ABOUT | March 2013

Subiaco Academy Celebrates 135 Years

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley March 2013

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Free Gift with Purchase March 21–25 (Closed Sunday) 805 East Parkway Dr. Russellville, AR 72801 479.967.7833 • www.leeanns.com

Receive a sterling silver PANDORA clasp bracelet (a $65 US retail value) with your PANDORA purchase of $100 or more.* *Good while supplies last, limit one per customer. Charms shown on bracelet are sold separately. See our store for details.

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March 2013

8 Subiaco Celebrates 135 Years

The church bells of Subiaco Abbey and Academy will ring with joy on March 15, 2013 in celebration of the Abbey’s 135th anniversary. Subiaco is a Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery named after a cave in Subiaco, Italy, where St. Benedict lived during the 6th century.

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about | our cover Photo by Steve Newby

Situated at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Logan County on Arkansas Highway 22, the impressive Subiaco Abbey and Academy will celebrate their 135th anniversary on March 15th.

The Abbey began in a humble log cabin built in 1878 by three Swiss Benedictine monks who came to set up a headquarters to minister to the growing Catholic population in the rural River Valley. Read the amazing story of this beautiful Arkansas treasure beginning on page 8.

4 ABOUT | March 2013

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ABOUT...Family

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At Home on the Water

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ABOUT...Food

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Song of a Springtime Evening

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For the Love of Trees

At the Dardanelle Marina sits a boat built on the foundation of those used by Norwegian fishermen.

72 year-old Darwin Morrison, with his silver hair and mustache, looks like a combination of that most famous river rat, Mark Twain, and the stereotypical sea captain. He also looks positively at home on the water.

Artist Linda William Palmer is a “tree hugger” in the best sense. The 70-year-old artist does not picket to preserve nature; she protects the biggest trees in Arkansas by preserving their magnificent presence in colored pencil drawings.

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about | community GIRLS OF PROMISE

Arkansas Tech University presented a Women’s Foundation of Arkansas “Girls of Promise” conference on Feb 2. The daylong conference was held in the Doc Bryan Student Services Building. This was the 5th year for Arkansas Tech University to host the conference on its campus.

The Women’s Foundation was established in 1998 by a key group of prominent Arkansas women pooling their money together to create a charitable fund dedicated to investing in projects benefitting women and girls in Arkansas. One hundred women giving $1000 each raised the initial $100,000 used to create an endowment fund with the Arkansas Community Foundation to ensure a perpetual source of grant-making funds.

In 2000, the Women’s Foundation created the “Girls of Promise” initiative in order to introduce 8th grade girls across Arkansas to information about careers in areas related to math, science, and technology while giving them the opportunity to meet with women professionals for greater understanding of their own potential and power.

These day-long conferences encourage girls to pursue academic excellence in their high school and college years. Attendees get to meet other girls like themselves and realize that it’s okay to be a bright, motivated girl with big dreams.

Every year at Girls of Promise conferences, Arkansas girls meet and learn from women with amazing careers, such as scientists, astronauts, physicians, computer systems engineers, and others.

Girls of Promise conferences help the Women’s Foundation achieve its mission of “promoting philanthropy among women and helping women and girls achieve their full potential” by providing inspiration to young girls that expands their understanding of their own power and possibilities.

Through participation in “Girls of Promise” programs, girls begin to believe they can be and do anything. The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas is the only notfor-profit, statewide organization with the sole focus of developing the professional, economic, and philanthropic potential of Arkansas women and girls by ensuring they have the necessary resources, tools and knowledge to reach their full potential.

FREE RUN/WALK CLINIC FOR LADIES

The Women Run Arkansas Running/ Walking Club is hosting the 16th annual “Women Can Run” running and walking clinics statewide. Russellville is one of 46 communities participating. The Russellville

clinic will begin with an orientation session on Saturday, March 2, at 9 a.m. at Westside Church of Christ auditorium located at 2300 West C Street in Russellville.

The first training session will be on Wednesday, March 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Russellville H.S. track. Training will take place twice a week for 10 weeks: Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.

With six different training groups, the clinic is well suited for ladies of varying ages and fitness levels. There are two different walker groups, two beginner runner groups, an intermediate runner group, and an advanced runner group. Wednesday sessions will include announcements, door prizes, and 40 minutes of physical activity. Saturday sessions will include these elements as well as guest speakers, teaching about the importance of proper gear, healthy training tips, and a variety of other topics. Wednesday sessions will typically last 45 minutes, while Saturday sessions will be closer to 75 minutes.

Continued on page 15...

March 2013 | ABOUT 5

A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

ABOUT

the River Valley

Eating Beans in Bed Being married to a wonderful man for more than 32 years is a blessing not everyone gets the chance to enjoy. Having that same man care for you through chemo and still keep his chin up is priceless. Not every day is a bed of roses (though he surprised me with a dozen on Valentine’s Day) but he reminds me his promise was “through sickness and health.”

We’ve been transparent with friends and family regarding my diagnosis of cancer last July. In September I shared my initial news with the ABOUT family.

At first, we had hoped to control the rare abdominal cancer through 12-weeks of chemo followed by surgical removal of the softball-sized tumor found nestled behind my liver. The first round of chemo did show some reduction; the second did not. We went to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for a second opinion and were given less than the hopeful news we longed to hear.

I’ve always tried to be a realist, perhaps to a fault, so accepting that this rare form of cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma, will take my life, sooner rather later, is just something I’m working hard to do. Sharing the details of my – our – situation, allows me to come to terms with a life differently than I had planned.

I’ve moved my work area home, as walking two flights of stairs has become impossible. The weakness inflicted by the administration of two powerful chemo drugs basically destroys your red blood cells making everyday tasks near impossible.

When my dear oncologist first told my husband I was not to do any housework, cooking, laundry, or cleaning, I laughed. “Yeah, right” I responded. He wheeled on both heels and pointed his finger at me. “I’m NOT kidding. You are to reserve all your strength. Don’t even bend over to pick up a hundred dollar bill.”

So Nolan has taken over meals, hence the title of this editorial.

We’d made yet another long trip to Little Rock where I’d received the usual 3-4 hour chemo treatment. I was not having the best day, not being the most cooperative patient, and was certainly not the most pleasant person to be around. I crawled into bed early, having a pity-party and meltdown due to the exhaustion. I fell asleep but around midnight woke to the most wonderful aroma a Southern girl can appreciate – a pot of ham and brown beans that had been simmering in the crock pot all day.

My dear sweet husband served me a bowl full of beans in bed at midnight.

Dianne Edwards, Editor/Publisher Now if that’s not love, what is?

479.970.6628 editor@aboutrvmag.com

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. VIII, Issue 2 – March 2013 Owners: Nolan and Dianne Edwards DIANNE EDWARDS | editor editor@aboutrvmag.com CHRISTINE WOJTKOWSKI | advertising christine@aboutrvmag.com KECHIA BENTLEY | columnist kechia@aboutrvmag.com JOHNNY SAIN | freelance johnny@aboutrvmag.com CONNIE LAS SCHNEIDER | freelance connie@aboutrvmag.com STEVE NEWBY | photography stevenewbyphotography@aboutrvmag.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@zimcreative.com

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

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

Inquiries may be made by calling (479) 970-6628.

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

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March 1, 8, 15, 22: Fish Fry, Knights of Columbus, 4-8 p.m.; 990 SR 247, Russellville; info, Craig, 964-0063.

March 1: Downtown Art Walk, downtown Russellville, 5-8 p.m.; info, Main Street Russellville, 967-1437.

March 2: 2013 Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball, Boys & Girls Club of the ARV; Info: Jennifer Saxton, 890-1381.

March 3: Exhibit Opening Reception for High School Competition and Exhibition, River Valley Arts Center 1-3 p.m.; Info: 968-2452.

March 4: Adult Summer Softball League Organizational Meeting (men, women, coed); Russellville Recreation and Parks Department (Hughes Center), 6:30 p.m. Info: 968-1272.

Is a Love for the Water Written in the Stars?

As the warm southern breeze filters through the new green leaves, many thoughts turn to water. The fish are starting to bite. The turtles are sunbathing on the logs. The spray from a boat ride is refreshing in the warm spring sunshine.

Arkansas is known for its abundant water and you can’t throw a rock in the River Valley without hearing a splash. Of course, the mighty Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle are the destinations for a lot of hydrophilic folks, but the numerous creeks and watersheds will draw those seeking more seclusion.

I really need those warm breezes to pull me to the water. I like to fish, but I don’t like braving the icy temperatures to do it. Being born under the sign of Pisces -- a water sign -- might be why I need a fishing pole in hand when on the water.

Surely the Zodiac doesn’t factor into a love affair with the water though. Some people just have an innate need to be on the water

regardless of when they were born.

Take Darwin Morrison for example.

Darwin is the subject, well; he and his boat are the subjects of one feature in this issue of ABOUT. Darwin has found himself on the water for most of his seven decades on this planet and he wasn’t born seaside or even lakeside.

Darwin doesn’t need a sideline hobby, like angling, to tempt him on the water.

He just wants to be there.

But then, Darwin was born under the sign of the crab -- another water sign. Hmmm…there might be something to this.

Whatever your sign, we all feel some affinity for water. Maybe it’s because we are mostly made of water.

Maybe we are drawn to it because our ancestors knew that being close to the water was paramount to survival.

Or, maybe, it’s not that deep – pun intended. So, let’s not worry about explaining it, let’s just get out there and enjoy it. n –Johnny Sain

March 4-9: Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Event, 1112 West Main Street (former USA Drug Store). Info: Jennifer, 979-8369.

March 11-22: Registration for Adult Summer Softball League, Hughes Center until 5 p.m. Info: 968-1272.

March 11-12: Boaters Education Course hosted by Lake Dardanelle State Park, 6 p.m. Sign up or info: 967-5516.

March 16: Arkansas and Missouri Train Ride meeting, RV Arts Center. Info: 968-2452.

March 21-24: Winthrop Rockefeller Institute Film Forum, with Hollywood insiders, Petit Jean; one-on-one, small workshops, instant feedback. Info: (501) 727-6265.

March 21: Lake Cruise, LDSP, 1:30 p.m. Info: 967-5516.

March 22: Kayak Tour, LDSP, 2 p.m. Info: 967-5516.

March 23: Special appearance of Emmy Award Winning actor and writer Laurence Luckinbill, Winthrop Rockefeller Institute. Petit Jean Mountain. Info: (501) 727-6265.

March 23: Fiber Weaving, LDSP 3 p.m. Info: 967-5516.

March 26: Arvac Board of Directors Meeting March 26: Forget Me Nots Alzheimer’s Support Group, Arkansas Hospice, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center Cafe 2 Meeting Room, 6:30-8 p.m. Info: 498-2050.

March 28: Community Bingo, seniors 55 and older; 2-3 p.m.; Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood, Russellville; 890-6709. *Unless otherwise indicated, all area codes are 479 Visit www.aboutrvmag.com for a list of activities updated as they are received. To have your event included in the ABOUT Calendar of Events, email: editor@aboutrvmag.com or fax to (866) 757-3282. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication.

March 2013 | ABOUT 7

8 ABOUT | March 2013

Subiaco Celebrates 135 Years in the River Valley Story by Connie Las Schneider Photos by Steve Newby and courtesy of Subiaco Academy

The church bells

S

ubiaco is a Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery named after a cave in Subiaco, of Subiaco Abbey Italy, where St. Benedict lived during the 6th century.

As a religious order of independent and Academy will monastic communities, Benedictines follow the ring with joy on 1500 year old “Rule of St Benedict,” a set of community rules for monastic life balanced by March 15, 2013 prayer, work and service to others.

The Abbey itself is postcard lovely with beautiful in celebration of sandstone buildings, a large Romanesque style the Abbey’s 135th church with tall bell tower, Abbey building with spacious interior courtyard reminiscent of an anniversary. Italian villa and manicured park-like grounds.

Magnificent stained glass windows imported from Germany and Italian marble throughout the church also give visitors the sense of a grand European Cathedral. But the property is still uniquely Arkansas. The buildings are made of native sandstone quarried from Abbey property and thousands of hours of work by local craftsmen went into building this Arkansas Historic Landmark.

The view from the Abbey perched on a ridge overlooking the pastoral valley below is inspiring no matter what Arkansas weather brings. Everyone is welcome to make an appointment to tour the impressive grounds or enjoy several free concerts and a literary symposium, no appointment needed.

March 2013 | ABOUT 9

HISTORY OF SUBIACO ACADEMY As impressive as Subiaco is today, the Abbey began in a humble log cabin built in 1878 by three Swiss Benedictine monks who came to set up a headquarters to minister to the growing Catholic population in the rural River Valley. During the 1870’s and into the 1890’s there was a substantial German/Swiss migration to the River Valley because of its similarity to the micro-climate of their homeland and proximity to the newly operating Little Rock-Fort Smith Railroad Company (now part of the Union Pacific line).

At that time, the railroad had 1 million acres of unused land between Little Rock and Fort Smith. The railroad had targeted German Catholic farmers as potential buyers because they were generally successful and had money to purchase property so the railroad marketed to this group. Their advertising campaign worked so well it brought thousands of German and Swiss Catholics to the River Valley, according to Father Hugh Assenmacher, O.S.B. who wrote A Place Called Subiaco: A History of the Benedictine Monks of Arkansas.

One thing these German Catholics settlers wanted was a parish church nearby, so the railroad approached a Benedictine Abbey in Indiana to send German speaking monks to set up a self-supporting abbey to minister to these settlers, said Fr. Hugh. The railroad gave the Benedictines a land grant of 640 acres, and in 1878, three recently arrived Swiss born (and German speaking) Benedictine monks arrived. The monks immediately went to work building a simple log cabin church and monastery headquarters on the “ridges” south on Highway 22 in Logan County. From these humble beginnings, Subiaco would eventually minister to 25 Catholic parishes throughout the River Valley, he added.

10 ABOUT | March 2013

About 10 years after the monks established their Abbey, they opened St. Benedict College in 1887 to educate young men between the ages of 14 and 20 in the basic humanities. Unfortunately, there were never more than 20 students in this school and it was terminated in the summer of 1892. But, as monks committed to a higher calling, they quickly reorganized their educational project and by the fall had reopened the school as the Scholasticate, a seminary to train students for the ministry.

By the turn of the century, the facility had 70 students, but the wooden structure was largely destroyed by fire in 1901.

By the spring of 1902, the school reopened as Subiaco College in its present location north of Highway 22 in a stone building that had already been under construction when the 1901 fire occurred. This school comprised a sixyear program, still modeled on European lines, with three courses of study: classical, scientific, and commercial. Until the First World War, numerous additional monks and recruits from Switzerland strengthened this educational tradition and by the mid-1920s, enrollment stood at over 200 young men.

In December 1927, the institution was again destroyed by fire, but a school, Subiaco Academy, was reopened in February 1928, in

what was left of the main building. This school barely survived the Depression Years but, during World War II, enrollment soared again and after WWII ended, Subiaco Academy was able to begin expanding its facilities.

In addition to its impressive architecture, the facility maintains a large Angus herd, a vineyard, vegetable gardens, and a habanero patch used to make two types of hot Monk Sauce. Abbey Brittle, a peanut brittle made onsite, is also sold at the Abbey’s gift shop in Coury House, the Abbey’s welcome center and guest retreat center.

The future of Subiaco Abbey looks bright too. Today, Subiaco Abbey has 41 Benedictine monks in its monastery and 180 students at the Academy. The Academy is unique in the state of Arkansas because it is the only such Catholic boarding school.

The vast majority of students board at the school and almost half of these young men come from outside the state as well as from several foreign countries.

With its peaceful beauty and heavenly purpose, Subiaco will undoubtedly continue to attract people from all over the world to this rural corner of the River Valley.

For more information about Subiaco or to purchase Monk Sauce or Abbey Brittle go to www.subi.org. or call (479) 934-1001. n

A Catholic Primer for Non-Catholics Catholic or Protestant, attendance at churches has declined in the U.S. over the past few decades. As Catholic Church statistics for America indicate, the number of men entering diocesan, religious and monastic life had already fallen before the sexual scandals that rocked the Catholic Church went public. It has only recently stabilized with a new trend of men entering the diocesan seminary life at older ages.

For religious and monastic life, that downward trend continues.

Despite these declines, Subiaco Abbey has been blessed with new monks in training. The Benedictine Abbey of 41 monks has shown a noticeable increase in men entering into their formation program, said Subiaco Subprior Brother Ephrem O’Bryan. “We now have ten men in formation. While only three of those new men are from Arkansas, the remaining

seven are from throughout the United States. This recruitment of men from outside the immediate area of Arkansas, Texas and Missouri has been one of the principle reasons for our increased numbers of men becoming monks,” said Br. Ephrem.

What is a Brother and how does it differ from being a Father? Benedictine monks can choose to become a brother, who devotes his life to good works but does not give holy sacraments, or a priest (Father) who is ordained to celebrate the Mass and other sacraments like Communion (Eucharist), Baptism, Confession, Holy Matrimony and Extreme Unction, or anointing the sick (last-rites).

Benedictine nuns are women who vow their life to the Church and become symbolically espoused (married) to Christ.

A Saint is a person who has been canonized (or listed in the Canon as a

recognized Saint) by the Pope for his or her exceptional degree of holiness and virtue. While this person is not always a martyr, a man or woman considered for Sainthood must be deceased, lived a proven life of holiness and must have a series of proven miracles attributed directly to them. Being canonized is a long and difficult process that the Roman Catholic Church takes very seriously.

Noble Peace Prize winner, Sister Theresa , who ministered to the poorest of the poor in India and died in 1997, was “beautified” in 2003, meaning she attained the third stage toward Sainthood, but will not be canonized by the Pope as a Saint until one more miracle has been attributed to her.

St Benedict, who died in Italy in 543 but not canonized until 1220, is known as the founder of western monasticism.

St. Benedict lived part of his life in a cave near Subiaco, Italy; hence the Abbey’s name.

The Abbey follows the Rule of St. Benedict, which is based on a balanced life of prayer and work known as “Ora et Labora”, said Br. Ephrem O’Bryan. The Rule and monastic way of life flow from the ancient biblical model of Christian discipleship as found in Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-35, he said.

The 135th Celebration Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on March 15. Members of the local parish, priests and nuns of the Little Rock Diocese, Oblates, and Subiaco students are all invited to attend.

The guest celebrant and homilist will be Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City, said Br. Ephrem. Communal prayers are also spoken and chanted five times each day in the Abbey Church. n

Serving The River Valley For Over 22 Years

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Hwy 64 East • Russellville Service Department Open Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30 and Saturdays from 8-1 March 2013 | ABOUT 11

about | family

Welcome to ‘House Beautiful’ Story by Kechia Bentley

This column is all about making you feel better about your life.

Unfortunately, in the process of making you feel better, I will once again confirm that I am completely off my rocker. But it is the price I must pay so that you will realize there is always somebody out there that is much more dysfunctional than you.

Are you feeling better yet? Oh, just wait you will.

I am a woman who likes order. As a matter of fact it is safe to say I am obsessive, compulsive about order. Even when no one is coming over I like for my house to look as if we are just waiting on House Beautiful to come over for a photo shoot.

Now for those of you who have been in my home you may want to make some comments about my sense of style and use of color or the lack thereof. But you would be hard pressed to find many who could say it wasn’t picked up and tidy.

There is only one problem with my neat and tidy: it is only skin deep. You see, I find places to hide things. For example, just a few days ago I had a receipt that I wanted to hang onto for a while. Where, oh where should I put it? Oh, I will just put it in my sliver tea set. Yes, you read that right, my silver tea set. I know: who does that? Well, apparently I do, and I have been doing it for years. Both the coffee pot and the tea pot are full of old receipts. As I was placing yet another receipt in the silver set a little voice in my head was saying, “You know that is not what this tea set is for?” And I know this may sound scary to you, but I am so accustomed to answering myself that I very confidently said, “Well in my house it is.”

“ Yes...my silver tea set. I know: who

“

does that? Well, apparently I do, and I have been doing it for years.

What I find even more bizarre is that I have two of these fancy silver tea sets, and I have only used them three times in the last 26 years. Why in the world do I even have them at all? But at this point I can’t get rid of them. If I did where would I keep all my receipts?

Okay, now are you feeling better about yourself?

Well, if that didn’t do it maybe this will. This very same week my oldest son - who lives in Tampa, Fla. - and his girlfriend were coming to my house. Let me pause for a little back story. If you read my column last month then you know about the cat. This is that son. He decided to make a quick trip to Arkansas to get his cat. Good news: I don’t have to meet him in Montgomery, Ala., with the cat. Bad news: I need to do some extra house primping to get ready for the photo shoot, I mean company.

12 ABOUT | March 2013

I decide that we need new feather pillows on the guest beds.

And while I am at it some new blankets and pillow cases would be nice as well. Oh, I get on a roll and what the heck wouldn’t some new curtains and a few new decorative pillows look good too?

I have these rooms, well at least the beds, looking quite stylish and inviting. They are actually much nicer than even my own bed.

Won’t my son and his girlfriend be so pleased?

Let’s be clear that I am working on two rooms. Of course it would have been a lot less work if I would just let them share a room, but hey it’s momma’s house and it’s momma’s rules.

Anyway, now two beds in my house that used to cradle teenage boys look fit for royalty.

My darling boy and his girlfriend arrive and I proudly show them their rooms. They ooh and awe appropriately and thank me for my efforts in making them comfortable. The evening comes and my husband and I go to bed as the young ones head out to meet up with friends. It all sounds so perfectly lovely doesn’t it?

So, please try to imagine my surprise when I get up in the morning and find my son asleep on the couch and his girlfriend asleep on cushions on the floor next to the couch. No one had even disturbed the beautiful, inviting beds! All I could think was, “are you kidding me?” Then I thought, “yep this is the Bentley house.” This is exactly how it should go. Momma spends all that money and time making those beds beautiful and comfortable and no one even sleeps in them.

Oh well, at least those beds are still ready for their photo shoot.

House Beautiful come on over.

If you are not feeling better about yourself by now just let me know. I have a few more of these stories I could tell you. n

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ABOUT

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Chaco Updraft, Yampa and Unaweep for Women give options for those looking for a lighter Chaco! Tons of colors and patterns available. FELTNER’S ATHLETE’S CORNER;

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EXTREME WOOD STAIN

Available in Crystal Clear & 6 beautiful colors, Defy Extreme is a semi-transparent wood stain formulated using state of the art NanoTechnology. These Nano-Particles, distributed at a rate of 30 trillion per square inch, block the sun's harmful UV rays, much like sunscreens & sun blockers, preventing mold, mildew, & graying. Defy the elements with Defy Extreme! D & R PAINTS; Russellville; (479) 968-

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The Hipster offers two, special padded places for her tablet. Carry it over the shoulder or as a cross body bag. GIFTS ON PARKWAY; 2149 E. Parkway, Russellville; (479) 890-6932

GIANI GRANITE COUNTERTOP PAINT

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Now you can give your old, worn countertops the beautiful look of granite.

Each kit contains everything you need to easily transform your surface in 3 easy steps.

Available in 7 realistic mineral-rich colors.”

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CATCH THAT BUNNY!

Mary Meyers cute bunnies are ready to sit in your Easter basket or on your festive holiday table. Colorful eggs in different sizes will finish out the look. On display at ROSE DRUG; 3103 West Main Place, Russellville; (479) 968-1323

March 2013 | ABOUT 13

Valentine Party Entertainment

Julia Callaway, Emory Molitor and Holly Ruth Gale entertain at the Valentine Fundraising dinner on Valentine's evening at River Valley Arts Center in Russellville.

Holly and John Gale and Emory and Jason Molitor hosted the event which was enjoyed by 32 local residents and arts supporters. For information about events and arts activities contact the Arts Center at (479) 968.2452 or artscenter@centurytel.net.

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14 ABOUT | March 2013

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Find more detailed information about the Russellville clinic on the “Women Run Russellville” Facebook page. Send questions via email to runnersville@ suddenlink.net or call Kim Head at 9678583 or 264-7661.

FINE ART STUDENTS SHOW

The art department at Arkansas Tech University announces the 2013 Senior Fine Art Exhibit, featuring the works of 10 graduating seniors. The public is invited to attend an opening reception to meet the artists on Sat., March 30, 6-8 p.m.

The exhibit is a long-standing tradition of the art department as seniors, preparing to pursue their studies in graduate school or to pursue careers as professional artists, showcase what they have learned during their undergraduate studies.

Participating seniors are Brian Shipman of Mountain View, Stephanie Stauffer of Vilonia, Dale Shanek of Fayetteville, DJ Comet of Benton, Amber Naylor of Beebe, and Caroline Beech, Miranda Skelton, Tiffany Pritchett, Jessica Simpson and Jeannie Stone, all of Russellville. The artists choose individual themes to represent their art works.

The 2013 Senior Fine Art Exhibit will be on display from March 30 through April 14 at ATU's Norman Gallery. For more information, call 968-0244.

ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM APRIL 6

As the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 27th season, they will once again entertain River Valley residents with a spring concert set for 8 p.m. Saturday, April 6. The event, set for Witherspoon Auditorium on the campus of Arkansas Tech University, will be hosted by the Russellville Symphony Orchestra.

The evening’s performance will include an assortment of pop favorites and light classical music. The symphony is under the direction of the award-winning Maestro Philip Mann.

Mann maintains a lively schedule as a guest conductor. He has served as music director of the Oxford City Opera and Oxford Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra.

Reserved seating tickets to the concert are $25 per person, which includes a 6 p.m. pre-concert reception at the Lake Point Conference Center. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students in grades K-12. Tickets are free for current Arkansas Tech

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University and UACCM students with proof of college ID. Tickets are available at Brown and Brown Insurance at 705 W. Main St. in Russellville, at the door, or by calling Russellville Symphony Board member Ann Squyres at 968-5080. n

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March 2013 | ABOUT 15

Subiaco Abbey and Academy ~ Photos by Steve Newby

At Home on the Water Story and photos by Johnny C. Sain, Jr.

T

he lapping waves of Lake Dardanelle are a far cry from those of the North Atlantic Ocean. Lake waves don’t carry a salty spray. They don’t hide schools of mackerel pursued by sinuous billfish. Their rhythm is different too. The lake waves move at a faster tempo. They know that the river is only a stopover on their trek to the Gulf of Mexico and seem anxious to hurry south. On the contrary, North Atlantic waves billow with the heavy cadence of confidence.

It’s an assurance that comes from knowing they are home.

Nevertheless, here, at the Dardanelle Marina, sits a boat built on the foundation of those used

by Norwegian fishermen. A boat that features a hull designed for the north seas; rough seas. The boat is under restoration. She sits at the dock like a debutante being groomed for the ball.

Geisha was her name. It’s a nod to her Asian birthplace, which is nowhere near the North Atlantic. The Geisha was built in Formosa.

Formosa is hard to find on a map these days. It’s a name that was given to Taiwan by Portuguese sailors and means “beautiful island.”

18 ABOUT | March 2013

Geisha was a fitting name for a refined lady.

The name also speaks of the contradiction, the dichotomy of the boat. Born in a tropical paradise yet built on a foundation forged in the icy north seas.

Her stern is the telltale clue to the Geisha’s lineage. It’s a canoe shaped stern, built to withstand pounding North Atlantic seas while crusty anglers net the ocean’s bounty. The boat was built to withstand heavy waves.

Heavy waves aren’t the only thing that can sink a boat though.

The man grooming the Geisha is 72 yearold Darwin Morrison. With his silver hair and mustache, Darwin looks like a combination of that most famous river rat, Mark Twain, and the stereotypical sea captain. He also looks positively at home on the water.

Dichotomy is part of Darwin too; landlocked at birth yet born with a love for the water. Darwin was born in Nebraska, which is nowhere near the sea or the big rivers of North America. He is a sailor and former tugboat boat captain that now makes his home in the River Valley. Darwin speaks with a heavy cadence.

Setting a Ship to Sea As she lies there in her berth, the hull, the form of a beautiful lady.

Her decks clean from a fresh spring rain.

Bright work gleaming like jewels, placed with loving care.

Sails shining in the sky, gracefully laid, like braids of golden hair and tied.

Her rigging sturdy and strong, each with purpose and pride.

“I’m not a mystic,” said Darwin, “but there are traditions of the sea that can’t be broken.”

One of those traditions involves the christening of a boat. When dubbed with a name after its birth, that name should never be changed.

“When a ship is built and named it should be given a pleasurable name,” said Darwin. “Not something to tempt the gods, like Storm Dancer, or Storm Chaser. Geisha was a pleasant name and it was the name given to this boat when it was dedicated to the gods of the sea; Neptune, the wind, the stars, and the moon.”

The previous owners of the Geisha were apparently unfamiliar with the traditions of the sea however and they changed her name. To make matters worse, they changed it to a name full of masculinity and rebellion.

“To change the name to Traveller -- which was the name of Robert E. Lee’s warhorse -- it could be seen as a challenge,” said Darwin. “All this was done and then it was taken off the sea and trailered 1000 miles from the ocean. From then on disaster struck this boat.”

There might be something to this thought about angering the gods.

After her name was changed, the Geisha – now the Traveller -- was pulled from the sea and trailered to Little Rock. There, she sat at a dock and in short order sank up to her keel. She squatted in the mud for months, her keel resting on the on the bottom of the shallow freshwater so far from her home.

“A friend of mine said he found a boat in Little Rock that was perfect for me, just had me all over it,” said Darwin. “So, we get there and I see this boat leaned over against the dock.”

Darwin said the boat was in rough shape, but that she wasn’t lost. >>

Standing tall and waiting, for her master to take her like a bride.

Tendered lines holding, softly at her side.

While gracefully tugging with the pull of the tide.

At the command of her master’s voice.

Moorings slipped, free by her lover’s choice.

Riding high with a queens grace.

Showing the world she’s in her place, carrying her lover to sea.

Kissing each wave so tenderly.

The unfurling of her golden hair.

Only to be blown by a strong salty air.

The eyes of her “Maiden Spirit Head.”

Open with a daring stare.

Searching, wonderingly everywhere.

Building her speed with a driving force.

Meeting her gods, with a steady course.

-- By Darwin Morrison

March 2013 | ABOUT 19

Captain Darwin Morrison

“We scraped the mud off, it was terrible,” said Darwin. “The original hatch cover was gone. Oily water had filled it up and the interior of the cabin was just a mess. And, everybody kept saying the boat had a leak.”

Darwin did not agree.

There were in fact no leaks. Rainwater had filled the engine compartment and poured in through the temporary hatch. Oily watermarks, where the floodwater stood, are still visible in the cabin and are on the list of things Darwin wants to take care of as he restores the boat.

Maybe the gods had nothing to do with it, but Darwin isn’t taking any chances.

“I plan on changing the fortune of this boat in the traditional way. I’ll do a dedication and change the name back to Geisha,” said Darwin. Changing the boat’s name is complicated though. Like other rituals of the sea, there are rules that must be followed. The gods of the sea demand respect.

“When you change a boat’s name, you’ve got to remove anything on the boat that has the old name on it; any typing, pictures, documents, anything. It’s got to

In the feature article, Darwin Morrison’s affinity for water and boats was the backbone for the story. And, as you can tell from his poetry, Darwin is a romantic. His knowledge of sea legends and the ways of seafaring people is astounding. It’s knowledge that grew from that affinity for water.

But, behind the romanticism lies untold hours on a boat. A rough timeline of Darwin’s aquatic adventures starts with raft building on the sandbars of the Loupe River near his Nebraska birthplace.

From that humble beginning, Darwin has seen a lot of boating. Combining naval ships, river and Gulf of Mexico tugboats, cruise ships, and probably any other type of floating vessel he could get on, Darwin has been on a multitude of waterways. The rivers he has floated include the Loupe, Platte, Niobrara and Woods in Nebraska along with the Mississippi, Arkansas, Ohio, Black Warrior, Mobile, Tom Bigbee, and the Ohio.

Darwin worked along the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) -- a shipping channel that runs along the Atlantic and Gulf coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. He has crossed the Pacific Ocean three times and the Atlantic Ocean twice with numerous trips across by boat and return trips by plane.

The number of islands, countries, and continents he has visited by boat is truly astounding. They include: Hawaii – all the islands, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Puerto Rico, Ascension Island, Guam, the Philippines, the Azores, Spain, England -- on the anniversary of the Titanic’s historic voyage, Portugal, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and Africa.

And, there’s probably a few more that he forgot about. He took his sailboat to Dauphin Island off the coast of Alabama as well.

Apparently, Darwin has passed his love for the water on. His son, Charles, has been the captain of a riverboat for 13 years. be stripped of that old name and then it’s a dry vessel. After a few days, you re-christen the boat and re-dedicate it to the gods. You take your best wine, stand on the bow, pour most of the wine into the water and drink

a toast to the sun, the wind, the moon, the stars, and the gods.”

Darwin’s attraction to water is something that has been a part of his life since…well, as long as he can remember.

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Darwin’s earliest memories are of the biggest waters around his Midwestern birthplace, the Platte River and its tributary the Loup.

“I don’t even remember when I started sailing,” said Darwin “Growing up I used to borrow Boy Scout canoes on the Loup River. I wasn’t a Boy Scout, but I always put them back when I was done and they just let me use them.”

As a young man, the Navy seemed like a natural career move for Darwin. For eight years he was a Seabee. Seabees are construction battalions --Seabee comes from the letters “C” and “B”. This means that the only time Darwin was on a boat, as a member of the armed forces that mostly serve from boats, was to get from one construction location to another.

When he left the Navy, various jobs eventually led him to the river town of Dardanelle. There, he heard about a job opening on riverboat. Twenty-five years on the water started here. Those years were split between moving oil tankers in the Gulf and moving barges up and down the Mississippi River system. The majority of this time was spent as captain and to get that position, Darwin relied on some unorthodox tactics.

“I was scared of the Coast Guard test,” said Darwin. “Oh man, there were guys with

10 or 12 years of experience that failed it. I had a good friend that told me I would be all right on the test though. He said it was because I liked to daydream,” Darwin said with a laugh.

“He said that when they give me that test to just close my eyes and dream about the river. I did pretty good on the test.”

The land and the water both pulled at Darwin upon his retirement. A farm in New Mexico was actually in the plans, but the water’s call was just too strong.

“I went and bought a sailboat,” said Darwin. That was the first one. Six months ago he bought the Traveller and that made boat number three. He lives on the Traveller today.

The Traveller will soon be re-christened with her original name. The native Nebraskan that was born with a love for the water now lives on the water. “I just wish I had a bought a boat a long time ago instead of working on someone else’s boat,” said Darwin.

Boats and sailing are the agenda now though. Darwin’s eyes sparkle and he talks of jibs and rigging and strong winds. He said he doesn’t understand why anyone can’t sail.

“It’s the easiest thing in the world.”

Darwin speaks the words with a heavy confidence. n

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about | food

What's A Casserole?

Story by Dianna Qualls, Food Editor

F

or me comfort food is almost always is spelled “casserole.”

Casserole is defined as “a dish in which food may be baked and served. There is just something about an entire meal in one baking dish. Lusciously creamy, or cheesy, or spicy and hot, add a salad and a yummy slice of bread and you can call it a great day.

A casserole is the “sympathy dish” you deliver to a friend when their life is LOW, and you want to give them a little pick me up. It also can be the talk of the Potluck.

Church potlucks are always full of casseroles, and we go through the line wanting to try all of them, and asking who made this one or this one. There are casseroles that will always show up at family gatherings, like broccolirice casserole, Mexican chicken casserole, and of course, mac and cheese.

Got company staying the night at your house? What could be more impressive than a breakfast casserole you prepare the day before and place in the frigde overnight, bake the next morning and watch it all disappear? Prep ahead and have a couple casseroles in your freezer and it can be a go-to meal or for a friend at the drop of a hat. Every cook needs a few great casseroles in his or her repertoire.

I have prepared casseroles over the years that my hubby has named “Dianna surprise”-- no recipe just using leftovers, and pantry ingredients. Abracadabra supper is done. He also has suggested I write these recipes down and call them a “Pantry Raid” ha ha. But then they would not be a surprise anymore.

Not all casseroles are in a 9x13 baking dish. They can even be in a skillet that you began the dish on top of the stove and finished in the oven, such as a frittata. Or a pie plate could be used as a casserole dish, such as a quiche.

Try some of these recipes and enjoy.

22 ABOUT | March 2013

SHEPHERD’S PIE

1 lb. ground beef chuck 1 medium onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 tsp. dried thyme 2 T. ketchup 1 T. all-purpose flour 1 box (10 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables (no need to thaw) Coarse salt and ground pepper 3 c. mashed potatoes Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Heat a large (5-quart) heavy pot or Dutch oven over high. Cook beef, breaking up meat with a spoon, until no longer pink, 4 to 5 minutes. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add thyme, ketchup, and flour; stir until combined. Add 1/2 cup water and vegetables.

Cook until vegetables are warmed through and liquid has thickened, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon beef mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Spread potatoes evenly over beef; using a fork, decorate potatoes with lines and peaks. Place dish on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until potatoes are lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve.

Q’s-Tip: To make ahead: Make filling; spoon into baking dish.

Spread potatoes over top, and let cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to one day. Preheat oven to 425 degrees; remove plastic wrap, and bake until potatoes are lightly browned, 30 to 40 minutes.

HAM AND HASHBROWN CASSEROLE

1 (32 oz.) pkg frozen hashbrown potatoes 8 oz. cooked ham, diced 2 (10.75 oz.) cans condensed cream of potato soup 1 (16 oz.) container sour cream 2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 ½ c. grated Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease 9 x 13 baking dish. In a large bowl combine hashbrowns, ham, soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese. Spread evenly into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake 1 hour or until bubbly and light brown.

Serve immediately.

CHICKEN AND SPINACH CASSEROLE 2 c. torn bread 2 T. extra-virgin olive oil coarse salt and ground pepper 4 c. packed flat-leaf spinach, washed 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 c. white wine 2 T. all-purpose flour 1 1/2 c. half-and-half 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice 1 c. shredded rotisserie chicken

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine bread with one tablespoon oil; season with salt. Set aside. In a medium pot, heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil over mediumhigh. Add spinach; season with salt.

Cook, stirring, until wilted, 2 minutes. Transfer to a colander, let cool, then squeeze out water.

Coarsely chop. Wipe pot clean and heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic; season with salt and pepper.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, about eight minutes.

Add wine to pot and cook until almost evaporated, about five minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in half-and-half. Add lemon juice and bring mixture to a boil over high.

Remove from heat and stir in chopped spinach and chicken; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a 2-quart baking dish and top with bread pieces. Bake until bread is golden brown and mixture is bubbling, 8 to 10 minutes.

Note: Assemble leaving off the bread and refrigerate, uncooked, a day ahead. Add bread before baking. Additional cooking time will be needed. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Recipe from: Everyday Food

BACON AND EGG CASSEROLE

Like quiche, this savory dish has a custard filling; using frozen puff pastry instead of traditional pie dough makes it even simpler to prepare. This casserole is an excellent dish to serve for brunch.

1/4 lb. store-bought puff pastry, thawed 8 oz. (about 12 slices) bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch strips 1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced 3 large eggs 1/2 c. heavy cream 1/4 tsp. Salt 1/8 tsp. fresh ground pepper 1 1/2 c. grated (4 ounces) Gruyere cheese

With a slotted spoon, transfer mixture to a plate; let cool slightly. Scatter onion mixture over pastry. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, cream, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Pour egg mixture into pastry shell. Sprinkle Gruyere over top.

Bake until filling is set and top is golden brown, about 40 minutes.

IMPOSSIBLY EASY BRATWURST CASSEROLE

1/2 lb. fully cooked bratwurst (about 3), cut into 3/4-inch pieces 1 1/3 c/ drained sauerkraut (from 14-oz can) 1 c. shredded Swiss cheese (4 oz.)

3/4 c. Original Bisquick® mix Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a 1/2 c. milk lightly floured surface, roll pastry to 10-inch 1/2 c. regular or nonalcoholic beer square (trim the edges with a paring knife). 2 eggs Place pastry into an 8-inch square baking pan, folding corners to fit. Prick bottom of Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray. Sprinkle bratwurst, dough with a fork.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high sauerkraut and cheese in pie plate. In heat. Add bacon; cook, stirring occasionally, small bowl, stir remaining ingredients until until pieces start to brown, 4 to 5 minutes. blended. Pour into pie plate.

Add onions; cook, stirring occasionally, Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until knife until bacon is crisp and onions are lightly inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand five minutes before serving. >> browned, 5 to 7 minutes

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Cook pasta according to package directions.

Cook sausage, garlic powder and oregano with onions until the juices run clear.

In a lightly greased 9x13 inch pan, pour a small amount of sauce to lightly coat bottom.

Layer ingredients in the order listed: 1st layer-1/3 of the pasta, 1/3 sauce, 1 bag of mozzarella cheese, 2 T. parmesan cheese, sausage and onions.

CORN CASSEROLE

1 (15 1/4-oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained 1 (14 3/4-oz.) can cream-style corn 1 (8-oz.) package corn muffin mix 1 c. sour cream 1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, melted 1 to 1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, stir together the two cans of corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove from oven and top with Cheddar.

Return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Let stand for at least 5 minutes and then serve warm.Recipe: from FOODNETWORK.COM.

3 MEAT PIZZA CASSEROLE RECIPE 1 lb. bow tie pasta 1 lb. mild pork sausage 1 large onion, medium size chopped 2 (26 oz.) jars spaghetti sauce 1 lb. cubed cooked ham 1/2 lb. sliced pepperoni 3 (8 oz.) bags of shredded mozzarella cheese 6 T. of grated parmesan cheese 2 T. chopped garlic 1 tsp. dried oregano

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24 ABOUT | March 2013

2nd layer-1/2 of the remaining pasta, 1/2 remaining sauce, 1 bag of mozzarella cheese, 2 T. parmesan cheese, ham.

Add sage; cook until crisp, 2 to 3 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer sage to a paper-towel-lined plate; set aside (reserve pan with oil).

Add onion and garlic to pan; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add sausage and wine; cook, breaking sausage up with a wooden spoon, until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in beans; cook until beans are tender and creamy, about 5 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer sausage-and-bean mixture to a shallow 4-quart baking dish; scatter breadcrumbs over top. Place dish on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until topping is golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Serve casserole topped with fried sage leaves.

3rd layer-all remaining pasta, all remaining sauce, 1 bag of mozzarella cheese, 2 T. parmesan cheese, all the pepperoni (completely covering the entire top with SAUSAGE SPINACH AND EGG STRATA pepperoni).

1 (10 oz.) box or bag chopped frozen Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Let sit for spinach, thawed, drained 5 minutes before serving.

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil 12 oz. bulk spicy breakfast sausage 2 T. butter CHICKEN-SAUSAGE AND BEAN 1 onion, finely chopped CASSEROLE WITH SAGE 1/2 baguette (about 4 ounces), torn into pieces 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 c. olive oil Freshly grated nutmeg Coarse salt and ground pepper 1/2 lb. stale white or French bread, cubed 1/3 c. fresh sage leaves (about 25) (7 to 8 cups) 1 large onion, chopped 12 eggs 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 lb fresh chicken sausage, casings removed 2 c. milk or half-and-half 1/4 c. Dijon mustard 1/2 c. dry white wine, such as Sauvignon 2 c. shredded caciocavallo cheese or Blanc Parmigiano-Reggiano 3 cans (19 ounces each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained Wring out any excess liquid from the Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food spinach. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over processor, pulse bread until very coarse medium-high heat. Brown and crumble the crumbs form (you should have about 3 spicy breakfast sausage, and then remove cups). Add 2 tablespoons oil; pulse briefly the crumbles to a plate. to moisten. Season with salt and pepper; Return the skillet to the heat. Reduce the heat a little and melt the butter. To the set breadcrumbs aside.

In a medium saucepan, heat remaining skillet, add the onions and garlic and cook 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. to soften, 5 to 6 minutes. Then add the

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spinach and season with salt, pepper and a little nutmeg. Turn off the heat and combine with the sausage bits.

Arrange half of the bread in a casserole dish. Whisk the eggs with the milk, Dijon and some salt and pepper. Scatter half of the sausage-spinach mixture over the bread, top with half the cheese, pour half the eggs on top of cheese, repeat. Cover and store in the fridge at least overnight.

Bring the strata to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you bake. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F with the rack in the center of the oven. Set the casserole on a baking sheet and bake uncovered 1 hour.

Let stand 10 minutes and serve.

Recipe from Foodnetwork.com.

RIGATONI AND SPICY SAUSAGE CASSEROLE

4 oz. hot Italian sausage, (2 links) 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, very finely chopped 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced 1 tsp. crumbled dried rosemary 2 (14-oz.) cans diced tomatoes, or plum tomatoes (chopped) 1/4 c. dry red or white wine 1/2 tsp. salt, divided Freshly ground pepper, to taste 12 oz. whole-wheat rigatoni, mostaccioli or penne 1/2 c. part-skim ricotta cheese 3/4 c. fresh breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

to drain. Wipe out the pan and add oil; heat over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Add mushrooms and rosemary; cook, stirring, until the mushrooms begin to give off liquid, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and their juices, wine and the cooked sausage.

Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes. The sauce will be quite thin.

Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, cook pasta until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain.

Add the pasta to the sauce; toss to coat.

Spread half in the prepared baking dish.

Dot with spoonfuls of ricotta and top with the remaining pasta. Cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes.

Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a small bowl. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the pasta and continue to bake, uncovered, until the top is golden, about 10 minutes more.

Recipe from Eatingwell.com

POTATO CASSEROLE WITH BACON AND CARAMELIZED ONION

3 slices thick-but bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 large onion, halved and sliced thin 1 1/4 tsp. salt 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 1/4 c. low-sodium chicken broth 1 1/4 c. beef broth Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a 3-quart 3 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled shallow baking dish with cooking spray. 2 T. unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces Put a large pot of water on to boil. Crumble sausage into a large nonstick skillet (discard Adjust the oven rack to the lower-middle casing) and cook over medium heat, position and heat the oven to 425 degrees. stirring, until browned and cooked through, Coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking 5 to 7 minutes. spray. Cook the bacon in a medium Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels saucepan over medium-low heat until crisp.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

Remove and discard all but on tablespoon of fat from the pot. Return the pot to medium heat and add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon of salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and golden brown, adjusting the heat and adding water one tablespoon at a time if onion or bottom of pot becomes too dark.

Transfer onion to a large bowl; add bacon, thyme, and remaining one teaspoon of salt, and pepper. Add broths to nowempty saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits.

Slice potatoes 1/8-inch thick. Transfer to the bowl with the onion mixture and toss to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Firmly press down on the mixture to compress into an even layer. Carefully pour hot broth over the top of the potatoes. Dot the surface evenly with butter.

Bake, uncovered, until potatoes are tender and golden brown on edges and most of liquid has been absorbed, 45 to 55 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and let stand for 20 minutes to fully absorb the broth before cutting and serving. n

Let Us Help You With Your Landscaping Needs

Taylor Nursery 130 S Cumberland • 479-968-2778

C&D Drug Store is happy to have a team of employees who are willing to take the Polar Bear Plunge into Lake Dardanelle to benefit our local Special Olympics Program. We want to say THANK YOU to all who entered this wonderful community event.

We Took

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March 2013 | ABOUT 25

about | outdoors

close. They don’t seem particularly concerned with your presence, trusting their cryptic camouflage and instinctively knowing it’s best not to move unless they absolutely must.

Like every other critter I encountered as a boy, I tried to catch the first chuck I saw. I could get almost within striking distance and then it would take wing only to land a few yards away. I would start another stalk and it would end with the same results. This went on until darkness finally made it impossible to see the bird. Only then did I realize how deep into the woods I’d gone and nothing but the glow of a porch light at Granny’s house kept me from full-blown panic.

Chucks have small feet. I’ve never seen them actually walk, but I have seen them scoot around on the ground. The bird also has a small beak, which is in total contradiction to its enormous mouth. The mouth is what gave the nightjar family of birds, to which the chuck belongs, its nickname of “goatsucker”. In the old days, folks thought the huge mouth enabled the birds to feed on goat’s milk directly from the goat’s udder. Of course, we now know differently. The chuck uses that big mouth to scoop insects and the occasional small bird or bat on the wing as it sweeps over pastures and through the understory of the forest.

They have a wispy flight as they flitter through the woodlands. It’s quite a contrast to the strong wing beats of their cousin, the nighthawk, which spends more time in open air above the forest canopy.

The biology and physiology of the bird is interesting, but the mystique they carry is what makes the chuck one of my favorites.

Hearing them on a cool April sundown, or as I wait for sunrise on an Ozark ridge, always brings a smile.

The lonesome call of “chuck-wills-widow,” or “chip-butter-in the white oaks” if you will, sang me to sleep on countless nights as I grew up. When I hear them now, I’m transported back to a simpler time. The years melt away Chucks are very vocal. I don’t know what and I’m still just a boy, peering through the screened window at my grandparent’s house, decibel level they sing at, but it’s loud.

Catching sight of one is another matter. On watching a silver slice of moon peek over the And, somewhere among the hickories the ground, they blend in perfectly with the leaf hill. litter and I’ve probably walked right by scads and dogwoods, a chuck-wills-widow sings.

It’s a woodland lullaby that gives seasoning to of them with not a clue they were there.

If you can spot a chuck, it’s fairly easy to get a peaceful spring evening. n When the redbuds start blushing, I start listening for the return of an old friend. This friend is a springtime singer and he sings a melancholy serenade to the springtime night.

He’s called a chuck-wills-widow.

Many of you may know the chuck as a whip-poor-will. I’ve lumped him with his cousin in a generic name too, just like when I was a kid and we called all the different soda pops “coke.”

While very similar, they are separate species. Their physical appearances are nearly identical; it’s their songs that set them apart.

The chuck has a distinctly slower cadence and four syllables in his mournful song while the whip-poor-will has three and offers a snappier tempo. The best analogy is that the chuck sings a waltz and the whip-poor-will warbles a polka. Both songs are sweet to the ear, but the chuck’s call is the essence of a springtime evening.

When I was a boy, Dad told me that the chucks were singing “chip-butter-in the white oaks.” I guess some of those syllables were southern slurred by the chuck. It was one of many rural translations for wild speak Dad gave me. I had no idea what chip butter was or why it would be in the white oaks; still don’t. Dad didn’t have an explanation either, but he was right. It sure sounds like chip butter in the white oaks to me, though, my ears might be a little biased.

26 ABOUT | March 2013

Johnny

Sain

has

been

a

frequent freelance contributor to ABOUT... the River Valley Magazine. He and his wife, Christine, and daughters make their home in Dover, Arkansas.

His column, A View from the Back Roads, will become a regular feature in future issues of ABOUT. We welcome your comments and input via email to: editor@aboutrvmag.com.

www.aviewfromthebackroads.com

Song of a Springtime Evening

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March 2013 | ABOUT 27

about | art "Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky."

– Kahlil Gibran, Sand and Foam

For the Love of Trees Story by Connie Las Schneider

Artist Linda William Palmer is a “tree hugger” in the best sense.

The 70-year-old artist does not picket to preserve nature; she protects the biggest trees in Arkansas by preserving their magnificent presence in colored pencil drawings.

“I have always been inspired by trees, so when I read about the big trees on the Arkansas Champion Tree List and the National Big Tree index, I naturally wanted to track as many down as possible and create drawings or paintings of them,” said Palmer, whose striking works of art are touring the state in a one-woman art exhibit “Arkansas Champion Trees; An Artist’s Journey.”

A tomboy as a child, Palmer grew up on a farm in eastern Oklahoma.

“There was a wooded area in front of our house and I would play for hours in the woods; daydreaming, making up songs and singing and drawing landscapes; always under the magical trees.”

Palmer said she didn’t “even know there was such a thing as an artist” until later in high school as the school she attended did not have an art program at the time.

Fortunately, her high school friend’s mother had a studio in her garage and was painting. “I was just in awe and said, Oh, this is what I want to do someday!”

In the meantime, Palmer took music since it was offered in her school and went to college on a vocal scholarship, got married and became a busy mother.

It wasn’t until Palmer reached her 30’s, that her dream to study art became a reality. Once Palmer’s children were in school and she had a couple of free hours every day, she enrolled in one class a semester at West Ark Community College, now U of A at Ft. Smith.

“Taking art class felt like doors had opened. I liked music, but art was my love. I took every art class I could for the next 5 yrs., many of them twice.”

Palmer uses Prismacolor colored pencils because they are “transparent, easily layered and very versatile.” The large drawings in her exhibit took from four to six weeks each to complete because she said her process is slow.

“I first draw a graphite pencil drawing and then start in with the colored pencils. I layer them color over color to build up the colors found in nature.”

Although Palmer is not a tree expert, she is learning more about trees as she goes. “I read everything about trees I can find and collect books on trees, and even received books on trees as Christmas presents,” she said.

Finding these big trees is a lot harder than just looking through books, however. That’s where her adventurous tomboy spirit comes out. Palmer said she has logged more than 7,000 miles all over Arkansas in search of these magnificent specimens, armed with a only a camera, note pad and a friend or two to navigate the way. Many times she also had to ask foresters in the area to help her find the trees.

28 ABOUT | March 2013

Once Palmer locates a Champion Tree, she takes from 30 to 40 photographs of the tree from all view points and distances. Then she travels back to her studio in Hot Springs to work on the large paper drawings, using combinations of the photos for her compositions.

Palmer’s work is not strictly limited to trees, however. She is also a prolific landscape painter and has an art gallery, Linda Palmer Studio/Gallery on Central Avenue in Hot Springs National Park.

“Arkansas Champion Trees : An Artist’s Journey” has been touring the state since September 2012 and shows will continue through December 2014. The exhibit features 18 large colored pencil drawings, smaller detailed drawings of the foliage, documentary photographs and a written explanation of each piece.

The exhibit will be at the Stephens Gallery at University of Ozarks in the Walton Fine Arts Center through April 20, 2013. Admission is free.

For gallery hours or other inquiries, email the Ozarks Humanities and Fine Arts Division or telephone them at (479) 979-1349.

You can also contact Palmer directly through her websites: lindawilliamspalmer.com and championtreesexhibit.org.

Arkansas Champion Trees: An Artist’s Journey is made possible through generous contributions by sponsors The Plum Creek Foundation, DOMDAR and the Williams-Palmer Family and medalist sponsors Robyn and John Horn, with individual donations from those who appreciate the arts, education, and Arkansas’ Champion Trees.

The exhibit is organized for travel by the Arkansas Committee for the National Museum of Women in the Arts and is supported in part by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and by the National Endowment for the Arts.

A television documentary on Palmer and the Champion Trees of Arkansas has also been done by AETN in Little Rock. The documentary will be aired later this year. n

T

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We are the Champions!

Spring is around the corner and Arkansas trees will soon be blooming, including the biggest “Champion” trees in the state. Six of these Champions are located along the Arkansas River in Dardanelle.

The Arkansas Champion Tree list, which is maintained by the Arkansas Forestry Commission, lists 125 trees designated as a champion or co-champion of its species.

According to the Arkansas Forestry Commissions website, the Arkansas Champion Tree List recognizes those trees that are the largest of the species, by using the American Forests’ “Bigness Index”. The “National Big Tree Program” is maintained by American Forests, the oldest national nonprofit conservation organization in the country.

American Forests is dedicated to locating, appreciating and protecting the biggest tree species in the United States.

Out of the 125 Arkansas trees on the list, six Champion Trees are located within Dardanelle City limits - a Northern Catalpa, Eastern Cottonwood, Black Hickory, Southern Magnolia, White Oak and Persimmon.

The best know Champion Tree in Dardanelle is a White Oak called the “Council Tree” located in Council Oaks Park on North Front Street in Dardanelle. The Arkansas Forestry Commission, Dardanelle Tree Board and City of Dardanelle hosted the unveiling of the “Council” tree marker on May 26, 2011.

Another Champion tree in Dardanelle is a huge Persimmon Tree on Front Street. This tree has also won the title of the biggest Persimmon tree in the United States.

A second national champion tree, the Shortleaf Pine, is located in Ashley County.

For more information about the Arkansas Champion Tree Program, call (501) 2961937 or go to www.arkansasforestry.org Information on Arkansas’ two National Champion trees on the National Register of Big Trees can be found online at www. americanforests.org/resources/bigtrees/. n

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Deadline to register is March 25th!

March 2013 | ABOUT 29

about | 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.)

~ March 8 ~

Kelley Crews and Brent George

~ March 15 ~

Jessica Vinson and Wesley Honnell

~ March 16 ~

Audrey Homer and Andy Koch Rebekah Richardson and Jonathan Brixey Kathryn Young and Lance Shingleur

~ March 23 ~

Mallory Lawrence and Eli Cranor Ashlee Mabry and Ryan Pepper Cara Slone and Brock Knight

~ March 30 ~

Caitlin Bagby and Matthew Hammon

~ April 20 ~

Dana Florian and Brandon Tribble Randi Rudder and Justin Lowe Sara Scallion and Kylen Hawkins

~ April 27 ~

Jamie Dunn and Chris Needham Jenny Vining and T.J. Posey

~ May 4 ~

Alison Parks and Earnest Taylor

~ May 11 ~

Suzanne Burchett and Garrett Glover

~ June 8 ~ Amanda Hindsman and Steven Hankins Kara Shirley and Brant Bauman Sarah Post and Stephen Borengasser Jennifer Roberts and Justin Young

~ June 17 ~

Kathryn Ramsey and Brian Sammons

~ June 22 ~

Jessica Meyers and Ben Kloosterman Jill Taylor and Ryan Evans

Stephanie Ingram and Blake Driver

~ May 18 ~

~ August 3 ~

Amber Gibson and Brandon Pellham Aimee Voisin and Landon Sanders

Allison Hill and Michael Chiuminatto

~ May 25 ~

Lauren Ragsdale and Michael Allinson

~ April 6 ~

Hilery Wesley and Kyle Hayes

Laura Cotton and Jim Rowland Julianna Root and Steve Gebhardt

~ April 13 ~

~ June 1 ~

Darla Bryand and Cullen Anson Janae George and Aaron Pate

~ June 6 ~

Muriel Aston and Blayne Schrepfer Stephanie Corbin and Ben Houghton

~ August 17 ~

~ September 21 ~

Samantha Dennis and Dustin Huggins

~ November 30 ~

Kelly Conley and Kevin Martin

To have your engagement or wedding published in a future issue of ABOUT Magazine, send your information, photo* and a check for $57.50 to: ABOUT Magazine, PO Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812, or visit visit www.aboutrvmag.com/forms.html. Word count is limited to 225 words. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. For additional information, call (479) 970-6628. *Digital files are accepted and will be published upon receipt of payment.

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30 ABOUT | March 2013

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March 2013 | ABOUT 31