ABOUT | June 2009

Committed to Community Since 2006

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

– Linda Stumpff Longtime Patient of Dalton Family Dentistry

Dr. Dalton and his Staff gave me a

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June 2009

contents 8

■■Be the first in Russellville...

...to purchase the NEW DoubleH Buckaroo Square Toe Collection His and Hers - Starting at $164.95

New Art Kid on the Block

Woody’s Boot and Repair 511 East 4th St. • Russellville (479) 968-8980 www.woodysboots.com

■■Entertaining for 4th of July

Impress your guests with our wonderful selection of décor and kitchenware. Pitcher, chip and dip set, placements and appetizer plate.

13

Rain dampens, doesn't diminish that 'Easter Feeling'

14

Father Knows Best

18

The Tradition of Driver's Ed

Rose Drug

3103 West Main Place • Russellville (479) 968-1323

21 ABOUT...Community

■■At Millyn’s They’re fun They’re Unique

24

Russellville's Own Pillsbury Dough Boy

They’re Billy Moon Patch cows and covered jars.

Millyn’s

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Pottsville Group Pursues Purchase

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124 S. Front St. • Dardanelle (479) 229-4144

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

30 More Winning Recipes / ABOUT...Food 34

Faith, Family and Friends

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Stamp out Hunger

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ABOUT...Engagements

ABOUT our Cover

Original Painting by Cliff Thomas

The oil painting featured on this month’s issue was created by talented artist Cliff Thomas on the occasion of ABOUT Magazine’s third birthday. Join us in applauding Cliff’s rendition of our office in the Green Train Car (417 West Parkway, Russellville) as we celebrate our anniversary on Friday, June 19, from 10-2. Please join us!

Our Associates Dianne EDWARDS

Chris ZIMMERMAN

Cliff THOMAS

edito r

graphic design

illustrator

4 7 9 . 9 7 0 .6 6 2 8 e d i t o r @ab o u trvmag .c o m

479.264.2438 chr is@zimcrea t ive.com

479.890.36 30 ma ddsignt i s t@gmai l .com

Melanie CONLEY

Vo n n a MARPEL

Jeannie STONE

adv e rt i s i ng

advertising

f re e l a n c e wri te r

4 7 9 . 8 5 8 .2 7 0 8 m e la n i e@ ab o u trvmag .c o m

479.970.4263 vonna @a bout r vma g.com

479.747.0210 jea nnie@a b outrv mag.com

4 ABOUT...the River Valley

June 2009

ABOUT

Festivals

VALLEYFEST SET FOR JUNE 5-6

ValleyFest has been moved to cooler weather, so everyone is encouraged to load up the family and head out Friday and Saturday June 5-6 to Old Post Road Park. After months of preparation the ValleyFest committee is excited about the change in date, the new carnival group that will bring more rides, the Restless Heart concert, and much more.

A lot of time and energy is put forth by many community members starting in November to make sure this festival is a top rate event.

Parking cost is per vehicle, $5 Friday night, $5 for all day Saturday until 5 p.m., at which time then it increases to $10 for Saturday night.

Throughout the weekend of ValleyFest, an estimated 20,000 people will attend. The main concession at ValleyFest will feature some festival favorites, including funnel cakes, corn dogs, hamburgers, hot dogs, kettle corn and other tempting opportunities, say organizers.

Special thanks are expressed by organizers to the approximately 60 community sponsors that graciously support the Boys and Girls Club with monetary and in-kind donations. Other income from the festival is generated by concessions sold during the weekend of ValleyFest and at the midway area. T-shirts, selling for $12 each, and patrons paying for parking also helps defray the cost of the entertainment. Event sponsors provide everything for the festival while nearly 400 volunteers provide the manpower needed to present one of the area’s premier festivals.

This year’s entertainment includes: Friday night -- Colgate Country Showdown sponsored by River Valley Radio. Saturday

s

of the Arkansas River Valley

June 2009

night talent starts off with On the Verge, Big Daddy & the Pork Chops, SingleTree, and Mr. Lucky as well as headline concert Restless Heart.

The weekend is filled with family fun for all ages. Competitive events include softball, tennis, basketball, 5K, Tour De Valley, Car Show, beach volleyball, horseshoes Slam Drunk contest and more.

“We host a barbecue cook-off and great barbecue is available at the concession stands,” say organizers.

“This year we have even added a BMX bike show starring the Freestyle Connection BMX Stunt Team. They will have a Friday night show at 7 p.m., as well as three shows on Saturday at noon, 3 and 6 pm. As always the fishing derby is a huge hit with the kids.”

ValleyFest has a management team committee that reviews the income and expenditures very closely to eliminate unnecessary spending and ensure the greatest return to the Boys and Girls Clubs. The team also strives to create a festival that can be enjoyed by all and that the community can be proud of, according to Cathy Andrasik, executive director.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley (Russellville and Dardanelle Units) operate under an annual budget of $580,000. The two major fundraisers – the John Daly Golf Classic, which was held the weekend of April 4, and the upcoming ValleyFest – provide 30 percent of the organization’s annual budget. Other funds are obtained through grants, foundations, individual and corporate donations, United Way, civic clubs, and the city of Dardanelle.

Cont. on page 39...

ABOUT...the River Valley 5

ABOUT the River Valley

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. IV, Issue 5 – June 2009

OWNERS/EDITOR Nolan and Dianne Edwards Advertising Sales Melanie Conley Vonna Marpel Graphic Design Chris Zimmerman ZimCreative Contributing Writers Kechia Bentley Dianna Qualls Jeannie Stone Contributing PhotographerS Steve Newby Kristin Hare 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 June brings warmer temperatures and perhaps much less rain than May! Both students and teachers celebrate the ring of that last school bell while parents scramble to arrange summer schedules for their children around basketball, baseball and volleyball camps, art camp, Vacation Bible School, swimming lessons, and if you are lucky – a family vacation!

Regular readers will remember that the associates of ABOUT Magazine takes a bit of a summer break ourselves. As part of our regular production schedule, 10 issues each year except for January and July, we will be enjoying a bit of ‘down time’ with our families until we resume work on the August publication around July 1st.

Until then, our offices will be open by appointment only except for Friday, June 19, when we will celebrate our 3rd anniversary with an open house from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. We invite you – our regular readers and advertisers – to join us for refreshments and meet the associates who bring you each issue of ABOUT... the River Valley Magazine.

As the year has progressed, we’ve said good-bye to sales associate Stephanie Young as she returned to her previous fulltime position working in the office of Dalton Family Dentistry – good-luck Stephanie!

We’re also excited to have been joined by a new sales associate. Vonna Marpel, a seasoned and experienced advertising consultant. Vonna has chosen to blend her talent with our other ABOUT Magazine associates on what we’ve promised will be a fun, rewarding endeavor. Please come by and welcome Vonna and our entire ‘family’ on June 19th.

Another introduction this past year has been the upgrade of our magazine website, aboutrvmag.com. Talented graphic designer and webmaster Chris Zimmerman, owner of ZimCreative, has breathed new life into our web pages. There you’ll find a history of the magazine and its associates, an archive of past issues, an updated calendar of events, advertising contact information and each of the phone numbers needed to contact each of our associates.

As our second ABOUT... Weddings and Special Occasions issue was published on Feb. 14, 2009, we made the decision to offer monthly engagement and weddings photos and anncouncements. To have your wedding, engagement or anniversary included in a future monthly issue, send a check for $57.50 along with a color photo

and 225 word (maximum) announcement to: ABOUT, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812.

We’ve also moved the mail handling of each issue to a local business once they were equipped to handle the processing and USPS mailing of each month’s issue. Our commitment has always been to keep the business at home whenever possible. The Mail Room owners Shawn and Rebecca Partain have tackled the huge responsibility of mailing our monthly issues, and we have been excited to ‘keep the money’ at home.

We urge our readers to remember that every dollar you spend at home, STAYS at home.

Dollars spent outside our area go to fund THEIR public services – and take money out of the pockets of our local business owners, friends and family. Please, this year, strive to “Keep it Local!”

As always, we strive to fill each issue with stories about the people you know, or will come to know, on the pages of ABOUT Magazine. We are thrilled when our readers tell us that they enjoy the articles in ABOUT and that they appreciate the quality work that is required to publish each issue. It validates what we are attempting to do – produce a local publication that focuses only on local content, not filled with “canned” or prepublished articles from outside our area.

However, when we receive negative comments regarding a story or article that we have published, we take their criticism under advisement and attempt to evaluate our approach on future, similar issues.

We do remind our readers that there are always two sides to every story and ABOUT Magazine would never intentionally ‘sensationalize’ or influence our readers by our story content. Our writers are challenged to convey the truth and record only direct quotes from interviewees when writing for the magazine.

We welcome your contributions and inquiries for coverage. Comments and story suggestions may be sent via email to editor@aboutrvmag.com or mailed to: P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812.

Please join us on Friday, June 19, as we celebrate our third year – another year made possible by your support and continued enjoyment of the River Valley’s most-talked ABOUT Magazine.

Have a wonderful summer!

Dianne Edwards, Editor/Publisher

June 2009

You are Invited to attend a celebration honoring the 3ird Anniversary of

ABOUT...the River Valley Magazine Join us for refreshments from 10 until 2 on Friday, June 19, at our offices in The Green Train Car, 417 West Parkway, Russellville.

3 Recognizing the loyal advertisers and readers who have made these past three years possible!

ABOUT Anniversary...Your Invited!

Friday, June 19 • 10am til 2pm • ABOUT Office 417 W. Parkway, Russellville On June 19, 2006, ABOUT... the River Valley Magazine began our ‘labor of love’ to the community, a regional publication containing only articles about our River Valley friends and neighbors. Our fullcolor, high quality magazine publishes 11 issues each year – monthly with the exception of January and July, plus a special ABOUT...Weddings and Special Occasions which publishes on Valentine’s Day each February.

Convenient delivery directly to your door is available for $20 per year (11 issues.)

Copies are also distributed through our advertisers and other key points of interest, including the local chambers of commerce, the Historic Downtown Missouri-Pacific Depot, the Lake Dardanelle Visitor’s Center and surrounding Arkansas State Parks.

A complimentary issue is also available by visiting our office at 417 West Parkway, Russellville, in The Green Train Car located between Stoby’s Restaurant and PattiCakes Bakery. Subscription requests may be sent by mail to: ABOUT Magazine, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812.

Utilizing the time and talents of some of the area’s most dedicated associates, ABOUT Magazine strives to feature individuals, events and activities that are of interest to those living in and connected to the Arkansas River Valley. Our associates June 2009

have a combined experience of more than 80 years in editorial, advertising, design and photography.

Freelance submissions are welcomed but should be offered in advance of an event through arrangement. Clubs and organizations are encouraged to submit their upcoming activities through email to: editor@aboutrvmag.com or via fax to 866.757.3282.Ideas for stories and coverage are always welcomed. Every attempt will be made to include an event whenever space permits.

Summer office hours are by appointment only. For a complete list of our associates and their contact information, see page 4 of each month’s issue or visit our webpage online at aboutrvmag.com. Our webpage contains information on our history, advertising coverage, archives and updated calendar of events.

To celebrate our third anniversary, loyal readers and advertisers, friends and family are invited to join us for refreshments from 10-2 on Friday, June 19. Stop by and spend a few minutes with our associates, including advertising representatives Melanie Conley and Vonna Marpel, graphic designer Chris Zimmerman, freelance contributor Jeannie Stone, local illustrator Cliff Thomas and other friends and contributors. We’ll save a piece of Italian Cream cake just for you!

Out and ABOUT June 5: Downtown Art Walk, 5-8 p.m.; (479) 967-1437.

June 5-6: 20th Annual Valley Fest, Old Post Road Park; (479) 968-7819.

June 6, 13, 20: Children’s Tea Etiquette classes; 9:30-10:30 a.m.; Reflections Tea Room; $10 per child plus cost of tea, $9.95 pp; ages 8 and older. Info: (479) 967-7667.

June 9: Transitions Bereavement Support Group, 10 a.m., Arkansas Hospice, 2405 E. Parkway; second Tuesday of each month. Info: (479) 498-2050.

June 12: Country Dance Workshop, 7:30-10:30 p.m., $10 pp. Dance with Joy Studio. RSVP (479) 968-1620, (479) 264-7287 or email: dancewithjoy@suddenlink.net.

June 13: 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.

June 18-21: Johnson County Peach Festival, Court Square, Clarksville; children’s activities, street dance, Fiddler’s contest, parade, pageants (Miss Arkansas prelim.); Princess Elberta; info: (479) 754-9152.

June 24-26: Lake Dardanelle Day Camp, “Bird Brains.” 9-4, lunch, snacks, all supplies included. Ages 8-12. River Ramble, July 8-10; Creature Construction, Aug. 5-7. $65 fee.

Limited space. (479) 967-5516.

June 25: Community Bingo, all seniors 55 and older invited; 2-3 p.m. 4th Thurs. of each month; door prizes, grand prize and refreshments.

Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood, Russellville; 890-6709.

June 26-27: Mount Magazine Butterfly Festival XIII. Hikes, lectures, exhibits, games, tours, live concert. Info: (479) 963-8502 or MountMagazineStatePark.com.

June 26-28: South Pacific summer musical, 7:30 p.m. Fri/Sat; 2 p.m. Sun; info: artscenter@centurytel.net or (479) 968-2452.

(Also July 2,3 and 5) Visit www.aboutrvmag.com for a list of activities updated as they are received. To have your event included in the ABOUT Calendar of Events, email: editor@aboutrvmag.com or fax to (866) 757-3282. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication.

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ABOUT...the River Valley 7

New Art Kid on the Block From the hills of Dover, Arkansas, to a monastery in Florence, Italy, DANIEL FREEMAN, whose current home is an art studio overlooking downtown Russellville, is the author of his life. Unlike traditional pen and paper, however, he chooses to tell his stories through his art. Freeman, sketch artist, painter and creator of personality-scapes, is itching to capture these stories on canvas or paper. One of them might even be yours.

Story & Photos by Jeannie Stone

Artist Statement:

“What makes us tick? Are we are influenced by A graduate of Dover High School in 2003, Freeman, son of Bonnie what we view on the television or is it how we were Freeman and sister to Brandi Foshee, had a memorable relationship raised as a child? What exactly forms the combination with art during his childhood. He was first encouraged by his of characteristics and qualities that form our grandparents Bob and Marilou Freeman who posted his art work on distinctive character as individuals? This project seeks their refrigerator next to his older cousin’s. to understand who we are and what our world looks like “Josh Vaughan was an excellent artist. His art was always 10 though the eye of an external viewer.” times better than mine, and it always dominated my grandparents’

“Since childhood, I have been interested in the refrigerator, but whenever my grandmother would put one of my way people present themselves as individuals, whether it art pieces up it made me feel so good.” be the way they cry, laugh, or use to convey vulgar insults In all fairness, Vaughan encouraged me to improve my art to others in spite of their insecurities. I am inspired by the Freeman said. “He was always giving me tips,” he said, “but he knowledge and experience of those I know.” was always getting prime space on my grandparents’ refrigerator.

The images that create each figure are some of the He was the competition.” different moments and memories that the individual has To further his frustrations, Freeman was diagnosed with Fatal experienced in their life and that define who they are as Heart Arrhythmia and was forced to quit sports. a person. The unaltered space is that which the individual “One day, I just threw my books down in high school art class has not yet filled, of experiences to come. The drawings are because I found out the army wouldn’t even take me,” he said. monumental to reinforce their status as a mapping of the That’s when his art teacher Tehya May painted him a path individual’s diverse character. into the unknown. “She told me that I had more potential than “The three presented are Josh Huskisson, Anna Palmer, anyone else in the class, and if I channeled my energies and myself. I chose Josh and Anna because though I have my art would take me places,” he said. “She started talking spent the last three to four years only knowing them as to me about art scholarships and encouraged me to start members of a college class. This absence of true familiarity submitting my artwork in competitions. I got psyched. I encouraged my desire to graphically map their individual started staying late after school and not leaving until the characters. In this investigative process, I was made aware of janitor left.” our common thoughts and shared beliefs. Josh and Anna are Freeman’s hard work paid off, and he won Best of Show now dimensional to me and our culture relationships continue in the Pope County Fair and won the River Valley Arts to be defined.”

Center competition both his junior and senior year. >>

June 2009

Daniel Freeman

ABOUT...the River Valley 9

“The first time I won money, I thought it was pretty cool. I couldn’t believe I’d get paid for doing something I loved.”

His artwork continued to receive awards and was pictured several times in the local newspaper.

“That made me feel so good to see my art featured,” he said.

True to May’s prediction, Freeman was awarded an art scholarship to Memphis College of Art where he earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and fine art in 2007. He also expresses himself through photography, enjoys bookmaking and is experimenting with video production.

It was while studying in a monastery in Italy for three months that Freeman developed his art philosophy.

“That really got me into the narrative,” he said. “Everything was so different there from the vendors and little merchants to normal activities, such as a boy kissing a girl under a street lamp. It is so compact there, and there was kind of a poetry to everything.”

It wasn’t only the language and the food that were different, however.

“The whole environment around me made me feel as if I were in never-never land,” Freeman said.

The constantly changing landscape of his Italian journey piqued his interest in storytelling as he found himself intrigued with the random scenes playing out in front of him.

Putting his personal stamp on art drove him to try new methods.

“I had this sketch in my head. I formed an abstract cityscape using pen, gouache and ink. I created a shape, and then let my imagination bleed from that shape, and I

integrated negative shapes coming up with this woodsy mechanical cityscape. I call it Exploration of the Mind. My blank shapes became the positive space. What I really like are these pieces of underdeveloped ideas and things growing into it. The piece is in the process of becoming fulfilled.”

Freeman’s professors and the Memphis art critics loved his work, even calling his vision apocalyptic. The work became his signature piece that catapulted him into the Duration Series, a growing collection of personalityscapes which employ the negative and positive space in much the same way as Exploration of the Mind.

Subjects for Freeman’s personalityscapes fill out an intense survey he said.

“The answers paint me a picture of their lives,” he said. “It’s their stories, and a lot of it is bad stuff.”

Pointing to a work entitled Anna, he continues: “Overall, she’s beautiful, and all the stuff in her life has made her who she is today. Notice there are blank spaces because her story is not complete. She has a lot of life to live.”

Upon graduating from college Freeman was awarded a project with Chevrolet and then designed billboards for Honda. He also designed the logo for MTV’s Mud Island Rap Festival. He grew bored with graphic design and returned to fine art and his burgeoning desire to tell stories.

He decided to carry his art home and somehow influence the art community.

“I would love to teach someday,” he said, “but it’s time for me to create now.”

Although he is available for commission work, recently agreeing to paint three large murals in a Fayetteville home, he is working towards a gallery show, and he has just completed a set of window

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10 ABOUT...the River Valley

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June 2009

murals to cover the windows in his upstairs studio (his apartment is above Sew Sassy at the corner of Denver and Main Sreets, Russellville.)

Freeman looks out of his window down on the business of mid-day traffic.

“All people skim through their lives not noticing things that make them who they are,” he said. “I don’t think things like that need to be overlooked.

Sometimes, the world appears it’s falling apart, but there’s so much beauty in the world. We’re just programmed to look at all things negatively.”

For the artist who has, at times, painted with brooms and used coffee as a medium, art is life, and life is a story to live.

“We as individuals need to appreciate the life that we create.”

Of his accomplishments, he is most proud of the status he has gained in his grandparents’ home.

“I have graduated from the refrigerator to the wall,” he said.

Note: Contact Daniel Freeman, via email at blackgraphic83@gmail.com or visit him on Facebook or MySpace. A Web site is in n the works.

June 2009

ARV Arts Center Announces Schedule Adult Pottery Explore the creative and relaxing world of clay as you learn hand-building and wheel-thrown pottery with award winning instructor Winston Taylor.

Adult Pottery Starts Monday, June 1, 6-9 p.m. for 5 weeks. Second class starts July 6 from 6-9 p.m. for 5 weeks.

Cost $67.50 for members and $77.50 for nonmembers.

Explore the world of clay on a potter’s wheel in this creative and relaxing way on Wednesday afternoons. Adult Pottery starts Wednesday June 3 from 1-4 p.m. for 5 weeks. Second Class starts July 8 from 1-4 p.m. for 5 weeks.

Cost $67.50 for members and $77.50 for nonmembers.

Experience four alternative firing processes: barrel, sagar, raku, and horsehair with award winning instructor Winston Taylor. Attendees must have prior experience. Class starts Wednesday, July 9, 6-9 p.m. for 5 weeks. Cost $67.50 for members and $77.50 for nonmembers.

Youth Pottery Explore what you can create using your hands! Students learn basic techniques including hand building, firing, and glazing. Cost $65 for members and $70 for nonmembers.

Children Pottery begins Thursday, June 4, 1-2:30 p.m. for 5 weeks. (1st5th Grade) Jr. High Pottery begins Thursday, July 9, 1-3 p.m. for 5 weeks (6th-8th Grade) Teen Pottery begins Tuesday, July 7, 1-3 p.m. for 5 weeks (9th-12th Grade) Summer Art Camps Dates/Instructor: June 22-26, Winston Taylor; July 6-10, Winston Taylor; July 13-17, Rachel Trusty; July 27-31, Rachel Trusty, and August 3-7, Winston Taylor.

Class sizes are limited. To register or for more information, call the Arkansas River Valley Art Center, Russellville, at (479) 968-2452.

ABOUT...the River Valley 11

ABOUT

... the Best Products 1

■■1 Vibram Five Finger Footwear

2

Available in Mens, Womens and Larger Childrens sizes

Feltner’s Athlete’s Corner 2320 West Main • Russellville (479) 968-6464

3

■■2 At Millyn’s, Unique servers from South Africa

Stainless Steel, copper, brass handcrafted pieces by the NdLe bele tribal women. Almost like jewelry so beautifully made.

Millyn’s

124 S. Front St. • Dardanelle (479) 229-4144

■■3 Made for Riding!

4

Gypsy Cowgirl Collection, by Justin Short or tall tops, many different styles and colors to choose from. Great for dress up or hard work! Starting at $72.95

Woody’s Boot and Repair 511 East 4th St. • Russellville (479) 968-8980 www.woodysboots.com

■■4 Many New Purses Now In Stock

Several styles and colors to choose from.

Come see us for fitness, fun and fashion.

Fitness For Her

2300 West Main, St. • Russellville (479) 967-6003

■■5 Womens specific eyewear

by Oakley

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■■6 Vera Bradley Luggage Sets

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Several styles to choose from in Java Blue or Purple Punch.

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■■7 Fourth of July Décor

Rose Drug will help you light up your 4th of July with these decorative rocket candles with matching napkins.

Rose Drug

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12 ABOUT...the River Valley

June 2009

ABOUT

Family

Rain dampens, doesn’t diminish that ‘Easter Feeling’ Story by Kechia Bentley

Torrential downpours can ruin any day. It seems that the best thing to do on a day when the rain just won’t stop is curl up with a good book or take a nap.

But when a rain like that comes on Easter Sunday, what’s a woman to do? I tried to pretend it wasn’t raining as I decided to go ahead a wear my Easter dress and my open-toe-high-heeled red shoes -they are really pretty. I mean, can a lot of rain really ruin Easter? I had not taken more than ten steps across the church parking lot before I realized open-toe-heels and a mini flood do not mix.

I began to think it just didn’t feel like Easter. Who knew Easter had a feeling? But walking across the parking lot bare-footed with feet freezing, trying to avoid the puddles, was not “Easter-ee”. What made matters worse, as I walked out the door to head for church, was that the power at our home went out. The ham had been in the oven all of 15 minutes. In the refrigerator waited a potato casserole, a green bean casserole, a macaroni casserole, glazed carrots, and Parker house rolls – in essence a typical Easter fest.

I left my husband at home to wait for the power to come back on while I attended Sunday School. My hope was that, when we met up for the worship service, he would inform me that the ham and casseroles were all coming along nicely.

For the first time ever, I had prepared everything the day and night before. On Sunday, all I would need to do is pop it all in the oven and let it heat up. Considering that I am not a cook, this was a huge accomplishment. It also should have been a sign that something was going to go wrong.

I was so proud of myself, because usually everyone is waiting on the food because something would always take longer to cook than I had expected. I was determined to not let that happen this year.

But as the day progressed, it became very clear that my hard work and planning was going to be for naught. I guess I should have checked the weather forecast.

As soon as Sunday School was over, I rushed to the balcony of the sanctuary to secure four seats. We all know that the ‘C&E Christians’ (Christmas and Easter) would be in attendance and the church would fill up quickly. Since I have a C&E Christian in my home, I wanted to make sure he had no excuses not to stay for the service. Our oldest child is in his “anti-organized religion” phase due to all the hypocrites in the church. Don’t you just love the idealism of youth? Bless his heart, someday he will realize just as we all have, that we are all hypocrites in one way or another -- at one time or another. Until then, I am grateful that he will still attend on Christmas, Easter, and Mother’s Day just to make me happy.

Upon the arrival of my husband and children to their saved seats in the balcony, I learn that the power was still off at the house. Still hopeful, I told myself that surely the power would be on by the time we got home from church. My perfect dinner was still possible, right? Maybe we would only be off schedule by an hour or so.

June 2009

Apparently the power outage and rain wasn’t just affecting my Easter plans because the church still had plenty of seats on a Sunday when it is usually packed. I can only image trying to get little ones ready in the dark and then trying to find a way to keep them dry while getting them into church. At some point it is just better to cry ‘uncle’ and give up -- but I wasn’t there yet. I was still hoping for some spark of that Easter feeling.

As I sat in the service with my husband and one darling boy next to me and another just a few rows away, I was happy. Thoughts of dinner could wait, but thoughts of my middle boy at Oklahoma State University spending Easter alone tugged on my heart. Once again, it did not feeling like Easter.

That began to really bug me. Is Easter supposed to have a feeling? And does Easter become less ‘Easter’ if you don’t have that feeling? Maybe I had let all the trappings of Easter take over Easter. The clothes, the food, family and even the crowed church scene -- was that what Easter had become? All of those are good things but they certainly weren’t the “thing.”

There was still no power when we arrived home from church. No Easter Dinner. We warmed up some macaroni and cheese on the gas cook top and waited for the power to come back on. The rain continued to fall hard all afternoon and with no power, we were left with a lot of time for reflection.

I decide to take mine in the form of a nap. As I lay in bed talking with God about this crazy day, I asked him about this Easter feeling or better yet, the lack of an Easter feeling. We talked about how this was definitely not an average Easter. A non-stop downpour of rain, no power, no big meal, no crowds at church, and no Dillon had all taken away from some of the excitement and electricity that is usually in the air on this day. But did all that really change Easter?

No, nothing could do that.

With everything else striped away, it was easier to focus more clearly on the first Easter. As I lay in bed drifting off to sleep, I was thankful to realize that in the quietness of the rain, with no power or excitement of family and food, my Savoir is alive, and I am eternally grateful.

Power was restored about 3 p.m. and Easter dinner became Easter supper. Still no Easter feeling, but none was needed. n ABOUT...the River Valley 13

Harold Lee Underwood of Plainview is surrounded by boys and girls of all ages as he corrals them into a wagon to promenade down Plainview’s Main Street.

The annual Frontier Days is a chance to ‘cowboy up’ for the day, he said.

Father Knows Best Story and Photos by Jeannie Stone

14 ABOUT...the River Valley

There’s a certain mayhem to events where the participants are expected to perform, but Underwood takes it all in stride. He’s as proud as any father would be, that is, if he were a father in the traditional sense. Underwood, who has never fathered children (nor been married) but has nevertheless been entrusted with caring for children time and again. His love knows no blood boundaries.

Underwood, 58, moved to Plainview in 1976 to work for the gas company now known as CenterPoint Energy and has remained in the community for 34 years. He is originally from Dardanelle and has a sister, two brothers and their families close by, as well as his mother Emma Underwood.

He comes by his love for young people naturally. His grandfather loved children and inspired Underwood. “He helped raise us four kids,” he said.

June 2009

Rodeo captured his interest in high school, and while he wished to ride the bulls, he wasn’t born a bull rider. Underwood said that is why he fell into bull fighting, the industry term for dressing as a clown and distracting a bull to protect a fallen or struggling cowboy.

Underwood fought bulls for 20 years. “I got a little old and slow, so I started doing just the comedy part,” he said.

It was while serving on the state chapter of the National High School Rodeo Association board in the 1980s that he developed his gift of working with teens. He later assisted Mark Tucker of Russellville with a rodeo for younger children.

“When I started rodeoing, I didn’t know a soul,” he said, “but I started to get to know their families. I am now in relationships with their children.”

He cares for two boys, alternating weekends with their birth dad who lived with Underwood for a few years. “The boys and I just got real attached,” he said.

Underwood continues his work with the rodeo but has cut back to one or two shows a year. He was also instrumental in the launching of the Cops for Kids program.

“It is completely run off of donations,” he said. “We give money to help Yell County kids to buy their school supplies.”

Several years ago, he joined Jesus Name Pentecostal Church. Pastor Stacy Lizanby can’t say enough good things about Underwood.

“He is known throughout the county,” he said, “and I knew when he got saved and joined the church that our youth group would explode, and it has. Harold is a great, godly influence on these young people.”

From left (front row): Blayne Prater, Kylie Stone, Emily Lisenby, Cart Yates, Kenzie Stone, Kynlie Stone, Clara Prater, Kyleigh Jones, Maverick Unitlaw, Meagan Johnston Back Row: Lain Frost, Billy Brily, Bradley Davis, Jeremy and Sara Moore, Brett Montgomery, Morgan Sheets and Courtney Jones.

Underwood blushed. “Well, the fact that they have an awesome youth minister could have something to do with it,” he said.

“Seriously, Dee Stone is a complete nut but he relates so well to these kids.”

“God’s got to be first in everybody’s life. If you put God first, then the rest will take care of itself.“ Then he is silent. “I wish,” he said, “that I would have been involved in a church like this in the 80s during my rodeo career, rather than just the past few years. God’s got to be first in everybody’s life. If you put God first, then the rest will take care of itself. I may have been able to be a positive influence to some of my friends. The rodeo circuit can be a wild ride, but anything can be if you let it.”

There are many Christian influences in rodeo nowadays Underwood said.

“I’m grateful for that. There are Cowgirls for Christ and Cowboys for Christ, and they’re growing.”

Underwood has opened up his home for overnight youth retreats. “The boys spend the night at my place, and the girls stay with someone else,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun. We start with teachings at the church every night, and then they play a little ball in the gym before coming out. They stay for three days. We rig up cowboy showers in the horse stalls. We have a blast.”

Lodging isn’t a challenge although Underwood lives in a two bedroom cabin.

“We’ve got a bunkhouse that can sleep up to six boys. Heck, I’ve seen more than that squeeze in there. Kids don’t care where they sleep,” he said.

Fourteen-year-old neighbor Matt Essman, who happened to be listening in on the conversation, added his two cents. >>

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ABOUT...the River Valley 15

has plans to fly to Poland and visit the boys from Germany.

“I’m thinking about retiring so I can do that,” he said.

So what other retirement plans does he have?

“I want to take a wagon team from here to Fillmore, Oklahoma. That’s 240 miles. It’ll probably take 10-12 days,” he said. “I’ve got it all figured out.”

Underwood is known by the company he keeps, and although he never chose a clown name during his rodeo stint, he now answers to several monikers.

“They call me Uncle Harold, Uncle Harry, Paul and Uncle Leon,” he said. “Most of them, though, call me ‘Dad.’” Happy Father’s Day, Dad. n

“We go four-wheeling, ride horses and hunt for armadillos at night – that’s my favorite part,” he said.

“I drag the kids on an old (truck) bed liner through the mud and water,” Underwood said. “I guess I’m just a kid in an old man’s body,” he said, with a laugh.

The man with the generous heart has also sponsored six foreign exchange students,

some for an entire school year.

“I (sponsored) a boy from Ecuador, a boy from Uzbekistan, a boy from Poland and three boys from Germany.

“Ninety-five percent of the students loved this area,” he said. “Some of them called it a huge culture shock. It was a big change.”

Underwood is expecting Ricardo, the boy from Ecuador, to visit this summer. He also

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the tradition of

Driver’s Ed

Statistics don’t lie.

The truth of the matter is that every day in Arkansas, an average of two people die in traffic crashes.

According to the most recent statistics released from the Arkansas State Police, 3,322 Arkansans died due to automobile accidents in the five years spanning 2002 through 2006. Furthermore, 69,570 Arkansans sustained injuries.

In the River Valley alone, 69 persons lost their lives due to motor vehicle accidents in 2006, and in every category where statistics are monitored, young people are disproportionately affected. In 2006 alone, 185 young people between the ages of 1625 died on Arkansas roads.

Coach Charlie Sorrels, athletic director and head football coach, is doing his part to reduce the number of youth involved in accidents. He has taught Driver’s Education classes, proven to positively affect the driving performance of participants, as part of the curriculum at Atkins High School for 25 years.

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He also teaches a two-week summer course to help with the student overflow from other towns. Last summer, 22 teenagers signed up for his class.

“Of course, a lot of times the primary reason for my students enrolling is for the insurance break their parents receive,” Sorrels said. He takes that to heart as he organizes guest lecturers and activities to emphasize the importance of careful driving and expose the unseen perils facing drivers.

“The more education, the better drivers they will be,” he said. “We try to do two things, educate and evaluate. We focus heavily on the importance of wearing seatbelts, the dangers of drinking and driving, the folly of speeding and tailgating.”

The class covers the issue of distractions on the second day. Tempting activities, such as cell phone usage and changing the radio station, were discussed in a film. Many of these practices are unique to modern drivers,

but according to Sorrels, many accidents are caused by fiddling with radios, which have been around a long time.

Sorrels invites Ron Hale from the Union Pacific Railroad to present ‘Operation Lifesaver.’

“The kids are always impressed with Mr. Hale,” Sorrels said. “He paints a concrete picture of the strength of those trains.”

According to Hale, 25% of all fatal accidents involving a train are the result of a car hitting the side of the train -- not the other way around. What that means is that drivers misjudged the distance or speed of upcoming trains and attempted to beat the train to the crossing.

Hale compared a car to a soda can.

“Imagine what a car can do when it hits a soda can,” he instructed the students. “That is what a train does to a car. It’s not about the speed, it’s about the weight.”

The class pays attention. In fact, the students are unusually engaged, Sorrels said.

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“Most of our population drives and these kids can’t wait to join them, but there’s a lot they need to know first.”

One thing the students learn is the serious threat posed from alcohol and drug abuse. The number one killer of teenagers is motor vehicle accidents.

“Nothing even comes close to being second,” Sorrels said. A large portion of those accidents are alcohol related, he says.

“We show films on drinking and driving,” Sorrels said. According to the statistics, 46% of all traffic fatalities in Arkansas during the 2006 year were caused by drugs or alcohol. That was 3% higher than the national norm.

To address substance abuse, Sorrels uses an exercise to show the effects of drinking and driving. He set up an obstacle course, secured a golf cart and dispensed special goggles to the students. The goggles were enhanced to simulate different blood alcohol levels. Some goggles offered nighttime scenarios.

“They’re always really shocked at how they are affected by the goggles,” which are set to mimic blood alcohol levels ranging from .06 - 2.0 (the legal limit is just under .08).

Sorrels pointed at a student weaving around the cones.

“What he’s having to do is compensate by looking straight ahead. That’s why drunk drivers hit pedestrians and run stop lights.

They are just focused on what’s in front of them and not getting caught. They just want to make it home.”

Students in last summer’s class reacted to the glasses in much the same manner of Sorrel’s past students. Aaron Scruggs, 16, of Russellville finished the course only knocking down two cones.

“This is not a boring class. It’s fun. I got to see what effect alcohol has on me, and that is a good thing because I already have my own car,” he said.

Zach Steen, another 16 year old from Russellville, agreed: “It’s pretty intense because the cone course really gave me the effect of drunk driving, and I don’t ever want to be in that situation.”

Lexi Plumb, 15, of Russellville also performed poorly on the course.

“I really like this activity because I don’t want to drink and find out for myself. This class really teaches you on things you don’t think about that could happen, and what to do in case of emergencies.”

In fact, the final classroom session covered what happens after a car accident.

A video showed how families and friends coped after the loss of a loved one, and what the driver went through after causing a fatal crash.

Sorrels is well aware of the grim realities facing the emerging drivers and has taken great care to create a model framework. He understands that he has a limited amount of time to hold his students’ attention, and he aims to make an impression. He is quick to point out, however, the merits of today’s young drivers.

“I think kids today are more conscious of driving than their parents were. We do a survey at the beginning of class, and I bet 90% of them wear their seatbelts,” Sorrels said. “When I was a teenager, nobody ever wore seatbelts, not even during the driving test.”

Most of the reason for Sorrels’ optimism is that he sees the community as a whole doing a better job of articulating concerns to the new drivers. Schools and civic groups don’t shy away from addressing the issues

with assemblies and mock car wrecks staged right before proms, but parents, too, have become active in training their children.

Past students have approached Sorrels with stories of near-misses. They credit their learned responses to him.

“I’ve had kids come back and tell me that they tried what they learned in class when they were skidding out of control,” Sorrels said.

“I think it’s good that all of us are learning this together,” Laura Brown, 16, of Russellville said.

“My parents wanted me to do this for the sake of insurance, but my dad pretty much told me that I needed to take this class to be better prepared.”

“In a way, it’s easier in a rural community,” Sorrels said. “By the time I get the kids, they have been driving golf carts, four-wheelers, tractors and lawn mowers, so they have experience behind the wheel. A lot of these kids go to the (river) bottoms to learn to drive where there aren‘t any people around.”

“We are about to let them lose on the same roads we drive,” he said.

Sorrels comes from a long line of educators. His father coached at Atkins High School for 23 years, his grandmother worked in the schools, his wife is employed as a physical therapist for MiChild Development and two of his daughters work in the schools. He has dedicated his life to raising responsible generations.

“I have four grandchildren who live here.

I take my job very seriously.” n The 2009 Drivers Ed class beings July 6 and is open to students who have already earned their learners permit. The cost of the two week class is $125. For more information call (479)641-7872.

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Local Artist, Gloria Garrison

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Art and More at Art Etc. Local potter Janet Donnangelo and her husband Ralph

Norman & Carol Watson

More than 100 artists and friend of Flowers Etc. owners Boyd and Debbie Osborne gathered for the grand opening of the couple's new business, Art. Etc, 900 W. B St. in Russellville. The gallery is located on the upper level of the Osborne's original business and features the work a number of local artists in varying mediums including painting, pottery and sculpture.

Boyd, an accomplished artist himself, opened the gallery to showcase the many talented artists found throughout the River Valley. Guests were invited to stroll throughout the new gallery while visiting with the attending artists. Catering, provided by Susan Moorehouse, included lavish floral displays and a punch fountain. For information on gallery hours, contact the Boyds at (479) 968-3600.

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Art Etc owners Boyd and Debbie Osborne

ABOUT The first-ever StruttinBucks Banquet will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Hughes Center in Russellville. StruttinBucks is an outdoor reality show that airs on Fox 16 (and other media outlets) created and produced by local outdoor enthusiasts and SB ProStaff members Heath Graham, David Clayton, Brandon Hunt, Charlie Parton, Scott Greathouse and Zack Reddell.

The event will include a catered meal, a live concert featuring Singletree, and a silent and live auction. Partial proceeds from the auction will benefit Hope Outdoors, is a nondenominational Christian outdoor ministry that partners with caring organizations and churches across the nation to facilitate hope through outdoor activities.

In preparing for the auction, organizers stressed that they have a wide variety of donated items “with something to appeal to both men and women of all ages and interests, from jewelry to hunting and everything in between!”

Tickets are limited and are available at Wilkins Bros. Outdoors, 815 North Arkansas, Russellville. For additional information on tickets, donations or sponsorships, contact Chrissy Clayton at

(479) 858-9250 or visit the group’s website at: struttinbucks.com.

StruttinBucks Season 2 premiers at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, on Little Rock channel Fox 16.

Bountiful Arkansas Day Locally raised and produced food has been called “the new organic” – better tasting, better for the environment, better for local economies and better for your health. Celebrate Arkansas’ local foods and join us for a hands-on day of tasting and learning about locally grown produce from Arkansas. Bountiful Arkansas Day has been set for Saturday, July 11, at Winthrop Rockefeller Institute located on Petit Jean Mountain, One Rockefeller Drive, Morrilton, Ark. Activities include the following: Horticulture Workshops, Tomato Tasting, Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lectures Program featuring the authors of The 100-Mile Diet, Musical Entertainment

by Runaway Planet, Heritage Farmstead Garden Tours, Exhibits and Vendors and much more.

To register or for additional information call (501) 727-5435 or e-mail: sdavies@uawri.org.

Growing to Great Lengths Mason Rhodes, 13, recently donated a 10 1/2 inches pony tail to be given to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. The hair care company partners with the Entertainment Industry Foundation to launch the campaign which encourages people to grow, cut and donate their hair to create free, real-hair wings for those who’ve lost their hair due to cancer.

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Assisting Mason with the process was stylist Jessica Crowder, a partner with Casey Sorrell of Ardyn E. Salon, East Third Street, Russellville.

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Mason’s grandfather, Jim Fish, passed away two years ago after a long battle with lung cancer. Mason thought donating his hair could help make a wig available for someone who has lost their hair during treatment.

In memory of his grandfather, Mason also participated in the RMS Relay for Life run and won the first place ribbon.

The 7th grade Russellville Middle School honor student plays soccer for a U-13 team, runs cross country and track for the middle school and plays baseball in the Russellville Youth Baseball Association. He is a member of First United Methodist Church.

Mason is the son of Tammy and Mark Rhodes of Russellville.

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South 2nd St. • Dardanelle • 479-229-4841 ABOUT...the River Valley 21

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t the end of a meandering private drive, the home of Don and Wanda Dilday greets visitors with a warm and friendly welcome.

I can only imagine the wonderful family gatherings, backyard barbecues and holiday excitement that takes place! Although very spacious, the home’s furnishings provide a “comfy refuge” to relax and enjoy the important things in life...family and friends.

Assisting Wanda in her search for quality and stylish furniture and accessories for their lovely home has been an honor and a privilege.

Karen Ray and River Valley Furniture

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Complimentary In-Store Design Service & Free Delivery 22 ABOUT...the River Valley

(479) 967-9984 • www.rivervalleyfurnitur Hours: M. thru F. ~ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; June 2009

Everyone at River Valley Furniture has always been very friendly and helpful. A big benefit for me, while working with Karen, was the willingness to move a piece of furniture from one area of the store into another grouping for a better vision of what we wanted, instead of just trying to imagine the look of the pieces together.

Thank you for helping to turn our house into a very comfortable home.

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ABOUT...the River Valley 23

Russellville’s Own

Pillsbury Dough Boy

B

Story by Jeannie Stone axter Ewell Braeshears, 89, loves to bake. His kitchen prowess is the result of a lifetime spent in the food industry. Although he doesn’t claim that his middle place status in a family with 10 children had much to do with his familiarity in the kitchen, Braeshears admits he learned the value of food early on.

Braeshears graduated from Plainview-Rover High School in 1938. The U.S. Army interrupted Braeshear’s final year at Arkansas Polytechnic College (now Arkansas Tech University).

“It was just a two-year school back then,” he said.

The young soldier found his niche when he noticed the desert conditions in Ft. Bliss, Texas where the army had sent him.

“I told myself I needed to do something to avoid working in that oppressive heat,” he said, “so I offered to cook.”

The rest, as he says, is history. The army sent Braeshears to San Antonio to learn to cook, and he returned a mess sergeant.

24 ABOUT...the River Valley

“I had to feed 120 men and was only allocated $1.35 per soldier, and that was for the entire day,” he said.

“The men all griped about the army food, but every one of them gained weight.”

“I tried to run the best mess hall in the whole battalion,” he added. “Thank goodness, I had a boy from Fr. Flanagan’s home, and he’d say thanks at mealtime if I wasn’t available to say grace. That boy taught me a lot.”

After nearly six years serving in the military, Braeshears landed a job with Popular Dry Goods Co. in El Paso, Texas, and later ended up working for the Pillsbury Bakery Company.

June 2009

“For many years Arthur Godfrey was the spokesman for Pillsbury,” he said. “He would always make the comment on the radio, ‘Those were the good old days,’ but I’ll take these,’” he said, with a chuckle as he reflects over his life.

Pillsbury sent Braeshears to cooking and baking school right away.

“That was even before I married Ruth,” he said. “At that time, the Pillsbury lines consisted only of flour, pancake mix and Ferina (a breakfast cereal similar to Cream of Wheat,)” he said.

“As the years went by we started introducing pie crusts and hot roll mixes. Many years later, we introduced the Bundt cake.“ Many people didn’t know what Bundt cakes were, Braeshears said. “I didn’t know either.” He also remembers when Angel Food cake mixes first came out in a box.

“Once, a woman called, and she was upset because her Angel cake had flopped, so I took a box over to her house and baked her one in her oven,” he said.

“Oh, the elderly ladies would get mad at me trying to sell those newfangled cake mixes in the grocery store. I guess it was insulting to them in a way.”

Braeshears used his baking skills to introduce new products to the grocers.

“I had to be creative,” he said. “Back then, flour was 39 cents a bag, sugar was 49 cents and cake mixes were 29 cents.”

He had an additional worry at a Houston grocery supply business in his territory.

“Every Monday morning I met with the manager and there was a Proctor and Gamble man, Howard, who had a standing meeting after mine,” he said. “He would always ask the secretary what I had shown the boss, and if I had something new, he would pass the information up the line. Oh, he thought Pillsbury had a lab in Houston because I left so many baked goods.” >>

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Braeshears took it upon himself to teach old Howard a lesson. “I took an eight-inch pan and cut the bottom out of it, greased and floured it and placed it in a nine inch pan. I poured in pink batter and sprinkled some chocolate chips and poured white batter in the nine-inch and frosted the whole thing green. I told the secretary if Howard asked about it to tell him it was a Watermelon cake.”

Poor Howard took the bait. He eagerly reported the information to his Corpus Christi office, and they reported it to their division headquarters in New Orleans.

“In no time, they had Minneapolis (Pillsbury headquarters) on the phone asking about this new Watermelon cake. Of course, my people didn’t know anything about it, but my supervisor suspected it was my doing. I got in trouble over that, but Howard learned a lesson. He was just too nosy.”

Another cookie fete dropped in Braeshear’s apron when the owner of a new grocery store in Houston asked him to bake a cake for the grand opening.

“I asked him how many to make it for, and all he said was, ‘Who knows?’” The owner shared he was inviting all his customers from

His baking experiences made Baxter picky about his vanilla extract. He makes his own and follows an old recipe, printed many years ago in the Heloise newspaper column, with a minor adjustment.

“Try this recipe,” Baxter says, “It will save you money and give you the best flavoring around, plus, you can recycle your glass jars.”

26 ABOUT...the River Valley

across the state, into Louisiana and beyond.

Braeshears solicited the assistance of three other bakery representatives.

Together, they baked a cake and laid it out on a four by eight foot slab of plywood.

“It took 500 cups of sugar, 500 cups of shortening, 400 cups of flour, 200 cups of butter, 150 cups of milk, 10 cups of salt, 32 tablespoons of baking powder, 20 tablespoons of flavoring, 1,440 fresh eggs and 450 lbs. of fresh orange frosting to create the 1,000 lb. cake,” he said.

“We made it to look like the grocery store with a parking lot made of chocolate frosting and little bushes fashioned from dried coconut and sugar sprinkled over them to suggest blooms. I went to the dime store and bought the little cars.”

“They billed it as a ‘Texas-sized cake,’ and all the dignitaries who attended the reception the night before the opening really made a fuss over it.”

It might not have had a happy ending had Braeshears not added some safety measures once the cake was completed.

“I told the manager I needed some ant poison because I hadn’t worked that hard

Baxter Braeshear’s Vanilla Extract

You need several vanilla beans and a 1-liter bottle of vodka or rum. Insert two or three split beans into the bottle of liquor and let it ferment for at least 30 days. If you want a stronger flavor, let it ferment longer.

As you use the vanilla extract, add more liquor to replace what you use. When it becomes weak, just start a new one with fresh vanilla beans.

Strain the flavoring through a sifter and a second time through a coffee filter into a measuring cup to remove the bits of beans.

to risk losing the cake to a bunch of ants,” he said. “The manager ordered a stock boy to load me up.”

Baking up treats wasn’t the only marketing tool he used. Braeshears started volunteering as a clown at Texas Children’s Hospital and even road in parades, sometimes atop an elephant, representing Pillsbury.

Because of his wife’s poor health, the Braeshears moved to the Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, area before making a move back to Texas. In 1988, they retired to Russellville, close to Braeshear’s native Yell County.

Braeshears lost his beloved wife to cancer after 58 years of marriage. He still has family, including a brother and a sister.

Even with limited vision Braeshears still knows his way around the kitchen, marking the settings on the oven with pieces of tape and keeping a powerful flashlight nearby.

“I still do a lot of baking,” he said. “In fact, I’ve got a chocolate chip pound cake in the kitchen right now. Can I get you some?”

Nothing says lovin’ like something from Baxter’s oven. n

June 2009

Pottsville Group Pursues Purchase The Pottsville Historical Association is raising funds to purchase the Pottsville Grocery building for use as a museum. The store is part of Pottsville National Historic Commercial District and has been a vital part of the town’s history since the 1880s. In order for this to be a successful endeavor, the committee is requesting the help of all those interested in preserving a part of history.

Those who donate $50 or more will receive recognition on plaques to be permanently displayed in the Pottsville Grocery museum building. Donations are 100% tax deductible. Check should be made to the Pottsville Historical Association and mailed to 845 East Ash Street, Pottsville AR 72858.

On Saturday, May 23, the Pottsville Historical Association was joined by Arkansas’s First Lady Ginger Beebe as she dedicated a replica doll of First Lady Michelle Obama into the Potts Inn collection. The ceremony was held at Potts Inn lawn, 25 East Ash St. in Pottsville. Attendees were requested to make a $20 donation per guest, funds designated toward the grocery building purchase.

Potts Inn Museum is located just west of downtown Pottsville in the historical stagecoach station built in the 1850s by Kirkbride Potts and his wife Pamelia Logan Potts. The Inn, patterned after the Classical Revival style reminiscent of his home state of Pennsylvania, was built with local labor and native materials. The building served as a post office, a social and cultural center and inn, overnight Butterfield Stage stop and home for the growing Potts family.

When the Butterfield line closed at the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, Potts Inn struggled during four years of devastating war and aftermath. The inn provided accommodations for travelers and new customers, furnishing food and lodging for surveyors and engineers working for the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railway Company.

For additional information on Potts Inn, the efforts to preserve the area’s history or the Pottsville Grocery fundraiser, call (479) 968-8369 or 968-1877. n

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Top Right: Bailen Dodson, 9, reaches for a popsicle Above: Kierra Dunnam, 3 Right: Alyssa Dodson, 6, loves orange

ummertime is the time for swimming, picnics and long days of sunshine. Many of us, the fortunate ones, can recall the memory of tinny circus music tinkling in the distance and remember the thrill of anticipation when the ice cream truck made its way into the neighborhood.

Bill Nichols, also known as Mr. Bill, Uncle Bill or, simply, the Ice Cream Man, is keeping that memory alive for children all over Russellville.

In his ‘glammed-up’ former passenger van, Nichols, 66, tools around town offering chips, candy, drinks, snow cones and ice cream for sale to delighted children and their taller companions.

“Oh, I sell dill pickles too. You wouldn’t believe all the pickles I sell,” he said. “Sometimes I sell a jar a day. Little kids and some ladies just love them.”

The man in demand is retired from Newton’s Pharmacy in Russellville and works part-time at Hughes Center.

“But I enjoy doing this more than anything else I’ve ever done,” Nichols said of his eight-year hobby. In fact, he enjoys delivering sweets to children so much that he can’t wait for summer to start his route again.

“About the end of March, when it gets warmer and daylight savings gives me a little more light I start making my rounds. I get antsy, but I won’t start earlier because I’m afraid of a little kid getting run over in the dark.”

The route runs all over town. Nichols starts on Independence Avenue, goes around James Circle and drives down all the streets around James Park. He then turns down Bradley Lane and down Laredo. He makes Circle Drive, goes down Phoenix, into Shadow Lake apartments and down Muskogee.

“I have quite a bit of business on Muskogee,” he said. Indian Hills is the next stop.

“Then I cross Arkansas and go to Boston Place, Detroit and around the Boys and Girls Club. I keep going until it gets dark. I go down 19th Street, and the apartments around Hickey Park.

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“I drive by those new homes,” Nichols said, “then down Elmira and those new apartments.” Vancouver is next, and he visits Garden Estates and drives around the circle there and visits Lakewood apartments.

“From there, I stop along 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Streets, and from Knoxville I go into Jessica, Jackson, Hartford, I go down all those streets. By then, I’m working myself back to my house on South Houston,” he said.

If Nichols is unable to complete his route, he takes up where he left off the following day. He also has just as elaborate a route driving on the north side of town.

“I’ll go to some places a couple of times, but if nobody comes out I figure there aren’t any small kids who live there,” he said.

Although Nichols enjoys working with kids at Hughes Center and assisting with youth at his home church, Pilgrim’s Rest #1 Missionary Baptist Church, he admits delivering a bit of sweetness to the children around town takes a lot of work.

“I’m all by myself,” Nichols said, “and I have to clean the truck every day because the snow cone syrup will attract ants.

There’s kind of a lot to it. I have to get the supplies, clean the truck, get the ice for the

snow cones, drive the route and jump up and down between 75 and 100 times. I get pretty tired by the end of the day.”

Nichols said the idea of going into the business struck him during a trip to Houston to visit his son, owner of a vending machine company there.

“I was with him when he went to this place to buy supplies, and there were old ice cream trucks lining the driveway,” he said. “I got to thinking, ‘I’d like to do that.’”

So, he began looking for a truck when he returned home. “I wanted to do it so bad by the time I was home that I bought a bread truck, but it was really too big to take on the road like that,” he said, “I ended up taking it to the park and selling snacks out there.”

Nichols finally found a smaller truck used to transport handicapped children to school and took it to a machine shop where a window was fashioned on the side.

“I went and bought some Plexiglass and fixed my window,” he said, “and my son bought an ice shaver to make snow cones.

They are some of my biggest sellers.”

On any given day, the Ice Cream Man sells between 150 and 200 menu items.

My bestsellers are Sundae Crunch Bars, cherry and blue raspberry snow cones, and Snickers Ice Cream bars.

“I just make enough to buy supplies,” Nichols said, “and with my Diabetes, I hope I stay in good enough health to keep doing this for a long time.”

“A lot of kids don’t have any money,” Nichols said. “I really try to keep my prices down so they can afford what they want, but lots of times, they run short. If they’re a dime or a nickel short I’ll tell them to pay me the difference next time. Next time I come around, they’ll be running to me waving their coin in the air letting me know they didn’t forget.”

Nichols considers himself hooked on his hobby. “I can handle kids better than grownups, and there are some really good kids. They’re always, ‘Yes sir. No sir.’”

The sight of older kids jumping and dancing with excitement in their driveways

Sweet treats are more fun when shared with friends!

waiting for him to stop tickles Nichols. “You would never see big kids acting like that anywhere else,” he said.

“Nothing thrills me more than a little kid pointing to me at the store saying, ‘Mama, there’s Mr. Bill or Uncle Bill.”

Nichols, who mentions his favorite treats are the red, white and blue bomb pops, shakes his head with a smile. “I guess I’m just a big kid at heart.” n

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ABOUT

Food

More

Winning Recipes Story by Dianna Qualls

The May issue of ABOUT Magazine featured nine winners from our ABOUT.. the Best Cooks Recipe Contest held Saturday, April 4, at the Historic Missouri-Pacific Depot in Downtown Russellville.

This month, we are providing several more of the recipes. While these selections may not have ‘won’ in their particular categories, they are all ‘winners’ in our book!

(Watch for the August issue for remaining submissions!)

Thanks again to all our entrants for their hard work and for providing us with their best recipes. And, for those who participated in our fundraising effort. Because of your participation, $400 was divided between our non-profit organizations, The River Valley Shelter for Battered Women and Children and the Arkansas Tech University Hospitality senior scholarship fund.

Start planning for next year’s event -because we are!

APPETIZERS: PRINCIPAL BILL’S SPINACH DIP Recipe by Bill Kyle Frozen box(es) of spinach chopped Ro-tel (if not hot, throw in some jalapeno peppers) Kraft cream cheese Spices of your choice (Cavenders is the best) Land-o-Lakes Real butter (salted, unless you want to be healthy & use unsalted) Cook spinach (use ½ stick of butter per box of spinach), drain, place in oven safe bowl, drain Ro-tel (slightly) and mix with spinach, melt the Kraft cream cheese (in the microwave is fastest but don’t melt it on the highest setting).

Pour into bowl and stir, add spices to your taste. Heat in oven at 333 degrees for 22 minutes and 33 seconds.

Make it a Sweet Summer…

CREAM CHEESE CUCUMBER TEA SANDWICHES Recipe from Hailey Hardgrave 1 (8 oz.) pkg cream cheese 1 med. cucumber peeled, chopped 1 small onion chopped 1/8 tsp. salt Mayonnaise to spread Dash of Tabasco 2 T. Ranch dressing mix (dry) Mix together. Let stand overnight.

Spread onto whole wheat bread. Cut into small circles using biscuit cutter.

BACON MUSHROOM BITES Recipe from Hailey Hardgrave 1 lb. button mushrooms, cleaned, stems removed 10 to 12 slices of bacon, thin sliced BBQ sauce, your favorite

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Cut pieces of bacon in half. Wrap each mushroom tightly with the bacon. Place in baking pan. Lightly brush each mushroom with BBQ sauce.

Bake at 350 degrees until mushrooms are soft. Turn on broiler until bacon is crisp.

Serve with party picks.

BLUE CHEESE CHICKEN SALAD Recipe by Amanda Ivey 2 large cans Tyson Chicken Breast, drained 2 c. Red Seedless Grapes, slices and chopped coarsely 2 c. chopped Pecans 1 (.5 oz) container Crumbled Blue Cheese 1 1/2 c. Mayonnaise (do not substitute) 12 Whole Wheat Rolls, sliced horizontally Season with garlic pepper or red pepper flakes, chipotle, or favorite seasoning as desired. You could even add a herb mixture if you wanted too (i.e. thyme, rosemary, and oregano).

Make at least 8 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. Spread Chicken Salad mixture onto rolls and serve.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl combine beef, cornflake crumbs, parsley flakes, eggs, soy sauce, pepper, garlic powder, catsup and minced onion and blend well. Form mixture into small balls (walnut size). Arrange balls in 15.5” 10.5” x 1” pan.

Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes.

Meanwhile combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar and lemon juice in a medium-sized saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture is smooth and cranberry sauce is melted, stirring frequently.

Spoon sauce over meatballs and cook about 10-15 minutes longer.

Watch carefully so sauce won’t scorch. Serve in chafing dish. Keep warm. Makes about 5-6 dozen meatballs.

MEAT BALLS Recipe from Theresa McPherson 1½ lb. lean ground beef 1 egg beaten ½ c. bread crumbs (more if needed to make firm) ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper ¼ c. finely chopped onion

PIQUANT COCKTAIL MEATBALLS Recipe from Sue McGee

Roll into one inch balls, brown on medium heat till brown and inside is done. Put in slow cooker, cover in BBQ sauce. Cook on high for 3 hours. Serve warm.

2 Ibs. lean ground beef 1/3 c. catsup 1 c. cornflake crumbs 2 T instant minced onions 1/3 c. dried parsley flakes 1 (16 oz.) can jellied cranberry sauce 2 eggs 1 (12 oz.) bottle chili sauce 2 T. soy sauce 2 T. packed brown sugar 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1 T. lemon juice 1/4 tsp. black pepper

SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP Recipe from Kelly Hardgrave

from (River of Life Cookbook, First Presbyterian Church Dardanelle)

PRINCIPAL BILL’S BUFFALO LEGS BAR-B-QUE STYLE Recipe from Bill Kyle Chicken legs (Tyson brand) Kroger Brand KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce Seasoning: salt, pepper and Cavenders Place chicken in an aluminum pan and season to taste. Pour barbecue sauce to cover completely and then a little more.

Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil. Place in preheated oven at 262 degrees for 5 to 6 hours.

Faster method: bake in 355 degree oven for 2 hours and 41 minutes and 28 seconds.

(Time will vary due to elevation and the age of your oven.)

1 box chopped spinach, thawed & drained 1 jar marinated artichokes, chopped ½ c. sour cream ½ c. real mayonnaise 1 c. cheddar cheese, grated Mix everything together and put into small baking dish; heat oven to 350 degrees.

Bake until bubbly; about 30 minutes. Top with parmesan cheese. Serve warm with chips or crackers.

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ABOUT...the River Valley 31

BREADS: ENGLISH MUFFINS Recipe from Kelly Hardgrave

BANANA NUT BREAD Recipe from Kelly Hardgrave

¾ c. warm water 1 pkg. yeast 2 T. sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 large egg, beaten 3 T. melted butter 2 ½ to 3 c. bread flour

1/3 c. melted butter 4 ripe bananas, mashed ¾ c. sugar 1 egg, beaten 1 tsp. vanilla 1 ½ T. coffee 1 tsp. baking soda Pinch of salt 1 ½ c. flour 1 c. chopped pecans

Measure water into large mixing bowl. Dissolve yeast, sugar and salt in water. Blend in egg and butter. Add 2 cups flour; stir in with a spoon until smooth. Gradually blend in additional flour until you can not stir. Place dough on a floured surface and knead in additional flour until dough is soft and not sticky. Place in a greased covered bowl until double in size. Punch dough down and knead on floured surface until smooth. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes. Roll dough to ½ inch thickness. Cut out with biscuit cutter and place on a baking sheet sprinkled with corn meal. Sprinkle tops with corn meal. Cover and let rise 45 minutes.

Cook on a greased hot griddle until brown on both sides. About 7 to 8 minutes.

This is not an easy recipe; but it is worth the effort.

You will not want store bought English muffins again.

PRINCIPAL BILL’S ‘HOT’ CORNBREAD Recipe from Bill Kyle Jiffy Cornbread mix Jalapeno peppers (hot) Pepper Jack Cheese

Mix cornbread according to the directions on the box. Place in oven safe pan (size depends on how many boxes you mixed, cookie sheet with

Grease a muffin tin (12), or you can use a loaf pan; you will have to bake longer.

Mix the butter into mashed bananas by hand. Add remainder of the ingredients except flour and pecans. Mix well. Stir in flour just until moist. Fold in pecans. Bake at 350 degrees until toothpick comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.

1½ inch sides work best), spread cornbread mixture onto sheet pan.

Drain peppers and place them all over the top of the cornbread mixture. Take small chunks of pepper jack cheese and place several pieces per serving size. Bake in oven a little longer than indicated by the directions on the box, but don’t burn it.

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DESSERTS: PINEAPPLE CAKE Recipe from Connie Mee

GRANDMA’S RED VELVET CAKE Recipe by Lauren Jones 2 c. plain flour ¾ c. oil 1 tsp. baking powder 1 oz. red food coloring 1 tsp. salt 1 c. buttermilk 1 tsp. cocoa powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 ½ c. sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. white vinegar ¾ c. milk ½ c. sugar

Sift flour, baking powder, and cocoa to a bowl. In a large bowl cream the oil and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each. Add food color, vinegar, &vanilla.

Mix together the buttermilk and soda. Add to oil and sugar mixture, alternating with dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Pour into 2 ungreased 8 or 9 inch round cake pans, lined with parchment paper.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes, until a pick comes out clean. Combine milk and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Using a fork, gently poke holes in top of each cake layer. Spoon the milk and sugar mixture evenly over each cake, allow to completely cool to room temperature. Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING Cream together: 8 oz. softened cream cheese ¼ c. softened butter Add: 1 tsp. vanilla 2 c. powdered sugar

Beat until fluffy. In a small bowl mix 1 tsp red food color with 1 cup coconut. Set aside. Frost top of cakes and stack, continue to frost sides.

Sprinkle colored coconut around edges of cake.

This cake is better if made a day or two before serving.

CAKE: 1 stick butter 2 c. sugar 2 c. flour 1 (20 oz) can of crushed pineapple, do not drain 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. vanilla 2 eggs 1/2 c . pecans, chopped Mix all ingredients and put in a greased and floured 9x13 pan. Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 min.

ICING: 8 oz. cream cheese ½ stick of butter 2 tsp. vanilla 2 c. powdered sugar 1/2 c. chopped pecans ½ c . coconut

Mix all ingredients together and spread on the hot cake. This is a very easy cake to make, is very delicious, and will be a big hit at any potluck or family gathering. n

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ABOUT...the River Valley 33

A Life Crafted from

Faith, Family and Friends S

Story and Photos by Dianne Edwards

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eldom does a day pass in the life of Don Pennington that a friend, acquaintance or someone from his past walks back into his life.

Sometimes they are bringing in a favorite pair of boots needing soles and heels, occasionally a treasured baseball mitt which needs restringing, but often it’s leather saddle in need of repair.

Regardless of what item a customer brings in to Don for leather repair, the long-time Russellville resident greets them with a friendly gesture.

His Horseshoe-style moustache and slightly weathered expression give way to bright eyes and a broad friendly smile. Those who first meet Don are taken with his strong hands and gentle ways.

He is immediately likeable.

Leather repair runs deep in his veins. Don’s father, F.L. Pennington, purchased Harkey Brothers Saddle and Harness Shop from its previous owners, the McCutcheons, in 1954. The shop had been located in downtown Russellville since the early 1900s. Don’s father, F.L. Pennington bought the shop and it was there that he and his nine siblings spent much of their time.

Don recalled his early days when, at age six, he first learned to nail heels on shoes while standing on two Dr. Pepper crates just so he could reach the counter. That was 1960.

He learned from his father, who had been taught shoe repair from the McCutcheons.

Six brothers and three sisters spent their days in and out of the business but only Don and a couple of his brothers focused on the shop.

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“I worked there after school and during the summers,” Don remembered. “I didn’t know about cartoons until I was 17,” he half-joked.

“And when my father bought the business, the ‘shoe shine man’ and his stand came right along, too,” Don explained. “Ruben Pope, known by thousands as the ‘shoe shine man’ quickly became one of our family.”

Ruben was a member of the family, recalled Don fondly. He took my brothers and I once to a St. Louis Cardinal game. He was just a part of our family,” said Don. Family patriarch F.L. pulled Ruben close to him as the senior Pennington lay on his deathbed. He died at age 54 when Don was just 17.

“Take care of my kids, Ruben,” he pleaded. And, until Ruben’s death in 1989, “the shoe shine” man always had a place in the Pennington family.

He worked alongside Ruben and others, including Hamp Bata, who was in his early 80s when Don first met him.

“Hamp was a deaf mute who kinda ‘came and went’ at the shop when we needed extra help,” Don explained. “I remember him first when I was about 8 years old. Recently, a gentleman came into Woody’s. He was about 75 years old, from Dardanelle. We began talking and he told me that Hamp was his grandfather. I’m always meeting folks like that – a lifetime of friends.”

Don purchased Pennington’s Boot and Shoe store from his mother in 1974. When the store burned to the ground in 1982, everything in the store was a total loss – except Ruben’s shoe shine stand.

“And I mean everything,” Don added, “burned to the ground, on both sides of Ruben’s stand. The only thing that was damaged on the stand was one arm, which was slightly singed.”

A talented wood-crafting friend duplicated the chair arm and to this day, even Don can barely detect which of the four are not original.

Pennington’s took another hit in July of 1993 when the business flooded. Life continued on and the business relocated to a building on South Arkansas where it remained until Don decided to ‘retire’ at age 50 and go back to school.

A graduate of Russellville High School, Don attended Arkansas Tech for three years, studying medicine at one point, later developing an interest in education. He still takes an occasional class and is a lifetime learner.

Don celebrated a half-century of life in 2004, the same year that he closed his own family-owned business on South Arkansas Ave. A request from long-time friend and classmate, Linda Chance, brought Don back into the leather-repair business again. Linda had purchased Woody’s Boot and Shoe Shop from Rick and Ramona Woods, leaving the store without a shoe repairman. She asked Don to help out part time. That lasted only briefly as Don quickly returned full time to the work he enjoyed. Don now works for the store’s current owner, Vonna Titus, five days a week from 8-5.

Working in what he refers to as “organized chaos,” Don chuckles when he recalls how Vonna – who worked previously for Linda Chance -- helped clean up his shop one day before the business moved next door to its present location.

“She was really ‘helping’ me by cleaning out the shop, or so she and Linda thought.

When I came back in and saw what they had done, I headed out back to the dumpster.

Crawling in, I began to reclaim what they had tossed, thinking it was garbage. I dug out pieces of leather and supplies amounting to about $300-$400,” he laughed.

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Pulling out a package of machine needles, Don relates how much the pricing has increased over the years.

“For instance, this heavy-duty machine ‘jerk’ needle – I recently had to give $42 for a package of 10 needles. They’ll probably last just more than a year... A pound of brass shoe tacks is $20. And, I have about 50 different types of nails.”

Repairs are priced according to what is required to fix the item, and when an item is non-repairable, Don will tell the customer.

“I told folks months ago that we were coming into an economic recession,” Don said. “Why? Because of the items being brought in for repair. People are asking to have repaired items that they ordinarily will throw away.”

His clientele is both men and women and about half or more are return customers.

Don said that ten years ago, there were local four boot and shoe stores with seven repairmen. Now, he believes he is the only

Woody’s

one between Conway and Fort Smith, so he stays very busy.

While the principles of shoe repair remain the same, the materials and manufacturing techniques change.

“You figure things out and of course, they change them,” he chuckled. “There are new adhesives, and the plastics... uhh.”

Don agrees there is a misconception that only leather shoes can be repaired, “but that’s not true. There are things that we can do with the new adhesives and materials.

Primarily I replace soles and heels on shoes and boots.”

Pointing to a ’to do’ shelf, he shows what is waiting to be fixed, not counting what are in the works in his repair shop. There are a number of purses, and Don says that out of the 1,000 of supposedly designer pieces he has repaired only a handful were truly originals.

“The rest are fakes – good fakes, but still fakes and the owners never knew,” he adds.

A miniature orange safety cone sits atop the swing door entering his shop. It bears the words, “Enter at Your Own Risk.” Again, he chuckles.

Though his laugh seems to come easy to those first meet him, long-time friends know otherwise.

This soft-spoken man could have turned bitter when life began handing him a running set of tragedies. He says he knows the value of a friend, and why he has accumulated a multitude of folks who have befriended him throughout his lifetime.

And, he attributes those friendships as the reason he’s survived more than his share of hurt.

“They’ve saved me,” he said, fondly.

He lost his dad at an early age, and two brothers, to heart disease. His baby granddaughter, Nakia, was murdered at 23 months of age – her abusive death attributed to the hands of her own father.

The following year, while Don and his wife

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36 ABOUT...the River Valley

B.J. struggled to keep their failing marriage together, she was diagnosed with stagefour cancer throughout her body. The illness reunited the couple but B.J. succumbed within the year. Then, in May 2007, their daughter Brittany, mother of Nakia, died in a tragic car wreck.

He could have given up and perhaps would have had it not been for the love of friends and family.

Don describes what he refers to as ‘meeting the Devil in a dream.’ It was shortly after that nightmare that he began attending the local non-denominational church, known as the Refuge, where he has attended the last two years.

The Shack, a fictional story of family loss and unfailing love, by William P. Young, was recommended reading by Don’s pastor. He knew I was struggling and thought it would be a good read.

“I’m living the non-fictional version of this fictional book,” Don explained.

He’s had brushes with the law – sort of. A fit Don threw in his store one day eventually found him in court.

“I never, ever lost my temper while a customer was in the store,” Don recalled. “It was just something I didn’t do. But one day, I was having a really tough time so I began cursing, yelling, even throwing a hammer.”

“Two men and a woman had come into the store, looking around. After I threw my fit, they left. Later I learned that one of the trio was Dobie Tester, a young man who left my shop and went next to the home of his parents, whom he murdered right after,” he recalled.

“The woman with them turned state’s evidence and testified that they had intended to rob me that day. Asked why they didn’t, she replied, ‘that crazy, bald-headed guy was yelling, throwing a hammer around – we left.”

“That fit -- the only one I’ve ever thrown in the store -- probably saved my life,” Don said, reflectively.

(L to R) Terence Scott, John Pike, and Russ Warhurst

PRE-OWNED AUTO CENTER

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

Don has crossed paths with Bill Clinton, Orval Faubus, Dale Bumpers and Win Rockefeller, “in the old days when politicians went downtown, going door to door meeting people.

He’s repaired the shoes for two Miss Americas, four Miss Arkansas winners and Miss Missouri. He’s added height to shoes to make them appear taller during competition.

Don has made boots for a dog – a Great Dane owned by former Arkansas Tech president Dr. Kenneth Kersh. The dog grew too fast, leaving his foot pads susceptible to tearing. He traced the dog’s footprint and made four boots – “pouches really” – that the dog could wear until his feet healed.

He’s made hard-to-find pony saddles which he and wife B.J. sold on Ebay.

He met his late wife, B.J., at the Road Runner Convenience Store, where he often stopped in to purchase two of his worst vices – pickles and a Dr. Pepper – when he was out of school.

It was B.J. who bought Don his first banjo, which he says is just a hobby. He does however, taken guitar lessons with the hopes of one day being good enough to play with others.

“I’m not a serious banjo player. I just ‘fiddle’ with it,” he added, chuckling.

Don made a pony saddle and a pair of chaps worn by the Sesame Street character Elmo in a western movie filmed by Jim Henson, creator of the Muppet characters.

“I asked B.J. to find out who, from Mahattan, N.Y., would be ordering a pony saddle from our online store on Ebay. The director from Jim Henson Enterprises ordered a pony saddle on line for Elmo to ride upon in the movie. So, I called and asked them to send me Elmo’s pant size and offered to make him a set of leather chaps to wear, as well.”

Don kept a second pair which was autographed by the Elmo staff along with a letter of thanks sent to he and B.J. from the show’s creators.

He spends free time with daughter Kortne and her children Cory, 12, and Carleigh, 5; and daughter Kaylee, and her daughters Addie, 3, and Sadie, 2. He really enjoys fishing with the grandkids, he says, and he still enjoys coming to work each day.

“I still love my job, and I’m blessed to be surrounded by family and friends who have saved me. For me, my life’s story is all about ‘faith, family and friends.’” n

You’re Driving Home Our Reputation

Jamie Sorrells President

Eric Hartzell VP & Gen. Mgr.

B ir t h d asy P a r t ie Ba by & W ed di ng Sh o w er s

L a d ie s M e e t in g s Church Events

320 West “B” Street Russellville, AR 72801

child friendly family entertainment specializing in paint-your-own pottery!

Let us take care of all the details...We’re here for you!

479-967-0882 • Hours: Mon 10am-3pm / Tue-Sat 10am-6pm 1903 S. Arkansas • (479) 968-3991 June 2009

A subsidiary of Friendship Community Care, Inc. ABOUT...the River Valley 37

Stamp Out Hunger

Photos by Beth Latham

River Valley United Way partnered recently with local members of the National Association of Letter Carriers to help “Stamp Out Hunger� in Russellville. Letter carriers in the city of Russellville collected donations of non-perishable food items from postal patrons on their routes and delivered almost 3,000 pounds of food to River Valley United Way. United Way volunteers (from Pope County 4-H and Wesley United Methodist Church H2O program) sorted and counted the food which was then distributed to local agencies and programs. Those groups include the Russellville School District, Manna House, Help Network, Boys and Girls Clubs of the AR River Valley, and Child Development Inc. Donations collected by rural route carriers were delivered directly to the Main Street Mission.

River Valley United Way would like to thank the Russellville city letter carriers and rural route carriers for their dedication to this drive and the residents of Russellville for their generosity to their fellow citizens in need.

A total of 99% of all funds donated to the River Valley United Way stay in the River Valley. River Valley United Way, Inc. serves the communities of Pope, Yell and Johnson counties by investing community dollars in programs that effect lasting change in the community. Those programs focus on Education, Income and Health.

For additional information, visit rivervalleyunitedway.org

Symphony Reception Members and guests of the Russellville Symphony Guild enjoyed a recent pre-concert reception at ATU's Lake Point Conference Center.

The event is coordinated each year by members of the guild prior to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra performance held at Witherspoon Auditiorium on the campus of Arkansas Tech University. The reception and orchestra performance is an annual fundraiser for the organization which works diligently to bring music to the area for enjoyment in local schools and throughout the community. n

...cont. from page 5 The Boys and Girls Club provides numerous opportunities to its members. Open daily after school from 3 until 7 p.m., the clubs offer homework help, individual tutoring (when possible), arts and crafts classes, computer classes and organized games. Also offered are leadership development groups, drug, alcohol and negative behavior resistance training, life skills, physical recreation, educational activities, and a host of other fun. All of these activities are available to children 6 to 18 who join the club for a $10 bi-annual membership fee.

The Boys and Girls Club operates a youth athletic program that, during last year, involved more than 1,500 boys and girls. Programs included flag football, girl’s fast and slow pitch softball, wrestling, basketball, tennis, MAYB tournament and swim team.

Summer activities include summer day camps that operate from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for 10 weeks.

Registration is currently open.

Information is available by calling the club at (479) 968-7819.

The mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley is to enhance the quality of life of its members for today and to provide opportunity for development into productive citizens for tomorrow. To accomplish this mission, the clubs provide services based on principles of a youth development strategy that promotes the health, social, education, vocational, character and leadership development of girls and boys served.

The Clubs play a crucial role in helping young people build a sense of self worth, enabling them to envision and achieve productive futures.

Boys and Girls clubs are designed to give youth ages 6-18 responsible adult guidance, thereby filling needs frequently not met elsewhere. By offering, continuous, concerned leadership, the boys and Girls Clubs help youngsters grow into mature, constructive adults, better able to benefit from and meet the responsibilities of life.

To receive additional information, contact the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley at (479) 968-7819. n

ABOU T at your Service!

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Dance With Joy Summer Program. Classes, Private instruction and Pageant Choreography available for ages 18mths. through adult.

Party Rentals & Wedding Packages Available.

DJ/Karaoke/MC Services available on/off site.

Go to our website for more information. www.DWJstudio.com www.myspace.com/dwjstudio (479) 968-1620 or (479) 264-7287 Live Well, Laugh Often and Love to Dance

Pet Care for Russellville & Surrounding Areas No more worrying about your animals while you are away. Let them stay home.

For more information call: Pam’s Pet Care (479) 858-2708 or (479) 967-4899 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 or Vonna Marpel at (479) 970-4263.

June 2009

ABOUT...the River Valley 39

Bites, Bruises and Breaks:

Treating summer’s mishaps

Dr. Neylon Pilkinton, M.D.

Mom knows everything, right? She is the administrator of household justice and chief healer of minor boo-boos, on-call 24/7. Mom knows the secret to making it feel better lies beyond basic first aid. It’s all in her magical touch.

Unfortunately, Mom’s kiss can’t heal all wounds. And keeping the kids safe and sound through the summer months is more challenging than any other time of year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that June, July and August are the most common months for injuries to occur.

River Valley moms are invited to join Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Neylon Pilkington, M.D. this month for timely information on keeping your family safe and healthy this summer. Dr. Pilkington is a pediatrician with Millard Henry Clinic, and will speak on Tuesday, June 16 at 6 p.m. in the Saint Mary’s annex. His discussion will include recommendations on topics from sunscreen and insect repellents to injury prevention and treatment.

Take a little time for yourself, and relax with other moms at this fun and informal seminar. Sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Goodmoms program, the event will also offer light refreshments and door prize drawings. Admission is free. Reservations are recommended.

Please call Saint Mary’s Community Relations at (479) 964-5333 for seating.

The Goodmoms program is designed for moms, grandmoms and Mr. Moms, and offers regular information on childhood wellness and development from pregnancy through adolescence. For more information, or to enroll, call coordinator Stephanie Beerman at (479) 968-2841, ext. 0.

Young Volunteers See Benefits Did you know that most U.S. students volunteer in some capacity? In fact, a recent University of Nebraska study found that more American youth (59 percent) volunteer than American adults (49 percent).Volunteerism among young people clearly helps the community by promoting positive citizenship and service above self.

The benefits for the volunteers themselves, however, are even greater.

The university researchers discovered that during their time of service, students who volunteer typically enhance their skills, increase self-esteem, develop empathy for others, and interact with like-minded peers.

They also found that when young people serve as volunteers in their communities,

they are more likely to continue the practice well into adulthood.

To encourage volunteerism among junior high and high school students ages 13 to 18, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center offers the “Volunteen” program each summer. Much like their older auxiliary counterparts, students are expected to work four or five hours a week making deliveries within the hospital, assisting patients and guests, and supporting hospital staff with departmental tasks.

Teens who are interested in working in the medical field, have a desire to be of service to others, or who are simply looking for a worthwhile way to spend a part of summer vacation are encouraged to

consider volunteering at Saint Mary’s.

The 2009 Volunteen program runs from June 14 to August 15. For more information, contact volunteer coordinator Stephanie Beerman at (479) 968-2841, ext. 0.

“Offering Prudent Investment Game Plans You Can Understand”

Attorney at Law, P.A. Robbie Davis,

Investment Coach

500 West Main, Ste.302 Russellville, AR 72801 Ph. 479 967-3730 daviswealthcoaching.com

40 ABOUT...the River Valley

308 West B Street Downtown Russellville

(One block west of the Pope County courthouse)

(479) 567-5284

“Serving the legal needs of the River Valley since 2000, now in solo practice” June 2009

Safe Sitter babysitting workshop schedule

A good babysitter is a coveted commodity in every community. Luckily, over sixty River Valley teens and preteens complete the Safe Sitter babysitting workshops offered at Saint Mary’s each summer, making the search for qualified candidates a little easier.

The Safe Sitter workshops are sponsored jointly

by Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center and the Pope County Cooperative Extension Service, and are designed for 11-15 year olds who want to learn how to safely care for children from infancy to school age.

The competency-based, interactive curriculum was written by a pediatrician and teaches safe and nurturing childcare techniques, behavior management skills, the basics of infant and toddler CPR and appropriate responses to medical emergencies.

A true community endeavor, Pope County EMS and Russellville Police Department assist in providing instruction and training in topics such as safety and first aid. From making homemade play dough and nutritious snacks to learning how to help a choking toddler, each participant is taught ways to provide a safe and fun environment for the families they assist.

Three class sessions are offered this summer.

Each session is a two-day course taught by certified instructors, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Saint Mary’s annex. Instructors include registered nurses with Saint Mary’s and agents with the Pope County Extension Office. Registration is $35 per student and includes course materials, a backpack, a t-shirt and a certification card for students completing a comprehensive exam.

Live Well Seminar Begins

Joe Cloud, M.D., FACOG, was the speaker at Saint Mary’s recent kickoff to the Live Well Women’s Seminar Series. Cloud is a boardcertified gynecologist with Millard Henry Clinic. His presentation, “Things You Should Know,” covered steps and preventive measures women can take to maintain good health through all stages of life.

Pictured with him are (l to r): Tammy Bryson, Carolyn Tomlin, Virginia Lovejoy and Sandra Miller of Russellville, Sheryl Killins of Dover, Joanne Collins of Clarksville and Amanda Mosley and Debra Mosley of Hector.

The next Live Well women’s event is scheduled for July. Call (479) 964-5333 for information on this exciting seminar series!

The 2009 class schedule is: Session 1: June 23-24 Session 3: July 28-29 Session 4: August 11-12 These are all Tuesday and Wednesday sessions. Reservations are taken for each class through the Monday prior, as long as space allows. To register, please call Saint Mary’s Community Relations at (479) 964-9379.

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

June 2009

ABOUT...the River Valley 41

If You Have a Vision and are Creative, We Have a Place for YOU!

Beauty ARKANSAS COLLEGE

A Great Place to Begin a Beautiful & Profitable Career with Unlimited Potential!

Grants and Loans Available to Those Who Qualify!

NEW CLASSES BEGIN EACH MONTH! Cuts ~ Styles ~ Perms ~ Colors Extensions ~ Braids ~ Ear Piercings Facials ~ Mannies ~ Peddies Tuesday thru Saturday - 8:00 to 4:00

All Services Provided to the Public under the Supervision of State Certified Instructors and Instructors are Certified by Department of Education.

Barbara Ward, Owner 27 Years 109 N. Commerce (Downtown Russellville)

(479) 968-3075

Huge Selection of Bridal Sets and Bands Custom Designs Available

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.)

–June 6, 2009–

Heather Cambell and Daniel Deering Tara Carroll and Jared Davis Brittany Einert and Tyler Holt Rachel Hays and Michael Hearndon Katie Keenan and Wes Rawlings Brooke Morphis and Cory Wright Lyndsey Mobley and Jordan Harris Kristin Rail and Harrison Snyder

–June 13, 2009–

Rachel Huddleston and Bryan Gatewood Sheena Robinson and Scotty Ashlock Kelli Vogt and Jared Mayer Holly Shaffer and Justin Price

–June 14, 2009– Lane Sibley and Eric Smith

–June 19, 2009– Rachel Storment and Justin Bond

–June 20, 2009– Wendy Lynch and Josh White Courtney Wilson and Jake Dunn Elizabeth Virden and Ben Hogan

–July 4, 2009–

Courtney Coffman and Jacob Davis Michaela Einert and Keith Vovonavich

–July 11, 2009–

Courtney Collins and Chris Gunter Meghan Eaton and John Teeter Stephanie Gregory and Adam Gaines Melissa Scherm and Jason Storm Hailey Wilbanks and Eric Small

–July 18, 2009–

Cassin Holbrook and Jordan McGuire Tryston Laseter and Michael Hines

–July 23, 2009–

Amanda Simmons and Matthew McHam

–July 24, 2009– Ashely Tippin and Jared Nance

– July 25, 2009– Rachel Bailey to Jake Nowotny Deborah Deere and Joel Arivett

–July 31, 2009– Katie Barton and John Gowin

–June 26, 2009–

–August 1, 2009–

–June 27, 2009–

–September 19, 2009–

Belinda Parker and Ken Landenberger Krystal Carr and Kyle Shipp Kelly Collins and Jarrod Hughes Autumn King and Jared Hunstable Kristen Qandah and Jonathan Welk Jessica Straight and Scott Pearson

–July 3, 2009–

Monica Fite and Casey Oliver

Kim Bennett and Justin Davis

–September 26, 2009– Jenny Andrasik and Vic Fulton Emily Fulmer and Jacob Ward Sweden Holland and Philip McCutcheon

–October 17, 2009–

Kelsey Boyd and Jerome Cox Jessica McNatt and Nathan Brown Registry listings courtesy of Gifts on Parkway/Gifts on Rogers and Millyn’s of Dardanelle

To have your engagement or wedding published in a future issue of ABOUT Magazine, send your information, photo and a check for $57.50 to: ABOUT Magazine, PO Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812. Word count is limited to 225 words. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication.

For additional information, call (479) 970-6628.

Wedding Dress Preservation

J shua’s Fine Jewelry

310 West Main, Downtown Russellville

(479) 968-3117

42 ABOUT...the River Valley

Cleaned and Preserved in a Keepsake Box

Hack’s

c leaners 116 S. Commerce • (479) 968-4121 Serving The Valley for More than 50 Years

Magnolia Bed and

Breakfast

Inn

4 Guest Rooms, King & Queen Beds, Private Baths, Balconies, Satellite TV, Jacuzzi, Full Breakfast, Ample Parking

Rates

89

$

& Up

WiFi Available!

Hwy. 22 • Dardanelle AR • 229-0375 www.magnoliainnbb.com

June 2009

June 2009

ABOUT...the River Valley 43

GOOD ADVICE. GOOD IDEAS.

As a parent, you’re concerned about keeping your child safe during the summer. And with good reason – most preventable childhood injuries occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day every year.

FIRST AID

Such news can especially stress a mom with active youngsters. Ease your concerns by taking a little time for yourself, and join other moms at our upcoming GOODMOMS seminar. Here you’ll learn important information about summertime health issues that affect kids of all ages.

This summer, let’s keep your kids – and you – safe and happy, all season long!

Bites, Bruises and Breaks: Treating Summer's Mishaps with DR. NEYLON PILKINGTON

PEDIATRICIAN, MILLARD-HENRY CLINIC From the best care for bug bites and sunburn, to the prevention and treatment of major injuries, Dr. Pilkington will discuss a broad scope of summertime health concerns in this FREE seminar that includes: •a “Just for Moms” fun and informal atmosphere •light refreshments •door prizes

Tuesday, June 16

•

6 p.m.

•

Saint Mary’s Annex

Reservations are recommended.

Call 964-5333 for reservations or more information.