ABOUT | May 2015

Charm Farm

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley May 2015

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Russellville School District

Educating, & Equipping students for

ACADEMIC, ARTISTIC, & ATHLETIC Excellence RSD believes that students should have the best educational opportunities available to them through a wide variety of learning experiences that inspire their interests and ambitions.

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1:1 technology initiative at RHS

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Award winning choir and band programs

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RJHS School of Innovation

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Safe rooms at every campus

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13 STEM classes grades 8-12

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New competition gym opening October 2015

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16 AP courses, EAST, and G/T programs offered

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30 hours of concurrent college credit

Theater and music programs at The Center for The Arts

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Focus on career education beginning in elementary

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Registered nurses at every campus

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Recent state championships in volleyball, baseball, and soccer

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National accreditation by AdvancED

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

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May 2015 8 Charm Farm - Edge of Eden Alpacas

The paved driveway winds through a woodlot accented with redbuds and dogwoods. It ends in a circle at the garage. Twin Bradford pear trees shade and support a lacy, braided cotton hammock within the circle drive and periwinkle shutters accent a pastel brick home. Welcome to Edge of Eden Farm.

12 Hard-Boiled Reality

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The Park Hill - Doc Kennon Home

Charles Wahl Jr. told his love, Gussie, that if she married him he would build her a house like no other, and so their story began along with plans for a beautiful house that today still sits high on a hill watching over Paris, Arkansas as it has for over 85 years.

22 Happy Camping/Cooking

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A Mother's Story

The small white house is plopped down right behind the local Taco Bell. A wheelchair ramp leads up to the doorway and a smiling face waits behind the screen. Stephanie Tanner, known inside this house as mom, and her assistants Melissa and Haley are welcoming and kind, but on guard—they have to be.

38 Country Boy in Costa Rica

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Call 479.857.6791 for more information 4

ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

RiverValley AssistedLiving At River Valley Assisted Living

we have recently opened a specialty cottage with 15 apartments. We’ve also increased staffing to care for residents with increased needs, such as those with short term memory or wandering.

We offer total assistance with activities of daily living, and medication administration by a licensed nurse. We have a registered nurse who evaluates the residences’ needs and supervises their care. Specialized activities are planned daily for the individual’s interests. Our courtyard is fenced to allow secure outdoor activities. Couples are welcome! Please come by for a tour or call Sue Gray at (479) 567-5578.

1909 East Fairway Blvd, Russellville

(479) 567-5578 | (479) 970-5669 May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

ABOUT the River Valley

College Lessons This will be my final editorial written as college student/writer/ editor. Come early May I can drop the “college student” label.

Hopefully. It is still only April as I write this, but all signs point to hours passed, credentials met and a Saturday morning diploma reception. It’s been an interesting journey split evenly between arduous, educational and enlightening.

College is tough. A lot of folks think college success stems from intelligence, but in my experience college is about work.

Mentally exhausting work. The last few weeks of each of my semesters saw my ability to speak reduced to babbling incoherence. My writing would consist of typing out a paragraph and then second guessing myself on every placement of a comma and every use of “that,” “the” and “of.” I would often edit the same sentence four or five times and settle on the original in most instances. My brain was mush.

Sheer force of will carried me through.

College was of course educational. Botany was one of my most taxing but enjoyable classes (I originally went to school to be a biologist and will have a minor in biology), and since that class I cannot look at a plant the same. I can’t look at an oak tree without visualizing the complexities within. Xylem moving water and minerals, and phloem circulating sugars manufactured through photosynthesis throughout the tree, and… you get my drift. Same thing with journalism classes. I did not know how much I did not know until I took those classes. The “aha” moments surely numbered into the hundreds.

But the most profound experience of college was its enlightenment. I’m not talking about an elitist attitude. I’m talking about a deeper understanding of myself. A deeper understanding of what I’m made of and what makes me tick. It was along this road to enlightenment (with a nudge from Dianne Edwards) that I made the decision to switch majors and become a journalist. I’ve spent more than a few sleepless nights wondering if this was the right decision, but the lessons of college taught me that decisions such as this don’t fall into a right vs. wrong dichotomy. They’re never black and white.

They are a roll of the dice based on gut feeling and then busting your tail to make it work. The outcome is never completely within your control, but again, we come back to hard work and force of will. Hard work and strong will tilt the odds.

So while I gained a wealth of knowledge on subjects from the spawning habits of spotted gar to the origins of rural Arkansas culture to the correct use of a semi-colon, the most important lesson from college was something I knew in my heart all Johnny Sain, Editor along — You don’t find your path in life. johnny@aboutrvmag.com You make it.

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 EMILY LANGFORD | freelance emily@aboutrvmag.com LYDIA ZIMMERMAN | columnist lydia@aboutrvmag.com LIZ CHRISMAN | photography lizchrismanphoto@gmail.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) 219-5031.

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

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ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

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ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

Calendar of Events May 1-3 - Balloons Over RussVegas at the Russellville Soccer Complex 1589 Lock & Dam Road Russellville. For more info please visit their website at www.balloons overrussvegas.com or contact (417) 3366060.

May 1 - Open House - River Valley Humane Society - Needy Paws from noon-4 p.m at the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce. River Valley Humane Society-Needy Paws will host our Open House on May 1 from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Russellville Chamber of Commerce.

Meet the director, staff members, and board members, as well as a few furry friends. For more info contact 754-4203.

May 1 - M.J. Hickey Pool season passes on sale. Russellville Recreation and Parks Department will begin selling individual pool passes for M.J. Hickey Pool beginning May 1. Passes may be purchased or reservation may be made at the Hughes Community Center located at 1000 East Parkway - Monday through Friday - 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more info contact 968-1272.

May 2 - St John Catholic School Get Your Head In the Game Trivia Night at 6 p.m.

St John Catholic Church Parish Hall Russellville. Trivia Night is a fun evening

with your co-workers, family, friends and the Russellville community. $20/ per person for food & drinks. Must be 21.

For Sponsorship/Team Entry Info contact 280-9773.

May 6 - Russellville Symphony Guild May membership brunch, at the home of Aldona Standridge. 11:00 to 1:00. For more info call Judy Murphy at 967-1177.

May 8 - Lake Dardanelle State Park -Creatures of the Night at 7 p.m. Lake Dardanelle is home to many creatures.

Discover some of Lake Dardanelle State Park’s nocturnal residents. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater and learn what animals come out when we go to sleep. Dress for the weather. For more info contact 967-5516.

May 15-16 - Picklefest in Downtown Atkins.

For more info contact 567-0241.

May 16 - Habitat for Humanity Pope County AR 3rd Annual Home Run 5K. Starts at 9 a.m. Bona Dea Park on Lock and Dam Road Russellville. Early registration fee is $25 until May 1 and $30 afterwards. Register at Feltner's Athletic Corner or download an entry form at arkansasrunner.com. For more info please call Bret Fleck at 264-3521, or call 477-0616.

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May 19 - Starlight Cinema at UACCM presents “American Sniper.” On the lawn outside of the Fine Arts Building at sundown. Free concessions will be provided at each event.

For more info contact Courtney Stell at stell@ uaccm.edu or (501) 977-2142. Or visit www. uaccm.edu.

May 28 - QuickBooks for Beginners from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m at the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center on the campus of Arkansas Tech University. A computer will be provided during this interactive seminar. Cost is $65 to attend.

Seating is limited and registration is required.

For more info contact 356-2067 or www. asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events.

May 29-30 - Rummage Round the Rails in Downtown Russellville from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

For more info contact 967-1437.

*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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May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

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Story by JOHNNY SAIN | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

he paved driveway winds through a woodlot accented with redbuds and dogwoods.

It ends in a circle at the garage. Twin Bradford pear trees shade and support a lacy, braided cotton hammock within the circle drive and periwinkle shutters accent a pastel brick home to which the garage is attached. It’s all sitting in a sea of green.

Cattle panels form a makeshift funnel as Tom Mosby herds his livestock from barn lot to garage where a crew of workers here all the way from Colorado ready their equipment for the farm’s harvest. Tom’s wife of nearly 33 years, Frances, is busy handing name tags to the minor crowd. “It’ll help us keep up with who’s who,” she says.

Tom tries to push the herd though the funnel with help from a neighbor, and one animal squirts around the end. The blue rope stretched between Tom and the helper just isn’t long enough. An animal from the main herd voices its concerns with a voice best described as the sound you would expect from a baby wookie. Big brown eyes shine out from shaggy heads as the remainder of the herd bleat and shuffle toward the gate.

Herding with a blue rope? Voice of a baby wookie? That’s right.

Welcome to a more genteel form of agriculture. Welcome to Edge of Eden Alpaca Farm where everything from the land to the house to the animals is so darn adorable you’d half expect to see a garden full of gumdrops fertilized with unicorn manure and watered with rainbow mist from a cotton candy cloud. I might be stretching into hyperbole a bit here, but only just a bit.

Agriculture is all around us here in the River Valley. I’ve watched and helped work cattle, load hogs and catch chickens. Herding alpacas, in comparison, is like herding long-necked teddy bears.

“You haven’t been kicked by one,” says Ted Harmon, one of Tom’s neighbors who pitched in to help with the annual alpaca shearing.

True, but I’ll bet their kicks are closer to butterfly kisses. Anything this cute surely can’t hurt you.

“They look like fuzzy deer,” says ABOUT’s photographer, Liz Chrisman. “I want one.” And who wouldn’t?

May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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Alpacas are native to South America. They are a domesticated member of the camelid family — the camels. Cousins to those lumpy desert beasts of burden found in Asia and Africa, the alpaca’s closest relative is the vicuna, a very similar wild animal found in the Andes Mountains of South America. The vicuna and the larger guanaco are the wild forms of the alpaca and the llama. But, to be clear, they are all distinct species.

Domestication through thousands of years built a distance between the wild and tame similar to, but not so physically dramatic as, the distance between Holstein cattle and the auroch, or wild cattle.

Alpacas are on the small side when it comes to livestock, but they can fool you. One of the helpers asks about their weight and we are all shocked when Joshua Pitzel, a member of the shearing crew called Top Knot Shearers, responds with “a big one will weigh about 140 pounds.”

An adult alpaca’s back will come up to about waist high on most adult humans, but a fluffy pre-sheared alpaca looks to be nearing every bit of three hundred pounds. It’s all wool, though.

After shearing — a surprisingly gentle process that takes about eight minutes thanks to an experienced crew and docile animals — the alpaca’s true mass is revealed. And it ain’t much. Imagine an average Arkansas whitetail deer doe with three times as much neck. That’s a sheared alpaca. Gangly and looking a bit silly, they still manage to be charming even after their fuzziness is gone. It must be those sweet brown eyes. Frances is a sucker for sweet brown eyes, and shaggy noggins, and wookie bleats. It’s why the Mosby’s herd has grown since that first alpaca purchased in 2005 to 31 animals on 28 acres. The Mosbys say it’s because alpaca prices have fallen and they’ve found ways to make money from alpaca fleece, but Frances’ tender heart may have a lot to do with it. As a child, she once swore off of eating eggs. “My parents couldn’t convince me that the eggs from the store didn’t have baby chickens in them,” says Frances.

Frances gets attached. “I get real attached,” she says. She can look into the face of any member of her herd and know who it is. Most of the alpacas are named for family events that coincided with the animals birth or date of purchase.

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ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

“Shreveport was born on the weekend Tom went to Shreveport to help our daughter,” says Frances. “Silver Anniversary Edition was born on our 25th anniversary.”

As the crew secures and shears the animals, I notice Joshua has a sock in each back pocket.

Odd… What’s with the socks? “Those are for spitters,” says Joshua. So alpacas aren’t all sugar and spice. Frances later informs me that slobber drama unfolded soon after I left. “We had one absolutely fill a sock,” said Frances. It’s a surprisingly vulgar action and doesn’t line up with everything I saw from the animals, but Francis assured me that it’s not uncommon. Sometimes it even happens when all indications say that your alpaca wants a smooch. One of the Mosby alpacas named Jackson Brown (not named for a family event; Frances just likes Jackson Brown) had no sense of boundaries.

“He would come up this close,” Francis waves her hand right in front of her face. “Tom would get creeped out. Well, some of my friends would talk about kissing their alpacas so I thought that’s what he wanted. I’d try that. I gave him a kiss on the nose and he just turned around and walked off. He just wanted a kiss.” Or so she thought. “So it had been a while since I gave Jackson Brown a kiss and he came up stopped like right here,” Frances extends

“We wanted something you didn’t have to kill to have a product,” her arm. “So I got all ready to give him a kiss and he spit on me.”

Jackson Brown is no longer on the Mosby farm, but there are no hard feelings. “One of the young ladies that was helping bag fiber [at the shearing] owns Jackson Brown now and she just loves him,” says Tom. But why alpacas? The Mosbys had horses for several years. The Mosby children (now grown) participated in a 4H horse club. But when the children reached high school “the horses weren’t getting much attention,” says Tom. “We still had a farm and the grass was growing, I just did more mowing.” A chance viewing of an alpaca commercial gave them an idea and one facet of alpaca farming really appealed to the Mosbys. “We wanted something you didn’t have to kill to have a product,” says Frances.

Another side benefit of raising docile creatures is transportation.

No stock trailers needed. Edge of Eden alpacas travel in climate controlled comfort via cargo van. “They’ve got their own airconditioning unit back there and we have books on CD for them,” says Tom. I think Tom is kidding about the books on CD… but I’m not sure. “And we rarely have a problem with them going to bathroom in the van even on long trips,” says Frances. “We stop at a rest stop, get a lead rope and halter, and walk them around.”

This gentle style of agriculture fits nicely with the Mosbys. It’s a theme that carries over to the look and function of the farm.

Very little barbwire, no livestock prods, no herding dogs, though they do have a huge and lovable dog named Blondie. Blondie weighs well over 100 pounds and her personality is a mirror of the Mosbys — laid back and personable. Purple martin houses line the pond bank. The aerial acrobats flit and chirp as a warm April breeze whispers through the lilacs. But Edge of Eden is still a working farm. There’s always chores. One of the most emotionally exhausting but fulfilling jobs is being on hand whenever a baby

alpaca, called a cria, is born. “I want to be there if at all possible when the birthing occurs,” says Tom. “And I’ve assisted some if it appears that the baby is getting stuck. Watching those babies get up on those wobbly legs and take their first steps is just amazing.”

The charm of Edge of Eden Alpaca Farm is hard to overstate even though it may seem like I poured the syrup pretty thick.

It’s a farming practice like none I’ve ever witnessed. And I can tell you with absolute confidence that since the Mosby’s purchase of that first alpaca in 2005, no alpacas were harmed in the 10 year making of this story. l

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ABOUT...the River Valley | Every Day Life

Hard-Boiled Reality Story by KECHIA BENTLEY

As I sit to write this column Easter has just passed and I found myself spending quite a bit of time looking at pictures on Instagram and Facebook. It was such a sweet thing to be able to see the children, and in some cases grandchildren, of people I hold dear in my heart. In just about every picture everyone is dressed in their Easter best, smiling and looking at the camera. I just stare in wonder and wonder, how did they do that? I am telling you it is proof miracles still happen!

Now, for you mommas out there that did not get that perfect Easter picture because “Johnny” got paint all over his outfit while doing his craft in Sunday School that morning, or because you couldn’t get all the children to look at the camera at the same time for even one second, believe me I feel your pain. You see, I thought I had taken a perfect picture of my husband and boys following our Easter dinner. But upon closer inspection of said picture I discovered my dear Dillon had a toothpick hanging out of his mouth.

What is a momma to do? Well, for sure don’t crop the picture too tight.

And hope no one will notice.

I am told there are magic programs these days that can remove toothpicks and various other undesirable things. They can even take your child’s smiling face from one picture and place it over the monster face they are making in another. But hey, what is the fun in that? We have enough make believe perfection in this world; let’s keep it real people.

This takes me to my next subject: Easter Eggs. Oh my, I saw some pictures of over-the-top, beautiful Easter eggs.

And even more amazing was that some parents claimed that they made these eggs with their children! And some of those children were boys. Are you kidding me? I sat there in absolute amazement looking at the creations and thinking that never happened in my house.

Don’t get me wrong, my boys loved coloring Easter Eggs. They even liked putting stickers on them and attempting to make them multiple colors. But anything that would require a step one and then wait five minutes before proceeding to step two was more than they could bear. Heck, they wanted to start hiding them before they were completely dry. So every year we did the easy one step process and out the door we went with our wet eggs to begin the hunt with food color stained hands.

Not a crafty one in the bunch. But I sure miss coloring eggs with them.

I, on the other hand, love to craft. I did try a few crafting projects with my boys but it never did turn out like the pictures in the magazines with everyone smiling — no mess anywhere, proudly gazing at their new creations.

Call me a wimp but I gave up.

However, the more I looked at those egg pictures the more it began to dawn on me: there are no rules against a grown woman coloring Easter Eggs. Yeah, I know my kids are all grown up and gone but that doesn’t mean I have to stop coloring eggs. Yes, I am sure it will be weird at first as I sit at the table all by myself, but hey I have been known to still color pictures in a coloring book all by myself. Don’t judge. It is therapeutic.

Maybe now is my time to do all those fancy decorated eggs. Maybe I will see if I can master the multiple step process to amazing eggs. Maybe my kids will think I am crazy when I post pictures of my beautiful eggs on Facebook next Easter. Maybe I will even poke a toothpick in one in honor of Dillon. l

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ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

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May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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The Park Hill – Doc Kennon Home Story by DENISE ROBINSON | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

Charles Wahl Jr. met his soon to be wife at church. Gussie had noticed Charles at a party and had not been able to forget him so she and a friend climbed the steps to the Catholic Church one Sunday and sat in the pew directly in front of Charles and his family. Her plan worked and he was smitten.

That afternoon, when his mother mentioned he seemed to have something on his mind, Charles told her “I’ve just met the girl I’m going to marry.” Marry her he did.

Augusta, better known as Gussie, was from a Protestant background and needless to say neither family was thrilled with the idea of these two being wed. Gussie’s parents threatened to disown her if she married Charles, but her mind was made up and she was to wed the man she loved.

Charles told Gussie that if she married him he would build her a house like no other, and so their story began along with plans for a beautiful house that today still sits high on a hill watching over Paris, Arkansas as it has for over 85 years.

Charles Wahl Jr. was born to parents who migrated from Germany and was one of 9 children. He became a successful

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ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

businessman and owned several coal mines and a local railroad company. Working hard was second nature to him and he reaped the rewards. Being a man of some means, he knew he could give his wife the home of her dreams just like he had promised.

Drawing on architecture he had seen in his extensive business travels all around the country, he decided on a Mediterranean Revival style home, complete with all the modern amenities available in the late 1920s. He hired Bassham and Wheeler Architectural firm out of Fort Smith to design their home, with his oversight of course. Prior to beginning construction, Charles built up the 1.5 acre property using a team of horses and a wagon to haul refuse shale from his coal mines forming an 80 foot hill, and started construction

of a stone retaining wall surrounding the property. The retaining wall itself took five years to complete.

Construction on the two-story home known as Park Hill began in 1925. The original floor plan of the home included 14 rooms. The first floor held a full library just off the living room, a large dining area and a music room which extends the full height of the second story. The second story consisted of five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a servant’s room and a sewing room. Hardwood floors were used throughout the house along with beamed ceilings and birch wood trim along the walls and floors.

May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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The house also contained a basement complete with a laundry room, storage rooms, a furnace room and stairways that led to the upper floors. The entire house was heated using a steam heating system. The outside of the house was to be as grand as the inside.

Staying true to the Mediterranean style chosen, an arched entryway greets you as you climb the stairs to the front door, which perfectly complimented the light colored brick with black mortar and the clay tile roof. A Porte Cochere (carriage porch) with concrete drive was built on the west side of the house at the end of a long private driveway. Beautiful fixtures adorned the walls inside of the home. Acoustic ceiling tiles were ordered from Italy and three stained glass windows were imported from Germany to allow as much natural light as possible. The home was completed in 1930, and it was as beautiful as promised. Though by all accounts Charles Wahl was proud of what he had built for his wife, and it was no doubt quite expensive, he never shared with anyone the total cost of the gift. He simply said it was built to care for the comfort and needs of his family.

It is unknown exactly how long the Wahl family lived in the home, but believed to be approximately 10 years. Charles sold Park Hill to a couple of physicians looking to turn it into a dentist office when his finances took a downward turn. Due to the flooding of his coal mines and the larger railroad moving into the area it is believed Charles was no longer able to afford Park Hill and was forced to sell.

The Wahl family moved into a more modest home about 10 minutes from their beloved Park Hill.

Dr. Roy Kennon and a colleague, Dr. Jewell, purchased the house with the intent of turning it into a dentist office. Their plans were not to come to fruition as Dr. Kennon was called into service during WWII. Upon returning and realizing the layout of the house would not lend itself to the alterations needed for their medical office, Dr. Kennon moved his family into Park Hill, and they remained there for many years. Eventually the house became known as The Doc Kennon House. Dr. Kennon and his family made no major renovations to the house although it is rumored Dr. Kennon once had a shooting range in the basement. Dr. Jewell retained ownership of his half of the house until the eve of his death. He made a deal with Dr. Kennon to sell him his half.

Over the years, the house changed owners a couple of times, ending up in the hands of the bank in 2008.

The house had not been lived in for several years, and had fallen into disrepair.

Chester Koprovic attended school with Dr. Kennon’s daughter, Susan, as a child and lived just down the hill. He attended several parties at the house and even saw his first television there.

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ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

Mr. Koprovic left the area and served in the Army for a time before settling down as a successful businessman in Fort Smith but he never forgot that grand home. Mr. Koprovic purchased the house in May of 2012. It sat uncared for and empty for so long it was unlivable, but he immediately set to changing that. Not only did the house need updating from the 1930s wiring and steam heating system, but thieves had stripped out the copper wiring and broken numerous windows. The bathrooms could not be used. Most of the once grand home’s fixtures were missing and what was left was beyond repair.

The once manicured grounds were neglected and in desperate need of maintenance, but none of this would deter Chester. He spent the next 14 months cleaning and bringing the old house up to code with new wiring, plumbing and central heating and air.

He replaced windows, installed new lighting, and had all of the wood floors refinished, always keeping as much of the original house intact as possible. He found one lighting fixture original to the home and with help from his friend, Donna Hunter, the fixture was painstakingly disassembled, cleaned, repaired and hangs in the house today. Mr. Koprovic hired only local craftsman to help him restore the old house to its former glory. He recently acquired more acreage around the home and added a barn to the grounds now enclosed with a fence. This summer he has plans to work on landscaping the grounds.

Mr. Koprovic and Ms. Hunter graciously open their home to visitors. They have hosted many of the Wahl and Kennon family members at Park Hill, and look forward to many other descendants of the families visiting in the future. Lorene Kennon, daughter of the late Doc Kennon, recently had her 50th High School class reunion in the house she grew up in.

In January 2013, Park Hill was added to the National Register of Historic Places after being nominated for its importance in Paris, Arkansas local history and because of its beautiful, distinctive architecture.

What makes a house a home? I believe it’s the memories made and the stories the house would tell if it could. Park Hill was a dream home, built as a gift to a beautiful young brunette, from the young man that wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Charles Wahl Jr. built a house that became a home to many families over the years all because of a promise he made to his bride. I wonder what Charles would think if he could see his house today?

Charles Wahl and Augusta (Gussie) Kennedy Wahl eventually moved to Denver, Colorado, where Charles (according to files listed on Ancestry.com) passed away in September of 1968. No date is listed for Gussie’s passing. l May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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ABOUT...the River Valley | Community and Events

Century League Raises $8,000 At Ball The GFWC Century League of Morrilton held its 32nd annual Charity Ball March 7 at the Morrilton Country Club. The event brought in $8,000 for the club’s charitable activities throughout the year.

The Century League strives to spend its funds on local projects to improve the community, like purchasing animals for children through the Junior Livestock Auction, supplying meals for needy families at Thanksgiving, buying Christmas gifts for local children in need, sending students to Girls State, sustaining a scholarship endowment at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, and others.

This year’s ball had a New York City theme, and 125 guests attended the event.

Mister Lucky played popular songs that kept the crowd on their feet throughout the night. A street-cart-style dinner was served buffet-style featuring many of the treats that New York City is known for.

Attendees had the opportunity to browse

1st Friday June 5th, 6-9pm

Art, Refreshments & Live Music!

For more info call (479) 967-1437

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ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

Century League members Courtney Stell, from left, Bernadette Welcher, Laura Hoelzeman, Mandy Voliva, Morgan Zimmerman, Sarah Howard, Samantha Dixon, Rachel Rohlman, Laura Gottsponer, Amanda Boyer, Lindsey Trafford, and Kristi Strain posed for a photo before the Charity Ball.

raffle and silent auction items donated by local businesses and organizations.

A special thanks goes out from the Century League to all sponsors and contributors who support this event every year, including the following: Emerald Sponsors ($500): Green Bay Packaging, Hagans Dodge, Hawkins Insurance Agency, Healthcare Pharmacy, Ronnie Stell Trenching, and UA Community College Morrilton.

Ruby Sponsors ($250): Koontz Electric, Morrilton Packing Company, Petit Jean State Bank, St. Vincent Morrilton, State Farm Insurance, and Wayne Smith Trucking.

Amethyst Sponsors ($100): Allison Ford, D. Voss Inc, Johnson & Ruff CPAs, Magie Veterinary Clinic, Merle Norman & More, and Mike and Susie Dunaway.

For more information about the GFWC Century League of Morrilton, visit their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ CenturyLeague.

CUBA-TO-ARKANSASCONNECTION ART PROJECT AND DRAWING FOR ORIGINAL LOCAL ART

Jeannie Stone is the only Arkansas member in a delegation of art administrators and artists from across the country invited

to attend the Havana Biennial in Cuba.

The exhibition features the works of Latin American as well as emerging third world artists. Stone is a Latina artist who has lived in Arkansas for fifty years. While Spanish was her birth language, she was forbidden to speak it when her family moved to Little Rock from Puerto Rico in 1964. Because of this, and the opportunity to visit Cuba, Stone is creating an intergenerational, intercultural traveling art show to encourage Latino families to retain their culture and language, and to encourage non-Latino families to practice tolerance in the face of diversity. Stone will also be delivering lectures on the culture and art of the Havana Biennial and the Cuban people.

Stone has launched a Hatchfund account, and is actively investigating corporate and individual sponsorships. She is also offering a drawing for a custom piece of her work. The winner from the drawing will be announced at Gallery 307 in downtown Russellville during the June 5th Art Walk. The style and the subject of the painting will be determined by the winner and the artist, not to exceed 48”x72.” Raffle tickets may be purchased for $5 each or five for $20 at The Frame Shop and Gallery, 311 West C St., and Gallery 307, 307 West C St., both in downtown Russellville. A donation jar is located at Tarasco’s Mexican Food, 217 N. Front St. in Dardanelle. Stone plans to use local Latino talent, including a muralist and musicians, at the events.

Stone is the 2010 River Valley Arts Center’s Visual Artist of the Year, a board member of the Arkansas Arts Council, and

the winner of the J. Peterman National Talent Search. She paints in oil and watercolor and is known for her conceptual art works and impressionistic landscapes, which have been displayed in galleries from coast to coast, including the prestigious Annual Delta Exhibition in Little Rock.

Her works were recently selected for the Fall 2015 I.O. Metro campaign and will be featured in their online catalogue as well as their fifteen stores throughout the South.

Her Cuba-to-Arkansas project is partnered with the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center and sponsored by individual donors and Farm Credit Services of Western Arkansas.

Stone will receive her MLA from Arkansas Tech University in May, and the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport will host her creative thesis project, titled Carry Me Home.

For more information, contact Stone at (479) 747-0210. To learn more about the project or to become a sponsor and receive a tax deductible confirmation, visit: http:// www.hatchfund.org/project/cuba_to_ arkansas_connection

ALMOST 1,700 REGISTER WITH BE THE MATCH AT ARKANSAS TECH

Arkansas Tech University registered 1,696 individuals with Be The Match, the national bone marrow registry, during a 24hour drive on April 14-15.

Continued on page 31...

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19

20

ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

ABOUT...the River Valley | Valley Vittles

TACO VILLA | 420 East 4th Street, Russellville

Get Your Fix! Story by JOHNNY SAIN | Photos by LIZ CHRISMAN

A long long time ago, when everything was closed on Sunday and riding in the back of dad’s pickup was standard means of summer transportation for the kids, Russellville restaurant options were limited. Nowadays, it’s difficult to appreciate just how limited those options were even for those of us who grew up with them.

Finding a history of Mexican/ Tex-Mex restaurants in the River Valley is difficult. I had to call on the services of my Facebook network of friends to pin down names and dates. The best timeline we could piece together starts with Señor Bob’s, which was located in the former Taco Villá on El Paso. We weren’t sure when Señor Bob’s went out of business, but from that closed business sprang a food icon of the River Valley: Taco Villá. The El Paso location is closed now, but 4th street is still going strong and still packed to the rafters at lunchtime.

You think “icon” is a bit much? Consider that Taco Villá has it’s own Facebook group page (not a company page), of which I am a proud member, with comments like: “This is the first place I go when I come to Russellville for a visit. And jars of hot sauce come back to Colorado with me….lol.” When is the last time you’ve heard someone refer to a food craving as “getting their

fix,” again from the FB group page: “OH YEA GOT MY TACO VILLÁ FIX TODAY!!! IT WAS AWESOME!” Taco Villá has been a constant in my life as a child of the River Valley. It was my introduction to Tex-Mex food. I remember mom letting me try a bite of meat and bean burrito when I was about five. I remember Friday nights cruising 4th Street, window down in my 69 Chevy truck with the wind blowing through my mullet and a meat and bean burrito in my hand.

The essence of Taco Villá is captured in that meat and bean burrito. Spicy meat, refried beans, crammed with cheese, sour cream and then covered in that mouth-watering hot sauce that I could drink by the gallon.

And suddenly, I need to get my Taco Villá fix. l May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

21

ABOUT...the River Valley | Countertop Creations

BANNOCK Simple to make, four basic ingredients, one bowl to wash. This kids' favorite is tasty, nutritious and fun to cook on a stick over the campfire. It can also be cooked in a skillet. Bannock can be a meal in itself.

Ingredients: 2 - 3 c flour 1 - 2 T baking powder 1 tsp salt (optional) 2 - 3 T oil, butter or lard 2/3 c warm water

Happy Camping/Cooking Story by LYDIA ZIMMERMAN, Food Editor

O

ur state is known for its beautiful outdoors. No wonder Arkansas is referred to as the Natural State. And a great way to see the beauty of our state is hiking and camping. I like to hike and explore, but my camping is borrowing my in-laws 5th wheel camper (complete with air conditioning, TV, DVD player, shower, bathroom and bedding) which is my idea of “roughing it.” Don’t get me wrong, our family owns a tent that we occasionally setup in our living room when the kids have a sleepover (complete with battery powered lanterns). But my children and I have never actually slept in a tent outside of our home.

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ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

I do, however, enjoy cooking outdoors.On occasion, we have bought the needed supplies and ventured out to the state park to cook over an campfire and also went as far as to purchase a fire pit to cook over in the backyard. My kids love it; especially when it comes to making smores.

Whether you prefer to rough it in a camper or use a tent you still have to eat! So this month I have gathered some yummy recipes for you to try on your next camping/outdoor cooking adventure.

As always, enjoy!

Directions: Put everything but the water in a bowl and mix with your fingers until crumbly. Slowly add water and mix until dough feels soft. It may seem that you don't have enough water, but keep working the dough till it holds together.

Don't add more water!

Take a small handful and wrap around the end of a green stick, like a marshmallow roast. Knead it so it stays together. Cook over coals for about 10 12 minutes, rotating to cook evenly. Eat as is, or add a bit of jam or honey.

Courtesy of eartheasy.com CAMPING CORN HASH 1 can corn and its liquid 5 long slices of bacon cut into rough squares 1/2 medium onion diced 1/2 can diced tomatoes salt, pepper * 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) In a cast iron skillet, begin frying your bacon until it gives all of its grease and the bacon is browned and crispy. Add the onions directly to the skillet. Fry the onions for about two minutes. Add a dash of salt. Add the diced tomatoes and the can of corn with the corn liquid. Cook the mixture until nearly all of the water has boiled out. Add the pepper and pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Recipe courtesy of easyearth.com

POCKET ONE-DERS Here's a wonderful method for campfire cooking which is simple, versatile and doesn't even require cookware or a grill.

All you need is some heavy-duty tin foil.

Tear off a 12" sheet of foil and fold it back over your fist, making a "pocket". Roll the sides in a few turns so the pocket is only open at the top, and roll a turn or two up from the bottom for extra strength. The pocket needs to be leak-proof, and formed well enough to withstand cooking directly in the coals. If your foil is thin, you may need two layers.

Start by lining the bottom of the pocket with thin slices of lemon. This helps keep the food contents from burning, and imparts flavor to the meal. Chop potatoes and carrots (cut small enough to cook all the way without overcooking everything else), tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, onions, green beans, etc. and stuff the pockets. Add garlic, salt and pepper, olive oil, and a dash of cayenne. Add 1/4 cup of beer or water, fold the top edges of the pocket closed and set directly into the hot coals....it takes anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how everything's cut. All the veggies slow roast in their own juices!

Recipe courtesy of easyearth.com SIMPLE APPLE-SWEET DESSERT Make a hole in an apple, so the seeds are gone. Put apple on top of a piece of tinfoil.

Then mix some sugar with cinnamon. Pour the cinnamon mixture into the hole in the apple. The tinfoil prevents it from running away. Then wrap the tinfoil around the apple.

Put it for 10-15 minutes in the fire: Result: a nice soft apple-sauce in an apple skin!!

Recipe courtesy of easyearth.com

CAMPFIRE CONES 1 ice cream cone (sugar or regular cone) per person Suggested toppings: Chocolate chips Butterscotch morsels White chocolate morsels Walnuts, Peanuts or Almonds Toffee pieces Mini marshmallows Brown sugar Coconut Cocoa nibs (raw chocolate) Banana pieces or Dried fruit Fill each cone with the toppings of your choice. Wrap in two layers of tip foil covering the entire cone.Place wrapped cone in coals or on grill. Cook 5-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes.

Remove from coals/grill and slowly upward while holding cone upright.

Recipe courtesy of cookingbright.com DINNER IN A CAN (GIRLS SCOUTS WAY) 1 thin boneless pork chop per person baby carrots potatoes (red so you don't have to peel) onions little bit of oil and butter Coffee can tin foil Wash all the vegetables. Clean the coffee cans thoroughly, then put a little bit of butter/oil in the bottom of each can.

Brown each pork chop over the fire in the cans. After each pork chop is browned, put 1-2(depending on the size) in the bottom of each can. Add baby carrots, diced potatoes,

and onions. Put a little bit of butter in each can, cover with foil then place it in the fire(coals) for about 20-40 minutes.

Stirring every now and then.

Variations/Hints: Probably the first time you do it you will mess up, but it is not really hard. Don't forget the onions because the moisture in the onions helps keep the meat moist.

Recipe courtesy of quietjourney.com DRY RUBBED GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS Dry rub ingredients: (for 4 chicken breasts) 2 T Dry Rosemary 2 T Dry Thyme 2 T Cracked Black Pepper 2 T Dry flaked Basil 1 T Garlic Powder 1/2 c Grated Parmesan Cheese *1/2 c Lemon juice Prep instructions: Mix all dry ingredients until well blended. Pour lemon juice into shallow bowl or plate to dip chicken Lightly score top and bottom of chicken breasts, then dip into lemon juice, then pat on a coating of the dry rub mix. Top and bottom of breast. Be generous with rub.

Cook 5-7 minutes per side (or until juices run clear) – Be careful not to overcook!

These breasts are great on Kaiser sandwich rolls too. Just wrap the bread in foil and heat them while the chicken breast are cooking.

The chicken breasts can also be cooked in a fry pan on a camp stove, but grilling gives the best flavor.

Recipe courtesy of campingwithgus.com

Community Market Homegrown & Homemade Goods Fresh Produce, Unique Art, Live Music, Local and Handmade Crafts and More!

Open May 23rd Saturdays 8-12 Downtown Russellville West “C” Street (near the Depot) May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

23

HOME GENERATORS Durable, reliable and powerful.

These generators are meant to get you through power outages, blizzards and everything in between.

Griffin Electric Heat & Air, Inc. SALES AND SERVICE 2605 S. Knoxville • Russellville (479) 968-8555 • (877) 373-2855 Jay & Dennis Griffin • License #122314

Colorful plants for Mother's Day and Everyday!

Taylor Nursery 130 S Cumberland • 479-968-2778

15 Years

in the River Valley

KNIFE LAKE PETE'S CORNMEAL FISH FRY 1.5 c fine ground cornmeal 1 heaping T paprika 1 level T black pepper 1 level T garlic powder 1 tsp salt 1 brick of Crisco shortening (butter flavored) Mix the dry ingredients in a bag prior to going on trail. Fillet your fish and pat them semi-dry. Roll each fillet in the cornmeal mixture prior to frying.

Heat the brick of Crisco in the pan so it is nice and hot. Fry the coated fish in the grease and enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of quietjourney.com TACOS IN A BAG 1 lb hamburger 6 small (single serving size) Doritos chips 1 pkg taco seasoning onion lettuce tomato shredded cheese taco sauce sour cream (if desired)

Dr. J. Dustin Bonds, D.D.S.

1919 West Main St., Russellville (479)880-2311 Most Insurances Accepted

24

Card

ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

Cook about 1 lb of hamburger, add taco seasoning packet. Chop up onion, lettuce, tomato (whatever you would normally eat on tacos). Crush chips in Dorito bag, open bag, add meat, veggies, cheese and sauce (sour cream if desired). Eat up! Clean up is easy…just burn or throw away your bags only washing is forks and frypan!!!

Recipe courtesy of lovetheoutdoors.com

CAMPFIRE SHEPHERD’S PIE 1/4 c onion, chopped 1/2 lbs ground beef 8 oz can of cream corn 8 oz can of corn 1 pkg powdered brown gravy 2 russet potatoes, peeled, boiled & mashed 1 Tsalted butter 1 splash of milk 1 T oil salt and pepper to taste Optional Toppings: Ketchup Hot sauce Cheese TOOLS Large Pot or Skillet Mixing Spoon Large Knife Cutting Board Tin Foil Can Opener Long Handle Tongs Stove + Campfire METHOD Heat up oil in skillet or pot over medium flame.

Add chopped onions and cook until they are translucent.

Add ground beef to onions and stir to mix evenly. Stirring occasionally, cook beef until no uncooked meat remains.

Add canned cream corn, corn and packet of brown gravy to beef and onion mixture and stir well.

Lower heat so that mixture gently simmers and is not burning on the bottom.

The mixture should eventually thicken up. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

FOIL PACKET ASSEMBY: Pull out 4 sheets of tin foil – about 12 inches long. Make sure you have a flat surface to work on.

Place 1/4 of mashed potatoes in the center. Use the your hands and mold the mash potatoes into a baked potato shape. Make a slit or hole in the middle of the potatoes.

Scoop about 4-5 tablespoons of meat and veggie filling into the center of the potatoes.

Hold the two long edges of foil and bring together in the center above the food. Fold or roll edges down creating a small lip – about 1/2 inch along the entire length of the foil. Make to sure to leave room between the food and the foil so heat can build up inside the packet.

Seal short edges by folding over the edges a few times – again make sure not to crowd the food inside the packet. Your foil packet should be tightly sealed and stay

BEST STEAKS

closed when you handle it.

Place on a bed of coals – preferably 2 inches thick – for about 15 minutes or until your campfire shepherd’s pie is nice and hot.

Recipe courtesy of dirtygourmet.com POCKET PIZZA Supplies needed: aluminum foil, campfire coals, long fire tongs 1 pkg pita bread 1 can spaghetti sauce 1 c grated cheese 1 pkg sliced pepperoni optional: sliced black olives, pineapple chunks, diced peppers, ...

Notes: Use precooked meat since you are just heating it up. Mark your own foil with a special fold so you know its yours.

INSTRUCTIONS: Cut each pita in half and spoon spaghetti sauce into pocket spreading it evenly.

Add cheese, pepperoni, and other toppings. Wrap in foil and place in coals.

Cook for a couple minutes, flip, and cook another two minutes.

Recipe courtesy of boyscouttrail.com

in the

RIVERVALLEY

DOWNTOWN: 104 North Denver | Russellville, AR 72801 Phone: (479) 967-0420 | www.fatdaddysbarbque.com

YELL COUNTY GIN COMPANY South 2nd St. • Dardanelle

479-229-4841

www.oldgintractors.com

“A Symbol of Trust since 1944”

201 North Arkansas Ave.

479-968-2929

www.PetersFamilyLiving.com May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

25

Mother's A MOTHER'S STORY Story by RYAN SMITH | Photos by RYAN SMITH & JOHNNY SAIN

T

he small white house is plopped down right behind the local Taco Bell. A wheelchair ramp leads up to the doorway and a smiling face waits behind the screen. Stephanie Tanner, known inside this house as mom, and her assistants Melissa and Haley are welcoming and kind, but on guard—they have to be.

Mark, 22, is on the couch in the fetal position napping.

Carson, 12, claps incessantly and searches the room with dimmed eyes, mouth agape. A.J., 10, is sick and home today from school, a place Carson will never get to go. Kaelin, 18, is a junior at Russellville High School and the only Tanner child to have once been pen pals with Russellville native and NFL kicker Zach Hocker.

Reagan, 17, and 14-year-old Maali are out and about today. Allie was 7 when she died of complications from the flu. Charlie is 4 now and has enough energy to wear down mom and her helpers.

These are Stephanie’s children. The couple's only biological child is Charlie. Their other children came from across the country—California, Kentucky, New York, Texas—but their home and family is here.

The sum of their stories creates the meaning of Stephanie’s life.

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ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

KAELIN’S story...

“I got my degree in English from Sam Houston State in Huntsville—that’s where the state prison is in Texas, but I swear I was at the college—and worked as a case manager for Friendship Community Care,” Stephanie says.

“My plan was to work there a few years and then go off to grad school. Well, that was 23 years and eight kids ago.”

At 27, she began to question the necessity of having a “traditional family.” Her father was a Southern Baptist minister and she says they moved often and always had foster children, foreign exchange students and the occasional live-in uncle or aunt staying with them. She has always been used to the idea of family being what you make it. So she set out to make her own.

“My knight in shining armor hadn’t ridden up yet, so I began to adopt,” she says. “I flew to California to get Kaelin. He has Prader–Willi syndrome, which means he has behavioral issues and chronic hunger that disallows him from knowing when to stop eating.”

She says Kaelin is a typical teenager because her IQ has dropped significantly in his mind, which is fine with her as long as he says sir and ma’am when appropriate. His behavior has improved with age and been noticed and commended by those who interact with him.

“Last night I cried and cried because I was told Kaelin would receive the Cyclone Achievement Award for character, and I think it’s his being able to adapt so well that earned him this,” she says. “If I make this world a more accepting place because of how I raise my kids, I’m happy."

REAGAN’S story...

Eight months later, Reagan, a baby with downs syndrome, was born. Stephanie adopted her, and at 3 years old her heart was failing. She would either get a new heart or die.

“Doctors told me she wouldn’t get a transplant because of her condition,” she says. “I told them she has to be listed; she deserves a chance.”

After Reagan’s story was told in The Courier, people started reaching out.

Former Sen. Tim Hutchinson contacted a Washington liaison who said no one could be denied based on a diagnosis, and in 2001 Reagan received her transplant heart.

“This year will be her 14th anniversary with a new heart,” she says. “They say most hearts are good for 10-12 years, so anytime I go to the transplant clinic they could tell me her heart is going bad. I drive her crazy, listening to her heartbeat with the stethoscope all the time. I get up every day and am so thankful everyone is still here.”

MARK’S story...

Stephanie adopted Mark, who has downs syndrome and autism, at the age of 6. Three years ago, Mark needed a tracheotomy and a feeding tube, but doctors did not want to operate because of his condition and lowfunctioning level.

“I told them to let me worry about his condition,” she says. “After the surgery he’s been doing great, so they’ve trached at least two other people with his level of ability.

My son has served a greater purpose.”

Although Mark is nonverbal and cannot express what that purpose is, his mom still derives meaning from his every move.

“He’ll put his fist to his chin, and I’ll always say ‘Oh! He’s thinking,’” she says.

“Then people will ask how I know what he’s thinking, and I tell them I don’t, but I give what they do meaning and it blossoms from there.”

During her most recent hospital visit with Mark, doctors asked her when she’d stop trying to save him. She’ll never stop.

ALLIE’S story...

Allie came after Mark, but she didn’t stay with her mom long. She was born with a brain stem injury and died in 2008, a few days after a tornado tore through Atkins.

At this moment, Stephanie turns to A.J. who is still in the corner painlessly tearing out gobs of hair and asks where his sister went, other than heaven. “Duke,” he says.

Allie’s body was sent to Duke University for medical research, so accordingly her brothers and sisters became devoted Blue Devil fans.

“When Duke was playing in March Madness, they all were cheering and screaming, ‘I have a sister that goes there!’” she says.

This is the meaning she gives to her kids’ lives, which is multiplied and given back to her every day. An otherwise meaningless Duke National Championship win becomes a family’s rally cry, a requiem celebrating Allie.

“I can’t remember a time without my kids; I’d give any second of my life to have Allie back,” she says.

MAALI’S story...

It’s pronounced like Molly, but uses the Russian spelling, which means precious, instead of the English spelling, which means bitter. They gave her this name to remind people abuse and neglect as an infant caused her health problems, not her own choosing.

“She was 17 months old when I got her, and she never cried,” Stephanie says. “I promised her as soon as I put her in my car that there’s nothing she could do to make me not love her.”

Maali has Prader-Willi syndrome and is extremely maladaptive and self-injurious.

Stephanie has had to make a rule that if Maali removes her own tooth, the tooth fairy won’t give her any money.

At the mention of the word tooth, A.J. raises his head and says, “Look out, Maali.

Bite. Bite.” Mom laughs and says everyone in the house knows Maali’s a biter, so you better look out.

Prader-Willi makes her unable to feel pain, and this combined with self-harming has had devastating effects.

“A year and a half ago she opened up her entire back with her fingers all the way to her knuckles,” she says. “When I walked in she just said ‘Look Mom!’ Professionals have told me I should put her in patient care somewhere, but as long as I can provide her with the tools she needs, I’m not doing that.”

Stephanie has kept her promise to her daughter. >> May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

27

CARSON’S story...

When Stephanie got a call about a baby in Kentucky who was medically involved and rife with complexities, she again opened a place in her heart and home.

Carson has CHARGE syndrome. He’s blind, deaf, has heart and kidney problems and brain anomalies.

“Carson’s not supposed to do anything,” she says. “The neonatologist actually turned off life support and said he wasn’t

as I was. My kids are always doing things doctors said they never would because I believe in them.”

A.J.—AIDEN JOON’S story...

As with Kaelin and Maali, A.J. has Prader-Willi. When Stephanie advocated for other prospective parents to adopt kids with the syndrome, the agency in New York asked her to become mom to a seventh child, 8-month-old A.J.

“If tomorrow someone out there has a brighter day after interacting with my kids, I’ve done what I’m supposed to do. That’s my job because they’re my babies.” worth it. But Carson is the happiest guy in the world. He doesn’t like the word no and is as ornery as all get out, but he brings great joy to all of our lives.”

With the help of an in-home teacher, Carson can now say holler, hi, momma, dada and hallelujah. When he wants to go somewhere, he’ll grab your hand and lead you to the door. Because of coloboma he’s missing the center of his eyeballs and has no spatial awareness, but he’s learned to use his peripheral vision and often climbs to the tops of shelves for a thrill.

His mom began to notice he was identifying cause and effect, a skill doctors said he would never acquire. As a test, after he had spilled the dog’s water bowl, she took his favorite stuffed animal, Bear Bear, and put it away in her room. In retaliation, Carson threw her diet coke as hard as he could at the ground.

“I couldn’t even be mad because I was so excited he made that connection,” she says. “The neurologist was just as excited

Children - Adolescents - Adults - Couples - Families

Heather R. McConnell, M.A. Licensed Professional Counselor

500 W. Main St., Suite 304 Russellville, AR 479.747.1587 www.heatherrmcconnell-lpc.com

28

ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

“He has grown into a very interesting young man,” she says. “He’s very talented with computers, phones and puzzles.”

She points to the top of his head, sparsely covered with dark hair, most of which he has removed by hand, and says he has trichotillomania, a disorder causing him to pull out his hair.

“The hairstyle is of his own design,” she says. “He feels very little pain, but it’s nerve racking, and I have to always be aware of what each kid is doing. Sometimes it gets the best of me.”

Melissa interjects now saying, “There is nothing in the world that could make me go without a full night’s sleep.

Stephanie never gets a full night’s sleep.

She’s up at 10, 11, 1, and 3. She does kid checks all night long.”

Stephanie only smiles and says, “I’m two steps from heaven every day. I’m no different than any mom out there.

I chose these guys, but God brought them to me.”

CHARLIE’S story...

“After A.J., I decided to give my conservative Southern Baptist parents a heart attack and go on EHarmony, where I met my husband Robert,” she says.

“We’ve been married nine years and we had Charlie, my only biological child, four years ago.”

She says her comfort zone and skill set is in special needs kids, so Charlie has been a new and challenging experience for her.

“Last night after he had been through a full day of preschool, an hour of dance and an hour of his brother’s basketball game, he came home and was spinning in a chair. We wonder if he’ll ever run out of energy.”

She says Robert calls himself the voice of reason because if it were not for him, she’d probably have even more kids. He’s probably right.

MOM’S story...

Stephanie says she feels like people who aren’t close with her don’t understand why she chooses to live the way she does.

“If tomorrow someone out there has a brighter day after interacting with my kids, I’ve done what I’m supposed to do,” she says. “That’s my job because they’re my babies.”

But she also says her selfless drive is fueled by wanting to know what makes each person tick, because “every little thing about you is what makes you you.”

She knows who all of her children are.

Her adoration and compassion toward each son and daughter helps them to become the best version of themselves, the hope and prayer of every mom. l

Tourof Homes 2015

VISITING HOMES OF YESTER-YEAR SUNDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 31 Drop in for a casual tour of the turn-of-the-century Belle Helene Bess House, at 214 E. 5th Street in Russellville, any time from 2-4pm.

After viewing the Bess House, tour Potts Inn Museum and the Falls & Sinclair Mercantile, both in Historic Downtown Pottsville, from 4-6pm.

Refreshments will be served at the museum.

TICKETS ARE $25 PER PERSON IN ADVANCE, $30 AT THE DOOR. Please call 479-858-9272 or email pottsinn@gmail.com for more information.

This event is hosted by the Pope County Historic Foundation. Proceeds will be used for renovations.

May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

29

IN

RUSSVEGAS ARKANSAS 13.1

30

ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

...continued from page 19 Included in the count are 254 individuals who registered during the first hour of the drive from 9-10 p.m. Tuesday.

Preliminary indications are that Arkansas Tech established a new world record for most people registered with Be The Match during a one-hour period.

Arkansas Tech faculty members Dr. Julie Mikles-Schluterman, associate professor of sociology, and Dr. Jason Warnick, associate professor of psychology, coordinated the drive.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for the hard work and support shown for the 24-hour bone marrow registry drive,” wrote Warnick in a Facebook post shortly after the event concluded.

“ATU will now hold the world record for most registrants to the national bone marrow registry in one hour. We also have the distinction of registering 1,696 people in 24 hours. If this doesn’t make you believe that ATU is a special place, nothing will.”

Statistics from Be The Match state that approximately one in every 540 people who register with Be The Match are called upon to be donors. With that number in mind, approximately three lives could be saved by the efforts of those involved in the Arkansas Tech Be The Match drive.

Six-time and four-division world boxing champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero attended the drive and helped raise awareness alongside his wife, Casey Guerrero. She is a cancer survivor and a recipient of a bone marrow transplant from the Be The Match registry.

“I have never in my life been more proud of something,” wrote Arkansas Tech student Kaylynn Newhard on her Facebook page when the event was over. “This has been the best 24 hours of no sleep ever. 1,696 people joined the bone marrow registry in the past 24 hours. Julie Mikles-Schluterman and Jason Warnick, you two are superheroes along with all the other amazing staff in my department. I’m so lucky to be learning from such exceptional, inspirational, brilliant people.” l

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May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

31

ABOUT...the River Valley | Backyard Living

Read more from Jill at www.journeywithjill.net

I want to dig the hole, Mommy!

Story & Photo by JILL MCSHEEHY

My daughter wasn't content to simply watch me set out the next tomato transplant. Eying my fouryear-old closely, I gave her the shovel. I watched as she methodically dug each scoop until she asked, "Is this enough?" Then, she grabbed the bag of crushed egg shells from our chickens' eggs.

"You put the stinky fertilizer in, and I'll put the egg shells in," she bossed. I tried to explain that the "fertilizer" was stinky because it was organic but I didn't go into details on the contents. After our handfuls of fertilizer and egg shells, she grabbed the Go Diego Go watering can (her brother's) and filled the hole halfway with water.

Next, I removed the tomato transplant that we had been growing from seed. She insisted again, "I want to put it in!" I hesitated, knowing one slip and I'd lose the plant I'd nurtured since January.

But I let her, and she placed it carefully in the hole. I filled in the hole with dirt, and as she handed me a section of empty toilet paper roll, she asked why we wrap it around the base. "To prevent cutworms from eating through the stem." I said. "But I thought worms were good for the garden," she replied. Impressed that she recalled that information, I explained that most of them were good but some weren't. Finally, we watered one last time and placed the popsicle stick labeled "Beefsteak" next to the plant and went on to the next one.

I savored the memories Alyssa and I made that day. I also began thinking about how I learned to transplant. My mom taught me when I was a little girl. I learned to water the hole before the 32

ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

plant goes in, and water it once it's planted. While I didn't take to gardening at an early age like Alyssa has, I remembered those moments with my mom and watching her for years afterward.

I've come to learn since I began my gardening adventure two years ago that growing food and flowers is one thing that truly brings people together.

For example, in February Alyssa and I attended The Arkansas Flower and Garden show in Little Rock. I found myself at the booth of the White Harvest Seed Company looking at a weeding hoe and some heirloom seeds. The man from the booth and I spent about ten minutes talking, as he explained the best hoe for my needs and helped me choose the seeds I wanted. His booth was the highlight of my trip; I enjoyed listening to his tips and knowledge. A short time later, walking with my hoe in my hand, an elderly gentleman stopped me and said, "That's a great hoe."

Just in that quick exchange, his experience assured me I had purchased the right one. (And the first time I used it, I knew he was right!)

I've gained so much insight, as a new gardener, from those with years of gardening experience behind them. But just recently,

a young friend in my church came up to me, excited that she and her husband had just bought their first home. She asked me for tips as they start their first garden together. We chatted a bit over her hopes and I gave her quick suggestions as they begin.

Of course, with today's technology, the give-and-take in gardening wisdom isn't limited to our own neighborhoods.

Several months ago I met a woman from Washington, online, in my stage of life

"...growing food and flowers is one thing that truly brings people together. " who gardens and manages a homestead.

She and I enjoy trading stories of our gardens, our climates, and even our faith. I consider her a friend - a friend I wouldn't have made if it hadn't been for our common love of gardening.

Have you noticed that gardening has seemed to experience a resurgence in the past few years? I'm sure the reasons for this are plentiful, but one thing is certain.

It brings people together, from the youngest like my 4-year-old to the ones who have valuable hands-on experience to pass to the coming generations.

And I don't know about you, but if we've ever as a culture needed a common cause - a unifier - it's now. So perhaps we should all go pick up a shovel, dig in some dirt, swap some seeds, and trade stories. I have a feeling we'd find that we have more in common than we think. l

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Sometimes life holds an endless list of challenges.

Until you discover an ABUNDANCE of SOLUTIONS. If you have questions about senior living, we have answers. Aging is often difficult with a seemingly endless number of decisions and changes.

Let us offer simple solutions. We’ll share with you information on your many options and offer a helping hand to assist you on your journey.

For more information, contact (479) 890-6709 or mindy.brigance@brookdale.com

Open House on May 7th from 10am to 2pm!

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15th Annual Rummage

’Round the Rails WHAT: Huge Rummage Sale!

WHEN: May 29 & 30; 8am–1pm WHERE: Russellville Depot 320 West C Street

EXCELLENCE G U A R A N T E E D

All items are half-price on Saturday!

To donate items contact Frances Parker at 479-747-3360. All donations are tax deductible.

For more information contact the Depot at 479-967-1437

1903 S. ARKANSAS • (479) 968-3991

May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

33

ABOUT...the River Valley | Community Commerce

“Behind every small business, there's a story worth knowing. All the corner shops in our towns and cities, the restaurants, cleaners, gyms, hair salons, hardware stores - these did not come out of nowhere.”

– PAUL RYAN

D&R Paints 905 E. Main St., Russellville, AR | (479) 968-7071 1003 S. Rogers Ave., Clarksville, AR | (479) 754-7075 www.d-r-paint.com Story and Photos by EMILY LANGFORD

Many times, on the exterior, a successful business can appear like it has been fancied by luck or good fortune, when in reality, literal sweat, blood and tears are what have built a viable and sustainable livelihood.

That very truth has been the heartbeat and ideology behind D&R Paints in Russellville for 29 years.

After his father bought the business in 1986, Chad Freyaldenhoven, second generation entrepreneur and owner of D&R Paints, found himself working in the family business throughout high school and college. Inevitably, he developed a genuine connection to the store, and an understanding of how everything was managed. Nearly a lifetime of working for his dad led up to Freyaldenhoven’s purchase of the business and all of its assets in June of 2006.

D&R Paints specializes in residential, commercial and industrial paint, offering full lines of paint, stains and coatings including PPG Pittsburgh Paints, Devoe Paints, PPG Protective and Marine Coatings, PPG High Performance Coatings, Devoe High Performance Coatings and Sikkens Wood Finishes.

In March of 2008, business was doing well and opportunity knocked, leading to the expansion of D&R Paints into Clarksville.

“We heard there was a paint store closing in Clarksville, and we made an offer to them. After our offer was declined, we decided to just open our own,” recalled Freyaldenhoven.

With just one employee in Russellville and one man running the store in Clarksville, hard work is not a foreign concept for the men of D&R Paints. “When I say we work for a living, I really mean it.

We have mouths to feed,” said Freyaldenhoven.

34

ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

With nine sources in Russellville to buy paint from, it can be hard to narrow down where to give your business. “This is a technical process, and when you work with us, I am confident we can not only sell you the materials that are going to be the best for your project, we can answer your questions on application from start to finish,” said Freyaldenhoven.

“I like being in a small town like this because your sales are much more personal. You could not pay me to move to a big town,” added Freyaldenhoven.

With seasons changing, Freyaldenhoven has several tips and tricks for your spring and summer projects.

1. DO NOT SKIP PREPARATION Whether you are painting the exterior or interior of your home, do not forget to clean the surface (pressure wash) 2. WAIT UNTIL THE TIME IS RIGHT Once summer rolls around, make sure not to paint in the early morning or at dusk, as humidity is highest at these times and lessens the effect of coatings.

3. KEEP IT CLEAN “Most people do not think about giving their home a bath, especially on the outside, but it is important to do this once a year,” said Freyaldenhoven 4. USE QUALITY MATERIALS “I will be honest; sometimes people come in and wonder why some of our paints are not cheaper than our competitors, and it is because I will only carry good quality materials. From the paint you use, down to the brushes, investing in better materials keeps you from having to paint and touch up so often,” explained Freyaldenhoven.

“We are always happy to answer any questions, and also have permanent color records on our customers,” said Freyaldenhoven.

D&R Paints is located at 905 E Main St in Russellville, and their Clarksville location calls 1003 S. Rogers home. The Russellville location can be reached at (479) 968-7071 and Clarksville at (479) 754-7075. l

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ABOUT...the River Valley | Outdoors

Read more from Johnny at www.aviewfromthebackroads.com

squirrel, bobcat, blue jay; all would suffer. Trees are that important for wildlife. If you want to provide more wildlife habitat, plant a tree.

Trees are large-scale air purifiers. They filter the air, primarily using carbon dioxide, and release oxygen into the atmosphere. That oxygen production thing is a pretty big deal. Almost every non-plant life form on Earth needs oxygen. A large, mature tree can produce as much oxygen in one growing season as 10 people inhale in a year. As Story & Photo by JOHNNY SAIN trees perform respiration they My friend wore a puzzled look on his face as I made a statement about oak intercept airborne particles and absorb such pollutants as carbon trees and the their place in the River Valley ecosystem. Then he asked what monoxide, sulfur dioxide and could be construed as a loaded question, "Have you turned into a treehugger?" nitrogen dioxide. This particle removal also helps lower air I thought about it for a few moments.” Well, I really like trees," I said. "If that temperature. If you want to improve air quality and makes me a treehugger, so be it." help cool the Earth, plant a tree.

Obviously, I am not a quick-witted man. I need lots of time to process my Trees protect our water supplies. Root systems thoughts adding and editing until they're somewhat coherent. This is exactly stabilize stream banks preventing erosion and why I'm a writer, not a speaker. But were I a quick-witted man, this would siltation. Trees can also filter out excess nutrients have been my response. from farm runoff preventing damaging algal blooms.

Let’s talk about trees. We take them for granted. Arkansans are blessed Sediment and out of control algal blooms are death with about 190 different species of trees in our state. Even our larger cities to many life forms in a stream. A tree-filled bank is are covered with trees. White oaks, red oaks, hickory, and pine dominate the essential to a streams health. If you want to protect highlands. Tupelo, water oak, willow, and cypress define our bottomlands. our streams, plant a tree.

We use trees to mark the seasons. The white blooms of the serviceberry in Trees are responsible for so many “behind the March tell us spring is almost here. As summer wanes, the flash of scarlet leaves scenes” actions supporting the rest of us on this on the black gum tell us autumn is right around the corner. Evergreens keep our planet that life as we know it could not exist without spirits up during the dreary dormancy of winter. Mature trees of all kinds make them. They do this even as we complain about leaves the hot summer days a little more bearable by giving us shade. clogging the gutter and sap on our shiny vehicles.

We use trees for heat, for building our homes, for growing food and the list Like too much money and too much fun, I don’t goes on. They increase the aesthetic value of anywhere they grow. They provide think there is such a thing as too many trees. From so many things we use on a regular basis, that civilization wouldn’t be possible the acorns that feed the whitetails I hunt, to the without them. But can we see the bigger picture of what trees provide for us? hickory that keeps me warm on a cold January Can we see the forest provided by the trees? night, to the pine that provided the framework for How many species of animals depend on trees? All of them. Nearly every my house — I owe a lot to trees. You do too. One terrestrial animal in Arkansas depends on trees. Sometimes they depend on of the other great things about trees is that they are trees directly as food, sometimes indirectly as food for prey, but they all a renewable resource and anybody can contribute to depend on trees as habitat. Trees are the foundation for wildlife in Arkansas this sustainability. Take a little time to think about forests. The oak borer infestation of the Ozarks, back in the 1990s, was nearly how important trees are to us, that trees are crucial a biodiversity disaster. Luckily, favorable conditions allowed the trees to to every life cycle in Arkansas. overcome the oak borers, but foresters agree we dodged a bullet. Losing the And, if you want to do something great for… well, oaks would drastically drop animal density in our forests. Deer, bear, turkey, everyone, plant a tree. l

Why I'm a Treehugger

36

ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

The Perfect

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Mike Smith & Margie Smith OWNERS

May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

37

On a Personal Note Country Boy in Costa Rica Guest Written by Otis Hibbard

At that moment we spotted the first crocodile.

Then the second and third.

No wonder we weren’t issued life jackets!

If you fell overboard there was no hope!

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.

38

With anticipation we flew into the Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica. Our first real vacation in five years.

Upon arrival, Susan kept pushing for an adventure tour. I canceled the whitewater rafting idea after reading all the restrictions including the requirement for top physical shape. Hearing about three men drowned on that excursion just the month before made my decision even easier. I was hoping a tranquil boat ride would satisfy my better half’s craving for adventure. A cruise along the Tempiski River should be a risk-free tour.

I felt a little nervous as our van parked next to a steep hill. The rickety bridge leading down to the boat meant one thing — unsafe. Where is OSHA when you need them? We scurried across the bridge — one person halfway across before another could start. The bridge couldn’t support the weight of two people at once.

Safely on the boat I relaxed. Our captain spoke English and Spanish, and, with only six passengers on the boat, I was delighted to have room to move around after a long and crowded flight. The bright sun was accompanied by a gentle breeze. Monkeys and birds called in the jungle. This country boy was living the high life. I smiled at Susan.

But my tranquility was interrupted as the captain announced that the river was home to saltwater crocodiles. Some reaching 21 feet in length.

I had watched a program on National Geographic about saltwater crocodiles. They can pull a 1,200 pound bull underwater. Don’t worry, captain, you don’t have to tell me not to dangle my feet over the side of the boat.

Then a fellow passenger with broken English announced that part of Jurassic Park was filmed on this river. Jurassic Park is one of my favorite movies but at that moment I felt uneasy and my brain was crossing into survival mode. Bliss and tranquility were fading.

The captain warned us about splashing in the water: “A crocodile will view you as a food source … They’re drawn to vibration from movement…

A crocodile has the biting power of a T-Rex…” At this point, I wished the captain would start speaking Spanish.

No more drinks for me. No way would I relieve myself over the side of this boat. I knew that

ABOUT...the River Valley | May 2015

once I broke water a crocodile would be latched between my loins. At that moment we spotted the first crocodile. Then the second and third.

No wonder we weren’t issued life jackets! If you fell overboard there was no hope. My longing for adventure was fulfilled. Get me to land, brother!

Or get me a 12-gauge shotgun!

The captain kept the boat moving. After a few minutes he maneuvered to a steep bank and whispered, “white-faced monkeys.”

I forgot about crocodiles.

Unfortunately, I have a fear of monkeys.

Frankly, I don’t trust them. To me, they’re always on edge, on crack or acting as if it’s their first day to be tobacco-free. In high school I worked at a pet shop and we had a monkey get loose. They can be aggressive once free of the cage. One of the largest monkeys jumped onto our boat, hurdled over the seats and landed on my lap. Oh happy day! Was it too late to ask for a refund?

Here I was sitting with an unsanitary creature from the jungle standing on my legs. It was about a hand’s length from my face staring into my eyes.

I was going to smile to break the tension.

“Don’t smile or show your teeth! That’s an act of aggression to a monkey,” said the captain. “It will bite you in the face!”

At least I won’t have to worry about taking a leak over the side of this boat. I am about to go in my khaki shorts right now.

Our eyes locked. It was as if this jungle freak could see right through me. I tried to convey compassion with my mind. Then, his eyes shifted to the right. Slowly, the monkey reached toward our backpack. He was sporting a smirk. I thought about pushing him overboard. I can see the headline now: “Arkansas tourist throws protected white-faced monkey to saltwater crocodiles in Costa Rica!”

Sorry, Mom. Lucky for me, a tourist from Wales screamed and the primate lunged off my lap to investigate.

Thank you, Jesus.

After several more mild encounters, we headed back to land. Hallelujah. This time crossing the two-man bridge took on new meaning with saltwater crocs below. I am not Harrison Ford. He made several million dollars and had a stunt man.

I am a simple country boy who only wanted to go back to my bungalow.

When our feet left the bridge we sighed with relief. Maybe we’ll just spend tomorrow at the pool drinking that delightful Costa Rican coffee.

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.)

~ May 2 ~

Mary Caughman & Jordan Baumberger Hanah Winton & Chase Peek

~ May 9 ~

Megan Hale & Cody Campbell Jessica Roper & Jeffrey Powell

~ May 11 ~

Carling Futterer & Brandon Smith

~ May16 ~

Abbey Darnell & Kyler Lee Jami Hoyt & Mitch Wilson Dawn Thomen & Ryan Timmons

~ May 23 ~

Hanna Crane & Kurtis Kulbeth Jessica Virden & Dillon Hickman

~ May 30 ~

Brooke Flippo & Colton Williams Mallory Selman & Dale Shanek Alyssa Shaw & Matt Bradley Melanie Sorrells & David Cooke Natalie Trower & Matthew Greenfield

~ June 5 ~

Cayce Connolly & Corey Cloud

~ June 6 ~

Taylor Eshnaur & Joshua Willis Alyson Frost & Ryan Ragsdale Megan Pearce & Richard Conrad Audrey Rye and Kyle Spann Lauren Sisson & Caleb Powers Lori Southard & Casey Childress

~ June 12 ~

Loren Duvall & Dayton Keathley

~ June 13 ~

Alisha Sears & Braden Carson Kelli Couch & Mark Jelks Cheyenne Porter & Behnum Ahrabli Bailey Vaughn & Josh Hambuchen

~ June 20 ~

Stephanie Barnhill & Aaron McElroy Miranda Bradford & Joey Potts Rachel Jackson & Cade Richards

~ June 27 ~

Lindsey Branham & Matt Williams

~ July 4 ~

Colleen Lloyd & Keith Eddy

~ July 10 ~

Katy Yerina & Brandon Brockinton

Photo by Benita's Photography

~ July 18 ~

Morgan Newton & Clay Ramey Susan Taylor & Josh Falls

~ July 25 ~

Abby Alford & Seth Jones Calesta Halbert & Nicholas Tarte

~ July 26 ~

Shirley Carr & Brandon Wade

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.

Because Mom makes it Best!

Great gift ideas for the Mom who does it all!

407 N. ARKANSAS AVE, CITY MALL RUSSELLVILLE • (479) 280-1933

Now open in our new home in the former Copper Pig at the City Mall

City Mall • Russellville • (479)968-3001 May 2015 | ABOUT...the River Valley

39

Heart Stories from Home Katharine Buford | Cardiac Cath Patient

FORTUNATELY, THE BEST CARE FOR HER HEART WAS JUST MINUTES AWAY. When Katharine Buford experienced sudden

time I saw Dr. Ahmed Athar and his team, I

chest pains last winter she was concerned that

immediately felt at peace,” she said. Time is

her choices for immediate cardiac care might

muscle where the hear t is concerned, so Dr.

be limited. An ambulance arrived and whisked

Athar and the cardiac team began treatment

her over ice-covered roads to a small area

upon Katharine’s arrival. In the catheterization

hospital where she could be stabilized. There,

lab, two stents were inserted to restore blood

the ER team evaluated Katharine’s condition

flow to her heart. Today, Katharine is enjoying

and she was quickly transported just minutes

a full recovery and stays active by taking daily

away to Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

walks and playing with her grandchildren. “I’m

Here Katharine could receive the potentially

proof that exceptional care is delivered here in

life-saving cardiac care she needed. “The first

Russellville,” Katharine said.

REGIONAL

HEALTH

SYSTEM

1808 West Main | Russellville, AR | 479-968-2841 | saintmarysregional.com