ABOUT | May 2010

Evans To Chair Relay For Life

MAY 2010

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

$

2.50 Value

May 2010

ABOUT...the River Valley | 3

May 2010

table of

contents

14

20

7 Talk ABOUT...the Best Cooks

18 Round-ball Coach Retires

8 Experience Teaches

20 ABOUT...Recipe Contest

A dozen area cooks converged on the Russellville Depot like a storm for ABOUT Magazine’s second-annual Best Cooks’ Recipe Contest. Most cooks were new to the contest, two returned from last year, but all were excited.

14 Cowboy Country

Bobby Hurley retired from the professional rodeo circuit in 2002 after qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo 15 out of his 18 years as a pro and winning two World Championships in team roping.

24 Successful Symphony

ABOUTour Cover Photo by Steve Newby

Jeania Standridge Evans, a second grade teacher

29 26 Saint Mary’s Celebrates

Service Auxiliary In Action

29 Hawaiian ‘Paradise’

An excited group of Tech Travel companions, embarked on a 10-day tropical Hawaiian Adventure, and a three island-tour of Oahu, Kauai and Maui, in early February.

30 Engagements Our Associates

Melanie Conley

ad ve r t i s i n g

479.858.2708

Vonna

Marpel

ad ve r t i s i n g

479.970.4263

at Center Valley Elementary, will represent the

American Cancer Society as honorary chairperson for the 2010 Relay for Life of Pope and Yell

Counties. Jeania’s niece, Lakin Standridge, a

fourth grader at Center Valley, has been the top

student in collecting money for Relay for Life in

Kechia

Steve

Bentley

Newby

columnist

ph o t o g r a phy

479.264.0783

479.880.1006

memory of her grandfather and step-grandfather,

and to honor her aunt when Jeania was diagnosed with cancer. Please read “Experience Teaches” beginning on page 8.

Cliff

Zimmerman

illustrator

l ayo u t / d e s i g n

479.890.3630

4 | ABOUT...the River Valley

Chris

Thomas

479.264.2438

May 2010

Picklefest May 14-15

community

First observed in 1992, Picklefest celebrates the heritage of Atkins, Ark., with a variety of events celebrating the pickle. Held annually on the third weekend of May, this year’s 20th annual event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 14-15. Arrive a day early and, on May 13th, see the crowning of Little Sweet Miss and Little Mr. Dill.

“Come out and participate in the pickle eating and juice drinking contests, arts and crafts booths, and food vendors with the famous fried pickles.” encourages committee member Sherry Reel. Also featured will be a tractor pull, rodeo and parade.

Atkins is believed to be the home of America’s only organized pickle juice drinking contest.

The 3,400-person town of Atkins “eats, drink and breathes pickles,” touted a popular festival promotional website, camels.com. Giving tribute to the town’s biggest resource, the former Atkins Pickle Company -- later Dean Pickle and Specialty Products Company and now the location of Atkins Prepared Foods -- the website says Atkins claims to be “the inventors of the deep fried pickle.” It’s one of the many street delicacies served during the fest, which has attracted some 10,000 tourists since its inception in 1992.

Atkins Pickle Company was the major industry in Atkins for more than 50 years and Picklefest organizers say the annual event keeps the legacy alive. Once dubbed the “Pickle Capital of the World.” Atkins is known as the home of the fried dill pickle.

“That pickle batter is a secret mixture,” believes Chuck Colflesh, former president of People for a Better Atkins. “I love dill pickles,” he admitted during a previous query. Chuck says. “You can buy one just about anywhere in this town.”

The public is invited to attend the fun, family-oriented event. Admission is free.

For additional information, contact Reel at (479) 890-6421.

CADDIS Spreads Awareness

Mayor Tyrone Williamson, Ken Richards of Reel Recovery and Jerry McKaughan, president of Central Arkansas CADDIS, visited recently at Lake Dardanelle Marina.

Richards stopped here recently to spread awareness of his organization and its mission of reaching men diagnosed with cancer through fly-fishing retreats. Richards is blogging his 800-mile journey floating the Arkansas River on justfishinguides.com.

For more information on the free retreats, log on to www.reelrecovery.org. To date, Reel Recovery, which offers retreats in several states, has ministered to 900 men battling cancer. The local CADDIS organization financially supports the cause.

CADDIS Fly Fishers in Russellville is associated with the Southern Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers. Members enjoy all types of fly fishing, both warm water and cold water. The organization supports various community fishing and wildlife-related initiatives.

The club is instrumental in establishing the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Family and Community Fishing Program in Russellville.

Meetings are the third Monday of each month at the Western Sizzlin’, 1105 East Main Street, Russellville, beginning at 7 p.m. (Arrive earlier if you wish to eat first.) A fly give away is often held at each meeting.

To participate, bring either two flies or $2.

At the end of the meeting, a lucky person gets the flies and the club gets the money.

The club is hosting a fly-tying seminar and possible fly casting instruction on May 1 at the Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center. Activities begin at 9 a.m. and end at 2 p.m.

Upcoming events include the 5th Annual Trout Day, planned for Dec. 4 and the group’s annual Christmas Chili cookoff is planned for 6:30 p.m., Dec. 20, at the Weigh in Station Lake Dardanelle State Park.

Moreland Pig Roast May 22

The public is invited to enjoy a Pig Roast beginning at 6 p.m. May 22, 2010, at the Moreland Fire Department. The department is located at 9425 SR 124 near Russellville.

The fundraising event will include lots of food and family fun, featuring live music by the Party Central Band. Donations will be accepted at the door.

The menu includes barbecue pork and chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, coleslaw, beans and cornbread, drinks and dessert. Those attending are asked to bring lawn chairs.

Moreland Volunteer Fired Department is a private company categorized under fire protection, local government and located in Russellville. Dave Davis is Moreland’s fire chief. n

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May 2010

ABOUT...the River Valley | 5

ABOUT the River Valley

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. V, Issue 4 – May 2010

OWNERS/EDITOR Nolan and Dianne Edwards editor@aboutrvmag.com

Advertising Sales Melanie Conley

melanie@aboutrvmag.com

Vonna Marpel

vonna@aboutrvmag.com

Graphic Design Chris Zimmerman

zimcreative@aboutrvmag.com

Writers Dianna Qualls

food@aboutrvmag.com

Kechia Bentley kechia@aboutrvmag.com

Connie Las Schneider connie@aboutrvmag.com

Christina Keaster christina@aboutrvmag.com

PhotographY Steve Newby stevenewbyphotography@aboutrvmag.com

Max Slaughter max@maxphotography.net

ILLUSTRATION Cliff Thomas maddsigntist@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.

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

A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

Over the past four years, we’ve been fortunate enough to have our pick of story ideas. Often subjects come as a result of other interviews – one story leads to another. Sometime a story idea ‘finds’ us. Our readers and advertisers are eager to mention topics that they feel would be of interest to our audience. And always, we strive to make our feature stories unique, original and inspiring.

My only regret is that we’re way behind in presenting all the topics and stories that have been suggested. We consider each idea on its own merit and try, in a timely manner, to gather the background and prepare a feature befitting of the subject. Unfortunately, we run out of pages each month long before we run out of ideas! (If you suggested a story idea in the past, please be patient. We’re trying!)

Many years ago, when I first set out on the ‘regional magazine’ scene, I had someone ask me if I was worried about having something to feature in each month’s issue. ‘No,’ I replied, ‘that’s the ONLY thing I’m not worried about.” You see, over the past 30 years of my adult working life, I’ve come to realize that stories exist in every facet of our lives. We only need to look and listen.

I was reminded of those words again when I was asked recently to address a feature writing class taught by Dr. Alexis Nyandwi, Assistant Professor of Journalism for Arkansas Tech University’s Department of Speech, Theatre and Journalism.

A former co-worker, one often requested to speak to college students because of his sports-writing affiliation, once said that he believed if a person could listen well and could write well, they could succeed in whatever career to which they aspired. I shared that core statement with the class of students. It works well for those of us in our field of work, as it probably does for you in yours.

The students asked a few questions, prompted in the beginning by Dr. Nyandwi. As the hour drew on -- and any caffeine consumed prior to class began to kick in – they became more animated, sharing thoughts and ideas reflecting the technological difference between our two generations.

(Sigh... I was on the other side of the podium a few decades ago. Was it really me, standing there with graying hair, sharing tiny bits of sage wisdom with this young generation? Nah, must have been some alter ego. Surely it hasn’t been THAT long that I was sitting where they sat. And me, asked to offer ‘wisdom?’ Hmm.) Where they sat now was a grassy knoll when I was a Tech student. My feature writing was submitted via (gasp!) a typewriter! Today’s class was surrounded by technological advances amidst Ross Pendergraft Library that students of my day couldn’t even imagine.

How envious I became of them but how excited I became for them!

We shared thoughts and ideas about the change in print media that had occurred in both our lifetimes. They offered ideas involving social media and discussed their online usage regarding traditionally-printed material. The hour ended as quickly as it had begun and they dispersed. A few stragglers stayed behind offering examples of their work and their own welcomed bits of advice.

Later, as I was retelling the day’s experience to my husband, I realized that I was the one who had benefitted the most from my speaking engagement. As a small business owner, we share the same dilemmas as do other businesses these days.

We focus on taking care of the customer; we work hard to pay the bills. We struggle with staying ‘current,’ and occasionally, we even try to reinvent the wheel, sometimes.

In the end, it’s all the same.

We’re all just trying to ‘write our own story.’ Perhaps your chosen medium is still a pen and paper; maybe you’ve moved on to FaceBook and Twitter. Either way, keep writing!

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

6 | ABOUT...the River Valley

Dianne Edwards, Editor/Publisher

May 2010

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What’s Happening This Month...

May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31: West Side Singles, 6 p.m.; guest speakers, game nights, trips, activities.

205 N. Waco, 968-6565 or 970-4447.

May 7-8: YellFest, Riverfront Park, Dardanelle.

May 11: Transitions Bereavement Support Group, 10 a.m., Arkansas Hospice, 2405 E. Parkway; second Tues. of each month. Info: (479) 498-2050.

Talk ABOUT...the Best Cooks

This month’s editorial cartoon is a tribute to the dozen or so entrants in our recent ABOUT the Best Cooks Second Annual Recipe contest. The event, which drew nearly three dozen prepared dishes from the area’s best cooks, was held Saturday, April 10, at the Russellville Historic Downtown Depot. Proceeds from the day’s “Compete or Eat” event were designated for the Cyndie Parks Memorial Home for Girls in Dardanelle and the ATU Hospitality Scholarship Fund. For a $5 or $10 plate, members of the general public sampled the dishes prepared and submitted by cooks from the surrounding area.

“Cooking up a Storm” is a comical representation by illustrator Cliff Thomas celebrating our many entrants as they measured, scooped and stirred together some wonderful recipes for a blind taste test by our panel of judges. Making the final decisions about who ‘won’ each category was tough but fell upon the palates of our panel.

Many thanks to our participants, and to our event organizers – Dianna and Lloyd Qualls – and our associates: Melanie Conley, Vonna Marpel, Laura Edwards, Melissa Edwards, and Stephanie and Jesse Lane who assisted in the day’s activities. We’d also like to thank Becky May 2010

Lewis, ATU Hospitality student, who served during the event.

Ranking each sample on a variety of specific categories such as appearance, presentation, texture, consistency and taste, the judges selected winners in each category. Participants were able to submit as many entries as they desired in each of three categories – appetizers, breads and desserts.

We’d also like to express appreciation to our judges: Carolyn McGee, mayor of Dardanelle; Becki Bryson of Wildflower Retirement Residence; Danya Day of Main Street Russellville, Tommie Harms of Oak Tree Bistro, Vonna Marpel and Nolan Edwards. As ‘sweet’ as the job sounds, they will tell you it was a difficult assignment!

If you missed this year’s Best Cook’s recipe competition, why not practice your culinary skills in this fall’s Old Fashion Pie Contest held in conjunction with Downtown Russellville’s Fall Fest and Chili Cook-off the last Saturday in October? More information is available by calling (479) 967-1437.

For a complete listing of our winners and copies of their winning recipes, see page 20. Other recipes submitted for the contest will be included in future issues of ABOUT Magazine. n

May 13-15: 20th Annual Atkins Picklefest, Downtown Atkins. Free admission. Little Sweet Miss and Little Mr. Dill pageant, pickle-eating and juice-drinking contests, arts and crafts booth, food vendors, tractor pull, rodeo, parade and more.

Info: Sherry Reel, 890-6421.

May 15: Dance Party/CW Workshop, 7:30-10:30 p.m., $10 admission, dance lesson followed by open dancing; casual/dressy, reservations preferred. Call for details. (479) 968-1620, or website: DWJstudio.com.

May 19: Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon, noon, Savanah’s Riverfront Café; info: (479) 229-3328.

May 21: 6th Annual BIG Night of Golf, 3-man scramble, Russellville Country Club; sponsored by the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Arkansas. Info: (501) 336-9505.

May 21-22: Rummage ‘Round the Rails, Historic Russellville Depot, 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.; bargain hunters paradise. Main Street Russellville, (479) 967-1437. Donation, Frances Parker, (479) 747-3360 May 27: Community Bingo, seniors 55 and older invited; 2-3 p.m. 4th Thurs. of each month; door prizes, grand prize, refreshments; Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood, Russellville; 890-6709.

June 2: Russellville Symphony Guild Membership Brunch, home of Gretchen Douthit, 18 Rimrock Rd.; info: Linda Gifford (479) 880-2259 or Aldona Standridge (479) 968-4653.

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.

ABOUT...the River Valley | 7

Experience teaches

Russellville native Jeania Standridge Evans has been named Honorary Chair of the Relay for Life of Pope and Yell Counties 2010.

Jeania is a second grade teacher at Center Valley Elementary in Russellville. She has been teaching at Center Valley since it opened in the 1986-87 school year. Early in her career, Jeania taught at Sequoyah Elementary and London Elementary.

Story by Johnna Walker • Photos Courtesy of the Evans

8 | ABOUT...the River Valley

The staff at Center Valley has been involved in Relay for Life for several years. Their involvement began as a result of several teachers losing their fathers to cancer. The school was active in raising money for Relay for Life many years before Jeania was diagnosed with cancer. One of their main fund-raisers is Movie Night where for a $5 admission fee, Center Valley students can return to school on a Friday night and watch a movie.

In March 2007, Jeania was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. She had been experiencing some back problems and says that she is fortunate that Dr. Dennis Berner found the cancer right away. She began chemo-therapy treatments in April 2007 and underwent eight sessions which were completed in August 2007. A CT scan showed the disease was in remission.

In October 2007, tests showed that the cancer had returned.

Jeania knew that she would need a stem-cell transplant. Jeania and her family began discussing options. In December 2007, she arrived at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and met her new doctor and they discussed how to proceed with her treatments.

The stem-cell transplant procedure began for Jeania in February 2008. The procedure took two months. Jeania’s mother Jewel Simcox is semi-retired and her step-father Harry Simcox is retired, so they were able to stay with her full time in Nashville. Jeania’s husband of 28 years Jerry Evans traveled between Nashville and Russellville while continuing to work full time.

In February 2008, while running tests and scans for the upcoming transplant, doctors found that Jeania also had thyroid cancer. Since this type of cancer is slow growing, the doctors wanted to perform the stem-cell transplant first and address the thyroid cancer afterward.

May 2010

Jeania remained another month in Nashville following the transplant. She was only allowed to be in the hospital or in her apartment. Jerry continued to work full time and drove to Nashville on long weekends. Jewel and Harry cared for Jeania and attempted to keep the apartment as germ free as possible. Harry would even wear a mask to do the grocery shopping to keep from catching something at the grocery store

Jeania’s story is a story of strength, endurance and the power of strong beliefs and a positive attitude.

Jerry was in Nashville with Jeania when she received her stem-cells back. She was on the 11th floor of the medical center which is for cancer patients and has a special air filtering system. The Evans returned to Russellville on April 12, 2008.

Jeania had to wear a mask for the first 100 days after she returned home.

Jeania decided to journal her journey through the disease and has filled three spiral notebooks with her thoughts and feelings during that time.

Longtime friend Donna Jackson Bogan started a Caring Bridge page for Jeania where friends could check on her progress and send their messages of encouragement. Jerry would read the entries to Jeania while she was in the hospital. Donna continues to maintain the page.

Russellville native Laura Rogers Growden, who now lives in Nashville, would drop by to check on Jeania and brought dinner for the family many times. Jeania’s brother Greg Standridge and his wife Karen and their children drove to Nashville on their spring break to see her. >>

Luminaria Ceremony at Relay for Life A special luminaria ceremony will be held during the Relay for Life of Pope/Yell Counties at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 14.

The purpose of the ceremony is to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer, to celebrate the survivors of the disease and to recognize care-givers.

Individuals interested in purchasing a luminaria may complete the form and mail to the address shown on the form. Each luminaria candle is $5. Anyone desiring to make a luminaria donation should call Donna Hendrix at (479) 968-1306.

“Relay for Life is full of so many emotions, but they are really intense during this ceremony,” said Donna Hendrix, volunteer luminaria chair.

“It’s a beautiful tribute to those we remember who have lost their lives to cancer, a celebration of life for those who have survived cancer, and hopefully our love and support gives hope to those who are currently fighting this cruel disease.”

Relay for Life brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, churches and people from all walks of life.

Teams seek sponsorship prior to Relay, all with the goal of eliminating cancer. >>

Still Time to Form Relay For Life Teams

There is still time to form a team for the upcoming Relay for Life of Pope/Yell Counties. The event will be held on Friday, May 14 through Saturday, May 15 at Russellville High School Cyclone stadium.

“Having a team in Relay for Life is a great way to honor survivors, remember loved ones who have lost their battle and to fight back against cancer,” said Hugh Dorminy, event co-chair.

Groups or individuals interested in forming a team can contact Kayci Haberer at (479) 667-0482.

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 9

Survivors from Pope and Yell counties (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) will kick off the Relay for Life at 7:15 p.m. on May 14, with the official Survivors’ Lap. Then, the rest of the participants will join the fun.

The Relay will feature a Fight Back Ceremony in which a community leader will inspire Relay participants with his own commitment to tangibly battle cancer, and he will challenge them to take a personal pledge of action such as healthy eating, regular exercising and becoming tobacco free in an effort to fight back.

Information about forming a team, making a luminaria donation or walking in the Survivors’ Lap is available by calling Hugh Dorminy at (479) 7474734 or by visiting www.RelayforLife.org/pope.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research education, advocacy and service. To find out more about the American Cancer Society, call them at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Part of the time the family was in Nashville, they stayed at the Hope House which is free of charge and provided by the American Cancer Society. The Hope House at Vanderbilt is arranged like a college dormitory. It is the recipient of donations from professional football team owners and country music stars.

After Jeania’s return home in April 2008, she began to run a temperature. She was taken to a hospital in Little Rock and then back to Vanderbilt where she began a six-month course of steroids. By December 2008, Jeania’s blood work had returned to normal and she was cleared for the surgery to remove the thyroid cancer. She received the good news that the tumor was very small and there was no need for chemotherapy or radiation.

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Jeania and Jerry Evans with her mother and step-father, Jewel and Harry Simcox.

In March 2009, Jeania had a one-year check up that showed she was cancer free. She returned to teaching at Center Valley in August 2009.

Because of her illness, Jeania missed two full school years.

Her classroom had two permanent substitute teachers during that time. She said the administration and staff at Center Valley have been very supportive and encouraging to her during her illness.

Jeania returned to Vanderbilt in mid March of this year for her two year check up and she continues to be in remission.

Jeania said she is “excited to be named the Honorary Chair for Relay for Life. I have been active in Relay for a while with the school, but had to think about it a little before I said yes.”

Jeania’s story is a story of strength, endurance and the power of strong beliefs and a positive attitude. It is a story that gives hope and encouragement to others. Jeania said that during this journey she has had “a great support team. I couldn’t have gotten through this without my faith, my family and my friends.”

To learn more about the Relay for Life of Pope and Yell Counties, contact Hugh Dorminy at (479) 747-4734. n

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, communitybased voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. To find out more about the American Cancer Society, call them at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

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10 | ABOUT...the River Valley

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May 2010

Join your community in the fight against cancer.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life will be held May 14 and 15, 2010 from 5:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Russellville High School Cyclone Stadium.

At 9:00 PM, all participants will share in a special luminaria ceremony to remember those individuals who have been affected by cancer. Candles will be lit inside white bags and placed around the perimeter of the track. You are invited to support this effort by ordering a luminaria. Simply fill out the bottom of this form and mail your order to the address shown below, or drop

Luminaria Order Form Celebrate

Remember

Fight Back

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o

o

o

o

o

o

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Minimum Contribution: $5.00 • Copies of this form will be accepted.

Name of Person Being Recognized

Your Name

Acknowledgement Card Recipient/Address

Please mail this form and donation to:

Donna Hendrix American Cancer Society 220 West 10th Street Russellville, AR 72801

Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: Total amount enclosed: $

a completed form and your donation by the Russellville School District Administration Building.

For 2010, you may choose luminaria to be labeled Celebrate (in honor of survivors), Remember (in memory of those who lost the battle with cancer), or Fight Back (in recognition of those currently undergoing cancer treatment and/or caregivers of those with cancer).

For more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www. relayforlife.org/pope

Check: $

Cash: $

Please make checks payable to the American Cancer Society.

Thank you for your support. You are the key to fighting cancer!

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May 2010

ABOUT...the River Valley | 11

family

Story by Kechia Bentley | Photo by Steve Newby

Bentley Driving 101 For those of you who follow my column let me begin with a Facebook update: I am still not allowed to be “friends” with any of my boys. The quest continues.

On to the subject that has been near and dear to the heart of the Bentleys lately -- cars.

More specifically -- the mishaps with cars.

Being the mother of three boys you have no idea how much I really want to blame it all on their father, but I must confess that every defect in this area can be traced to their mother.

Every sheepishly expressed: “I didn’t know;” every defensively protested, “It really wasn’t my fault...” Every remorsefully explained: “I didn’t mean to” is a line taken from their mother’s playbook.

I, in turn, will blame this all on my grandfather, Joe Wheeler, better known as Ugly Joe of Wheeler’s Furniture and Hardware, Leachville, Arkansas. Back in the day – Papaw is 94-years-old – my grandfather was known for driving very fast.

I know I am not the only grandchild to have inherited this gene, but I may be the only one who has perfected it. Age and the fear of losing my “cho cho” money are beginning to slow me down a tad.

Yes, I will stop and explain “cho cho.”

Apparently this was some kind of ice cream treat at one time and Papaw would refer to speeding tickets as “losing his cho cho money.” Now if memory serves me correctly, I can only recall one time that my Papaw actually lost his “cho cho” money. All the other times, his being Mayor of Leachville, Constable of Leachville, Mississippi County Corium Court Member, Mississippi County Treasurer, and Honorary Arkansas State Trooper, have allowed him to keep his money.

Unfortunately his granddaughter and great-

grandsons are not very well connected so we keep losing our “cho cho” money. I like to look at it this way – we are doing our part to fund local municipalities and our state budget. It helps to put a positive spin on these things.

In the past week, the Bentleys have contributed $257 to various causes around the state. Yes, I was one of the offenders, to the tune of $120. My “failure to yield” resulted in my front bumper hitting the corner of a car. Our youngest made a $137 payment for following to close on the interstate. Hey, he wasn’t speeding, so that is good news. Well, good news to everyone but my husband.

You see, Donald has not had one speeding ticket in the 26 years I have known him - at least that is what he tells me.

But I have a vague memory of him getting one back when our kids were very young. I just can’t remember for sure, so if any of my friends remember would you please tell me.

It would be helpful information to have the next time one of us ‘delinquents’ is forced to endure the, “I have never……” lecture.

We have heard it quite a few times over the years so even I roll my eyes at this point.

Now understand the man has suffered greatly at the hands of his inept drivers.

The following is just a sampling of our many indiscretions.

Mom: Donald and I were engaged when I ran into the back of a car while I was painting my fingernails. I know, I know, really stupid.

Our first child had just been born when I took the side mirror off a truck with my car.

The really good one is when we were driving to Florida to see relatives and he told me I should slow down and I told him not to worry about it. I am not exaggerating when I tell you not one minute later I was being

pulled over! That is one of his favorite stories.

Oldest son: Was issued a citation for reckless driving on the interstate (driving more than 15 miles over the speed limit). Did you know that carries an automatic three days in jail penalty? Apparently the judge usually waves this, but if he doesn’t, you go to jail! It is also a fine of over $400. Ouch.

Middle son: Speeding ticket in the city of Russellville and speeding ticket from the small town of Pryor, Okla.

Youngest son: Speeding ticket, city of Russellville. He was cited for running a stop sign coming out of Picwood parking lot.

Really? Yes, really.

My husband’s biggest problem is that our boys seem bent on destroying their cars.

One has driven his through heavy brush, scratching it to ‘smithereens.’ Then later, he used the same car to push shopping carts around the Wal-Mart parking lot resulting in a broken headlight.

Another child decided to do a “James Bond” and slide across the hood of his car leaving a huge and very long scratch from a grommet on the backside of his jeans. He then precedes, at a later date, to back into a mailbox set on a steel pole, set in concrete.

To say the rear end of his car lost that battle would be an understatement.

And not be left out, yet another child drove down a dirt road, (after being told not to by his father) hit a rock, split open his transmission fluid pan and continued to drive until he had burned up the transmission.

I am sure many of you sympathize with my husband’s need to break out the, “I never lecture…” but I am just not in the mood. It was an accident! So, if anybody has any memory of that speeding ticket I think Donald might have received, please help me, otherwise, I will have to hear the whole lecture one more time! n

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Includes recipe box for your favorite dishes and matching apron for only $24. This will make a fabulous gift for the newly weds or anyone who loves to cook. Bridal registry available at Gifts on Parkway/Gifts on Rogers; 2149 E. Parkway, Russellville (479) 890-6932; 510 S. Rogers, Clarksville (479) 705-8282

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 13

cowboys

Story by Connie Las-Schneider Photos by Max Slaughter

Cowboy Country C

owboys on horseback once ruled cattle country in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and the western plains. These rough and tough wranglers kept livestock safe and the region’s economic wheels rolling into the early 20th century, when barbwire fences replaced the need for many cowboy skills.

Working cowboys today have swapped horses and saddles for four wheelers, cell phones and computers, but their legendary riding, roping, and shooting skills are still highly prized at rodeos, jackpots and futurities across the River Valley. Here, cowboys and cowgirls compete in everything from barrel racing, roping and bull riding to mounted shooter events.

Rodeos and related riding sports have spurred a multi-million dollar industry, with thousands of active participants. In the River Valley alone, competitive riding events occur almost weekly throughout the year, some with up to three hundred participants vying for the top spot in a single event.

While rodeos and related events are held in every state, Canada and Europe, the center of activity is “Rodeo country”, which includes Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona and California, said 2008 Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee, Bobby Hurley, whose family owns Hurley Ranch. Bobby Hurley retired from the professional rodeo circuit in 2002 after qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo 15 out of his 18 years as a pro and winning two World Championships in team roping.

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“Cowboy glamour is all on the outside,” said Hurley with his signature laugh. “Everything about rodeo work is hard on the body.

Cowboys have a lot of injuries. Most are lucky to still be walking when they get older. You break a lot of ankles and arms, get fingers cut off and things like that. There are a lot of wrecks, but that’s just part of rodeo,” said Hurley.

Many people think it is hard on the horses and cattle, but it’s a lot harder on the cowboys, said Hurley. “Your horse is your life. They are so well taken care of. Without them, you are nothing. Most of the time, they are more important than anything else we have.”

Besides injuries, the travel is the worst part, especially traveling with horses, said Hurley. “You just can’t pull over anywhere when you’re traveling with horses. Sometimes we had to travel 1000 miles in one day because there was no good place to stop along the way. Being away from family for months at a time was hard, too.”

Hurley, 45, who went to Clarksville High School and Arkansas Tech University Russellville, has ridden “practically all his life.”

Hurley started roping when he was seven or eight years old, taught by his father, Bob Hurley and Dale Meek, who has worked for the Hurley family for 46 years.

By the early 1980’s, Hurley had found his niche and riding and roping became more of a job than a hobby. In 1982 the indoor arena was built so he could practice during bad weather. Like her brother, Hurley’s sister, Libby Hurley-Fogg rode competitively and was crowned Miss Rodeo Arkansas in 1981. Hurley’s other sister, Fenton Hurley-Little, has helped run the Western/Outdoor store located on the ranch at Hwy 64 in Clarksville for the last twenty years.

Today, Hurley’s, has one of the most popular indoor riding arenas in the River Valley, drawing cowboys and cowgirls from as far away as Colorado, Wyoming and California. With the arena closed for competitions in July and August due to the heat, the

facility hosts events almost every weekend and spectators can usually get in for free.

Barrel racing, a popular cowgirl sport, and mounted shooting competitions are always popular events at the Hurley arena. While barrel racers ride their horses around a set of barrels for the fastest time, mounted shooters race their horses around 10 balloon targets which they shoot at with 45 pistols using “wads” or blanks for the safety of spectators and participants. Timing and accuracy are both counted.

With over 5,000 acres owned by the Hurley family in Johnson County, the Hurley’s have been breeding Foundation Quarter Horses since the 1960’s for use in competition. Two of the family bred and trained horses were voted Pro Rodeo Cowboy’s Association “Heading Horse of the Year” in the 1990’s and their breeding stock still carries the lineage of the family’s original horses. >>

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The operation also keeps a large herd of specially bred roping “steers” whose horns grow earlier and more quickly, as steers are roped by the horns, explained Hurley.

Hurley’s grandfather, Sterlin Hurley, moved to Johnson County from Harrison in the 1950’s and started Farmer’s National Bank in Clarksville. The family also runs a real estate and development office in downtown Clarksville to manage their various properties.

Besides the land, horses, cattle and event arena, the Hurley family built a retail store in 1990 stocking cowboy equipment and western wear, and have since expanded to include a wide assortment of fishing equipment and supplies, an archery department with an indoor archery range and a taxidermy operation.

Bow hunting in Arkansas is really big, said Hurley employee Greg Arnold.

“Bows have become so precise; they probably shoot better than some guns.

Technology in the past 10 years has changed the sport dramatically. Bows used to shoot 150 ft. per second, but today they can shoot up to 350 ft. per second.” The indoor archery range also hosts competitions, Arnold added.

Fishing technology has also changed the way people fish, said Arnold. With all the new reels, poles and different baits, like “hard baits and plastic baits”, fishing is becoming more high tech, but many fishermen still prefer “live bait” like crickets, brim, worms, minnows, and gold fish. Frozen bait, like shad and chicken livers, are also popular and the store carries them all.

Full-time Taxidermists, Brian Sevier and his partner Adam Sage, also bring in a lot of business to the store. “Taxidermy is an art and a science,” said Sevier.

Taxidermy, in Latin, means to move the skin. “Taxi “means move and “dermi” is skin, he explained.

“The first things we do are skin the animal and tan the skin. Then we freeze the skins until we can get them ready to mount over foam mannequins,” said Sevier, who said mounting can take up to two weeks depending on how long the skin needs to dry.

Although the taxidermy operation annually mounts up to 140 deer “capes” (from nose to back of shoulder) per year, we also do a lot of smaller animals, birds and fish, said Sevier. Occasionally we get an unusual project, he added. “One client had us stuff a local domestic cat that had been born hairless.”

For further information on upcoming events, contact the Hurley Ranch at (479) 754-5555 or go to the Hurley website at www.hurleyranch.com. n May 2010

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 17

Round-ball Coach Retires Story by Christina Keaster Photos compliments of Keaster Family “Hey, aren’t you Coach Keaster’s daughter?”

Or sometimes, I hear, “Aren’t you related to a Don Keaster?” Then I answer with, “Yes, I am” or “That’s my dad.” Those comments are often followed by: “Tell him I said hello,” or “He was my coach back in the day, he was a great coach!”

Conversations like the one above happen almost every week. But you see, it isn’t at all embarrassing for me to be called out because of who I am -- it’s an honor.

My dad, Coach Don Keaster, will be

retiring in May. After 38 years of serving the Russellville School District, he’s finally discovering the wooden top of his desk by sorting through all the papers and knickknack things that covered it from sight.

The Wilson basketballs underneath the desk will go back in the cage, and the framed photos of the family will come home to be hung on the wall. I remember sorting through my dad’s desk at the old Gardner Junior High, trying to organize it to the best way a fourth grader could.

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When I was in junior high, every Sunday afternoon we rode in his red Dodge dually pickup truck to the gym for practice, taking his players home on the way back. Every Monday through Friday morning until the time I got my own car, my father and I would stop for donuts on the way to school, listening to Johnny Story talk about whose birthday it was or which games the Cyclones were going to win. Those are just a few memories I will never forget. But my dad’s story didn’t begin with his coaching career; it began November 15, 1947 -- the day he was born.

Don Keaster was born in Great Falls, Montana. He is the third oldest of five boys and has one sister. He is the son of the late Walt Keaster, a pioneer cattle drover, and Emily Keaster, known as the Queen of the Last Frontier. Dreaming of a homestead ranch in Alaska, the couple took the advice of Walt’s childhood friend, Al Remington, and filed for a homestead on 160 acres in March of 1954. In July of 1954, they arrived in Alaska.

The journey to Alaska was anything but easy. A school bus held 18 passengers, serving as a place of rest and dining space.

Seven children slept in a half-moon trailer attached behind the bus, and sometimes rode in it during the day. The Alcan Highway was a rough, gravel path that stretched more than 2,000 miles. The harsh path ensured hardships along the way, with repairs almost every day to the vehicles.

With 56 head of cattle, five horses, and five trucks, the journey took 28 days to complete. Upon arriving near the Clearwater Creek, southeast of Delta Junction, Don and his brothers Art, Richard, and Wes were greeted by a 16-foot army tent with a wooden floor and stove pipe coming out the top. The tent served as a temporary home from July to October. The family later moved into a small house that they put on the homestead. Then, in 1959, a log cabin was built as the Keaster home.

Until the well was drilled, the family had to haul enough water for themselves and the livestock from the creek. The Keaster sons picked wild berries and rhubarb to last the entire year while Grandma Keaster used her green thumb to grow plants and vegetables. She would also bake bread weekly. (It’s the best bread). Grandma now has a greenhouse and raises a variety of vegetables and many flowers.

May 2010

Don was a quiet kid growing up. He was hardworking, playful, happy, humorous, and always smiling -- not much different from now. Don’s father died in 1979, at 59 years of age The log cabin still remains, with my pioneer Grandma Keaster waking up to the sound of pet birds chirping and the sight of moose near the front of the house.

It took 20 miles both ways for Don and his family get to school at Fort Greely. At first, Don attended school in a makeshift Quonset hut until the new school was built for elementary and high school levels.

There were a total of 28 students in his graduating class.

Don met his future bride, Lucretia Hoover, when she was a junior in high school. She had moved from Arkansas, when her parents, Winford and Gladys Hoover, decided to take their teaching careers to Alaska. The Hoovers made two tours to Alaska via the Alcan Highway, but Lucretia and Don did not until the Hoover’s second tour. They met at Fort Greely High School in 1966.

“I knew that God had chosen him for me,” Lucretia recalls. Don always told Lucretia that he “followed her to Arkansas”.

They went on one date during their senior year before Don accepted a basketball scholarship to Missouri Western Junior College and Lucretia went to the University of Arkansas. They wrote letters back and forth, their love growing deeper for one another with each seal of the envelope Lucretia and Don both moved to Russellville to attend Arkansas Tech University. Don earned degrees in Physical Education and Coaching.

Lucretia graduated with a degree in an Elementary Education and pursued a Masters Degree at the University of Central Arkansas.

The entire Keaster family loved basketball, and Don’s passion for the sport and coaching grew from that foundation.

The high school sweethearts were married August 30, 1969. They began to start a family, which included two son, my brothers Chad and Jeremy, and myself, Christina. Of course, we all played basketball. Celebrating 41 years together this year, the Keasters have memories that are within the walls of the school gyms of Russellville that they will treasure forever.

With retirement at the end of the school year, Don will be even more wanted for horse-rides and bear hugs from the four granddaughters he now has and one on the way! n Following his retirement, I still will be asked by many if 38-year veteran Coach Keaster is my dad, and when I’m asked if he remembers coaching them, I know this: there is not one player my dad would not remember, he knows every one!

-- Christina Keaster

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110 South Commerce Russellville ABOUT...the River Valley | 19

cooking up a

W

food

STORM

ell, maybe not a storm, but on Saturday, April 10, a dozen area cooks converged on the Russellville Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot just like a storm for ABOUT Magazine’s second-annual ‘ABOUT the Best Cooks’ Recipe Contest. Most of the cooks were new to the contest, two returned from last year, but all were excited.

These awesome cooks prepared 26 different recipes for the judges to test. This was not an easy task as I am sure the judges would tell you. After deliberating and tasting for more than an hour, decisions were made for first, second and third place for three categories -- appetizers, breads, and desserts -- and an overall winning recipe. This month’s feature is the nine recipes that won awards.

The remaining recipes will be featured in future issues.

The associates of ABOUT... the River Valley Magazine would like to express appreciation to all our cooks. Keep cooking and trying new recipes!

2nd Place Breads, Jo Taylor of Atkins:

CINNAMON ROLLS WITH ICING

Dissolve 2 pkg. of yeast, dissolved in ¼ cup lukewarm water 1 egg ¼ c. sugar ¼ c. shortening 1½ tsp. salt 1 c. water 4 c. flour

by Dianna Qualls About the River Valley Food Editor

2010 Best Recipe Contest Overall Winner and 1st Place in the ‘Breads’ category, Dr. Brandi Hodge of Dover:

ROSEMARY AND BALSAMIC FOCACCIA BREAD 2 tsp. dry active yeast 2 c. warm water (100 to 115 degrees) 4 ½ c. unbleached flour ¼ c. vegetable oil 1 T. sugar ¾ T. sea salt 1 T. dried rosemary 1 T. balsamic vinegar Extra virgin olive oil, as needed Sea Salt, as needed Cracked black pepper In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in ¼ cup of the warm water and set aside. In mixing bowl, combine flour and oil. Mix at low speed.

In separate bowl, add the sugar to the remaining 1/3 cups warm water and dissolve (it may not dissolve completely). Add sugar water slowly to the flour mixture. Slowly add yeast water and combine.

Add sea salt, dried rosemary, and balsamic

vinegar to the flour mixture and continue mixing dough until it becomes smooth and does not stick to the bowl (approximately 10 minutes).

Add more flour as needed to prevent stickiness.

Remove the dough from the mixer bowl and place on floured work surface. Cover with Plastic wrap and allow dough to rest 20 minutes. With floured hands shape the dough into two equal sized balls. Place on a greased cookie sheet and cover with plastic wrap.

Place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours before using.

Remove from the refrigerator and flatten dough with your fingers to about 1-inch thickness, spreading dough across the cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees, until lightly golden, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven.

Brush loaf with extra virgin olive oil; sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until dark golden in color.

In small shallow dish or bread plate, pour olive oil topped with fresh cracked black pepper. Serve with bread to be dipped in.

Mix egg, sugar, shortening and salt until well blended. Add the dissolved yeast. Add to the 1 cup of water. Stir well.

Add 4 cups of flour (2 at a time) until well blended into a smooth dough.

Put dough into a well-greased bowl and cover with a clean tea towel. Let rise until double (2 hours).

Then roll dough out flat on waxed paper with a rolling pin. Spread 1 stick of softened butter over dough.

Sprinkle generously with cinnamon and then sugar. Roll up jelly-roll style and slice into rolls.

Place on greased baking pans. Let rolls rise for 1 ½ to 2 hours and bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Yield 14 to 15 rolls. Ice with the following recipe.

Icing for Cinnamon Rolls 1 box confectioner’s sugar, 1 stick butter, melted, 1 tsp. butter flavoring, 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring, and evaporated milk, do not dilute Mix sugar, butter, vanilla flavoring, butter flavoring and enough evaporated milk (approx ¼ c.) to make a good spreading consistency.

Generously ice cinnamon rolls.

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3rd Place Breads, Pam Halverson of Russellville:

WORLD’S BEST BLUEBERRY MUFFINS ½ c. granulated sugar ¼ c. butter, softened 1 egg 2 ½ c. sifted cake flour 4 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt 1 cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla’ 1 ½ c. fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained 1 tsp. fresh lemon zest ½ c. granulated sugar ½ tsp. cinnamon 2/3 c. all-purpose flour ¼ c. cold butter

1st Place Appetizers, prepared by Regayla Loveless of Russellville:

BAKED SOUTHERN DIP 1 round loaf unsliced bread 1 8 oz pkg. cream cheese, softened ½ c. sour cream 1 tsp. cornstarch ¼ c. chunky salsa 1½ c. shredded cheddar cheese

2nd Place Appetizers, prepared by Jo Taylor:

SAUCY MEATBALLS 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 c. dry bread crumbs 2 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. ground pepper 2 lbs. ground beef 1 bottle (14 oz) ketchup 1 jar (12 oz.) grape jelly 1 medium onion, finely chopped

In a mixing bowl, cream sugar and butter until fluffy. Beat in egg. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.

Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Add vanilla and beat well. Gently fold in blueberries and lemon zest. Fill 18 muffin tins.

In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, all-purpose flour and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over muffin batter.

Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut ¼ inch slice off the top of the loaf of bread. Hollow out the bread loaf leaving about ½-inch shell.

Beat Cream cheese, sour cream, cornstarch and salsa. Stir in shredded cheese. Spoon mixture into bread bowl.

Place top of bread back on and wrap in foil. Bake one hour. Serve with veggies, crackers, or chips.

Combine eggs, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.

Place meatballs in a greased shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain on paper towels, if necessary. Transfer to a baking dish.

In a large saucepan, combine ketchup, jelly and onion. Cook and stir over medium heat for five minutes or until jelly is melted.

Pour over meatballs. Bake, uncovered 20 minutes longer or until sauce is bubbly.

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 21

Chamberlyne Chamberlyne Restaurant & Bar $10 Annual Membership

Lunch Hours: Tue-Fri 11am-2pm Dinner Hours: Thur, Fri & Sat 5:30pm-9:30pm

We have the perfect place to accommodate up to 500 people. Private Parties, reunions, weddings or business meetings.

Contact Judy at (479) 495-4120 or (479) 453-9623

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3rd Place Appetizers, prepared by Theresa McPhearson of Russellville:

SAN ANTONIO SEVEN-LAYER DIP 1 pkg. (12 oz) H-E-B Fresher Lasting guacamole kit 1 can (14 ½ oz) Hill Country Fare jalapeno refried beans 1 1/2 c. H-E-B Sour Cream, regular, light or fat free 1 c. H-E-B shredded cheddar cheese, regular, reduced fat, or fat free 2 c. shredded iceberg lettuce (about ½ head) 2 c. chopped tomatoes 6 green onions, chopped with tops 1 bag (16 oz) H-E-B White corn tortilla chips for dipping

2nd Place Desserts, prepared by Beth Whitlow of Russellville.

COCONUT MERINGUE PIE

Crust: 2 ½ c flour, 1 tsp. salt, ½ tsp. sugar 1 stick unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces, ½ c. Crisco, cold, cut into small pieces, and ¼ to ½ c. ice water

Place flour, salt and sugar in food processor fitted with metal blade. Process.

Add butter and Crisco and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about 10 seconds. With machine running, pour ice water through feed tube just until dough hold together. (It will still be slightly crumbly; you do not want it wet or sticky.) Put dough on work surface, flatten into disc, and refrigerate for 1 hour. Prebake crust at 375 Prepare guacamole according to package degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. directions and set aside.

Spread beans on the bottom of a 2-quart Filling: 1 c. sugar, ¼ c. cornstarch, ¼ tsp. glass baking dish and top with layers of salt, 3 c. whole milk, 3 large egg yolks, 1 guacamole, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, c. sweetened shredded coconut, ½ tsp. tomatoes, and onions. Serve with corn coconut extract, ½ tsp. vanilla extract, and 2 T. unsalted butter chips.

(This recipe appears as it was submitted. In medium saucepan combine sugar, These brands may not be available locally. cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in milk The guacamole kit is already prepared or you until well blended. Cook over medium heat, will need to prepare your own guacamole.) whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to boil. Remove from heat.

Beat egg yolks until thick and lemon colored. Slowly stir about ¼ C of hot milk 1st Place Desserts, prepared by Jo Taylor: mixture into the beaten egg yolks. Pour egg yolk mixture into saucepan. Cook FRENCH CHOCOLATE PIE Using a mixer cream ½ cup of butter with over medium heat for 1 minute, stirring ¾ cup sugar. Stir together 6 tablespoons constantly. Remove from heat and stir in cocoa plus 2 tablespoons oil or melted coconut, extracts, and butter until butter butter until smooth. Add this to butter and melts. Pour into pie crust. sugar mixture.

Add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating 5 Meringue: 6 egg whites, ½ tsp. cream of minutes after each addition at high speed. tartar, 1/8 tsp. salt, and ½ c. sugar Fold in 2 cups thawed cool whip. Pour into Beat egg whites until frothy. Continue a cooled baked pie shell. (You can use a beating. Add cream tartar and salt. Add graham cracker crust or any other crust sugar a little at a time. Beat until stiff. you prefer.) Top with a grated Hershey bar Spread over pie. Bake at 350 degrees if desired. Chill until firm or freeze. This pie about 15 minutes. Open door and let cool in the oven. freezes well.

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May 2010

TOP LEFT: Overall Recipe Contest Winner Brandi Hodge (center) with Dianna Qualls (left) and Dianne Edwards, owner of ABOUT Magazine.

BOTTOM LEFT: Bread winners included: Jo Taylor, second place; Brandi Hodge, first place, and Pam Halverson, third place.

TOP RIGHT: Appetizer Winners: Regayla Loveless, first place; Jo Taylor, second place, and Theresa McPhearson, third place.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Jo Taylor, first place; Stephen Wiman, third place, and Beth Whitlow, second place.

3rd Place Desserts, prepared by Stephen Wiman of Russellville:

NEW YORK CHEESECAKE Ingredients: 1 recipe thin sponge cake layer for bottom crust (see end of this recipe) 4 (8 oz.) packages of cream cheese, room temperature 1 2/3 c. sugar ¼ c. cornstarch 1 T. pure vanilla extract 2 extra large eggs ¾ c. heavy whipping cream

Sponge Cake crust: ½ c. sifted cake flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, pinch of salt, 3 extra large eggs, separated, 1/3 c plus 2 T. sugar, 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract, 3 drops lemon extract, 3 T. unsalted butter, melted and ¼ tsp. cream of tartar Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and generously butter a 9 inch spring-form pan. Sift cake flour, baking powder and salt together in a large bowl and set aside.

Beat the egg yolks together in a large bowl, with electric mixer on high for three minutes. Then, with mixer still running, add 1/3 cup sugar and continue beating until thick light yellow ribbons form in the bowl, about 5 minutes more. Beat in the vanilla and lemon extracts.

Sift the flour mixture over the batter and stir it in by hand until no more white flecks appear. Then blend in the butter.

RECIPE CONT. ON PAGE 23

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 23

Successful Symphony The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO), conducted by Mr. Geoffrey Robson, Associate Conductor, performed to a near capacity crowd in concert Saturday, April 17, at Witherspoon Auditorium on the campus of Arkansas Tech University.

After 17 years on the Arkansas symphony Podium, David Itkin will be leaving the ASO after taking a job as director of orchestral studies at the University of North Texas in Denton. Philip Mann, former assistant conductor of the San Diego Symphony, has been named as his successor. Mann will take over the orchestra starting with the 2010-2011 season.

This year, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 44th season,

performing more than 30 concerts at Robinson Center Music Hall through the Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks Series, ACXIOM Pops LIVE! Series, and through special events such as the Masters and SuperPops! More than 250,000 Arkansans hear the orchestra each year through these programs, plus a busy schedule of touring and performances in numerous other venues throughout the state.

Intrinsic to the ASO’s mission-driven educational activities are three resident string quartets – the Quapaw Quartet, the Rockefeller Quartet, and the Sturgis Quartet- the ASO Arts Partners and the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra.

National audition tours and new recruitment initiatives enable the ASO to attract the finest orchestral musicians to its rank, upholding the ASO’s reputation for excellence.

The Russellville Symphony Guild was formed in 1989 with Camille Talburt as its’ first president and is one of three guilds in the state. The purpose of the guild is to support and promote the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and to raise awareness of the arts and music in our community. Music

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scholarships are provided to local schools and the ASO Quartets are brought to local elementary schools at no charge.

Current board members are: Elizabeth Stinnett, president; Vice Linda Rush, vice president; Rita Goodman, secretary; Judy Murphy, treasurer; Betty Snellings, historian; and Joann Hays, publicity. Other board members include Barbara Blalack, Frankie Casey, Millicent Cook, Gretchen Douthit, Kathleen Fullerton, Linda Gifford, Mary Clark, Amanda Johnson, Charlotte Linch, Joanne Ownbey, Paula Stamps and Aldona Standridge.

Membership in the guild is open. Annual dues are $20 and may be sent to Judy Murphy, 126 Lakeview Circle, Russellville, AR 72802 or may be brought to the membership brunch to be held June 2 at the home of Gretchen Douthit, 18 Rimrock Rd, Russellville. For information, call Linda Gifford (479) 880-2259 or Aldona Standridge (479) 968-4653. n

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RECIPE CONT. FROM PAGE 25

In a clean bowl, using clean dry beaters beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together on high until frothy.

Gradually add the remaining 2 T sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Stir about 1/3 cup of the whites into the batter and gently fold in the remaining whites.

Gently spoon the batter into the pan.

Bake the cake just until the center springs back when lightly touched, only about 10 minutes. Let the cake cool on a wire rack while you make the cheesecake filling.

Do not remove cake from the springform pan, you will be pouring the filling on top of the cake in a few minutes.

Filling: Place one (8 oz.) package of the cream cheese, 1/3 cup of the sugar and the cornstarch in a large bowl. Beat with electric mixer on low until creamy, about 3 minutes then beat in the remaining three packages of cream cheese.

Increase mixer speed to high and beat in the remaining 1 1/3 cups of sugar.

Then, beat in the vanilla. Blend in the eggs one at a time, beating the batter well after each one. Blend in the heavy cream by hand, gently. At this point mix the filling only until completely blended.

This is the secret, do not over mix here.

Gently spoon the filling onto the sponge cake layer.

Place the spring-form pan in a large shallow pan containing hot water that comes to about 1 inch up the sides of the spring-form pan. Bake the cheesecake until the center barely jiggles when you shake the pan, about 1 hour.

Cool the cake on a wire rack for 1 hour.

Then cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate until it is completely cool, at least four hours. Remove the sides of the spring-form pan. Slide the cake off the bottom of the pan onto a serving plate. n

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ABOUT...the River Valley | 25

Saint Mary’s Celebrates an Auxiliary in Action

For the past 36 years, the members of Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary have focused on service above self.

Like their counterparts around the country, they make up an irreplaceable force.

Saint Mary’s recently celebrated the contributions of these unsung heroes during National Healthcare Volunteer Week April 18-24.

“Each year, our hospital invests and moves forward in technologies and medical techniques. But these advancements cannot replace the value of the human touch,” said Saint Mary’s CEO, Mike McCoy. “Our volunteers are here to welcome our guests, comfort our patients and support our staff. They do it because they care – because they want to give back to the community. They are a constant in

Angela Dalton of Bentonville. Saint Mary's volunteer and student at Arkansas Tech.

the ever-changing frontier of healthcare, and for all of these things, we wanted to show our gratitude and honor them.”

During the celebration of Healthcare Volunteer Week, the hospital brings awareness of the 70 people who make up the active volunteer roster. People like Nina Price, who received the 2009 Volunteer Excellence Award.

Each year, hospital employees submit names of nominees for the Excellence Award. A winner is chosen based upon criteria such as a volunteer’s responsibilities, the number of years of service, number of hours worked, and the person’s overall dedication to the work of the auxiliary.

Mrs. Price has proudly served Saint Mary’s for more than a decade, beginning in September 1999. She has served more than 3400 hours. Comments shared by hospital employees when nominating her included, “She greets everyone with a warm smile and a cheerful ‘good morning.’

You can tell she enjoys volunteering here;” and “She always goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our patients and guests.”

Nina was both pleased and surprised to have received the award. “I just look so forward to coming in,” she said. “I enjoy meeting people and carrying on conversations – I have fun. Anyone looking to do something good for others, and themselves, should consider volunteering.”

Studies show that volunteerism boosts the mental, emotional and physical health of those

Nina Price of Russellville, Saint Mary’s 2009 Volunteer Excellence Award recipient.

who volunteer. Older volunteers in particular are seeing significant benefits. In a 2007 study by the Corporation for National and Community Service, researchers concluded that most volunteers enjoy greater mental awareness, improved social connectedness and a renewed sense of purpose.

Relationships created through volunteerism buffer stress and reduce depression.

Benefits of volunteerism extend across all generations. A recent University of Nebraska study found that students who volunteer enhance their skills, increase self-esteem, develop empathy for others and interact with like-minded peers. They found that when young people serve as volunteers, they are more likely to continue the practice well into adulthood.

Angela Dalton is a college-age volunteer at Saint Mary’s. As a Tech freshman and aspiring nursing student, the Bentonville native serves a few hours each Wednesday.

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Weekdays 2-5 May 2010

“I enjoy interacting with the patients.

When I take someone flowers or escort them by wheelchair when they’ve been discharged, I feel I have helped make their day better,” she said. John Wijaya, a fellow Tech student and volunteer, offers his time on the weekends.

The needs that Saint Mary’s volunteers fill are big and small: filling coffee pots in a waiting room, transporting patients by wheelchair, delivering flowers to a new mom, ringing up sales in Compliments Gift Shop. By meeting these immediate needs, they make contributions that significantly affect the hospital’s healing atmosphere.

Saint Mary’s volunteers take their giving even beyond their valuable every-day activities, awarding a number of $500 scholarships each spring and fall semester.

These are available to current hospital employees who are actively continuing their education in nursing and clinical fields.

Recipients are selected by the Volunteer Scholarship Committee based on criteria such as field of study and unit manager recommendation. For the 2009 - 2010 school year, the auxiliary has awarded a total of $10,500.00 in scholarships to 21 student-employees.

Scholarship funding is raised in part through monies received as profit from

This month, Saint Mary’s volunteer auxiliary will welcome new members and install officers at its annual spring installation luncheon. Incoming officers include (l to r): Janet Thurber, Vice President; Evelyn Denton, President; Wanda Reed, Secretary. Not pictured, Bill Converse, Treasurer.

Compliments Gift Shop, which is owned and managed by the auxiliary. Used books sold in the gift shop, ranging in cost from 50 cents to $1.50, are collected entirely through donations. The community is encouraged to bring gently used books to be re-sold. Proceeds from two annual jewelry sales, sponsored and hosted by the auxiliary, are donated to scholarships.

“The auxiliary is always happy to assist ambitious and talented individuals in reaching their educational goals and potential,” said Scholarship Committee Chair BJ Myers, “and we challenge

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ourselves each year to increase the number of scholarships awarded.”

Several long-standing members of the Saint Mary’s auxiliary have volunteered since they were affectionately known as “Pink Ladies.” The family of former Pink Lady Mrs. Jessie Lou Watson of Russellville, graciously indicated recently that memorials may be made in her name to the Saint Mary’s Auxiliary Scholarship Fund.

For questions regarding donations to the Saint Mary’s Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, contact Brenda Harrison, Director of Community Relations, at (479) 964-5687.

“We want our friends, families and neighbors to have the very best of care,” said Harrison. “This is one way we can help to further educate the clinical staff who will be caring for those we love. We are proud to share in the professional growth and development of some of the best and brightest nurses and clinicians in the River Valley.”

Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center is always looking for people to join its dedicated, energetic and enthusiastic team. Applications for volunteer auxilians age 18 and up are available at the hospital’s switchboard office, or can be downloaded from the auxiliary’s online site: www.saintmarysvolunteers. blogspot.com. Additional information is available at (479) 968-2841, ext. 0. n

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1903 S. Arkansas • (479) 968-3991 ABOUT...the River Valley | 27

1

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ABOUT

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Embellish Your Story

3

Tell your own story with this inventive line of magnetic wall hangings. Decorative magnets can be added to them to show off your photos. With a variety of options, the possibilities are endless.

They can really add a lot of charm to any room.

Gifts on Parkway/Gifts on Rogers; 2149 E. Parkway, Russellville (479) 890-6932; 510 S. Rogers, Clarksville (479) 705-8282

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Teva for the Kids

with purchase of selected “three products.” Perfect for Mother’s Day or Graduation Gifts!

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The Kid’s Mush flip flops are designed with the same purpose as the bigger versions. Give the little one(s) in your life the comfort and style of Teva Mush! Wilkins Bros. Outdoors; 815 North Arkansas Ave., Russellville; (479) 968-4322

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For your college bound student!

Large black zebra coil laundry bag trimmed in hot pink; Also included is a pink circle shower caddy.

Assorted colors available both by MSC. Rose Drug; 3103 West Main Place, Russellville; (479) 968-1323

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Boulet for Mother’s Day

Ostrich and Bullhide Boots for the ladies, many styles and colors! Woody’s Boots and Repair; 511 E. 4th St., Russellville; (479) 968-8980

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6

May 2010

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1187 South Hwy 9 South Morrilton AR 72110 • (501) 354-3527 3807 S Arkansas Ave Russellville • (479) 968-2220

TECH TRAVEL

IMPERIAL CITIES - 2010

June 10, 2010 – 10-Day Tour – LIMITED SPACE – Imperial Cities featuring Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Innsbruck, Danube River Cruise, Hungarian Horse Show, Schoenbrunn Palace and the Oberammergau Passion Play.

NEW ENGLAND YULETIDE TREASURES

Hawaiian ‘Paradise’ Destination

An excited group of Tech Travel companions left for a 10-day Hawaiian Adventure, a three island-tour of Oahu, Kauai and Maui, in early February.

Traveler Margaret Pearson of Russellville said that Hawaii was like a “Paradise on Earth” to her. She and her husband Charles especially enjoyed the helicopter ride in the beautiful Waimea Canyon. What touched her and Betty Robertson from Little Rock most was the visit to the site of the attack on Pearl Harbor, especially the USS Arizona Memorial.

Dana Moseley, trip coordinator for Tech, indicated that her favorite part of the tour was also the “whale watching,” the black beaches in Maui and Hana Road.

“I had been to Oahu but not Kauai, which was a very peaceful and a restful island and May 2010

had a lot of farming -- sugar cane, different plants that were being tested, and coffee.”

Rita Duren from the Fayetteville/Rogers area traveled on the trip with her husband Travis. Rita enjoyed the entire trip very much and felt as though the group received a good overall look at each of the three islands visited.

The group, sponsored by Tech Travel ATU Alumni and Friends, consisted of both seasoned travelers and new members.

Anyone with a desire to travel in the company of like-minded adventurers is encouraged to contact Dana Moseley, director, or Phyllis Stone at (479) 964-0532.

One does not have to be Tech alumni to travel with the group. n For a list of upcoming trips, see the Tech Travel ad on this page.

Nov. 30, 2010 – 6-Day Tour – Festive journey begins in Newport, R.I., the yachting capital of the East. Travel breathtaking Ocean Drive enroute to famous Bellevue Ave., especially beautiful through the holiday. View Newport Mansions decorated for bygone days. Travel to N. Conway, N.H., Kittery Outlets, M.E., and Boston. Explore historical sites with warm holiday glow -- from quiet back roads to timeless towns.

Deposits due soon.

CAROLING IN THE CAVERNS - December 11, 2010 – Spend a Day in Mountain View; Blanchard Springs Caverns Cathedral Room. Space for 28 People - Going Quickly!

Call 479-498-6055 as soon as possible to secure your space.

LONDON & PARIS: Departs April 14, 2011 (8-Day Tour) Experience two of the world’s most popular cities on one fabulous tour. Enjoy unpacking just once in each city for a relaxing journey as you discover the beauty and allure of both London and Paris.

JUST ANNOUNCED! July 2011 Northern National Parks (8 Day Tour) September 25, 2011 Spain (10 Day Tour)

Tech Travel

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

ABOUT...the River Valley | 29

Danielle’s Bridal Bridal ~ Tuxes ~ Formal Wear 2382 West Clark Road Clarksville, AR 72830

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engagements

Calendar listings of engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements on the pages of each issue of ABOUT … the River Valley are available at no charge. They may be mailed to: ABOUT Magazine, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812 or sent via email to: editor@aboutrvmag.com.

(A phone number must be included for verification.)

–May 1–

CaraJean Wilson and Matt Loyd Hallie and Blake Shirron (Reception) Amber and Greg Holiman (Reception)

Emily Barron and Glen Niehaus Lauren Jones and Nick Stinson Tiffany Nelms and Jared Brooks Sarah Kimzey and Derek Middleton

Kristen Bethea and Jon Weatherall Jennifer Cheatham and Joe Edwards Laura Edwards and Daniel Melton Kelsey Standridge and Justin Bennett

Lauren Stacks and Jared Hammond

Kylie Stewart and Eric Green

–May 22–

–May 23– –May 28– Candi Wood and Ben Cox

–May 29–

Ears To You.

Start a collection of your own.

City Mall, Russellville 479-968-3001

Mary Kathryn Allen and Doug Eddy Stacy Cochran and Josh Kanady Lacey Eoff and Morgan Hines Laura Hamby and Daniel Brinker

–June 5–

Amanda Bell and Kevin Corrigan

–June 6–

Mallory George and Alec Berry

–June 19–

Kristen Lee and Hank Huggins Katie Miller and Matt Fink

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1919 West Main St., Russellville (479) 880-2311 30 | ABOUT...the River Valley

–July 9–

Vicky Acevedo and Brandon Miller Ashley Tadlock and Nathan Smith

–July 10–

Mallory George and Alec Berry, Reception

–July 11–

Rachel Smith and Andrew Stanek

–June15–

J. Dustin Bonds, D.D.S.

–July 3–

Lori Bradley and Chip Stokes Mallory George and Alec Berry, Reception Jamie Mulwee and Matt Killingsworth

–June 11– –June 12–

FAMILY DENTISTRY

–July 2–

Jackie Toney and Josh Blackmon

Morgan Childress and Austin McKnight Rachel Hall and Tim McKelvy Lindsey Hybner and Cody Chronister Andrea Williams and Josh Pitts

Bonds

–June 26–

Susanna Erwin and Richard Aich Victoria Landes and Neil Golden Sarah Smith and Vance Green

General Dentistry for the Whole Family

–June 19–

Brooke Needham and Patrick Smith Whitney Millwood and Michael Poole Leigh Peebles and Tyler Morgenthaler Tiffaney and Jeremy Drinkwitz (Reception)

–July 17– –July 23–

Diane Birge and Shawn Campbell

–July 24–

Courtney Beason and Alex Williamson Michelle Billingsley and Nathan Litterst Kaci Statler and Preston Rood

–July 31–

Lacey Eoff & Morgan Hines Tranisa Hatcher and Andrew Townsend Registry listings courtesy of Gifts on Parkway/Gifts on Rogers and Millyn’s of Dardanelle.

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May 2010

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But now there’s a solution: FLAVORS. Your PCCA member pharmacy can

help your medicine taste better with FLAVORS.

We have more than 100 ready-made flavors to satisfy your taste,

like Apple Danish Pastry, Blueberry and Peach–even Caramel Butter Fudge!

And we can even create custom flavors to suit your own tastebuds.

Ask your PCCA member pharmacist for more information.

Hall-McKelvy to Wed Larry Hall and Janice Hall of Fort Smith announce the engagement of their daughter Rachel Ann Hall to Tim McKelvy, son of Bill and Shelia McKelvy of Russellville.

121 North Commerce Avenue • Russellville, AR 72801 Phone: 479/968-2456 • Fax: 479/968-7914

Miss Hall is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Mary Hall of Little Rock and

2010 TOYOTA

Ed DePriest and the late Doris DePriest of

CAMRY

Fort Smith.

The bride is a 2006 graduate of Fort Smith South Side High School, and is a candidate for May graduation from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in Biology.

The groom is a 2004 graduate of Russellville High School and a 2009 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas. He is head baseball and assistant football coach at Western Yell County Public Schools.

The wedding will take place at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 12, at Central Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith. A reception will follow at Adelaide Ballroom in Fort Smith.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend.

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

Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. For additional information, call (479) 970-6628. *Digital files are accepted and will be published upon receipt of payment.

May 2010

2010 TOYOTA

HIGHLANDER PHIL WRIGHT

TOYOTA

3300 E. Main Hwy. 64 East Russellville

www.philwrighttoyota.com • (479) 968-1555

ABOUT...the River Valley | 31