ABOUT | June 2014

Holding on to Heritage

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley June 2014

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Children Deserve the Best

Education ü STEM

RSD is committed to making sure our students have the opportunity to excel in areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics before they reach college and the workplace.

Students can participate in: • Science curriculum beginning in kindergarten • Engineering and robotics courses beginning in eighthgrade • The first biomedical program in Arkansas and the sixth such program in the nation, beginning in ninth-grade • 14 STEM courses

ü Arts

RSD believes fine arts programs play an important role in the overall success of a student. By participating in the fine arts programs at RSD, students are learning skills that will continue to enrich and empower them in their personal lives.

Students can participate in: • • • • • •

Theater productions Choir and band concerts Oakland Heights Elementary STEPS dance program Student talent shows Fine arts classes AP Music Theory classes

ü College & Career

RSD provides opportunities for students to excel in classes that prepare them for their future, whether that future includes a college degree or career technical training.

Students can participate in: • 30 hours of concurrent college credit • A variety of Pre-AP and AP classes • Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) classes beginning in junior high • Gifted and Talented (GT) programs beginning at the elementary level • Career and Technical Education including, nursing, horticulture, automotive, drafting, welding, and hospitality

Russellville School District believes that students should have the opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of learning experiences, a firm grounding in the basics, and skills and knowledge to be successful in their community, state, and world. Children deserve the best, and that is why innovative science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs, a commitment to the creative arts, preparation for college and career, and a well-rounded instructional program in all academic areas are offered at RSD.

220 West 10th Street n Russellville, AR. 72801 n 479.968.1306 n www.russellvilleschools.net

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June 2014 8 Holding on to Heritage

Charles and his wife Jean are spending their second childhood on the same land where he spent his first, a large patch of farmland that's been in the Oates family for generations.

12 Every Day Life

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Understanding the Differences

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Countertop Creations

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Charting the Back Country

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RussVegas 1/2 Marathon

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Vulnerable yet Sturdy

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Ozark Nirvana

The path to awareness often takes a route through personal experience. Dr. Loretta Ferguson-Cochran is an example of this, living her life and learning how to provide for an Austistic child.

According to cartographer Kristian Underwood, map making takes a combination of specialized skills so cartographers are multi-taskers of the highest order. It's one of a few disciplines where one must blend the arts and sciences.

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Send $20 check or money order for a OneYear Subscription (10 Issues) to ABOUT Magazine P.O. Box 10176 Russellville, AR 72812 Or subscribe online at www.aboutrvmag.com Call 479.857.6791 for more information 4

ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

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CandDDrugStore.com June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

ABOUT the River Valley

Jump on in!

A Publication of One14 Productions, Inc Vol. IX, Issue 5 – June 2014 Owner/Publisher: Chris Zimmerman

From its headwaters in the Colorado Rockies, the Arkansas River goes through a few personality changes on its 1,469-mile journey to the Mississippi River. Snowpack from the Rockies gives birth to the Arkansas, and for the first several miles of its existence it would be quite unrecognizable to native Arkansans.

It bucks and kicks over white-water rapids before falling into crystalline pools filled with rainbow and brown trout. It’s a favorite fishing water of Colorado trout anglers.

Entering Kansas, the topography becomes less severe. The river takes on the meandering, silty, chocolate look of a typical mid-western waterway. The river widens here and narrows there as it rolls into Oklahoma, finally starting to resemble the river we all know and love.

Along this path, the river is fed by various creeks -- streams that are named on a map, but only known by the locals. Then, as the river crosses Arkansas’s western border, the names of the those small waters nourishing and strengthening the mighty Arkansas have some significance for those of us living in the River Valley region of Arkansas. Names like Mulberry, Piney, Illinois Bayou and Point Remove take us back to childhood summers when “going to the creek” was as commonplace as growing your own tomatoes. The creek is where many of us learned to swim. It’s where we sat munching on Saltines and Vienna sausages with a Coleman lantern hissing through muggy summer nights waiting on the catfish to bite. It’s where we were baptized and where we skinny-dipped.

This issue of ABOUT… the River Valley features a story about mapping the scenic Mulberry River with a sidebar about all the activities that the Mulberry offers: swimming, fishing, paddling or just lazing away the day with the melodious chatter of fast moving mountain water as background music. But there are other streams within easy reach of River Valley residents. All offer the same activities as the Mulberry, though seasoned with their own unique character. And they are all worth every minute and every drop of gas to get there.

So what are you doing this weekend? Why not point the rig toward the hills. Stop at one of the local stations for ice, drinks and snacks and call in an order to that little mom and pop restaurant for a burger or salad. There’s lots to do and see on the creek, and you’ll run out of energy without a full belly when you get there. But be sure to wait 30 minutes before a swim, though. Mom’s rules still apply.

This is summertime in the River Valley, so jump on in. The water is fine.

DIANNE EDWARDS | founding editor JOHNNY SAIN | managing editor johnny@aboutrvmag.com BENITA DREW | advertising benita@aboutrvmag.com CHRISTINE SAIN | advertising christine@aboutrvmag.com KECHIA BENTLEY | columnist kechia@aboutrvmag.com MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS | freelance meredith@aboutrvmag.com EMORY TYSON MOLITOR | freelance emory@aboutrvmag.com LYDIA ZIMMERMAN | columnist lydia@aboutrvmag.com STEVE NEWBY | photography stevenewbyphotography@aboutrvmag.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@aboutrvmag.com

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

Material contained in this issue may not be copied or reproduced without written consent.

Inquiries may be made by calling (479) 857-6791.

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

Johnny Sain, Editor 479.857.6791

johnny@aboutrvmag.com

www.aboutrvmag.com

Benita

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ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

Newby

479. 880.1006

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ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

Calendar of Events June 6 – Downtown Art Walk in Russellville Downtown. From 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. For more information contact 967-1437.

June 6 - Table For Two - “Dinner by the Lake” Campfire Cuisine at 5 p.m.

Winthrop Rockefeller Institute One Rockefeller Drive Morrilton. For more information contact (501) 727-5435.

June 7 – Wounded Warrior Bass Fishing Tournament at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Color’s presentation and tournament launch at 8 a.m. For more information contact 890-7474.

June 7 - Kids Helping Kids Bike-TrikeA-Thon from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at 301 North Sidney Russellville. For more information contact (501) 329-5459.

June 9-12 - Summer Art Camps for Ages K-5th at the River Valley Arts Center from 9 a.m. – noon. For more information contact 968-2452.

June 10 - Trash to Treasure Tuesday’s at Lake Dardanelle State Park from 1 p.m.

– 4 p.m. For more information contact 967-5516.

June 12-14 – Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen Pageant at the Center for the Arts Russellville High School campus. For more information contact (870)740-2070.

June 14 - Stars and Stripes Poker Run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Event Description: Route starts at RogersRye VFW Post in Russellville, up HWY 7 to Hwy 16 West to Hwy 21 South to Hwy 64 East, back to Hwy 7 to the VFW. Registration is $20 and includes 1 poker hand and a meal.

Additional hands can be played for $10 each. You can replace cards for $3 each. All proceeds benefit the Arkansas River Valley Museum of Military History. For more information contact 970-8028.

June 16-19 - Petit Jean Summer Day Camp. For more information contact (501) 727-6510 June 20 - Main Street Mission & Centro Cristiano Hispano De Dardanelle “Funky En Concerto” at 7 p.m. Russellville First Assembly of God Church. For more information contact 857-0408.

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June 25-29 – Arkansas River Valley Arts Center presents “Oliver.” June 25-28 shows at 7 p.m. June 29th at 2 p.m. at The Center for the Arts in Russellville. For more information contact 968-2452.

June 26 - Sunset Cinema from 7 p.m.10:30 p.m. at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Bring your blankets, picnic baskets, coolers and watch a movie at Lake Dardanelle State Park. The cost is $1.00 for anyone over 12 years of age, 12 and under is free. For more information contact 968-2530.

June 28 - 3rd Annual Bootlegger Rally at Johnson County Fairgrounds. This is a charitable motorcycle event. Free live entertainment, Poker run, food and so much more. For more information contact 754-2340.

*Unless otherwise indicated, all area codes are 479. To have your event included in the ABOUT Calendar of Events, email: editor@aboutrvmag.com or fax to (866) 757-3282. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication.

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Charles Oates is spending his second childhood on the land where he spent his first

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ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

Story by MEREDITH MARTIN MOATS | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

Jean and Charles Oates live in Pottsville on

a large patch of farmland that's been in the Oates family since his ancestors first arrived from Gastonia, North Carolina, sometime around 1852. “They'd worn out the farm land where they were,” he explains, “and came to Arkansas because it was much like the landscape and climate they knew back home.” When asked what kind of farming his family did in the early days, Oates simply replies, “existing.” Like most Arkansas farmers during that time, they grew a little cotton for a cash crop and raised grains for the animals and vegetables to feed the family.

The Oates and their historic farm were recently recognized as an Arkansas Century Farm by the Arkansas Century Farm Program, a state initiative recognizing Arkansas's rich agricultural history by honoring families that have been farming the land for a hundred years or more. “We have proof of establishment since 1895,” Charles explains noting the date on the sign that he proudly displays in the living room. The family actually had tax receipts that could be traced back to the 1850s, he explains, but that wasn't enough to prove ownership. “I told them if they had known my family and how tight they were they would know they weren't paying taxes on something they didn't own,” he jokes.

After his grandfather settled on Pisgah Road, the elder Oates

fought in the Civil War and was wounded at Jenkins Ferry near Hope, Arkansas. “My great grandmother took the children and an old milk cow oxcart and went down there and nursed him back to health,” he explains. “He was shot in the neck, so he made it through and came on back. Some of the things we have, have been passed down from that generation,” he says speaking about the myriad of antiques that fill the Oates's newer model home located on the family's historic land.

“What we've done might not to appeal to everyone,” explains Charles as he points to their archive-laden home populated with family heirlooms, “but it's things we liked.”

Built in 2007, Charles and Jean's house is located on land just a few paces from where Charles grew up near both his immediate and extended families. “I've stumped my toe on about every rock that's here,” he explains, gazing out into the yard. He points to an older growth of trees out back, noting that he's camped under those trees as a boy. “We made our fun running up and down the branch, catch little fish, crawdads. I rode a horse many a mile,” he smiles. >>

June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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Growing up as an only child in the Depression he says he spent a lot of time with his grandmother and his neighbors, the Fergusons.

“Times might be considered very hard; we had nothing together,” he explains. “But being without didn't hurt,” he adds. “We rolled hoops and played marbles, mumbly peg, and one or two-eyed cat -- a form of baseball for fewer players. >> Charles says as a child he remembers his father row cropping, and later adding cattle to supplement the farm income. By the time Charles was in ninth grade, he tried his own hand at farming, he explains. “Jobs were scare then,” he recalls. “You could pick cotton or hoe cotton or bale a little hay and that was it. And in the ninth grade my dad starting farming in the Atkins bottom,” he continues.

Knowing Charles needed to earn some money, his father told Charles he could farm ten acres of that Atkins bottomland to pay for his college education. “I'll furnish the equipment and the team and you can farm the land,” his father told the young teenager.

“So he gave me a way to provide for a job when there wasn't one available,” Charles recalls. “So I grew cotton out there until I went into the service.”

Though he loved being on the farm, Charles knew from a young age that someday he'd need a supplemental income. “Farming in the area was not the best option,” Charles explains. “Folks always encouraged me to do something else, but I always loved the farm,” he explains. After the military, he headed to the University of Ozarks where he majored in pharmacy. After a few stints in the military, he wound up working at a pharmacy in Waldron after graduating. It was there he met his future wife.

In 1949 Jean was working for the Department of Agriculture under the Farmers Home Administration when she was transferred 10

ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

to Waldron. One afternoon while having lunch with friends at a local lunch counter she noticed Charles, the new pharmacists in town. “This good looking man was sitting there on the stool,” she recalls, and her friend said he knew him from college. “I said, well why don't you introduce him,” she recalls, smiling. “So he did and it stuck,” she laughs. They soon married and stayed in Waldron for around six years before a short stint in Mountain Pine where Charles worked for a drug store ran by Dierks, the local lumber company. All the while Charles kept ties with the farm back home in Pottsville. Eventually the family had the opportunity to return to the Pottsville area where Charles first began working at Walker Drug Store on Main Street in Russellville.

Charles was good friends with Dale Walker whose brother owned the well-known establishment. “Eventually we got the opportunity to buy the store,” he says. “It was a real good store,” he recalls, “and Dale and I got in for considerably less. Neither one of us had anything to start with, but our families got along, and we got along. That made for a great partnership,” he says. Together they founded C and D Drugstore, the locally popular pharmacy still located in downtown Russellville. “I’m the C and he's the D,” Charles says smiling. “Partnerships don't always work but ours did,” he recalls mentioning the closeness of the two families. For decades he focused on his pharmacy work, but says the “drug store was always kind enough to tolerate me being on the farm some.”

Over the years he and Jean acquired more land and grew the original property, adding chicken houses to the cattle operation.

Eventually Charles left the pharmacy business, retired and began building the home they now enjoy. “We tore down some of the old family houses,” he explains, “and were able to bring in a lot of rock

“Times might be considered very hard; we had nothing together,” he explains. “But being without didn't hurt,” he adds. “We rolled hoops and played marbles, mumbly peg, and one or twoeyed cat -- a form of baseball for fewer players.

they had.” He points to the rock chimney, the centerpiece of the large living room. “The rock mason was able to incorporate the rocks and foundation right into the chimney,” he says. The rocks that didn't make it into the chimney were placed in the rock fence out behind the house, adds Jean. Everywhere you look their new home is infused with materials and objects of the generations that came before.

Charles takes me on a tour of the house, pointing to countless antiques and family heirlooms passed down through generations. Two lead plate doors from an Atkins pharmacy can be found in a display cabinet near the kitchen. A small handmade children's chair sits near the displays of historic dishes. “This was my great uncle's,” he explains. An old claw foot bathtub once used as a water trough sits in the guest bathroom and a handmade study cabinet belonging to one of his aunt's is placed in the guest room.

“Whenever anyone in the family moved,” Charles explains, “they'd take it to grandmother's to store it. After her death, the family kind of divided it up. Most people didn't live here, and so we said we'd take it,” he explains, explaining the wide array of heirlooms in every pocket of the house.

A room off to the left of the entryway of their home is filled with pharmacy heirlooms and objects preserved from the general store Charles' grandparents once ran in downtown Pottsville. The Oates' love of local history has led them to serve on the board of the historic Potts Inn, a former stagecoach station on the historic Butterfield Overland Mail route between Memphis and Fort Smith.

In connection with their volunteer work for Potts Inn they also operate a small pharmacy museum. Speaking of their contribution to the community and their dedication to local history Charles laughs and calls themselves “packrats.”

As Charles walks around the house pointing to the heirlooms he often mentions specific family members, especially his grandmother who clearly had a large influence on his life.

“Grandmother did basket making,” he says, picking up a small woven case surrounding a glass bottle. “I went with her when I was a kid and gathered honeysuckle vines. We'd boil them, and take the bark off, and wrap it in rows. We'd do the weaving with it,” he explains. “She was deaf,” he explains, and “she loved gardening and baskets and loved flowers,” he recalls.

As we make our way into the kitchen Jean points to an old ice box and we discuss the older trees which still populate the historic farm site. “We waited until we were eighty years old to build,” Charles laughs speaking of their home that was literally decades in the making. “But we've enjoyed it.” “I'm spending my second l childhood right where I spent my first,” he smiles.

June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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ABOUT...the River Valley | Every Day Life

What’s in a name?

Story by KECHIA BENTLEY | Photo by STEVE NEWBY

Well, apparently there is an opportunity for me to embarrass the bah-gee-zees out of myself! Definition of bah-gee-zees: cannot get any worse and please let the floor open up and swallow me immediately.

Before I share my “moment” with you let’s spend a little time talking about names. And since mine is Kechia, let’s just start there. Yes, it is spelled with a “ch” right in the middle. Most people like to pronounce a “ch” like the sound in church or chicken.

This has made the pronunciation of my name very interesting and almost always wrong. You see, the “ch” in my name is pronounced like the “ch” in Chevrolet or champagne. Folks, there is a big difference in those sounds.

Every year when school would start I would be ready to “help” my new teachers figure out my name. I would know when they had reached it because they would pause and you could see the wheels turning as they tried to decode the letters in front of them.

Then would come their attempts at pronunciation -- complete fail.

To many a teacher’s great relief, it got to where as soon as they would pause I would just say my name.

Which brings me to my next point: parents spend a lot of time coming up with their child’s name, and to some it is almost a personal insult to mispronounce their child’s name. Now, I kind of get it because I too as a parent have loved hearing my child’s name called out in recognition of some honor or achievement, but with a name like Kechia I have gotten over the need for perfection in the name department.

For those of you who have yet to name a child take heed of my story because one day there will be a college graduation, and if it is like the one we just attended 3,000 graduates will walk across the stage. The people announcing your child’s name will not know them at all, and they will not know how in the world to pronounce that weirdly spelled name. I can promise you there were some children renamed right there on stage, and there were some not so happy parents and grandparents who had waited a long time to hear their child’s name called out in recognition.

But I think I have a problem worse than just mispronouncing names -- I can’t remember names. I would love to blame this on my parents for causing me so much name trauma as a young child, but to be honest I think I really loved all the attention my weird name brought me. So I guess my parents are off the hook on this one.

I can’t even blame it on old age because I have been this way all my life. I am one of those people that if I meet someone new, and I don’t immediately associate something with their name I will forget it in five minutes. What is worse is when I think I have remembered it and call someone Mary when their real name is Martha. I, of course, think I should get points for at least getting a name in the “M” family, but some people don’t seem to think so.

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ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

And then there are those few people whom I have just renamed completely for all time. It doesn’t seem to matter how many years I have known them or how many times I have been corrected.

Apparently, in my mind their parents should have named them something else, and I have taken the liberty to rename them. What is really sad is these gracious people will answer to their “new” name when I call them.

This brings me to my newest moment of name humiliation.

Fortunately, the wonderful woman upon whom it was perpetrated is a kind and gracious soul.

I recently helped host a party honoring a soon to be bride and groom. At this party I saw a friend that I had not seen in quite a while. Let me stop to add at this point that I have known this sweet lady since her son and my son Dillon where in first grade, so about 17 to 18 years.

I very confidently walk up to her at the end of the night excited to inquire about her children and ask her, “How is Lawson doing?”

To which she graciously replies, “You mean, Harrison?” Oh my goodness. I could have just died right there. I have known this child almost his entire life, and I called him the wrong name. His mother did not seem the least bit disturbed, but I felt awful.

I should have learned by now to just stop talking at these moments, but no, oh no. I -- trying to prove to her, but mostly to myself that I did in fact know her children and valued them enough to remember their names -- went on to ask about her daughter. I did so by asking her to not tell me her daughter’s name. Just give me a minute and I will think of it. And then I said out loud, “I know it is two letters of the alphabet.” Oh please, just shoot me now.

She once again graciously saves me by saying, “Alix Ann.” Really Kechia, two letters of the alphabet? Can someone please hit a rewind button? I can’t stop replaying it in my mind!

I have now made a note to myself that the next time I ask it will go like this: “How are your children?” NO NAMES! And finally, I have just one favor to ask. If you are the person I asked, “How are your children?” could you please use their names in the first sentence of your reply. That way all those extra names floating around in my head can go away. Oh, and it might help if l you remind me of your name… Just to be safe.

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Understanding the Differences

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Life and learning with an Autistic Child Story by JOHNNY SAIN | Photos by BENITA DREW

Loretta Ferguson-Cochran is an associate professor of management at Arkansas Tech University. She teaches classes like human resource management, leadership and organizational development at the ATU College of Business. She also has three children: 12-year-old son Wen, 10-year-old daughter Leigh and 7-year-old son Guy. All are students in the Pottsville school district.

In 2006 Wen was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 4. “We knew something wasn’t right,” said Loretta. “He had a speech delay, so we got him into Dennis Developmental Center in Little Rock and got him tested.” Dennis Developmental Center is one of only two places in the state of Arkansas that can give a Medicaid eligible diagnosis. A Medicaid eligible autism diagnosis qualifies the family for Medicaid and allows a buy-in to Medicaid. The diagnosis is a team effort.

“You have to have an M.D., a PHD psychologist and speech therapist,” said Loretta. The diagnosis turned

had a familiar face in front of me. And we didn’t know what we were doing, so she just took care of everything.

Jaqueline is just as good as gold.”

Friendship Services “began the educational process for us,” said Loretta Friendship Community Care was ahead of its time when Loretta enrolled Wen in 2006, but the Russellville based non-profit has dramatically improved their care for autistic children since then. Friendship now offers autism specialty rooms with trained staff and smaller

The path to awareness often takes a route through personal experience. out to be the easy part. “When we got our diagnosis we were like, what do we do now?” said Loretta.

What to do next is the question on any parent’s lips after a diagnosis of Autism. Luckily, Loretta didn’t need to look long or far for help. “MiChild [a division of Friendship Community Care] is the only daycare in this area that’s set up for kiddos with Wen’s disability differences,” said Loretta. During moments of uncertainty, a familiar friendly face can bring reassurance. Loretta saw a familiar face at Friendship.

“It just so happened that we walked in the door and saw Jaqueline Anderson in the front office. I worked with Jaqueline back in high school, so I immediately 14

ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

classes in response to increased awareness and need for autistic childcare.

Wen stayed at MiChild through his preschool years, and enrolled in kindergarten at Pottsville Elementary afterward. “MiChild was excellent preparation for school,” said Loretta. “Wen came into kindergarten without any academic delays whatsoever.”

Wen had finished his kindergarten year at Pottsville, but had not made good progress in physical therapy. This was a concern to MiChild therapist Lynda Steed, who suggested Loretta contact Jody Kusturin who was opening the Equestrian Zone, a non-profit organization that provides hippotherapy to individuals with disabilities. >>

June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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Loretta notes a standout characteristic of Friendship Community Care along with other care providers in the area is their perspective of disabilities. “The issue for anyone with a disability is that they always get defined by their differences.

Anywhere you go the first thing you hear is what the child can’t do. The dialogue should be about what the child can do? What are the child’s strengths? How can this child be successful.”

Loretta says that when you see a special needs child acting out or misbehaving you shouldn’t blame the child or the parents. “The child is probably just not able to communicate what is going on with him or her. A lot of time if you can figure out what’s causing the crisis of the moment and how to help them through it, you build strength in that child,” said Loretta. “If you can look at a child from his or her strengths, and challenge them to succeed, the opportunities that they have are beyond what you can imagine.”

Searching for ways to address Wen’s social shortcomings as he matured, Loretta tried sports. “Part of me wants to protect him and not let him near anybody else because he’s vulnerable,” said Loretta. “But there’s also a part of me that says he’s going to be in society. He’s got to be able to manage that.” So Wen played football. And Wen did well.

“He’ll never be in the NFL,” said Loretta. “But for us winning isn’t scoring points. Winning is having friends, making connections, being part of a team, being included.”

Wen actually excelled at some aspects of football. “Wen learned the plays probably better than anybody else on the team because the plays are patterns, and autistic children do really well with patterns.”

"We’re not sure why Wen has autism, but that’s just part of him."

Hippotherapy is a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy in which a therapist uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input.

“This was theoretically a competitor of MiChild,” said Loretta.

“But that’s what is wonderful about Friendship and the Equestrian Zone, too. They’re not worried about making money, they do what’s best for the child. Those are the kinds of things that really impress me, when you have an organization that focusses on the kiddos.” Wen responded well to the horses, and made up ground he had lost during the school year.

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ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

Loretta’s journey with Wen has led her down a path of discovery. She now sits on the Arkansas Legislative Task force for Autism as a parent member. This position allows her to look at issues that impact children with autism. Autism is the fastest growing disorder for children, outpacing diabetes, cancer and other well-known disorders. Loretta thinks improvement in diagnostics as well as awareness of autism are the reasons behind the growth. “The first individual ever diagnosed with autism is still alive and well in Mississippi,” said Loretta.

“I think he’s in his sixties or seventies.”

Such a recent first diagnosis of a disorder supports Loretta’s thoughts of improved testing as the pillar supporting the growth in autism diagnosis.

Loretta has learned that autism, along with other disorders, should not mean discrimination, but rather understanding of the differences. “We’re not sure why Wen has autism, but that’s just part of him. We should really, as a society, stop judging people and creating inappropriate value labels. We should accept and try to build people up,” said Loretta. “As a society if we don’t do that we’re damning ourselves. We’re limiting ourselves. We do it unconsciously, but for example, Wen doesn’t need a lower educational standard.

Yeah he’s going to struggle, but he can do the work. We don’t need to lower the standards; we need to challenge the child.

The discrimination of low expectations needs to end, and that’s hard.”

Loretta chairs the Arkansas Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council and sits on the board of the Arkansas Disability Coalition in addition to her seat on the Arkansas Legislative Task force for Autism. She travels frequently and meets people from all over the state. But for Loretta there’s no place like home.

She counts living in the River Valley as a blessing for many reasons. At the top of the list is the people she has encountered with Wen. “When people talk about this being a beautiful place to live I say it is; the landscape is gorgeous. But when you know the people here, and see the people reach out to your family, that’s what is beautiful about the River Valley.” l

Thanks Dad.

Your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever.

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Celebrating 70 Years of Service!

The Russellville Chamber of Commerce Red Coats honor Peters Family Living for serving the River Valley for Seventy Years. “While celebrating our 70 th Anniversary, it is a special honor for Peters Family Living to have also been selected Reader’s Choice Best Furniture Store and Best Appliance Service”, says Bill Peters. “We will continue our mission of providing the Best Customer Service and Best Value in Furniture and Appliances in the Valley. We are blessed to have a staff of employees who are all on the same page of our Customer Focus. All of us express our appreciation to the most important parts of our business, our Friends and Customers who continue to trust us with their home furnishings needs.”

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June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

17

ABOUT...the River Valley | Valley Vittles

RITA'S RESTAURANT | 10894 Sr 27, Hector

Cool and Savory Summertime Eating Story by JOHNNY SAIN | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

Summertime is here, and the living is easy in the River Valley. The days are long with sunlight lingering until 9 p.m. That means plenty of time for outdoor activities after work. This could mean chores. The lawn must be mowed, the yard borders trimmed; maybe the garden could use a good weeding. Or you could save those chores for another day and take a little midweek excursion to a more serene setting. The River Valley is chock full of serene settings, but many require a drive through the smaller communities surrounding Russellville. Maybe you should head north, maybe up Highway 7 through Dover. Dover is the crossroads for northern Pope County. You’ll come to a “T” in Dover with Highway 7 continuing to the west and Highway 27 heading east to Scottsville and on to Hector. You can go either direction and encounter the Illinois Bayou.

The Illinois Bayou is, in my opinion, the defining waterway of Pope County.

It flows through the hills and farmlands of the northern part of the county until emptying into Lake Dardanelle. Along its path are numerous swimming holes with names like Dixon Hole, Price Hole and Blue Hole. The names have been passed down through generations as summertime cooling spots. But one beautiful location has been turned into a public area by the National Forest service. This is Bayou Bluff Recreational area. Bayou Bluff is right on Highway 27 just a few miles north of Hector. It features picnic tables, barbecue pits, pavilions and cool water on a muggy summer afternoon. Getting to Bayou Bluff also means you have to drive by Rita’s, the only restaurant in Hector.

Just because Rita’s is the only game in town does not mean you have to settle for second-rate grub. To the contrary, several folks I know – my family included – make the drive because the food is delicious. My pick on a summer day is the grilled chicken salad. Crispy lettuce, diced tomato, tangy black olives, grilled and still warm chicken drizzled with shredded cheddar cheese and covered with creamy ranch dressing. And don’t forget sliced boiled egg on the side. It’s a cool and savory summertime meal.

A great start or ending for an afternoon on the creek. l 18

ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

19

ABOUT...the River Valley | Countertop Creations

It’s not just a southern thing anymore…

Story by LYDIA ZIMMERMAN, Food Editor

A

nyone who knows me knows I love movies, especially older ones. A favorite movie of my mother’s and mine is “Steel Magnolias.” Those that have viewed this movie can relate to or know people who are “like” one of the five main characters. My mother has remarked that she used to know a woman that was like the character “Ouiser Boudreaux” pronounced Weezer, played by Shirley McClain. If you have ever seen the movie you know “Ouiser” says whatever comes to her mind without regard to other’s feeling and thinks anything can be worn with diamonds or a fur coat. In one of my favorite scenes “Ouiser” shows up at the Beauty salon with her Saint Bernard named “Rhett” (who is going bald due to stress) wearing overalls and diamonds, and delivering a large amount of vegetables from her garden. She says she has to give them all away because she does not eat them. They ask “Why do you grow all of these then?” she replies, “I am an old southern woman and we are supposed to wear ugly clothes, funny hats and grow vegetables in the dirt.”

Although I do not agree with all of that statement, I do agree that most mature southern women are known for their gardens whether it be produce or flowers. The popularity of vegetable/fruit gardening is “growing” amongst all ages, genders and locales around the country. This may be due to economic reasons or because people realize fresh produce just tastes better. The recipes I have compiled for this issue are geared toward using the “fruits of your garden.”

As always enjoy!

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ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

CREAMY CUCUMBER SOUP 1 T extra-virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 small onion, diced 1 T lemon juice 4 c peeled, seeded and thinly sliced cucumbers, divided 1 1/2 c vegetable broth, or reduced-sodium chicken broth 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper Pinch cayenne pepper 1 avocado, diced 1/4 c chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish 1/2 c low-fat plain yogurt Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.

Add garlic and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 1 to 4 minutes. Add lemon juice and cook for 1 minute. Add 3 3/4 cups cucumber slices, broth, salt, pepper and cayenne; bring to a simmer.

Reduce heat and cook at a gentle simmer until the cucumbers are soft, 6 to 8 minutes.

Transfer the soup to a blender. Add avocado and parsley; blend on low speed until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Pour into a serving bowl and stir in yogurt. Chop the remaining 1/4 cup cucumber slices. Serve the soup warm or refrigerate and serve it chilled. Just before serving, garnish with the chopped cucumber and more chopped parsley, if desired. May refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.

Recipe courtesy of eatingwell.com ZUCCHINI QUICHE 3 c thinly sliced zucchini 1/4 c biscuit mix 1/2 c oil 1/4 c chopped onion 1/2 c grated cheddar cheese 4 eggs 2 T chopped parsley 1 c ham, cut into bite sized pieces Heat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together. place mixture in a 12-inch greased pie plate. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until lightly browned. Serve with warm butter.

STRAWBERRY BREAD 3 c flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1 T cinnamon 2 c sugar 4 eggs, beaten 1 1/4 c oil 2 c fresh or frozen strawberries, sliced 1 c milk Mix the first 5 ingredients together. Then add remaining ingredients and stir just until moistened.

Pour into two well greased 9-inch loaf pans.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Recipe courtesy of Wilma Gray (my mom) GREAT RECIPE FOR REFRIGERATOR PICKLES Making refrigerator pickles is a simple matter of mixing up a brine and pouring it over cut cucumbers. These pickles are ready to enjoy starting the day after they are made, and they will keep in the refrigerator for a month. Don’t worry if the liquid does not quite cover the cucumbers at first.

Overnight, the cut pieces will release juices that will raise the level of the brine.

For sweet refrigerator pickles, make a brine of 1 cup (250 ml) vinegar, one-fourth cup (60 ml) water, one-half cup (100 g) sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Heat the mixture just enough to dissolve the sugar. Pour over cut cucumbers, or a mixture of cucumbers

and thinly sliced onions. If desired, add a light sprinkling of mustard seeds or red pepper flakes.

For refrigerator dill pickles, make a brine of 1 cup (250 ml) vinegar, one-fourth cup (60 ml) water, one-fourth cup (50 g) sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Heat the mixture just enough for the sugar to dissolve. Pour over cucumbers, and add 1 teaspoon dill seeds or several dill leaves or flower heads, along with two cloves peeled garlic.

Recipe courtesy of growveg.com GRILLED MARINATED VEGETABLE SALAD 4 T olive oil, divided 3 T honey 2 T balsamic vinegar 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 3 large yellow squash 3 large zucchini 2 medium-size green bell peppers

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They have so many unique things you can’t find anywhere. They will order things for you if they aren’t in stock. We love coming to the City Mall every week to eat lunch and shop. Kitchen Essentials is a special place.

2 medium-size red bell peppers 2 medium-size orange bell peppers 2 medium-size yellow bell peppers 1lb fresh green beans Stir together 1 T oil, honey, and next 3 ingredients until blended. Set aside.

Slice squash and zucchini; cut bell peppers into 1-inch pieces, and trim green beans. Toss squash, zucchini, and bell pepper with 2 T oil. Toss green beans with remaining 1 T oil.

Grill squash, zucchini, and bell pepper in a grill wok, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°), stirring occasionally, 5 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove from wok.

Grill green beans in grill wok, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 5 to 7 minutes or until tender.

Toss vegetables with honey mixture; cover and chill 8 hours.

Recipe courtesy of myrecipes.com

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JALAPEÑO JAM 1 c chopped green bell peppers 1 c chopped jalapeño peppers 1 1/2 c apple cider vinegar 6 c sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 (6 oz) bottle of pectin green food coloring, several drops Combine green and jalapeño peppers and apple cider vinegar in a blender. Puree until smooth. Combine puree, sugar, salt and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Bring to boil. Cook for 2 minutes, remove from heat, then add pectin.

Let stand for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add food coloring, mix well.

Pour into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace, seal jar. Store in refrigerator. Makes 2 pints.

GREAT RECIPE FOR REFRIGERATOR PICKLES Making refrigerator pickles is a simple matter of mixing up a brine and pouring it over cut cucumbers. These pickles are ready to enjoy starting the day after they are made, and they will keep in the refrigerator for a month. Don’t worry if the liquid does not quite cover the cucumbers at first.

Overnight, the cut pieces will release juices that will raise the level of the brine.

For sweet refrigerator pickles, make a brine of 1 cup (250 ml) vinegar, one-fourth

22

ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

cup (60 ml) water, one-half cup (100 g) sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Heat the mixture just enough to dissolve the sugar. Pour over cut cucumbers, or a mixture of cucumbers and thinly sliced onions. If desired, add a light sprinkling of mustard seeds or red pepper flakes.

For refrigerator dill pickles, make a brine of 1 cup (250 ml) vinegar, one-fourth cup (60 ml) water, one-fourth cup (50 g) sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Heat the mixture just enough for the sugar to dissolve. Pour over cucumbers, and add 1 teaspoon dill seeds or several dill leaves or flower heads, along with two cloves peeled garlic.

Recipe courtesy of growveg.com

Remove from heat and drain water off squash. Place squash into a bowl and add sugar, flour and spices to bowl. Toss squash until coated with mixture. Line pie plate with pastry, fill with squash mixture. Place butter on top of mixture, then place remaining pastry on top to create your top crust.

Cut slits into top crust to allow steam to escape. Seal crusts together and sprinkle top with 2 T sugar. Bake at 400 for 45-50 minutes or until done.

SQUASH PIE 2 c cubed squash (may use zucchini or yellow) 1 c sugar 2 T flour 1 T cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg Pastry for 2 (9 in) pie crusts or you may make your own using your favorite pie crust recipe 2 T butter 2 T sugar

SUMMER VEGETABLE CREPES 1/3 c reduced-fat sour cream 1/2 c chopped fresh chives, divided, plus more for garnish 3 T low-fat milk 2 tsp lemon juice 3/4 tsp salt, divided 1 T extra-virgin olive oil 2 c chopped zucchini 1 1/4 c chopped green beans 1 c fresh corn kernels, (from 1 large ear; see Tip) 1 c part-skim ricotta cheese 1/2 c shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper 4 (9) inch “ready-to-use” crêpes

Place cubed squash into a saucepan on the stove filled with enough water to cover squash. Cook on medium heat until squash begins to get tender but is still firm (use fork to test this).

Stir sour cream, 1/4 c chives, milk, lemon juice and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl until combined. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini,

green beans and corn and cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.

Reduce heat to low; stir in ricotta, Monterey Jack, the remaining 1/4 c chives, the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and pepper. Cook, stirring gently, until the cheese is melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.

To roll crêpes, place one on a piece of parchment or wax paper (or leave it on the piece of plastic separating the crêpes in the package). Spoon one-fourth of the vegetable-cheese mixture (about 3/4 c) down the center of the crêpe. Use the paper (or plastic) to help you gently roll the crêpe around the filling. Place the crêpe seamside down on a dinner plate. Repeat with the remaining crêpes and filling. Serve each crêpe topped with 2 T of the reserved sauce and more chives, if desired.

TIPS & NOTES Tips: To remove kernels, stand a cob on its stem end in a bowl and slice them off with a sharp, thin-bladed knife.

“Ready-to-use” crèpes are fast and convenient. Look for them in the produce section of the market or near refrigerated tortillas.

Recipe courtesy of eatingwell.com CANTALOUPE BAVARIAN PIE 4 eggs, separated 1 c sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 sm package orange gelatin 1/4 tsp cream of tartar 1 1/2 c diced cantaloupe 1 T lemon juice 1 T grated lemon peel 1/2 c orange juice 1 (9-in) deep dish pie shell, baked 1 c whipping cream, whipped or may use 1 cup cool whip Beat egg yolks slightly in top of a double boiler, then add 1/2 c sugar, salt, lemon juice and grated peel. Cook, stirring frequently, until mixture coats the spoon; remove from heat. Bring orange juice to a boil and pour over gelatin. Stir until dissolved; blend egg mixture and gelatin mixture together; cool.

Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff. Add remaining sugar gradually, beating until whites hold stiff glossy peaks.

Fold in gelatin mixture; add cantaloupe, folding in carefully. Pile into pie shell and top with swirls of whipped cream. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Home cooks easy recipe book POTATO STUFFED GRILLED BELLPEPPERS 4 large baking potatoes (about 3 1/2 to 4 pounds) 4 large red bell peppers 1 (16-oz) sour cream 1/2 c shredded Gouda cheese 1/4 c sliced green onions 3 T butter 3 T chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 3/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground pepper 1/4 tsp paprika Pierce each potato 3 to 4 times with a fork, and place directly on oven rack.

Bake at 450° for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Let cool slightly, about 15 minutes.

Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise,

cutting through stems and keeping intact.

Remove and discard seeds and membranes; rinse and pat dry. Set aside.

Cut baked potatoes in half. Scoop out pulp into a large bowl, discarding shells.

Add sour cream and next 6 ingredients to pulp, blending well with a fork or potato masher.

Spoon potato mixture evenly into bell pepper halves. Sprinkle with paprika.

Grill peppers, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 18 minutes or until peppers are blistered and potato mixture bubbles around edges.

Serve immediately.

Note: We tried microwaving the potatoes, but the texture is mealy; baking is the best choice.

Grilled Stuffed Potatoes: Omit red bell peppers. Proceed with recipe as directed, reserving potato shells and spooning potato mixture into reserved potato shells. Grill as directed or bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Recipe Courtesy of Southernliving.com

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June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

23

Charting the Back Country Story by CONNIE LAS SCHNEIDER | Photos by JOHNNY SAIN

Civilization owes a great debt of gratitude to cartographers.

From famous men like William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition and Dr. Henry Livingston who mapped the African continent to lesser known mapmaker/surveyors like Prospect Robbins and Joseph Brown who mapped the Louisiana Purchase. Maps and their makers expand our understanding of the world.

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ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

Map making takes a combination of specialized skills so cartographers are multi-taskers of the highest order. According to cartographer Kristian Underwood, owner of Underwood Geographics, “Cartography is one of a few disciplines where one must blend the arts and sciences.” Underwood recently published a new map of the Mulberry River, and is mapping the 200+ miles Ozark Highlands Trail among other projects. Underwood has a BS in Social Science and Anthropology from Florida State University (1998) and a Masters of Art Degree in Geography from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville (2009).

“To be a cartographer, one has to be versed in scientific theory, understand the concepts of mapping -- projections, coordinate systems -along with their pros and cons,” said Underwood. “Obviously you have to understand geography; both physical and cultural. You have to be able to visualize data in an aesthetically pleasing manor. Psychology also plays an important role; you have to understand how human cognition works in order to convey your message efficaciously. In my field specialty, outdoor recreational cartography, I typically find myself in the wilderness and it is very helpful to understand the environment, the ecology, geomorphology (Earth Science), geology, weather, etc.

Everything is geographic, and the more one comprehends, the better it will reflect in the map. A well-crafted map with data that is not accurate cannot be used for navigation, and a scientifically accurate map without visualization does not communicate to the reader/user. Therefore, it needs to have scientifically accurate data with a well-designed & established visual hierarchy,” said Underwood.

Advances in electronic positioning technology have made a cartographer’s job easier today than in past centuries when surveyor/cartographers relied on their drawing skills and simple measurements made by barometers and a compass, rod and chains, and barometers.

“During the Second World War and possibly sooner the United States Geological Survey (USGS) began to use airplanes to photograph the land in plan view, a view from above looking straight down at a 90 degree angle; then they digitized the roads, streams, coastlines, etc. to make much more accurate large-scale maps. >>

The River Valley is carved by creeks and streams flowing down from the highlands to the north and south. However, three creeks with headwaters in the Ozarks are the most well known destinations for floating, swimming and fishing around these parts.

Moving from west to east, the first waterway is the Mulberry River.

The Mulberry features class II rapids during the spring rainy season and was federally designated as a National Wild and Scenic River; one of eight Wild and Scenic Rivers in Arkansas. The Mulberry’s headwaters begin in Newton County and flow through Johnson and Franklin Counties on its way to the Arkansas River. Though it runs through rugged terrain, the Mulberry is very accessible. The Highway 23 crossing is only about 12 miles from Interstate 40 in Franklin County.

Big Piney Creek is next on the list. “Piney” as it’s known locally starts its journey in Newton County then travels through Johnson and Pope Counties while tumbling over some steep gradients on its way to Piney Bay on Lake Dardanelle. The creek offers some thrilling class III rapids through places with names like “Cascade of Extinction.”

Piney also offers designated swimming areas like Long Pool for a more serene creek experience.

The Illinois Bayou is really three creeks in one: the North Fork, Middle Fork and East Fork all combine before the Bayou reaches Dover. All forks offer some white water adventure with class II and possibly class III rapids. The Bayou mellows from the Scottsville Bridge down to Lake Dardanelle. This much calmer water is why the Illinois Bayou was designated a “bayou” – typically slow moving or stagnant water – by European explorers. Access to the Bayou on public land is abundant, but takes some exploring. The most easily accessible place is Bayou Bluff campground north of Hector onState Highway 27 and the Scottsville Bridge on Highway 164.

All three creeks offer clear, cool waters for swimming and wading.

They also offer fantastic fishing. The Mulberry is known throughout the region as a premier smallmouth bass fishery. Largemouth and Kentucky bass are also common along with longear sunfish and channel catfish.

Big Piney Creek holds a lot of smallmouth as well, and you can latch into a whopper from time to time. Channel catfish are also common and can sometimes be caught alongside smallmouth. Largemouth and Kentucky bass become more prevalent as you get closer to the lake.

The Illinois Bayou is known for numbers of fish. Smallmouth bass are the most common, and on a good day you can wear your arms out on10 to 12-inch fish. Largemouth and Kentucky bass are found in the lower stretches. Longear and green sunfish can be caught all over the creek. Reports of big flathead catfish were once commonplace on the Bayou, but their numbers seem to down lately.

For more information about these three Arkansas treasures, and some others you can enjoy visit http://www.arkansas.com/outdoors/ canoeing-rafting-kayaking/waterways/.

June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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This method is still in use today, only now most things are done with satellites utilizing photographs, radar and LiDAR, what we use in the 21 century for finding range/distance. In the 20th century we first used Sonar (Sound) to find range. This was quickly replaced by radar (Radio Waves) and now radar has been replaced with LiDAR (Laser),” said Underwood.

Today, a vast majority of 21st century cartographers utilize Geographic Information Systems or Science (GIS)

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ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

to help create maps, he said. “GIS has revolutionized the mapping industry. It was first developed in the 60s, but as with all computer technologies it has grown tremendously over the decades. It allows one to spatially display geo-referenced data in a specific projection and coordinate system. However, it also allows one to attach attributes to each piece of datum,” said Underwood.

“Take for example a road; it will typically have an associated attribute table that will state the name/number,

whether it is paved or gravel and how many lanes. Is there a median, is it private, county, state, federal, is it suitable for passenger vehicles or 4WD vehicles?

Once you have a data set of all the roads, one can query the attribute table for all the federal highways and make a unique layer, then one can make a layer of the roads that are just state, county, forest service, etc. There are hundreds and thousands of data sets that are readily available in the public domain. You just have to find them” said Underwood.

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“GIS is a powerful program software, but it lacks in the graphic design functionality. Once I have all the filtered data that is pertinent to the map on their own unique layers and in the correct projection/scale, I export all the data to a graphic design programs. For me, the graphic design usually is the longest

“A map does not just chart, it unlocks and formulates meaning; it forms bridges between here and there, between disparate ideas that we did not know were previously connected.”

Reif Larsen, The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet process of making a map. I need to establish a visual hierarchy, and to do so I will create foreground and background elements with the use of colors, lineweights, fonts, size, contrast, opacities and the ever tedious process of labeling features.

It’s pretty obvious cartographers must be smart, but they also need physical endurance. Underwood spends a lot of time outdoors, carting around equipment and stopping every few minutes to measure and take field notes as he hikes the trails or paddles the rivers. “I typically

spend a work day in the field that usually allows for 5-10 miles of data collection if propulsion is by foot or hand (hiking/ paddling). Obviously I can collect data a lot faster if I am in a car or ORV, but I don’t really collect that much data this way,” he said.

Occasionally, a cartographer faces danger, too. “I have been on rivers that have flashed (flash flooded) over the evening which forced me to scramble my gear and myself to higher ground. I have camped in storms that have blown trees over all around and I just sat there hoping the next one wouldn’t fall on me.

There’s not too much you can do in those situations except place your gear and yourself in the safest place possible and wait it out.”

Underwood said his most challenging assignment to date was “easily the Mulberry River map. Take all the difficulties of collecting data in the field and then add in moving water in an unstable boat and it can

be dangerous. Also, our streams typically flow in the winter/spring, so it is typically cold and hypothermia is a very real threat when you are surrounded by water in freezing temperatures.”

Despite the trials and tribulations of his work, Underwood said his “biggest challenge is to convey to people what I do as a cartographer and how much work, education, specialized equipment, and talent is involved. A lot of time and money goes into creating each map.

There seems to be some misconception that there is some magic program out there where I hit a few buttons and the map is complete, but technology is only a small part of what goes into making a good map, said Underwood.

For more information on Underwood’s work, visit www.ugeographics.com Underwood Geographics, Creative Maps & Design, Post Office Box 1 . Winslow, AR 72959 . Contact. info@ugeographics. com . (479) 268-1888. l

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ABOUT...the River Valley | Community and Events

Stage Manager: Alisha Sears Set Director: Catherine Martin Choreographer: Ashley Miller Davis

ARKANSAS TECH NAMES NEW ACADEMIC FACILITY FOR DR. AND MRS. BROWN

The Center for the Arts presents Oliver!

Oliver! is coming to The Center for the Arts in Russellville. June 25-29 the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center presents the musical based on the novel Oliver Twist

by Charles Dickens. June 25-28 shows start at 7 p.m. June 29th at 2 p.m. For more information about the show, please contact 968-2452.

Oliver Cast: Oliver Twist: Chloe Yarbrough & Day Stoker Mr. Bumble: Scott Arnold Widow Corney: Loretta Page Noah Claypole: Jarod Apple Mr. Sowerberry: Michael Stoker Mrs. Sowerberry: Carling Futterer Charolette: Katie Walker The Artful Dodger: Chase Pyle Fagin: Benjamin Stevens Nancy: Jenava Harris & Katy Yerina Charles Bates: Alex Jones Bet: Samantha Smith Bill Sykes: Ben Knight 28

ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

Mrs. Bedwin: Jenava Harris & Katy Yerina Dr. Grimwig: Gabriel Smith Company: Sawyer Rentfro, Caleb Ulrich, Grace Kennedy, Casey Chambliss, Sydney Jones, Kane Lawhorne, Blake Tanner, Braden Tanner, Harrison Turnipseed, Olive Harrington, Alex Tanner, Cynthia Zepeda, Brayli Roberson, Jordan Lewis, Kenna Jackson, Montgomery Dodge, Tabitha Holbrook, Abby Zachary, Claire Zachary, Tess Barborek, Christian Armstrong, Noah Armstrong, Maureen Balcerzak, Aubrey Sprinkle, Lily Watson, Claire Lacefield, Emry Hunnicutt, Emily Mitchener, Cathy Jeffery, Gina Swain, Izzy Schroeder, Tanya Schroeder, Nicolet Schroeder, Josie Schroeder, Zino Schroeder, Arlis Sprinkle, Ty Swaim, Lex Gamble, Maddoc Ferguson, Max Gamble Production Staff Director: Ardith Morris Music Director: Ken Futterer Exec. Producer: Amy Tarpley Producer: Avery Coonts Technical Director: Daniel Stahl Costumes: Janet Cook

The Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Saturday morning to name the academic, student support and administrative facility currently under construction on the Arkansas Tech campus at Russellville in honor of retiring president Dr. Robert C. Brown and his wife, Jill Lestage Brown.

The vote was taken in the Green and Gold Room at Tucker Coliseum during a special called meeting of the board on commencement Saturday for the spring 2014 semester at Arkansas Tech.

Ground was broken earlier this month on the new $11.6 million facility, which is scheduled for completion in December 2015.

The building named in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Brown will be located near the intersection of North Arkansas Avenue and West O Street on the parcel of land previously occupied by Bryan Hall, which was demolished in 2013.

Once complete, the new 66,900-square foot facility is scheduled house the following operating areas: admissions on the first floor; financial aid, student accounts and the student identification card office on the second floor; registrar, Upward Bound and Student Support Services --- a pair of federally-funded programs that provide students that have identified barriers to higher education with resources to achieve their academic objectives --- on the third floor; and payroll, budget and human resources on the fourth floor.

There will be classrooms and conference rooms on all four floors of the facility.

Brown announced on Aug. 23, 2013, that the current academic year would be his last as active president of the university.

President at Arkansas Tech since July

1, 1993, Brown has the longest tenure at his present institution among all fouryear college and university presidents and chancellors in Arkansas. He is the secondlongest serving president in Arkansas Tech history. Only Joseph W. Hull, president at Tech from 1932-67, held the office for a longer period of time.

Enrollment at Arkansas Tech has increased by 168 percent since 1997, and the institution set its 15th consecutive record enrollment with 11,369 students for the fall 2013 semester.

Among all degrees that Arkansas Tech has awarded during its 105-year history, 61 percent have been earned during Brown’s 21-year tenure as its president.

Upon his retirement from the active presidency on June 30, 2014, Brown will hold the titles of president emeritus and distinguished professor of economics at

Arkansas Tech. He will become just the second person to hold the title of president emeritus and just the third to hold the title of distinguished professor at Arkansas Tech.

JIM STAMPS HONORED WITH AVIATION AWARD

On May 10, 2014, Jim Stamps was honored with receiving “The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.” The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gives this award for 50 or more continuous years as a commercial pilot without incident.

Jim Stamps has 62 years and 49,000 flying hours. He retired as a Captain from Northwest Airlines after 37 years, and with seniority as No.1Pilot. Stamps retired on the jumbo jets, flying the Boeing 757 at the time.

Jim Stamps was inducted into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame in 2004

before a crowd of 240 fellow pilots, friends and family.

Stamps gives credit for all he has accomplished to Arkansas Tech University where he learned to fly and began his flight training. l

June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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First Annual RussVegas 1/2 Marathon a Resounding Success

Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN | Courtesy of RUSSELLVILLE A&P

The RussVegas Half-Marathon took place on April 26 with 1,150 participants and 300 volunteers. Proceeds from the marathon benefited Arkansas Children’s Hospital and River Valley Circle of Friends. Arkansas Children’s Hospital was presented a check for $19,000 from the event.

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ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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ABOUT...the River Valley | Backyard Living

Read more from Meredith at www.boileddownjuice.com

The Boiled Down Juice

Vulnerable yet Sturdy For a few years now I've been smitten with the yarrow plant, a common wildflower with a thousand uses. Known by the scientific name of Achillea millefolium, this plant grows wild all over Asia, Europe and North America, and takes to a variety of soils.

Considered by many to be a weed, these prolific plants grow about knee high and produce beautiful fern-like leaves topped by clusters of disk-shaped white, red, yellow or pink flowers. The leaves have a lace-like cascading appearance, making the plant appear both vulnerable and sturdy at the same time. And perhaps this is what I admire most about this utilitarian beauty. The leaves may be feathery but the stalks are firm and nearly impossible to crush. Once established, they're as hearty and tenacious as a dandelion. Forget them and they'll still probably come back year after year.

In other words, you'd have to work hard to kill them off. What's not to love?

For as long as anyone can remember, herbalists and healers have been using yarrow for a host of medicinal purposes including treating fevers, blood clots, common colds, stomach problems, toothaches, hemorrhoids, cramps, even hay fever. Yarrow is as versatile as it is strong. The herb was popular among many Native American tribes across the continent, and supposedly the Cherokee used it as a tea to bring restful sleep. Yarrow is perhaps best known for its power to stop bleeding and is therefore named achillea millefolium in honor of the Greek Trojan war hero Achilles, a mythical figure who inspired the oft-used term Achilles heel. Homer tells us Achilles used yarrow on the battlefield to save his soldiers even if it didn't save him from his own poisonous arrow.

Story and photos by MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS

I first started growing yarrow when I bought a few plants at the farmers market in Fayetteville a decade ago. When we moved from Arkansas to Kentucky, we left those plants growing at the base of the rock garden we loved so dearly. Several years ago, after returning to Arkansas, I was riding with my cousins to the Cotton Town cemetery near Cardon Bottoms in Yell County where we stopped near my grandfather’s boyhood home. As we walked along the side of the road, I saw a patch of skinny, sparse yarrow growing in the grainy soil at the edge of the pavement.

During my grandfather's day, the road would have been dirt and gravel, and lined with mosquito-filled rows of cotton where poor residents eked out a living as sharecroppers and tenant farmers. Who knows where that yarrow came from, but I wondered if its roots dated to my grandfather’s time. Maybe he had once picked some for the young woman who become my grandmother. Given the tenacity of yarrow it's not unthinkable. So I took some back to my own garden in Dardanelle. I've since moved from that garden to a new home in Little Rock where I recently decided to try my hand at growing the plant from seed, hoping to experiment with my own salves, teas and tinctures from the nutrient rich leaves.

Last year as part of our work with the McElroy House: Organization for Cultural Resources and Community Action, we decided to host a small heirloom seed sale, and yarrow was among the butterfly and bee attracting plants we included in the sale.

There were literally thousands of seeds that came in the packets we ordered from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed company, much

Yarrow is as versatile as it is strong. The herb was popular among many Native American tribes across the continent, and supposedly the Cherokee used it as a tea to bring restful sleep.

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ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

more than anyone could ever use. For the sale I started the seeds in tiny planters made from recycled newspapers and sprinkled a few straggling seeds across my multiple flower gardens to experiment with growing conditions. In all cases they came up quickly, springing forth tiny delicate wisps and forming a fern-like base. They were popular at the seed sale even though they'd yet to produce any flowers.

The ones in my garden continued to grow over the winter, becoming larger and more expansive. Even this year's harsh snow and ice didn't seem to faze the lacy leaves. Like many perennials, yarrow doesn't bloom until the second year. So this spring I watched them closely as they seemed to grow inches overnight. I thought my daughter might be born before the yarrow bloomed, but I soon realized they'd be here before the end of May. I even started to divide a few, adding them to my growing butterfly gardens and lining parts of my walkway. By early this month the flower heads began to ascend from the center of the plant and for a few days before the blooms came forth the buds appeared almost covered in tiny, silky cloud like spider webs. Within a few days, the fuzzy spider webs had given way to an explosion of white blooms, a simple, creamy color that picks up the hues of the cottony spring clouds overhead.

I've heard from many people who acquired yarrow during our McElroy House plant sale that those little seedlings are now growing by leaps and bounds in gardens ranging from Dardanelle to Little Rock. As our work at the McElroy House progressed we started to include a hand drawn version of the yarrow that Bryan Moats's made for both our webpage and printed materials. It seemed a fitting symbol. Our work at the organization is largely about growing and supporting intergenerational connections and taking notice of what grows here---our histories, our stories, our plants and mountains, the futures we want to create. After all, sometimes the most overlooked weeds are the strongest healers, and yarrow has a way of reminding us to pay attention to the things that grow heartily and come back year after year.

If you're a beginning gardener yarrow is a great choice, especially if you're looking to bring pollinators to your yard. You can also easily grow your own yarrow from seeds which can be purchased from many seed companies and in local co-ops or plant

nurseries. Pine Ridge nursery in London carries a local variety as well. We will also be having another McElroy House Seed Sale sometime next month in connection with the Russellville Community Market, and will have a yellow variety on hand this year. But there's no need to go out and spend money on a patch of yarrow. Ask a friend to divide some of theirs and you'll find they'll quickly be enough to pass around the neighborhood. The great thing about yarrow is you'd be hard pressed to not get at least a few to take root. Forgiving and magical, the yarrow really wants to grow, making it a great starter plant for your budding wildflower garden. And it'll come back year after year, capable of creating medicine, attracting butterflies, and growing despite the long summer droughts.

Do you grow yarrow in your garden? Do you make your own medicine or salves? I'd love to hear about it. You can visit me online at www.boileddownjuice.com to see more photos and read more about this plant. If you want to know more about our work with the McElroy House: Organization for Cultural Resources and Community Action please check us out online at www.mclelroyhouse.wordpress.com or follow us on facebook at McElory House: Organization for Cultural Resources and Community Action. l

RUSSELLVILLE

YELL COUNTY GIN COMPANY

South 2nd St. • Dardanelle

479-229-4841

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Contact Sue Gray for Tours Daily (479) 567-5578 | (479) 970-5669 1909 East Fairway Blvd, Russellville June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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ABOUT...the River Valley | Style in the Valley

Vacation Essentials Story and photos by EMILY LANGFORD

Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and so on -- Our lives are full of momentous occasions that deserve to be celebrated and honored.

The standards when handpicking gifts for each occasion should be high, and locally-owned gift shop, Gifts on Parkway, is stocked full of thoughtful and creative items that can not only meet your highest standards, but are “Gifts You Would Give Yourself.”

Graduation and Mother’s Day has come and gone, but we have officially hit the season for vacation! Whether your spot to relax and vacation is on the sandy beaches of Florida or a cruise ship making its way around the Mediterranean, Cheryl Pledger, owner and founder of Gifts on Parkway, believes there are several things everyone needs in his or her beach bag or carry-on tote.

TO-GO CUPS Tervis Tumblers are a durable and on-thego product that every traveler needs in their possession. How many times have you bought a drink at a gas station or airport gift shop and spilt it? Tervis cups are specifically designed to reflect your personality, with designs ranging from animal prints, sports teams logos and a vast array of colors in lids, straws, and even handles for more stability.

Shopping Tip: Father’s day is around the corner; grab a Tervis with dad’s favorite baseball team on the front!

OVERSIZED TOTE With all of the additional costs for luggage while traveling, it can be in a traveler’s best interest to cram as much as possible in a carry-on bag. If you are not planning on flying to your destination, consider an oversized tote equally as helpful when making trips to the lake, beach or even a weekend at grandma’s house. If you are looking for a bag you can be more mobile and quick with, Gifts on Parkway carries an interchangeable jewelry line, Ginger Snaps, where you can pick out a lightweight crossbody bag and add the “snaps” to the bag. Do not stop there, though – Ginger Snaps offers additional items the snaps can be added to, including sandals and sunglasses, all great items to toss in your tote or cross-body bag.

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ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

TRAVEL SIZE LOTION No matter where you plan to spend your summer, one thing remains true – skin gets dry due to increased exposure to the sun. Camille Beckman, a line of body care products, is another line that can be purchased at Gifts on Parkway. A majority of the lotions are offered in travel size proportions.

WHY GIFTS ON PARKWAY? Cheryl takes pride in the items and brands in her store, and it is evident the moment you walk in and are greeted by smiling faces, knowledgeable customer service, down to the perfectly placed chocolate truffles by the register. Everything you buy in the store can be beautifully giftwrapped. If you are not yet convinced they epitomize everything related to convenience and celebrating, I have got the icing on the cake – their items can also be bought in the gift shop at St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Russellville.

Below is an overview of mentioned and unmentioned items sold: Ginger Snaps, a line of interchangeable jewelry Tote bags + purses Bridal and baby registry Customized gift baskets Tervis tumblers Razorback + LSU merchandise Wind chimes Bentley Drinkware Food section WoodWick Candles Wide selection of timeless & trendy jewelry If you have any questions regarding products or hours, you can find them on Facebook under “Gifts on Parkway,” or call them at 479-890-6932. l

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June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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ABOUT...the River Valley | Outdoors

Ozark Nirvana A black damselfly with luminous teal blue trim lands on a sycamore branch just inches from my face. It looks like a creature from another world, right out of the movie “Avatar.” I’ve never seen this species before, and I find it while standing waist deep in the pristine North Fork of the Illinois Bayou. The cool water pushes against me as I search for smallmouth bass in its rocky channel.

My home is ten miles away. A wood and brick structure complete with A/C, a recliner and a mailbox, but standing here in the shadow of the mountains I can’t escape the feeling of attachment to the creek. It’s a sense of belonging that washes off the cares and worries of life and sends them along with the water on its way to the Arkansas River, the Mississippi, and finally into the Gulf of Mexico.

Somewhere upstream I hear a belted kingfisher and look to see the slate blue and white blur splash into the water. The bird emerges with a redhorse sucker in its beak.

The slap of a beaver tail sends a jolt down my spine as the big rodent tells me in its own way that I’ve been noticed, and I hope that it’s alarm doesn’t alert other creek denizens to my presence. Apparently 36

ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

Read more from Johnny at www.aviewfromthebackroads.com

Story by JOHNNY SAIN

it doesn’t because a little green heron -- the archetype of a patient angler -- stands at the ready for any passing fish just beyond the shoal I’m facing.

All the books and articles ever written about how to catch more fish don’t offer a fraction of the education that watching this bird can provide. Lessons in the subtle nuances of staying hidden in the shadows, taking a step in knee-deep water without making a ripple and waiting for the right moment to strike are more effective when seen as opposed to read.

I cast to a pocket of calm water on the downstream side of a boulder and am rewarded with two taps and the solid “thump” of a strike. I quickly set the hook on a bronze torpedo. The fish’s power

is all out of proportion to its diminutive size, but what I admire most is the sheer tenacity -- the brownie just won’t quit.

Finally, the fish is brought to hand, but it doesn’t roll on its side and give up; it’s still fighting me as a place a thumb in its mouth to remove the barbless hook. The very definition and embodiment of fierce unyielding wild. As it disappears into the liquid crystal with a flip of its tail I can’t help but smile.

Back at my civilized home that evening I close my eyes in the recliner and feel the cool creek water pushing against me.

I feel the urgent pull of a smallmouth bass in my wrist. I see the tiger-striped fish vanish among the gravel. I can’t help but smile. l

ABOUT...the River Valley | Engagements

Save the Date!

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 4 ~ Miranda Skelton and Brandon Townsend

~ June 7 ~ Jillian Colten and Steven Walker Heather King and Blake Hendricks Emily Lacy and Andrew Tackett Moriah Underhill and Geoff Hamby

~ June 8 ~ Megan Freeman and Blake Harris

~ June 14 ~ Chelsey Alexander and Tyler Cravens Sara Benfer and Paul Swearingen

Anna Martin and Justin Pool

Cendyl Carter and Jordan McGowan

Kirsten Sordelet and Daniel Bell

Brooke Vaughn and Joey Lamb

Alesha Marie Upton and Kyle Meatheany

~ July 5 ~

Dr. Heather Young and Cameron Highsmith

~ June 20 ~

Laura Scheible and Ben Bandimere

Kayla Avery and Kyle Johnson

~ July 11 ~

Carla Mitchell and Mark Dawson Savanah Strecker and Chase Standridge

Amanda Gordon and Brandon Weaver Cassady Haworth and Ethan Crocker

Mary Epperson and Hunter Hawkins

~ July 19 ~

~ June 21 ~ Ashley Beam and Devin Thaxton Lori Carter and Seth Brunetti Amanda Collins and Nathan George

Amy Bruce and Jeremy T. Hall Kristi Campbell and Talon VanDyck

Meghan Cantlon and Blake Dixon

Cassi Krieger and Brooks Hunter Amy White and Adam Anderson

~ July 20 ~

Sara Davis and Chris Smith

Laura Safdie and Kyle Taylor

~ June 28 ~

~ August 2 ~

Chassity Alston and Chris Jones

Jackie Dennis and Kendell Pinkney

Jaclyn Blake and Matt Kitchens

Bailey Stokes and Luke Nelson

Megan House and Nick Jones

April Carr and E.J. Hall

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

At Rose Drug Pharmacy, Gifts & More we offer Bridal, Baby Shower, and Children’s Birthday Registries. We will assist customers in finding that perfect gift for your occasion. With our variety of top name brands and endless ideas, you’ll love receiving a gift from Rose Drug. Check out our growing line of educational games and toys for ages 0 – 9 years.

3103 W Main Place, Russellville AR ~ (479) 968-1323

CARING

For YOU, SERVICE To ALL! June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

37

On a Personal Note A Gift to our Community.

Guest Written by Amy Tarpley

The Arkansas River Valley Arts Center is a busy place.

We have painting and pottery classes, summer art camps, monthly exhibit receptions, monthly sign up parties, and more!

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It’s been a “colorful” two months in my new position as Executive Director, and although I knew it was a job with many hats I have also learned that the job never stops. Some might think that sounds unappealing, but I can’t wait to go to work each morning, and that’s a great feeling. I always knew the Arts Center was a fun and educational place, and supported local artists, but I now have a truer understanding of all the work that is put into such a place.

Russellville has seen a boom in artists and how art can bring a community together. We see this in the growing success of the Downtown Art Walk. As I write this, I worry most that I might miss telling the community about something going on at the Arts Center. The Arkansas River Valley Arts Center is a busy place. We have painting and pottery classes, summer art camps, monthly exhibit receptions, monthly sign up parties hosted by our board of directors and fun music nights each month. We have also hosted a few elementary classes on field trips and held special pottery classes for a few local scout groups. So don’t let the quiet Arts Center fool you. We are hopping, and ready for a full summer.

As we close the month of May, I am excited to have a great group of Girl Scouts come and help get our art classroom organized and ready for the summer art camps. It will be like a new room and I am so excited to see it fixed up. We are also working on an area for younger children to interact with art when visiting the center with their parents.

And don’t forget about us for your child’s next birthday party! May’s music special was Friday, May 30th and we rock-out to the tunes of Rufus Elam, Wren Whiteseven and Ben Drain.

But one of the best things about the center is Winston Taylor, a true legend in his craft and I am in awe of his work. If you have not taken a class, you really need to call us. Our gallery in September

ABOUT...the River Valley | June 2014

will feature his works. We also have the amazing Darlene McNeeley, who can teach even the most stubborn person to paint beautiful water color with ease and make it fun. I also hope to host a photography and creative writing classes very soon, and adding even more classes to encompass many other art forms. I welcome ideas from the community and would love to work with anyone who cares about the arts and enriching the lives of others thru creative expression.

In addition to the classes, camps and parties, the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center is going full steam with this summer’s children’s musical theater production of Oliver! Based on the Charles Dickens novel “Oliver Twist”, Oliver is about a young boy who meets a pickpocket on the streets of London, and is taken in by the pickpocket, joining a household of young boys forced to steal for their caretaker. The River Valley area is blessed with some talented children and adults who will amaze you with their singing and acting talents. The production dates will be June 25-28th at 7 pm and June 29th at 2 pm at The Center for the Arts. If you are interested in being a sponsor please let us know.

In closing, I can’t thank my family, my sweet boys Hunter & Alex and the community enough for their continued support and to expect some fun times ahead at the Arts Center. The Arts Center is necessary, a gift to our community and our artists of all kinds. Come by and see what amazing talents are right here in the River Valley. My door is always open and I hope to see you soon!

Please call us today at 968-2452 and see how you can join the Arts Center and get firsthand information on classes, camps and events in the River Valley. The center is free to all to visit. Like us on FB @ Arkansas River Valley Arts Center or visit our web site at www.arvartscenter.org.

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

June 2014 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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Cardiology Associates

of North Central Arkansas

REGIONAL

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