And Scotty is all business when we put his little vest on him.

He knows what he’s about to do and he loves it.”

Barbara is involved in the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Arkansas Hospice and crochets shawls for the patients. The group has grown very close and regularly prays for the recipients of the shawls.

She also participates in the Water Aerobics class at Tech and has enjoyed several nutrition classes there, as well.

Wes and Barb Zulfer

Snowbirds Fly South Story and Photos by Jeannie Stone

to stay

Jean and Lynn Faaborg

Specializing In:

3 Winter Coats 3 Letterman’s Jackets 3 Holiday Sweaters

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30 ABOUT...the River Valley

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February 2009

Wes drives the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) van to Little Rock once a week taking Pope and Yell County veterans to the hospital and doctor appointments.

“You’d be surprised what a great bunch of guys they are, and how considerate they are to each other,” Wes said. “They try to solve each other’s problems. If somebody’s running late they want to wait even if that puts them at risk for being late to their own appointments.”

There is a homeless vet that catches the van as he needs, “and everybody checks on him,” Wes said.

The Zulfers knew they would enjoy the weather, but the manners of the people were a surprising benefit.

Barbara said, “The men are much more polite down here. There is just a huge difference. If I‘m waiting in line at the store people will step aside with their cart and say, ‘After you.’ Even on campus the young people are polite,” she said. “In Arkansas, people don’t seem as busy. They make time to be nice.”

According to Wes, they felt at home as soon as they moved to town.

“I love the openness,” he said. “When people ask me where I’m from I don’t even hesitate. I’m from Russellville, Arkansas.”

Lynn and Jean Faaborg moved south under the most trying weather conditions.

“We had 50-mile-an-hour winds and heavy snow on moving day,” Lynn said with a laugh. “We couldn’t get here fast enough.”

Jean was a successful business owner of two hair salons when her first husband passed away from a massive heart attack.

Lynn was going through similar struggles after his first wife lost her battle with cancer.

They each had two daughters.

They met through a mutual friend and began following the south winds to North Padre Island, where Lynn’s brother lived.

February 2009

The Faaborg’s bought a bit of land and wintered in Texas for four years.

“We lived six months out of the year in Iowa and six months in Texas,” Jean said.

Then her mother developed pancreatic cancer, and the lovebirds settled back in Iowa for a brief period until her mother’s death.

“Even though it was a tragic time, it was a beautiful time too,” Jean said. Her mother was able to die in her own bed with the family around her because she was a hospice patient.

The couple felt like it was time to move on. They decided to try and find a place halfway between Iowa City and Texas, so their friends and family could visit.

“People don’t realize how beautiful Arkansas is,” Lynn said.

“We got out the atlas and started looking.

It was kind of fun and quite an adventure,” Jean said.. “We came to this area about five or six times to get the feel of the town.”

“And we liked it,” Lynn added. “It wasn’t too big or too small.

The Faaborgs opened their home right away, hosting a Christmas open house and meeting their neighbors.

“We have the nicest neighbors,” Jean said. “We take care of each other.”

Lynn agreed. “Everybody greets you before you have a chance to say ‘hi’ to them.

In the Midwest people aren’t very trusting,” he said. “Here, people aren’t so skeptical.”

Although retired, Lynn stays active with the Knights of Columbus and the VFW where he performs carpentry work on the floats used in parades, serves on

the honor guard, and coordinates the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay and speech competitions for area schoolchildren.

Jean realized she missed hair styling, so she started volunteering for Arkansas Hospice where she cuts hair for patients unable to go to the beauty shop or barber.

She also works part-time at The Rock House Salon.

“I just love styling hair. I really missed the creativity,” she said.

Both appreciate the lack of bars in Russellville and the natural beauty. “Most of our activities are outdoors,” Jean said.

“People don’t realize how beautiful Arkansas is,” Lynn said.

Jean does wish, at times, to be closer to her family. One daughter lives in Cedar Rapids and the other in Seattle.

“And sometimes I really miss shopping,” she said. “I’m going to love the new mall.”

According to the Faaborgs there are two areas needing improvement -- the traffic and the condition of personal property.

“I’ve never seen so much traffic in a town this size,” Jean said. “We really need a mass-transit system.”

“And the one thing I can’t get used to in Russellville is the people who won’t take care of their property. In Iowa people got ticketed for parking in the yard. I wish more people would take pride in their homes and yards.”

The Faaborgs enjoy listening to the conversations around them.

“Folks here say, ‘tars’ for tires and ‘oil’ for all. It’s the biggest twang I ever heard,” Jean said with a smile.

“People ask us all the time where we’re from,” Lynn said. “They pick up on our accent, but, seriously, this really feels like home after only two years. You can just call me a hillbilly.” n

ABOUT...the River Valley 31

Visiting Author Shares ‘Glamour’ The main branch of the Pope County Library organized activities surrounding the recent visit by young adult author Brandi Barnett. Barnett, of Oklahoma, agreed to instruct a writing workshop for area youth at the library following a book signing engagement at Hastings Entertainment of Russellville.

After the workshop participants enjoyed a slumber party complete with activities reflecting the Barnett’s book, GLAMOUR and a dessert buffet decorated with a fairy motif.

Girls enjoyed learning about conservation, star constellations and the moon phases, Native American customs and listening to Barnett read the first chapter of her book.

Crafts and manicures were also included in the event.

Lauren Drittler, young adult librarian, claimed the event a success and wishes to thank the

Story and Photos by Jeannie Stone

Take A Visual Tour at tmoorerealtors.com

Katherine Skartvedt and Katie Walker

of what all this pristine property has to offer.

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February 2009

Lizzie Ibold, Denise Warren and Kassidy Cothren Georgia Beavers shows star constellations to participants

many volunteers and sponsors who contributed to the event including: Wal-Mart distribution Center, Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Elizabeth Stinnett, John Stottman, C.P.A.; Jess Eubanks, State Farm Insurance; Dalton Dentistry, Petit Jean Meats, Merle Norman, Bath Junkie, River Valley Progressive Men’s Club, Tyson’s, Hastings, Reflections Tea Room, Sweeden’s Florist, Linda Bartholome with Avon, Catherine’s Cakes and Friends of the Library.

Drittler is planning future author visits with the next guest being Cynthia Leitich Smith who wrote TANTALIZE and the soon to be released book ETERNAL. Smith is schedules to visit in April. For more information contact Drittler at (479) 968-4368. n

Novelist Brandi Barnett

Terri Williamson and Sydney Smith

Lizzie Ibold, Eileen Walsh, Kassidy Cothren and Denise Warren.

Sweet Heart Event

Caroline Stone and Nicole Hopson

Let Me Be Yours

Now In Progress

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Save Time . . . Shop Your Local Dealer!

HWY 22 WEST • DARDANELLE, AR • (479) 229-3555 OR (479) 968-6537 February 2009

ABOUT...the River Valley 33

MLK Day Celebrated A beautiful, if not chilly, Saturday carried the joyful sounds of celebration and praise along the streets of Russellville while participants marched to Hughes Center on Jan. 17. The group was escorted by local police and firefighters and marched behind a banner carried by local children and Mayor Tyrone Williamson.

The 21st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration, sponsored by the River Valley Progressive Men’s Club, took the opportunity to offer thanks to those who marched before them and reminded a multi-generational crowd of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream.

Lenard T. Blocker delivered the message “Realizing the Dream” after Charles Armstrong recited a poem he’d written for the occasion. Entertainment included singing by the Unity Baptist Church, New Prospect Baptist Church and Abundant Life Church choirs, as well as a star performance by Lillian Green’s River Valley King Team and a Rap Session organized by Tony Pillow and Omar Clemons.

The event would not have been complete without the muchanticipated ribs, for which the River Valley Progressive Men’s Club is well-known in this area. Plates were heaped with all the fixings, including chocolate cake. Many agreed that everyone left with both souls and stomachs satisfied.

Story and photos by Jeannie Stone

“We’re Not Comfortable Until You Are!”

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June 10, 2010 – 10-Day Tour – An opportunity to travel June 10-19, 2010, has been made available to our group through Collette Vacations. Imperial Cities featuring Prague, Vienna, Budapest and the Oberammergan Passion Play will be offered on a first come first serve basis to our group. The total price of the 10-day trip is a double rate of $5,149 per person.

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SAN ANTONIO HOLIDAY

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Alumni and Friends of Arkansas Tech For additional information, please contact Dana Moseley, Office of Gift Planning, (479) 964-0532

ABOUT...the River Valley 35

ABOUT

When Dreams Come True

Enjoy your private showing!

View Virtual Tour Online www.rivervalleyrealty.com

Kathy Price

Sales Associate, BSBA, GRI, CRS

Ofc. 498-2107 Cell. 970-7844 River Valley Realty, Inc

River Valley Realty, Inc 800 East Main • Russellville, AR 72801

New Arrivals

Kacen Pauline James

was born Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at 11:53 a.m. at Conway Regional Medical Center. She was 8 pounds, 19 inches.

Parents are Sergeant Carey James of the Russellville Police Department and Susie James, co-owner of Formal Affairs in Russellville. Kacen Pauline was welcomed by two proud big brothers, Brent James and Josiah James. Grandparents are Lytle and Connie James of Jasper and the late Jim and Pauline Cooper.

800 East Main • Russellville, AR 72801

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Sweetheart Saturday Arkansas Hospice Russellville announces the fifth Sweetheart Saturday benefit scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Sat., Feb. 14, at First Baptist Church in downtown Russellville.

The dessert buffet features the area’s best loved restaurants including Catherine’s Cakes, Cagle’s Mill and PattiCakes Bakery. The event allows participants to enjoy the finest in sweets, entertainment and fellowship, all for a good cause.

Local radio personality Johnny Story will assist with the festivities, which includes a silent auction. River Valley artists and potters and merchants have donated pieces to the auction. Unusual items, like a John Deere bike, will be auctioned.

The ever-popular hospice therapy dogs will mingle with patrons and members from Seke, Zimbabwe, will be honored guests. Arkansas Hospice supports the hospice there with prayers and medical supplies. Entertainment will include singer Ray Baker and Miss Mt. Nebo Hannah Williamson.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or by calling the (479) 498-2050.

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36 ABOUT...the River Valley

February 2009

Books You’ll Love (And Love to Share!)

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is near!

What better time to share a loving book!

Stan and Jan Berenstain offer Brother and Sister in their common roles of sibling rivalry and teasing in a book titled THE BERENSTAIN BEARS’ FUNNY VALENTINE. Sister has too much of the wrong kind of attention from one boy and not enough from another. While dealing with her own troubles, she is also dishing out plenty of teasing Brother about his girlfriends.

In VALENTINES ARE FOR SAYING I LOVE YOU, author Margaret Sutherland shows Valentines’ Day as a time to share treats and feelings with the ones you love.

What happens when jealousy comes between two best friends? THE BIGGEST VALENTINE EVER tells about two friends who must learn to cooperate to make a Valentine for a special someone. Author Steven Kroll writes a happy ending for this story.

Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter books are such fun. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, LITTLE CRITTER includes the fun of valentines for all and the joy of the party.

Marc Brown comes through with two books with a valentine theme. ARTHUR’S VALENTINE tells of problems Arthur encounters when he guesses wrong about the identity of the secret admirer who is sending him valentine messages. In ARTHUR’S FIRST KISS, little sister D. W. and their dog Pal rescue Arthur from having to kiss the dreaded Francine.

ROSES ARE PINK, YOUR FEET REALLY STINK by Diane deGroat has delighted children and their parents for several years. When Gilbert’s teacher told her students they had to write something nice for each classmate, Gilbert had a problem. The two mean notes he wrote threatened to ruin Valentine’s Day for all.

Junie B. Jones receives a big, mushy card

for Valentime’s (her word) Day, but she does not know who sent it. Read JUNIE B. JONES AND THE MUSHY GUSHY VALENTINE and find out who is the secret admirer.

QUEEN OF HEARTS is a lavish splash of color and detail with all the joy of preparations for Valentine’s Day. Mary Engelbreit shows Ann Estelle once again so busy doing what she wants to do that she misses something very important. In this story she creates the most beautiful valentine mailbox in the room, but forgets to make the cards for her classmates.

Poor Polly! This sad piglet is searching everywhere for someone to love her. She looks in the pasture, forest, and barnyard. In the book WILL YOU BE MY VALENSWINE?

by Teresa Bateman, Polly realizes her special valenswine is very near.

Alison Jackson takes advantage of the fact that valentine and Clementine rhyme. She has come up with BALLAD OF VALENTINE. Valentine is going about her business, while an unnamed admirer attempts to send her love notes. He tries smoke signals (heart-shaped, of course), homing pigeon, and more. Illustrations by Tricia Tusa offer funny and subtle details.

Yes, that big red dog gets into the act with two books for the holiday. CLIFFORD’S FIRST VALENTINE’S DAY stars Clifford as a puppy trying to help the children make their valentines.

Strega Nona who tells six ingredients that make life special. Tomie dePaola has teamed with Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart to create BRAVA STREGA NONA. This glorious pop-up book offers a celebration of life and love. Allow time and space to share this book as each page opens to a full spread of detailed cut-outs, drawings, and windows to open.

Submitted by Jane Clawson

WILL YOU BE MY VALENSWINE?

Bateman, Teresa

THE BERENSTAIN BEAR’S FUNNY VALENTINE

Berenstain, Stan and Jan

CLIFFORD’S FIRST VALENTINE’S DAY

Bridwell, Norman

ARTHUR’S FIRST KISS

Brown, Marc

ARTHUR’S VALENTINE

Brown, Marc

ROSES ARE PINK, YOUR FEET REALLY STINK

deGroat, Diane

BRAVA STREGA NONA

dePaola, Tomie

QUEEN OF HEARTS

Engelbreit, Mary

BALLAD OF VALENTINE

Jackson, Alison

THE BIGGEST VALENTINE EVER

Kroll, Steve

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, LITTLE CRITTER

Mayer, Mercer

JUNIE B. JONES AND THE MUSHY, GUSHY VALENTINE

Park, Barbara

SOMEONE LOVES MR. SUSSMAN

Polacco, Patricia

RHYME TIME VALENTINE

Poydar, Nancy

VALENTINES ARE FOR SAYING I LOVE YOU

Sutherland, Margaret

February 2009

Emily Lunney Stylist

Now Taking Appointments!

Specialzing in: Color • Highlights • Foiling Haircuts • Fusion Extensions 809 S. Arkansas Russellville 967-5240

Full-Figure Fabulous

Fashion Bras Aviana

Intimate Apparel

Joann’s FASHION BRAS For the Hard-to-Fit

Lavish Lace Distinctive Details in Sizes 34DD to 46H

1704 W. C Place • Russellville AR Call (479) 967-6494 for an appointment Joann Hays, Owner-Consultant

Over 35 Years of Auto Body Excellence

1903 S. Arkansas • (479) 968-3991

ABOUT...the River Valley 37

ABOU T at your Service!

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BUTTON-EYED CROW Unique Hand Made Gifts and Collectables, Jelly, Homemade Soaps, Wickless Candles, Tarts, Potpourri, Wood Signs & Specialty Gift Baskets - Family Owned & Operated Hwy. 64 across from Pottsville Post Office (479) 967-6755 Dance With Joy Party Rentals Available. DJ/Karaoke/ MC Services available on/off site. Classes and private instruction available for ages 2 through adult. Go to our website for more information. www.DWJstudio.com www.myspace.com/dwjstudio P. (479) 968-1620 or (479) 264-7287 Live Well, Laugh Often and Love to Dance

ABOUT

Engagements

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.)

–February 21, 2009– Christie Bennett and Andy Moore

–March 14, 2009– Melissa Howard and Kyle Scott

–April 18, 2009–

Amy Bynum and Derek Whitehead Latoshia Villines and Josh Caldwell

–May 9, 2009– Chelsie Griffin and Jake King

–May 16, 2009–

GARY’S BARBER SHOP Specializes in all cuts.

Children and walkins Welcome.

Hours: Tues-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-3pm NEW LOCATION - 303 West B Street (Located behind C&D Drug Store) (479) 264-2919

Morgan Sain and Matt Wilkins Amber Kara and Brian McGoogan Meredith Goodson and Andrew Curtis

SKY Designs Custom design your special baby gift!

From diaper cakes to pacifier and ponytail holders. We can coordinate by theme and color. spk.young@hotmail.com (479) 970-2215

Courtney Clarke and Brad Hottinger

Be the first service professional that comes to mind when your prospective customer needs a product or service you provide. Have your business or service included in the next issue of ABOUT … the River Valley, contact Melanie Conley at (479) 967-4899.

–May 22, 2009– Sarah Loyd and Tracy Watson

–May 30, 2009– List courtesy of Millyn’s in Dardanelle

The 2009 issue of ABOUT… Weddings and Special Occasions will appear on Feb. 14, 2009. For information call (479) 970-6628 or visit the office of ABOUT Magazine located at 417 West Parkway in Russellville.

It’s all ABOUT Community!

“Russellville is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Great schools, great people and a great community make the River Valley area a very special place. Sorrells Body Shop has been part of the business community in Russellville for over 37 years and we couldn’t have done it without the support of the fine folks of Russellville and the surrounding area. ABOUT Magazine celebrates life in the River Valley, and the fantastic people that live here. We love advertising in ABOUT, and we will continue.

It is a quality production and the response has been wonderful. ABOUT Magazine is just another great part of our community right here in the River Valley.”

Jamie Sorrells & Eric Hartzell

President & Vice President of Sorrells Body Shop

ABOUT

... the River Valley

Contact Melanie Conley at 858-2708, Stephanie Young at 970-2215, or LeAnne Colvin at 857-7912

38 ABOUT...the River Valley

February 2009

Live Auction Items: Vision of italy: 30x40 Beautiful oil canvas of Italian arbor scene

Silent Auction Items: A Lady from Head to Toe

2 pair Scojo Readers with Antique Glass Eyeglass Chains, Giraffe Print Purse and Wallet, Diamond Necklace, Metallic Leopard Print Overnight Bag, Hair Product Gift Basket, Red Handbag and $300 Gift Certificate, Razorback Bracelet, Ladies Citizen Quartz Watch, Zebra Print Luggage and Monet Umbrella with Monet Tote Bag

Deck the Walls

Photography Session and Wall Portrait, Libra & Her Sparrow Framed Print, Original Photography Prints, 32” Razorback Sign, 32”Personalized Family Name Sign, 10”x15” Signed Elk Photograph, Photography Session Fee with Photo Package, Limited Edition William McNamara (Buffalo River Artist) with Conservation Framing and Hannah Montana Framed Collage

Dining Out and About

An assortment of Gift Certificates to many Local Restaurants

Entertainment

Karaoke Party with Snacks, Movie Passes, Sony Blu-Ray Disc Player with NetFlix Certificate, Garmin Nuvi 200 Portable GPS, Kodak Easyshare ZD8612 Digital Camera, AT&T Surefire Phone and Wii Fit

For Him or Her

Personal Training Package, $100 Shoe Gift Certificate, Lotion Goodie Bag + 10 Tanning Visits, $100 Dry Cleaning Gift Certificate & 4 - $10 Gift Certificates, Love UR Scrub, Coffee Basket and Cutter Buck Café to Go Set

For the Sportsman

2 – 30 Minute Tennis Lessons, Membership for Arkansas River Valley Tennis Association, 4 Adult Season ATU Football Tickets, Round of Golf for Two, Razorback Baggo Game, His and Her Fitness Package with shoes, clothes and iPod, Harry Gibson Turkey Call Framed Print, Golf Masters Champion Signature Collection and Garmin GPS 430SX Plotter/ Dual Beam Sonar, Felix Jones Framed Print and 2008 Ryder Cup Framed Print.

February 2009

Kid’s Corner

Free Mini-Golf & Batting Cage Passes, $35 Cake Gift Certificate, 3 Backhoes & 1 Skedsteer Collector Toy, Video Game Birthday Party, Princess Tea Party for Four with Photos, One Month Gymnastics Lessons, Registration & T-shirt, One Month Dance Lessons and American Girl with Accessories

No Place Like Home

Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, Floor Clock, Empire Crystal Bowl, Floral Gift Certificate, Sterling Industries Large Carlisle Mantle Clock, Wooden Carved Nativity Scene, Pewter Serving Tray, Floral Arrangement, Christmas Village Gift Set, Housekeeping Gift Certificate and Crackle Dinnerware Set (Service for 8)

This, That & Something Else

2 Gift Certificate for Oil Change & Tire Rotation, $100 PDQ Gift Certificate, Two Free Last Will & Testament, and Skil 10” Table Saw

Sign Up Parties Basketball Camp

Ages 6-12; with ATU Coach Mark Downey and team players, t-shirt, trophy. Cost: $30 per camper. Date: TBA

Cheerleaders Mini-camp

T-shirt, medal, trackside appearance opportunity with ATU Cheerleaders. Cost $30 per camper. Date: TBA

Ladies Night Out

A night of pampering with III’s Company. 15 ladies will get to enjoy a limousine ride to and from III’s Company, refreshments, a free gift, a gift certificate for a 1 hour massage, and 25% off purchases the night of the event. With hot new items just in from market this is one party you won’t want to miss!

Cost: $75 per person. Date: April

Poker Night

Ladies, get your men out of the house! Poker tournament for 40 players. Winner receives a grand prize! This event will be held at the Gala Creek Country Club. Finger foods, fun and friends! Don’t miss out! Cost: $50 per person.

Date: TBA

texas family fun: Family trip for four people to Six Flags Over Texas located in Arlington.

Cards & Clubs: 2 nights/3 days at Horseshoe Casino in Tunica, dinner and golf say Cheese!: Custom Portrait Session designed especially for your family, masterpiece that will sure to be a valuable family heirloom.

Just a sCootin!: Honda 2007 Metropolitan Scooter and gift certificate for accessories. bling bling: 14 Karat yellow and white gold braided diamond bracelet with .75 Carat total wt. ozark mountain getaway: Holiday Hills Golf Resort in Branson for 4 nights with four tickets to Silver Dollar City, Celebration City, and Whitewater. straighten up!: Invisalign or traditional braces and course of treatment. perfeCt for any room: Beautiful multifunction armoire ultimate VaCation: The Grand Mayan Nuevo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – Beautiful aquatic features; lazy river, slides, wave pool and spa. Private pool with room. Golf course designed by Jim Lipe. play ball!: Trip for four to Chicago and tickets to see the Chicago Cubs! the Venetian: Experience the romance of Italy in the heart of Vegas! 3 nights stay for two! experienCe the wonders of italy: 7 nights stay for two people in Venice with a day trip to Florence oCean front property: One week stay at beautiful beach home with 5 bedrooms!

Great for a group trip! piCture this: Sony 32 inch LCD TV Just for you: Lipo Melt/Non-Surgical Liposuction let’s get Cookin’: Your choice of a hands-on cooking class at the Viking Cooking School in Memphis, TN and a two night stay at the Peabody.

CamelbaCk golf: Five nights deluxe casita for two people with golf at Marriott’s Camelback Inn California dreamin: 4 nights stay for two people at Vintner’s Inn in Sonoma County’s famous wine country Cabin feVer: Weekend get away to The Big Log Cabin in Calico Rock, Arkansas

ABOUT...the River Valley 39